Continue reading »]]> 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!

Continue reading »]]> Richard Mills, a New Zealand DJ, Master of Ceremonies, and a dear friend, had an interesting experience at a recent wedding:

• The location had no outdoor electricity to power his sound system for the wedding ceremony.
• The Best Man’s partner’s shoe heel broke.
• A button popped off his tuxedo jacket.
• A guest’s camera batteries died before the ceremony.

Click here to read Richard’s story in his own words.

Given the situation, what would you have done?

The average wedding DJ & MC probably would have

• Run LOTS of extension cords from an outlet to wherever he set up, or just claim that he just can’t do it without power;
• Said “Sorry” to the Best Man’s partner and the guest with the dead batteries, because “it’s beyond the work I was hired to do;”
• Left the button off the jacket to have it repaired after the wedding.

But Richard isn’t your average, ordinary DJ.

• Richard brought a generator…just in case. His experience with outdoor events probably taught him to be prepared for these situations, and it certainly did this time!
• Because he got there early enough and had ample time to set up, Richard was able to take the Best Man’s partner’s shoe to a nearby mall, where it was quickly repaired and back to the owner within 20 minutes.
• Because he carries a sewing kit and spare AA batteries among his equipment, Richard was able to fix the button on his tux AND help the guest by giving that guest fresh batteries for her camera.

Keep in mind that all of these challenges occured BEFORE the wedding even started! If any more difficulties arise during the presentation, you can bet that Richard is prepared for them.

Here’s a fun and eye-opening activity that you can do when you interview your Masters of Ceremonies & DJs for your Hawaii wedding: ask your prospective emcee or DJ what they would do in those situations. Listen to their answers. Now picture it happening at your wedding–will you be happy with their actions to overcome these challenges?

Great wedding DJs don’t simply spin music–any DJ can do that. Great wedding DJs make sure that everything runs smoothly so that you can feel stress-free and enjoy your wedding day. And that’s important, isn’t it?

Image courtesy PHIL AMMON / A+ Media Creations

Continue reading »]]> Wow, it’s been busy. The last post prior to this was on October 10. In the meantime, I’ve been hosting your wedding receptions, company parties, and special events. It’s definitely been a great ride (and it still is, considering how we just finished the Hawaii Bridal Expo and I’m still following up with those of you whom I met). I am forever grateful to the brides and grooms who entrusted me to their wedding day these past few months. It truly was an honor to serve you. So many WONDERFUL memories that were created!

Like at Ryna & James Yamada’s wedding in October 2009 at the Hale Koa Hotel. From their original Grand Entrance to the “Evolution of Dance” First Dance and more, their wedding was truly remarkable.

Ryna & James from Video 21 Productions on Vimeo.

Or James & Nicole Richardson, who had a fantastically awesome wedding on New Years Eve. So Many great surprises–we played poker, had a Same Day Trash-The-Dress session, watched a unique Grand Entrance that involved Chinese lion dancers, and pranked her brother (who had the [mis]fortune of catching the garter).

Or Melissa & Tom McKenna, who had a fabulous wedding in September 2009 at the Turtle Bay. It was a very interactive and original party, including a truly one-of-a-kind cake-cutting moment that involved ALL OF THE GUESTS, not just the newlyweds.

There’s more, and in the next few weeks, I’ll post images, stories, and more from these parties. I’ll also be sending out my Wedding VIP Club Newsletter soon. In the meantime, the best way to keep up with me and to see where I’ve been and what I’ve been doing is to become my Facebook friend. I’m on Facebook daily, frequently update my status, and post helpful links, photos, and ideas from time to time to help you with your wedding plans. To become my friend simply go to

http://www.facebook.com/Marino.NinjaEntertainment

If you aren’t on Facebook yet but would like to be my Facebook friend, simply sign up. It’s FREE, and it’s a great way to reconnect with friends and family.

To all of the brides & grooms who I have served in the past few months, THANK YOU for letting me be a part of the memories of your special day.

To those who still haven’t decided yet…I look forward to serving you and helping you to create fun and unforgettable memories for your special moments.

Continue reading »]]> I’m still here! I have just been busy. In addition to the Weekly Wedding Tips and this blog, I now write for the Oahu Wedding Association blogs and the NACE-Hawaii blog. I’ll be sharing my expertise and insights on those blogs, so check them out! Some of my posts will be geared to you, while others are geared towards other wedding professionals in Hawaii, to help them with blogging, social media networking, marketing, and much more.

Of course, be sure to check back here as well, since I’ll still be posting stories, advice, tips, and pictures about weddings & special events on this blog frequently as well.

Continue reading »]]> One of the things I learned at the conferences I attended over the last two weeks is that

A BLOG ISN’T AS EFFECTIVE IF IT ISN’T HOSTED ON YOUR WEBSITE.

As much as I loved using Blogger/Blogspot to host my blog (mainly because of its ease of use and constant uptime), it just wasn’t helping me as effectively in reaching you. So I finally “bit the bullet” and switched over to WordPress.

The old content will remain with blogger, but new content starting in March 2009 will be based here. So welcome! I hope you enjoy the stories, images, and advice that I have to offer. And keep coming back for more!