Transcript
Speaker: Planning a wedding comes with timelines, trends, expectations, and a whole lot that couples never see coming. We're two wedding planners pulling back the curtain on what really happens behind I do. Each week on Behind I Do, we bring you real talk about real weddings, timelines, trends, the wins, and the what ifs.
Speaker: From the smooth as silk celebrations to the did that actually just happen moments, we're sharing the stories, lessons, and insider knowledge that help couples plan with confidence and maybe even laugh along the way.
Speaker: Whether you're a bride, groom, vendor, or wedding lover at heart, this is your backstage pass to the world of weddings. Told candidly, graciously, and with the expertise only seasoned planners can offer. Grab your coffee, your planning binder, and your confetti, and join us behind I do.
Speaker: Episode 22. DJ Jesse D's in the house. How hot is it? that' Too hot. Too hot. Hot. Damn. All right. Good. That's good. You know what all those things mean. I do. Yeah, the meters. We don't know anything. No, we just push a button and start talking. That's kind of nice, though, because then you guys, like I said, you just get to show up.
Speaker: And it's just show up and be yourselves, you know? Yeah. And just so Kayla knows, I'm watching. All right. I'm watching. i may not I may not be watching the whole show, but man, any clip you guys post, I'm watching. Thank you. We appreciate it. Welcome. We're so excited to have you.
Speaker: It's so fun. Big round of applause. for jesse d me in the house i say it all the time but i can't just say i have to say dj jesse d and like you have to like say it in that tone like you can't just be like hey jesse I love that so much. I have, there are also people I just, I had a, it's like this, this joke for this weekend. I just had a wonderfully gay weekend. I had like And oh the Ozuna Fiesta on Friday, um where she is a...
Speaker: um real estate agent that is uh Gay herself, but also promotes to the LGBTQ pop. It's fantastic. And then I did a ah work fitness on Saturday, which is LGBTQ.
Speaker: forward workout space and then i did canyon county pride yesterday and it was just so fun um But a bunch of these, a bunch of my clients and friends throughout all of this, it's all the, it's DJ Jesse, DJ Jesse D, you know, it's like, there's no Jesses in here, you know what I'm saying? You're not just Jesse anymore. Yeah. Sorry. Which I'm here for. Yeah. Okay, well, we obviously know who you are now, but what do you do? What do I do? And how did you get into the London industry?
Speaker: Ooh, cute. um Okay. So I am i' looking at camera one. I'm like, I don't even know what the cameras are here. Let's see. ah So...
Speaker: We'll take us back to I was I was a caterer for a long time um and This was. shoot maybe a decade ago now where I worked for Goodwood Catering. I was schlepping food. I love that Goodwood. It's delicious. Ellie does. You wouldn't believe the amount of people that came through the line and go. Good word, huh? Mmm, you know.
Speaker: I'm pumped. It is really good food. and And it was fun for us because like we I'm on the backside. We're making jokes like, oh, I'm just a meat slapper. But it was We Really Goodwood.
Speaker: I mean, and I don't, I think they still do it because Mimi is still the catering manager, yeah but. paul They go above and beyond and they really learn and taught me how to go above and beyond in the wedding industry and in the yeah industry.
Speaker: So. I mean, hats off. This is where I feel like I got so far in my DJ career. because of yes like musician stuff we'll get to that in a moment but
Speaker: man knowing how to navigate an event well and not just bumble around i feel like that's a big part of this too when you're dealing with other events yeah um and especially especially djs that are just bumbling you're like why do i have to tell you what to do right you should be where it's a team effort here oh um don't get us started yes well this is where we get it started all right um But yeah, so I did, you know, I don't know, a hundred plus events with them. did ah did a ah This was all I was going to school for being a ah small engine mechanic. And we were just kind of like making ends meet and things like that. And it was great. practice and learning and then
Speaker: Went on to be an electrician and and all this did all these other career moves. And then had did someone hit me up in 2019 and was like, hey. I know your musician. Would you want to DJ my friend's wedding? And I was like.
Speaker: Sure. Let me see. Let me see try. And I go to, I always like to say, I go to YouTube university right now. Learn how the, how the. buttons work and how to do the thing. and Um,
Speaker: So there were there were these two weddings that summer. that uh this guy met that kind of got me connected with my friend that connected me to them. and He just had a bunch of gear. I mean, bless his heart. He just loved. stuff and he had a bunch of great gear and he goes yeah and he had this like
Speaker: I, yeah i can all I can, uh, you know, when you're in like an office building and you somehow someone leaves a door open to like an it closet where it's like a bunch of like blinky lights, yeah yeah this big metal thing, he goes, this is your DJ stand. And I go. We're not taking this to a wedding. This is not a thing. and So I made him just get us like a nice four foot table with a black scrim on it and, you know, updated some pieces and parts of his. and The first wedding we did was at the Riverside.
Speaker: And ah it was for a. Like 19. to 21 year old like he was going into the military they're fresh out of high school it was The worst wedding to cut your teeth on. It was so hard. I cleared the dance floor almost immediately. Like everyone, all these kids just wanted to do is go back to their room and get drunk and they couldn't. Yeah, main hall.
Speaker: So and they're asking me to play all these super explicit songs. And I'm like, I don't know what to do. The parents are like, it's my first wedding ever. And I'm like, oh, no. And it was so funny to watch it all like crumble. And then then the guy, the guy that had all this gear that were like kind of partners in this, he leans into my ear. He goes.
Speaker: They're leaving. What are you going to do? what What song are you going to play? You shouldn't have played that song. I go, I know. you're no el I'm seeing everyone scurry off.
Speaker: And then what was my little consolation was I had like. Six or seven. couples uh these parents all are in their couples you know and And they stuck around. I played a bunch of feel good 60s, 70s music for them. We had some good moments loved it and they really loved it. And I go, OK, cool. And I go, well, I don't know. Whatever. Right. And we had another wedding a few weeks later. that was at one of the like Girl Scout camps up in McCall.
Speaker: And. We get there. The demo was great. They were like late 20s, early 30s. And we partied our faces off. It was so fun. They could actually drink. They could actually drink. And they were clocked in. They knew what they liked. That's like the hardest thing. I have a really hard time doing like. proms it's not the It's not the doing them. It's the lack of.
Speaker: decision and decisiveness from Those kids, they want you to really be like. tell me what to do. Everyone do the sprinkler. It's like, they'll do it, you know, but if you're trying to like feel the vibes and the opinions aren't created yet. And it's like.
Speaker: It's a funny game, too, because then they can look at their friend and their friend goes, and like they might have been ready to party, but their friend said no. So then they're like, no, we all don't like it. I'm going to fit in. um But yeah, that other wedding was a slam dunk. And then very quickly that kind of.
Speaker: progressed into this like... Navigating if. me and this guy were going to be partners or not. And then I very quickly realized like. I probably not. Yeah. I appreciate him, you know, but also it was like the amount. Oh, we did. No. Okay. We did. We did two more weddings that year. He had two and I had two. Okay. And so we did, we did another wedding. This is what I knew that we weren't destined to be partners was.
Speaker: We're at the, ah we're at Barber Park. And. um slam dunking the the party we're having fun and i look over and here he is like a bump on a log on at the head table like you know like we're in dance mode so it's kind of okay but he's just like And I was like what are you doing in here? Like, he's didn't i mean like just like you you're bringing the vibes down. It was a very silly thing. um And that that destination wedding, he didn't bring any food. He just was like.
Speaker: He's like, they're supposed to feed us. I go, there's no guarantee that they're going to feed us. I was like, I always have food. I'm like, lucky for you. I brought two sandwiches. Here you go. Yeah. And. um Huh? but yeah it was great uh ridiculous uh and that was that was what i needed to really take the that push and to go okay I'm gonna take some money from savings gonna buy some gear Uh...
Speaker: established the LLC. in what february of 2020 and then perfect timing perfect timing you all know what happened next And still, it was a failure. Seriously, it was actually what was really fun is COVID. I had a the.
Speaker: ah The Fiesta on Friday. It's so interesting because there's a version of this too, where the host, she really wants people to dance. And like, I mean, everyone does. Like there's a version of this where like corporate parties, all these parties that are not weddings, that are not like dancing functions. Everyone's like, well, we just really want people to dance. And I go.
Speaker: I hear ya. It's like, I also want people to dance. So there's a version of this where tapping your foot or nodding your head or singing the part of a chorus that you go, and it did you sing it for a second and it makes you go, oh, that.
Speaker: That is also a win. And I learned that during COVID where you had to do this weird six feet and like separations. And I did um the Grove Hotel put on this like. multi -wedding block thing where it was.
Speaker: Six weddings. In. No, yeah, because it was eight. It was eight weddings total because they did four weddings each day. And then we had one dropout. That's what it was. So it was like eight weddings over two days or 10 weddings over two days. little mic And yeah yeah, they were like these micro, yeah, micro ceremonies pretty much. yeah yeah And so.
Speaker: And each, each one that came through, some of them were like very quick. We just did ceremony music. They had their people seat. They, we get in the married and they left. And then other ones, they like hung out for like a cocktail hour with their less than 50 people.
Speaker: I had to so watch so many people. Like. Sit. and like tap their feet in their seats and not be able to actually dance and party and i was like In my head, I'm like, why aren't we partying? And I'm like, well, it's because of COVID. you know Stay away from everybody. There are rules in place. And like you know it's like trying to wrap my head on all these different layers. And then I'm like. okay well what can i look for and that was it it was the foot tap and it was the dancing your seat and
Speaker: Now, I like to say when during cocktail hour, I'm always like I'm watching butts. I'm like, oh, yeah. How many butts are moving? And then you're like going up to the charcuterie board. And I go, OK, fun. They really like this song. Yeah. And that gives me an insight into what to play during dinner and what to play during dancing to just have a little bit more of a connection to the group.
Speaker: um You know. Feel like. I feel like you're you're connected with people. I always feel like that's a fun part of this. so yeah I love that. The new took off 2020. Oh my gosh. yeah 2020 was funny started your career yeah because i still we still i mean You know, we still did like seven weddings that year. It was crazy. um And then all all the while I was ah getting my journeyman electrician's cert. uh which I still have.
Speaker: You know, don't don't call me for that. He has had to fix some power issues that some of our women have. That is true. I actually, and I had to, Magnolia Cottage, I had to bash that door in, you know, when when someone hit something. and That was pretty sweet. He's a DJ with many talents. That's good. um You want them on your vendor team for sure. But yeah, yeah, 2020. And then ah really, 21 and 22.
Speaker: proved that this wasn't just a hobby. That's where I was like, oh, shoot, like people are happening. People are continuing to hire me. I need to raise prices. Otherwise, I'm going to be working too many weddings for not enough money. And I was like, oh, yeah your other job. Am I the job? And all of a sudden. So I think in 21, I think I went from like the seven or eight weddings and in 2020. So then.
Speaker: 21 had like 20 or so weddings on it. Like it was fast. And I mean, And then what was hard is that I think a lot of vendors that started in that same time. Also had to experience. um the That.
Speaker: threshold that big push that wave of people wanting to then make up their weddings So then you we had an extra like 50 percent worth of weddings between 21 to 23. Yeah. you know And it was like everyone's like, oh, there's so much business. And you're like, which it was, which was great. um But now it's like tapering. Yeah. yeah Now it's like balanced. OK, this is what it should feel like. Yeah. You know, is normal which I think a lot of people are like panicking. And I'm like, well, it's just we went through a crazy time.
Speaker: And now we're all just getting back to normal. Yeah, yeah let it settle. And i'm I'm here for it. And now. My typical, I do about 30 to 40 weddings a year. um I've done. Over. 200 weddings at this point, so that's really fun. It's kind of wild to... to And you're not a journeyman anymore. I'm not a journeyman. Well, I still am a journeyman. Well, but you don't like... but you don't like Oh yeah, full time. You don't do any of the side the other side stuff now. No, no, no. Unless we need to move like a...
Speaker: outlet or something. That's right. That's right. Well, I got a buddy for you. Give me your number. No. We want you. Yeah, exactly. Um, what trends do you like right now in like the DJ world?
Speaker: Ooh, okay.
Speaker: Let me wet my whistle before that one. um It's actually cute. so ah I've had now, this has been this year. Uh... three or four of my weddings.
Speaker: This is it's not a new trend per se but um When. couples want like a multi -mix, right? They're like, oh, we want a multi -mix because they want to do some kind of choreographed dance with dad or, you know, husband or whatever it is, right?
Speaker: And like. I always try to explain, there's two sides of this, where one... Sometimes people just want to multi -mix and I go Okay, well, you're going to be dancing with...
Speaker: parents for like three and a half minutes. Is that okay with you? And they go. Yeah, yeah, it's fine. And I go, okay. Just so we're on the same page, you're going to be doing like the high school sway.
Speaker: For three and a half minutes. Right. And they're like. Oh. And it's like that clicks. And so now on the other side, what I really love is this intentional dance movement that they're like oh yeah we have this whole thing me and my dad or whatever have this fun relationship where they have a couple songs that really...
Speaker: express their relationship, really help them. Like. feel like they're getting this really special moment with them and they have some level of like low choreography in it it doesn't have to be crazy you know you have to be jumping and and flipping it it's like it can be so simple it can be so simple yeah um And I love that. And especially the, even on the more basic side too, it's ah for the first dance.
Speaker: It is so simple. to watch one or two youtube videos and have like A 90 second. semi -choreographed first dance where you start across from the dance floor, across from each other and just like work your way in. And then you like hand -to -hand moment. You do a moment, do a ah a spin, a twirl. Everyone loses their minds. Oh my gosh, you know. um
Speaker: And then, you know, you have a dip and it's like it hits. It's so fun. I love that. I'm ah this. Where's my husband, Ray? This is like the grand entrance with the with the Ray. Please. It's so fun right now. I have like six brides doing it. It is so fun. Like we're doing semi fake outs where it's like they come in alone and they're like. ah And it's like, baby, you know, it just drops right in. And then then it is a fun trend. It's very fun. um Are there any trends or requests that couples ask you that you're like Please know.
Speaker: Like that you don't. like won't do or. don't like to do Umm... That's funny. i I'm always, I'm such a logistics guy. So it's like for me. I really like.
Speaker: If there's something that you like. Let's talk about why you like it. I want to get your vision on it. yeah So if we get your vision on it and you can kind of like convince me otherwise, like. The money dance, I think, is so...
Speaker: just like cringe. I was going to say cringy. i I hate it. I so weird. And now I had one last year where it was, ah it was very fun. And I said, and they were. Not only were they adamant about doing it.
Speaker: um And this was a ah mixed culture show, multicultural. So we had white and Mexican. Mm hmm. And on the Mexican side, she's like, we have all done this money dance thing. And I was like, yeah okay. It's like a tradition. Yeah, I was like, let's get into it. I was like, I don't want to, you know, this is a big part for me. Let's keep continue to talk about the why. And they're like, yeah.
Speaker: We want to do this. And I go, okay. To make this successful, Because like, you know, there's a version where you have a QR code and you Venmo and stuff like it's not as fun. You know, it's like having actual money makes it really silly and fun.
Speaker: And I was like. Rather than just doing, you know, two or three songs that are like same thing, slow high school sway. I'm like, let's choose upbeat, fun songs that you get to like have a moment on the dance floor with. yeah And like we're throwing money around. i'm like We can get a money gun. We can like we can make it really fun. And it was.
Speaker: awesome it was so silly it was so fun and they had like a couple of their bridal party
Speaker: members they took i told them like get like 100 or 200 bucks in like ones and fives so then you can hand those out to people because there a lot of people aren't going to have cash yeah that's what i'm curious yeah do people have cash a lot of them don't and which and what's interesting is some people do like you get like uncle gary and he just like is a cash dude yeah 400 bucks yeah exactly or like a thousand you know i mean it's like he's got a couple hundred and he just like you and he just comes up and like what's fun is like yeah that's cool but like for me
Speaker: I'm like, what's the point? And I've had couples in the past go, well, this is going to help us pay for. a house or a honeymoon or whatever. I go, guys, like the couple hundred dollars you're going to get from the money yeah is not going to help you get there. You know, like.
Speaker: This is, we're missing the point. I'm like, if the point is to have some special times with your guests and to be able to connect with them. and like have a dance with everyone that's the win like that's what we're aiming for yeah um Don't think you're going to get thousands of dollars. Yes, exactly. You're like, oh, five grand, you know.
Speaker: Um, yeah, I do. Actually, what's fun for me too, is whenever I do. My initial, like my discovery call or my discovery meeting with couples to. you know, make sure we're a good fit, right? I always ask. um Two things, you know, we we talk about our lives and we get to know each other a little bit on the surface. And then I go, okay, we're going to get a little deeper.
Speaker: And I'll be like, you know. and Joshua. What do you love most about Kelsey here? And then they get this cute moment and he goes, well, you know, I love this, this, this, this, this. And she's really, she's. It helps me be a better person. All these really cute things. Right. And then I go, well, Kelsey, what are you your favorite things about Josh? What do you love most? Oh, like yeah it's very cute. Right. I go. Thank you guys so much for sharing that with me. Now let's talk about wedding stuff. Then.
Speaker: I always put the the groom or partner B in ah in the hot seat because usually they're just like checked out. And yeah and I'll say, I'll say. There's always one. There's always one. And I say, well, so, you know, in this case, we got Joshua and Kelsey are our imaginary ah couple here. And I'm like.
Speaker: Joshua, what are you most excited for for the wedding? And they always look over at partner A. Like, what did I say? Yeah. And i am like, and then he goes, well, uh, you know, and. And it's gotten less. It's been nice. It's gotten less frequent, but.
Speaker: having an opinion. about what you're excited about regardless is so fun. um And then also there's a moment too, where sometimes they'll just say, you know,
Speaker: yeah, to like be with my people or whatever. And I go, okay, cool. And like, let's, or, or sometimes this like happy wife, happy life moment. Yeah. As long as Kelsey has a good time, I go, okay, let's say Kelsey is having the best time of her life. What else are we excited about? And like, sometimes I had a groom a couple of years ago say like, I'm really excited to cut the cake. I go sick. Okay. I love that. That's sweet. Like you have, have an opinion about it. Yeah, there should be. Cause I agree. I hate when it's like one has like, it's like, it's all them. And it's like, yeah, as long as I, and some, I almost honestly hate when, grooms say that as long as she's happy and i'm like okay but you're getting married too this is your day like goodness like care a little yeah lean in man this is your chance and the the amount of grooms i've talked smack to at the discovery call or at the planning section where i go
Speaker: Josh. You still got time. You still got time to clock in, my guy. Like you got an opinion on that. and um But that. That part right there is the most important. kind of to wrap it back into something that I really love.
Speaker: that i've been noticing and it's funny i don't know i don't know if it's a trend and maybe it's just in this in the way that i'm choosing ideal couples is they both will mention something about having all of their people. together in one place. And I'm like,
Speaker: yes and being able to celebrate with them Yeah. And there's a version of it too, where sometimes they'll mention. um Celebrating them. you know so they're like yeah we're they're all here to celebrate us and i'm like That's the point. That's why I love wedding so much too. It's like we have this focal point. where it's this couple And we are all. everyone in that room is there because they were they are vips they were invited to this yeah Um,
Speaker: And, you know, unless, you know, mom was like, well, my best friend's hectic, mom. Which that does happen. i learned but Yeah, which I'm like, you know, they probably have some kind of influence, you know, that they're there. but yeah Oh yeah. um What's like a behind the scene challenge that.
Speaker: you have to deal with like at weddings that a couple might not know. like Is there anything that pops up on the regular for you? Ew. How long? When do these get posted? out like how many How many weeks out? We're probably like a month out. Oh, perfect. And I'm sure she would never see it anyways.
Speaker: i have Now I'm intrigued. Yeah, i don well, I mean, you guys know how it goes. I have a bride right now that has just been, she's been fine. she's Honestly, she's been inactive, right? I'm asking for this. I'm asking for that. We did our planning session. I'm like, yeah, we can.
Speaker: At my planning sessions. I give the opportunity for us to navigate. All of your. songs right then and there. if you If you come to the planning session, I always talk to my couples about it being a spectrum. Sometimes. I have one end of the spectrum where.
Speaker: months before we do our planning session, their entire client portal is filled out and they are done. And I go, cool. We just double check. The best clients. They're the best. and I love you. Yes, we love you so much. And then I have on the other side of the spectrum where...
Speaker: You know, yeah. Crickets. I can't get you to respond to anything. You know, and I'm like, I there's a reason why I have your text, your phone number in there, because I i don't want you to have my phone number, but I need yours. if you Yeah. just respond to Yeah. yes And so I reach out and reach out and then I'm back and forth with my planner on this one. And she's like, hey, have you gotten anything? I go, nope. And she's like, OK. And so you're fine.
Speaker: We finally get get her tracked down. yeah Hey, we need this stuff, you know. and We're down to, you know, their wedding is Friday. And we i still I just got their music this morning. And I've had couples where I get their music the day before. And I'm like, what are we doing, you know?
Speaker: um and so It's moments like that that ah I think that it's it's nothing to do with the person. That's always funny. They're like, well, you know, I'm just not, it's like, it it has more to do with um not utilizing your team and your tools. because like For me, like I said, we sit down at your planning session and we can navigate all your songs right off right there. And I'm like, I'm happy to take that extra half hour to do it. um
Speaker: And in this case, I think she was like, oh yeah, no, we'll figure it out together. Because when do you usually do that? Like how far out from the wedding? um I'm about... four or five months out. Yeah, so I always like to give this nice sweet spot. Oh, my gosh. So here in Idaho, we just started this DJ collective thing. Yeah, yeah. Very cool.
Speaker: I went to these couple of these DJ collective meetings. It's been fun to connect with them. um We had like a wedding specific. ah you know, session just a couple of weeks ago. And we're talking about like all these different nuances that we all bring to our weddings. and a Bunch of these.
Speaker: DJs talked about doing their planning sessions like the week of. And I was like, the week of you don't you don't have come again. You haven't. Wait, you guys are just talking about it. I was like, the amount of relief you give to your couple when you're even a two months out. I'm like, then they. can see, especially like the amount of couples that I do that don't have planners. I'm like.
Speaker: They're so frazzled. And I'm like, then you give it, you give it. You give them a solid timeline and they go. Ugh. Oh, I can breathe. What a relief. I can share this with Thunders. I see the day, you know? Yeah. um
Speaker: Some of these guys are doing it, yeah, the week of or two weeks out. And I go, two weeks out? And then i got we got one guy on the other end. He ah he does it a year out. I go, nah, I feel like that's a little too far because so much can change in a year. The music trends, all these things will shift. And I think there's a version of it too where he uses kind of a nice program where like you can they can change it pretty easily with their Spotify and things. But I do think that there's kind of a sweet spot at this like four to five month marker. It's on your mind, especially. You know, the amount of couples ah that are like graduating from college or something. Yeah. I'm like, no, no, finish college. Yeah. And then we'll then we'll connect. Right. like you We don't need to be talking about wedding when you're studying for your master's or something. like Yeah.
Speaker: um But that is, I don't like, we have couples. Yeah. It's like literally like we're getting to the two week out mark when we need to send out their timelines and they like won't decide on ceremony songs. And I'm like, I just want to like, just pick a song. a song No offense. I don't care anymore. No one's going to really remember it. I'm like, yeah it just drives me crazy. And then I, yeah, I'm like, I'm like, you're not making the DJ's job easier.
Speaker: Because then we're like setting a timeline with a lot of TBD. Yeah. TBD, don't know. I couldn't tell you. I got that timeline today. A lot of CBDs. A lot of CBDs. Another text. A little text in here. Yes.
Speaker: Okay, yes, so that That also made me think of. Uh, So something that I deal with a lot. is The balance of aesthetic.
Speaker: Versus. um functionality. And so when we're dealing with the room, even this room is great. like you know if you're You're looking at us through these camera lenses, but we're on our side, we're looking at cameras and a wall. Um,
Speaker: And that's like, we have the pretty stuff on this side and the technical stuff on that side. yeah And it's like, it makes sense, you know? Um, if we were to take deer flats, a perfect example, because they have the speakers built into the ceiling, right? So.
Speaker: The audio in that space is already taken care of pretty much for us. where When you set up the DJ You can put the DJ almost anywhere in that room. And it would be like. Fine. Yeah. yeah um I do think that if we were to navigate a space energetically, putting the DJ on the dance floor is always going to be the best, in my opinion, because then you're. right on it and also one of my favorite ways to set up a room Is to have like.
Speaker: if it's If it is like a square or even a rectangle that you have. Head table, dance floor, DJ, and then everyone else's tables on either side. yeah which is ah It's an easy way to set up. And you get this cross motion where people have to walk through the dance area. So you're kind of creating energy throughout the evening. um
Speaker: can It doesn't always work that way. Sometimes you get too many tables. Sometimes you got to stuff a DJ in a corner. Sometimes I show up. I showed up to Rustic Daisy the other week um to this wedding, beautiful wedding. uh Beautiful venue. And i'm I'm looking around and I go.
Speaker: where am i Where am I supposed to go? And the planner, she goes. how about this and it's like ah like this corner how about Right in the front entrance over there. I go, well, I don't, okay. And like...
Speaker: and We need to, we got to find our sweet spot here. And so luckily we were able to kind of, we moved the the cake table over and kind of, we found a good spot. It was good. um But.
Speaker: That in itself. So. That's one version of this. The next version of this is taking a very similar situation. um Now let's use um let's use White Barn, Emmett. Love, love White Barnabas. Yeah. um Same sort of thing. It's a nice square.
Speaker: If you... put me in like the back corner And. Then you put the dance floor on the other side of the room. Right. It's... It's not going to be in my favor or in anyone else's favor to put my speakers next to me.
Speaker: It the best. way to do this is to put my speakers behind the head table and angled into the dance floor now for me being very aware i don't want those speakers to be in all of their photos right so then i'm like well how do i navigate this and so now i'm talking to the planners about a room flip yeah well how do we navigate this and like they're like i want to punch you yeah oh boy
Speaker: I mean, yeah know but it is. It's a funny game because i I'm always thinking about acoustically how to make the space sound really great. um and to make the party hit hard.
Speaker: Because the amount of times that I've had couples like. They literally come to me and they say, hey. Partying is our most important. I go, okay, if this is your number one, then when we talk to the planner, we need to set me up. This is this. yeah And then.
Speaker: 90 % of the time it works out. And then sometimes I get these like. it's It's always these destination planners. My locals are like, we're we're all on the same page with what we're doing. Or like, I shouldn't say know what we're doing, but we we understand each other. Whereas in these destination planners come in and they're design heavy and they come in and they're like, DJ's all the way um in the next room. i go And I go, I don't want to see you or hear you. I go, what are you doing guys? I was like, I'm literally like such a key part of this day for them.
Speaker: percent and so That's something that I typically have to deal with. and um with that level of like poise and softness and like The amount of people that assume I'm a douche when I show up. like i yeah But there are a handful of DJs that I'm just like...
Speaker: Oh, my God. Great. Great. You know what I mean? Yes. Yes. The thing they do is, you know, we've spent months. Laying out this timeline, we emailed it to you two weeks ago, you didn't say anything to me, and then you get there on wedding day and you're like, whoa, whoa, whoa, I can't be here.
Speaker: I'm the DJ. Well, it's like. Okay. The DJ is so good. I'm like, all right. I feel like that's the name of this the name of this episode. I'm the DJ. I'm the DJ. It is. It's a hard... It is. Like...
Speaker: A horn. flexibility and like give and take to make sure that the dj is in a good position that he's not in all the photos but he's obviously he's not in a corner behind everything yes which i will say like throughout the years we i feel like i've learned a lot more and like I mean, getting to work with DJs that aren't.
Speaker: I'm the DJ type, like learning and like kind of what you're saying, like understanding your perspective a little more, I think is huge because I do think. To a certain extent, we we have been planning for a year. We've like done all these things and logistics and then a vendor comes in hot and wants to just wreck it all. And you're just like. No!
Speaker: I just, no! Not today. Come on. Not today, Satan. Just kidding. But I think the more we've done it and the more we work with like DJs or... other vendors that are like, I mean.
Speaker: have a better perspective and explain it in that way versus just like coming in hot. Like, it does make sense. It does make sense that we shouldn't just put you in a corner, that you being closer to the dance floor makes more sense. No one puts baby in the corner. Just the DJ. Yeah. Just the DJ. Again, like Ali's saying, having those conversations, like. beforehand hands is like super helpful to us versus like especially on wedding day like
Speaker: Even like the reel I posted today, all the things that we're doing. And then it's like, and then a vendor comes in hot and wants to completely change everything. I want to rip their head off because I'm like. Like I said, I sent you everything two weeks ago. We couldn't have this conversation then. And now I'm like trying to set tables and you want to move everything. but Yeah. The amount of times that this is something on my side too, that.
Speaker: has evolved because I like learned that over the, over the years also is like. It's not only like coming in, but like. oh when's the best time to navigate this yeah it's a month before or whatever yes and it's to then speak up the amount of djs that get shut down hard. And then they're like, Oh, well, you know, and then, then they just assume that that person's a jerk, great yeah man. Like you came in hot. Right. Yeah. um And on my side, also... ah the this like
Speaker: I'm already creating. a ah playlist for their day and like talk about an easy thing to send over to the planner for rehearsal. So you guys don't have to like create a spot. Create my own Spotify for the rehearsal. Yeah, mine's literally already created. Like I just nice now I'm just sending it to you. And so if you could just start coming to the rehearsals and just do it and I'm just kidding. That's such a funny one. With the DJ collective me meeting, it's like, yeah, how many do it? People go to rehearsals and like one hand goes up any and they go, what about, you know, and they're like, well, you know, if if I'm available, And I, yeah, okay.
Speaker: And I'm like, well, and a lot of times I'm usually working. So it's like if it's a Friday, Saturday, I'm working the Friday. Right. Yeah. Um, And it is so funny. I'm like. There's a version where I'm like, yep, you need us there to press play on three songs. Yeah. Really, the key is to.
Speaker: here's the playlist and you guys are there and you go, hey. That's the wrong song, which should have already been verified. Right. Totally. It's another triple check, I suppose. I know. I mean, we don't it's not a very common thing. I mean, I had it recently, but I think it's because it was like a wedding up at age five. So we all had to be up there.
Speaker: They have the DJ there. And it was, like, nice because, you know, it's like we're trying to line them up. I mean, like you said, it's not that hard for us to push play, so it was nice. But it's also, I do think it's some, it is a little unnecessary because then there's, again, I think it's almost like too many cooks in the kitchen and it's like, we just need to practice this walkthrough real fast and get out of there. Well, and the DJ isn't.
Speaker: Really? like holding the bride's hand to get her down the aisle. Like we're the ones back there. I think it's a little more helpful when we're meeting the bridal party the day before. We're guiding them down the aisle because the DJs.
Speaker: 400 feet away. right in his Yeah, up at the ceremony. I got a question for you, too. Oh, boy. How do we feel how do we feel about this? um The like.
Speaker: following the bride out with the train in hand. And it's like the the black on black, you know, like. wedding planner carrying the train no and then like and then like you know has like this very stoic
Speaker: and then like throw throws it out you know and then like so skitters away You know? get original now We just talked about this with Kayla. It drives her crazy. Because she's like, I don't want you in that photo. You come around. the You come around with your dad and it's beautiful. And then the planters. Hey, little mouse. And it's fun because I feel like, you know, I feel like the intentions are so well. Yeah, I feel like there's a version of that. And I wonder if there's a there's a ah just an adjustment to this where.
Speaker: The... Planner. You know, ah maybe and maybe the train hooks into an arm or something and they come around the corner. And then when they get to the end of the aisle, the planner pops out and.
Speaker: you know pops out or something like that yeah i do think that's what i'm thinking about is the yeah the moments with the with the photos and we shouldn't be in well that's like and it's hard depending i think on the venue because we will carry her train like the cottage for example they're walking down that dirt path And sometimes brides are like, I want you to carry it. And I'm like.
Speaker: okay and so right a high that's an awkward but so that one is weird where but then we try to be it's like okay you're gonna get to this point and i want you to stop i'm gonna fluff it and then i'm right like i do want to get out of your photos skitery but it is awkward and it's like that is hard for us like or like still water i like because the path curves and i can just get them to the path where no one can see us we fluff their drifts and that's like we're not even in any of that that's true yeah so i do i so it's hard i mean i don't like to be in the photos and i also don't like to be the awkward like
Speaker: But some brides are very adamant and others are like, no. So, but now apparently it's a thing where some planners are going when they're exiting. to meeting them at the end and then picking up their train again.
Speaker: that's what caleb is telling us we yeah and i'm like oh it's like you will never catch me doing that well but Oh, that's so funny. So I don't know. But it it that is like a... It's hard. I feel like that should be never have your husband's job. yeah ah Yeah. ah But yeah, carrying the trainers.
Speaker: That's cute. And I also just thought of this too. like If you wore all white, would it work better? We blend in. you kind of You're kind of like... Yeah, we cannot. It's really funny. I know, it's hilarious. Just for that second, and just for that moment. It is a little robe we put on.
Speaker: A little ceremonial. It's a green screen. so ah yeah That made me think of like Harry Potter when he has like the invisible cloak. If only we could have something like that. back um like Just the trains just floating behind them. But I also don't think those photos are really all that. like it Yeah, that's true. You can get the photo of your train.
Speaker: In your sunset portraits. Yeah. I don't know. I'm not that big of a... And we try to... wherever If we're doing it, like I said, we try to like have her stop at somewhere where she's still having a good... time of walking. So there is still the moment of of the foot to get all the photos.
Speaker: is our hope. Yeah, well, in the amount of times I've seen the... the Train get held. get. you know fluffed And tall then she walks and it narrows, right? Exactly. But then I absolutely love my heart just like.
Speaker: yeah I'm just such a sucker for all the touchy moments. you get They get up. to the aisle or get up to the altar. and her matron of honor. for yeah and i yeah I just love that. And then it's like, especially if they're on like a little staircase. Yeah. And it like drapes it. Yeah. It's perfect. It's beautiful. Okay, but now speaking of that.
Speaker: With planners, what is something you like? I just like want to know all our vendors. Like what's something you like? Love working with planners, obviously, but like what are like pet peeves you have that like, I mean, outside of planners, obviously putting you in a corner. Yeah. There's no more corners, right?
Speaker: Um... Let's see here. ah I do. It's actually interesting because I think that. I think there are. I guess for me. When we get into luxury market, this is so funny because Idaho luxury isn't. isn't really like luxury luxury and so like it's Idaho it's Idaho luxury it really is um But when planners gatekeep the couples and they don't allow me to connect with them directly.
Speaker: Um, ah that's a big part of my ideal client that's a big part of my service of like I want to get to know you so that you trust me throughout the day. like we become kind of this funny trifecta where like,
Speaker: I'm also checking in with the client and like the couples at their head table, like, Hey, are you guys having fun? And they're like, yeah. And I look and i' they're one of them is missing a drink. I go, hey, did you want a drink? you Yeah. I'm like, I'll just go get it for you. like it's And it's it's funny because for me, I think there's a version of this where like.
Speaker: it's above and beyond. And I go, no, it's like, that's just a part of what I do. it's something I love it. I love being a part of it. Yeah. And you want to have that connection with them. Yeah. And I, so I think that this. Sometimes, i've I've just had in the past, I think, you know...
Speaker: I don't know, we'll say a ah handful, maybe four or five times where I had to like. put a lot of perspective. to the to the planner like hey I know what you're trying to do. I will put all of my communication to the couple through you, with you. Let's see, see all the things.
Speaker: but I need to have this planning session with them so that we can connect. yeah Because all of a sudden we're talking about. uh this father -daughter dance or something and it becomes this whole moment where they go yeah Well, I was a dancer when I was a kid and we had these daddy daughter dances and he would show up to these and we do a whole thing. And I go, I love that. That's why we're doing this multi -mix. Now we can really talk about it. yeah like Get it. to whatever it needs to be. And this planner goes multi -mix for the dad and and daughter. I go.
Speaker: That. that gives me nothing you know yeah yeah um so now i i'm able to have perspective and like passion and heart yeah Um, Yeah, I think that can be something that gets in the way. um I, uh...
Speaker: I have a really hard time with. planners that are scatterbrained that like come in and energy is all wacky and all over the place. And I'm like, What's going on? You know, like I, I'm you pulling together.
Speaker: I'm like, I have to be, I have to be the one that's like super centered for everybody. And like, like typically, send yeah, i I show up with, you know, with a nice balance. I'm trying to keep people excited. But then all of a sudden I'm like. Like I did this wedding earlier this year. We're like. the planner and the photographer started like,
Speaker: bickering in front of the bride and groom and i was like excuse me i was like okay i'm like i'm just gonna take the couple this direction you guys should go in a closet or something like And it was so weird. So awkward. And then I learned, I learned later that this photographer is like a portrait photographer and doesn't understand how to like do the dynamic side of weddings. And so it's very perfectionist. It was all these moments where it was like, I don't know. Right. It was like, all I saw was.
Speaker: Fighting. the Fighting. And I was like, oh, okay. um Yeah. And so there's There's stuff like that where... When and what it really what it comes across as.
Speaker: What it comes across as. is um Planners that are that feel like they're like they're novices. They don't make me feel comfortable. I'm like, okay, I can't trust you. yeah you know um and that's like this very sporadic Um,
Speaker: ADD energy where it's just like one thing, one thing, one thing, one thing, one thing. And like, I know we're all thinking about a lot of things. Yeah. Like it's that poise that you hold yourself with that shows like. Yeah. I mean, like internally, every wedding, I'm like, but yeah but outside I'm like, and okay, we're going to set the chairs now, everyone. yeah And like, sometimes you're thinking to yourself, like doing the chairs, I'm doing the chairs, I'm doing the chairs. But.
Speaker: And you're bouncing around and it's just like, it's just because it creates like a different energy for sure for everybody, which is not necessarily what you want. Which I don't know, that always like baffles me.
Speaker: A little. I mean, I know we're not perfect and we all have our moments of like. panic. We're like... People are starting to so arrive and you're not ready. And we're like, oh but it's like. I just like as a planner, like that's our job to be very like.
Speaker: in a way centered, like in control, like. like knowing what's going on and like doing a but bunch of things, but like in a calm centered way. To me, I'm like. i Like, why would you hire a planner? And then they're like.
Speaker: Like you said, ADD bouncing off the walls. I'd be like, this is not helpful to anyone. yeah Like you might as well just have had your aunt do your wedding. Like at that point, I'm just like, I don't know what good this is doing anymore. She's reading off a list. Yeah. I'm like, whoa. Yeah. And I think as like another last little pet peeve is. is um Like.
Speaker: No budging? Like my way or the highway kind of fingers. Yeah. um And there's a version of this too, where like I have. uh, you know, planners or different you know it's funny it's vendors in general, I should say with this one, is that like, I know their particularities. So like I know how to approach things with them. And I can also tell like.
Speaker: If I ask for something and they kind of give me like a. I'm like, yeah, okay. All right. You're probably going to say no, that's fine. And I just adjust for that. yeah I also know like. There's a version of this too. Like I said, I continue to be, I.
Speaker: Typically on the DJ side, I have to acquiesce. uh to that That. this request of like, This is the the space. This is what it's going to look like. You're in the corner. Right. And I go, ah!
Speaker: Crap. you know yeah um But then I go, OK, well. How do we feel about me adjusting? you know, the speaker placement or this and this and this, or like I said, room flip or something like that. And then that's this wiggle room where I'm hoping that we can find a sweet spot around because for me.
Speaker: My ultimate goal, as is our ultimate goal here, which I can say confidently about capital occasions, but but ah is that we just want the couple to have the best day of their lives, you know, and it has so little to do with.
Speaker: us and like performance and like right we know we're gonna do a good job we're gonna do the best that we can yeah like Shit happens. you know all like yeah yeah like That's why you hired us. yeah and We're putting out all these fires in the back and someone, you know, the.
Speaker: grandma We had grandma make the cake. And she forgot cake plates. You're like, well, luckily we have those. Yeah. You know, yeah we were you know they hired some new caterer and they only brought enough food for 100 people and we got 150 in here. You're like, well, we're calling Domino's or something. Like something shifts, you know. Yeah, always.
Speaker: Yeah. yeah I guess, I mean, one of the last questions, what is like, what do you feel like are important questions that. couples should ask DJs like when they're interviewing a DJ. Ooh. Okay. All right. We're, we're, we're going there. It's always funny. We're like talking about dead so creating clips. I'm like, Oh, this is a good clip. All right. All right. What's your, what's your editor's name? Kim. Kim. That's the
Speaker: Okay. And this is, I will continue to die on this hill. Okay. um If you... If you don't live mix... I'm like, I need to choose a camera. This one's probably closest. yeah We're like, a look at this one right here. ah If you don't live mix.
Speaker: You're not a real DJ. Okay. oh yeah if i take Yeah. It continues to be, and I'll continue to to sing it and say it. ah You can be a great. song selector. All right. there's there's no I'm a great song selector, but I'm not a DJ. You're a great song selector. You really are. Pitbull.
Speaker: Mr. Worldwide. so Great song, Selector. But if you're not actively mixing and... taking songs and connecting songs. in the betweens and like there ah They call it fade mixing, and that's where you can like you can like lower the volume of one song and raise the volume of the next. Same thing. You're just a song selector. But when you're taking... you know, vocals and putting them over top of the baseline of another song. And you are actively mixing toward a group and watching the group.
Speaker: Like. keeping energy up and then noticing this is something for me. I'll always say to my couples, I'm not out here to have a dance cardio class. I don't need you like dancing super hard the whole time. yeah I'm going to watch and you'll see people's hands. Everyone's up here. And then as they're dancing, their hands start to go down and either they're getting tired or they're bored. And I'm like, OK, now we keep it there for maybe one more song. Hands go back up.
Speaker: Oh, sweet. Okay. Yeah. Well, they're just bored of that song. They already move on. Hands stay down. Either the song didn't hit or they're ready for a vibe change. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Ask your DJs if they mix. Ask them specifically, do you live mix? and This is one I had. a um I have someone inquiring with me right now for a private event. And this is like very rarely do people ask me for mixes. They say, hey, do you have any mixes you could send me? And like. not just a song for song, but like a live.
Speaker: DJ set. And I do, I have a bunch of DJ sets posted on YouTube, DJ Jesse D. But being able to send those off to this client is like such a gold star for me. And the amount of DJ friends that do not have that is like, okay, like you're missing, you're missing a piece. And so.
Speaker: Ask for DJ mixes. um Ask for how you manage a crowd. Like, that's a funny thing. Cause like. you could come up with a scenario in your brain of like, uh bad something bad happening or whatever but like we're just talking about the good stuff yeah it's like no no our our baseline is everything is going well how do you welcome our guests? Like, can you do, even on, this is funny, no one's ever asked me in like in, in an interview setting or in a, um in a discovery consultation, like.
Speaker: okay, can you show us how to do a grand entrance? Or can you show us how you'd welcome our guests? yeah And I go, oh my gosh, like. I would love to. yeah um and that's that's the shift i think there's a version of this where people just think that The DJ is going to show up and play music. Yeah. And like there is a version of that. You can hire that. And they're going to be. Fairly.
Speaker: The pricing's all over the map. This is actually what's wild. You can hire a really expensive DJ and they don't emcee at all. And the other side is you could hire a really ah bad DJ and they. or like a low cost DJ and they ah don't. know how to mix but man they might be great on the mic like it's just these funny weird balances Um, So I think asking, yeah, asking. um You know, what kind of master of ceremonies you are and if you have any skills that in that department. um
Speaker: And then also asking if they live mix. And I think the last piece of this is. talking about like the planning process and music and like what's most important to them. So You say.
Speaker: to your DJ or to this entertainer, you say, hey. What's most important for you? And typically they're going to say something like. you know, well, that the client, you know, has a great time.
Speaker: And you go, okay, what does that look like? right And that's the difference here too. Because I think that that... That piece now makes it. So much less about. I'm the DJ. Yeah. And so much more about.
Speaker: I'm filtering. anything and everything toward the couple and toward their experience. Um, yeah And I wish that's the kind of shift I hope for with DJs too. And we try to push for is that couples are like, oh, we're just hiring a DJ and they're just playing music. And I'm like, there's so much more.
Speaker: Within your DJ that like affects so much that like, it's not just pushing play. Like there's, I mean, like we've had weddings where it's like. They're out on the dance floor and it's just like they push stop and then they push play again. And this was like a legit DJ that they... paid for and i'm just like i could do that like and it just makes it awkward it feels awkward Like, it dance it makes dancing awkward, but then also, yeah, the... emceeing piece like i mean i could We could go down the rabbit hole. We've talked about it, like DJs that don't know how to MC, that either...
Speaker: don't know what to say, don't know how to welcome people in, don't know how to transition people. And that seems so silly, but it's like a real thing. like it There is like a skill to that. Yes.
Speaker: And also even just then then the balance, because then that's kind of now what we're struggling with is some DJs that it's like, that's too much emceeing. And we're like. Wrap it up. Like like finding.
Speaker: Oh, God. And he self -promoted oh every third song. oh it was so And I'm DJ Jessie D. j jesie d like It was so bad. I was just like, if he says it one more time, I'm going to unplug his mic. No. Yes. I swear for two hours, every third song.
Speaker: He made sure that his name got out there. I was like. like Again, this is not for you. This isn't your show. like yeah Like that, like, yeah, I mean, I think, and that's why it's important. We always push our couples to, to like have phone calls or even like Google meets or like meet up with it. Like I've really been pushing that lately. Like. We met and had coffee with the DJ. I was like, I want you to meet them just like you meet met with us, just like you met your photographer. like DJ's personalities, like we were talking about, can be very...
Speaker: different and so it's like I want you to like meet them and feel their vibe and like ask them these like hard questions that you asked me like Because they have a very important role. They're not just playing music. I'm just thinking about this DJ. Oh, it was so cringe. I'm just thinking about the the amount of times that I...
Speaker: Like. It. This is so funny. I'm like a... I don't know what our time looks like. i'm like but You have four minutes. I'm like, this is not enough. Oh, okay. The amount of DJs out there that have like.
Speaker: their laptops covered in a giant skin that says like DJ Rob, dah, dah, dah. And it's like, okay, cool. Fine. Whatever. They're ones that have like these plaques attached to their booths. The same thing, DJ Rob, you know, Rob entertainment. Right. And then they have like.
Speaker: All these things and these drop and it's like this outfit that screams, you know, hire me. Right. And there's a version that screams, I'm the DJ. I'm the DJ. And there's a version of this where it's like, it's so simple.
Speaker: Like. care about the couple just crush the wedding you know and just like be present help everyone else feel excited and be yeah and like have that nice balance of like you're creating trust throughout the entire day the moment that you step in front of them the moment that you are like creating trust with their guests if they trust you then they're going to follow you anywhere on the dance floor. And then if you navigate the dance floor well with the parents and with the kids and with the generations and everyone's clocked in and has a blast.
Speaker: People are going to come up to you and ask. Yeah. They're going to say, oh my gosh, you crushed it. Or even even better is you absolutely crushed a few months go by and so -and -so's cousin's getting married and that aunt or whatever. was And they go, oh my gosh, we need to talk. Whoever that DJ is. Who's your DJ? Yeah. Exactly. And I'm like, yeah.
Speaker: DJ Rob, then hire me for your next event. Yeah. It was like so such a club promotion. Oh, it was so good. Terrible. Well, but speaking of that, how can people find you? Yes. self yeah about move out oh Yeah, everything's DJ Jesse D. J -E -S -S -E -D.
Speaker: As in your boy. I don't know what that means. um Oh, boy. DJ Jesse D on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, TikTok.
Speaker: LinkedIn, all the above, actually. so so yeah um Yeah, it's fun. There's a version for me where. I'm doing a bunch of these community events right now. um dja all Trying to stay out of... Trouble. Trying to stay out of trouble. and you know That's hard. i'm right like I'm wearing one of my DJ on the pond merch. I know, I do like that. I'll have to show you guys the back, but we'll have to we'll do it when we stand up for the cameras here. um Because I'm like, well, then we get up and it's all.
Speaker: um So. DJ on the Pond is the first Friday of each month of the summer. So June, July, August, September is that first Friday of the month. And so the June one already passed. It was a hit. We had like 100 or so vessels out on Quinn's Pond. It was so great. yeah um July August 7th, and September 4th will be the next dates. I'm currently in talks with... um BLM to do sunset sessions up in the hills so i got two of those on the calendar um and then
Speaker: they'll They'll get announced once they get approved. And then... um to Bridge sessions on Friendship Bridge. So Red Bridge, Orange Bridge, Friendship Bridge, whatever you want to call it. The amount of people that tell me I'm wrong. I love it. i'm Not called that. I was born here. All right. it's It's been the red bridge forever. And they're like, you know, it's called a Friendship Bridge. I go, I know. um But that's August 2nd and August 30th. And that'll be from 1 to 3 p .m.
Speaker: On the bridge, feel free to. you know, float through, if you start the river float at like one or at 1230, you'll meet me kind of thing. And you'll be able to pull over and have some jams. Or if you just want to, you know, go jump off the pump houses and just enjoy some jams. It's fun too. Um, yeah, you're all over. I do. I'm doing all sorts of stuff. And, um, you're crazy yeah. And then really I'll see, uh, you guys next weekend.
Speaker: you know, for out of age five. I'm like, where are we? Yeah I know. It'll be fun. yeah It's going to be great. they Thank you for joining. This was so fun. Cheers. Cheers. yes up
