DJ and Photographer Recommendations needed

bvanosten

Hi Ladies,

I'm panicking now because the bridal show I went to today left me empty handed.  I need some recommendations for my DJ and Photographer.  For the dj, I'm looking for someone that will pretty much work within my list of songs but is confident enough to do the intros and can make judgement calls (i.e.- no one is dancing to the top 40 hits, maybe it is time to go back to the tried and true oldies, etc.).  I'd like to stay under $800 if possible.  If you had someone from one of the big companies (SliverSound, the Pros, etc., could you please tell me who the exact dj was that you liked/did not like)? 

Also, I need a photographer.  I want to have the rights to all of the photos and I want to stay under $2500.  Two photographers would be awesome but a full day of coverage is more important.  I don't necessarily need an album because I can use their photos and create one myself.  I saw something online for Black & Silver Imaging that appears to have everything I want.  Has anyone used them and did they like the pictures they got out of it?  I'd like a photog that will tell us what to do, how to pose, etc. and can do artsy-type photos.

Thank you in advance!

jamiebean

We are using Perfectday Photography... they have down all our friends weddings and he did my fiance's sister wedding. They are good priced and do great work, and as far as our dj.. we are using Bobby Sacco , he doesnt have a website but he has been dj'ing for years and he is great , he gets the crowd going and he'll actually grab people and dance with them and he is charging us 850 . If u need any info let me know !

LaRositaMonita

Check the Philly Blog (link is in  thread at the top of the board, or in the mods or amerbutt's signatures) for some recommends.  Most of the photographers I know and love used to be in your budget but aren't now (sorry ) so I will let some of the other fabulous ladies here make personal recommendations.  Is Sharyn Frankel over $2500, b2b? 

For my DJ, I used No Macarena.  They are a little over your budget (I paid about $900) but were fantastic.  My musical taste and DH's is a little off the beaten path, and music was so important to us.Kim Alexander Walsh, the owner, is a former program director at XPN and did an amazing job incorporating our tastes into the night, reading the crowd, and keeping the dance floor packed.  Evey sing she picked was perfect, and she was one of my favorite vendors.

My major advice is that no matter who you choose to work with, I would go with someone local over any of the "major" companies.  Stay as far away from the Pros as you possibly can.  I do hear nice things about Silver Sound, though, although I found them to be a little overpriced if I'm remembering correctly.

Bride_to_be_2011

Hi, no Sharyn is not over 2500. she should be right around 2200 I think.

That is who I am using, my wedding is in 2 months, can't wait!

I am using DJs available for my DJ. Lots of girls here have used them. I am using Mike P for my dj.  They are around 850 when I booked them.

LaRositaMonita

In that case, Sharyn would be a great choice, OP!  B2B's photos are awesome, especially for the price

Bride_to_be_2011

Is your wedding in 2011?? I know Sharyn is booked up for 2011... so I hope your wedding is in 2012. 

CaitC21

I highly reccomend Ryan and Amanda from http://acedjphilly.com/

They are absolutely wonderful to work with!!

They should come in at budget.

For photographers Marc Anthony is about $2900 I believe, a little above your budjet but if you could swing it, I don't think you'd regret it!

RecoveringActor

For my dj I'm using Jenny Z Mobile DJ service. She has an interactive website where you can list "must have" songs, song you'd like to have, and mostly importantly the do not play list. And if you tell her no Ke$Ha, she won't play it. Her website is www.jennyzmobiledj.com. She is pretty booked for 2011 so far, so like B2B I hope your wedding is in 2012.

miguelhilary2010

I also used DJ's Available.  My DJ was Joe Moser and he was awesome.  He played exactly what we asked for.... some "must play" songs, and he picked songs that were within the genre we liked.

DJ's Available hold shows regularly where you can meet their DJs and pick the one you want.  No surprises about who will show up for your wedding.  I really recommend them.

LadyJ10

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_pennsylvania-philadelphia_dj-photographer-recommendations-needed?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:105Discussion:c6c530f8-46ae-446a-989e-c874efa8e4e1Post:37bb53e9-0250-4bb3-81c6-d43eb2770c41">Re: DJ and Photographer Recommendations needed</a>:
[QUOTE]  Stay as far away from the Pros as you possibly can.  
Posted by LaRositaMonita[/QUOTE]

You have some great recommendations here, please allow me to reiterate/highlight/second/scream-in-all-caps this piece of advice.

paprika28

Wait, black & silver imaging? Or blacksilver? I'm using blacksilver and I think they're pretty awesome. We met with them Monday and booked on the spot. Pm me if you have any questions.

bvanosten

Thank you all.  This has given me a great start.  I've already sent off a bunch of quote requests from your recommendations.  My wedding is in August 2011 but it's on a Friday so it looks like Sharon is still available (if her website is up to date). 

Help me though, I'm new.  How do a PM someone/what does that mean?

RecoveringActor

PM means "Private Message."  If you need to send Paprika a PM, just click where it says "Private Message" below her comment, and it will go just to her rather than publicly on this thread.

paprika28

Yeah. Sorry. I finally made it on my computer at work, so I'll check them in a few.

happywithhim715

We used B&B Light and Sound for DJ... he was $650. He was great.. We received many compliments and the dance floor was packed all night... He is out of Reading, PA but willing to drive. We had our wedding in KOP...

Bride_to_be_2011

 In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_pennsylvania-philadelphia_dj-photographer-recommendations-needed?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:105Discussion:c6c530f8-46ae-446a-989e-c874efa8e4e1Post:0a99e4c5-547d-403c-97a7-2de69893964d">Re: DJ and Photographer Recommendations needed</a>:
[QUOTE]Thank you all.  This has given me a great start.  I've already sent off a bunch of quote requests from your recommendations.  My wedding is in August 2011 but it's on a Friday so it looks like Sharon is still available (if her website is up to date).  Help me though, I'm new.  How do a PM someone/what does that mean?
Posted by bvanosten[/QUOTE] Sharyn told me she is all booked for 2011 for weddings but you can totally ask her.

lisalaroc

We are using Tim Scott from Spencer Studios for Photography.  He should fit within your budget - he has some different options so you could probably work something out with him.  A relative of mine used him and several of their friends and everyone was pleased.

For our DJ, we are using Schaffer Sound who also fits your budget (for a standard 5 hour reception).

Annnd I agree with others, stay away from The Pros for any service.