Emerald Coast Archives - Page 2 of 2 - B-Boy Productions, Inc.

April 7, 2014 by B-Boy Productions, Inc.

Wedding Entertainment with DJ Charles: The Blacharski Wedding at Eglin: – March 29, 2014

The Spring wedding season kicked off for me a little sooner than expected as this event was added to my calendar 2 weeks before this wedding! Surprises like this are exactly why I love being in the wedding entertainment business! As the Emcee assigned to the event, I got my first impression of our groom, Tony Blacharski, during our planning appointment. He was very laid back and was looking for a relaxed vibe the day of the event. That said, he didn’t want things too loose as he wanted everything to be perfect for his bride, Elaine Cherry, on their special day. Both the wedding ceremony and reception were held at the Officer’s Club Bayview Club on Eglin Air Force Base.

Working with us this day was Kim from Coastal Moments Photography. This was my first time working alongside her on an event and she was every bit as professional as everyone raved about! I hope to work with her again.

We started the event by providing Ceremony Sound inside the facility. The groom and bride were both smitten with one another as our officiant, Eric Partin, presided over the ceremony. They picked some instrumental acoustic guitar selections for the processional and the orchestral version of “Canon In D” as she made her way down the aisle.

For the cocktail hour, they had pre-selected an old school jazz vibe. Songs from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald, etc. filled the air as my partner on the event, DJ Dan, mixed the tunes. After cocktail hour concluded, we went straight into the meal. We played a variety of great music.

Following dinner, we went into the cake cut and toasts so we could have a ton of time for open dancing. Tony and Elaine opened the dance floor by having their first dance to the tune of “At Last” by Etta James. That song is a classic!

DJ Dan then turned it up a notch as we invited everyone to the dance floor for open dancing.

For the last song of the night, DJ Dan played a Muppets song called “Life’s A Happy Song” which was specifically requested by Tony. I had my doubts with the selection because songs by the Muppets aren’t usually what we in the wedding entertainment business have in our regular playlists… much less use to pack a dance floor. It was obvious that the song had special meaning because as soon as it started playing, it brought the biggest smile to Elaine’s face as well as filled the dance floor. The ending of this reception was definitely one of the most movie-like endings I’ve ever been a part of.

This intimate wedding really personified what most people dream of – elegant, great music, lots of dancing and love permeating throughout the day. Thanks for allowing DJ Dan and myself to share the day with you. Best of luck to both of you!

March 31, 2014 by B-Boy Productions, Inc.

The Thomas Wedding by Destin Wedding DJ, DJ Dan: 03/22/2014

This past Saturday we were back at the Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort and Spa in Destin, FL for the wedding of Michael Thomas and Amy Shoulders.

I was the Emcee and DJ Duane was behind the turntables mixing the music. Obviously, as Destin Wedding DJs, we both get to be a special part of many weddings and receptions.

There were both local and out of town vendors working with us at this event. The catering and cake was handled by Hilton Sandestin Beach Weddings. The ceremony photography was done by local wedding photographer Angie Wagner of Sunset Images Photography. The florist was Patty from It’s A Perfect Day. The coordination was done by Deborah Simmons from Signature Occasions, out of Ridgeland, Mississippi.

For this event, we were out on the Pool Deck, which overlooks the stunning Gulf of Mexico. You could not have asked for a better day for a wedding – abundant sunshine and a gentle breeze made for a very refreshing afternoon. The table settings utilized touches of crystal, which sparkled like diamonds in the Spring sun and complemented the beach atmosphere very elegantly.

Michael and Amy entered into the reception with “Step In The Name Of Love” by R Kelly as their soundtrack. That was followed by the First Dance where they chose an updated version of “Endless Love” by Mariah Carey and Lionel Richie.

After the Grand Entrance we immediately went into the cake cut and Michael and Amy picked “Open Arms” by Journey to be playing in the background for that formality.

Dinner was transitioned into after the cake cut and then we opened the dance floor for our first open dance set. Few people can resist the lure of “Wobble” by Vic and “The Cupid Shuffle,” so the dance floor was jumping early on.

For the Bouquet Toss, “Single Ladies” by Beyonce was selected. The Garter Removal song was the classic Marvin Gaye track “Let’s Get It On” and the Garter Toss song was “Big Pimpin’” by Jay-Z. Once we finished with those formalities, it was back to the mix of DJ Duane as we opened up the dance floor for our 2^nd and final dance set.

As the sun went down, the evening air became rather chilly with the sea breeze coming off of the Gulf. Several of our guests became visibly cold as a result of that. I took it upon myself to make several trips to the Pool Towel kiosk, where they rent out warmed-up beach towels, and delivered a towel to each person that was feeling chilly. I like to go the extra mile to make sure my guests are comfortable and having the best time possible!

This was definitely a fun wedding and I’m so glad we got to be a part of Michael and Amy’s special day. I wish them nothing but the best. We’ll leave you with a few images from Sunset Images Photography.

in Florida / Past DJ Events / Weddings 0 comments

March 24, 2014 by B-Boy Productions, Inc.

DJ Duane-Bull Wedding at Sandestin Hilton on March 15 2014

It was a sunny and great day for a wedding at Sandestin Hilton Beach Golf Resort and Spa for Johnny Bull and Danielle Elliott. The Hilton wedding team handled the coordination and catering. The bride’s bouquet and the arbor flowers were provided by It’s A Perfect Day. Photography was done by one of our favorites, Tay Gray Photography.

I was the Emcee and DJ Josh B mixed the tunes. The ceremony took place on the beach and we were in the Diamond Ballroom for the reception. The mother of the bride and the bride’s aunt took care of the design/décor and truly did a fantastic job! The décor colors consisted of blues, silvers, greens, and white. It was used throughout the room in the form of peacock feathers and other materials.

Something that was a little different for us with this particular event was the fact that Danielle, the bride, is hearing impaired. Not to worry, we were able to communicate through phone text throughout the planning process. The day of the event I worked with one of the bridesmaids who knew sign language. Danielle was so excited that nothing was going to get in the way on her day!

Danielle and Johnny set the party atmosphere right away by using “Crazy In Love” by Beyonce as their Grand Entrance song. From there, they went with the East Coast format where we go immediately from the Grand Entrance into the First Dance. They chose “Memories of Us” by Keith Urban. That was followed by the Father/Daughter dance to the song “My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw. The Mother/Son Dance had a little twist in that the bride and her grandfather joined Johnny and his mother as they danced to Izzy K’s version of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”. DJ Josh B then played a cool medley for the Bridal Party Dance of “Cupid Shuffle”, “The Electric Slide”, “Apache”, and the “Wobble”.

We went into dinner so everyone could catch their breath and then transitioned into the toasts. Each speech was heartfelt and there were barely any dry eyes left in the room once they concluded. After the toasts, it was time to get our groove on. DJ Josh B got the crowd up on their feet and out onto the dance floor. We partied the night away and ended on a song Danielle and Johnny had pre-selected called “Stealing Cinderella” by Chuck Wicks.

The music was memorable, the dancing was hillarious (great job groomsmen!) and the bride and groom couldn’t have looked any happier. That is what we like to see DJ Josh B and I are so happy and honored that we were able to be a part of Danielle and Johnny’s day. We wish both of them many years of happiness!

in Florida / Past DJ Events 0 comments

September 4, 2013 by B-Boy Productions, Inc.

Recommended Creative Vendors on the Emerald Coast

This week on the blog we wanted to highlight two of our favorite Emerald Coast, Florida companies – two vendors that specialize in capturing moments to last a lifetime!

Momentus Films is a wedding and event production company that has been serving the Florida Panhandle for over ten years. Founded by Celia Hilton, Momentus Films creates cinematic masterpieces that resonate with the spirit of a truly creative and passionate team. Their talent for creating sentimental, unique and artistically professional films is unmatched … but don’t just take our word for it, check out the film from Laura and Shannon’s wedding in Seaside, FL. We dare you not to tear up when you see the groom’s face the first moment he sees his bride walking down the aisle:

Look for next week’s blog post for more from Celia Hilton as she shares her insights and insider advice on hiring a professional wedding videographer. Visit Momentus Films online at momentusfilms.com and on Facebook.

Michael K Photography is a Destin, Florida wedding and portrait photography studio specializing in a fusion of contemporary and traditional photography, with a keen eye for seeing light and capturing moments. Check out a few recent images below … and visit the Michael K website for more! And don’t forget to stop by and “like” the Facebook page – the images posted there are jaw-droppingly good.

And to wrap it all together, check out this new DJ Brian B promo video that features the film work of Michael K Photography and the mad editing skills of Momentus Films:

in B-Boy Recommends / Florida / Other Events / Weddings 0 comments

August 21, 2013 by B-Boy Productions, Inc.

July and August Event Recap – in Photos!

So far, event season 2013 has been filled with special events, bright smiles, delicious details and memorable moments. Here’s a recap of some of the fun in July and August.

A trendy cake with succulents! Mmmmm.

And an equally trendy cupcake station – with gluten free option!

We’ve been rockin’ events from NY …

To California …

To Florida … and many points in between.

The DJ has ‘em all lined up for a dance!

And then the bride busts a move!

As you can tell, we always have a lot of fun! Want to party with us? Hit us up! You can get a FREE consultation, right here on our website!

in California / Florida / New York / Other Events / Weddings 0 comments

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!

in B-Boy Recommends / Florida / Other Events / Weddings 1 comments

April 3, 2013 by B-Boy Productions, Inc.

Top Destination Wedding Venues in Destin, Florida and the Emerald Coast – Part 1

Ah, the destination wedding … creating memories to last a lifetime in a location with unparalleled beauty and ambiance!

It’s no wonder that Destin, Florida consistently ranks at the top of the list for domestic wedding getaways – sugar sand beaches, emerald green waters (they don’t call it The Emerald Coast for nothing!), warm gulf breezes and friendly natives.

With a DJ and entertainment company division located in Destin – and with years of experience living and working in the local area – B-Boy Productions, Inc. has a unique perspective on recommending top wedding venues … we’ve worked at most of them!

The list of recommended venues is extensive, so we’re going to just start with a select few and make this a multi-part series!

Henderson Park Inn – Destin, FL

This romantic bed and breakfast hotel is at the secluded end of a beachfront road, and offers spectacular views of the gulf; wedding ceremonies on the beach or West or East lawn; catered receptions on the lawn or the Veranda; and luxurious accommodations for wedding guests.

Henderson Park Inn added a North Lawn across the street for larger guest counts as well as an adjacent parking area, which adds convenience for wedding guests not staying at the property (since parking is very limited at the Inn).

*Note that Henderson Park Inn is an adults-only property for accommodations, but children are allowed to attend weddings/events.

The Venue at Crystal Beach – Destin, Florida

This open-air venue is owned/managed by the folks at Henderson Park Inn, and will be coming soon to the space right next door to the inn. This 3-1 one venue will feature a stained concrete deck area, a lawn area, and a beachfront area – all with completely unobstructed views of the Gulf of Mexico.

While still under construction, they do have a few artist renderings of the new space, and you can contact Christine Walker at 850.200.3614 for more information about advance booking.

Eden Gardens State Park – Point Washington, Florida

The park encompasses 161 acres in the midst of South Walton County in the Florida panhandle, along the shores of Tucker Bayou and the Choctawhatchee Bay. The site boasts numerous gardens; reflecting pools; towering moss-draped oaks; serene waterways; and the historic 110-year-old Wesley House.

Eden Gardens State Park has a pavilion that provides an enclosed area for approximately 150 guests to sit and eat, plus a large food preparation room. The park is available for rentals by contacting the Event Director at the park office.

This FAQ will provide helpful information when considering an event at the state park — Read FAQ »

Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village – Destin, FL

Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, the Emerald Grande at HarborWalk Village offers a wide array of indoor and outdoor locations that provide the perfect backdrop for wedding ceremonies and receptions.

For those not interested in sand between their toes during the ceremony, Emerald Grande includes a breathtaking outdoor deck with a grand staircase for creating an unforgettable entrance.

On-staff event planners and culinary professionals make planning super easy, and special accommodation packages such as the Sweetheart Package and Honeymoon Package offer wedding parties great value.

Sandestin Beach Hilton – Sandestin, FL

Consistently voted as one of the top Florida resorts – and currently ranked #26 on the Conde Nast Travelers Top U.S. Resort Spas – this beachfront hotel offers all the amenities a bride and groom could dream of, plus 32,000+ square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor space to accommodate any dream wedding plan.

Beach weddings at the Sandestin Hilton are treated with an eye for detail that gets rave reviews from wedding parties and guests: a wedding arbor with fresh flower décor, a champagne toast for guests, tiki torches with greenery, a limousine for the bridal party, and more. We also love that security comes with the ceremony packages to ensure a somewhat private space is secured for your location without sunbathers strolling by or ending up in your pictures.

One of the specialties of the Hilton is feeding guests with bountiful hors d’oeuvres and lavish dinner spreads, both for rehearsal dinners and receptions. And special touches for busy bridal parties can include Bride’s Dressing Room Refreshments and Groomsmen on the Go menus. They offer cocktail hour/reception space on numerous outside decks or inside ballroom spaces during the hot and cold months. The indoor ballrooms act as a “day of” rain alternative which can be quite the cost/location saver, eliminating the need for tents or switching venues at the last minute.

WaterSound Beach Club – Watersound, FL

This private beach club is set among the rolling dunes of WaterSound Beach, with sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico and private boardwalk access to an exclusive beach.

There are multiple options for ceremonies and receptions at WaterSound Beach Club, including poolside among the generous terraces and 14,000 square feet of pool decks surrounded by sprawling green lawns; or the grandeur of a the Shark Tooth Golf Club with it’s sophisticated art glass windows and chandeliers, fireplaces, and natural wood and stone interiors.

The wedding team at WaterSound prides themselves on their ability to personalize a wedding to each couple’s unique vision.

Bentley’s on the Bay – Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

There are so many things to love about this venue!

Location – Situated on the beautiful Choctawhatchee Bay in Santa Rosa Beach, conveniently located between Destin and Panama City Beach, and close to all of the little resort towns along the 30A corridor.

Space – Bentley’s on the Bay can accommodate both large and small events. They offer over 3600 square feet of covered and open deck for bayside weddings and receptions of up to 200 guests. And indoor areas with amazing views and 2200 square feet of space.

Privacy – Bentley’s only hosts one event per day, assuring that your wedding gets the attention it deserves.

Resources – This venue offers a team of event professionals to assist in planning your event; day-of coordination services; and even rentals for tables, chairs and linens.

Food – Oh yes, a dedicated caterer and pastry chef. Fresh ingredients and artful presentation.

And to round out our destination wedding venue review (part one), here are some helpful tips from professional destination wedding planners:

Pick a destination that can fulfill your needs. Think about your dream wedding and decide what best represents your vision – a wedding on the beach, overlooking the beach, underneath a gazebo for sun protection, etc.
Send pictures of your ideal setup – from chairs to floral displays – to your wedding planner. It will help your planner to assure that the destination offers everything you’re looking for.
Don’t forget a ceremony sound system when planning a beach wedding. Whether on a beachfront terrace or with your toes in the sand, there is always plenty of ambient noise that could inhibit your guests from hearing your vows. A ceremony sound system assures that your guests will here the all-important “I Dos.”

Watch for more Destin, Florida venue information in future posts!

(And if your wedding/reception venue is not listed yet, please feel free to contact us with your venue details and photos for the next blog post/s. Thanks!)

in Florida / Weddings 0 comments