Tuesday, May 31, 2022

Our veteran DJ Joel Ortsman knows how to rock the party! Check out his bio, mixes and testimonials at https://ift.tt/dGIsgnK Looking for an amazing DJ for your wedding or event? Send us a DM for more info on Beat Train Productions!.⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #engaged #engagedaf #marryingmybestfriend #nycbride #nycwedding #nycweddingweekend #nyweddingdj #weddingready #weddingreadywithjaqulineusa #weddingready❤️


5 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t DIY Your Photo Booth

Celebrations can be pricey, so we know the appeal of freeing up space in your party budget!  But, it shouldn’t come at the expense of having a proper photo booth experience at your event! In the big picture, hiring a professional photo booth adds up to only a small part of your budget, but that small outlay will make a HUGE difference at your party! Let us show you why it’s a good idea to hire a professional, and if you’re in the Boston or New York Area, please feel welcome to get in touch with any questions you might have!

The Savings Won’t be Much… Really!

After you go through the work of sourcing or making a backdrop, buying your props, figuring out proper lighting and which camera to use (including remote triggers), your savings will be slim to none. Not to mention all the time you will have invested; meanwhile, a professional photo booth company already has all that equipment and all the necessary supplies on hand. And, not just that, they’ll also have high quality/commercial versions of all of it! Quality is of utmost  importance after all. But, it’s really not just about the gear. Professionals will also have proven experience setting up and using the gear. All of that means that a professional won’t trouble-shoot problems at your event when they could be taking photos of your guests. 

You’d be Lucky If It’s Half As Good!

Not trying to offend, just stating our (very experienced) opinion! People always start their do-it-yourself photo booths with the very best of motives, but find out rather quickly that sourcing all the materials they are going to need is both expensive and time consuming. And if prints are important to you, and quality prints are more important, the printers we use are far more expensive than one booking! With all everything involved, and with everything else you’ll have going that day, your energy is better spent elsewhere! Why go to all that expense to end up with an end result that is so much less satisfying than the real thing? Your money and time is truly better spent hiring a professional company and leaving everything else to them! Trust us!

Printing DIY Photos Is Kinda Complicated!

With a DIY photo booth, you’re unlikely to be able to offer your guests prints to take home, due to the rather complicated process of taking the photos from the camera, and formatting them into an instantly printable format. And, the truth of it, is that people LOVE taking home multiple photo booth prints. For some guests, it’s really all about the prints! Many guests leave with a stack of photo booth prints, enough to cover their entire fridge doors, or tuck into their book as a bookmark! Photo booth prints are quite simply a great take home remembrance of your party, and could be a replacement for more traditional wedding favors!  And, on a closing note, your guests will get a small hit of remembrance everytime they see them!

Mad Props Yo!

In our vast experience, people really LOVE photo booth props! They’re entertaining! They’re colorful! They can act as a great ice-breaker for shyer guests who aren’t used to being the center of attention, and they can also be a fun tool to unleash your guests’ imagination, while also serving to get them into party mode! But, here’s the kicker! Props can also be expensive, especially when you’re building your collection from scratch!  Meanwhile, we’ve already invested the capital in high quality props and signs, of all different kinds and themes no less. If you were to add up the cost of a comparable amount of props, in a comparable quality, that we bring out to our events, it would end up being quite costly! Why go to that expense and trouble? Let us help instead! 

No Added Pressure On Your Big Day!

Weddings include SO many details, and you have enough to think about already! The last thing that should be occupying your time on your big day is setting-up and running the photo booth. We also don’t think it should be the responsibility of one of your guests, that ensures that everyone can let loose and enjoy the party! You and your nearest and dearest have memories to make, and loved ones to spend time with, not spare time to spend managing the photo booth!! When you hire a professional photo booth company they’ll take care of all of the work for you; meaning, they’ll show up at their scheduled time, do set-up, run the booth, engage with your guests and make sure the whole thing runs flawlessly. The best part is that it will all happen without you lifting a finger, after all…It’s their entire job to make sure you and your guests have a wonderful photo booth experience!

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Monday, May 23, 2022

Thinking Of Planning A Surprise Wedding?

 

Imagine this… Your closest friends and family arrive for your engagement party and, surprise, they’re really there for your wedding! Maybe you’re looking to eschew the drama of a big bash, or maybe you simply have a smaller budget to work with. Whatever your reasons, a surprise wedding can be an intriguing alternative to a more traditional party.

More and more couples who wish to sidestep a lavish affair but still want something special are now forgoing traditional nuptials for a surprise party they spring on their guests. And what could be easier than by inviting them to another big party, to hide the ruse? While a surprise wedding offers the feel of an impromptu elopement, behind the scenes it still involves a great deal of planning and organization.

Be Sure a Surprise Wedding Is Right for You

First things first. Before you start formulating your secret celebration plans, take some time thinking about if you and your partner are both okay with giving up some of the traditional pre-wedding festivities and gifts. Bypassing a conventional wedding also often means missing out on some of the fun that goes with it, like having a bridal shower, bachelorette or bachelor party.

But, if you’re the type of couple that really doesn’t want all the fuss, attention or pressures of planning a big wedding, then you may be well suited to this type of wedding!

So, Who Do You Tell?

The whole goal is to keep things under wraps until the big reveal by telling only the people you absolutely need to, such as your wedding vendors and their staff. This is where hiring a great team of professional wedding vendors will be of the utmost importance, since you won’t be able to ask many friends or family to participate. But, in our opinion, sharing the secret with your parents could be a good idea! This is especially true if you’re worried about how they could react on the big day. Plus, they might be excited and happy to be part of the planning, and in on the secret.

How to Get Everyone There

To give credence to your ruse, you’ll need a party-worthy occasion, such as a milestone birthday or your engagement. This helps to stress the importance of your guests’ attendance without giving away the real reason. Also, your cover story and invitation should match the style of your actual event; for example, don’t use a casual backyard barbecue as your ruse if you’re hosting a formal cocktail party.  Another tip that will help the fake event look legit, is sending out the invites 4-6 weeks in advance. That invite timeline is more in keeping with a Birthday, Anniversary or Engagement party, so your guests will not expect what’s coming!

Don’t Forget The Logistics

Even with a surprise affair, you’ll still need to secure the traditional wedding basics, such as getting your marriage license and hiring an officiant, as well as hiring your caterer and entertainment. Think about the style of ceremony and reception you want, both of which will require a few tweaks to keep the secret wedding concealed. You’ll also still need to have an approximate guest count when you meet with your caterer so that they can work with you to create a delicious menu that will complement your party size and vibe!

The post Thinking Of Planning A Surprise Wedding? appeared first on Beat Train Productions ~ Boston & NYC Wedding DJs - New England & New York City Wedding DJs



source https://beattrainproductions.com/thinking-of-planning-a-surprise-wedding/

Monday, May 16, 2022

Most Photogenic Locations in Boston

 

So… you’re getting married in Boston! Have you given some thought to where you might like to take your engagement or wedding photos? What kind of vibe are you looking for in a photo location? Are you looking for an edgy urban feel, a lush park vibe or are you going for somewhere deep rooted in the history of the area? 

No matter what you’re going for, Boston can deliver! Here are some of our favorite locations for photography sessions in the Boston area.

Beacon Hill

Beacon Hill is the first location that comes to mind, and can easily be described as one of the prettiest neighborhoods in the entire Boston area. And, when it comes to Beacon Hill, the Instagram worthy Acorn Street is top of the list! This picturesque cobblestone alleyway lined with red brick houses, black shutters and overflowing flower boxes is utterly charming! Just be sure to go early to avoid the tourists! 

Also located in Beacon Hill, is the very photo worthy Chestnut Street, and the Massachusetts State House, both of which are a nod to the area’s historic affluence and distinguished architecture.

Boston Common

Boston Common is Boston’s answer to NYC’s Central Park! Truly a haven within the city, Boston Common will provide a wealth of photography backdrops to choose from! You are spoiled for choice with the parks’ long tree alleys, reflecting ponds, charming tiny bridges, open grassy spaces. Not to mention the Parkman Bandstand, and the adorable swans and swan boats in the Boston Public Garden. All of those features combine to create an interesting contrast to the tall buildings that surround the park and an almost inexhaustible variety of backdrops and styles of photography to choose from.

Boston Public Library Courtyard

The Boston Public Library Courtyard would make an amazing backdrop for your engagement or wedding photos, and in fact you can host your wedding there too! But, back to the courtyard! The perimeter of the courtyard itself is lined with impressive columns and archways, and a beautiful fountain statue sits proudly in the middle. There are so many angles to use to capture great shots so your photographer will want to take their time to get creative. Just be sure to check out the location’s photography policy on their website to avoid any conflicts.

Marshall Street

Marshall street will take you back in time with its charming cobblestone streets and quaint brick storefronts. But, new Boston also makes its presence known, with the surrounding skyscrapers in the background. Put the two together and it creates an interesting juxtaposition in your photos. Also, The Union Oyster House has a bright red neon sign that makes for the perfect addition to your photos, blending vintage charm, modern architecture, and retro vibes all into one, and giving you lots of bang for your buck!

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

With its gorgeous architecture, rich history and lush gardens, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is easily one of the most beautiful and photogenic places in all of Boston! The architecture of the building was inspired by 15th-century Venetian palaces, featuring grand open balconies on each floor and archways overlooking the absolutely stunning courtyard below. The museum itself is host to more than 7,500 paintings, sculptures, pieces of furniture, and other objects. Just be sure to get in touch with the museum and request permission to take photos, to avoid conflict with other groups utilizing the space, as the museum has an abundance of event spaces available for celebrations, that could be in use at any given time. Or, solve that problem by hosting your wedding there too!

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Monday, May 9, 2022

Can We Entertain You? Embracing The Unexpected For Your Reception

When you think of wedding entertainment what comes to mind? You might think of a wedding band, or maybe an awesome DJ – hint, hint – and, maybe even a photo booth, but what we’re seeing at events is a great deal more eclectic than that! Here are a few of the fun things we’ve been seeing at receptions!

‘Plein Air’ Painters

We’re seeing an increasing trend of ‘Plein Air’ painters on site at weddings, and we think that’s a beautiful thing! Live, on site Artists are not an alternative to hiring a photographer or videographer for your big day. They are instead a beautiful accompaniment to your weddings, and a part of the wedding entertainment, while also creating a truly unique and beautiful keepsake that you can enjoy for a lifetime! In an age of digital saturation, I think it’s particularly wonderful to have a tangible and unique memory of your day. 

Caricature Artists

When you hire a caricature artist for your wedding, you give your guests a fun opportunity to see themselves through the eyes of an artist, plus, with a caricaturist, you can have entertainment that fits seamlessly into your reception and makes your guests laugh and smile all night! As a bonus, most professional caricature artists can draw 15-20 black and white faces an hour, so everyone that wants a portrait can get one, with very large weddings possibly requiring 2 artists or more.The best part is that your guests will walk away with a cute memento that will remind them of your special day for years to come.

Drag Queen Performances

Hiring Drag performers for dinner and reception opening wedding entertainment, is one of the fun trends we’re seeing this year! Drag performances are known to bring an element of fabulousness – and major fun – to any party, and your wedding is no exception! Whether you’re a part of the LGBTQ+ community, or simply an ally, this year is the perfect year to embrace that inner diva and bring the camp, by hiring a drag performer to wow your guests. It’ll be sure to put your guests in the party mood, as a Drag Queen will put on a dazzling live show full of glamor, cheeky banter and beloved songs. After such a performance, your guests will be itching to get up out of their seats and break it down on the dance floor!

Why Stop There…

We’ve only listed a few ideas here, but, truly the world is your oyster! You could hire a fancy mixologist, a live magician, acrobat troupes, burlesque dancers, a bagpiper, a incognito opera singer ready to belt a tune, a Celtic drum line or troupe of Celtic dancers, a  night ending fireworks display, a game show host to lead your guests through a interactive wedding game, or have a karaoke cocktail hour. Embrace whatever floats your boat, and makes your heart go pitter-pat and your guests won’t be able to stop themselves from getting in on the fun!

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Monday, May 2, 2022

One Hit Wonders That Everyone Loves to Dance To

What is a “One-Hit Wonder” anyway? Well, technically a “One-Hit Wonder” is a musical artist or group that had only had one successful chart-topping hit and then never achieved that level of success again. Some of these artists may have an impressive music catalog but, for one reason or another, they still struggled to ever again capture the success of that one song that made them famous. 

To us, the only thing about “One-Hit Wonders” that’s important, is that they get you smiling, grooving and getting down on the dance floor! Because, after all) that’s the true measure of a dance song!

There might be some songs and artists on this list that surprise you, you’ll be sure they’ve had more hits, and you’ll rack your brain thinking about the other great songs by these artists… but you’ll surely come up short. 

Now, onto the music! We’re pretty sure that you’ll be tapping your toes in no time!

One Hit Wonders to Pack the Dance Floor

“Tainted Love” – Soft Cell

“Take On Me” – A-Ha

“The Lion Sleeps Tonight” – The Tokens

“Watch me (Whip/Nae Nae)” –  Silento

“Walking on Sunshine” –  Katrina and The Waves

“Billionaire” – Travie McCoy

“Turn Me On” – Kevin Lyttle 

“Don’t Worry, Be Happy” –  Bobby McFerrin

“Macarena” – Los Del Rio

“Mambo No. 5” – Lou Bega

“Stacy’s Mom” – Fountains of Wayne

“Cupid Shuffle” – Cupid

“What is Love” – Haddaway

“99 Luftballons” – Nena

“I’ll Be There for You” – The Rembrandts

“We No Speak no Americano” – Yolanda Be Cool

“I’ll Melt With You” – Modern English

“Funkytown” – Lipps Inc.

“Jump” – Kris Kross

“Send Me An Angel” – Real Life

“Tell Him” –  The Exciters  

“Come on Eileen” – Dexys Midnight Runners

“I’m Too Sexy” –  Right Said Fred

“My Sharona” –  The Knack

“Mickey” –  Toni Basil

“Maniac” – Michael Sembello

“I Believe in a Thing Called Love” – The Darkness

“Ready To Go” –  Republica

“I Want Candy” –  Bow Wow Wow

“I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” – The Proclaimers

“Play That Funky Music” – Wild Cherry

And, last but not least, everyone’s favorite party ending song:

“Closing Time” –  Semisonic 

Which One-Hit Wonders Are a Must Play?

So, how many did you immediately start humming and singing as soon as you saw them on the list? How many songs did you have to look up? Any that surprised you? Any you can’t stand, or can’t live without? Make sure to let your DJ know when you’re planning your event!

But honestly, the bottom line is, it’s rare for musicians to ever write one chart topping song, let alone a great song that lodges itself deep into our collective experience! We think that everyone on this list wrote great songs that captivated the world. I think you have to respect that, even if the song ended up being their only chart topper!

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source https://beattrainproductions.com/one-hit-wonders-that-everyone-loves-to-dance-to/

πŸŒ… Who's ready for summer weddings?!? ☀️ Huge shout-out to @wjfoxphoto for these amazing shots from last year. πŸ“· We can't wait to see your family and friends dancing in 2022! πŸ’ƒ Photo by Whitney J Fox Photography .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #newenglandwedding #fineartwedding #sneweddings #weddingwire #documentarywedding #newenglandbride #weddingday #theknot #fineartweddingphotographer #massachusettsphotographer #weddinginspiration #bostonweddingphotography #maweddingphotography #bostonweddingphotographer #bostonweddings #destinationweddingphotographer #bostonbrides #destinationwedding #bridetobe #bostonphotographer #newenglandweddings #bostonbride #newenglandweddingphotographer #mawedding #bostonwedding #thatsdarling #weddingdress