We wrapped up our first quarter showcasing season last night with our very own Private Show at The Sheraton in Eatontown. We also did something we’ve never done before in the 22 year history of Elite Entertainment: We gave one lucky bride an amazing, Elite Wedding. The winner would receive not just a free DJ from Elite Entertainment but also a lighting package, a Photo Booth, Photography services from our sister company Elite Digital Images and videography services from our sister company Elite Video Productions. This totaled over $7000.00 in free services for one lucky bride.
Our showcase was tight. We’ve been performing pretty steadily since the beginning of the year, 16 bridal shows in all since our first one on January 8th. We had a packed dance floor for much of the interactive segment and every DJ who had mic time really shined. In fact, the most consistent feedback we received from brides and grooms in attendance was something to the effect of: “we can’t decide who we want because you guys are all great!”
So then came the moment we were all waiting for. We picked the winner of our biggest giveaway ever. And as luck (or maybe fate) would have it, the winner was a lovely young woman named Nina whose fiance is serving in the Army in Afghanistan. We couldn’t have been happier that she was the winner and we can’t wait for their July 2013 wedding.
Nina, our Lucky Winner took home over $7,000 in free services from us!
Nina's fiance is serving overseas so she posed here with our very own Marine - John Ruggiero
Congratulations Nina!
Every time we change the calendar year, people take some time to reflect on the year that was. For me, 2011 was both equal parts challenging and rewarding. One particular day/event perfectly depicts both of those sentiments. The day: Sunday, November 6. The event: the ING New York Marathon. Months of training, hard work, and POUNDS UPON POUNDS of pasta had all led up to what would prove to be the most challenging 268 minutes of my life. I won’t bore you with the details of the run, but the weather was absolutely perfect and I had the pleasure of running it with one of my best friends, Jeff Kaufman. As Elite’s owner Mike Walter can attest, the feeling of accomplishment when you cross the finish line is really beyond words and will be a moment I’ll remember forever. Now I told you that story to tell you this story…
A few months earlier, on Saturday, August 13th, I had the privilege of performing at Lauren & John’s wedding reception at the Eagle Oaks Country Club in Farmingdale, NJ. It’s easily one of the most beautiful banquet facilities in the entire state. As far as the reception goes, it was one of the highlights for me as a DJ last year. Not only was the crowd absolutely amazing and on the dance floor LITERALLY all night, but John and Lauren were one of the coolest couples I had the pleasure of working with. During the best man’s toast, John’s brother mentioned that Lauren and John had run a marathon together the previous year. So right after all the intros were over, I went up to Lauren & John and just started chatting them up about their experience and asking for any pointers or advice since my first marathon was a mere 3 months away. As I mentioned, the rest of the night was about as flawless as could be and we said our goodbyes and they embarked on what I’m sure was an incredible honeymoon.
Fast forward almost 2 months. I get a piece of mail on October 4th (and I know this because I still have the email I sent to Lauren & John that day). It was a card to say thank you for helping make their big day so special and it ended with “…best of luck at the marathon!” Inside was a bumper sticker with the number “26.2″ on it, representing the distance of a full marathon. Such a simple gift and statement, but I was absolutely blown away. We talked for maybe 4 minutes about the marathon, and the fact they remembered and even sent me a little something about it was truly special. It’s couples, weddings, and moments like this that make what I do truly rewarding and special.
I have to start by saying how great of a year it has been in the entertainment industry. Weddings and parties are becoming much more extravagant and exciting progressively…I mean I really can’t wait until my next event just for the simple fact that there will probably be yet another fantastic upgrade to add to the mix. The way that technology is advancing at such a rapid rate gives us endless opportunities to do just about anything with music. And oh yeah, the MUSIC! Well I must say that great music definitely creates a great environment. That being said, the last few years (this year particularly), has dished out more great dance music than earlier years and it reaches out to people of all ages. For example, there was an older gentleman at one of my weddings recently who was on the dance floor with his cane. He was in his mid 80s, and when I played certain songs like Dynamite, he had his cane high in the air fist pumpin’ and singing word for word. Thats how I hope to be when Im that old.
What a great way to close out a year of phenomenal events. This past weekend I had the pleasure of DJing two holiday parties.Ocean Health Initiatives on Friday night was a blast. I played lots of Latin music, they danced all night long and I hope to be back next year. Saturday night was my second year with Two River Community Bank. Just like last year it was out of control, there just wasn’t enough time at that one. It was definitely a party that could have gone at least another hour. Great people and great times nonetheless and a nice gratuity to top it off. Looking forward to next year with that group.
I want to wish everyone a safe and happy Holiday Season. Share lots of love with your family, lots of gifts with your friends, and lots of laughs with the world. I can’t wait for 2012.
John Ruggiero
Elite Entertainment
732-691-8825
