Is the Charthouse the perfect New Jersey wedding venue?

May 2nd, 2012

Choosing the right venue for your wedding day is a key ingredient to a successful wedding reception. Within a five mile radius of our office we have many fine catering venues. One of these really sticks out to me. I am talking about the one and only Chart House in Weehawken, NJ. You can tell from the second you pull up, that this is not your normal run of the mill wedding venue. Highlights such as the location, (on the Hudson River), to the very unique building design, The Charthouse  is the perfect New Jersey wedding venue if you want something that is different than your typical party venue in NJ. That is just the outside; inside you find yourself memorized by the spectacular panoramic views of the glittering NYC skyline.  Recently I had the privilege of hosting Ellen and John’s wedding at the Chart house in Weehawken, NJ. From the moment I arrived I was greeted by a friendly, knowledgeable,  and accommodating  staff.  We then took 5 minutes to stare out of the floor to ceiling windows overlooking Manhattan before we got to work. After setting up the room with our Up Lighting, DJ Booth and Custom Monogram, we quickly realized that this was going to be one of the more visually appealing weddings of the year. John and Ellen really wanted to capture the whole New York City night life feel without the NYC nightlife prices. Along with the space and the staff at The Chart House in Weehawken, NJ and a little help from Mystical Entertainment’s wedding design team they were blown away.

For highlights and a recap of John and Ellen’s Wedding at The Charthouse in Weehawken, NJ click on this LINK

Enjoy!

Frank Tadros

Mystical Entertainment, LLC

Party Venues in NJ

March 14th, 2012

Party Venues in NJ

With so many party venues in NJ, it is not wise to throw your party in a randomly selected venue.A carefully selected party venue not only makes the event more enjoyable but also enables the host and the guests to make the most of the party time. If you are planning to host a party, you need to consider several important factors while selecting among the various party venues in NJ.Through proper consideration of the various facilities offered by the party avenue, the type of event you want to host and the event sizecan lead you into selecting the best party venue in NJ. Some of the most important factors you need to consider are as follows:

Considering Party Venues in NJ According to the Type of Event

The first point to consider while selecting a party venue is whether it is specifically designed for the type of event you want to host or not. While going through the various party venues in NJ, you may come across venues that are designed for specific occasions.So whether you want to throw a wedding party, a birthday party or any anniversary party, there areparty venues in NJ specifically made to host such events.Shortlist the variousvenues according to the type of the event you want to hostand then select the venue that is most reputable in conducting that specific type of event.

Environment of the Party Venues in NJ

The environment plays a significant role during the party and can spoil the party if not suitable. You need to assess the type of environment of the various party venues in NJ and conclude whether they are suitable with the type of party you want to host. Moreover, you can further enhance the impact of the party by selecting an ideal environment for the party for example hosting your wedding anniversary at a venue that is situated beside lake or a river thus making the event more romantic.

Considering Party Venues in NJ According to the Event Size

The event size is one of the prime decision factors when hunting for party venues in NJ. You need to carefully assess the event size and estimate the number of guests who would turn out for the party. Then based on your assessment you have to evaluate the various party venues in NJ, suitable for your event, whether they provide enough space for the successful conduction of such event.

Considering Indoor or Outdoor Party Venues in NJ

Whether to go for an indoor or outdoor party venue, it solely depends upon the nature of event and the facilities offered by the various indoor and outdoor party venues in NJ. You need to decide whether an indoor or outdoor environment will be suitable for your party. Once decided, you have to look for the venues with reputation of conducting successful indoor or outdoor parties.

Bat Mitzvah and Bar Mitzvah – Things you need to know

March 8th, 2012

Bat Mitzvah and Bar Mitzvah

For a proud parent, the period when a son or a daughter turns into a Jewish adult turns out to be a memorable occasion. In other words the proud Jewish parent would be engaged in Bat Mitzvah and Bar Mitzvah planning, which is but a ceremony marked to recognize a Jewish child who reaches adulthood. In simple terms, the Bat Mitzvah and Bar Mitzvah ceremony is conducted when a boy is thirteen years and when a girl is twelve years old. Most importantly, the parent who is involved in the Bat Mitzvah and Bar Mitzvah planning ought to know significant aspects of this ceremony to convert the event in to a memorable occasion.

History of Bat Mitzvah and Bar Mitzvah

The Bat Mitzvah and Bar Mitzvah is a ceremony when a young boy or a girl performs commandments or that of Jewish mitzvot. Bar Mitzvah is a term that is traced back to Talmud, which is the codification pertaining to Jewish Tora that got compiled during the first millennium pertaining to the Common Era. The ritual where a young person utters the blessings in front of the Torah has been in practice since the Middle Ages. On the other hand, Bar Mitzvah celebrations made an entry into the United States in 1922.

Celebration

The special occasion of Bat Mitzvah and Bar Mitzvah is a held as a joyous festival, where the boy who delivers the learned discourse is given presents, as the boy also takes blessings from his teacher. Postwar America has given way to luxurious Bat Mitzvah and Bar Mitzvah parties, where enthusiasts even indulge in celebrations that take place at country clubs and posh hotels. Moreover, the Bat Mitzvah and Bar Mitzvah ceremony is celebrated in different ways, as there are people who go on a trip or people who hold a special event to commemorate bar mitzvah.

Adult responsibilities

The Bat Mitzvah and Bar Mitzvah ceremony also instills certain responsibilities, and these responsibilities fall under the purview of Jewish law. While a Jewish girl or a boy becomes the celebrant during the Bat Mitzvah and Bar Mitzvah party, he holds the moral responsibility for all his actions from thereon. The celebrant also becomes eligible to read from that of Torah as the individual can also participate in that of a Minyan. The celebrant should also follow 613 laws pertaining to the Torah, and should keep the Halakha, among the other responsibilities.

Gifts

The celebrant during the Bat Mitzvah and Bar Mitzvah function receives gifts, as this ceremony is held as a special occasion when commemorative gifts are given to the Jewish adult. Normally, the gifts given during the Bat Mitzvah and Bar Mitzvah ceremony include books that carry educational or religious value, saving bonds, religious items, and gift certificates among the other form of gifts. A special gift for the Bat Mitzvah girl takes the form of Shabbat candlesticks, and monetary gifts that are given in multiples of eighteen are also considered auspicious gifts for the Bat Mitzvah and Bar Mitzvah ceremony.
Before rolling out Bat Mitzvah and Bar Mitzvah plans, the proud Jewish parent ought to gather details on some important aspects of this ceremony to ensure that the ceremony gets converted into a memorable one.

What to consider when selecting party venues in NJ?

March 8th, 2012

Parties Venues in NJ

There is no dearth of party venues in NJ for someone who wants to host a party in NJ. Be it the need to throw a birthday party or the need to celebrate a wedding event, there is a unique venue among the many party venues in NJ that set up a splendid base for the host and guests to make the most of the party time. While an enthusiast is planning to host a party, and when he is planning to pick the best party venue in NJ, there are several factors that demand his attention. By offering his focal attention on significant features concerning the party venues in NJ, an individual can make an informed decision in the process.
Best for the party
Initially, when the host is all set to find the right venue for the party, he should make sure to handpick a venue that happens to be the best venue for the party. With a great choice pertaining to party venues in NJ, an enthusiast can come across venues that are designed for specific occasions. An enthusiast can come across party venues in NJ that are reputable venues to conduct wedding parties as the enthusiast can come by venues that are popular venues to conduct birthday parties. In essence, the host has to make sure to pick the best venue that suits a specific event.
Right environment
As one of the significant features, the environment unveiled by the party venues in NJ produce a great impact on the event that gets conducted at a specific venue. In essence, the host who is planning to conduct a wedding party or a birthday party should take efforts to know if a specific venue carries the right environment for the event.
Event size
There are other factors that impact the choice of party venues in NJ. One of the prime factors that can impact the decision related to the choice of the venue in NJ is the size of the event. Before proceeding to handpick the best one from among the many party venues in NJ, the host should take note of the event size, as he should also decide upon the number of guests who would turn out for the party. Needless to say, the best venue in NJ should not only carry the right atmosphere but should also unveil good space for an event.
Indoor or outdoor
As the proud host devotes his time and energy to conduct the party in the best way, and when he is all set to identify the best venue from among the many party venues in NJ, he should opt for an indoor or outdoor venue, as that suits a specific event. Before handpicking the venue, the host should know what to look for, as he should make up his mind about the nature of the event, and look for indoor and outdoor venues as per his need.
Facilities at the venue
The most significant factor that can impact the choice of party venues in NJ is the facilities available at the venue. Requirements for a party vary from one type to another, as the host should take care to know if the venue has got the facilities suited for a specific event.
Before selecting the best party venues in NJ, the host should take note of significant aspects concerning the event to handpick the best one from among the lot.

 

Are you a FULL time Wedding DJ?

February 3rd, 2012

One of the most common question that our company fields during a meeting  is “do you do this full time?” or “is this all you do?”.

Well those are two totally different questions. As per the first  YES this is our full time job which means that this our career. We dedicate a majority of each day to the office. We start and end EVERY day with Wedding related tasks. Whether this may be answering client emails and phone calls or making montages and preparing  music selections, yes THIS IS OUR FULL TIME CAREERS. There is an old saying that goes “if you love what you do, then you will never work a day in your life.  I am a testament to how true that statement really is. It’s almost funny and unbelievable to sit back sometimes and take in how amazing of a “work” life that we have. Where else can you  experience and be such an intricate part of  the biggest and most memorable days of someone’s life  each and every weekend.  As per the second question. No it is not all we do. It’s hard to believe between the four companies we own, manage and run the hundreds of clients we are blessed to have, we still find whatever time we do have left to be ourselves. Whether that means hitting the golf course, putting together a mix tape or simply enjoying the company of our friends and family, we still manage to get away. This is the exact reason that we are so excited to get up and take on whatever tasks the work day hands us.

My name is Frank Tadros and I am proud to say that YES! I AM A FULL TIME WEDDING ENTERTAINER!

Frank Tados

Mystical Entertainment, LLC

How to select the right NJ Photobooth company.

February 1st, 2012

Over the past 5 years photo booths seem to have become almost a necessity for any event. So many different models have come out on the market place. From different shapes and sizes to fancy touch screens and Facebook uploads, how the heck do you decide which one is for you!?! Ultimately, pricing becomes the deciding indicator for which route to take. Rightfully so, pricing should definitely be a factor, but not the reason to book it. Below are the proper steps to consider when you’re booking a photo booth in New Jersey.

First things first, figure out where you want to place the photo booth. Find out the details from the venue. What is your table lay out? What if you have more guests than you anticipated and you need to add a table or two? Is there power in the area of where you want the photobooth?

Ok, so now we know exactly where we want to place the photobooth so it’s time for the more finite details. What size is the photobooth? How many guests will it fit? Would you prefer an authentic photobooth or one with a curtain around it so more guests can fit? Some planners envision the boardwalk style photobooths while others love the size of the pipe and drape styled ones. Now hear are some things to consider;

While it is cool to be able to fit 10 people in a photobooth, it still only prints out 2 strips. I mean that’s great and all but what are the odds of one of the guests running out, copying the photo and sending them to everyone?? Now factor in the scrapbook and that leaves you with one strip. So now you think to yourself, “But the attendant can just print out more.” That is great and all but think of the line that this forms. You now have 20 people waiting in line to take pictures. Sometimes the simpler route may be best.That leads me to my next point…

The next thing to consider is the speed of the printer. Lots of companies claim to offer an “unlimited” package. Unlimited!?! Sign me up!! You have to think to yourself, how long will it take and will all of my guests get a chance in the photobooth? Your best bet is to try it out for yourself.

Finally, check and see if you will be getting the actual digital files so you can maybe put them on your Facebook page or print out a bunch for yourself. Some companies give you a flash drive at the end of the night while others mail out a DVD. I would definitely want the photos, so make sure that you are getting them.

The moral of the story is to make sure to plan your photobooth booking. There are a ton of companies out there and a great rule of thumb would be to go with the pricing that is right smack in the middle. There are going to be cheaper prices out there as well as higher ones, but as long as everything falls into your plan, you’ll be fine.

CHEESE!!!

John Macaluso

www.iphotobooths.com

 

 

 

 

What makes a DJ perfect for you…

January 31st, 2012

Lets face it.. DJ’s are a dime a dozen, especially New Jersey DJ’s. You can find someone to play music, act crazy on the microphone, put up TV screens, design crazy light shows, and everything else wedding DJ’s do almost anywhere. So what makes a DJ perfect for you? To me the answer is personality. Not just an outgoing personality, almost every New Jersey DJ has one of those, but the personality that is just right for your event and for you. When meeting with DJ’s do you connect with them on a personal level? Would you feel comfortable with them being a guest at your wedding as well as a vendor? Can you connect with this person on a social level? Do they speak your language, share your interests? These are the questions you should be asking when evaluating wedding entertainment because in my experiences that is what leads to a truly successful event.

Mystical Entertainment strives to give you that all in one experience. We try and connect with our clients and potential customers on a different level not just a professional one. That is why we offer so many services including Arabic, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish speaking DJ’s. We customize our interaction and level of energy to your wants and needs. When we meet with our clients 9 out of 10 times we spend an hour talking wedding entertainment and  another two hours talking sports, music, vacations spots, good restaurants, or whatever else comes to mind. When our clients leave our office we want them to feel like they’re family not just customers so they feel secure and confident in trusting us on their special day.

So remember DJ’s, TV’s, lights, and speakers are all a dime a dozen. Its the personality and peace of mind that a good DJ or better yet the right DJ will give you that counts.

Selecting the right photographer

October 27th, 2011

Working in the wedding business, I get to see so many  great vendors pour their hearts into their work and its truly an honor to work with people like this. Its great to know there are people out there who actually have a passion for their career and take it seriously. I’ve witnessed some true masterpieces in every facet of weddings. From custom cakes that look like artwork, to table seating charts that resemble scrolls from the Roman empire, working weddings never fails to amaze me.

On the opposite side of that spectrum, there are some people that either don’t care or might be plain insane!! Photographers in particular really have stuck out the most in my opinion. Whatever happened to the customer is always right? What ever happened to I don’t care what it takes but were going to make this young couple’s day amazing. As  if there isn’t enough mayhem to worry about on your wedding day!!   Two instances have really stuck out as of lately.

So this is an issue that seems to get revisited every once in a while. As we know, many djs in New Jersey now offer Plasma screen packages with a “zap photographer” or “candid photographer”. Typically, one of the roadies would go out and snap away. The pictures then get displayed on the screens and it turns out to be a great addition. Guests get to see themselves on TV and relive the moments they just experienced.  Seems pretty straight forward and simple right? Nope. Now I would understand if the kid gets in the way of the photographer or if some crazy red laser pointer shows up in the photographer’s shots, but what could possibly be the problem? I also understand if there might be a confusion with the photos being associated with the photographers, but as long as it’s specified there should be no problem.  A select few photographers refuse to shoot  if the wedding dj has offered “zap shots”.  I’ve seen photographers take measures as drastic as threatening to leave the wedding!!  In my eyes this is simply unprofessional. What about every single guest with their digital cameras? Should they stop taking pictures as well? I had a photographer come up to my stage and yell in my face. First off, extremely unprofessional, all the guests can see this. Next, he ran to the groom right as I played a special request they had, grabbed him frantically, and yelled at the groom next!! It is up to us as professionals to work everything out together and simply MAKE IT HAPPEN. No ifs ands or buts.  Moral of the story, ask questions regarding this and you’ll feel the vibe very quickly. It’s just a matter of professionalism.

My second and final story, also happened recently. I understand there are some booking agencies out there and I’m all about success stories in any business. The wedding business is a very personal one though. Imagine spending a good 10-15 hours of your day with a complete stranger. Now imagine not feeding off each others energy. This will reflect on the quality of the shots. You want someone with a personality, who will make you feel comfortable. This will ensure the best possible shots. You also need to discuss timing of the posed shots and when is the best time to sneak out of the reception quickly. There are only 4 hours at most wedding receptions and the formalities take up almost the first full hour!! Make sure to plan ahead when and also what type of shots you care for. Feel comfortable with your photographer, and if possible, try to meet them before you sign your contract.

John Macaluso

Mystical Entertainment

Add a touch of heaven to your reception

October 12th, 2011

Dancing on Clouds EffectBefore you opened this blog you probably said to yourself, “What the heck are these guys talking about!?” But it’s definitely an intriguing title don’t ya think?  So I want you to gaze off into a day dream and picture this. The lights are off and the spotlight hits the door…your emcee announces “And ladies and gentlemen, for the first time as husband and wife, let’s hear it for the new Mr. and Mrs. (insert name here)” All of the guests cheer as they watch you walk in with huge smiles on your faces. Now the uplighting around the room is changing colors and the introduction music lowers. A low lying fog begins to fill up the dance floor and the emcee announces the name of your first dance song. Now at this very moment, the moment you’ve dreamt of since you were a little girl is actually happening and you come out of your shock and open your eyes to first see the love of your life and next that you’re dancing on clouds and everyone is there to join you in your ecstasy. Tears of joy flow down your face because your wedding day is just how you pictured it would be.

Imagine that!?

Well there is no need to imagine it because this can be a reality. Thanks to all the movie producers and theatre set designers, this is all possible, and cost effective!! You can actually get this “dancing on clouds” effect with something called a dry ice machine. These machines are expensive compared to fog machines. Today, most catering halls have state of the art fire alarms and fog machines will just not cut it. Fog sets the smoke alarms off and that would be a disastrous first dance. With the dry-ice effect, dry ice is simply lowered into boiling hot water and out comes a billowing white cloud that stays low to the ground and contains carbon dioxide. This is the air we breathe out as humans and the result is one of the most beautiful first dances any of your guests have ever seen. No fire alarms, no chemicals, and better yet, no mortgage payment!!

After all, its about all the little things that put together a spectacular wedding. Something like this will definitely blow your guests away. Not many companies offer it in the tri-state area, but my guess, sooner or later everyone will.

Hope you enjoyed this article

John Macaluso

Mystical Entertainment

 

 

 

 

5 things to consider when booking a catering venue…

October 12th, 2011

There are many things to consider when choosing a catering venue. Here are a few that, in my professional opinion, are the most important for your big day.

1. Quality of food:

Always, always, ALWAYS, request a food tasting. Some venues will gladly offer a complimentary tasting while others wont even mention it. In my opinion a food tasting is as important as the brides wedding dress. You do not want to go into your reception without prior knowledge of the quality of food being provided. The last thing you want is to get to your reception and realize that the soup is served cold and the chicken has an awful béchamel sauce on it.

2. Overbooked?

Find out how many events are being held at the reception venue on your date. Some venues only hold one event at a time while others will pack in as many events as their venue can handle for the day, this is good for business but bad for you. With the amount of NJ weddings being booked this year, finding out how many events are being held will give you a better understanding to the attention to detail that will be placed on your wedding and your wedding only. The more events that are being held the thinner the staff will be spread and the easier it might be to overlook a minor detail for your event.

3. Bridal assistant:

Will your catering venue provide a bridal assistant? Your wedding day is a hectic and can be overwhelming. As a bride your only job that day should be to look beautiful not to worry about where your shoes are, getting yourself a drink or bite to eat, or retouching your makeup. Reputable catering venues staff professional bridal assistants that will be at your side helping in whatever you may need on your special day.

4. Glamour shots:

Some catering venues have beautiful gardens or grounds that are perfect for picture taking. Your photographer will take some time to pose you for glamour shots with these gardens/grounds as a backdrop. Consider this when booking a catering venue as this detail will come into play on your wedding day. If these grounds are available it will save you time and planning. If not you will have to find an alternate location for your glamour shots.

5. In house services:

Does your catering venue offer in house services? (DJ, photography, videography, florist) In some cases these in house services are beneficial as they can save you money by bundling services together. In some rare cases, however, the catering venue will require you to use their recommended services in addition to the catering services. This can create conflicts in your planning if you really like the catering venue but are not satisfied with the recommended services that are being offered.

Hope you found these tips helpful. Always keep a checklist of whats most important to you when choosing a catering venue, or any services for that matter, for your wedding day.

-Michael Marquez

Mystical Entertainment, LLC