How To Impress Shaquille O’Neal

On the front page of the the local newspaper today I read the story about Sparta native, Bruce Manley.  His basketball trick shots are so good that Shaquille O’Neal is challenging him to a game of H.O.R.S.E later this month for $1000.

Evidently, Shaq saw Bruce’s highlight reel on youtube and then twittered an invite.   Gotta love modern technology.

Classic Style and Romantic Elegance- The Meadow Wood Manor

Jeff Beers and his lovely wife, Maureen, as well as the dedicated staff of the Meadow Wood invited industry notables to their manor last week for an evening of gracious hospitality and delightful entertainment. The invitation said, “Explore the Possibilities.” It turned out to be quite an expedition.

Denise Zoccolillo and the welcome team greeted all the guests with a warm smile and introduction which included a detailed program of the highlights to come. It was a beautiful evening; so, many of the  guests enjoyed an ice carving demonstration and a three-olives, vodka-tasting outside in the garden by Executive Chef, Michael Stein.  A strolling saxophonist and a barber shop quartet began the evening’s soundtrack.

Guests moved inside to the recently renovated Dining Room for, among others, a delicious “Taste of Tuscany” and a crowd favorite, food from “The Fabulous Fifties”. No matter how fancy and mouth-watering hors d’oeuvres can be, everybody likes to enjoy retro-chic cuisine from time-to-time.  Sliders, Franks, Fries and Milkshakes were being offered by the Happy Day’s-themed servers.  Knowing I was going to the gym the next day, I indulged with a big-kid smile on my face.

Molly Welch and Mary Ellen Hatcher took us on a grand tour of the manor which included meeting rooms utilized for their corporate clientele, a renovated game room for their bar mitzvah clientele and the bridal suites for their wedding clientele.  Like the exterior garden courtyards, the interior of this colonial is exquisitely maintained and offers a lot of versatility for private events.

The Grand Ballroom opened and the guests with impressed by eye-catching table designs and well-dressed themes at the food stations. The presentation of the Lobster Bisque service and the “M” table were my favorites.  I’m sure the “M” was for Meadow Wood but it was fun to pretend that it was for Marcello.  Entertainment for this portion included a Swing Dance and Salsa demo, a percussionist and a comedian.

The finale took place in the Randolph Room.  Chef Stein’s award-winning desserts were as delectable as advertised. Crowds quickly built up at stations like the funnel cake with hot cinnamon apples and ice cream as well as the Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding when word began to spread about how sinful everything was.  The servers were not to be outdone though.   They passed around fancy versions of the classics like chocolate chip cookies and milk that were very well received.  This hour was complimented by the sounds of a Jazz Trio.  Many of the guests had to put their coffee down more than once so they could sing along and dance to audience pleasers from the Rat Pack era.

As our cars were brought up by the valet service, we were given gourmet cupcakes in a decorative gift box to thank us for coming.

Note to anyone hosting an event, acknowledging all of your guests upon departure is, and always will be, a very classy touch.

From first impressions to the last, the Meadow Wood deserves your attention if you are planning a social or corporate event in the Morris County area.

Special thanks to Jeff, Maureen, Mary Ellen, Molly and the Meadow Wood team for their hospitality.

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Joey’s ‘Nightclub’ Bat Mitzvah at the Diva Lounge- A Cinderella Story

Joey had her Bat Mitzvah at The Diva Lounge in Montclair New Jersey.

The nightclub atmosphere gave Joey’s celebration a real New York City chic and upscale vibe. It felt like a Saturday night at the hottest place in town, even though it was only two o’clock in the afternoon.

It’s always cool working in a club to change up the scenery a bit. For a DJ, patching our equipment into a huge state of the art sound system and light show makes you feel a little like a “diva for a day,” especially with signs like this around.

One of the many highlights of the day was when Joey and her dad, Henry, did a choreographed dance to a beautiful song called Cinderella by Steven Curtis Chapman. I had come over a few weeks before to help them with a few steps. They were awesome.

The Diva Lounge has a really cool way to spice up dessert. They have “The Candy Man” make a special guest appearance and throw out candy to all the kids. He was a big hit! We played “Buttercup” by The Foundations and had everyone singing along.

Another Kodak moment was watching Henry and his wife, Dara, enjoy the video montage of their daughter growing up. It brought them to tears. The club showed the montage on 8 different plasmas and a huge drop-down, projection screen so all of the 200 guests had a great view regardless of where they were in the club.

Like Samantha’s Bat Mitzvah, Joey’s simcha was filled with a lot of love, positive energy, dancing guests and heart-warming moments.

Special thanks to Lauren and Vinny from the Diva Lounge for their hospitality and professionalism.

Synchronoss Technologies Celebrates

Synchronoss Technlologies‘ Holiday Gala was held at The Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club in New Jersey.

Holly, the Director of Human Resources, had seen us perform during a Bar Mitzvah at The Villa in Mountain Lakes a few years back. She called soon after asking us to provide the entertainment for the Synchronoss Celebration.

This year they got a little fancy with the lighting. Blue LED’s uplit the stone accents and snowflakes were projected onto the ceiling of the ballroom to help guests get into the holiday spirit. It worked.

The highlight of the night was The Mad Texan’s Jeigermiester Dance Party. As always, Synchronoss’ Vice President, Chris, took the mic after the dessert and emcee’d a twenty minute dance set to his favorite tracks. This year’s theme was “Funk”, and he was definitely getting funky…for a white boy from Texas. Some of the crowd favorites were Let’s Groove Tonight by Earth, Wind and Fire and Word Up by Cameo.

Special thanks to Barbara from Fiddler’s Elbow for her hospitality and professionalism.

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Take Me Out To The Ballgame- Daniel’s Bar Mitzvah

Daniel had his Bar Mitzvah at The Palms in Matawan, NJ.

Like many of my clients, the Reding family was looking for a unique venue for their celebration. The Palms was a perfect choice. It’s a trendy nightclub that has all the necessary accouterments of a customary banquet facility.

The highlight of the event was Daniel’s custom, baseball-themed, grand entrance. His dad played catcher, his mom took the mound and his sister played umpire behind home plate. Daniel came running in to the rock-and -roll version of Take Me Out To the Ballgame and slid home head-first like Pete Rose as moms’ throw came in. Not only was he safe, Daniel earned the title MVB on that play, Most Valuable Bar Mitzvah Boy.

A sentimental event highlight was when the photo to the right was taken at the end of the simcha. I was honored to pose with 13 years of former Guests-of -Honor that were in attendance that day. The oldest is now 26 years old. Time sure flies when you’re having fun.

Special Thanks to Alan and the staff of the Palms for their hospitality and professionalism.

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