Choosing the perfect location for your reception is one of the most important decisions you will make when planning your wedding. It is also one of the very first. If you are looking to get married sometime in the near future, it is best to get an early start by planning far in advance. Fortunately, some of the top-rated wedding locations are right here in your very own backyard. There are plenty of great spaces to choose from. If you happen to live nearby, then take a moment to check out some of the best wedding reception venues in Northwest Ohio.

Alexandria’s

If you are looking for the perfect location for your wedding reception in Hancock County, Alexandria’s is your go-to venue. Located in beautiful downtown Findlay, Alexandria’s has two of the most unique and beautiful event spaces that Northwest Ohio has available to rent. The Findlay Room is a registered historical site that seamlessly pairs the the class of yesteryear with the modernness of todays amenities. Exposed brick and chandeliers set the tone for your memorable day. Alternatively, The Brunswick Room features an original exposed bowling alley floor that is perfect for a more contemporary reception. Either one is a great choice if you are looking for one the best wedding reception venues that Hancock County has to offer. Consider Alexandria’s!

Nazareth Hall

Be sure to look into the regal Nazareth Hall for your wedding reception if you reside in Wood County. Located in beautiful Grand Rapids, Ohio, Nazareth Hall is known across the region as one of the best banquet and wedding facilities. Once a school with humble beginnings, this lavish hall is full of rich history and grandeur galore. Let your wedding guests be in awe of this picturesque castle with perfectly manicured lawns. Celebrate with friends and family in a grand ballroom and feel like your wedding day is something out of a fairytale. All this can be achieved right here in Northwest Ohio. Therefore, you have found your dream location if you want your big day to be historical!

Stranahan Theater and Great Hall

If you are looking for a classy wedding reception venue in Lucas County, you have found it. The Great Hall is adjacent to the Stranahan Theater, formerly known as the Masonic Auditorium. Located in Toledo, the Great Hall features a sprawling reception area with 10,000 square feet. The large dance floor and elegant chandeliers are sure to impress your guests. With over 40 years of experience, they have all the amenities including a catering kitchen, competitive bar rates, and free secured parking for you and your loved ones. Furthermore, staging and on-site assistance with your planning or event layout are also available. The Great Hall is truly a great choice!

Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel

Another great wedding location in the Toledo area is the Renaissance. Situated in historic downtown Toledo, this timeless hotel venue is sure to make the perfect backdrop for your big day. Your elegant wedding celebration is in good hands with the expert planners at the Renaissance, ensuring that everything from catering to slideshow presentations are taken care of. Have all your guests conveniently stay at the hotel and your entire celebration can be professionally handled on the premises. Additionally, book a wedding DJ service and you’ll be all set!

Paired with the Perfect DJ

No matter your location in Northwest Ohio, Jason Kent Sound and Lighting aims to be your premier DJ service. When searching for wedding entertainment, look no further! We will happily work with you once you have chosen your preferred venue and are ready to proceed with one of our wedding packages. Please contact us with any questions you may have. After all, we are here to help guide you through every step of the process.

By: Jason Droll

They say that a picture is worth a thousand words. If that is the case, then your wedding is the perfect place to take more photos to add to your story together as a couple. Your photographer is there to professionally capture all of your most important moments. Your friends and family are there to take their own photographs of your special day. But, what about snapping the more candid group opportunities? Well, photo booths are the answer! Continue reading to find out about all the potential benefits of having a photo booth at your wedding reception.

Make It Memorable for Everyone

The best way to capture memories of your special day! Remember the old photo booths with the curtain in the mall? They printed off your series of impromptu, sometimes silly photos onto strips of film. A photo booth is the new, easy-to-use way to conveniently freeze frames at wedding receptions. Think of it as an automated selfie booth. They can have a variety of different backdrops you can choose from. Backgrounds that feature an open design allow for even larger group photos at receptions. Props can also be incorporated to make your photos more fun and exciting.

When working with a professional DJ service, the ability to add a photo booth to your package is a seamless integration. In order for this to be possibility, be sure to find a reputable and experienced disc jockey who has this new and exciting service available. Photo booths can added onto an existing DJ package, or booked as a standalone package instead. You can also choose to have a printer available to instantly print out your favorite photos, or upgrade to your very own customized print templates. The options are endless!

Candidly Capture Your Memories

Photo booths are one of the hottest trends at wedding receptions. In todays photo-centric society, pictures and video are the most popular means of communication. Having plenty of different ways to capture your big day from all angles can never be a bad thing. The more traditional, professional photography and videography you will receive from your official photographer will be the memories you will frame and hang up on your wall for all to see. Another great way to ensure that your wedding is captured from all angles is to have your guests take additional photos from their point of view.

The best way to get group photos and video clips of everyone that came to celebrate is by having a photo booth at your reception. People can gather together behind your selected backdrop and take funny or serious photos to make more memories. The ability of your guests to be able to unwind and be themselves in a situation like this is priceless. It will give you the type of photos that you would normally only be able to take from the comfort of your own phone. Save yourself the hassle and awkwardness of having to carry around your cell phone at your reception. Instead, leave all that work to your automated photo booth. Say cheese!

Book Your Photo Booth Today!

Looking to incorporate this affordable and fun feature into your upcoming wedding? As you have read, there are many benefits of having a photo booth at your wedding. After your reception, all photos are conveniently uploaded to our Facebook page for you to download, tag, and share. If you are located in the greater Toledo area, we are your destination for all things in entertainment! Please contact Jason Kent Sound and Lighting if you are interested in a photo booth only, or a DJ and photo booth.

By: Jason Droll

You’ve probably seen them without even realizing what they are called. The dramatic lighting effects at events, in particular at weddings and wedding receptions, that literally light up the entire room. A few of these lights can add a huge visual impact, turning any event into something unique and classy. So, what exactly are these popular lights called? Well, uplighting is their name, and elegance is their game. Keep on reading to find out everything you need to learn about wedding uplighting.

What is uplighting?

Uplighting gives you the ability to easily transform your reception hall into something very inviting and elegant. With their ability to add a large visual impact to any space, they are the perfect solution for bland or poorly lit wedding reception spaces. Unlike traditional fluorescent room lighting, uplights provide dramatic LED lighting in a variety of colors. They are also extremely energy-efficient, generating a very low amount of heat to ensure the safety of your room and your guests. Uplights also have the ability to flicker and strobe to the beat of the music and can change colors to create different moods when desired.

How does uplighting work?

To make the most impact, uplighting is evenly and strategically placed around the entire parameter of your reception area. Placing the lights closely up against exterior walls can make smaller rooms seem even larger than they actually are. On the other hand, placing the lights in the same manner for larger rooms can make the space feel even more intimate. Focusing the uplights on the most important areas of the reception hall that you want to draw the most attention to can help you have the most impact. For more useful tips and tricks, check out some very important wedding uplighting dos and dont’s.

Can uplighting be added?

Yes, you can easily add an uplighting package to your wedding reception! But first and foremost, you have to find a professional DJ service in or around your area that offers uplighting packages. Keep in mind that not all DJs offer this type of professional service, because not all DJs are created equally. For a clearer idea of what an experienced entertainment service can do for a room, check out this video showcasing uplighting after the exit of the bride and groom.

If you are located in the Northwest Ohio area, Jason Kent Sound and Lighting is extremely experienced with uplighting installation and presentation. Having incorporated this type of lighting at a multitude of events, we are your premier source for uplighting in the Toledo, Findlay and Lima areas. Uplights may be added to any one of our DJ packages, but are automatically included around the parameter of the room when choosing the “Light Up the Night” package.

Learn more about uplighting!

Ready to incorporate LED lighting effects into your upcoming wedding reception? Then check out Jason Kent Sound and Lighting’s page on uplighting for more information. If you are still unsure how uplighting can greatly benefit your wedding, feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. We will be more than happy to informatively guide you through the process and help you get started today!

By: Jason Droll

No matter what type of event you are preparing to plan, cost is almost always the biggest deciding factor in any decision that you make. Your budget comes into play whether it’s a small birthday party you’ve been planning all year long, or a large wedding reception you’ve been planning your entire life. Having your event be the best that it can be for the fairest price possible is a good rule of thumb, but be very cautionary when it comes to the type of entertainment you hire. Spending a small amount of money on the least expensive DJ you can find could result in a day you’ll remember for all the wrong reasons.

Words of Warning About the Cheapest DJ

We totally understand that you are on a budget, and the nearest disc jokey in your town is offering seemingly affordable wedding receptions for a few hundred dollars a night. At first thought, this may sound like a great deal that’s too good to be true. And you’re completely right! The reason for this is that the cheap, budget DJ lacks the necessary professional equipment, years of experience, and talented resources to guarantee you a safe day without any problems. Cheaper is not always better, especially when it comes to entertainment.

The cheapest DJ may also have very few and very poor reviews online, or in real life for that matter. Even if they have great reviews, at that price they cannot afford the proper equipment or dedicated time for your wedding. We completely understand, because this is how we started out long ago, and it was nearly impossible. If all you want is music playing at your event, wouldn’t connecting your phone to a rented sound system be more cost effective and reliable than a DJ with the lowest price? Think about it.

If you desire to go down this route and hire the cheapest DJ, you are truly taking a huge risk on the biggest day of your entire life. Trust us, this is something you will come to regret as the event unfolds, and even more so years down the road as you reflect on your entertainment mistake. Please take this into consideration. Choose wisely, because saving a few dollars up front will most likely lead to a lot of wasted money in the end.

Words of Wisdom About the Professional DJ

Instead of the cheapest option, strongly consider paying a couple hundred dollars more to hire an experienced DJ that will ensure your big day is free of stress. It will be well worth it. Although they may cost a bit more, professional wedding DJs have all of the necessary equipment and backups in place in case something fails. They have the ability to do live mixing and put on a one-of-a-kind lighting show to get your audience dancing to your handpicked playlist. Experienced DJs can also effectively coordinate your event and serve as your emcee, the host and personality of your reception.

At Jason Kent Sound and Lighting, we know what a world of difference a professional in this industry can make because we’ve seen and experienced it first hand. Make the comparison between us and the competition, and you will see that our services and value for the professionalism we provide are second-to-none. We offer a truly original, non-intrusive approach to entertainment for unique couples and unique events. A DJ can definitely make or break your event or reception, so please do your homework by reading reviews and researching pricing thoroughly.

There may be many cheaper DJs out there, but remember, you get what you pay for!

Still Unsure About DJ Pricing?

Feel free to check out our pricing and browse our available party or wedding packages. Discounts are also available for Military Service or Public Safety Personnel. For reference on cost, check out this very informative Wedding DJ Cost Guide to see how we compare. We think that you will be pleasantly surprised with what you find, and hope that you consider Jason Kent Sound and Lighting for your next event in Northwest Ohio! If you have any questions at all, please call 419-619-2291 or contact us today.

By: Jason Droll

When throwing an event for yourself or for your organization, it is important to remember that your first impression has to be your very best. Regardless of the size of the event, always keep in mind that it is instrumental to have the right pieces of the puzzle in place to ensure a successful and memorable occasion. One of the most important parts of the puzzle to take care of first is to find the right professional DJ service for your upcoming event. Having appropriately curated music mixed with atmospheric lighting can create the perfect mood for any setting, no matter the type of event you are putting on. You may be asking yourself, what are the most popular events to hire a professional DJ service for? Keep reading to find out what the 4 best events for professional DJs are…

1. Weddings & Receptions

When it comes down to the most important day of your life, you don’t want to leave the music up to an amateur disc jokey. Having a professional DJ service at your wedding reception is an integral part of the day you’ll both remember for your entire lifetime together. Your wedding day can be a very memorable, yet very busy day at the same time. Because of this, the last thing you want to have to worry about are the songs that will serve as the soundtrack to your forever. Having a DJ who will not only coordinate all the details of your special day, but ensure that your first dance together will be to the sound of your favorite song underneath the perfect lighting is imperative. Your wedding song is one that you will genuinely never forget, and a professional DJ can play it like nobody else can.

2. Corporate Events

Coordinating the music to your next big corporate event can be a big undertaking, and leaving the playlist to the hands of a professional with years of experience can put your worries to rest. A professional DJ service can be a very big drawn to your organizational gathering, ensuring that your guests are having a great time while enjoying the highlights of the event. Whether your corporate event is large or small, having the right DJ playing the appropriate type of music for your professional crowd can really enhance the atmosphere of your company. Whether it be a festive Christmas party or a fancy fundraising dinner for distinguished guests, a professional sound and lighting DJ service can take your event over the top and make it stand out from the crowd.

3. Birthdays & Quinceañeras

Celebrations such as birthdays and quinceañeras are truly a once in a lifetime event. No matter if the party is a small gathering in the backyard of your home or at a large reception hall, having a customized sound and lighting experience provided by a skilled and experienced DJ service can be a memorable one for the guest of honor. Whether the party is for someone commemorating their 21st birthday or for a girl celebrating her quinceañera when she turns 15, a professional DJ can get the party started with the songs and lighting effects necessary to get everyone on the floor dancing and enjoying these monumental occasions.

4. Graduation Parties

If you or someone you know is getting ready to graduate from high school or college, having a professional DJ service at the graduation party is a surefire way to make it one that everyone will want to attend. More often than not, graduation parties occur around the same time in a community with numerous classmates all celebrating simultaneously. With a DJ in attendance at your party, the latest and greatest music combined with an unforgettable lighting show will help draw those you know and love to your celebration. Commemorate your very special day by booking a professional DJ service for your party.

Book a Professional DJ for Your Next Event!

Award-winning Jason Kent Sound and Lighting can make any of the above events an occasion you and your loves one will never forget. Check out our great client reviews on The Knot and WeddingWire, or contact us to hire one of the highest-rated DJs in Northwest Ohio!

By: Jason Droll