Marino's Hawaii Wedding Emcee & DJ/Entertainment Blog

It was nice to go “over the hill” to the windward side again last Tuesday to attend the NACE Hawaii monthly meeting. It was held at Koolau Ballrooms, so it was nice to see Norman Higashi and Steven Nagamine again. If you recall, I recently worked with Steven at Carol & Martin’s Hawaii wedding in June.

NACE Hawaii is an association of Hawaii caterers and special event professionals. I am a member because I like to network with other event professionals and learn what the current trends are in the Hawaii wedding/special event industry. This month’s topic was Dressing for Success, and it was an interesting and educational experience. Tanna Dang with The Wedding Cafe & Eden In Love gave a wonderful presentation that dispelled seven fashion “myths” and gave NACE Hawaii members some tips on how to inexpensively and easily improve their wardrobe. Did you know that you can easily and inexpensively change the look of your bag by adding a scarf to one end of your bag strap? Brilliant!

Phil Grunenberg with Phil’s Tux Shop delivered a very educational presentation on men’s wear and the importance of choosing the right material when buying or renting a suit or tuxedo. Because I frequently wear tuxedos or suits at the weddings I perform at, the information was quite valuable!

It was nice to learn new trends in fashion and formal wear, so as to share with you when we meet to talk about your Hawaii wedding or special event! This is why I attend these meetings and am a member of this association and other organizations–to ultimately better serve you.

Of course, the food and opportunity to hang out with other Hawaii wedding professionals were great too!

written by Marino_NinjaEntertainment \\ tags: 2010, August, Eden In Love, Koolau Ballrooms, meeting, NACE, Norman Higashi, Phil Grunnenberg, Phil's Tux Shops, Steven Nagamine, Tanna Dang, The Wedding Cafe

Last Monday, I had the opportunity to sit in on a “boot camp” presented by Siri Eklund of Two Bright Lights. This seminar was about wedding marketing AND networking, and how the two are tied. Siri presented a novel way for photographers to share their images with other wedding professionals. As a professional Master of Ceremonies, it is often difficult for me to get images from professional photographers whom I worked with; this is usually because photographers can get busy with their workflow that they don’t really have the time to put together images on a disc and mail it to me or drop it off. The Two Bright Lights system simplifies this.

It sounds like a great idea, but I’m going to wait to see how many photographers actually do sign up. Right now, there are a few, and while I know them personally, I haven’t had the opportunity to work with them at a wedding, so I wouldn’t be able to use the images. Nonetheless, the concept itself is brilliant!

Thanks to Siri for putting on this bootcamp, Herb Yamamoto with Dole Ballrooms for hosting the morning session, and China Anderson with REA Events for putting this all together!

Image courtesy CHINA ANDERSON / REA Events

written by Marino_NinjaEntertainment \\ tags: China Anderson, Dole Ballrooms, Education, networking, REA Events, Two Bright Lights

As a Master of Ceremonies and wedding professional, I always make it a point to network with other Hawaii wedding professionals to keep up on the latest trends and ideas to ultimately help you have a better Hawaii wedding experience. As a part of NACE Hawaii, I can frequently be found at the monthly meetings to network, learn, and share. Last Tuesday’s meeting at the New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel was no exception.

The topic was event costing, and although the topic was geared more towards event planners and caterers, it was interesting to learn about what the total costs are that goes into a successful event. Brides & clients often don’t think of things like parking costs, garbage disposal, security, and cleanup after their event–especially if they have an outdoor Hawaii wedding–but these costs are there, and they are necessary. Of course, I shared my insights as a professional Master of Ceremonies, DJ, entertainer, sound engineer, and production consultant.

Of course, it wasn’t all learning and networking. The buffet was ono (delicious), and the sorbet & coconut cake dessert were amazingly decadent. Overall, it was an interesting and fun experience.

written by Marino_NinjaEntertainment \\ tags: Education, NACE, networking

Image courtesy BEN MARUMOTO / Hawaii SEO School

 
Every month, I get the honor of being the Master of Ceremonies for the monthly Oahu Wedding Association meetings, which is an organization of Oahu-based wedding professionals to which I belong. It’s always a neat experience to meet new people at these get-togethers, learn something new from the keynote speaker, and just hang out with a great bunch of Hawaii wedding professionals. This month’s meeting at The Bridal Boutique was no exception. Keynote speaker Ben Marumoto with Hawaii SEO School gave a very interesting and informative presentation on Search Engine Optimization. Although I know a little about SEO, I did learn several new things, and I was grateful to be there to learn!

Image courtesy JOHN HOOK / Dave Miyamoto & Co.

 
It was great working with Craig Matsumoto with Streams Hawaii and Joe Ho with Mystical Sounds Productions. Craig is a singer/guitarist and provided a great musical experience for the audience. Joe handled the audiovisual support for the event, allowing all of the guests to see and hear everything.

Image courtesy JOHN HOOK / Dave Miyamoto & Co.

 
Joyce Coelho & Cecilia Domingo, owners of The Bridal Boutique, were very gracious hosts.

Image courtesy JOHN HOOK / Dave Miyamoto & Co.

 
Of course, the food was great! Desserts, made by Shya Tran with Sweetie Puffs, were STELLAR. Yummy!

Image courtesy JOHN HOOK / Dave Miyamoto & Co.

 
Overall, the party went well. Everyone learned a lot, networked, and had a great time. I had fun too.

written by Marino_NinjaEntertainment \\ tags: bridal boutique, Education, networking, owa, seo

Wow! I’m a “techy” sort of fellow who has a generally good grasp of computers and the basics of social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.), but I’m always open to learning new trends and ideas. In an effort to better serve my clients and be able to communicate with them more effectively, last Tuesday (April 20) I took a “Social Media 101″ workshop, sponsored by UHM Pacific New Media and the Oahu Wedding Association, and presented by Hawaii wedding photographer and social media extraordinaire Jeannemarie Viggiano. All I can say now is “Wow!” I learned many good nuggets of information, especially on how to integrate it all to best serve my clients and stay in touch with friends.

Thanks to Jeannemarie, UHM Pacific New Media, and OWA for putting together an enlightening, informative, and fun presentation!

written by Marino_NinjaEntertainment \\ tags: blog, Education, facebook, twitter

Image courtesy Dave Miyamoto & Co.

Last Tuesday, March 30, I hung out with some great Hawaii wedding professionals & colleagues at the monthly Oahu Wedding Association party, this time held at Tiki’s Grill & Bar in Waikiki. It was a fabulous opportunity to network, catch up with friends, and meet new people.

Although the theme was 80s, the 80s shirt I planned to wear (that Hula Bowl shirt in the picture) ended up being waaaay too small for me, so I decided against it and just wore the T-shirt & shorts I wore for setup. It wasn’t ideal but was okay for the event.

And because this was a purely social networking type of event with no keynote presentation and just a few reminders by Michael Miller (our host, the Director of Sales & Marketing at Tiki’s), Eugene Kam (OWA President), and social media extraordinaire Jeannemarie Viggiano regarding upcoming events, I didn’t need to be the emcee for this party!

written by Marino_NinjaEntertainment \\ tags: 80s, dave miyamoto, meeting, owa, party

Last night, I had an opportunity to hang out with other Hawaii wedding professionals at the February meeting for NACE Hawaii. The party was at Formaggio Grill in Kailua.

Michael Rabe, the President of Creations in Catering, gave a very informative and interesting presentation on the importance of networking and being involved in the associations you belong to.

Of course, the food was ono (delicious). The lobster bisque was incredibly good. When paired with a deliciously fruity chardonnay, the combination provided a very good sweet/salty contrast.

The prime rib was unbelievably tasty & delicious. So was the brocolli mashed potatoes. The meal paired very well with the merlot that we all had.

Of course, it was a treat to hang out with my favorite Hawaii wedding professionals and catch up! I spent some great face time with Dianna Shitanishi of Hawaii Weddings and Events, Lawrence Medeiros with Crane Media, Susan O’Donnell with Aloha Wedding Planners, as well as NACE Hawaii President Herb Yamamoto.

written by Marino_NinjaEntertainment \\ tags: NACE, networking

Last Tuesday, I attended the Oahu Wedding Association board meeting. As a board member, I help to promote professionalism among Hawaii wedding professionals and to present Oahu as a good destination for weddings.

On Wednesday, I spent the day on the Windward side of Oahu: first, I met with Maile McWilliams at Mid-Pacific Country Club to go over the location details and setup for Genesa & Brian’s wedding this Saturday.

Afterward, I dropped by Haleiwa Joe’s at Haiku Gardens and met with Tina Scotty, the sales manager, to go over some cross-promotion ideas in order to help her get more weddings at her location. A lot of wonderful ideas were shared, and I’m looking forward to a very productive partnership with them.

written by Marino_NinjaEntertainment \\ tags: owa, preparation

It certainly has been a while since I last wrote, hasn’t it?

The last two weeks were pretty insane. Just to give you an idea of what’s been happening:

• May 23: Janilee & Melvin’s wedding celebration–very lively, fun, and awesome. The writeup for this event is forthcoming…
• May 24-25: I officially take a two day vacation by driving out to Hana, spending the night, and driving back. We visit a few hiking trails, waterfalls, and beaches on the way back. Lucky I live Hawaii, huh?
• May 26: Get home, catch up with the office work, rehearse & prepare for the Oahu Wedding Association party later that evening. After all, I am the “Voice of [that] Celebration.”
• May 27-28: Prepare for the Hawaii World Class Wedding Expo over the weekend at the Convention Center. Lots of designing, coordinating with other vendors, etc.
• May 29-30: Showtime! I have a fabulous time making new friends and meeting brides-to-be at the expo. If you came by my booth and are a new reader to this blog, thank you for stopping by!
• May 31: Attend the Hawaii wedding of my good friends Ed & Shelley. They’ve been together for almost eight years, and they finally decided to get married here in Hawaii. It was a beautiful ceremony and reception overlooking the beach at Kualoa, on the island of Oahu.
• June 1: Begin following up with brides-to-be whom I met at the expo. If I haven’t gotten to you yet or returned your calls, my apologies! You are still very much on my mind!
• June 2: More followup, and a NACE Hawaii board meeting later in the evening.
• June 3: Do research on some ethnic traditions for an upcoming wedding, then have a fabulous meeting with Christine & Woody for their wedding in August. Unfortunately, our meeting is cut short due to a schedule conflict. I also realize that it’s the beginning of the month, meaning that my Wedding VIP Club members should expect a new issue of the VIP Club newsletter in a few days.
• June 4 (today): I meet with Genesa to help her organize the details for her celebration on June 27, and later on this evening, I connect with Ashlee & Alvin for their wedding on June 20. Of course, between meetings, I’ll continue to call those of you who dropped by my booth at the wedding expo.

So that’s where we are. It’s certainly a very productive time!

written by Marino_NinjaEntertainment \\ tags: Emcee, expo, networking, news, Partnerships, preparation, wedding

Last night, I attended the April meeting for the Hawaii chapter of the American Disc Jockey Association, to catch up with friends, network, and to learn something new about the industry. The conversations were very spontaneous and interesting. Thank you to David Louis with Dynamic Sounds and Don Faumuina with I Do Wedding Entertainment for sharing your ideas and stories. Special thanks to Marvin Ventura of Photographix Hawaii and Legendary Sounds for sharing his insights into the DJ world (both club and mobile) AND the photography world.

One of the newest trends that everyone agreed upon was that they were seeing more requests for mashups at weddings. What’s a mashup? According to Wikipedia, a mashup is a song or composition created by blending two or more songs, usually by overlaying the vocal track of one song seamlessly over the music track of another. In other words, take the vocal line/a capella of one song and drop it over the instrumental of another song. Here’s an example, a mashup of Queen vs. Outkast:

Looking for mashups for your own enjoyment, or to hear at your wedding? You can find some homemade ones on MashupTown.Com. If you want some professionally made mashups, find it at CrooklynClan.Net (thanks to Marvin for turning me onto this site).

written by Marino_NinjaEntertainment \\ tags: ADJA, Advice, DJ, music, networking, trends