Saturday, July 25, 2009

A Recipe for Disaster

I received an inquiry from a bride about two weeks ago...looking for a last minute DJ... Of course, we are always willing to help...so I placed a call to see what she was looking for... we ended up having a great conversation and she was very excited about all the unique fun ideas I was posing to her for thoughts... of course - NOTHING cheesy!

We did not hear anything else from the bride...until two days ago...when she said she wanted to book us. Her father said "she is perfectionist and a procrastinator, it is an unusual blessing".

So two days ago (Wednesday) she calls us to tell us she really liked our phone conversation and was hoping we could send her our agreement. I was surprised - I had never had someone book us just a few days before the reception.

"If anyone can pull this off, I can" I thought to myself. After all, I had been called the day of to cover for a DJ who was in a minor car accident. And I rocked that party... (pics to come from that event!)

To make a long story ... interesting... The next day we receive the agreement, this is one day before the event. So we try to connect with the bride to review her details... I have nothing... no first dance, idea of the timeline, etc.

I finally reach her as she is headed to her rehearsal dinner - "I will work on the songs tonight and get back to you..." Oh boy... tomorrow is the reception. I am starting to think I will be picking out the songs at the reception.

Friday comes... of course the bride is busy doing all the things brides do on their special day...hair, make-up, etc... We finally connnect as she is "sneaking into the church for her break before pre ceremony photos", I am already on the road, headed to The Primrose Cottage, where she is to have her reception.

On the phone with the bride, scribbling furiously - she is reading off her playlist... and of course, "what do you suggest for the Mother Son song?" comes into the conversation. I actually co-authored an article for "The Knot Magazine" and "Brides Atlanta" talking about different song suggestions for the bride and groom. Those charts can be found (here).

Well to make a long story short, we had everyone celebrating all night (I will edit this story more later).

Off to prepare for tonight's reception - Mary and Mark at The Georgia Aquarium!

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Lethal Rhythms - Todays' bride requested : Latin Dance, The Classics and Punk Rock...

Hello Blog!! - Another weekend comes to a close... we are in full swing with no signs of slowing down... the word is out...Lethal Rhythms is on the scene - and as those who know us have said (and I quote) “You have weddings on lock”. The reasons are numerous... but they are unified... we will keep it short here and just say “It’s not just a job - it’s an adventure”. We show up at each event excited to rock the house - and that is what we do - whether your tastes run through the classics, 80’s or the new stuff... alternative, rock, or dance... we have you covered. This past weekend is just another in many weekends in testimony to the fact: We are Chameleons - we can handle any type of music style - Today's bride was looking for a mix of latin dance and the classics...and just a few top 40 songs to flavor the whole mix.. oh, and did I mention she is a big PUNK fan... ?? If Punk might be in your blood, I encourage you to check out www.rocknrollbride.com - I came across this site a while ago - it might be something of interest to you...

First off, what has happened to “The Atrium?” (Magic Moments Properties). One year ago, I did an event at that property and I was like... wow this place needs... a lot. Today, I was completely amazed at what a transformation the property has undergone... WOW is a great word to describe my thoughts when scoping out the facility. You want a reception with an outdoor area for the ceremony? The got it - talk about scenic and secluded... complete with a front fountain, and plenty of shade....You want a nice relaxed atmosphere, with friendly staff and assistants? Look no further then Sandra and Katie... and, if you are reading our blog - we can safely assume that dancing is important to you.. then The Atrium might be your spot... talk about a big dance floor! But wait - there’s more! Would you like to throw in a great balcony which overlooks the dance floor for the adventurous photographer ? Yeah, they have that too... If Norcross is in your “grid” for guests, and you want the flexibility to add your own touches... check out em out...

... the bride was a big fan of punk music - and we were prepared... mixed David Bowie with Flogging Molly, Horrorpops, The Lunachicks and Tiger Army... Never heard of them? That is ok, i am sure about half the people there had not either... but we mixed with Michael Jackson, Outkast, Michael Buble, The Doors, Led Zepplin and The Police.. oh yeah and Justin Timberlake, Lady GaGa and Dean Martin all made late night appearances... and plenty of people knew those artists - It was a packed dance floor most of the afternoon... did I mention this was a day wedding with lots of daylight? you would never guess from the photos... We brought this crowd to life - according to The Uncle of the Bride , Tony - his words "You really know how to get people in the mood - What a fun day this has been!"

Thanks Tony!

Photos coming soon!

We will be posting the contact info for each location we review where we entertain - Here is the Atrium:
http://www.the-atrium.com
The address is 5959 Buford Hwy, Norcross GA - 770.840.9949

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Bridal Bar Opening Soiree



Brides-- the Bridal Bar Atlanta is where it's at! I personally think the term "grand opening" is used too loosely. Often times openings aren't as "grand" as they should be or grand at all, for that matter. But the Bridal Bar begs to differ; their grand opening was nothing short of grand.

The party started at the actual Bridal Bar facility, a sort of "open house"... brides were free to walk through the gallery and pull information on everything (and anything) bridal. From there, we (yeah, you better believe I hopped on that bus too!) were transported to the Lee Brandt jewelry store via shuttle. I'm not talking about your old school bus type of shuttle, I'm talkin' high powered A/C, flat screen TV, comfy leather seating..."I want you for the next bachelorette party" kind of shuttle. I think that had a lot to do with it, I felt like I was stepping off the party bus and ready for a party.

And there it was-the party. If I had to explain my mental checklist upon entering Lee Brandt it'd go something like:

Cheese hard for the step and repeat...check
Check out at the classy Benz parked beside the step and repeat... check
Sweet beats, sweet people, sweet treats... check, check, check.
Open bar... check.

And you know, it was fun! Fun interacting with the brides, fun interacting with all the different vendors, fun for all- really. I'm not exactly the one getting married, but trust me- I understand the beauty of face-to-face interaction with who you're working with on your big day (even in the early phases).

That's where the Lethal Rhythms philosophy comes into play-you better believe Lethal Rhythms was well represented. Daniel, the head of our new Lethal Video, was walking around all night shooting scenes of brides and vendors doing business and having fun at the same time. Luckily for me, the combination of fun and business happens a whole lot in this industry! Anne and I made our fun by walking around and getting excited with brides about their super special day and letting them know all about our entertainment services (with a personalized touch, of course). And then there was Joel- taking requests, providing the jams, and setting the mood for the party... always.

All in all- excellent. Bridal Bar did a great job. The party was great, the people were great... great, great, great. And if they're your ultimate wedding planning resource, a great party is the type of party they should throw. Now you know, they deliver!

Written by: Monica Diaz, Lethal Rhythms Event Planning Specialist and Project Manager

Monday, July 13, 2009

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Sweet's Wedding 07/10/09 from a Different Perspective

As viewed by: Monica Diaz, Event Planning Specialist

Hellooo chandelier! Aside from being an absolutely gorgeous venue boasting magnificent chandeliers, artfully crafted vaulted ceilings, beautiful marble flooring and an ubber convenient location, the Biltmore Hotel in Atlanta is on the National Register of Historic Places (I found that pretty interesting!). Aside from its natural charm, there’s no doubt the guest of the DeBussey/Sweet wedding experienced the “WoW” factor throughout the entire celebration.

You talk about a fun group; even the ceremony was exciting… with a dip kiss and all! Following the ceremony in the Imperial Ballroom guests were rerouted to the lobby of the Georgian Ballroom for a cocktail hour to get the party started! The doors soon opened to the Georgian Ballroom and the crowd transitioned into their assigned tables to enjoy the deliciousness that is Affairs to Remember’s gourmet catering (of course, Joel provided some sweet beats to loosen up the mood!).

My favorite part was post-dinner when the new Mrs. Sweet danced with her father and surprised him mid-song with a slide show of father and daughter throughout the years… it really added a unique touch. Not to mention, the background music to the slide show was a LIVE singer! By the way… Christy Fink if you’re out there, major props on that voice! So brides, keep that in mind if you’re looking for a way to really repay your father for all those years of teenage rebellion and of course footing the bill for your special day! Getting to know the guests during dinner sure paid off because it was truly a mixed crowd… all ages were out there on the dance floor before we strategically rerouted the attention to the toasts and cake cutting ceremony. Not to worry, people were bustin’ moves shortly after and into the night (up until the last dance!).

Talk about a wedding full of surprises- the groom and his crew decided to throw together their very own performance for the bride! I guess you’d really call it a revolutionized version of the Electric Slide. Joel decided to surprise the dancers with a collaboration of current hip/hop beats. From then on the energy of the crowd just radiated and the majority of the wedding guests were up on the dance floor following along with the groomsmen (way to go guys!).

Allerie and Michael Sweet congratulation on a fun-filled, tasteful, and overall stellar wedding! Brought to you in part by the Biltmore Hotel, Novare Events, Affairs to Remember, and of course Lethal Rhythms' team.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

07.10.09 Allerie and Michael_The Biltmore

Wow, what a great couple. Working with professionals across the board. Special shout out to the event planner Katie. Also to the Staff at Novarre Events. Links to come later...

The bride and groom hired us because they wanted "a fun but classy professional event". Like most brides, they were not sure that a "DJ" could be those things.

At Lethal Rhythms we work hard to personalize your event. We want each and every event to be YOUR event - matching your taste, your style your personality.

As professional MCs we know how to keep things moving...We do pride ourselves on our mixing abilities... visit our website for more info...
Needless to say, Michael and Allerie had a fantastic time! More photos to come... here are some for now... These are pics taken by our peeps at Lethal Rhythms... =)


Thursday, July 9, 2009

Sneak Preview of Our Updated Bio!

Lethal Rhythms

Lethal: (adjective) very potent or effective
Rhythms: (noun) movement, fluctuation or variation marked by regular recurrence or natural flow of related elements


What makes their rhythms so lethal? Since its inception in 2001, Lethal Rhythms has been wholeheartedly devoted to its mission, to set the standard for Event Entertainment. Our DJs truly go “the extra mile” by being more than just a DJ for your function. Aside from their inherent charisma each member has been systematically trained by our “boss man” Joel Rabe, a scholar of psychology and sociology, to not only work but read the crowd.

The infusion of extensive knowledge and experience in DJing, MCing and Event Management creates lethal rhythms throughout the event and event planning process. Strategically scheduled consultations 90, 60, and 30 days out from the day the event allows for relationship building that provide the comfort that each client seeks. Realizing the importance of catering to client’s needs Lethal Rhythms makes communication a priority throughout the event planning process. Previously obtained demographics of each function’s attendees in collaboration with the host’s preferences guarantee adapted and highly compatible entertainment.

Continuously innovative and methodical, Lethal Rhythms is naturally revolutionizing what clients rightfully should expect for their visualized event. Each event’s success is inevitable with Lethal Rhythms’ Talent, Technology and Tenacity.

A statement is made. Event planners we introduce… Lethal Rhythms.

Lethal Rhythms Welcomes Monica Diaz to the Team!

Driven to pursue her innate creativity and organizational talents; Monica Diaz, a Georgia native, set off to Florida to pursue more knowledge of the Event Planning industry. She graduated Cum Laude from the University of Florida with a Bachelors degree in Recreation, Parks, and Tourism with a specialization in Recreation and Event Management.

Eager to obtain experience and execute her knowledge and skills, Monica began her career at the ripe age of 19. An Event Planner and Sales Intern for Activities, Opinions, and Interests Media, Monica achieved optimal success for one of Gainesville’s most well-known events, Gator Stompin’. She would soon pursue her goal of “making a difference” as Event Planner for Keep Alachua County Beautiful. Running a one woman show, she developed and implemented an environmental campaign event entitled “Go Green: Get Active”. Following south she expanded her network to Miami,Florida as an Event Management Intern at the Wolfsonian: Florida International University. Here she assisted in the execution of a series of gala dinners in collaboration with the South Beach Food and Wine Festival, an exhibition of original paintings commissioned for Mouton Rothschild’s wine labels with meals prepared by world-renowned chef Daniel Boulud.

Charitable at heart, Monica organized a 5K event on the University of Florida campus that successfully raised thousands of dollars for Camp Kesem. She would later execute “All In for Breast Cancer”, a poker tournament created to attain money for the American Breast Cancer Society. As a former member of the steering committee for Young Executives for Success (Y.E.S.) in Miami, Florida, she generated capital through sponsorships, monthly business networking events, and specialized marketing tactics to further develop the organization. She’s currently working on a major fundraising event being held in October just outside of South Miami Beach on Star Island to raise money for the hungry through Joshua’s Heart Foundation.

Now a Georgia resident again, Monica is the new Event Planner and Project Manager on our team. New to Lethal Rhythms, but not to Event Management, Monica is enthusiastic to put her breadth of knowledge and ingenuity in the events arena to work for your next special event. Whether it’s your wedding day, a corporate function, or a fundraising event she’ll work with you and for you to ensure that the end result is everything you’d dreamt it’d be.