Sunday, August 18, 2013

Wedding Venue Review: Mariner's Church Portland Maine

A newly engaged couples first choice made is their date. Most often, couples choose a month and leave their date to the availability of a venue. It's imperative to find your venue and secure your date before booking with your entertainer. This affects the cost of your event because your venue will dictate the number of guest, time of date and access to your venue. 

This year, M.R.K.Entertainment will be the choice entertainer for four Portland Wedding's at the Mariner's Church. We're excited to go back because this venue has a great layout and extremely friendly staff. Upon entering the facility, we (as a vendor) are welcomed and supported by the event staff. They were friendly and courteous; always offering support to ensure the event happens the way the client wishes. We've been to too many venues that don't support entertainers.

Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/

What we Love:

  • Great Location - In the heart of the Old Port and between several hotels.
  • Amazing Views - look down on the hustle and bustling Old Port.
  • Third Floor - Loud music, no problem. 
  • Elevator - no stair climbs here.
  • Dual Bars - Yes one full and one micro. This helps to get drinks in guest hands.
  • Center Dance floor - Plenty of locations for guest away from the music.
  • Balcony - Let's guest look down on the dance floor.
  • Domed Ceiling - Project images or color on a beautiful dome (20' up)
  • Giant Windows on Fore Street - Amazing Views
  • Friendly Staff - Very helpful and knowledgeable. 
  • Good Food & Drink - The food is good and the drinks are cold. 
  • Ramp Access - No stairs to climb, unless you want too.


Source: http://www.focusphotography.com

What we Don't Like:

  • No Parking - parking can be a challenge, but there's plenty garages
  • No Load In - Staff will offer to assist, but there's no designated Load-in Parking.
  • Columns - They're need for support, but can obstruct views of seated guest.


Summary:


The question I like to ask myself when reviewing a wedding venue is, "Would I get married here?" The answer here is, "Yes." The limitations are manageable. Parking is available and you could get parking supplied by the hotels. Commuting guest could get parking in a garage. The load in might cost you extra for the inconvenience for the lack of access, but it would be worth the money for a full lighting system. The only real issue is the columns. If you work with a good entertainer, they could help compensate the obstructed view by letting guest know that an event is happening, like the first dance. Your guest could then move and get a good view. This would only happen a few times throughout the night. 

The Mariner's Church will give you everything you need in one place. It's unique layout and architecture will enhance your wedding reception. 

Below is an example of M.R.K.Entertainments simple lighting for a New Year's Evening event on December 31st of 2012. Notice the wall sconces that accentuate the walls and beautiful domed ceiling. Beware, this venue's dance floor requires powerful lighting to give this effect.


Saturday, August 17, 2013

Music Song Request & The Top 200

DJ Intelligence is a service used by many DJ’s. One great perk that is shared to all is their cumulative request list. Dj Intelligence takes the request list generated by clients of DJ’s and DJ’s and compiles the Top 200 most requested songs. This is great place to start building your list. I find that most of my clients request 30-50 songs from this exact list.

From there, a good DJ should be able to look at your request and understand you musical preferences. You’ll always want to leave about 40-50% of your time to the DJ. Although you might have good musical taste, your guest might night. Leave this space and let your DJ fill in the music with guest request and preferences.

Some clients often feel as though they should pick all the songs. Personally, I’m against this but I will play them after a conversation about this very post. If clients understand that if I play their chosen request and ignore guest, the dance floor might be empty, then I’ll follow their specific request. In many cases, I’ll have them initial an amendment on the contract for assurance.

If you hire a good DJ, they should be able to read the crowd and know what the crowd wants to dance to. Don’t save money with inexperienced DJ’s who have not developed this skill. Make sure you book an experienced DJ who can adjust when the time is needed. If you’re unsure, you can always go back to the Top 200 from DJ Intelligence.

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Sunday, August 4, 2013

Beihl Wedding at the Marine Terminal





Jacquie Beihl, a set on Flickr.

Congratulations to the Beihl's and their amazing wedding at the Marine Terminal in Portland. Amazing water views, full uplighting and a family that wanted to dance the night away.

Dissell Wedding 6-1-2013





Dissell Wedding 6-1-2013, a set on Flickr.

A wonderful wedding at the Italian Herritage Center in Portland, Maine. Located behind Shaws on Congress Street, this venue is a great space for a wedding. The Dissell's had a great time as well as my team. Congratulations Matt & Jenn