NACE Experience on San Francisco Bay

Friday, July 16th, 2010 at 4:22 PM by Jason Spencer   

Under the Golden Gate Bridge

This past Tuesday evening was unlike most. Around four o’clock in the afternoon, myself and several other members of Silicon Valley NACE (National Association of Catering Executives) hopped on a Bauer’s Worldwide Transportation Setra “bus” that for a ride from San Jose to San Francisco. Keep in mind, the seats were more plush than most first class flights, and the massive windows allowed for views riding up 280 like no other.
This was our annual gathering of both groups, though I’ll admit it seemed a little odd since most of these people attend many other networking mixer events throughout the greater Bay Area already, but I certainly did meet a few new faces and connected with several I’d not seen in a long time (I’m looking at you, Geoff White Photographers).

California Hornblower

Hornblower Yachts & Cruises

I’ll admit, I’ve not been on a boat in the bay since my senior prom fifteen years ago. Though it was a different boat then, we managed to make the same trek around the bay, ultimately crossing under the Golden Gate Bridge where you can take some amazing photos. Play your cards right, and you can even have the most unsuspecting engagement too. Just be forewarned, if you are not used to boats, the choppy waters of the bay can take you for a spin, too!

These unique NACE events, which happen the second Tuesday of each month in Silicon Valley, offer up variety of sponsors to showcase their talents to the attending members and guests. This time around was no exception, with no single vendor taking the spotlight. While it was hard to miss theHornblower Yachts and Cruises (our sea vessel and catering), we also enjoyed some great wine from Terlato Wine Group. Beautiful menus were done by the fabulous Creative Designs by Mimi. Lots of photographers were there, including my new friend that sat across from me at dinner, Vasna Wilson of Vas Photography. A new up and coming lighting company, Victory Events, helped set the mood as the sun set past the Golden Gate.

Another great highlight to the evening was DJ Kevin O’Scanlon from Sound In Motion DJs. I first met Kevin when he started working for Sound In Motion many moons ago (when I was working there too), and I have to say that he has come a long way from his college days at UCSC. Excellent “chill” lounge style throughout most of the evening that segued into some pop and dance tunes at the end of the evening. I can certainly say that when I am all booked up for a weekend, I’d have no doubt referring this guy out for a fun party.

Jason Spencer on Bauer's

DJ Jason Spencer (That's Me!)

To recap, the evening was a huge success. Even though these events are generally for networking, they have the ability to become a dinner party and a whole lot of fun. If you are ever looking for a different way to experience San Francisco, a Hornblower cruise around San Francisco Bay might just be the way to go!

Special thanks to David Ethridge of AVR Films for the pictures on this page.  My iPhone shots just don’t do the evening justice.

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Fulfill A Dream – Wish Upon a Wedding

Monday, July 12th, 2010 at 2:25 PM by Jason Spencer   

Wish Upon A WeddingYou may already be aware that Jason Spencer Weddings and Entertainment is proud to be an approved Wish Granter for the Northern California chapter of Wish Upon a Wedding.  New regional chapters of this amazing wedding wish-granting organization are popping up across the country, and I am thrilled to have an opportunity to take part in one of the beautiful weddings given for couples facing terminal illness.

Now you have a chance to get involved, too – regardless of who you are!

GET YOUR WEDDING GOODS + GIVE BACK

Couples planning to be married can bid online for wedding-related auction items starting in October or at a Blissful Wishes Ball in your city in November, with all proceeds benefiting Wish Upon a Wedding.

DONATE YOUR GOODS or SERVICES

Wish Upon a Wedding is currently seeking donated products or services in 46 cities, ranging from wedding gowns to tuxedos, invitations to cakes, and limousine services to honeymoons. It only takes a moment to register and make a difference in someone’s life! Be sure to add your item to the correct category (city), and don’t forget to include your company logo and URL.

What a great advertising opportunity and you’ll be making a positive difference in someone’s life who truly deserves it!

MAKE A MONETARY CONTRIBUTION

If you’ve got a wedding coming up, you’re probably “feeling the love” from family and friends. Consider “paying it forward” by donating a percentage of your {monetary} wedding gifts to Wish Upon a Wedding. You could also consider giving your guests a charitable wedding favor in the form of a donation in their honor.

GET YOUR COMPANY ON BOARD

Wish Upon a Wedding is also seeking national corporate sponsors for our cross country galas! An amazing opportunity for your business to “pay it forward,” and become involved with this brand new wedding wish granting organization. Email cwo@wishuponawedding.org for details!

CLICK HERE to learn more about this amazing organization, and check out some of the weddings granted by Wish Upon a Wedding!

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Official Songs of Summer

Sunday, July 4th, 2010 at 10:24 AM by Jason Spencer   

Each year you won’t be hard pressed to find a song that is considered the official song of Summer. You know it, a song that at first you are not sure if you like it or not, but as the weather begins to heat up the tune sticks in your head. First you will find yourself humming it in line at the ATM, next you are searching the FM dial to get your fix. Chances are you don’t really own the song, otherwise you could just dial it up on your iPod for instant gratification.

The good news is that these kinds of songs have crossover appeal, and you’re likely to find it on a variety of stations that play some from of pop, top 40, alternative or dance. In San Jose and San Francisco Bay Area, we have plenty of those station — which is good, because this year I’ve identifies several songs that seem to make the “Official Song of Summer” cut.

California Gurls by Katy Perry

I already know what you are thinking, but hold on a minute.  Despite the fact that Katy (or at least her fashion stylist) seems to have no idea what Daisy Duke’s really are, and her video destroys any hope of playing Candy Land in the future, this track has all the makings of the Summer hit. With just the right mix of pop and dance, and a little Snoop Dogg sell-out action, and you have a tune that just doesn’t quit. I was also a little let down that all points referenced were southern California – Venice Beach, Palm Springs, and LA — leaving about two-thirds of the Golden Coast untouched. However, the truth is that I can’t help but crank this tune when it comes on in my car, and it bumps even better on a crowded wedding dancefloor.

Lay Me Down by The Dirty Heads

Officially, this track boasts the vocals of Rome Ramirez (of Sublime with Rome), which is only fitting since it has that classic sound made famous by the likes of Sublime in their heyday. When it first came out, I admit that I was not a fan. Then my wife pointed out how she expected it to be a Summertime hit. Billboard‘s Connor McKnight agreed when he wrote in April 2010 that the song is a “solid contender” for song of the summer. Over time, the track has grown on me and the masses when it hit #1 on the Alternative charts in May. A different feel than California Gurls, but certainly has the appeal to keep Summer chill.

Honorable Mentions

These songs had a good chance since, again, they managed to crossover all the charts. Unfortunately, I think they were released just a little to early to stick around as the summer hits. It also doesn’t help that B.o.B. and Ke$ha have new powerhouse hits out ever other week.

  • Airplanes by B.o.B. featuring Haley Williams of Paramore
  • Tik Tok by Ke$ha
  • Hey, Soul Sister by Train

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Ask the questions. Ask them in person.

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010 at 1:11 PM by Jason Spencer   

Wondering what really makes one DJ different from another DJ?  I’m not surprised.  Those bridal magazines get a lot of things right, but most of the time they understate the role of wedding entertainment (that includes wedding bands).  That’s okay, I’ve put together a short list of great questions you can challenge any individual with in the hunt for the best wedding reception:

  • How many DJs do you have in your company?
  • Are you the DJ that will be at my wedding?
  • Do you have another job?
  • Can you tell our Love Story if we want you to?
  • Do you offer special enhancements, such as lighting?
  • Are you a member of any industry organizations?
  • I want to involve my wedding party more – can you help?
  • How many events will your entire company do in a year (including all your corporate, school, and sporting events for you and your employees)?

It is best if you ask these questions in person.  If you are wondering what my answers to these questions might be, I suggest filling out a Request For Information or giving me a call at (408) 426-8117 or (831) 531-7008 today!

Wedding Wire 2010 Bride’s Choice Award

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010 at 5:45 PM by Jason Spencer   

Santa Clara, California – January 19, 2010 — WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, just announced Spencer Weddings and Entertainment has been selected to receive the 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards™ for Wedding DJ Entertainment!

WeddingWire - 2010 Bride's Choice AwardThe annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ recognizes and celebrates excellence in quality and service within the wedding industry, as determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 500,000 newlyweds.

Spencer Weddings and Entertainment is among the top five percent of all vendors in the WeddingWire community, which includes over 100,000 wedding professionals across the US and Canada. Awards were given to winners across 19 different service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers to wedding djs.

“We are excited to recognize and honor the success of the top wedding professionals within the WeddingWire Community” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “The annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program has given us the unique opportunity to highlight the best wedding professionals in each region as reviewed by brides and grooms who have utilized their services in the past year.”

I am happy to announce that Spencer Weddings and Entertainment is among the very best Wedding DJ Entertainment vendors within the WeddingWire Network, which includes WeddingWire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Wedding Aces, and Best San Jose Weddings. Additionally, I would like to thank all my past newlyweds for nominating me for the 2010 Bride’s Choice Awards™.

For more information, please visit our WeddingWire Storefront today at http://www.weddingwire.com/SpencerWeddings.