(We actually love it!!!)

We WON again this year thanks to YOU, our couples!

THANK YOU to all of our couples who put their trust in TFE to help make their Wedding a Real Celebration!    Each one of you who took the time to write a review of your experience with TFE on either WeddingWire.com  or  TheKnot.com  is what helped us to get the honor of these awards.

TheKnot.com awards the “Best of Weddings” Award.  The award represents the highest-rated wedding professionals as reviewed by real couples, their families and wedding guests on The Knot.  In 2017, only 2% of the 250,000 local wedding professionals listed on TheKnot.com have received this distinguished accolade.   To determine the winners, The Knot assessed almost one million reviews from real couples across the various vendor categories—venues, musicians, florists, photographers, caterers and more. These winners represent the best of the best for wedding planning professionals that a bride or groom would want to consider order to inspire, plan and pull off their own unique wedding.

WeddingWire awards the “Couples Choice” Award.   The award recognizes the top 5% of local Wedding Professionals from the WeddingWire Network throughout the United States and abroad that demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism.  Unlike other awards in which winners are selected by the organization, the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Awards® are awarded solely based on the reviews from over 1.2 million newlyweds.  Awards are determined by a combination of excellence in four factors: overall rating (quality), total number of reviews (quantity), review performance from 2016 (recency), and consistency of reviews from year to year (consistency).

Working closely with you to PERSONALIZE…not simply customize….your Wedding is how REAL Celebrations are made!  And when you put your trust in TFE to help you create your one-of-a-kind Real Celebration, the end result is an unforgettable day full of great memories…both relived and made…for you and all your friends and family!    And your online reviews which lead to awards such as these are proof!   For that, we are forever thankful!

We hope to see you on a dance floor soon!

‪#‎TFERealWeddings‬ ‪#‎TheKnotBestofWeddings‬ ‪#‎WeddingWire‬‪ #‎CouplesChoice‬ ‪#‎ThankYou‬ ‪#‎TFELove‬ ‪#‎DJ‬ ‪

#‎NJWeddingDJ‬ ‪#‎NJPros‬‪#‎NJWedding‬ ‪#‎Love‬ ‪#‎Party‬ ‪#‎Music‬ ‪#‎Fun‬ ‪#‎Entertainment‬ ‪#‎Celebrate‬

With the ringing of the New Year we bring lots of resolutions…and some even brought new “rings” into 2018 …with Engagements!!    If you’re of them, CONGRATULATIONS!!  Chances are, your head is in a whirlwind with where to begin your Wedding Planning!  (And really, who can blame you?!).    

The single biggest question you’ll be asking most often once the planning starts;  “Do you have my date available?”    We love this question!   We’d love to be able to help with your Wedding, so we love when you ask! 

Wedding Booking Season Begins!!

IT’S HERE; starts with January & goes strong through March!!

Don’t be alarmed, this blog is LOADED with details & tips on how to navigate through Wedding Booking Season to be able to get exactly the dates & services you want…before somebody else does!  :-)

I know, you’re thinking; “But what does this mean?”

Come January, all the newly engaged couples are out of the gate and running… and fast!  Any remaining dates for 2018 will disappear with couples looking to avoid a long engagement (or those who got sidetracked in their planning) … AND THE PLUS SIDE: Those “just around the corner” dates usually accompany special discounts too.    Couples wishing to have more time to plan, will tend to reserve most of the prime dates for the following year, 2019.  Prime Wedding Dates in the Wedding Season traditionally are Saturday nights from April – October, with most Friday dates running a close 2nd!

Now you’re thinking; “Ok, well how do I start?”

Most all shows will also feature performance segments, from a Band and/or DJ Company, to showcase a bit of their entertainment services.  Though you’ll find several Band & DJs to talk with at Wedding Shows, not every one of them will have a performance segment… and many times it’s not necessary because true knowledge, passion, professionalism, energy & enthusiasm are all quite obvious from the very first conversation with some entertainment professionals! :-)

You’ll also have the chance to enjoy a cash bar at many shows, as well as opportunity to sample food from the venue the show is held in,  view that venue as an option for your Wedding, see a Bridal/Formal Wear Fashion Show AND even win some door prizes from Wedding services or even a vacation!!!!   (The idea of sampling great food and possibly winning a honeymoon vacation are usually great reasons to get grooms to attend

And now you’re thinking; “Where do I find Shows?”

WeddingSetGo:  http://weddingsetgo.com/event-schedule/

By now you’re thinking; “That’s it, I’m going to a show!  But some advice on attending shows would be great!”

With such a variety of great music to choose from, from every decade and genre, there aren’t enough Wednesday’s to cover EVERY great possible Wedding Song option.   Even we know that!    That’s why we love sharing other lists too!   And this one’s all based on current music!  So if current music is your “go to” for song choices, you’re going to love this!

Brides.com just published a list of their best love songs of the year… and even a link to stream the entire list in Spotify!  (awesome, right?)

You may not love EVERY song on the list, but check out “39 Best Love Songs of 2017″ and see if one of your faves made the list!

And then check out the Wedding Song Wednesday Album on our Facebook page for some other helpful Wedding Song ideas!  Or just search #WeddingSongWednesday

Happy Song Hunting!!! 

THE RETURN OF  ”WEDDING SONG WEDNESDAY”  ON FACEBOOK!

It’s Wedding Planning Season, and this weekly Wedding Wednesday feature is something our couples love and find quite useful!  Here’s hoping you will also!

Each and every Wednesday, we feature one great artist and one of their best slow songs.  It could be current pop artists like John Legend, Ed Sheeran, Adele or Coldplay;  a classic artist from the past like Etta James, The Beatles, Chicago or The Eagles;  or we just might turn you on to a new artist you’ve never even heard of like Joshua Radin, Wilco, Ray LaMontagne or even Country artists like Blake Shelton, Hunter Hayes and Carrie Underwood!

You’ll find songs from EVERY GENRE and just about EVERY ERA, so there’s plenty of songs to love for EVERYONE of EVERY AGE!

 Chances are, if you’re reading this, YOU are part of the special group of people we’ve helped this past year!  (And if TFE hasn’t helped you this year, well…there’s always 2016 and 2017!  :-) )   Thank you to each and every one of you who have put your trust in us to help you make your event one heck of a Real Celebration!

Friends and Family come from near and far to share in Celebration with you; sharing Smiles & Tears, Laughter & Fun, Moments & Memories -creating new ones too- each and every one of your guests share in the Music, Dancing and Fun that make up your Celebration.  And by hiring TFE,  you put much of that responsibility into our hands…and we couldn’t have been more honored!  And yes, Blessed!  Thank you!!

If you’re planning an upcoming Celebration; First, we wish you luck with all your plans!  And Second, we hope that maybe we’ll have the honor of helping you to have a Real Celebration of your own!  Oh, and stay tuned, we’ll share some Wedding Planning help with you in the next coming weeks!

TFE wishes all our clients and friends a safe and Happy New Year!  Raise a glass this New Year’s Eve and let’s toast to a Real Kick A** 2016 …for all of us!

We hope to see you on a dance floor in 2016!

It’s that time of year again…Holiday & Happy New Year Celebrations came complete with Engagements for many!    If you’re of them, CONGRATULATIONS!!  Chances are, the one question you’ll be asking most often once the planning starts;  ”Do you have my date available?”    We love this question!   We’d love to be able to help with your Wedding, so we love when you ask!

The Wedding Booking Season Begins!!

IT’S HERE, starts the 1st weekend in JANUARY with the first official bridal shows kicking it off!!

Don’t be alarmed, this blog is LOADED with great detail & tips!

I know, you’re thinking; “But what does this mean?”

Come January, all the newly engaged couples are out of the gate and running… and fast!  Any remaining dates for 2015 will disappear with couples looking to avoid a long engagement (or those who got sidetracked in their planning) … AND THE PLUS SIDE: Those “just around the corner” dates usually accompany special discounts too.    Couples wishing to have more time to plan will tend to reserve most of the prime dates for the following year, 2016.  Prime Wedding Dates in the Wedding Season traditionally are Saturday nights from
April – October, with most Friday dates running a close 2nd!

Now you’re thinking; “Ok, well how do I start?”

Most all shows will also feature performance segments, from a Band and/or DJ Company, to showcase a bit of their entertainment services.  Though you’ll find several Band & DJ’s to talk with at Bridal Shows, not every one of them will have a performance segment…and many times it’s not necessary because true knowledge, passion, professionalism, energy & enthusiasm are all quite obvious from the very first conversation with
some entertainment professionals!

You’ll also have the chance to enjoy a cash bar at many shows, as well as opportunity to sample food from the venue the show is held in,  view that venue as an option for your wedding, see a Bridal Fashion Show AND even win some door prizes from wedding services or even a vacation!!!!   (The idea of sampling great food and possibly winning a honeymoon vacation are usually great reasons to get grooms to attend

And now you’re thinking; “Where do I find Shows?”

American Bridal Show Company:  http://www.americanbride.com/bridalshows.htm

WeddingSetGo:  http://weddingsetgo.com/event-schedule/

By now you’re thinking; “That’s it!  I’m definitely going to a show, but some advice on attending shows would be great!”

We get the pleasure of talking with so many excited couples about their wedding, listening to all their ideas and how their number one goal is to make it a day they they…and their guests…will never forget!    And as a wedding professionals, we get just as excited at the possibility of helping all of you make your day a truly
memorable one!    So it really does bum us out that it’s sometimes budget alone that keep couples from hiring TFE or other DJ Entertainment.

As Wedding Professionals, we really do know how you feel & trust me when I tell you, you aren’t alone!   Many couples felt that way when they initially began
searching for entertainment (or anything wedding related really!).   It can be a bit shocking at first to find out the cost of Wedding services, the biggest being your venue, your “home” for the day.
However, many couples found that expanding their budget just a bit for the peace of mind of having great
entertainment was the major factor in the overall success of a truly awesome celebration!

Our goal is to still help, even if it’s not TFE couples choose to hire.   I encourage you to keep important details in mind when researching & speaking with other Entertainment companies.   It’s the only way you’ll know for sure that, in addition to knowing you’ve hired great entertainment,  that you have peace of mind as well!
It’s absolutely important to be on a budget when planning (imagine the kind of damage we all would do if our resources were unlimited!!!  My head hurts thinking about it!!  lol).  When deciding where to tighten up the overall budget to expand the budget for the one area that has the most impact, here’s some great information to be prepared with when checking into entertainment options.

Biggest Misconception of a DJ

It’s a common misconception that all DJ’s are the same, and the truth is we’re not!   And the only way to truly know that is to do exactly what you’re probably doing, researching and talking with several so that you really get a feel for them and their services, but that you’re also able to have a vision of how, and if, they will help to make your day a real celebration!   It’s not enough to be able to say you found the least expensive DJ, it’s about having absolute peace of mind knowing that the reasonable amount of monies you do spend on
entertainment were put in the right hands.   Just like the peace of mind you have with your venue.

Chances are your Wedding Venue’s reputation, quality and service are not on the low end of the budget.
However, they are absolutely worth every penny you spend with them!   Both the venue and it’s food & the
entertainment are the two key things that will have the most impact on your wedding,  and really any event!   Ask most anyone, and they’ll tell you it’s the two things they remember the most… with entertainment often ranking first.

Who’s Responsible for Your Wedding and The Party

No matter how large or intimate your reception, the music and entertainment is often the deciding factor
between just an OK celebration and a truly REAL SUCCESSFUL Celebration!   Just like the organization (both seen and unseen) that it takes for a venue to coordinate the preparation and set-up, the kitchen flow, the menu and food, and all the staff to make sure everything goes smoothly… a DJ’s role in your reception is just as important to the success of your event and how smooth the music and entertainment will be!   When hiring entertainment, in essence you’re putting all of your trust in their hands.  You’re handing over to your DJ the
responsibility of making you and your guests experience all the truly great aspects that make up a real
celebration….fun, tears, laughter, moments, smiles, music, memories, and plenty of dancing!!

Hiring a professional DJ is key to music seeming like it was all perfectly timed for each and every moment of your party!

A great DJ will take your personal musical requests and enhance them with other music selections they know your guests will love, and blend it all together with the key knowledge of perfect timing, in a way that gets
people enjoying, dancing and having a great time!

A great DJ will not only read the crowd and respond
accordingly, but will also plan around the flow of the venue and your Maitre d’ & their schedule so that nothing seems like it was interrupted and instead will be a continuous, seamless, flow throughout the day!

Not Just About Music

A professional DJ will also act as your MC, to keep your guests informed as to the formalities throughout the event so they know what’s to happen and when.  With a more casual and intimate affair, many couples have different ideas as to how much or how little wedding tradition they wish to include or not include in their
reception.  You can incorporate some of the traditional formalities, or choose some terrific creative
alternatives in an effort to keep more of your desired casual approach.

With a more energetic and ready to party large guest list, you may want to leave out much in the way of
tradition and formalities… or leave it all in while adding a different more out of the ordinary approach!

Either way, your DJ should work closely with you to not only share ideas with you, but to help you put those ideas into motion, AND, make your celebration truly reflect “you”…and not everyone else who’s been married before you!

We could write a book on the importance of DJ Entertainment  (we’re DJ’s after all ) ,  but hopefully we’ve
given you some insight and helpful information to consider and look out for when researching options for
entertainment at your wedding.   Have conversations with your fiancé about the things mentioned and decide if finding a way to slightly stretch your entertainment budget is worth the peace of mind of knowing your
reception will be the real memorable celebration you wish it to be.   Making a wrong decision on your
entertainment is never worth the money you saved by choosing someone because of budget.   The good
feeling of saving money on entertainment quickly fades when it was the wrong entertainment and wasn’t worth the monies you DID spend!

You may have seen this quote many times, sadly, we know it’s true!  We’ve had couples tell us so.  Fortunately, for some of those couples they realized it BEFORE their wedding day and had time to correct it and still have a Real Wedding Celebration!   It’s the couples who, unfortunately, don’t find out until their Wedding Day …and their guests aren’t dancing and they leave early.

Wedding Professionals do realize the challenge of budget couples are up against when planning…and often paying for their wedding themselves.   No matter how you decide to move forward, we wish you luck in your search and your decision on entertainment.  When you both look back on your amazing day, our hope for you is that there is never this thought floating around your minds:

“Our reception could have been better if only we had ______(fill in the blank) ______“.

Looking back on your day should do nothing but bring smiles!! …especially when others are still raving to you about how much of a Real Celebration it was!

If there’s anything TFE can do to help, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Happy Wedding Planning!

 

As a DJ Entertainer, and singer, specializing in Weddings over 15 years, I’m usually the first to say that there’s a shortage of truly great love songs today.   Gone are the days of Celine Dion, Shania Twain, and Bryan Adams busting out yet another song that tugged at the heartstrings of lovers both young and old.  Though, if you happen to have attended several weddings over a decade ago, you just might be glad that “My Heart Will Go On” has indeed ”sailed” on!

So many of today’s slow songs seem to speak of broken hearts and love gone wrong; even Bruno Mars sings about what he should have done when he was “still your man.”    For ears tuned solely to Top 40 Radio and its popular artists, it’s becoming
increasingly difficult for couples to find a song that speaks of
the love they’ve found, mutual feelings they share, and true
lasting connection that makes them take the walk down the aisle to say “I DO.”

For many couples, a trip far back in time introduces them to some incredible classics, which to this day stand the test of time and still make for amazing Wedding Songs!  (That’ll be a list/blog of it’s own…I promise!)   However, hidden among the talented modern artists of today, some of which fall into the  “Adult Contemporary” or
“Alternative” music categories resulting in much less radio time, are some true love song gems…you just need to listen!  Or really, you just need to have someone share them with you

Many songs could make a “Modern Wedding Song” list; ideas from other music lovers as well as other DJs too.  I don’t claim to know them all!  I only claim to know some of the heart tugging and tear jerking greats!  :-)  
Everybody does a “Top 10”, not me!  I share with you 23 (I like being different) of my picks, in no particular order; songs with a modern twist from artists within the last several years that would make for a truly great Wedding Song.  I’ve even included Youtube links to make your listening experience a simple click away!  I hope you enjoy this list and the emotions these songs evoke, as much as I enjoyed …tearfully at times…putting it together!  (Hey, I’m a hopeless romantic!)  I hope that somewhere here, you find the perfect song to share a first dance to… as Mr. & Mrs.!

WARNING: At 23 songs, this post is LONG! But so darn good!  To Save, Share or Print, here’s the PDF:
https://tarafeeley.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/TFE-Modern-Wedding-Songs1.pdf

P.S.:  This list & listening experience is best enjoyed in a dimly lit room with fiancé & a tasty adult beverage!

1.   You Are The Best Thing– Ray LaMontagne   More upbeat than most traditional wedding songs, Ray’s voice along with his lyrics speak loudly about finding the single best thing in life… YOU!   Perfect for obvious reasons, but also perfect for the couple who wants a more fun and upbeat first dance. http://youtu.be/vJ3xTjvj9tw

2.   I Won’t Give Up- Jason Mraz  These lyrics couldn’t speak any louder as to what true commitment means.  Enough said!!  http://youtu.be/O1-4u9W-bns

3.   Overjoyed – Matchbox 20  I’ve liked this Rock group since their 1^st hit in 1996!  The song sings of a love that hasn’t completely happened yet, but is on the brink as Jacob’s lyrics express how “overjoyed” he would be if she let him be the one   http://youtu.be/qg6r-IeH7ss

4.   A Thousand Years – Christina Perri  If you’re a Twilight movie fan, you already know how incredibly
moving this song and its lyrics are; about finally allowing yourself to “fall” and embracing it.  The innocence in her voice only adds to the beauty of this song.  (One of my favorites to sing as a first dance when couples ask me)     http://youtu.be/rtOvBOTyX00

5.   Lego House- Ed Sheeran  There really isn’t a bad song on this whole album; it’s full of love songs!  This just happens to be my favorite.  “I’m going to paint you by numbers and color you in”, great lyrics!     http://youtu.be/c4BLVznuWnU

6.   Mirrors– Justin Timberlake  Who doesn’t love Justin!?!?  He’s definitely more Top 40 mainstream…but you can’t deny this song totally works for a wedding song!!  This rhythmic up-tempo tune is perfectly well written to convey the idea that his ideal love is a reflection of his own self when looking into “mirrors”!  (The video says it all)   http://youtu.be/uuZE_IRwLNI

7.   Your Song- Ellie Goulding  This song belongs to Sir Elton John, but English singer-songwriter Ellie Goulding’s rendition is quite beautiful!  (She sang it at the Royal Wedding in 2010!)  Her fresh voice singing, “How wonderful life is now that you’re in the world” makes this classic song a Wedding Song all over again with its moving modern feel.  http://youtu.be/D9AFMVMl9qE

8.   Wanted- Hunter Hayes   A Country lover’s fav, this great song will even win non-Country fans over!  More upbeat of a love song if you’re looking to stay away from something mellow, but Hunter’s lyrics are what get me.  He sings about wanting to make you “feel wanted”…not just simply loved!   http://youtu.be/ruyaKdPfTN4

9.   Stay With You– John Legend  An R&B fav!! From his debut album almost 9 years ago, this song still remains one of his most romantic love songs and will continue to “stay” around for many more years to come.  Another great song whose lyrics speak of a love so strong, there’s no breaking it…no matter what comes!    http://youtu.be/nT1Oozijsy0

10.  Little Things- One Direction  YES, I put One Direction here!  Most might obviously count this song right out, but if you close your eyes and really “listen” to this song, it just might bring a smile to your face and remind you of all the “little things” about your lover that make you fall in love all over again… every day!   http://youtu.be/xGPeNN9S0Fg

11.  Ho Hey- The Lumineers  This Indie Rock group hit mainstream success with this song in early 2013, and its no wonder why! “I belong with you, you belong with me” set behind a fun folksy beat is AWESOME!  http://youtu.be/zvCBSSwgtg4

12.  You and Me– Dave Matthews Band   Though popular, this song didn’t blow up as much as I thought it would.  And really, it makes it that much more of a gem I think!  Dave speaks about the ideal relationship…the couple that “can do anything”… together!   http://youtu.be/7f4TItnxVOw

13.  Us Against The World- Coldplay   From their 5^th album, Mylo Xyloto, this great song is typical of their
terrifically well-written material, with lyrics that are romantic, though seem complex upon first listen.  http://youtu.be/b-snQWuNP4g

14.  Lovesong– Adele  Holy Awesome 1980s cover!!!  I’m such a huge fan of The Cure’s original version, as well as 311’s cover in the 1990’s, but the hopeless romantic…and singer…that I am, is so in love with Adele’s rendition of this song.  From her insanely popular “21” album two years ago, it’s a modern and romantic twist on a song whose lyrics speak of how deeply one feels on the
inside for another.  The music alone could give goose bumps!  http://youtu.be/MjJUxczKAYE

15.  Look After You- The Fray  Most known for one of their popular tunes, How to Save a Life, this slow to mid-tempo love song is definitely a wedding song contender!  “You’ve begun to feel like home”, my favorite line!   http://youtu.be/Vl7spqkXgpY

16.  Bless The Broken Road– Rascal Flatts   Another Country, this one more mainstream and definitely a bit older, which doesn’t exactly make it totally modern, yet this song ALWAYS makes a list from me!   Written in 1994 & recorded by many, this 2005 version was a billboard hit, and it’s no surprise as to why!  With lyrics that speak of all love’s past bumpy roads that ultimately have “led me straight to you”, you can’t not consider this as a wedding song.  And since Country often gets overlooked, it makes my Modern Wedding Song list J   (And it’s another favorite of mine to sing when couples ask me to.)   http://youtu.be/lZp6pmgbZyU

17.  Marry Me– Train  This rock group’s 1^st hit came 15yrs ago!  And they’re still going strong!  Most popular for their rock tunes, one listen to the guitar on this romantic song complete with a pledge of love and marriage…and you’re sold!  http://youtu.be/-gEIHgVAkJE

18.  So Easy- Phillip Phillips  This season 11 American Idol winner has several amazing songs he’s co-written, and I’m pretty sure you can pick any of them as a Wedding Song!  But this one…the climactic tempo change on the chorus coupled with lyrics,  “You’re the reason I believe in something I don’t know. You make it so easy to fall so hard”, make this one my favorite to recommend as a wedding song…hands down!   http://youtu.be/hG83GAGGfy4

19.  Come Away With Me– Norah Jones   Mainstream and 11 years old, it still remains a popular romantic song and always makes any suggestion list!  Why?  Because if there’s ever a song that can, in an instant, grab you and take you away to some secluded romantic and peaceful place…all in your mind…it’s this one!  Oh, and she sings of taking her lover with her, hence the title “come away with me”    http://youtu.be/c1V5Wk9gb4U

20.  Never Let Me Go– Florence & The Machine  This English Indie Rock Band and its lead singer are amazing!  Her voice is sweet and shy yet bold and strong all at the same time.  In this song, their lyrics of water and falling under speak metaphorically of love; slipping underneath into the waters and oceans of love.  If you’re a lover of intricate lyrics with depth, this song is definitely a winner!  http://youtu.be/zMBTvuUlm98

21.  Have A Little Faith In Me– John Hiatt  I guess by today’s 2013 standards, this song would be considered an oldie since it
debuted in 1987.  He may not be mainstream, but this Rockabilly/Blues artist is still going strong today recording new material & touring!  This song is BY FAR his best love song, in my opinion, and one of my favorite love songs ever!  When all else fails and you doubt most everything, have a little faith in me!  It’s a tear jerking beautiful sentiment from man to woman…and makes for a perfect wedding song.   http://youtu.be/7aYxMuLb3h8

22.  Old-Fashioned– Cee-lo Green  Here’s another more mainstream artist, but one you wouldn’t think of first when deciding on a wedding song.  I love the song title, because it’s not only the kind of love he sings of…which in and of itself is awesome… but the music and feel of the song is reminiscent of the soul sound of the 1960’s.  It brings you right back to the days of Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye and Ray Charles!  http://youtu.be/gUAuZ2qWvsk

23.  Carries On– Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros  Another great Indie Rock band, their most popular hit was 2009’s “Home”, off the same album, Up From Below.  It’s a great song, but I love it more for its lyrics…
because despite anything and everything, their love “carries on”.  http://youtu.be/cpZcO_OSIcA