Past Events/Photos - Portland, Oregon DJ

Private Residence Gresham Oregon Wedding

Published September 21, 2015 | By Rich Ellis

Karen and Leon held their Gresham Oregon Wedding at the private residence of their next door neighbor on Saturday, September, 19, 2015.

The last weekend of the summer couldn’t have been more perfect wth sunshine and a comfortable high of 75 degrees.

Gresham Oregon Wedding Ceremony Highlights:

Wedding Party Entrance: Pachelbel – Canon In D
Bride Entrance: John Legend w/Lizzy Starling – All of Me
Bride/Groom Exit: Frank Sinatra – Come Fly With Me

Following the ceremony, a group photo was taken with a drone as the cocktail hour got under way. For background music, I played a variety of classic hits, including favorites from Stevie wonder, OneRepublic, Queen and more.

Gresham Oregon Wedding Reception Highlights:

Cake Cutting: James Taylor – How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)
First Dance: Perry Como – And I Love You So
Bride and Father/Groom and Mother Dance: Louis Armstrong – What A Wonderful World
Bouquet Toss: Lenny Kravitz – American Woman
Garter Toss: Marvin Gaye – Let’s Get It On
Last Dance: Haley & Michaels – Giving It All (To You)

The feel of a warm Indian summer evening seemed to get most guests in the mood for dancing and the floor filled quickly for the opening slow dance and the fun fast songs, including a swing dance that followed.

As twilight set in, the dance floor was overloaded, but many people just danced wherever they were standing, enjoying hits from the Black Eyed Peas, Billy Idol, Bee Gees and more.

Congratulations Karen and Leon!

Post Event Satisfaction Survey:

“Rich was spot on with his selection, timing, interaction with guests. He kept the show moving in the right direction. 5 stars I would and will use PD again I will recommend them in a second. I couldn’t thank Rich enough.” -Leon Hummel

Event Date: Saturday, September 19, 2015
Event Type: Wedding & Reception
Event Location: Private Residence/Gresham
Event Staff: Rich Ellis
Quality of Customer Service via Telephone: Excellent
Quality of Customer Service via Internet: Excellent
Quality of Customer Service at Event: Excellent
Friendliness of your Entertainer: Excellent
Promptness of your Entertainer: Excellent
Professionalism of your Entertainer: Excellent
Entertainer’s Performance: Excellent
Entertainer’s Appearance: Excellent
System Appearance: Excellent
Sound Quality: Excellent
Overall Volume Levels: Excellent
Music Selection: Excellent
Incorporation of Your Requests: Excellent
Lighting Effects: N/A
Equipment Appearance: Excellent
Overall Customer Service: Excellent
Planning Assistance: Excellent
Entertainer’s Cooperation with Other Vendors: Excellent
Overall Performance Rating: Excellent
Would you recommend this service to others? Yes

Posted in General, Wedding

Small Group Big Fun At Vancouver Wedding

Published September 14, 2015 | By Rich Ellis

Ingrid and Mark’s Vancouver wedding reception was held on Saturday, September 12, 2015 at Royal Oaks Country Club, following their ceremony at the University of Portland chapel.

I set-up my main sound system inside for dinner and the reception, but also brought a wireless speaker for the back deck and arriving guests. It was a perfect late summer evening and the requested background music that featured happy, light jazz and a tropical, Bossa Nova sound provided a relaxing, laid back feel for the cocktail hour.

Around 6pm, everyone moved inside for a sit-down dinner in the upper dining area. Background music for dinner was easy listening set with the volume “low enough for conversation for us middle agers” as noted by the mother of the bride.

Vancouver Wedding Reception Highlights:

Cake Cutting: Nat King Cole – L.O.V.E.
First Dance: Frank Sinatra – Cheek to Cheek
Groom and Mother Dance: James Taylor – How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)
Bouquet Toss: Michael Bublé – Haven’t Met You Yet
Last Dance: Frank Sinatra – Fly Me To The Moon

In many settings, the large dance floor may have been overwhelming to a small group of only 43 guests, but they were not shy and had a great time from the first slow dance to the famous fast songs that played throughout the night.

It was a memorable bouquet toss as Ingrid threw it perfectly into the chandelier above that broke the bouquet into many pieces. I joked that “for anyone hoping to catch the bouquet but didn’t, there is plenty to go around.” 🙂 From the Four Seasons to Michael Jackson, Black Eyed Peas to the groom’s favorite, Journey, the dancing fun lasted over two hours.

Best wishes Ingrid and Mark and thank you mother of the bride, Debra for choosing PRO DJs.

Post Event Satisfaction Survey:

Event Date: Saturday, September 12, 2015
Event Type: Wedding Reception
Event Location: Royal Oaks Country Club
Event Staff: Rich Ellis
Quality of Customer Service via Telephone: Excellent
Quality of Customer Service via Internet: Excellent
Quality of Customer Service at Event: Excellent
Friendliness of your Entertainer: Excellent
Promptness of your Entertainer: Excellent
Professionalism of your Entertainer: Excellent
Entertainer’s Performance: Excellent
Entertainer’s Appearance: Excellent
System Appearance: Good
Sound Quality: Good
Overall Volume Levels: Good
Music Selection: Excellent
Incorporation of Your Requests: Excellent
Lighting Effects: Excellent
Equipment Appearance: Good
Overall Customer Service: Excellent
Planning Assistance: Excellent
Entertainer’s Cooperation with Other Vendors: Excellent
Overall Performance Rating: Excellent
Would you recommend this service to others? Yes

Posted in Events, Wedding

Vancouver WA Wedding DJ At Royal Oaks

Published September 8, 2015 | By Rich Ellis

Vancouver WA Wedding DJ Rich Ellis performed at Lora and Derek’s wedding and reception on Sunday, September 6, 2015 at Royal Oaks Country Club in Vancouver, Washington.

The warmest and possibly driest summer on record in the Pacific Northwest turned mostly cloudy and wet half way through Labor Day weekend. The plan was to hold the wedding ceremony outside on the back deck and the reception inside. The wet weather may have forced everything inside, but it is nice to have that option… this is not always the case for most summertime weddings.

Vancouver WA Wedding DJ Ceremony Highlights:

Weding Processional Entrance: Piano Wedding Masters – Butterfly Waltz
Bride Entrance: Dog Music – Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
Bride/Groom Exit: Four Tops – Baby, I Need Your Lovin’

As the room was turned for the reception, guests visited in the foyer, bar, upper dining area or partially covered deck outside. For cocktails and dinner, the newlyweds requested a variety of classic hits that included The Beatles, Al Green, Jimmy Buffett and Motown favorites.

Vancouver WA Wedding DJ Reception Highlights:

Grand Entrance: Curtis Mayfield – Move On Up
Cake Cutting: Four Tops – I Can’t Help Myself
First Dance: Elvis Presley – Can’t Help Falling In Love
Bride and Father Dance: Heartland – I Loved Her First
Groom and Mother Dance: Rascal Flatts – My Wish
Money Dance: Frank Sinatra – The Way You Look Tonight
Anniversary Dance: Beyonce – Orleans – Still The One

There were a lot of people dancing during the background music (always a good sign) and from the opening slow dance to uptempo songs that followed, it seemed as though all 150 guests were on the giant dance floor for the entire first hour.

I played everything from ‘In The Mood’ to ‘Happy, from ‘Billie Jean’ to ‘Shout.’ This place was rockin’ for over two hours and everyone appeared to have a great time.

Congratulations Lora and Derek and thank you for choosing PRO DJs.

Post Event Satisfaction Survey:

“Rich was absolutely great. His feel for music truly showed throughout the night. He knew what to play and when to play it. A consummate professional as well. He is a true pro.”
-Lora Frizzell & Derek Breniman

Event Date: Sunday, September 6, 2015
Event Type: Wedding & Reception
Event Location: Royal Oaks CC
Event Staff: Rich Ellis
Quality of Customer Service via Telephone: Excellent
Quality of Customer Service via Internet: Excellent
Quality of Customer Service at Event: Excellent
Friendliness of your Entertainer: Excellent
Promptness of your Entertainer: Excellent
Professionalism of your Entertainer: Excellent
Entertainer’s Performance: Excellent
Entertainer’s Appearance: Excellent
System Appearance: Excellent
Sound Quality: Excellent
Overall Volume Levels: Excellent
Music Selection: Excellent
Incorporation of Your Requests: Excellent
Lighting Effects: Excellent
Equipment Appearance: Excellent
Overall Customer Service: Excellent
Planning Assistance: Good
Entertainer’s Cooperation with Other Vendors: Excellent
Overall Performance Rating: Excellent
Would you recommend this service to others? Yes

Posted in Events, Wedding DJ

Portland Bar Mitzvah DJ Shakes Sauvie Island

Published August 31, 2015 | By Rich Ellis

Portland Bar Mitzvah DJ Rich Ellis performed at Elias’ Bar Mitzvah held at his family home on Sauvie Island on Saturday, August 29, 2015.

The wind and threat of rain made things interesting, but the tent held up well and everyone had a great time dancing and playing games.

Thank you to David Kinder from Kinderpics Photography for providing some photos.

Mazel Tov Elias and thank you Daniel for choosing PRO DJs.

Post Event Satisfaction Survey:

“Thank you for coordinating with Sue Cool and making sure the sound throughout the event was excellent. Your help and positive quality was invaluable. A sincere thanks!” -Daniel Raider

Event Date: Saturday, August 29, 2015
Event Type: Bar Mitzvah
Event Location: Sauvie Island
Event Staff: Rich Ellis
Quality of Customer Service via Telephone: Excellent
Quality of Customer Service via Internet: Excellent
Quality of Customer Service at Event: Excellent
Friendliness of your Entertainer: Excellent
Promptness of your Entertainer: Excellent
Professionalism of your Entertainer: Excellent
Entertainer’s Performance: Excellent
Entertainer’s Appearance: Excellent
System Appearance: Excellent
Sound Quality: Excellent
Overall Volume Levels: Excellent
Music Selection: Excellent
Incorporation of Your Requests: Excellent
Lighting Effects: N/A
Equipment Appearance: Good
Overall Customer Service: Excellent
Planning Assistance: Excellent
Entertainer’s Cooperation with Other Vendors: Excellent
Overall Performance Rating: Excellent
Would you recommend this service to others? Yes

Posted in Bar Mitzvah, Events

Smoke From A Distant Fire At Mt. Hood Wedding

Published August 25, 2015 | By Rich Ellis

It was a smoky celebration at Lindsay and Kevin’s Mt. Hood Wedding on Sunday, August 23, 2015 as Northwest wildfires in Oregon and Washington brought a haze that made Mt. Hood in the background appear as a silhouette.

It was a comfortable day though with a high temperature in the low 80’s at Mt. Hood B & B in Parkdale, Oregon… my third trip to this fabulous venue this Summer.

Mt. Hood Wedding Ceremony Highlights:

Wedding Party Entrance: Lumineers – Ho Hey!
Flower Girl/Ring Bearer Entrance: House of Pain – Jump Around
Bride Entrance: Adele – Make You Feel My Love (Acoustic Piano Version)
Bride/Groom Exit: Bruno Mars – Marry You

Following the wedding ceremony, guests relaxed with a cocktail on the lawn or enjoyed a cup of gelato from a special stand setup nearby. I played a mix of background music that included a casual mix of popular and folky songs from artists loved by the bride and groom, such as Mumford & Sons, Michael Buble, Of Monsters & Men and more.

For the reception, my main sound system was set-up earlier in the dining area located behind the house. After I introduced Lindsay and Kevin, the buffet was opened for dinner. Background music was a softer variety of alternative favorites that included Jason Mraz, Norah Jones and Dave Matthews Band.

Mt. Hood Wedding Reception Highlights:

Grand Entrance: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis f/Ray Dalron – Can’t Hold Us
Cake Cutting: Jack Johnson – Better Together
First Dance: Ray Lamontagne – You Are The Best Thing
Bride and Father Dance: Tim McGraw – My Little Girl
Groom and Mother Dance: Boyz II Men – A Song For Mama
Last Dance: Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You

I played a few older songs at the beginning, including an opening slow dance that packed the dance floor, but this group really responded to the recent hits like ‘Happy’ from Pharrell Williams that featured the groom’s family passing out the big brown hats that Pharrell wore in the video.

The rest of the night everyone enjoyed getting down to ‘Uptown Funk,’ ‘Blurred Lines,’ and even some Taylor Swift, as requested by the bride.

Best wishes Lindsay and Kevin!

Post Event Satisfaction Survey:

“Rich really made the audio & music elements of our wedding so easy because we knew he had every aspect covered. The event planner tool on the website made song selection very easy and helped with ceremony and reception structure. In speaking with Rich the week before the wedding, he took the time to understand our wants and he “got our vision” instantly. He is very personable and provided some excellent recommendations based on his extensive experience. It translated into a perfectly seamless event. Some of our favorite memories from the wedding were on the dance floor, so thanks to Rich for reading the crowd well and bringing out everyone’s dance moves. We received compliments several friends and family members on our DJ after the wedding!”
-Lindsay Pearce & Kevin Rogers