Colby Logan

Charlie & Elizabeth Haggard, 10/16/11, Filter Building

2012-01-09T11:06:00.002-06:00

Thank you SO very much for everything yesterday!!! I wish we'd had a chance to visit more yesterday and I wish I could have told you this in person but, as they say, the day just disappears!! Everything ran so smoothly, you and Kevin and the band sounded amazing and the lighting filled out the venue PERFECTLY! We really appreciate you taking the time to personalize the day and for being so creative and mixing live and recorded music. We also really appreciate that you picked up all the pieces and arranged the ceremony chairs and sprayed Yard Guard too - its tough without a full planner and things would not have pulled together so beautifully without you. I also really appreciate how detailed you were with my dad so he felt secure and prepared for the evening - he had a great time and really appreciates it too!

Thank you again for EVERYTHING and I really hope you had fun and enjoyed yourself while working!! Hope to see you again soon and please send my love to Amy and thank her for letting you work instead of spend time with her :-)

Love,
Elizabeth

Happy 2 Year Anniversary to Ryan & Laura!

2011-06-13T11:57:00.005-05:00

Dear Colby,
I wanted to say thanks again for all your work at the reception. You did an awesome job with the music and the flow of the whole event. I honestly wasn't really expecting to have much fun at the reception because I've heard so many married couples say that all they did was play host at their receptions. Luckily Laura and I followed peoples' advice and tried to finish all the meet-and-greet stuff during the dinner hour so we could enjoy ourselves afterwards. During the honeymoon, Laura and I kept talking about how we both had an absolute blast at the reception, and how you kept the pace of the music and dancing absolutely perfect for those last ~2 hours, walking that delicate line of not being upbeat enough to keep everyone going, but not going overboard too quickly and then everyone loses interest. I saw way more people out on the dance floor than I figured there would be, and they were out there for a lot longer than I figured. A lot of my friends that I would've never pictured getting out on the dance floor were actually having a great time. We honestly received so many compliments that night and the next day about how great the music was and how much fun people had. Several people said that was the best wedding reception they'd ever been to, and a few of Laura's little sister's friends said that it was better than any of their homecomings or proms (although the open bar might've contributed to that). And the bride/groom FAQ was an awesome touch; that seemed to really draw everyone into the event, exactly like you said. It was just long enough to be fun and entertaining, but not too drawn out; again, perfect balance.

If you EVER need any type of reference or testimonial, whether written or in the form of a phone call, etc, please don't hesitate to let us know. I'd be happy to recommend your business to anyone. It's not until you've been to a wedding with a weak DJ/MC that you can truly appreciate how much difference a good one can make (and believe me, I saw probably the worst DJ in history at a wedding about 2 months ago). Thanks again for everything, let us know if you need anything in the future as far as testimonials or referrals.

Hope everything is going well, keep in touch.

Thanks, Laura & Ryan Ward

Rowan Elizabeth Logan

2011-05-27T14:50:00.003-05:00

Rowan is a sweet little girl who loves to dance, laugh and cuddle at bed time. She's throwing a temper tantrum downstairs as a write this, but I guess that's what 3 1/2 year olds do from time to time.

Lately I've been pondering the vision of her wedding day. Who will she marry? Will I approve? Will it be spontaneous...or will she be very planned and calculated? Will he ask me for her hand in marriage...or will they elope?

One of my biggest questions is...who will handle the entertainment? Who will we hire to represent us and our entire family on one of the biggest days of our life? There's no way for me to know at this stage in the game, but I do know this...it's the most important aspect of her wedding day...of OUR wedding day. This person will be super cool, really good at what they do...and most importantly, they will be extremely prepared in understanding what we want and what we are all about.

A wedding reception is a celebration and by definition it's all about entertainment. I've never understood how a family can spend so much time, energy and money on a single day...yet put so little importance on the most important aspect of the entire celebration.

Bottom line...get the entertainment right...and you guarantee success.

2011-04-25T14:21:00.003-05:00

My daughter is only 3, but I can only imagine the emotion and pride that you feel when you walk down the aisle with your little princess...she looks at you to give her away...and she's now under the care of another man. I'm going to be a wreck! The celebration that follows will be an epic one.

One of my main goals as an entertainment director for weddings is to go above and beyond for the bride and groom and their vision. Similarly, the parents' wishes and expectations are just as important...and arguably even more important given their years of sacrifice and selfless parenting. I can only hope to arrive at a wedding day as special as Lindsey and Bill did on 4/9/11 at Union Station after their Preston Hollow ceremony.

Thank you, Jack and Marilyn, for trusting me with Lindsey's wedding day. You are both model parents!

Trim and Trick

2011-04-05T11:34:00.009-05:00

You can visualize the dramatic difference in what we do for our clients. We guarantee a blowout event...and we're very well known for it. The problem is that most couples just can't afford the type of production we execute every weekend because their budget is spread so thin across so many other items (food, flowers, favors, etc.) This is where our new initiative called Trim and Trick comes into play. Trim and Trick is our new package offering that allows couples on a modest budget (less than $20k), to have a platinum wedding type of entertainment execution.

The concept is simple...Trim down your spending in other areas to Trick out your reception. Trimming down your spending in other areas does not mean that you sacrifice a thing with regards to your guest experience...it actually infers just the opposite. Of the flip side, Tricking out your reception doesn't always infer amazing lighting decor, but rather spending quality time with a seasoned professional who will help take your vision to the next level. With T&T we encourage you to spend your money on the items that will allow you to have a truly epic entertainment experience.

One of the biggest items we advise our clients to trim is the food...a radically new concept as many of our clients wouldn't think of skipping this traditional item. We will guide you through the T&T process of planning the agenda for the evening (which usually begins later and ends later), establishing an overall theme and vision, what items to trim down (and often completely cut out)...and lastly, how to present it to your guests with your invitiations. It's also important to note that T&T works very well in some venues and not so well in others...so venue choice is an important step in this process.

The end result is an epic wedding celebration that your guests will describe as the "best wedding reception they have ever attended"...for a price that fits your budget.

Stacie and Josh Martin, Old Red Courthouse, 10/23/10

2010-12-15T21:30:00.003-06:00

Dear Colby,
Thank you for the awesome job you did at Josh and Stacie's wedding. You kept things going and made it really fun. I also appreciate the wonderful dining experience with your terrific singing. It was just perfect. Finally, the lighting...it was just outstanding. You're the best!

Cindy & Greg (the bride's parents)

Thanksgiving on Main Street

2010-11-20T10:06:00.004-06:00

We seated 40 of the who's who in the special event industry around a single table and had a thanksgiving feast. Thanks to Gil's Elegant Catering for all that they do!

Dallas Observer's Artopia 2010

2010-11-16T12:42:00.005-06:00

Words cannot describe how much I enjoyed being a part of the Dallas Observer's Artopia 2010 this year in Victory Park. Ryan Lee and I spent a tremendous amount of time creating and preparing for this grand event and it really paid off.

My favorite part of the evening was about halfway through the event...and I was standing on top of our DJ platform elevated 9 feet above the crowd...and I looked across the sea of people and saw one of my associates, Mike Schneider. Mike gave me a smile and a big thumbs up and I was on top of the world.

Logan & Lorin Lowry, Dallas Arboretum, 4/17/10

2010-05-04T13:26:00.000-05:00

Hey Colby!

I just wanted to thank you for making our wedding absolutely GORGEOUS!! Everything looked exactly like I'd pictured it - and maybe even better. (You saw me cry like a baby when I saw Rosine!) Every single person we've talked to has told us it was the most beautiful wedding they've ever been to. I know people always say that, but with how perfect you made everything look, I believe them. :) One of my dad's friends was telling him how Rosine Hall had really done a good job with all of the lighting they have in there, and my dad let him know that it was all you and your guys that had brought that in. You really reached your goal of making things look like they'd always been a permanent fixture there - obviously! You also did an AMAZING job dj-ing and emceeing. All of our friends loved you. You kept the dance floor packed, and people really had a great time. Everyone loved the Newlywed game, and several people have said they wished their DJ had done that. :) Logan and I had so much fun with that game too. He had no idea we were even going to be doing that!

Seriously, I can't say enough good things about you. You were absolutely wonderful to work with - extremely friendly and accommodating. Thank you so much for making everything perfect for us.

~Lorin :)

Presentation is everything

2010-04-18T21:22:00.000-05:00

One of the many reasons that I love Gil's Elegant Catering is their attention to detail on the presentation of their food and beverage. Of course, everyone would agree that presentation is incredibly important, but Gil's takes it to another level.

They could have easily done a standard backing table to stage the wine bottles, but staging them on multi-levels in this way with candles takes the elegance to an entirely classier place. There are many others that execute an equally impressive setup and my hope is that more of my clients will inquire, request or demand these types of details of their caterers. It's all about the details, right?

~ Colby

Draping bliss

2010-04-18T21:01:00.000-05:00

It's gonna take a while to come down from the high of this wedding reception at Rosine Hall last night. Too many people to thank for their help on making this evening a great one.

To Lorin and Logan...you guys are great...have fun in the Caribbean!

Go big or go home!
~ Colby

Set the tone early!

2010-04-10T13:42:00.000-05:00

I'm always talking with my clients about the importance of setting the tone early in the evening. If you want a good party...a killer dance floor...and engaged crowd...you gotta come out of the gates in a full sprint.

This particular group took that concept to heart...and took it one step further...

This was the first bridesmaid and groomsmen that I introduced into the ballroom. Yes, his pants are off...and yes, she's holding them. Too funny!

One after the other, they entered the room and brought the crowd to a roaring cheer.

Bobby and Conner finally entered and the guests were on their feet!

Success!!

Priceless Proposal

2010-04-02T22:57:00.000-05:00

I love this!

Casey proposes to Amy from One Small Instrument Pictures on Vimeo.

Dallas Observer Wine & Dine

2010-04-02T22:23:00.000-05:00

We are proud to be invited to handle the sound & elegant lighting decor for the 2010 Dallas Observer's Wine & Dine event.

This is a really cool party that happens every year at a different venue around town. Some of the best restaurants in Dallas will be there to showcase their food. Ricki Derek will be crooning for the guests and our DJs will be spinning between live sets.

Hope to see everyone there!

~ Colby
Go big or go home!
http://www.astoundingsounds.com

Gobos, gobos, gobos

2010-03-31T21:09:00.000-05:00

2 years ago none of my clients were asking for that "light pattern thingy that you shine on the dance floor"...and now all of my clients are asking for it by name; a gobo. Most of them ask for a monogram style...but a few unique clients recognize that it's an opportunity to express their style in a very classy and bold way. Laura Sanchez Arizmendi was one of those clients. Being a graphic designer herself, she emailed me the design and said..."this is what I want Colby!"

The gobo doesn't have to be a monogram or bound by any rules of what has been done in the past. Dare to make it your own!

~ Colby
http://www.astoundingsounds.com/
Go big or go home!

Bobby & Conner Klug, 3/20/2010

2010-03-29T10:55:00.000-05:00

A big congrats to Conner and Bobby! Their reception was so much fun. The dance floor was packed all night...and the room looked amazing. This was the scene that the guests saw when
they first entered the room.

Go big or go home!
~ Colby

http://www.astoundingsounds.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dallas-TX/Astounding-Sounds-DJ-Elegant-Lighting/62907563410

Illuminate the cake!!

2010-03-29T10:45:00.000-05:00

If ever you were curious about the importance of illuminating your cake, then this picture might motivate your decision. This type of setting doesn't happen by accident...but it's not difficult to execute if you have the right lighting designer working for you.

Ryan Lee

2010-03-29T10:34:00.000-05:00

Astounding Sounds would like to extend a formal welcome to the newest addition of our team, Ryan Lee. Ryan is a ball of inspiration...a great DJ and entertainer...and a super friend.

.

Choose your vibe...

2010-03-28T22:46:00.000-05:00

I got the opportunity to illuminate the Old Red Courthouse in November 09 with a great team. Becca and Kerrie with A Stylish Soiree executed the floral and overall design of the room, Andy Austin was the DJ for the evening, and we were stoked to be involved with the wedding reception lighting details.

I always shoot a lot of pictures of our work after the room is complete but before the guests have entered. I sometimes allow the color-changing LED lights to cycle between colors so that I can capture a variety of vibes to view later...which leads me to the main point of this blog entry

What color should you choose as the primary hue for your wedding reception? The answer is...whatever works best...and it's different for every reception and every overall decor design.

The honest truth is that you really can't say for certain what will work best until you see it. If I can educate my clients on the best way to achieve a glorious final product it would be to say; thoroughly discuss your vision with your designer and then give him or her the freedom to make adjustments in the moment. I've seen receptions where a deep red would never work...and I've seen some where it was the only color that seemed worked. It's a good idea to remain flexible on the color for your room and allow your design team to work together and find a hue that supports the overall design.

Go big or go home!
~ Colby
http://www.astoundingsounds.com