Sound Advice from Elevated Pulse

Wedding Song Recommendations: Ceremony

2012-02-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

Your wedding ceremony songs stay with you for a lifetime, so it's understandable that you want to choose something memorable, meaningful, and unique. Years from now you'll hear that song and immediately be transported back to the very moment you walked down the aisle or saw your Bride for the first time. That's why Elevated Pulse likes to recommend a variety of songs, including some unfamiliar artists, so that our Brides and Grooms can truly make their ceremony songs their own. These next few artists are so off the radar we couldn't even find official YouTube videos for them! The video quality is not the best but the artists and songs are really perfect for any part of your ceremony, so please take a moment and listen! Enjoy!

Song: You and Me
Artist: Steve Means (this guy is so off the radar all we could find were home made videos)

Song: Where the Road Meets the Sun
Artist: Katie Herzig & Matthew Perryman Jones

Song (Perfect for Ceremony Recessional): You
Artist: Michael Warren

Song (Best for Processional): Go Together
Artist: Jillian Edwards

Song: You and I
Artist: Ingrid Michaelson

A Music Themed Real Wedding

2012-02-01T08:00:00.000-08:00

Well, the old saying, "Rain on your wedding day is good luck" must be true. Because this Bride and Groom got married on one of the rare days in Southern California when it pours BUCKETS! But, that didn't stop them from having a seriously cool wedding! Carmen & Matt's decision to create a music and rock and roll themed wedding was a simple one. They shared a love for music and Matt even popped the question at a Dave Matthews Band concert (hence, the DMB themed cake topper). They transformed their reception venue, Franciscan Gardens, with beautiful red and black details and all the guests had to have their ticket to get in! That's right, their invites were actually tickets to the "Carmen & Matthew Ball & Chain Tour". How creative is that?!
They chose some amazing artists and bands to act as their table names and escort cards. Of course, these same artists like Muse, Dave Matthews Band, Train, Foster the People, and Keane were on the must-play list for the reception. And the rain stopped just long enough for Ohana Photographers to get some seriously amazing shots! Check out some of our favorite moments below and contact us for your DJ and lighting consultation.

Photography: Ohana Photographers
Venue: Franciscan Gardens in San Juan Capistrano
Catering: 24 Carrots Catering
DJ & Lighting: Elevated Pulse (duh!)
Cake: Cinderella Cakes

A Real Wedding Fairytale

2012-01-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

This wedding has romance written all over it. Andrew and Daisha met as co-workers and quickly fell in love. Their storybook engagement started at the Eiffel Tower in Paris and they were married soon after at Rancho Las Lomas in Silverado Canyon. Since the Bride had truly found her Prince Charming, she was inspired to create a "Fairytale" theme for their wedding. They stayed true to this theme by using several Steve Tyrell Disney songs during cocktail hour, and the epic wedding ceremony song, "All I want is You" by the Vitamin String Quartet. You can see the extra detail that was put into every part of the day, from the cake, to the handmade roses, to the Cinderella dress.
The couple also had one of the most amazing video montage's I've ever seen that played during the reception. It took all their guests on the journey of their relationship with images from their engagement in Paris and the road to their wedding day. It was truly remarkable to watch! Andrew and Daisha deserve all the love and happiness in the world. Elevated Pulse was honored to be a part of their special day!

Venue: Rancho Las Lomas

Catering: 24 Carrots Catering

Photography: The Caldwells Photography

Wedding Planner: Events by Evelynn

A Wedding Dance Party Montage

2012-01-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

Elevated Pulse feels incredibly lucky to DJ some of the most fun weddings happening in Southern California. Our brides and grooms come to us requesting that we play "whatever works" to ensure all their guests have FUN. It is a celebration after all! Our DJ's are masters at reading a crowd and knowing exactly what song will work next. When choosing your own Wedding DJ it is important that they not only have experience and beat mixing skills but also have the right personality for Emceeing the event.

Christine & Brent's wedding guests did not hesitate to get their dance on! They rocked that dance floor! Enjoy watching this wedding highlight video courtesy of Charles Lauren Films. The cinematographers at Charles Lauren have impeccable customer service and will give you timeless memories in a beautiful and unique way. Be sure to check out their work!

Wedding Song Recommendations: Mother / Son Dance

2012-01-17T08:00:00.000-08:00

This particular wedding dance holds a special place in a mother's heart. Grooms always seem to have a hard time choosing the right song. And, when it's left up to Mom to choose, oftentimes we get requests for cheesy, manufactured "mother son" songs. If both Mom and son don't already have a song with significant meaning, here are a few Elevated Pulse suggests:

Song: A Thousand Years
Artist: Christina Perri

Song: Real Love (start at 0:22)
Artist: Macy Gray

Song: With Arms Wide Open
Artist: Creed

Song: Belief (stripped version)
Artist: Gavin Degraw

photo by Amanda Doublin Photography

Evening Wedding at [Seven-Degrees]

2012-01-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

Most wedding ceremonies take place before the sun sets, but today's real wedding was an exception. Christine and Dennis were married after sundown at the gorgeous Seven Degrees in Laguna Beach. Elevated Pulse has taken part in many daytime wedding ceremonies at this venue but in our opinion, this evening event was the most beautiful setting. The purple accent lighting and tent with hanging paper lanterns made for a stunning backdrop. Christine and Dennis were such an easy-going couple joined by an incredibly fun bridal party that made this wedding a serious celebration. I don't think the dancing stopped from the moment the newlyweds entered the reception. We couldn't have asked for a smoother, stress-free event! And, when you have a photographer like Henry Chen your images are going to be as epic as these!

New Year's Mix CD Promotion

2012-01-03T13:30:00.000-08:00

Elevated Pulse is ringing in the New Year with a CD Promotion. Anyone that "Likes" our Facebook page in the next 24 hours will receive one of our music mix CD's. It has 5 of our published mixes on it (that's 2.5 hours of music)! It includes the following:

1. Future Lounge Vol. One
2. Future Lounge Vol. Two
3. Oldies Remix
4. 80's Mix
5. Top 40/Dance Mix

So visit our Facebook Page and "LIKE" us ASAP! Then, send us your mailing address for shipping the CD.

Happy New Year!

Real Wedding: Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles

2011-12-27T08:30:00.000-08:00

This was such an epic wedding for Elevated Pulse. Our Bride, Leslie, was planning her wedding from Chicago, so we had many phone conversations and email strings during the months prior to the wedding. We clicked immediately with her witty sense of humor and our sarcastic responses! She had some amazing ideas for music and song selections and would send us YouTube videos with some mixes she liked and inspirational photos and videos for the lighting design she wanted. You could tell how excited she was for their big day and how glad she was to have Elevated Pulse be a part of it.

The wedding took place at the remarkable Millennium Biltmore Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, and as you can tell, we obviously had a stunning canvas to work with. We designed the lighting to enhance the already spectacular decor of the venue rather than overwhelm it. We created up lighting in warm tones for the front of the pillars and around the room, and up lighting in purple behind the pillars to create depth. We used pinspots on all the center pieces and the cake. And, we had intelligent dance lighting and wash lighting for the dance floor.

There were so many unique moments that really made this wedding special. The team of vendors were some of the best we've ever worked with, including Lin & Jirsa Photography! Photographers...take notice of their recently released camera/laptop bags!

They had a surprise guest performance from an incredible Frank Sinatra impersonator! (You can tell the ladies loved him)

And their dear friend, Jes Hudak (finalist from Bravo's "Platinum Hit") played several songs throughout the night.

Happy Holidays from Elevated Pulse

2011-12-20T10:48:00.000-08:00

Music always gets us into the Holiday spirit so we decided to share a holiday playlist with some of our favorites holiday songs!

Song: "Snow Day" Artist: Matt Pond PA

Song: "Baby, It's Cold Outside" Artist: She & Him

Song: "White Christmas" Artist: Michael Buble featuring Shania Twain

Song: "Santa Baby" Artist: The GLEE Cast

Song: "Winter Wonderland" Artist: Dean Martin

Song: "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" Artist: Frank Sinatra

Song: "Mistletoe" Artist: Justin Bieber

Song: "All I want for Christmas is You" Artist: Mariah Carey

Wedding Song Recommendations: Bouquet Toss

2011-12-07T08:30:00.000-08:00

"How do I choose a song for our father daughter dance?"

"What if we don't have a "song", how do we choose our first dance track?"

"We want to be different so what do you suggest for our grand entrance song?"

These are all great questions and ones that we hear all the time. So, we decided to start posting our best recommendations and even creative song selections from our own clients to help all of our brides and grooms to be!

We all know what an important tradition the Bouquet Toss is to all the ladies, so the song choice is just as important! We've compiled a few old and new songs to help our Brides decide what fits their group of "single" girlfriends the best! Listen and let us know what song you've chosen or heard used in the past!

Song: You Make Me Feel
Artist: Cobra Starship featuring Sabi

You Make Me Feel by Cobra Starship ft Sabi on Grooveshark

Song: Where Them Girls At
Artist: David Guetta featuring Flo Rida & Nicki Minaj

Where Them Girls At (feat. Nicki Minaj & Flo Rida) by David Guetta on Grooveshark

Song: Senorita

Artist: Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake-Senorita by Justin Timberlake on Grooveshark

Song: D-A-N-C-E

Artist: Justice

Justice- D.A.N.C.E. by JUSTICE on Grooveshark

Laguna Beach Wedding

2011-11-23T08:30:00.000-08:00

Susie and Henry were one of our "out of town" couples trying to plan their wedding from miles away. On the one occasion I got to meet them in-person prior to their wedding I knew instantly that this would be a fun wedding. Henry is hilarious and full of energy and Susie is super sweet and down to earth. Together, they make an awesome couple and I could see why they have such a huge group of friends to celebrate with them!

Elevated Pulse Productions provided both DJ and lighting services for their big day. They chose synced up lighting around the Surf & Sand ballroom because it allowed them to use the lights as decor and then as dance lights later in the night. We used soft, same color up lights during dinner and changed them to rotate color later in the night to create a more vibrant dance floor. Elevated Pulse also provided their custom monogram light that was shining on the dance floor for the entire reception. You can see the highlights from their day below thanks to the crazy talented duo at Callaway Gable.

Wedding Song Recommendations: Father / Daughter Dance

2011-11-16T11:28:00.001-08:00

"How do I choose a song for our father daughter dance?"

"What if we don't have a "song", how do we choose our first dance track?"

"We want to be different so what do you suggest for our grand entrance song?"

Today Elevated Pulse tackles one of the most difficult song choices for your wedding reception...the father daughter dance. Many brides struggle with this decision. They want something sentimental but not too sappy, something that shows a love for one another but not a love song per se (we leave those songs for their groom). And there are plenty of brides that have a great relationship with their Dad but they were never "daddy's little girl" so it's tough picking a song. So, how do you sum up so many years of your life with this important person you call "Dad"? Here are a few we think are modern yet not over played:

Song: Paradise
Artist: Coldplay

Song: I Will Be
Artist: Leona Lewis

I Will Be by Leona Lewis on Grooveshark

Song: How I Love You

Artist: Javier Dunn

How I Love You by Javier Dunn on Grooveshark

Song: Baby Mine

Artist: Steve Tyrell

Baby Mine by Steve Tyrell on Grooveshark

Featured Artist: Florence & The Machine

2011-11-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

Very rarely does a singer's voice give me the chills. And Florence Welch's does just that EVERY time, with every song. Her voice is as enchanting as Adele's and as emotional and gut wrentching as a dramatic movie. Florence and The Machine deliver music that echoes through your entire body. It is music that wakes your soul. With the recent release of the album "Ceremonials", Florence and the Machine is an easy artist to feature...not just for the talent, but also because there are several tracks that can be used on your wedding day! Some of my favorites include "Cosmic Love", "Dog Days Are Over", and "You've Got the Love". Elevated Pulse has a few picked out below to incorporate into your wedding:

GRAND ENTRANCE:
"Shake it Out"

FIRST DANCE:
"Never Let Me Go"

Maravilla Gardens Wedding

2011-11-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

Melanie and Charlie got married at the pretty and peaceful Maravilla Gardens in Camarillo, CA. You could tell immediately that these two were in love. They are so sweet and have the kind of relationship most people wish for. They are such a great match and a beautiful couple both inside and out! Thank you to their brillant photographer, Marianne Wilson, for sharing these photos!

Mid-Week Mix Sessions

2011-11-02T09:30:00.000-07:00

This mix is truly for everyone! After months of searching, we were able to compile some incredible "Oldies" remixes. Elevated Pulse has dropped many of these tracks at recent weddings and found they can be played seamlessly with our current top dance music. It's such an amazing feeling to see Mom, Dad, and Grandma dancing to a song they've always loved and then look around to see that the young crowd knows all the words too and is singing along! We seriously LOVE this mix and have been so anxious to share it! We DARE you not to dance!

Oldies Remix by Elevatedpulse

photo by Marianne Wilson Photography

Real Weddings Update

2011-10-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

Elevated Pulse has had the pleasure of working with some amazing couples the last few months and we would love to share EVERY photo, but that might crash our site. So, we want to give you just a sneak peek here and link you to the photographer's blog post for more!

Real Wedding: Katie & Jon at Calamigos Ranch, Malibu

Elevated Pulse provided DJ and Lighting for this sweet couple! See the full post from their super talented photographer, Marin Rosche Photography.

Real Wedding: Deanna & Nic at Franciscan Gardens

Deanna and Nic had some really beautiful details at Franciscan Gardens, including the gobo light we provided above. Be sure to check out the full blog post on Zoom Theory Photography!

Real Wedding: Valerie & Tim at Strawberry Farms

Valerie and Tim have such a wonderful story and a relationship that has been going strong for 9 years! We loved working with Tim Wheaton Photography, so please click the link for more photos! And their Strawberry Farms wedding was also captured on video by Still Moments Studio.

Real Wedding: Jessica & Joe at Hotel Laguna

Elevated Pulse had a blast playing the music for this fun, energetic, and super laid back couple and their guests. We decided on blue uplighting to accent the room at Hotel Laguna and it looked great! Full blog post by Jessica Hannon Photography!

Wedding Song Recommendations: Grand Entrance

2011-10-24T13:06:00.000-07:00

"How do I choose a song for our father daughter dance?"

"What if we don't have a "song", how do we choose our first dance track?"

"We want to be different so what do you suggest for our grand entrance song?"

This week Elevated Pulse is bringing you more options for your wedding reception Grand Entrance Song. We realized this is one of the MOST searched "wedding" terms on Google by Brides and Grooms, so we're here to help! To make it easy, we've geared our recommendations based on different genres of music. So choose what you like and listen. Remember, a grand entrance should be exciting, upbeat, and fun for you and the bridal party!

Alternative
Song: Howlin for you
Artist: The Black Keys

Indie
Song: What you know
Artist: Two Door Cinema Club

Rock
Song: Love You Madly
Artist: Cake

Electro
Song: La La La
Artist: LMFAO

Classic
Song: Move Your Feet
Artist: Junior/Senior

Pop
Song: Without You
Artist: David Guetta feat.Usher

Wedding Song Recommendations: Garter Toss

2011-10-18T08:30:00.000-07:00

"How do I choose a song for our father daughter dance?"

"What if we don't have a "song", how do we choose our first dance track?"

"We want to be different so what do you suggest for our grand entrance song?"

The Garter Toss is a tradition you either love or hate. And, it can be conservative or extremely sexy depending on how modest a Bride and Groom want to be. Often times, Grooms are left to decide on the song for the garter toss, since it's their "moment", but they come to us begging for suggestions. Here are a few ideas for either contemporary or classic garter toss songs.

Song: The Moneymaker

Artist: Rilo Kiley

Song: Fever

Artist: Michael Bublé
*Of course, this song has many renditions, including the original by Peggy Lee

Strawberry Farms Wedding

2011-10-13T08:30:00.000-07:00

Rustic barn weddings are becoming more and more popular with brides and grooms. Most Orange County couples looking for this type of venue have to search far and wide...unless they have an Uncle with a farm. But, Strawberry Farms Golf Club in Irvine has the perfect wedding reception venue...a big, red barn! And the interior is already set to host a large number of guests with room for dancing. Besides the twinkling bistro lights over head, this venue is a blank canvas allowing you to decorate and add details custom to your own event. Elevated Pulse recommends adding up lighting and some great dance floor lighting to enhance the mood you want to create. We recently worked with an all American couple, Aly & Cody, for their Strawberry Farms wedding. They created some really unique details and worked with Green Leaf Designs on the shabby chic florals. I highly recommend you check out the full blog post from their amazing photographer, Carly Daniel!

Wedding Song Recommendations: Cake Cutting

2011-10-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

"How do I choose a song for our father daughter dance?"

"What if we don't have a "song", how do we choose our first dance track?"

"We want to be different so what do you suggest for our grand entrance song?"

Dessert Time! The Cake Cutting tradition can be scheduled at several different points during your wedding reception. Many times, we have clients that like to use it as a break from dancing, later in the evening. From a DJ/MC perspective, Elevated Pulse loves to recommend Cake Cutting right after dinner. This helps to prevent a lull on the dance floor when everyone stops to eat the cake. However, if it's scheduled later in the evening in the middle of dancing, it does allow for us to transition to dance tunes for the younger crowd that stays for the late night party! Either way, choose a cake cutting song that is fun, simple, and SWEET. Here are just a few we like:

Song: We Are Going to be Friends
Artist: White Stripes

Song: Everything's Right
Artist: Matt Wertz

Dance Floor ALERT

2011-10-04T15:54:00.000-07:00

Elevated Pulse's main goal when writing this blog is to provide unique and creative song recommendations to our clients, colleagues, and friends. And today is no exception! Because we usually have access to new albums BEFORE they are released, we can spot these dance floor heaters from a mile away! And this track from Flo Rida is guaranteed to be a dance floor HIT. We expect many requests for this song in the coming months. The album has yet to be released but the single is out now.

Wedding Song Recommendations: Room Opening

2011-09-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

"How do I choose a song for our father daughter dance?"

"What if we don't have a "song", how do we choose our first dance track?"

"We want to be different so what do you suggest for our grand entrance song?"

That moment when the wedding reception room doors open and your guests see everything come together for the 1st time...we call that your "room opening". Most couples don't even consider the music that would be playing at this time and most DJ companies don't ask or prepare anything special. But it is a perfect opportunity to "wow" your guests and set the tone for the rest of the night. Since Elevated Pulse will never overlook details like this, we have lots of suggestions for our Brides and Grooms. Here are just a few. Enjoy!

Song: OK, It's Alright with Me

Artist: Eric Hutchinson

Song: Good Life (Clean Version)
Artist: One Republic

Song: OH Snap!
Artist: Mozella

Wedding Song Recommendations: Ceremony

2011-09-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

"How do I choose a song for our father daughter dance?"

"What if we don't have a "song", how do we choose our first dance track?"

"We want to be different so what do you suggest for our grand entrance song?"

Today's post tackles the very important and meaningful wedding ceremony songs. There are so many pieces of a ceremony to be accompanied by music such as the seating of the family, the bridal party march, the processional, the recessional, and more. Our clients often get lost when the time comes to choose music for these memorable moments. If you are not hiring live musicians for the ceremony, your options are even greater. And, as DJs, we understand the need for really helpful, customized recommendations. And we don't mean the standard "Canon in D". We want to advise our couples of the new, old, traditional, and unconventional so they can decide which best matches their style. Here are just a few we've found. Close your eyes, imagine the moment, and Enjoy!

For the Processional:

Song: The Blower's Daughter (start at about 00:57 seconds)

Artist: Damien Rice

Song: I will love you

Artist: Fisher

Song: A Little More of You

Artist: Ashley Chambliss

For the Recessional:

Song: Pretty Please Love Me (start at 00:24 seconds OR at 01:03)

Artist: Estelle featuring Cee-Lo Green

Song: Say It Again (start at 00:32 seconds)

Artist: Marie Digby

Surf & Sand Wedding

2011-09-19T12:05:00.000-07:00

Our clients, Lindsay and Lee, were a super organized couple living in New York that wanted the ultimate beach wedding. They wanted to keep the music modern and fun, making room for guests to enjoy the party and each others company. I guess having their wedding at a Laguna Beach resort right on the sand matches their outgoing and classic nature. They made their vision come to life with our talented friends at LVL Weddings & Events!
If you are looking for the ultimate "beachy" wedding, then look no further than the Surf & Sand Resort in Laguna Beach. It has one of the best settings for an intimate ocean view ceremony. The staff there is amazing, especially Sandy, who will take care of all of your special requests. And of course, the backdrop for your photos....flawless. If you aren't already a fan of Christine Bentley Photography, you will be after this! Click here for more images of this gorgeous beach wedding.

Featured Venue: Franciscan Gardens

2011-09-13T09:26:00.000-07:00

Franciscan Gardens is probably the one Orange County wedding venue we work at most. And, that's not by chance! There are many reasons Elevated Pulse absolutely loves this garden location tucked away in the heart of San Juan Capistrano. First, it is owned and operated by 24 Carrots Catering, which is well known in Southern California as one of the best in providing elegant, unique, and drool-worthy menus. They are true professionals and make sure all of their events run seamlessly. Second, it has such a romantic, warm, and personal ambience, it is just perfect for weddings. And third, the staff and on-site event managers are not just our partners, but have also become our good friends. Their personal touch and extra care with all of our clients is what makes them stand out among the many other wedding venues in Orange County.

Over the past 2 years, Elevated Pulse has worked closely with Anne & Abbi, the property's event managers, to create the perfect DJ and lighting packages to highlight this beautiful venue. The venue is already decorated with overhead bistro lighting but it is a blank canvas for brides and grooms to paint from there. Take a look at just a few of the weddings we've been a part of at Franciscan Gardens.
Photos courtesy of Amanda Doublin Photography, Tangerine Tree Photography, Chris Diset Photography, and Tim Wheaton Photography.

Garter Toss Fun!

2011-09-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

Having such incredible clients in our business means we often times witness really creative and unique weddings. And plenty of times, an event or special moment during a wedding will leave a lasting impression. This moment was so memorable, we just had to share it! Our Bride and Groom were married at Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach, where Elevated Pulse provided DJ services and uplighting around the ballroom. After the Bride tossed her bouquet and the Groom threw the garter to the most eligible bachelor, they told the recipients of the bouquet and garter that they weren't off the hook yet! The gentleman that caught the garter had to place it, while BLINDFOLDED, on the leg of the woman who caught the bouquet. OK, sounds fun...and even a little sexy, right?! Take a look at the events unfolding! Thank you to the extremely talented Gavin Wade for capturing this moment and making it unforgettable!

Congratulations again to Kristin & Nick! Thanks for being such a FUN couple!

Aimi & John's Seven Degrees Wedding

2011-08-29T10:30:00.000-07:00

This next couple needs no introduction! Aimi and John were a part of our blog prior to this post due to their amazing (in our opinion) music selection. They were the first Bride and Groom to actually request that we play electronic music at their reception. As true beat mixing DJs, Elevated Pulse jumped at the opportunity to play music we usually only play on our own terms. Their guests were not only embracing the music, they were dancing all night long! Aimi and John chose the ultra modern venue, Seven Degrees. We thought the up to date choice of music really matched the overall contemporary decor and technologically advanced venue. Normally, we would say you have to see it to believe it, but fortunately, Aimi and John hired the uber talented Sarah K Chen to photograph the occasion. This girl is AMAZING with a camera. Some of her shots are below, but if you want to see more, click here!

Mid-Week Mix Sessions

2011-08-24T09:55:00.000-07:00

For your listening pleasure, and to get you over that mid-week slump, Elevated Pulse is providing you with a different type of music mix as often as possible! We'll highlight different DJ's and different styles each time so make sure you check back every month and have a listen!

Today is Volume 2 of our extremely popular mix "Future Lounge". You may have seen our first volume published early in 2011 and featured on many wedding blogs as an example of excellent cocktail/dinner hour music. We got such great feedback we wanted to provide a second dose of these swanky, cool, and eclectic sounds. This time around we focused on the ever growing more popular indie rock and indie electro. Think Adele meets Franz Ferdinand. So, press PLAY and let us know if you love it or hate it!

Rancho Las Lomas Wedding with Music Theme

2011-08-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

Meeting Candice and Vince was probably one of the most exciting first meetings I've ever had with a client. They told me their wedding would be centered around their love of music and a "Coachella" theme and I almost fell off my chair. Could this couple been a gift from the Wedding DJ gods?! Their ideas and taste in music matched mine so perfectly, I think I might have invited myself as a wedding guest if I had not DJ'ed. They were a breath of fresh air and a break from the norm. I mean, any couple who gets married underneath a giant disco ball is a DJ's dream come true!

Candice and Vince were so clearly a perfect match too. They were fun, light-hearted, and ready to get their groove on. Elevated Pulse put together a play list for the reception AND after party with the help of the bride and groom. It included a lot of Oldies, Motown, and Funk for the older crowd during the reception. And the after party was a blend of popular dance tunes and electronic music, including A-Track, LCD Soundsystem, Deadmaus, Outkast, Wolfgang Gartner, and more, keeping the dance floor packed until the very late hours!

We also provided blue uplighting throughout the venue to match their wedding colors and Intelligent Dance Lighting for their after party. Thank you to the venue, Rancho Las Lomas, for creating a stunning backdrop, 24 Carrots Catering, and to Jeffrey Shipley for the awesome photos. Check out his website for more amazing photography!

Style Me Pretty Featured Wedding!

2011-08-18T15:39:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for wedding inspiration READ ON. We may have mentioned it before...Elevated Pulse is one of Style Me Pretty's Little Black Book vendors, and we couldn't be more honored. So, when we saw that the wedding of one of our couples, Sara and Sean, was featured on the famed wedding blog we just had to repost. Check it out here.

Note to Brides- if you are not an avid reader of Style Me Pretty already...start now!

Walt Disney Concert Hall Wedding

2011-08-15T10:00:00.000-07:00

Trisha just might have been the sweetest Bride we've ever met. Trisha found Elevated Pulse on Style Me Pretty's Little Black Book and we immediately wanted to work with her. Since Trisha is a Disney Company employee it was only fitting that she be married at the astounding Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. If you haven't heard of it...a quick fact; it was created by famed architect Frank Gehry, and was designed to be one of the most acoustically sophisticated concert halls in the world!
Trisha and Jeff, the Groom, planned for a warm and inviting reception and the lighting and music provided by Elevated Pulse did just that. Check out photographer Chaz Cruz for more!

Wedding Song Recommendations: Modern

2011-08-05T12:02:00.000-07:00

"How do I choose a song for our father daughter dance?"
"What if we don't have a "song", how do we choose our first dance track?"
"We want to be different so what do you suggest for our grand entrance song?"

These are all great questions and ones that we hear all the time. So, we decided to start posting our best recommendations and even creative song selections from our own clients to help all our brides and grooms to be!

Today we are providing options for each of the main wedding songs rather than just focusing on a particular one. This combination of modern songs, just as good on their own or paired together, can help you prepare for your own "must play" list or trigger your memory of another song you love. Either way, we hope they help you in your wedding planning process!

Grand Entrance: This sets the tone for the night! Try and choose anything fun, with a good beat, and worry less about the lyrics.

Song: Hello
Artist: Martin Solveig
*Note* Start around 0:55

1st Dance:
Song: The Lucky Ones
Artist: Brendan James

Cake Cutting: Of course we recommend a sweet song that you can't use for dancing

Song: I would do anything for you
Artist: Foster the People

Bouquet Toss: The ladies always want high energy, girly lyrics!

Song: Boyz
Artist: MIA

Garter Toss: Try and choose something with a little bit of swag for your boys!

Song: Figured Me Out
Artist: Jamie Lidell

Last Dance of the Night: We recommend something epic, something every knows and can sing out loud to!

Song: Just a friend
Artist: Bizmarkie

Orange County Wedding Spotlight: Laguna Beach

2011-08-03T09:35:00.000-07:00

Elevated Pulse recently had the pleasure of working with Ellen and daughter Erin, also the Bride, on a garden wedding reception in Laguna Beach. They had already hired an OUTSTANDING Beatles cover band for music, so we were able to provide all of the lighting for the event. We were also lucky enough to work with one of the most sought after wedding planners in the world, Mindy Weiss Party Consultants. Her staff were so professional and organized you could tell she only hires the best!

The wedding ceremony was held on the beach where the Bride grew up. And to keep with the elegant, cool, clean beachy look, Erin requested all warm tones for the reception lighting. Elevated Pulse set up Bistro Lights strung across the garden space with alternating white paper lanterns above all the tables. We also featured amber colored uplighting around the perimeter and pin spot lights to highlight the dessert table.
Lastly, we provided Intelligent Dance Lights on truss columns to help light up the dance floor as the band rocked out. Overall, we kept neutral tones and colors and after looking out at the entire reception from a far...you could see that Erin's vision had come together :)

Check out the blog post from their talented photographer, Kristina Lee Photography!

Incredibly Creative Wedding Video

2011-07-28T16:00:00.000-07:00

We are so thrilled to share a video highlight from a recent wedding we did at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club. Paperback Weddings was chosen to video document the Bride and Groom's journey and special day, and we think it is totally awesome!

The bride and groom had a very whimsical and charismatic style and their vision was brought to life by Luxe Life Events, along with lighting and music help from Elevated Pulse. They used a monogram/gobo light, along with an intelligent dance lighting package to create an incredible dance floor atmosphere. Their pink uplighting tied in with their florals and decor.

jason + kenzy • highlight from Paperback Weddings on Vimeo.

Featured on Simply Sweet Weddings Blog

2011-07-27T11:35:00.000-07:00

We are so honored and thankful to Holly of Simply Sweet Weddings for highlighting Elevated Pulse on their blog today. We are so lucky to work with Wedding Planners like Holly. They really make our job, and a Bride & Groom's life, so much easier.

The blog asks some fun questions so if you want to get to know Elevated Pulse definitely check it out. And, if you are looking for an experienced, fun, and SWEET wedding planner, then please contact Simply Sweet Weddings! You won't be disappointed.

Orange County Wedding Spotlight

2011-07-18T15:45:00.000-07:00

Today we feature the recent Elevated Pulse Productions wedding of Lauren and Anthony. They held their ceremony and reception at the chic Hotel Maya of Long Beach. The hip, vibrant decor along with the waterfront setting made this the perfect spot for the occasion. The bride and groom chose acoustic/contemporary music for their big day, along with current dance hits to keep dancefloor packed later in the night. The "up lighting" decor we provided truly made the room sparkle and tied in with their wedding colors. Thank you to John Robert Woods for capturing these colorful moments!

Lights, Camera, ACTION!

2011-07-13T11:10:00.000-07:00

This blog post has been waiting in anticipation of its debut for several weeks so I can't even describe how excited we are today! All of us at Elevated Pulse would like to present our newest promo video featuring several events from the past 6 months where we provided both DJ's and Lighting!

A special thanks to our clients for allowing us to film at their events and to Pristine Videos for the excellent job at putting it together for us. Please feel free to share with your friends!

Mid-Week Mix Sessions

2011-07-07T11:14:00.000-07:00

For your listening pleasure, and to get you over that mid-week slump, Elevated Pulse is providing you with a different type of music mix every month! We'll highlight different DJ's and different styles each time so make sure you check back every month and have a listen!

Today's mix is called SUMMER FUNK! It's getting hot outside and summer is in full swing so we had to put together a fun mix to help you all get your summer groove on! Check it out...and as always, we love your feedback!

Summer Funk by Elevatedpulse on Mixcloud

A Prediction of Love

2011-06-28T10:01:00.000-07:00

This LA Times article about our clients Michelle and Brian was just too sweet not to share. They were married last month in Palm Springs, and Elevated Pulse provided the musical backdrop to their stunning union. We are seriously so lucky to have such awesome clients!

Click Here to Read Their Story!

Wedding Song Recommendations: First Dance

2011-06-23T15:02:00.000-07:00

"How do I choose a song for our father daughter dance?"
"What if we don't have a "song", how do we choose our first dance track?"
"We want to be different so what do you suggest for our grand entrance song?"

These are all great questions and ones that we hear all the time. So, we decided to start posting our best recommendations and creative song selections from our clients to help all our brides and grooms to be!

Today, we want to introduce you to some unreleased music, or very recently released, that we thought would work well for a Bride and Groom's first dance. We've filtered these latest tracks by genre. So, find the one that suits you and your event and enjoy listening! Because Elevated Pulse Productions offers new ideas and creative suggestions to its clients, we hope you'll find these fun and inspiring!

HIP HOP / R&B
Song: How to Love
Artist: Lil Wayne
Album: Tha Carter IV

SOUL / POP
Song: Loves Like
Artist: Mozella
Album: to be announced

Bride & Groom First Dance by Elevatedpulse

COUNTRY
Song: Just a Kiss
Artist: Lady Antebellum
Album: Just a Kiss

POP
Song: I Do
Artist: Colbie Caillat
Album: All of You

Wedding Song Recommendations: Garter Toss

2011-06-15T11:25:00.000-07:00

"How do I choose a song for our father daughter dance?"

"What if we don't have a "song", how do we choose our first dance track?"

"We want to be different so what do you suggest for our grand entrance song?"

These are all great questions and ones that we hear all the time. So, we decided to start posting our best recommendations and creative song selections from our clients to help all our brides and grooms to be!

This past weekend Elevated Pulse worked with a Bride and Groom that really wanted to incorporate their love of electronic music into their reception, but in a way so that all guests could enjoy it. With a request list of the couples' favorite jams and some help from our massive database of electronic music we kept the dance floor packed all night with not just the young crowd but the over-50 crowd too! And it didn't just sound amazing, it looked amazing too with the incredible lighting system at Seven Degrees. One of our favorite tracks from the night was their choice for the Garter Toss song. It's a remix of the longtime hit "My Girl". If you're looking to add a modern twist to your wedding songs, listen to this one! The track can be played for many different parts of the night so let your imagination run with it.

Song: My BMORE Girl
Artist: Temptations (GFN Remix)

My BMORE Girl (GFN Remix) by Elevatedpulse

Artist Spotlight

2011-05-26T10:18:00.000-07:00

Elevated Pulse is known for offering creative and unique song recommendations to fit each clients' needs and event. We pride ourselves on being up to date with the latest music trends and new artists so that we can introduce you to them!

Here is one of our latest favorites...LAURA IZIBOR. She is best described as a piano-driven soul singer with a jazzy feel. Her sound can be matched to Alicia Keys or even old school Fugee Lauryn Hill. We have been recommending her song "Shine" for a Wedding Ceremony Recessional track and "If Tonight is My Last" as a perfect First Dance song for a wedding reception. Both come from Laura Izibor's debut album, Let The Truth Be Told.

Enjoy Listening!

Elevated Pulse Has Moved to Irvine!

2011-04-25T09:11:00.000-07:00

We just wanted to get the word out that our offices have relocated to Irvine, CA. We have a new office phone number now posted on the website. We are in the midst of building a lighting showroom so stay tuned for details on our open house!

Stay updated on all of our latest events and info by following us on Facebook or Twitter!

Wedding Song Recommendations: Grand Entrance

2011-04-11T10:03:00.000-07:00

"How do I choose a song for our father daughter dance?"
"What if we don't have a "song", how do we choose our first dance track?"
"We want to be different so what do you suggest for our grand entrance song?"

These are all great questions and ones that we hear all the time. So, we decided to start posting our best recommendations and creative song selections from our clients to help all our brides and grooms to be!
This past weekend Elevated Pulse helped celebrate the marriage of one of the sweetest couples, Nora & Joe, in Orange County, CA. They were not only ready to rock the dance floor all night, but also offered up some incredible song choices for their special events. I just had to share this amazing find by the bride, Nora, for their Grand Entrance Song!

If you are familiar with the song "The Show Goes On" by Lupe Fiasco, then this is going to blow your mind! The original track is actually a great recommendation on its own but if you're thinking I'm not really into using hip-hop/rap as my grand entrance, then think again! We used the amazing Violin Cover by Peter Lee Johnson (2nd video below). Spare a few minutes to listen and I promise you won't regret it!

Elevated Pulse Featured on I61studio Blog

2011-03-28T13:54:00.000-07:00

I61studio is comprised of two long-time friends Sarah and Susan who share a deep love for design, event planning, photography, illustration, and crafts, especially wedding related. The I61studio Wedding Blog is a space they have devoted specifically to the art, making, and design of weddings. And today, we are delighted and honored to be a part of their "Featured Artist" Blog post!

Click Here to Read the Blog

Wedding Song Recommendations: Grand Entrance

2011-03-22T09:23:00.000-07:00

"How do I choose a song for our father daughter dance?"
"What if we don't have a "song", how do we choose our first dance track?"
"We want to be different so what do you suggest for our grand entrance song?"

These are all great questions and ones that we hear all the time. So, we decided to start posting our best recommendations and creative song selections from our clients to help all our brides and grooms to be!
Unless you're a local celebrity you probably aren't accustomed to making a Grand Entrance. But you'll have your moment on your wedding day! A Grand Entrance song should match your personality and overall theme of your wedding. Try to keep it upbeat and fun because it really is the first song to kick off the celebration of your marriage. And your guests and bridal party will most likely think of you any time they hear the Grand Entrance song for years to come.

We are going to make this post slightly different by giving you several Grand Entrance song recommendations. Since there is room for creativity with your selection, we thought we'd list options based on personality/wedding theme.

INDIE
Song: Are You Gonna Be My Girl
Artist: Jet
Album: Get Born

ROMANTIC
Song: Oh It Is Love
Artist: Hellogoodbye
Album: Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs!

ELECTRONIC
Song: Party Rock Anthem
Artist: LMFAO
Album: Party Rock Anthem

ROCK
Song: I'm Shipping Up to Boston
Artist: Dropkick Murphys
Album: The Warrior's Code

CURRENT TOP 40
Song: Raise Your Glass
Artist: Pink
Album: Raise Your Glass
**Note** Bride & Groom Grand Entrance at the Chorus

Today Bloggers Go Silent

2011-03-18T10:07:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Style Unveiled for sharing this information and for posting about Wedding Vendors that will give a portion of their proceeds to support Japan. Elevated Pulse has donated to the Red Cross and to Japan's Earthquake Animal Rescue & Support. We urge you to please donate whatever you can to this crisis.

Featured Venue: Richard Nixon Library

2011-03-08T11:58:00.000-08:00

Very few people in Southern California have ever visited the Nixon Library, and most are very impressed after they've seen it. I know some probably think "A Library? It must be stuffy." On the contrary, the Nixon Library is beautifully set up to accomodate really elegant events such as weddings. The center courtyard is the perfect place for a ceremony and the main ballroom, which can hold up to 400 guests, is a blank canvas in which to paint your dream wedding. Any creative bride or wedding vendor can appreciate its white walls, dark wood floors, and grand chandeliers. Events are exclusively catered by Jason's Catering and their food is artfully delicious.

We have both attended events at the Nixon Library as guests and been hired to provide lighting and DJ services here. We've seen so many different themes and colors used, there truly is no limit to your options. Elevated Pulse especially enjoys working with couples on creating their unique lighting package. Because of the white walls, Up Lighting is an essential to any wedding. In addition, Pin spotting will make centerpieces, cakes, etc. really stand out and bring some color and personality to the room (as shown below).

BEFORE

AFTER

Take the time to watch the video of a recent wedding Elevated Pulse was hired to do. Thanks to their amazing videographer, Dan of Plug Wedding Films, for capturing the true beauty of this venue and all the fun the guests had!

Mid-Week Mix Sessions

2011-03-02T09:00:00.000-08:00

For your listening pleasure, and to get you over that mid-week slump, Elevated Pulse is providing you with a different type of music mix every month! We'll highlight different DJ's and different styles each time so make sure you check back every month and have a listen!

Today is a throwback to the 80's! We couldn't resist a totally awesome reminder of acid wash jeans, off the shoulder sweatshirts and sweat bands, parachute pants and your crush on Kirk Cameron or Princess Leah. So throw on a pair of leg warmers and jam out!

80's Mix by Elevatedpulse on Mixcloud

Orange County Wedding - Feature Film

2011-02-24T10:56:00.000-08:00

Elevated Pulse had the privilege of being a part of Billy and Janai's September wedding. Their wedding was captured on video by Impressive Creations and you can truly feel the love when watching this film.
We had a great time providing the music for this upbeat group of friends and family...and you can tell they had a blast too! Take a few minutes to enjoy this wedding video.

Billy and Janai Feature from Impressive Creations on Vimeo.

Wedding Song Recommendations: Cake Cutting

2011-02-23T12:19:00.000-08:00

Wedding Song Recommendations: Bouquet Toss

2011-02-09T16:35:00.000-08:00

Wedding Song Recommendations: First Dance

2011-02-02T12:52:00.000-08:00

Wedding Song Recommendations: Father-Daughter Dance

2011-01-26T11:31:00.000-08:00

Mid-Week Mix Sessions

2011-01-12T15:30:00.000-08:00

For your listening pleasure, and to get you over that mid-week slump, Elevated Pulse is providing you with a different type of music mix every month! We'll highlight different DJ's and different styles each time so make sure you check back every month and have a listen!

This month: Our First Mix of 2011! Elevated Pulse's "Future Lounge" Mix: An eclectic blend of music that is inspired by sounds from the 1940's with a twist of modern funk, R&B and today's indie. (*Hint* Great for Cocktail Hours)

EPP Podcast - Future Lounge by Elevatedpulse

Winter Wonderland

2010-12-21T12:37:00.000-08:00

December is a month packed with holiday parties. Elevated Pulse Productions recently had the opportunity to help a company create a winter wonderland theme for their event. Lots of blue and silver decor and several snowflake gobo lights filled the ballroom. We used 24 LED uplights to color wash the room in blue and it really turned out nice. Lighting can truly transform any event so always remember, whatever the theme or style you are trying to achieve, the right lighting can make it all come together!

Heart Pounding Homecoming

2010-11-24T11:26:00.000-08:00

We have often times mentioned that DJing a school dance is a thrill for us at Elevated Pulse. Being in front of a crowd of hundreds, sometimes thousands, of the toughest music critics can be both exciting and challenging. You have to be able to capture their attention quickly and hold onto it...and we know how difficult it can be to keep a teenager's attention!

We wanted to share a short video of our latest production. The amazing light show included 4 high-end moving head intelligent lights, 1 moving head laser, and 18 LED flood wash lights, all secured to a professional trussing system. We also provided a video mixing station and a sound system big enough to rattle your rib cage! Check it out!

Mid-Week Mix Sessions

2010-11-17T12:45:00.000-08:00

Wedding 4 Africa

2010-11-05T15:00:00.000-07:00

This blog post has been months in the making. And for most of the people involved this was the wedding of a lifetime. Elevated Pulse was so privileged and honored to be involved in the first ever wedding that would benefit orphans in Africa, Wedding for Africa. The non-profit organization behind it all, Heart for Africa, is founded and led by the amazing professional photographer, Annette Biggers, of TripleCord Photography. A little over a year ago, Annette put together a donation contest in which the couple that made the greatest donation to Heart for Africa to help build a new orphanage would win a wedding of their dreams. In turn, over 15 of the country's most sought after wedding professionals donated their services to provide this couple a wedding to remember!

Elevated Pulse heard about the wedding and didn't think twice about getting involved. It is not often that we get to do what we love and benefit a good cause at the same time! So we donated DJ service for both the ceremony and reception and provided dance lighting for the reception. We worked with the Bride and Groom, Glenda and Michael, along with Marla Lackey of Cheers to You Events, to customize the music playlist and lighting for the dance portion of the reception. I think everyone left this wedding with a feeling of hope and love. It was so wonderful to see so many people come together, work hard, and give back to those in need. It was definitely a day we'll remember forever.

The wedding will be featured on TLC's "Wedding Day Makeover" and in the January 2011 issue of Your Wedding Day magazine. You can also see additional blog posts from Annette Biggers and Amanda Doublin.

I urge any couples out there planning their wedding now to consider the amazing Wedding 4 Africa vendors that donated their time, money, and services to help build this orphanage in Africa.

*Wedding Dress: Mon Amie Bridal

*Wedding Coordinator: Marla, Cheers to You Events

*Ceremony Venue: Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club

*Reception Venue: Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club

*Florals: Green Leaf Designs and Jen K Floral Design

*Photographers: TripleCord, Amanda Doublin, Ruby Rideout

*Videographer: Four Seasons Films

*Doves: White Flight

Calling All Brides: Orange County Bridal Show This Weekend

2010-09-22T10:03:00.000-07:00

This weekend on Sunday, September 26th, join us at the Laguna Hills "Here Come the Brides" event. For all the brides-to-be, a bridal show offers you the opportunity to interview multiple vendors in one location at one time. You can sample food, cake, watch a fashion show of bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses, see live makeup and hair demos, and hear some great music from the DJs! Most shows even offer door prizes. Elevated Pulse will be raffling off a FREE lighting package worth $350! So get your tickets before it sells out! Click Here for more info and we'll see you there!

Huntington Beach Wedding --> Re Post from Red Velvet Occasions

2010-09-14T09:31:00.000-07:00

Elevated Pulse recently had the pleasure of working with a few of our favorite wedding professionals at the Huntington Beach Hyatt. Take a look at the blog post from Red Velvet Occasions describing the fun-filled, Lakers fan-filled wedding! And Congratulations to Julie & Felix!

Click Here

Wedding DJ to Groom: Our Wedding!

2010-09-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

So the wedding DJ is finally married! It was a wonderful, exciting, and BUSY journey to our own wedding but we did it! It was truly an experience being on the "other side" of the wedding planning for once. And NO, I did not DJ my own wedding! Everyone loves to ask that ;)

And I won't lie, my beautiful bride did most of the work and decision making (as it typically is with my clients as well). I can't take credit for most of the details but as the groom/client for the first time, I realized just how in-depth and stressful planning a wedding can be. And the vendors you choose really can make all the difference in the world. We had some amazing industry professionals in our corner. Every single one of them went above and beyond their responsibilities, helping us make our vision a reality, and in turn, helping us relax the whole way through.

Our entire event was held at the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach which was our first major decision and we had NO regrets! Their service and staff is impeccable and the venue is beautiful for incorporating a feeling of elegance on the water. They also created a unique, custom menu for us since my wife wanted an all vegetarian dinner...and guests are still telling us how great the food was!

Our ceremony officiant, Dr. Linda Trott from the Clergy Network, was hand picked by me. I had seen her perform ceremonies for my clients in the past and her calm, well spoken, and sweet demeanor were just what we were looking for.

My wife chose our florist, Shelby at Green Leaf Designs, because when she explained her vision and ideas for the wedding, Shelby was the most excited and inspired and showed more interest in working with her on it than any other florist we met with. And our amazingly artistic and creative photographer, Amanda Doublin, was a referral from friend and top wedding photographer Jan Garcia. When we booked Amanda, we were like giddy little kids, showing off her work to all of our friends and bragging that she was our photographer. (true story)

And the music and lighting....all provided by Elevated Pulse. We had one of our head DJ's, Dakota, play for us, and a good friend helped run the lights. You can see from our photos the gorgeous lighting we set up with colors rotating throughout the night...which the bride chose of course!

See more photos here!

Shout outs to a few more pros:
*Bridal Gown: Maggie Sottero

*Groom/Groomsmen Suits: FriarTux

*Bridesmaids: JCrew

*Hair & Makeup: Travisean & July

*Bride's Hair Clip: Lo Boheme

*Cupcakes: Black Forest Bakery

The After Party-->Re Post from LVL Events

2010-09-08T10:00:00.000-07:00

The Wedding "After Party" is an important addition if you have a young crowd, guests that like to drink, or if the bride and groom just don't want it to end! Here are some essential planning tips from LVL Events. Check it out-->

Featured Venue: Rancho Las Lomas

2010-08-31T11:38:00.000-07:00

Rancho Las Lomas is one of our favorite wedding venues for countless reasons! It is famous not only for its amazing gardens and Spanish decor, but also for having it's own wildlife collection (look for the beautiful white tiger). So, you can imagine the numerous unique photo ops throughout the grounds! Another nice aspect of Rancho Las Lomas is its ability to provide you with either a completely indoor or outdoor wedding, or even a combination of both. If you crave a rustic style wedding with bits of historic value, then you'll find plenty of inspiration by visiting their photo gallery.

And lastly, we all know that a wedding menu is at the top of the priority list and you won't fall short at Rancho Las Lomas. 24 carrots, one of Orange County's best catering companies, does all of the in-house catering, which will ensure that everyone's stomachs are full & happy (they specialize in vegan and raw food too).

From the Dance Floor to the Chapel

2010-07-20T12:07:00.000-07:00

We haven't posted in almost 2 weeks but it feels like an eternity. As I've mentioned, we're in the midst of our own wedding and had bridal showers, bachelor parties, family visits, etc. over the last few crazy weeks and had to take some time off to enjoy! However, I've been thinking about today's post for that past few months! Ever since my first meeting with this couple in April I couldn't wait to share their story....

On Friday, March 6th 2009, Amy & Jared had their first kiss. It was on the dancefloor (love that of course)...at a friend's wedding. And, I was the DJ playing the song during that kiss! That kiss turned into marriage on July 3rd 2010! And, I had the pleasure of playing at that wedding too. I was speechless when a year after the March 6th wedding I had a meeting with Amy & Jared and they told me the whole story. I couldn't believe, that as a DJ, I was part of this relationship from start to...well, forever.

Dance to the Max

2010-06-30T16:23:00.000-07:00

As DJ's, we work at so many weddings that they all start to blur together. But there are usually 1 or 2 moments like these that we don't ever forget! I was lucky enough to catch this one on video!

We love when children this age are at weddings. They hear music so purely...they feel the beat and just go with their natural instincts. They aren't worried about what they might look like or what dance moves will get the attention of their date. So this little guy, Max, stole the danceloor...and everyone's heart! At one point, the crowd was chanting "Max, Max, Max". It brought the party to life and the dance floor was completely energized (a DJ's ultimate goal). So thanks to Max for getting the party started ;-)

DJ Your Own Wedding?!

2010-06-23T21:13:00.000-07:00

DJ Your Own Wedding?! It's not such a crazy thought anymore. iPod weddings are becoming more popular these days and we understand that these economic times are calling for drastic measures. The cost for a professional wedding DJ may not be a top priority or part of your budget. Let's face it...sometimes music isn't that important to a couple. However, Elevated Pulse wants you to consider the following before deciding to be your own DJ at your wedding.

• You will still incur costs. Unless you already own a great sound system, you’re going to have to rent one. This includes speakers, speaker stands, amplifiers, a sub woofer, cables, mixer, and wireless microphones for toasts and speeches.

• Lighting equipment is a huge part of wedding decor —and without it you will have no ambiance on the dance floor!

• You will most likely have to assign a friend or family member to move all the equipment, set it up, take it down, and it is a lot of work! And, if you are renting this equipment, you are fully responsible for it.

• If you don't own all the music you and guests will want to hear, then add that to your unending list of "to-do's". And, this cost can add up...iTunes has raised prices to $1.29 per song now!

• We are pretty sure an iPod can't read a crowd. Unless Apple has added "intuition" as a feature, you will definitely miss the energy and perfect timing a DJ can bring to the dance floor. With an iPod, you won't get beat-mixing and fading which without can lead to awkward moments on the dance floor as people have to stop dancing to wait for the next song.

• The DJ serves as a master of ceremonies of sorts—so without the DJ you'll have to put a friend or family member to work again.

If you've read all of the above and still can't justify the cost of a wedding DJ then please make sure you've covered every detail. Make sure you hold someone responsible for the playlist, equipment, and timeline of events.

But remember, your wedding is one time in your life that you don’t want to skimp. It's supposed to be a celebration...a party! Don’t risk ruining it with an iPod.

Featured Venue: Chart House Dana Point

2010-06-18T12:01:00.000-07:00

Wedding vendors are well aware of these uncertain economic times and I understand, especially since I'm currently a Groom-to-be, that most couples are working on tight budgets. If you are looking for an affordable venue with an amazing view, you should definitely consider the Chart House in Dana Point. You'll have one of the most spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and the Dana Point Harbor, along with excellent food and exceptional service. The Chart House is a popular restaurant by night, so the catch is...your wedding has to be during the day. If you don't mind an afternoon wedding, and with this view how could you not, then this is an easy decision for you!

Featured Venue: [Seven-Degrees]

2010-06-15T16:18:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for an amazing and unique venue for your wedding, Elevated Pulse recommends Laguna Beach's Seven-Degrees. This place is a creative & artistic bride's dream come true! Of course, Laguna Beach is a busy hot spot during these summer days but this venue is tucked into the hills of Laguna Beach's backdrop so that if you weren't looking for it, you wouldn't find it.

With its prestigious architecture and forward thinking design, Seven-Degrees is definitely eye candy for any guest. They showcase original artwork throughout the venue giving unending amount of inspiration to any wedding planner or bride.

Why does Elevated Pulse love Seven-Degrees? Simple answer: Amazing in-house sound and lighting! This venue did not skimp on their sound and lighting budget. Their premiere system allows for music throughout the venue via built-in speakers. DJ's just plug and play!

Their automated dance lights are built into the ceiling and are most likely better than your typical night club. And, their on-site technicians really know what they're doing. They can accent your wedding with subtle lighting or go all out and completely transform any room to match the design and decor you envision.

Kudos to Seven-Degrees!

How Sweet It Is

2010-06-08T11:55:00.000-07:00

OK, I know I named this blog Adventures of an OC "Wedding" DJ, but I must confess...we do cater to other types of upscale events as well. And this past weekend we provided DJ and lighting services for an incredibly fun Sweet 16 party. So fun that I just had to share it with you.

Teenagers can be a DJ's worst critic but also be their best audience! They are so in tune with the best music both old and new, and without a word can let a DJ know what songs rock a dance floor or totally kill it. To me, these are the most entertaining and exciting crowds a DJ can have.

On Saturday night, we not only played some feet stomping jams, but also provided intelligent dance lights (controlled by a lighting tech), a fog machine, and a custom gobo (name in lights) to create an atmosphere the birthday girl would not forget! Keep in mind, these same lighting effects can be applied to any event (*hint hint* weddings)

Chart Your Way to Your First Dance

2010-06-07T16:13:00.000-07:00

I thought this was just too creative not to re-post. DailyCandy has a weekly "weddings" e-newsletter that my fiance subscribes to and a new website in the works. They recently sent out an email with an interesting take on choosing your "first dance" song based on your personality. While cleverly humorous, it may not cover all the brides and grooms out there. So, don't worry...if you can't match yourself or your loved one based on this grid, your DJ should be able to pinpoint a song for the 2 of you with just as much precision. Enjoy!

DO NOT PLAY LIST

2010-06-04T10:55:00.000-07:00

You've probably been so busy trying to compile your "Must Play" list that you forgot to tell the DJ about songs you definitely do NOT want to hear on your wedding day. Can you imagine...you just exchanged vows and had your big grand entrance and all of a sudden you're hearing "Another one bites the dust" or "Love Hurts" over the speakers?! (We're all fans of Queen but there's a time and place, right?!) Of course, most competent wedding DJ's will stay away from songs about breaking up, broken hearts, and any other negative lyrics by default, BUT, it's always helpful to give a short list of what you think is inappropriate for the big day. Your DJ won't know that song that reminds you of your "ex" unless you tell him!

It may even be as easy as saying "No Rap Music" so talk this over with your DJ and he/she will follow your lead. It is also extrememly important to let your DJ know that if a guest requests certain songs on your "do not play" list or along those lines, that they can take the liberty of telling them the songs were not approved by the bride and groom. (I've had to do this on numerous occasions, and while uncomfortable to tell the requesting guest "no", it means keeping the bride and groom happy :-)

So, here's a helpful list to get you started...

Music for the Masses from LA Style Unveiled

2010-06-01T11:59:00.000-07:00

We were so excited to be a featured guest blog last Friday on "The Lounge", LA Style Unveiled's Wedding Blog. Heather & Kimberly have made it easy for Los Angeles brides to find inspiration, vendors, and other resources. Make sure you check out their daily posts, especially their "Bride in the City" series which is our favorite!

Quick excerpt from the Elevated Pulse guest blog:

Friday, May 28, 2010 at 1:14PM
Let's face it, the most genius ipod playlist in the world can't read a crowd. Plus, let's not forget the scary possibility of your middle school guilty pleasures accidentally getting played for friends who've only known you in your cool years... Enter the DJ!
We asked Elevated Pulse about how to play music that will charm the masses and keep you from blushing in embarassment. Read on and bonus... you can click the song names and hear a sample of the song ;)

Read More....

Choices Choices...

2010-05-25T11:35:00.000-07:00

Choosing your wedding music can be very time consuming AND overwhelming. There are so many options out there it can make your head spin. Your DJ should help by giving recommendations based on your music "likes" and "dislikes". Your DJ should ask about artists you like, your favorite songs, or even specific genres and offer plenty of options tailored to your preferences. But, if you want to do some of your own research, I found this great music reference section on Wedding Wire. They give you lists of songs segmented by category, such as "Bride Entrance", "First Dance", "Mother Son", "Father Daughter". Check it out!

A Golden Anniversary

2010-05-24T11:08:00.000-07:00

More often we are celebrating the birth of a marriage rather than the monumental achievement of a 50 year anniversary. So when we had the honor of DJing a 50th wedding celebration this past weekend, we just had to share it with you.

The "couple of honor" were just as in-love, if not more, than the day they were married. I played "their song", Ronnie Milsap - Lost in the Fifties Tonight (In the Still of the Night), and brought back many old tunes for everyone to enjoy. It was wonderful to see their entire family, children, grandchildren, and friends join them in celebrating the occasion.

I got the opportunity to speak with the joyous couple and congratulate them. They were so sweet and so proud of their family...telling me a little bit about each of their children. I reminisced with them about DJing for my own grandparent's 50th anniversary several years ago. And, when I mentioned that I was getting married myself this year, they couldn't have been more excited for me. Their happiness was contagious and I can only strive to have a marriage as successful as theirs. Best wishes to them on another 50 years!

Up-Lighting: Small Price for a Huge Impact

2010-05-20T19:00:00.000-07:00

If you are working on a budget, and most people are these days, I would love to suggest up-lights for your wedding. With a minimal cost you can completely transform any ballroom, reception venue, and even outdoor venues to something magical. With 32 different colors and combinations, uplights can match your wedding colors seamlessly and help create the atmosphere you envision. I recently took some before and after photos to show you the effect. Good DJ companies should be able to provide this, but if not, they are relatively cheap to rent from a lighting only company. Feel free to visit our own lighting webpage for more pictures!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Worst Wedding DJ Ever?!

2010-05-17T12:20:00.000-07:00

Knowing that I run a Wedding DJ business, my friends sent this hilarious but horribly truthful video posted on YouTube.
It is a haunting reminder to engaged couples out there...research your DJ!

Elevated Pulse Productions (EPP) is a member of the ADJA (American Disc Jockey Association) which holds all members to a strict code of conduct and commitment to business excellence. This code of conduct must be upheld by any DJ we send to work events. Weddings are, of course, one of the most important days in couples' lives and we want to do anything and everything to enhance that day...not ruin it.

Here are a few questions and tips to choosing your Wedding DJ:

Check references and reviews
Make sure they provide a written contract
Ask if they carry insurance that protects you & them (EPP carries $1 million liability insurance to every event)
Do they participate in the community?
Do they work with other wedding vendors?

Good Luck and Congratulations!