Pittsburgh Wedding Pro Blog

WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, just announced that Houserockers DJ has won the 2009 Bride’s Choice Awards™!

In its inaugural year, the Bride’s Choice Awards recognizes and honors vendors from the WeddingWire Network that demonstrate excellent quality of service, responsiveness, professionalism, value of cost and flexibility. This year’s recipients represent the top three percent of WeddingWire’s vendor community, which includes over 100,000 wedding vendors from across the US.

Unlike other awards in which winners are selected by the company, the Bride’s Choice Awards are determined exclusively by recent newlyweds through surveys and reviews.

Click Here To Read our EIGHT 5 STAR Wedding Wire Reviews

HOUSEROCKERS DJ would like to thank our past clients for speaking on our behalf and helping us win the 2009 Bride’s Choice Award!

I LOVE New Year’s Eve Weddings.  Tons of Fun, Great Energy, and people come ready to party!  Mandi and Chad had a fantastic wedding reception.  The venue was the Bella Sera just outside of Pittsburgh in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.  Mandi and Chad found me when I performed at Tim and Lisa’s wedding just a few year’s earlier in Freeport, Pennsylvania.  Mandi and Chad selected the Unlimited Package.  This custom event included confetti blast at midnight, a gobo projection, uplighting, a photo montage, the just got married game, lighted dance floor platforms, and a challenge.  At the end of our planing meeting Mandi wondered how we could visualize a countdown because there was no clock inside the room.  So I came up with a custom projection that counted down for the last 2 hours of the evening.  Enjoy the photos!  Thanks Mandi and Chad.

BEFORE

AFTER

Just Got Married Game

Pittsburgh Wedding DJ

Tony and Billie Jo – November 8th, 2008 – SNPJ Center – Enon Valley, PA

Jamie,

I just couldn’t close this chapter, in our lives, without passing on some well deserved-compliments.

 

We knew from the first time we heard you that you were the D.J. to host Billie Jo’s reception.  Following our meeting with you, we received affirmation of our decision.  Your charm coupled with your voice of welcome, sealed the deal. 

 

While it is next to impossible to tell of the great deal of attentiveness in detail you give, it goes without question that is was keenly noticed and appreciated.  We felt very relaxed at the reception, as we knew that everything was in more than capable hands.  

 

Many of our guests commented that you were the best D.J. that they have ever heard.  It was truly an evening to remember in so many ways.  You ability to make everyone have fun and enjoy themselves is equal to none.

 

It is well worth saying that I will refer you anytime I have the opportunity.  

 

Thank you for the deep and heartfelt memories that will surely last a lifetime!  Until our paths cross again, I remain……

 

Carol – Mother of the Bride

Doug, Mandy, and Jamie - 5 years later

Circle of Love First Dance

Jamie, Billie Jo, and Tony - Rockstars!!!

Melissa and John – November 15th, 2008 – Petrolia, Pennsylvania

John and Mellisa stealing a kiss during the first dance

John Rocking Out to AC DC

Some receptions really suprise me how really great they turn out.  Great Toasts, Great Food, and Lots of Dancing.  I also got to work with my long time friend Mark Weeter, who was the photographer.  Thanks John and Melissa.

 

 

Drew and Dan -  November 22nd, 2008 – Lenape Heights Golf Course – Ford City, PA

Jamie-
 
I know it has been a few weeks now, but I just wanted to thank you again for making our reception so wonderful.  Dan and I both had a blast – more fun than we ever imagined we would be able to have.  We have had so many compliments on how great of a time everyone had and it wouldn’t have been possible without you!  Thank you so very much and I hope you were able to enjoy yourself a little too!
 
The reception was a dream come true - so perfect and everything I would have wanted. 
 
Have a wonderful holiday season!
 
Drew

Drew and Dan's First Dance

Drew was a bridesmaid in Chris and Adriann’s wedding back in 2006.  I also played for Drew’s company’s Christmas party in 2005 and 2007.  In October of 2007, I played for Lindsay and Brandon’s reception, in which Drew was also a bridesmaid in as well.  A month later on Thanksgiving weekend I played at Rachel and Shane’s wedding in which Lindsay was bridesmaid.   She pulled me aside and let me know that Drew couldn’t attend Rachel’s wedding because they were spending Thanksgiving with Dan’s family and sometime that weekend Dan was going to “pop the question.”  Is it it strange that your DJ knows a wedding is going to happen before the bride? 

The next week Drew called me, but I already knew the good news!!!  Also if your still following the connections here, I also played Rachel’s Brother’s wedding this past summer too.  Jill and JR – August 30th, 2008.  Also another couple of mine from 2008,  Andrew and Lonya – July 12th are friends with Drew and Dan.  I also got to work my buddies Paul and Cindy from Paul Meyer Photography.  Thanks Drew and Dan for the great time and good friends!

Jamie, Andrew and Lonya

Chris, Adriann, Jamie, Lindsay, and Brandon

Dan, Drew, and Jamie

DJ and Desiree – December 6th, 2008 – Knights of Columbus – Clearfield, PA

 

 

 

 

DJ and Desiree's First Dance

 

 

 

 

Open Dancing

Desiree, DJ, and Jamie

Another amazing wedding where FOUR past couples were in attendence.  Kelly and Jeff from 2004, Meghan and Keith from July 2006, Matt and Lauren from June 2007, Jeremy and Alicia from July 2007.  For some reason I had a “brain freeze” that night and didn’t get a picture of all of us.  A great time was had by all!!!

 

 

Nancee and Ryan – December 20th, 2008 – Clarion Holiday Inn

I performed at Nancee’s sister’s wedding, a few years earlier and now it was Nancee’s turn.    It was a great time.  Ryan came up to me in the middle of the dancing and said, “I don’t know what you are doing, but my Dad hasn’t danced and had this much fun in a long time.”  Thanks Nancee and Ryan!

 

The Holiday Inn Clarion looking nice.

Nancee and Ryan's first dance.

 

"Livin On A Prayer"

 Brad and Jamie – December 27th, 2008 – Laube Hall – Freeport, Pennsylvania

When you plan a winter wedding sometimes mother nature can throw you a curve ball.  Sure, you want snow, but not a foot of snow. Well Jamie and Brad got the exact opposite.  55 degrees sunny and breezy.

Beautiful Freeport View from Laube Hall

View of Laube Hall Inside

Brad and Jamie's First Dance

While it may have felt a little “Spring-ish” outside, it was definately a warm romantic Christmasy feel inside.

The party was outstanding from begining to end with lots of dancing.  My friends Amanda and Josh were there too.  I performed at their wedding back in July of 2007.  Thanks for the great time Brad and Jamie!!!

Josh, Amanda, and Jamie

Chicken Dance Baby!Let's Boogie!

Jamie Simpson – Houserockers DJ

Megan and Justin – October 4th, 2008 – Ridgway, Pennsylvania

North of Pittsburgh in the beautiful city of Ridgway, Megan and Justin had an amazing celebration. This is the second this year that Houserockers DJ has performed at a reception with a guest count of over 400 people. The wedding reception consumed the entire Alieo’s Cafe with guests seated in the 2 banquet rooms, a dinning room, and the bar area. I also got a chance to work with my good friend Steve at Paradise Video Productions. The reception started at 5 pm with dancing lasting until midnight. Thanks Megan and Justin!

Jackie and Ray – October 11th, 2008 – Brookville, PA

Jackie and Ray had a beautiful ceremony and reception at Pincrest Country Club in Brookville, Pennsylvania. Brad and Patty run the show at Pinecrest and do an awesome job.

Soooo, Jackie and Ray were looking for some unique ideas to incorporate into their wedding. They found a clip on YouTube of a DJ doing a “Sports Center” style introduction. That DJ just happened to be a very good friend of mine, Ken Petersen, from North Dakota. Here’s what we came up with for Jackie and Ray.

Jackie and I go back to her sister Andrea’s wedding. Both weddings had some things in common, but the most memorable is their brother’s play in a band, Sons of Brothers ,and once again they rocked the guests with some great covers and originals. It really was a night to remember!

This is Jackie and Ray’s review of my services on WeddingWire.

My husband and I have not had enough good things to say about working with Houserockers!! We loved EVERYTHING about our reception!! The introduction, the game, the props – WE LOVED IT ALL!!!!! You BRING the party!! I have seen it happen time and time again at my friends weddings and was elated that the celebration was just as awesome at our wedding!! We had a BLAST!!

Heather and Mike – October 11th, 2008 – Lucinda, PA

Fall Weddings and the Antler CLub go hand in hand. I didn’t realize I had over 8 weddings this year at the Antler Club. The best thing about the Antler Club is you can really make it unique and different with decor. Heather and Mike used white pumpkins as centerpieces and accents. They also brought in their OWN bar with a very unique top and used brown as their primary color.

I got a chance to work with my friends Aaron and Lucas from Identity Studio They do a great job! I am also in a wedding networking group in Venango County with Aaron and Lucas called Divine Dimensions.

Mike, Heather, and their bridal party arrived ready to party!!!

And Party They Did!!!!

………………Thanks Heather and Mike! ………………………

Jessica and Bud – October 25th, 2008 – Lucinda, Pennsylvania

Another great wedding at the Antler Club with Aaron and Lucas from Identity Studio

I have know Jessica’s dad, Tony, for many years when he used to be the store manager for the JCPenny’s in Clarion. We some good laughs talking about all the crazy things I used to make him and his employees do at their annual summer picnic.

Thanks Jessica and Bud!

Joel and Shawna – September 6th, 2008 – Freeport, Pennsylvania.

Joel and Shawna had an outstanding reception held at Laube Hall in Freeport, PA.  I was not only the entertainment for the reception, but also produced a slideshow that was displayed on my 100″ screen and projection system as the cake was being served.  Also, the mother/son dance was sung by a friend of the bride and groom, “Simple Man”, which brought down the house… and Joel and his mom too.  I was able to provide technical support including a patch to wire in an acoustic guitar, stand, and wireless mic.   Shawna’s Matron of Honor, Brittany, was one of my brides back in 2006.  Unfortunately, my pictures were lost from this event, but here is a great picture of Joel and Shawna.

Jessica and Wesley – September 13th, 2008 – Clarion, Pennsylvania

A beautiful ceremony and reception was held at Anchor Village in Clarion, PA for Wes and Jess.  Some unique ideas were used for decor at their event.  My favorite was a cluster of Paper Lanterns over the dancefloor.  Thanks Wes and Jess!

Jenessa and Andrew – September 20th, 2008 -Clarion, PA

Back to Back events for me at Anchor Village.  Just look how completely different the room looks.

Jennesa and her mom decided that instead of using paper lanterns, they were going to make these really cool tissue paper poms.  I provided the accent lighting to match the theme colors of their wedding.  An awesome time was had by all!

Melissa and Scott – September 27th, 2008 – Lucinda, Pennsylvania

Jamie,

Thank-you so much for the best reception we could of ever dreamed of.  You made the reception very entertaining! Everyone had a great time and we loved every part of it.  You even got Scott to DANCE!

Thanks So Much – Melissa

Sharon Jayson of the USA Today wrote a great article on when is the right time to get married. 

Emily Becker wanted to be married by age 30. In June, at age 28, she and Joe Becker, 29, were married. They were the last of their group to tie the knot.

Even though they began dating in 2003 — around the same time as most of their friends — “it took us almost twice as long to get married,” she says. “We both knew we wanted to marry each other. We just kept having to put it off.”

The entire article can be found here:  USA TODAY – Sooner vs. later: Is there an ideal age for first marriage?

Flashbox is a new company, based right here in Pittsburgh, and has been a hit at weddings so far. The technology behind the sleek, slim kiosk was designed by Carnegie Mellon graduates. Because of that, FlashBox is currently only available to Western Pennsylvania couples–giving them a chance to use this new gadget before anyone else in the country.

Here is a story on Flashbox on KDKA.

Breanne and Jay – August 2nd 2008 – Curwensville, Pennsylvania

Is that picture worth a thousand words or a million dollars? First, I gotta give huge props to my girl Joelle Watt who did the photography. You can find more pictures on her blog HERE. It takes A LOT to impress me, but the shots from Bre and Jay’s wedding are AMAZING!!!

People have often asked me …. “What is the most memorable thing you have seen at a wedding? That may have occurred at Bre and Jay’s ceremony.

The ceremony and reception were held on the grounds of Starr Hill Winery At about the half way point in the ceremony a car started rolling just to the side of where the ceremony was taking place and crashed through the vines. Thank god no one was hurt or this could have ended up being a very tragic day. It ended up being a car of one of the bridesmaids (who will remain nameless) and slipped out of gear and rolled down the hill. Kudos to the minister presiding over the ceremony, as once the car came to a stop, people were unsure of what to do and as cool as a cucumber, he quietly announced, “Everything looks fine…. let’s keep going.”

It was a great time and an event that will always be unforgettable!!!

Bre’s mom dropped me a note after the wedding.

Jamie,

I just had to drop you a line to you. You are fantastic and everyone said so. Thanks for helping make the wedding a great success. I of course will recommend you to anyone, but your name is already so well-known. It wouldn’t have been the same, if not for you.

Les – Mother of the Bride

Patrick and Beth – August 9th, 2008 – Indiana, Pennsylvania

Patrick and Beth had a really fun wedding reception at Rustic Lodge in Indiana, PA. This is the THIRD wedding I have done for Beth’s family and as I like to think… the best yet!!!

Rebecca and Brian – August 16th, 2008 – Clarion, Pennsylvania

A wonderful wedding celebration was held in the Courtyard at the Clarion Holiday Inn I also got to work with two good friends and guys I have known since I started Houserockers DJ, Mark Weeter Photography and Randy from Keepsake Video. You can see them both in this snapshot.

Rachel and Dan – August 23rd, 2008 – Lucinda, Pennsylvania

Rachel and Dan’s reception was held at one of the best places to have a large reception in the area, The Antler Club. And Yes, the place does have an antler chandelier.

Jill and JR – August 30th, 2008 – Cook Forest, Pennsylvania

Some clients you just click with right from the get go. Jill is an event specialist with the Pittsburgh Marriott North. I don’t know if there has ever been a bride with more event planning experience than Jill. The good part was she had a lot of ideas already set when we met and talked about putting together the reception. The GREAT part was finding a way to surprise a client, who has seen just about everything under the sun.

So what was the surprise…. well most people have seen a photo montage (slideshow) at a reception before… Baby Pictures, Growing Up and Shots of the Couple. The suprise was just as the last slide went black… 7 new images came up from the ceremony that happened only 3 hours prior. Jill was floored!

Big Thanks to Bill and Mandi from Biandi Photography for making my surprise a reality.

First Dance Overlooking the Clarion River.

Jill and Jamie

No Accent Lights

With Accent Lights

Here is a note I got from Jill after the wedding

Jamie,

Thank you for all of your hard work and personal touches you put into our wedding day. Our friends and family are saying that you are the best of the best in the business and we couldn’t agree more. During the planning process your professionalism was second to none. You made us feel that we were not only working with a vendor, but also a friend.

Thanks Again!

Jill

On Wednesday August 13th, 2008, I had the honor of competing for The DJ of the Year at the DJ Times 2008 DJ Expo held in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The talent was amazing this year in The DJ of the Year. I ended up finishing in third place while capturing the title of “Best New Game”. This game is something I perform at Corporate Holiday Parties and not weddings, but I thought you would enjoy the highlights just as well.

Here is the Houserockers DJ Corporate Party preview video:

This Pittsburgh Wedding DJ was on the road all over Western Pennsylvania including Butler, DuBois, Ford City, Clarion and Johnsonburg. Since I am a little behind with the Pittsburgh Wedding Pro Blog, I combined all of my reviews in this July Wedding Post.

Chris and Megan 7/5/08 – Clarion, Pennsylvania

A small reception was held for Megan and Chris’s 350 closest friends at Anchor Village. The reception lasted a mere 8 hours from 4 pm till midnight! What a Rockin’ time!

Andrew and Lonya 7/12/08 – Ford City, Pennsylvania

Another small wedding reception of 325 friends and family for Lonya and Andrew at the Latin American Club in Ford City, Pennsylvania. Lonya and her Dad prepared a Father/Daughter Dance with a twist that started with “I Loved Her First” and skipped into “Soulja Boy.” Dad brought down the house with him and Lonya doing the Soulja Boy dance for everyone. By The Way, Andrew had some fun too. That is him in the picture with his shirt off. Thanks Andrew and Lonya.

A.J. and Lindsey 7/19/08 – Johnsonburg, Pennsylvania

Lindsey and A.J. are high school sweethearts. Their relationship began back in Jr. High when they went to their first dance together. Everything at their wedding was personalized including the centerpieces, favors and wedding cake. They also had an awesome introduction as well. Thanks A.J. and Lindsey!

BTW, I got this email on Monday morning after A.J. and Lindsey’s reception.

My name is Michelle. I will be marrying Doug on August 8, 2009. We were just at his brother, AJ and Lindsey’s wedding this past Saturday (Doug was the best man) and we were blown away by Jamie, the DJ. We would like to book you for our wedding if the date is available (our fingers are crossed)!!!

Please give me a call or email me back with whether or not you are available and we will talk then about what package we would like!!

Hope to hear from you soon!!

Michelle

I really do have the best job in the world and work for the most amazing people!!!!!

Ryan and Emily 7/25/08 – Butler, Pennsylvania

Ryan and Emily had a Christmas Wedding in July. (Get it,July 25th). The reception was held at the beautiful Grand Ballroom in downtown Buter, PA. The event was beautiful from begining to end including a special first dance of Forever by Jesse and the Rippers. Yes the song that Uncle Jesse from the TV Show Full House sang to his TV wife Becky when they got married. Ryan and Emily are huge Full House fans so it was the perfect song for a perfect dance. Here is “Uncle Jesse” singing it on Full house.

Here is a copy of the card Ryan and Emily sent after the wedding:

Jamie,

Thank you so much for making our wedding reception perfect. Everyone commented that it was the best wedding they had ever gone too. We really appreciate your enthusiasm and creativity. We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect party.

Sincerely,

Emily and Ryan

Cherie and Cody 7/26/08 – Clarion, PA

Cherie and Cody had an amazing reception at Anchor Village in Clarion, PA. We not only had a beautiful slideshow display some really great pictures of our newlyweds, but as the sun went down, accent lights flooded the room with their theme color. Thanks Cherie and Cody.

With Accent Lights:

Without Accent Lights: