APB Entertainment, and particularly our DJ Mario, were a huge factor in making our wedding this past weekend such a smashing success. From our very first planning session, I knew we were in the hands of a competent professional. Mario was interested in actually getting to know us, in order to personalize our event. He looked into our eyes and listened to our story, instead of rattling off a list of questions from rote memorization or a sheet of paper. He made us feel like he had a personal stake in the outcome of our special day, beyond merely securing the contract, or receiving a good gratuity. It was obvious that he shared our excitement and joy from day one. This is a man that loves his job and it shows.
Mario continued to be patient with us as we struggled to complete our "homework" by deadline. During the final planning session, when it was discovered that we had not yet filled out our lists of "must play", "do not play", "special dedication" songs, etc., he worked with us to come up with ideas that would really set the tone we were looking for, asking open ended questions, and making suggestions based on what has worked well in the past. Never once did he chastise us, as other industry "professionals" would have done.
On the wedding day itself I received so many compliments on the music. My guests were up and dancing from the very first song. They did not stop for salad. They did not stop for intermezzo. Song after song after song was pure gold. The energy was up all night, which is exactly what I wanted. I still have family and friends shooting me text messages, or leaving comments on my Facebook about what a great time they had, and how I hired the best DJ they've ever heard.
Mario was also an awesome emcee. He made announcements as appropriate, guiding our guests , or letting them know what to expect, without filling up the air time with mindless chatter, as I have heard at far, far too many other weddings. He also shared some of the highlights we had told him about us- so he either takes excellent notes when you speak to him, or he has a fantastic memory! He really worked alongside our venue's Maitre'd to ensure seamless transitions between all the different things that occur during a wedding reception. I really have to credit them both equally with how smoothly the entire evening went.
Finally, he was an absolute rock star when it came to ambiguity and last-minute changes. My parents waffled back and forth on whether or not they wanted to be announced right up until the moment the reception began, but it was a nonissue. There needed to be changes to the order of the bridal party, no problem. Certain guests planned on leaving early, so we had to move the Anniversary Dance up earlier and shuffle some other things around, whatever. Mario handled it all with grace and aplomb. Oh, and I also waited until about ten minutes before the event began to ask him to hand out a few items during the night- things like beaded necklaces, glow sticks, sunglasses, and inflatable guitars. I had purchased them from a popular novelty company online, but never informed him, so he got that surprise sprung on him as well! Now, I'm not endorsing the abuse of your DJ in this way, but it is nice to know that they can handle whatever is thrown at them with the utmost composure!
In fact, everyone at APBE is great with eleventh hour adjustments. With three weeks left before the wedding, we realized we had money left over in the budget, and something on my fiancée's wish list that was never realized was a photo booth. All it took was a short phone call. By the time I hung up, the updated contract was already sitting in my email inbox. On the wedding day, José was friendly and attentive, and the photo booth props were funny and original. He put together a great album for us that we will treasure forever. read more