Did you ever wonder what goes into a Central NJ wedding reception? The decor, the lighting, the cocktail reception, all of these details and more are revealed in our behind the scenes series of wedding videos that will be showcased at each of the Hotels Unlimited properties. Today’s post features the Versailles Ballroom at the Ramada of Toms River, NJ. Located in the prime location of Ocean County the Versailles Ballroom is close to both Point Pleasant and Seaside Heights and allows for great photo opportunities in the Jersey Shore local area.
Happy Friday everyone and the unofficial last weekend of summer at the Jersey Shore. :-/ Although summer is almost gone, we start pulling out our warmer clothes and jackets and get ready for the weather ahead. With the cold, brings the holidays and the families together. Each season has its advantages and beautiful colors that come with it.
What do Batman, Superman, Indiana Jones and a bride all have in common? Each has their own cued theme music. They take command of the center stage and stride into the crowd as the music plays in the background.
Whenever anyone plans a big NJ event the music can completely set the tone. Today Hotels Unlimited met with Jason Jani from Sound Connection Entertainment. Jason has been providing Hotels Unlimited with the latest beats since 2000. Hotels Unlimited is proud to announce in this exclusive interview that Sound Connection Entertainment is our #1 preferred vendor for the latest in music and entertainment for your NJ Wedding and NJ Corporate event.
How long have you been DJ music industry?
I have been a DJ for 16 years. I have done everything from private events to nightclub events, remix production and radio production work. Have done over 2000 events in my life and over 1000 wedding receptions alone.
How did you get started with Sound Connection Entertainment?
I founded Sound Connection 11 years ago. At the time, I was working with different night clubs and I was asked to do a lot of private events. Back then, a lot of private events consisted of doing the staple line dances and doing mostly interactive stuff. Not that I was against any of that, but I wanted to do something different and that was how Sound Connection was born. When I got invites to do weddings, social events, and corporate events I wanted to do a more modern unique presentation. We really wanted to do something that was outside of the box.
What inspired you to get into the industry?
That is a really good question. It’s really interesting to see how the industry has changed now from when I started. When I started, I thought of it as a fun creative job. As I evolved as an entertainer/ DJ, my responsibilities have taken on different forms as a business owner and with the event planning and production aspect. It has evolved so much and it still continues to do so. At SCE, we try to draw inspiration from anything. Movies, concerts, Broadway, industry conferences, music videos, and pop culture are all creative influences to us today.
What is your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is getting to know people and understanding their unique vision. When I meet with a client, it’s not just a business relationship but a personal relationship too. My favorite part of the job is at the end of the event seeing that everything the clients have envisioned is brought to life or surpassed. It’s fun to see the younger guests on the dance floor all night and the older guests too. It’s the combination of people at the end of the event that say ‘this is the best event I have ever been to,’ ‘It was perfect,’ etc - that makes all our effort and hard work worth it.
What separates Sound Connection from other music and entertainment companies?
Sound Connection Entertainment is different because of our staff. We are fortunate to have a very creative, talented and dynamic full time staff. We also aren’t limited to preparing our events a certain way. Everything that we do surrounds the clients’ ideas and vision. Everyone has a different idea of perfect and what they want for their event. We take the time to understand what that is and materialize it to perfection while keeping people entertained and happy. There isn’t anything we can’t do and we are not afraid to try new things for people. When a client comes to us with an incredible idea, the Sound Connection difference is we try to incorporate the idea into the production for that evening. Our events are as unique as our couples.
Sound Connection entertainment offers more than just music. What other features do you have to enhance the event experience?
Some of the enhancements that we offer include lighting and light-scaping. We will use lighting design to transform both the look and feel of the room. We can change the lighting with the mood and the feeling of the room. For example, when the bride is sharing the dance with her father the room goes pink. When the groom shares the dance with his mom, the room goes blue. When they cut the cake, the room goes white. If we know it is a fall wedding and everyone is eating dinner, we will light up the walls in reds, oranges, and yellows, and it is constantly changing so that the landscape in the room will always be changing and will always be different.
We also offer drapery which can transform any traditional wedding venue into something you would see in Miami or New York City. We will hang fabric up against the walls which really complements the lighting features we offer and it gives the room a new dimension. It really surprises people with how classy it looks, and how it accents the venue in a different capacity. Multi-media presentations, Lounge Furniture, Digital Photo booths, Atmosphere elements, and custom audio production are all services offered by Sound Connection
How long does it take to prepare for an event?
Every event is different so it depends on what the clients’ needs and services that they require. On average, I would say we put in about 20 to 40 hours per wedding production that we do. Some are more than that, others are less. It really depends on the framework or vision of the client. Some couples might want custom voice-overs, custom remixes, lighting design, venue touring, setting up equipment and even appointments that can sometimes last two to four hours.
What is your favorite genre of music?
From a DJ perspective, I am an open format kind of DJ. I am open to any form of music. I can go from 70s, 80s, 90s, top 40, house, rock, to hip-hop in one night.
When I am in my car, I will listen to something different to get a feel of what is going down in pop culture, but recently the 90s station is making a huge comeback for me. If I could only pick one music type though, I would say the dance music because of my club DJ background.
Recently, we interviewed Alina from Doubletree Tinton Falls for her advice and expertise on NJ weddings and events. She offers her wisdom and advice on how to save money on event favors.
For more information, please check out our wedding packages at the Sterling Ballroom website.
Today, Hotels Unlimited met with our friends from our partnered bakery, Chocolate Carousel located in Wall, NJ. Chocolate Carousel is an old-fashioned bakery specializing in wedding cakes, occasion cakes, stuffed cupcakes, desserts, cookies, pastries, homemade chocolates/novelties, favors and more. We interviewed the owner of Chocolate Carousel, Lisa for a behind the scenes look into how a wedding cake is made and what special touches we can create for our clients throughout the Ocean County, Monmouth County and Mercer County areas.
How long have you been baking and designing cakes?
I have been making and designing cakes professionally for 10 years.
How much time does it take to make the average wedding cake from start to finish?
It is funny how many people ask me that question. That is a tough one since every cake is unique. Each cake is done in stages and varies in time based on design elements and flavor choices. I would say on average it takes about 8 hours.
How many flavors of cake and icing do you offer?
Through the Hotels Unlimited packages, couples are offered a choice of yellow cake, chocolate cake, or a layer of each. Additionally, the package includes 14 different filling options including mousses, puddings and fruits. Couples can choose between butter cream or whipped cream icing for white or ivory designs and fudge or chocolate butter cream icing for chocolate designs.
Chocolate Carousel also offers a number of additional cake and filling flavors which can be added to Hotels Unlimited packages at an additional cost (upgrade charge).
Do you make any gluten-free cakes?
We do make gluten free cheesecake, chocolate torte, yellow cake and chocolate cake. Typically if there is a gluten allergy, this special cake will be served in additional to the wedding cake.
What is the most popular flavor combination for a wedding cake?
In wedding cake, the most popular is the yellow cake with chocolate mousse filling or chocolate cake with raspberry and vanilla mousse filling. Most people like the mousse filling because it is a light filling and the perfect ending to a big meal! However, with so many flavors available, I see many different flavor combinations come together.
Which flavor of cake is your favorite?
I am definitely a dessert lover and have a different favorite flavor everyday. I would say today is chocolate cake with peanut butter filling.
What wedding design elements are you finding are most popular?
We pride ourselves in offering our clients the ability to customize their cakes. In fact, we have over 1100 cake designs into our portfolio to help inspire couples. This year, monograms are very popular as well as inscriptions on cakes. I have had clients choose to inscribe a verse from their favorite song or poem on their cake or write their names or a series of words on their cake.
More timeless designs include scrollwork or pearl dots which are more classic elegant. At Chocolate Carousel, these designs are all hand piped in homemade buttercream adding a beautiful artistic finish to our cakes.
What was the strangest design that you have made on a cake?
There are two that stick out in my mind. I did a Nightmare Before Christmas-themed wedding cake. The cake was iced completely in black and covered in spider webs and cocoons. I also did an antique style wedding cake adorned with hundreds of handmade sugar roses and finished with Yankees bobble heads guys on top.
What is the strangest flavor combination that you have done?
Banana cake with German chocolate filling, and then a pineapple icing. This seemed like an odd combination to me but the bride and groom loved it and that is what counts!
Here at Hotels Unlimited we have a committed staff at each of our locations that is here to cater to our clients’ needs. Today, we continue with our ”Meet the Staff” series in which we will inform you of our resources that are available for your opportune moment.
VL: I have worked with Hotels Unlimited a little over three years now, and have been at the Radisson for all three years.
HU: What is the most common type of event that your banquet facility holds?
VL: We do tons of Weddings, Bat Mitzvahs and Bar Mitzvahs. We do everything from corporate events to social including anniversaries, bridal showers, breakfast the next day after the event, and baby showers.
HU: What is your most memorable event that you have done?
VL: The most memorable event we had done was a wedding that was planned through David Tutera, the famous celebrity planner who is on “My Fair Wedding.” David and his whole crew had chosen one of our brides and had selected our venue for the show. It was very exciting.
HU: What do your clients like most about the facility?
VL: Our clients like the beautiful chandeliers which you will have to see for yourself when you come visit. We have outdoor wedding ceremonies, and just the convenience of the hotel as well.
HU: What enhancers do your clients use the most?
VL: Our clients like to use our chair covers as well as our Hollywood lighting packages for the night because it definitely changes the mood of the evening and they can make it their own, and I am a big fan of the Sweet Memories package in which we serve sweet treats butler style.
HU: What is your favorite part of the event planning process?
VL: My favorite part is the initial working with the clients and watching them see the Crystal Ballroom for the first time and see the “wow” look on their faces. I also really enjoy walking with them through the whole booking process and it’s so wonderful to feel that they chose me for their special day.
HU: Any advice you would recommend to any couples getting married that are looking around?
VL: Don’t listen to too many opinions of family and friends. Obviously they should work with the parents and such, but brides seem to have too many people put in their opinion and it can get overwhelming. When something is right, they will feel it. Although everyone has a budget to work with, all of our properties will work with them and in the end it is their decision.
HU: What is your most unusual event request?
VL: We had many unusual event requests, but there are two that really stick out to me. Once while planning a Bar Mitzvah, we had a client who wanted to ride in on a dirt bike since the party theme was extreme sports.
The other event was during a gay wedding where the couple had requested a drag show during the reception and “Beyoncè” was part of the act.
Here at Hotels Unlimited we have a committed staff at each of our locations that is here to cater to our clients’ needs. Today, we continue with our ” Meet the Staff” series in which we will inform you of our resources that are available for your opportune moment.
Today Hotels Unlimited interviewed Heidi Hutch, the Catering Sales Director of the Versailles Ballroom located inside the Ramada of Toms River. For the latest updates, be sure to check out the Versailles Ballroom Twitter and Facebook pages and the Ramada of Toms River Twitter and Facebook.
Photo taken courtesy of Endless Wave Studios.
HU: How long have you worked at Hotels Unlimited?
HH: I have worked with Hotels Unlimited for 7 years.
HU: What do you like most about the position?
HH: I enjoy everything that comes with the catering field. Most of all, I like dealing with all the different types of people I get to meet on a daily basis. Being a wedding planner prior to working with Hotels Unlimited, weddings are my specialty, and I like to help the brides plan their special day and help ease their minds when it comes to executing a fabulous event.
HH: Weddings, Weddings, Weddings! We are a wedding factory. Our staff usually executes more than 120 weddings in the Versailles Ballroom per year, and we have as many as two to four weddings per weekend. We also do a lot of social events including birthday parties, anniversaries, Sweet 16, Bar – Bat Mitzvahs, and Baby – Bridal showers.
HU: What do your clients like most about the facility?
HH: The glitz, the glam, and the consistency. Once you walk into the ballroom, clients immediately notice the beautiful chandeliers and cocktail reception area showcasing our stone handcrafted fireplace. Most of our clients love our location within the community, the attentiveness of Angel our Maitre ’D, and of course the reassurance of knowing that they are
going to get a good product when coming here and a memorable experience to last them forever.
HU: Does the bar make any specialty cocktails?
HH: Of course! Specialty cocktails and signature drinks are a growing trend with banquet events. We can match your signature drink to be a color, a flavor, you name it. Our staff can jazz it up and make it fun for any guests.
HU: What enhancers do your clients like the most?
HH: Let me first start by saying, enhancers make any event! We have many different enhancers that you can personalize any package with. A lot of people use the Hollywood lighting
feature, which is dramatic and brings a very different vibe to the party. A lot of people like to add dessert enhancers like our Viennese display, chocolate fountain and new Sweet Memories to go out with a bang. Colored taffeta or organza chair bows and chair covers always add a special touch of elegance as well.
HU: What is your favorite part of the event planning process?
HH: My favorite part is not knowing what I am coming into everyday. I meet millions of different kinds of personalities and families that let me into their lives and let me become a part of their special occasion. I like knowing that I was part of their big day and that I made them smile. I guarantee that my clients leave my office either laughing or
smiling.
HU: Any advice that you would recommend to any couples getting married that are looking around?
HH: Get married here! (As she laughs) The Versailles Ballroom executes fabulous weddings. Our team exudes the utmost professionalism and could practically do everything with their eyes closed. If you are looking for a good product at a great price, trust in the Versailles Ballroom. If you are looking to buy a house and are still looking to have a great wedding, you can have your wedding cake and eat it too.
HU: What trends do you see for future events?
HH: When it comes to weddings, more brides are choosing to be more casual with a cocktail wedding reception and are choosing a theme. Our brides add their personal touches to our ballroom, by bringing their own personality into their own weddings and I love it. It’s fun to see the wedding trends change through the years. First it was all the rage with the chocolate fountain, and now it’s the candy buffets. I can’t wait to see what is next!
HU: What is your most unusual event request?
HH: Well there have been many, but one that sticks out in my head is a bride that did a candy buffet that took up the entire perimeter of the ballroom! It took two U-haul trucks to deliver and store all the candy that was needed and a day to set it all up. This is what I love to do and I live for unusual requests!
Here at Hotels Unlimited we have a committed staff at each of our locations that is here to cater to our clients’ needs. Today, we continue with our ”Meet the Staff” series in which we will inform you of our resources that are available for your opportune moment.
HU: What is your most memorable event that you have done?
TD: It is so hard to pick just one, since each event has its own individualistic flare and has its own persona. Each bride and each guest brings something unique to the table and we create a customized event to match their visions.
TD: They like the individualized attention, my creativity, my past experience in Las Vegas, and my passion. I always make sure that they are comfortable and in control.
HU: Whoa, Las Vegas??
TD: Yes, I lived in Las Vegas for ten years and had a professional background at The Drink and Eat Too and at Planet Hollywood. I had done events with 3000 guests, as well as celebrity clients from movie stars, to athletes, and headline entertainers.
HU: Really?! Who!?
TD: Come visit me and I will tell you. What happened in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas. (as she laughs).
HU: Does the bar make any specialty cocktails?
TD: Of course, we can make anything your little heart desires. We can do effervescent and exciting, we can do simple and sophisticated.. the possibilities are endless. This is your day, you get what you want.
TD: Hollywood lighting to enhance the ambiance of the room, chair covers with specialty bows, which give the room a clean crisp look, and chocolate fountains… need I say more?
HU: What is your favorite part of the event planning process?
TD: Taking the journey with each guest and being a part of their special day. I feel so honored when they choose me out of all the planners out there. We develop a rapport that goes beyond business values and transpires into becoming a part of the family. My favorite wedding moment is fluffing the bridal gown and hearing the swishing of the tulle. It’s the final moment before the bride and groom enter the floor to take their spotlight dance as husband and wife. I cry every time.
HU: Any advice that you would recommend to any couples getting married that are looking around?
TD: My advice that I give to couples is to keep things as normal as possible. At least one day a week take a day away of NOT thinking about the wedding and have a date night to keep the romance going. This is a wonderful time in their life, and although things can get overwhelming the most important thing is to always have fun.
