B-Boy Recommends Archives - Page 8 of 8

July 17, 2013 by B-Boy Productions, Inc.

Vendor Profile: Dear Wesleyann – Wedding and Lifestyle Photography

B-Boy Productions Inc. handles a lot of destination weddings, and in doing so, we’ve been blessed to work with some of the best wedding and event photographers in the country.

Our friends at Dear Wesleyann are right at the top of the list of folks we love to work with! Dear Wesleyann is a Florida Panhandle destination wedding photographer covering the areas of 30-A, Carillon Beach, Rosemary Beach, Seaside, WaterColor and beyond. With many years in the industry, Wesleyann combines experience and expertise with an efficacious attitude and win-you-over smile! We recently cornered her to get some advice and insights for our blog-reader friends and brides-to-be. Here’s what she had to say:

First, give us a quick recap on your background, experience, and what brought you to the beach?

When it comes to my background and where I’m from, I pretty much fall into that coined term of being a “Third Culture Kid.” Growing up, we were constantly on the move for my dad’s career. Rest assured that no matter where we lived, the Florida Panhandle is where we always spent our summers and had a way of feeling like home! After my 2nd year of college in Pennsylvania, I decided to forgo another year of the cold and snow, and decided to migrate south to the palm trees and Gulf breeze! Never did I have plans to stay here, however, after running into the first boy I ever dated from years past {at the age of 14} … well 7 years of marriage and two little boys later … we’re still here! I’m convinced the beach has a way of never letting you go!!

As far as my professional experience and background … I’ve been a shutter releaser, professionally, for 5 years. Coming from a creative family and living abroad, photography and art have always been a passion of mine. However, the way it became my career was rather serendipitous and ended up being one of those “meant to be” kind of things! With a degree in Communications, a minor in Photography, and life’s journey of ups, downs, twists, and turns … my first real career as a wedding event planner at a resort soon lead me to being a wedding photographer!

When shooting any outdoor event, weather is unpredictable. What other things does the destination/beach bride need to know? Any advice to share?

Weather here along the coast is very unpredictable, to say the least!! However, when you have a team of wedding professionals you’re able to trust … you can rest assured you’re in good hands! When I got married 7 years ago someone gave me words of advise that I held on to and give to my couples now – remember that no matter what may happen, at the end of your wedding day, the two of you are going to be husband and wife … and that’s what all this is truly about! It’s so easy to get caught up in the midst of everything and it’s important to always have that as a constant reminder!!

What trends are you seeing for 2013 destination weddings?

I think the beauty of wedding trends now days is that couples can do just about anything the mind can create and their budget can allow!!! I love that couples are making their wedding day sentimental with so many personal touches! One of my favorites I’ve seen a lot this year, is couples who incorporate family heirlooms into their day … it has a way of bringing love, commitment and family full circle!

You excel in capturing details and emotions! Do you have a favorite “moment” that you always hope to capture at a wedding?

The fact that weddings are all about emotions, moments and memories, I think is what truly fuels my passion for them! Every wedding has those “first time moments”… The look on the bride’s face when she sees herself in the mirror for the first time in her dress, the look on the father’s face as he glances at his daughter one last time before walking her down the aisle, when the bride and groom see each other for the first time … and the first kiss! All those moments are moment capture musts! However, it’s the expressions and emotions just before and after … and then the unexpected moments, that tend to make my heart soar! It’s capturing those moments for my couples that makes a wedding feel “whole!”

In this age of social media sharing and Instagram, some brides are opting for an “unplugged” ceremony and reception – leaving the first images of their event to a professional. Do you have thoughts on this trend?

When I’ve attended weddings as a guest {and especially now that I’m married}, there’s something truly special and sentimental when you’re engaged in the meaning and words being exchanged as the couple commits to forever together! As wonderful as social media and technology can be, I’ve realized that it can also be a huge distraction … not just at weddings but during life in general! I think the whole “unplugged” concept is a fantastic idea so that you and your guests are able to really enjoy and be in the moment! Because we live in an instant gratification age, and because I know couples and guests are always so excited to see images from the day, I always make it a point to post a few images on Facebook and Instagram within a few days of the wedding!!

Dear Wesleyann shoots a lot of weddings, but you do other types of shoots too. Give us a quick rundown?

Over the last 5 years, I’ve captured mostly weddings and lifestyle {family, maternity, newborn, etc.} sessions. However, over the last few months, I’ve done a lot of soul searching in hopes of creating a balance between work and personal life. Weddings have always been my passion, so starting in the fall, I’ll mainly be marketing myself as just weddings and wedding related shoots — whether lifestyle or commercial. Even though I’m narrowing in on a specific industry within photography, I’m excited to be able to focus on the creative opportunities and new adventures where my heart truly is … in weddings!

We’ve heard you have a travel bug and love to do destination shoots. Where have you been recently? And where would you like to go (bucket list!)?

I feel incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to travel for weddings and shoots! I spent 5 years living abroad while growing up, which definitely helped to cultivate a love for travel and adventure!! This year, I’ve had the opportunity to shoot weddings in the North Carolina Mountains, Alabama, and this fall I’ll be heading down south to the Florida Keys! Next year I feel like I’m already on the fast track to crossing things off my Bucket List as I’ll be shooting a wedding at the Biltmore Estate! As far as other bucket list locations … I’m crossing my fingers and toes for a NYC wedding, one in California wine country … and then my dream is to go back to Paris, France where I grew up to shoot!!!

There you have it! If you’re looking for a fantastic, fun, joyful photographer – especially for a far away, exotic on-location shoot – B-Boy Productions heartily recommends you hit up Dear Wesleyann! And don’t forget to follow them on Facebook!

July 1, 2013 by B-Boy Productions, Inc.

Win an iPad Mini!

B-Boy Productions Inc. is giving away a new iPad Mini to one lucky winner! Entry is easy … just find the contest widget below and sign up to follow us on some (or all!) of our social media channels. We want to be able to stay in contact with you — and share all the FREE new music mixes and event news coming from the B-Boy team.

The iPad Mini is our new best friend — all the features of the regular iPad, but thinner and lighter! Enter today to get in the running for this little bundle of joy …

a Rafflecopter giveaway

in B-Boy Recommends / Giveaways & Freebies 4 comments

May 22, 2013 by B-Boy Productions, Inc.

Vendor Profile: Infinity Lighting for Cutting-Edge Lighting and Effects

Our Southern California division handles a lot of weddings, plus quite a few specialty events for corporations, annual conferences, holiday events, celebrity parties, school dances, etc. Whenever B-Boy Productions, Inc. does an event in California that requires heavy-duty lighting such as specialized décor lights, stage lighting, pin spots, or nightclub style dance lighting, we turn to Infinity Lighting of Brea, CA. With 17 years in the event production business, Infinity Lighting has the experience to pull together the special effects and lighting that will always “wow” a crowd.

We checked in with Stephen Shanahan, owner of Infinity Lighting, to learn a little bit more about lighting trends and what their business has to offer:

How did you get started in the event production industry?
My background and degree is in Lighting and Production design. I started with a small DJ company and built their lighting division up from the ground up. I believe quality design coupled with a quality designer makes for an extraordinary event.
Why should a client consider more than the typical 2 DJ lights that move to the beat of the music and have different patterns?
It’s all a matter of preference. DJ lighting is great for the dance floor and can give it energy and focus but decorative lighting can truly transform a ballroom to whatever you want it to feel like. Nothing can compare to a well lit room to meet the vision of the couple or client.
What lighting trends are you seeing in the CA market?
L.E.D. Color changing lighting is a great alternative to the high energy use lights called conventionals. The L.E.D. allows us to change colors of the room from event to event or song to song and they draw a lot less power than conventionals.
Share your top tip for planners/businesses that are interested in adding specialty lighting to their event?
Going with the minimum is never recommended. It’s true, you get what you pay for but sometimes spending 10% more can give you a 70% better look. Never underestimate a good designer to help complete the vision. Sometimes simple solutions are not only cost effective but they can create a simple answer to a look at an event. Sure you can spend $25,000 on lighting. But you can also spend $1800-$2500 to achieve a similar feeling for the event. The right lighting company can help you maximize your budget.

B-Boy Productions has worked with Infinity Lighting for 7 years. We highly recommend them for their skill and overall professionalism. Catch up with them at their website or on Facebook.

in B-Boy Recommends / California / Uncategorized 0 comments

May 8, 2013 by B-Boy Productions, Inc.

Event Trends – Photo Booth Rentals

Every year in the DJ and entertainment industry we see new trends that become the “in” thing to feature at weddings and events. So far this year we are seeing colorful reception additions such as The Harlem Shake; non-traditional first dances; eclectic play lists as event hosts become more music savvy and single song purchases become more readily available; and the addition of more entertainment options to even “traditional” events.

One entertainment option that continues to be wildly popular is the stand-alone photo booth. The booth provides a fun diversion for guests, plus added memories and souvenir photos that can bring a lot of spirit and hilarious interactions to the party.

B-Boy Productions, Inc. partners with ShutterPods, Inc. out of Fort Walton Beach, FL for photo booth rentals for our Florida division. They offer our clients a discounted rate, in addition to their professional (and fun!) on-site booth attendants and this can be added to your existing B-Boy package and booked through us directly!

But don’t just take our word for it … We asked Todd Siegrist, co-owner of ShutterPods, Inc. to tell you a little bit more about what photo booth rental brings to the party:

1. Why should I consider budgeting for a photo booth at my event when I have a photographer and guests are taking photos with their phones already?

If you’ve never been to a wedding reception with a photo booth, then the benefit is just difficult to put into words. Not only will it give your guests something fun to do and a gift to take home, but our photo booth creates a really cool dynamic by bringing your guests (often complete strangers) together. Since the photos are immediately viewable on an HD monitor on the outside of the booth, your guests stand outside and laugh with each other as they watch. There’s nothing else you can do at your reception that promotes this kind of fun and positive interaction for your guests.

2. Will the photo booth look out of place at my event? Can it be customized to match my décor?

The complete opposite is true! Our booth won’t just blend in, but rather it will compliment your décor and look beautiful. The booth is all white and nearly seamless, and we can even customize the LED lights around the top of the booth to match your wedding colors. The minute you lay eyes on a ShutterPods Photo Booth you’ll want it at your reception.

3. Do my guests get to keep their candid photos? Or do I get to keep them?

Both! Your guests will receive their lab quality prints within 10 seconds to keep for themselves. They also have the ability to immediately share their photos by uploading to Facebook or sending to their email right from inside the booth. Then, at the end of the night, you will receive a flash drive with all of the high resolution event photos. Let the blackmailing begin!

4. What comes standard with the photo booth rental? And what other “must have” add-ons should I get?

You’ll always have a professional on-site attendant, prop table, unlimited prints and a flash drive of all your photos at the end of the night. For a small upcharge you can upload to Facebook from the booth, get double or triple prints, choose your favorite photo for a full 4×6 print, record video messages and more!

5. Just curious, how many people can fit into a photo booth at once?

The booth will comfortably sit 2, easily fit 3, barely fit 4 and with the help of an open bar, 5 is possible.

6. Can the DJ announce a “funniest photo” contest or something similar to get a competitive photo taking spirit going? I want to blackmail my friends after the event! (Just kidding.)

This is actually a FANTASTIC idea. Thank you!

So now that you’re convinced that photo booth rental will add spice and hilarity to your party, just call B-Boy Productions Inc. today (888.825.0655) to add one to your scheduled event!

in B-Boy Recommends / Florida / Weddings 0 comments

April 17, 2013 by B-Boy Productions, Inc.

Vendor Profile: Cloud Nove Events – Wedding Planning and Coordination

Photo courtesy of Alan Abrams Photography

Cloud Nove Events is a full-service event planning company that provides hands-on attention to all the details of planning your special event — from helping you develop a budget, to selecting vendors, to day-of coordination services. But their services go above and beyond just “traditional” planning, and extend to elements like customized invitations, honeymoon planning, destination weddings, etiquette advisement and more.

We checked in with founder and chief planner, Regina Cialone and asked some questions about Cloud Nove Events:

How did you get started in the event planning business and what is your background?

I started Cloud Nove Events in 2009 with one goal in mind: to help as many couples as possible be stress free throughout their engagement, and most importantly, on their big day. I’ve worked with nonprofit events for over 12 years, and have experience in fine dining, directing and stage managing theater, and budget management. I knew I had a talent for pulling things together efficiently and with the most impact, and coming from a huge family I am no stranger to drama and complex relationship dynamics. Wedding planning is a natural fit for me.

Where are your offices physically located and what areas do you cover for events? Do you travel upon request?

The Cloud Nove Events studio is located on the south shore of Long Island in Lindenhurst, NY. The space provides a relaxed comfortable environment for us to hold consultations, meetings, and various vendor trials and tastings. We also host wedding planning guidance and education workshops and events. We serve Manhattan to Montauk!

What do you love most about being an event planner?

There is a moment, usually during or after the first dance, where the couple looks at each other and smiles. The nerves of the day are gone, everything has gone perfectly (or near perfectly!), and here they are breathing a sigh of relief and just happy to be in one another’s arms. That’s a great moment. And I’m always proud to have helped in some small way to make that moment happen.

One piece of advice regarding hiring an event planner?

Realize you can work with an event planner for all levels of service –perhaps you just need help finding the perfect venue, or maybe you’d like someone to handle all of the details from start to finish.

Many of the couples who come to me are worried that they don’t have enough time to get all of the wedding planning done. Some worry that they do not have enough resources and want help executing their vision while staying within a limited budget. No matter what the reason they come to me, I work best with couples who enjoy laughing and smiling and want the wedding planning process to be fun and enjoyable! You’re going to spend a lot of important moments with your event planner, so select someone who you trust, genuinely like, and would want to share a cup of coffee or a glass of wine with.

Photo courtesy of Alan Abrams Photography

What trends are you seeing for 2013 events/weddings?

I don’t think this qualifies as a trend, but I see a lot of couples who have seen things at other weddings and then think they need to have them at their own. They ask me, “What do you think? Do I have to have a slipper basket/cry packs/petal cones/pashmina basket/garter toss/symmetrical bridal party/etc.” and I always answer “You don’t have to have anything. Is this important to you? Is this something you envision will make your day more special and more unique to you as a couple? If not, it’s superfluous. Keep it simple and authentic to you.”

Visit the Cloud Nove website or Facebook page to learn more about how Regina and her team of professionals can help you realize your dreams for your special day!

in B-Boy Recommends / New York / Weddings 2 comments