Why a WEDDING DJ is so important!

Hello everyone!  We are entering full swing wedding season!  So here is one of my tips for having a successful wedding!  Hire a GREAT WEDDING DJ!  Most people don't realize that the DJ makes or breaks the reception!  

A Wedding DJ is NOT a club DJ!   A wedding DJ understand the timeline and its purpose!  He or she understand that they have people of all ages in the room.  They are also the MC to your wedding.  Some carry insurance but I am finding that in this economy most don't.  So this means that you as a bride and groom will need to purchase wedding insurance so you are set in case anything goes wrong.  Wedding insurance is about $350.00 for a million dollar coverage- and this protects the bride and groom in case of damages caused by their vendors OR their guests- it's so worth it!

But back to the DJ!  Why is it good to work with a DJ that knows the venue?  I get this question a lot!  At the Oviatt the DJ cannot make his way through the Penthouse- he's not allowed to.  This means he has to carry his speakers and equipment up a flight and a half of stairs.  Also- all of the cords need to be taped down per Fire Marshall- and he only gets 30 minutes to pack it all up at the end of the night and get out of there- so that the bride and groom to incur overtime fees!  So- with our experienced and "preferred" DJ's- you don't have to worry- they know the space and their job.  And most importantly- they understand crowds!

I always remind my clients that while you at 20 something years old like the "club" sound... you don't want that during dinner.... It will scare away grandparents and parents.  However- it's fine to play it at the end of the night when all the older folks have left and you want to get down with your friends and party!  The right DJ understands the transitions.  Also- they know that you cannot be LATE!  Everything prior to dinner is important- once the food starts cooking we can't stop it- so being on time is important- but the end of the night is time to dance and have fun.  

Being the DJ is a difficult job!  It's never easy and the average rate for a DJ is anywhere between $1,000.00 and $2,000.00 - we have wonderful ones on our vendor list that give the OVIATT COUPLES Discounts!  So call them and see which one you LIKE!  Remember it's not just about price!  You have to LIKE your vendors!  You need to feel comfortable with them and trust them!

Here is our list of "preferred" DJ's!  *** Please note a couple of them are building new website- so you'll just need to call them- but they have our endorsement- they have all worked the venue!

Matthew Edwards : (818) 281-7057

JJ - EV Entertainment - (949) 689-1986

Dave Turner - Music To Go - (818) 884-7474 or (310) 247-8774

Tim Benter - DJ's To Go - (310) 798-8711

LIVE MUSIC - Michael Greenfield - Ace of Hearts Entertainment - (310) 836-4787

Good luck everyone!!!!  

Happy Planning!

Roxy Adlesh

(213) 379-4172

How To Ask For Help On Your Wedding Day....

Wedding days are NOT easy to plan!  And many of you out there don't have an extra $1,000.00 to pay a coordinator- so what do you need help with- and how do you ask?

A wedding is personal and unique - every single one of them!  What makes this true- the SMALL details!  For example- the little frames with the seating cards, the programs, the special napkin rings you've made- etc...  We so many small details- and this makes everything uniquely - YOU!

These are the small details we DON'T help you with as a caterer.  However, family and friends would be happy to!  At the Oviatt you have two hours to set-up everything prior to ceremony.  Vendors and "helpers" are allowed in at 4:00 p.m.- guest arrival isn't until 6:00 p.m.  So what happens those two hours?

First:  Bride, bridesmaids (and spouses usually) arrive- along with photographer and florist.

Now if you are wondering who to ask for help it is NOT the bridesmaids- they are busy taking pictures with you.  However, spouses of bridesmaids are GREAT! They aren't part of the picture taking- but they are there just "hanging out" usually very bored- so put them to work!  They won't mind!  Same for the wives of the groomsmen!  So you will have help there- more than you think!  The great thing is that in the Penthouse we provide all the big stuff- you just need to deliver and set up the small stuff!

So what is delivered?  Alcohol!  Most of my clients decide to bring in their own alcohol- this means bringing it up the elevator in a dolly and putting it all in the living room- yes this is a perfect job to assign someone to!  At the same time- your decor is probably coming up, the programs, the favors, the seating chart, family pictures, extra flowers, etc... All of this you will need people's help setting it all up.  Delegate these responsibilities!  You do have the help- and they are in the room with you.

WARNING!  DO NOT ASK ON THE DAY OF THE WEDDING!  Ask PRIOR to the wedding day and explain how you want it done.  Remember we have 120 person maximum capacity.  This means 10 tables- 12 people per table.  Breaking it down further- only 60 seating cards, 10 dining flower arrangements, and maybe 120 favors.  No big deal!  So COMMUNICATE!  Talk to family and friends! They love you and they want you to have a wonderful day and trust me people are willing to set out 60 little cards for you- takes 10 minutes!  No big deal!

The End of the night!

This part of the event is JUST AS IMPORTANT as the beginning!  So many of my brides and grooms call me after the wedding to ask if I have "Found XYZ".  Please remember that assigning people to help you take stuff back at the end of the night means you need to assign SOBER - RESPONSIBLE people! Don't lose pictures, Wedding License (yes this happens), Cake toppers- etc...  Assign help!

Remember to assign a responsible party to do the end of the night walkthrough too!  Now this walkthrough happens once EVERY GUEST and EVERY VENDOR is gone!  We walk the person through the space and look and note any damages!  *** In your contract you are required to give us a $1,000.00 deposit- and with that if there are NO damages we return that check to you that night.  If there are damages then we note them- photograph them, and keep the money and either refund the balance or go through your insurance if something BIG- like a window or antique is broken.

I hope this all helps as you plan!  We want your wedding day to go smoothly!  So ask for help- trust me everyone that loves you wants the same thing!

Happy planning everyone!

Roxy Adlesh
(213) 379-4172

Do You Need A Coordinator?

Having a Coordinator Can Make You SMILE!

First let me start off by saying that a Coordinator can make you smile!  They are wonderful!

But the question is always do you need one?

First there are a few different types of packages, and there are different types of coordinators, and diverse styles!  First work backwards!  Many of you will hear me say this repeatedly!  What do I mean?  It means stay in your budget!  Decide how much you have to spend overall and assess the importance.  I strongly always recommend one- ESPECIALLY if you are a DIY bride!  Being a DIY bride means you are probably handling the flowers, the decor, and who knows what other minor details.  Remember.... weddings are full of minor details and it's those very details that can become overwhelming!  So if you have a lot of details... get a coordinator!  They will make sure that everything is organized and things are done as per the timeline!  VERY important!  Remember you can't be late!!!  Once the food starts cooking- the caterer cannot stop it- so you need to stay on time!

The coordinator will help you with the ceremony, with the unloading, with getting vendors paid- tips too, and working with the DJ to stay on schedule.  And they will work with the florist and make sure the schematic is followed.  They will make sure the escort cards are in order and where they should be.  The decor will be done properly.  All the tables- down to the ceremony table will have your items carefully placed- and the right linens will be on the right tables.  And yes, even your favors and candles will be where they should and candles will be turned on!  At the end of the night they might even do the walkthrough for you!  They will make sure cleanup is done quickly and efficiently and make certain that you don't incur overtime fees!  They are there from the moment the event starts until the end of the night!  They take a lot of pressure off of you and are worth their weight in gold (IF YOU HAVE A GOOD ONE)!

Beware of the $500.00 coordinator that has no accreditation!  Many people go to school for event planning and take a difficult exam and get the accreditation!  Go with someone who has taken the time to do this!  If their fees are too inexpensive- beware!  They may not have the experience and once they realize the hours and work they may leave early or worse decide to join the party instead of working it!  I have seen this happen- coordinators getting drunk at the end of the night and are useless!  If they are too cheap... then just have family and friends help... they care about you and they want to make sure you have a great wedding day!  Most "Day Of Coordinators" range anywhere from $850.00 to $1600.00 (possibly more) depending on how difficult the venue and how many assistants they need.  At the Oviatt - ONE coordinator and ONE assistant is plenty!!!  

Be careful of the coordinator who never says "no" or the one who doesn't warn you of the pitfalls!  You don't want to gamble with your wedding day!  If you want something done and the venue is telling you it isn't possible- then the coordinator tells you it is- be careful!  LISTEN TO THE VENUE... if you don't it could cost you money!  The venue (regardless of the location) probably does more weddings in one year than the coordinator will do over the course of four years!  They have more expertise!  I just had a coordinator that wouldn't say "NO" to the client and didn't warn her of the dangers of going over budget.  It then rained and they needed a tent!  That was an additional $1500.00 expense that the site told them to leave in their budget.  The coordinator told them not to worry about it.  They didn't have the funds for a tent and it ruined their wedding!  Again... don't gamble with your wedding day!  Also make sure to treat all your vendors well... and make sure the coordinator can work well with others.  You need your vendors happy on your wedding day.  A happy vendor who has been treated with respect will offer you everything and will do more than what you expect them to do!  If you or their coordinator gets them angry... service will be minimal!  I saw a Coordinator interfering with the DJ all night.  He was so angry by the end of the night that it was obvious he couldn't wait to leave and he did- early!  

It's surprisingly easy to have a GREAT wedding day!  Be prepared!  Be organized!  And Be Happy!  If you are then everything will be perfect!  And a coordinator can help you be all those things!

Happy Planning!

The Oviatt Penthouse

(213) 379-4172

It's the Holiday Season!

The Oviatt's Loved To Party!

Hello everyone and Happy Holidays!

We have been swamped with Holiday parties and many of my corporate clients have been asking about some of the ghost stories regarding the Oviatt Building - so I thought I would bring some of the stories to light!  We're passed Halloween- but the Oviatt's had a rich history and many in the building say that they still love a good party!

First for some history....  Mr. Oviatt, his wife Mary, and their son Jimmy were the ONLY people to live in the building other than his cook and the nanny.  The Oviatt's were a happy couple while Mr. Oviatt had his health- they married while Mr. Oviatt was in his Autumn years- but they loved each other and were the best of friends.  Below is a photo of Mr. Oviatt and his lovely wife Mary.

Mr. Oviatt and Mary loved their home- the Penthouse!  It was grand for the era and comfortable and above all stylish- so it isn't any surprise that this castle he built for entertaining back in 1927 is STILL being used for just that purpose in 2011!  It also is said this their love for their home was so strong that they have never left it.

Everyone who works in the building- the majority of the floors are offices, law firms, accounting firms, architectural and design firms, and jewelers, ALL have stories about the Oviatt building.  Many people have seen papers flying- no windows open- no air conditioning units on- but papers levitating on their own- especially on the 12th floor (where Mr. Oviatt's office was).  Others, on the 2nd and 3rd floor have heard a child running around - or have even seen the image of a little boy walking through walls.  Back in the 30's- the 2nd and third floor had the tailors and designers for the Oviatt store- the space was one big empty room and Jimmy - Mr. Oviatt's son, used to love and play practical jokes on the employees and run and play ball.  The little boy walking through walls is believed to be Jimmy- still playing as a child.  

Mr. Oviatt was known to be quite obsessed with his department store and the neatness and cleanliness of the store was of the utmost importance.  The department store that was is now where Cicada Restaurant is located.  Many of the employees of the restaurant - especially the cleaning crew- have stories of a shadow standing at the top of the stairs watching them clean.  They all feel that it is Mr. Oviatt making certain that his standards of excellence are still being upheld in his store.

Now for the Penthouse!  I feel there is a difference between a haunting and an enchantment.  To be haunted is to be restless and uneasy.  Enchantment is calming and soothing- happiness.  The Penthouse as I stated was designed for entertaining.  A location where people could meet and socialize and share happy memories.  Many of my brides enter the space and feel a sense of belonging- a sense that they are welcomed- so I think there might be enchantment - not haunting.

I have been at the Penthouse many times in the early morning hours alone- and there is a sense of being "watched"- there feels like there is a strong presence- but not one that is displeased.  I have arrived in the morning only to have the door OPEN for me- as if someone is on the other end and pulling it open- welcoming me into the space.  Like I said- Enchantment is a better word.

Now other people have experienced footsteps in the hallway- behind them when no one is there.  Others a strong sense of a tabacco or "pipe" smell - Mr. Oviatt always had his pipe. :)  One security guard- before I had the building became so spooked that he didn't even make it back to the elevator- he climbed out the kitchen window and ran down the 13 flights of stairs- then left the building and quit his job the same day.  He refused to come back even to get his check!  I suppose if you aren't ready for the energy in the Penthouse it could scare you.  

But if you believe that it is love- love for the building, the business, and their home- and all of the weddings and love that the space has created over the past years then there is nothing to fear.  By having your event at the Penthouse you become a part of its history and part of the enchantment.  Hopefully your happy memories will live on and influence other brides who come and wish to share in the love the space holds.

With that I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!

Have a wonderful and happy Holiday season!

Roxy - 

Vintage- This years trends in weddings!

Vintage Style

The Oviatt Penthouse has seen a lot of very cool events this year and many more for next year.  It's become a hotspot because people are beginning to look for that retro style that is old LA.  This means Glamour is back!

I've seen it with all my couples this year!  You can't go wrong with the classic black and white look above.  I've seen grooms in Tuxedos again- and brides with simple and elegant white gowns.  It's all very 1930's Hollywood and I LOVE IT!

If you think of Lauren Bacall, Grace Kelly, Cary Grant, and Humphrey Bogart they all had poise and all seemed friendly and approachable.  That's the vintage style.  Nothing too intimidating- simple elegance.  I see a lot of long flowers- like the Callalies in a vase- but in looking like they don't care!  I believe that line came out of an old 1940's movie- and it still holds true.  Feathers are great too!  Estate Jewelry - even in a bouquet for a little bit of sparkle- totally cool!  Here are some examples!

Soft colors, and a little sparkle, and a few feathers add romance to any wedding!

The style for the guys is all "old school" too!  Take a look at this handsome groom!

The vintage style is all the craze- and it applies not just to the dress and flowers- but down to the drinks!

We have some fun specialty drinks at the bar like the Singapore Sling and An "Old Fashioned"- both from by gone days!  

How to determine what "Vintage" means to you....old movies and magazines are great!  

There are plenty of old photos around the internet that can help inspire you!  And keep looking at our Facebook page and see what other brides and grooms have done.  A wedding is supposed to be fun!  So feel free to have some fun!  By the way girls- there is an amazing dress designer right here in LA that custom makes vintage dresses- wedding dresses too!  Here is her link!  Re Vamp!  A few of my brides have gone to them and come out with some amazing clothes!  

The finishing touch on vintage is the Make up for any girl!  There are some great make-up artists out there that do great jobs- for that natural look!  

Oh and yes- this dress is by Re Vamp too!

I hope this helps inspire you a bit!  All my brides are beautiful and fit the location beautifully!  We are excited about next years wedding season and we can't wait for your events!

Oh and lastly- don't forget to play some of that Frank Sinatra sound to complete the mood!

Happy Planning Everyone!

Roxy-

The Oviatt Penthouse- thing to be prepared for ..Photography

Photography at Night.....

Being that we also do photography (Top Of The Event Photography) we know the location better than most, but I take it for granted that people understand the difficulties of night shoots.

So all I can do is try to lay out my own difficulties of night shoots.

When choosing a photographer you need to decide on what style you want.  I come from a cinematography background so I like the look of "film".  Now you might be asking what does that mean?  For me and my photographers it means we like the romance..means as much natural lighting as possible.  I'm not a big fan of flash...the Oviatt's draw is that beautiful skyline- so when I shoot I try my best to take multiple shots of the same scene- some with flash some without.  The photo above was taken with flash and then leaving the aperture open for a few seconds in order to get the background.  But to do this photo I had them stay still as possible (just seconds).  The natural lighting is so beautiful and it captures the moment.  Flash is necessary but most photographers that like film are not fans because the flash washes out the details and usually the background.  

Flash has a place..don't get me wrong...because for the detailed shots it's necessary- especially when shooting at night.  The photo below was done with a strong flash- but still tells the story of love. :)  But if you notice the background is non-existent.

Now when there is an action shot- meaning that the couple is doing an entrance for example- there is going to be a blur- possibly even if a flash is used.  It depends how fast they are moving.  I don't mind the action shot- in fact I like the movement- however the client may not.  Below is another example of what I mean.

This is a grand entrance photo!  I love this photo, but unfortunately, it was not what the client anticipated.  They wanted a more clear photo- which would have meant using the flash and you would not have seen the bridal party's reaction.  

The average photographer will hand you about 300-400 photos.  It may not be every shot you wanted.  The best advice I can give is to have a clear discussion with your photographer of the style you are looking for.  Even show them examples of other photographers work that you admire.  If they are good they want to do right by you and make you happy.  Most are willing to come as close to what you want as possible.

But as the client try to take into account your venue and the limitations to the venue.  It's very different shooting outdoors at night than shooting in a ballroom.  In a ballroom you can free hand (meaning the camera is not on a tripod as much) even when using flash.  Why???  Because there are walls and a ceiling that light can bounce off of.  Outside- no such thing.  When I shoot the Oviatt Penthouse I use my tripod a LOT more once the sun is down- because I can't get good clear shots where you can see the background and lighting unless the camera is stock still.  Now again for the close up- I can shoot without a tripod no problem.

Why is a 2nd shooter advised?  This is simple- more coverage is the obvious answer.  But there is one more use- they can hold reflectors at night!  Meaning the light can bounce- giving you a little help for the night shoot.  You may want to bring in a light kit as a photographer- but you have to take space into account.  I don't ever recommend or even encourage a light kit at the Oviatt when the guest count is over 100 people- there isn't the room!  But a 2nd photographer can hold up another flash so now we have twice the light.  Is the 2nd shooter necessary- not really- remember it's all about style and what you are looking for.  

I hope this article helps as you chose the photographer.  While Top Of The Event Photography is a subdivision of Truly Yours Catering- and The Oviatt Penthouse is our portrait studio - we welcome other photographers!  I have many great ones that are friends- there is no jealousy or real rivalry- because our styles and pricing are all different.  You just have to decide what's best for you!

Happy Planning everyone!  And if interest in our photography just call us at (213) 379-4172 and we can go over packages!

The Oviatt is excited to be hosting your event!

Wedding Traditions.... WE LOVE THEM!

As a company Truly Yours Catering does about 350 weddings a year- 80 of which are at The Oviatt Penthouse alone! I see so many wonderful unions- from all different cultures and I just LOVE the traditions! There are so many and they are so diverse and I see the families and guests come alive when they begin.


The problem with assimilation is that many times traditions are lost over generations. It's a normal pattern. So I try to encourage my brides and grooms to go look through old photo albums, to ask older family members of what traditions would have been followed a couple of generations back. It's wonderful to honor those that have gone before you and there is a moment when you honor a tradition that it helps warm the hearts of those around you. Celebrate the different cultures and embrace them!


I also recommend going and doing a search (love the internet) on customs and traditions from the origins of whatever country your ancestors would have come from. You might be surprised on some of the fun things that go on!

Above are some photos of some traditions that you probably know about and some maybe you don't!


Traditions might be a part of a ceremony, or it might be an item that is passed down from generation to generation that they hold or wear on the wedding day, or it could be a traditional article of clothing, or it might be a part of the reception- like the first Father/Daughter dance!


Here are some fun traditions and the cultures they come from! There are so many- this is only a couple of examples...


The information comes from the following website- (one of many) just search! Click HERE to look at the website!


African Wedding Tradition: 'Bright festive colors, song, dance, and music are vital elements of many African wedding ceremonies."


Indian Wedding Tradition: "In India and other countries with a Hindu culture it is considered bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other for several days before the wedding. As part of the marriage ceremony the bride’s parents wash the couple’s feet with milk and water as a symbol of purifying them for the journey of their new life together. As part of the ceremony the couple holds in their hands grains of rice and oats and green leaves, signifying wealth, good health and happiness."


Sweets, eggs, and money are woven into to wedding themes of India. They symbolize, respectively, a sweet life, feretility, and prosperity. The Hindu wedding ceremony includes customary rituals to ward off evil spirits. After the wedding vows have been exchanged the groom's father or brother showers flower petals on the newlyweds; then he holds a coconut over the bride and groom's heads and circles it around them three times. An Indian groom often wears a turban with a veil of flowers streaming down in front of his face to protect him from evil spirits.


Traditional Indian brides wear pink and red saris on their wedding day, adorning themselves extravagantly with as much jewelry as possible. Henna staining, a customary art form, is still practiced by Indian brides to be. On the eve of her wedding vows, following a traditional ceremonial cleansing, the bride-to-be will have her hands and feet painted with henna, in beautiful paisley or medallion patterns.


Then a special wedding gift is given to the bride, a necklace signifying her married status.


Japanese Wedding Tradition: "In Japan, for instance, purple is the color of love and a young bride may choose to wear an elaborately-embroidered silk kimono covered in purple iris-flowers. Weddings are traditionally either Shinto, during which the natural spirits, the kami, are called upon to bless the couple, or it might be a Buddhist ceremony during which two strings of beads are interwoven, symbolizing the joining of two families into one."


Malaysian Wedding Tradition: "A traditional groom, getting married in Malaysia, might send children bearing wedding presents to his future bride. These wedding gifts include elaborately displayed trays of food with origami flowers and cranes, which are made with bills of currency.


At the wedding reception, it is a Korean marriage custom, for each guest to receive an artistically decorated hard-boiled egg, which represents fertility."


Welsh Wedding Tradition: "The Customary Bridal Bouquet and Wedding Dress Pin


A Welsh bridal bouquet usually contains myrtle, and the bride gives to her bridesmaids a cutting of myrtle -- a symbol of love -- to carry in their bouquets. Welsh tradition holds that if the bridesmaid plants her myrtle and it blooms, she will soon marry.


A bride in Wales may wear a pin in her wedding gown, that she will remove and throw over her shoulder for good luck."


Jewish Wedding Tradition: "Traditional Hebrew wedding ceremonies begin with the bride and groom signing a marriage contract, called the Ketubah. The agreement, which once assured the bride's legal status, states the expectations and duties of the couple once they are married. This beautiful, ornate document will be framed and displayed in the couples' home.


After the couple have signed the Ketubah, the groom lowers his bride's wedding veil after studying her face. This wedding custom recalls the biblical story of Jacob, who married the wrong woman when she covered her face with a veil.


In the Jewish tradition, the wedding ring should be simple, a band with no details, no stones, and nothing engraved, with nothing to distinguish the beginning from the end. The rabbi, groom, groomsmen, and Jewish male guests traditionally wear a white-colored cap called a yamulkes."


Victorian Wedding Tradition: "A bride at her wedding should wear:


Something old,
Something new,
Something borrowed,
Something blue,
And a sixpence in the shoe.


Or, in the United States:


...And a new dime in the shoe."


Above are some very fun and great traditions! Do some homework- it will personalize your event even more. And it might be something fun that you can share with family and friends.




Enjoy your day and make it yours! And remember marriages are unity of two families and usually two or more cultures- share them and enjoy! Have fun and be merry!




Happy Planning everyone!




Please go to our Facebook Pages and Websites for more information on wedding ideas!




Just click on the names below and you will be directed right to the websites!




Truly Yours Catering


Oviatt Penthouse


Malibou Lake Mountain Club


Top of The Event Photography




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:)




Roxy Adlesh
(818) 753-9100