Reception Entertainment Director

On this planned Friday night off, I had arranged to see a young new smooth jazz artist, Vincent Ingala .  Another one of the new crop of smooth jazz artists from Connecticut, who seem to have captured the pulse of this genre of music. Vincent first came to my attention via my friend Rich Edwards Smooth Grooves Show on Gloucester FM earlier this year.  The buzz was out on the jazz funk of "It Is What It Is" from his "North End Soul" self produced CD..... did I mention he plays all the instruments AND is only 17 years old! "North End Soul" contains many unexpected gems that reveal much more about the musical knowledge of this youngster.  Vincent stays within the soft smooth jazz realm with his opening tracks "Vintage Vibe" and "Free To Groove" and continues the groove with "Midnight Pass".  These tracks fit nicely into today's smooth jazz radio programming and would work well during Cocktail Hour and Dinner at a wedding...

Photo courtesy of Brian Ambrose Photography Here is an amazing stat. Did you know that 70% of all of the engagements that happen each year will happen on Christmas/New Year's/ Valentine's Day? I don't know if the gentlemen are just lacking for originality, or if the romance of the season is just too good to pass up? What is the result of the 70%??? Thousands of newly (excited) engaged brides flood the bridal show market each year, which is why, in New England, we have these shows from January - March. A bridal show is the ultimate way to shop for wedding services. Unlike a magazine or web site, you can see, touch, sample, and question everything wedding related at these events! Here are a few tips of what to look for and what NOT to look for in a bridal show vendor. Now first and foremost, please remember that the vendors have paid to be here! They can pay up to $1500 f...

Honeymoon Ideas You Can Do By Low Jeremy If you simply would like your honeymoon to turn out a little more unique than the usual, then the following should give you some helpful ideas: Go for Luxury… Taking on a cruise is one honeymoon idea you can do. You can choose from several honeymoon cruise and travel places of your choice while enjoying each other’s company in a luxurious ship packed with everything you need. Better yet, exchange vows in the middle of the seas and spend the rest of the night watching stars and walking on the ship deck. Booking on a most luxurious suite on the highest floor of the hotel. Here, you are pampered with the best services you can get while seeing the city up high. Booking for a luxurious hotel accommodation is always money well spent. Staying at a luxurious resort in one of the islands of the Caribbean, Hawaii, Fiji or Asia is another honeymoon idea you can do. Spend the week at a tropical paradise while enjoying the resort ameniti...

Halloween weddings are always great fun to perform.... playing loads of songs that we don't get chance to play at any other time during the year. Marisa and Chris selected Saint Clements Castle , which fit perfectly for their Halloween masquerade ball themed reception.  This was also the same setting for the Ceremony with the beautiful fall colors as a backdrop.  The Groom and Groomsmen all looked fantastic in elegant gothic style jackets and the Bridesmaids in traditional attire.... the Bride wore white. Our good friend and our routinely recommended officiant Rev. Dr. Robert Henderson presided over the Ceremony whilst Atmosphere Productions String Musicians Amanda and Nancy provided Violin and Cello for the Ceremony and Cocktail Hour. Atmosphere Productions specializes in working with our clients, if they want to pick all the music, to get the best mix and create the right flow.  The Bride & Groom and family members selected all the music for the reception....

So exactly who wants to hear two hours of Kenny G music? Sure, there are those that want to set that tone, but you don't have to play a "standard mix of jazz favorites" or boring "elevator music" at your wedding. Imagine how different things would feel at your wedding if during the Cocktail hour, we played a mix of recorded music by Jimmy Buffett, Shaggy, Bob Marley and Jack Johnson? What about some of those long lost hits of the 80's - Katrina and the Waves, Eurythmics, Modern English , Prince, Culture Club. What about an hour of Spanish guitar music? Or a mix of Italian "mob hits" classics such as Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra? How about set more of a piano bar sing along style feel to social hour: KT Tunstall - Black Horse and The Cherry Tree, Stevie Wonder - Boogie On Reggae Woman, Uncle Cracker - Follow Me, Billy Joel - Piano Man and Elton John...

Here at ATMOSPHERE PRODUCTIONS we encourage planning. It is THE key to a successful reception. As what is probably the most important day of your life approaches we give you these words of encouragement to relax you and control help your anxiety: COMMUNICATE YOUR FEELINGS : Be open and honest about your feelings and what you want for your special day. PACE YOURSELF : Don't try to tackle all your plans at once. Accomplish one major job a day. HAVE A SYSTEM : Try to break down each task into organized steps. Share the responsibilities with your significant other. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF : Eat right and be sure to get lots of exercise. You'll feel better for it. This is a great time to start compiling your bridal information and complete the Bridal Party Introductions Forms sent to you when you originally booked with us (additional printed forms available for download from our website): http://www...

    Why not make your wedding a time for reaching out to others in need, a time for giving and sharing. It is so easy to get lost in one’s own needs that finding ways to think of others can actually make your wedding planning less stressful! Here are a few ideas with you:     For those couples who have everything, ask your guests to donate to one (or several) of your or their favorite charities. At www.justgive.org there is a Wedding Registry, replete with an on line form and search engine to help even the most internet-challenged decide which, of over 850,000 charities to choose from! You can even submit a picture, biography of yourself and your groom, and any details about the wedding you wish to provide. When guests make donations, your name is mentioned. Wedding favors are lovely and cute but many don’t even make it home with the guests! Instead of a wedding favor, you can donate a set amount to a favorite charity in each guests name. But if you do de...