FAQ’s

In this section I answer a few most frequently asked questions. Although there are answers to every question, it’s best to reach out, and get an in-person consultation scheduled at your convenience so we can really get down to it. Make CONTACT today via the CONTACT FORM!

So how did you get into DJing? 

LOVE is the answer to this question. I LOVE music, ALWAYS have since I was a little child. We had a piano in our home so as soon as I could walk around I was banging on the keys. I learned to play by ear and from watching my Mother play. I was constantly listening to music of some sort and was exposed to a lot of classical music, oldies, and jazz growing up. Music that I was shown to feel rather than hear, since most of it had no lyrics to help you get to those emotions it was trying to evoke.

That's one of the biggest gifts I was ever given from my Mother, the ability to "feel" music rather than listen. This has translated into a very in depth perception of how I think an emotion translates into a song. This is a key element when you're DJing, so it was only natural for me to eventually seek out the turntables, DJing, and the craft of presenting music to people.

This journey into music and DJing has been a lifelong passion for me. It's not just a job - it's a way for me to share the love and emotion of music that has been such a big part of my life. Every time I DJ an event, I'm not just playing songs; I'm creating an experience, sharing a part of myself, and hopefully touching others the way music has touched me.

How did you start DJing weddings?

Apologies in advance for the length of this next question's response, but I feel it's all 100% necessary. For those short on time, here's a brief summary. 

My journey into wedding DJing began unexpectedly following a personal tragedy in 2005. Music became my lifeline during a dark period, and through a friend's encouragement, I reluctantly shadowed my first wedding in June 2006. That experience was transformative — I found emotional fulfillment in creating joyous moments for others. It helped me heal and discover a new purpose. I've since dedicated myself to wedding DJing, pouring my heart and soul into each event. This unexpected path has led to features in major wedding publications and a deep understanding of the emotional significance of these celebrations. My personal journey profoundly influences how I approach each wedding, ensuring unforgettable experiences for couples and their guests.

For the full story, please read on below.

Truth be told, I never wanted to DJ weddings. It was just not on my radar. I was content DJing clubs, parties, and other events; but weddings were the last thing on my mind. Through a series of circumstantial situations, DJing weddings came to me. IT FOUND ME! If you believe in "destiny" this is that, AND THEN SOME. 

For the last 18 years I've wanted to share how this ALL happened but I wasn't ready until now. The details used to be so painful to recall and replay that it was like torture having to relive it over and over every time I tried to tell the story, or to get it all written out. I simply DON'T feel like that anymore. I now feel inspired, invigorated, and propelled forward by it; and have FINALLY moved through it, to a place of embracement. It IS a VERY significant part of the why and how that people deserve to know though; to help them REALLY understand why I do weddings and how powerful it is for me. 

I had a fiancée that was in a fatal car crash in November of 2005. At the time, I was the Office Manager and Senior Loan Officer of a very successful Direct Lender in the Mortgage Industry. As I mentioned, I had no plans of DJing weddings whatsoever. I was busy working the Monday-Friday office grind, selling money, and then off to weekend-warrior at some local bar, club, or other music event. 

When Sara got killed I thought that it was going to be the end of my life. My parents have been married for almost 52 years so I was raised with that school of thought that you find that special someone, and they are it, FOREVER. 1 and done attitude, and she was it for me. I absolutely LOST MY MIND! My entire world came crashing down in the blink of an eye, with one phone call on that November afternoon, permanently shifting life as I knew it. 

I decided to take a leave of absence from my job, as I was in the worst state possible. I would just wander around my home, aimlessly pacing back and forth around my living room, trying to convince myself that I still needed to live for some reason; when in actuality, I wanted to die every day upon awakening. I was stuck in a living nightmare!

A few things happened during the break I took from my job in the Mortgage Industry.

First, every day upon coming to and feeling that dreadful pain of reality and wanting to die, I combatted this by going to my turntables and playing some music. I would play one record, and then another, and then another; and before I knew it I'd look up and 8 or 9 hours had gone by. I had become obsessed with it in a way. It was the only way I knew how to translate my pain into some sort of joy or solace. MUSIC WAS SAVING MY LIFE, LITERALLY one record at a time! 

I ended up going back to the Mortgage Industry in April of 2006 and turning in my resignation. I was done and could no longer do that job and feel morally sound about it after everything that I had just been through. I was questioning EVERYTHING in my life and knew there was NO WAY I could ever do that job again.  

The next thing that happened during the break I took was I decided I needed to get a job that was more involved in public life. Since I had been just locking myself in my home that I lived alone in and playing music day in and out, for hours on end. I thought about where I could go to be close to some memories of Sara and have a "public" job? We used to love to taste wine at Wilson Creek Winery, so I decided it would be the perfect job for me. I could sell wine in the tasting room, utilizing my sales skills; and I was FINALLY back in public around people on a daily basis when I worked. It was pretty torturous though, as every time I worked I had to walk across this white bridge to get from the employee parking lot to the tasting room. There was a picture of her and me standing on that very same bridge that was on her casket at her funeral; and here I am having to walk across that very same bridge every time I went to work. I don't think anyone knew anything but I was a wreck on the inside. When I think about it now, that was just completely insane, but I just didn't know what else to do. 

The final thing that happened was a friend of mine had been telling me that he was worried about me. He was happy that I had gotten this new job in public, but was concerned for my well being. He would tell me I'm not well and that he thought he might have a solution for me. One day in June of 2006 he came to me and said, "why don't you consider coming and shadowing me at a wedding I'm going to be DJing here this weekend?","you don't have to DO ANYTHING, except just come and watch". This was absolute LUNACY to me and I kind of remember being enraged about him even asking me to do such a thing! Did he not remember that my fiancée was wiped off of the face of the Earth just 8 months ago?!? I could care less about weddings, why did he think it was something I SHOULD BE AT? 

Against my better judgment, I finally agreed to shadow my first wedding in June of 2006 at The Admiral Kidd Conference & Catering Center directly on the water's edge of the San Diego Bay. We were going to provide the music for the Ceremony and Reception and all I had to do was just watch and absorb. We started outside with the Ceremony right on the water, with the entire skyline of San Diego jutting out at you from across the Bay; breathtaking in fact! 

At the very start of the Ceremony I excused myself and quickly ran around the side of the building where no one could see me, as I pretty much collapsed to my knees, and completely broke down in tears. I was REALLY feeling it, and losing it. For some reason something told me to pull myself together, take a deep breath, and go back and finish the Ceremony. I did just that and we made it through; relatively unscathed. 

Then we went inside and I watched this guy smash out a "totally loaded" wedding. He did every activity you could think of; Grand Entrance, First Dance, Father/Daughter, Mother/Son, Bridal Party, Cake, Bouquet, Garter, Money Dance, Anniversary Countdown; LOADED! 

At the end of the wedding I remember distinctly sitting there with this feeling of emotional fulfillment. I was somehow rewarded emotionally and given a sense of LOVE by providing that series of activities we did throughout the day/night. I got to see people dancing ages 2-80 and everyone was having the time of their lives! I also realized that somehow, someway, I no longer felt like I wanted to die. Then I realized that this was actually a job and I could even be compensated for this; I WAS IN! INSTANTLY HOOKED! 

I started at the same company my buddy worked at the very next weekend and the rest is history. 18-years later, 900 something weddings completed; my journey has led to a wedding featured on Martha Stewart Weddings, 3 Exquisite Weddings Magazine features and 1 cover! My work has been showcased in various magazines and other publications. The future is beaming bright!

This experience has deeply influenced how I approach each wedding. I understand the profound emotional significance of these events, and I pour my heart and soul into creating unforgettable experiences for couples and their guests. This is something I LOVE TO DO and I feel like I was made for it!

The best part is, I'm JUST GETTING GOING! Let’s talk TODAY, make CONTACT.

How long have you been DJing Weddings and Events?

I've been DJing events for over 24 years, with 18 years specializing in wedding entertainment. My journey began in 1999, and I've since accumulated experience across a wide variety of events. These include weddings, corporate functions, military balls/reunions, charities, team building exercises, product launches, store openings, anniversaries, birthdays, and numerous other public and private functions.

My proven track record has led to a unique privilege: I'm often booked to DJ other DJs' weddings. This speaks to the level of professionalism and care I bring to each event.

Why do we need to schedule a face-to-face appointment with you? What does "hand-shake business" mean?

Face-to-face meetings allow us to build a personal connection and discuss your event in full detail while having a nice relaxed chat at somewhere you’re comfortable. It's an opportunity for you to get to know me, share your “vision”, discuss your expectations, and for us to collaboratively plan your perfect event.

"Hand-shake business" refers to the face-to-face technique that each event starts out with. It's also our commitment to personal service and building trust. It's about creating a relationship, not just a transaction. We actually shake hands at the beginning and end of our initial meeting; something that is almost extinct in today's marketplace. Looking forward to connecting in person with you sometime soon!

How much do you cost?

Each event is unique, and pricing can vary based on factors such as duration, additional services required, and specific equipment needs. I'd be happy to provide a personalized custom quote after discussing your event details, which we do at our initial meeting. I’d encourage you to get that setup today. 

Do you offer other services besides DJ/MCing? Are you able to bundle them into one package?

Yes, in addition to DJ and MC services, we offer full service photo booth packages, lighting design, monogram name projections, and other various services. We create custom packages that bundle these services, often at a better value than booking them separately. Let's discuss your needs to create the perfect package for your event.

Do you play from a preprogrammed playlist?

While I have a vast music library and experience in crafting great playlists, I don't use pre-programmed sets. Each event gets a custom-tailored music selection based on your preferences and the event's flow. Plus, I read the crowd and adjust the music in real-time to keep the energy just right and your guests engaged.

How do you incorporate our song requests? Do you take guest requests?

Your song requests are a priority in planning the event's music. I want the event to feel as much like you as possible and that’s achievable through the music you love being incorporated throughout the day/night. We'll discuss your preferences and overall experience you’re trying to create. I also activate an online account system that will give you the ability to create a list based on LOVE IT, LIKE IT, NO THANK YOU. During the event, I'm happy to take guest requests and to find a way to seamlessly weave them into the flow of the overall vibe we've planned. My goal is to balance your preferences with keeping the dance floor full and engaged. 

Are you the MC of the event?

Yes, I serve as both DJ and MC for your event. This dual role ensures seamless transitions between announcements and music, maintaining the flow and energy of your event. My experience allows me to adapt my MC style to fit the tone you want, whether it's formal, fun, or somewhere in between. I’ve serviced all events from white glove weddings to backyard soirees and everything in between! I know just what to say, how to say it, and when to say it.

When should services be booked with Impressions San Diego?

I recommend booking as soon as you have your date and venue confirmed, especially for peak seasons (typically May-October). For weddings, 9-12 months in advance is ideal. For other events, 3-6 months ahead is usually sufficient. However, don't hesitate to reach out even if your event is sooner – I may still have availability. I have been booked as much in advance as 18-20 months though, so try not to delay once you have an idea of what sort of event experience you’d like to create. Let’s get started today!

Could I hire a "friend of the family" or a co-worker to DJ/MC my wedding or event?

While it might seem cost-effective to hire a friend or family member, professional DJs bring experience that's crucial for a smooth event. We understand timing, have backup equipment, know how to read a crowd, and can handle unexpected situations. Your event is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion – investing in a professional ensures you and your guests can fully enjoy it without worrying about the entertainment.

Are we booking you or someone from your staff when we contract with Impressions San Diego?

When you contract with Impressions San Diego, you are primarily booking me personally to perform at your event. My availability is on a first-come, first-served basis, and since there's only one of me, I encourage you to book as soon as possible to secure your preferred date.

In the event that I'm already booked for your chosen date, I can provide skilled staff members from my team to service your event. However, most clients prefer to have me personally, so booking early is the best way to ensure you get the full Impressions San Diego experience.

Rest assured, whether it's me or one of my trained staff members, you'll receive top-quality entertainment services as agreed upon in our contract.