Al is a music fanatic who truly looks forward to every DJ event. Al’s interest in mobile DJing spun off from his days as a sportscaster & radio DJ in college. He has performed at countless events in California, New York, Las Vegas, Washington DC, & North Carolina. His detailed event preparation approach makes for an easy, smooth experience for brides & grooms...and all party planners.
Dependable & Insured
LGBTQ+ friendly
Epic DJ Entertainment serves a one hour driving radius from Raleigh, which includes Greensboro, Fayetteville, Garner, Wake Forest, Cary, Apex, & Holly Springs.
FAQ
How long have you been in business? Epic DJ Entertainment opened in 2015. Before that I DJ'd for many years at several firms in New York, Wash DC, California, & N Carolina.
How many weddings have you played at? I've been fortunate to DJ at over 250 weddings for couples from various cultures, religions, & ethnic backgrounds.
Do you offer a consultation or phone call before the wedding? Our clients are encouraged to meet with me before signing a contract. The DJ is one of the most important elements to a wedding, so it's key to ensure we have a match for what each couple is looking for. In addition, a follow up meeting or phone call is suggested between 2-4 weeks before the wedding...to review the timeline of activities and music choices.
What type of sound equipment do you use? Only high quality equipment is used, including: QSC K12 Speakers, Numark DJ controller, Shure mics, & Apple Macbooks.
Do you have cordless microphones for toasts & ceremony ? A high-end wireless handheld Shure mic is available for toasts, plus an option to use a vintage Shure mic on a stand, which is great for photos. For ceremonies, a Shure wireless clip-on mic is available for the officiant. This high quality mic will pick up the bride & groom, unless they speak very softly.
What is the backup plan if your equipment fails? A backup Apple Macbook that is pre-loaded with the same music library & the couple’s requested songs is always included. In addition, a backup mixer & the couple's requested songs are even loaded on a memory stick, just in case. Fortunately. the backup has never been used. : > )
Do you bring any lighting to events? Fun, multi-color, sound-activated dance floor lights that play to the beat of the music (with 5 different shapes/designs) are always included. By projecting one light on the dance floor and the other on the ceiling, the room is filled with lots of fun !
How early do you arrive to set up? The preference, if the venue allows it, is to arrive at least 2 hours before an event. Sometimes it’s even 3 hours before. This helps to ensure that everything is set up and ready to go ahead of schedule. It’s always best to plan for the unexpected issues, as your big day is very important.
What are your wedding packages and pricing? Pricing varies based on season, location, hours, & other key details. A quick 15-minute call to review your wedding details will ensure the best & most accurate price.
Will you reserve a client’s wedding date until they finish interviewing DJ’s? As a courtesy, a client's wedding date is held while they review options. If another couple requests our services for the same date, the original couple has the first opportunity to book.
Do you have liability insurance? Yes. A policy is in place that has up to $1M in coverage.
Will you act as the master of ceremonies & make announcements? With my sportscasting background, I’m very comfortable handling emcee activities & announcements. However, I do not talk between each song (like a radio DJ), as I believe less talking is better for most weddings. I talk when it's appropriate, unless the couple asks for something else.
Will you abide by “do not play” and “must play” lists that clients give you? Our clients always get to select their favorite "must play" songs and can be specific to dictate songs for cocktails, dinner, & dancing. Clients also can provide a "do not play" song list.
What will you do if someone requests a song on the “do not play” list? If a guest requests a song on the do not play list, the newlyweds will be given the option to allow that request or keep it on "do not play". This is especially key if a close family member or the bridal party makes the request.
Will you recommend songs for the ceremony, first dance, cake cutting, etc? Our clients are provided a list of suggested songs for all key wedding activities. Any special songs that are requested will be purchased, if they are not already in our extensive music library.
What type of music can you provide for the ceremony & cocktail hour? Our clients select the style & often pick specific songs for their ceremony and cocktail hour. This is key because it's their big day, so they should have an influence on what their guests will hear. Guidance is provided on what works best, but our client's are involved in the planning.
Do you do the anniversary dance or any ice breakers? Our clients have options to do an anniversary dance, the shoe game, or any other activity that they like. Also, other couples have provided great feedback on our group photo idea, where all guests join the newlyweds on the dance floor for a quick photo. This gives the couple a very memorable picture & also makes it fun & easy to break the ice with dancing...since the guests are already out there.
How many breaks will you take? There will be no breaks, no alcohol consumed, & no meal during any event. This ensures music will be playing at all times and every event will be a first class celebration.
How will the DJ be dressed? Couples can share what their attire will be for their bridal party & guests. Traditionally, I wear a suit & tie, but always ensure my colors are generally different from the bridal party. Couples may request something different, as it’s their big day
Will you work with the wedding planner at the reception to ensure a smooth flow of events? Yes, we see this as a key to the event's success. In fact, we provide a timeline of DJ activities to each couple, plus a copy goes to the planner, photographer, caterer, & venue staff to ensure we are all on the same page.
Do you have any recommended wedding vendors? Yes. Based on experience, here are a few vendors who stand out in the Raleigh area.
Bridal Shops
Larisa Style Bridal - https://larisastyle.com/
Channy Bride & Beyond - https://www.channybrideandbeyond.com/
Invitations / Thank You Cards
Invitation Box -- https://www.facebook.com/invitationbox
Venues
Chapel Hill Carriage House - http://www.chcarriagehouse.com/
Morris Peaceland Farm - https://www.morrispeacelandfarm.com/
MacGregor Downs - https://www.macgregordowns.org/host/wedding
Planner/Coordinator
Chestnut & Vine Weddings - https://chestnutandvineweddings.com/
Paisley and Pearl Events - www.paisleyandpearlevents.com
Photographer
Ana Teresa Galizes Photography -- https://www.facebook.com/GalizesPhotos/
Southern Rose Photography - https://www.southernrosephotographync.com/
Cakes
Love Cake by Kristina Frati Solloway -- https://www.facebook.com/LoveCakeNC/
Taste Desserts - https://www.tastedesserts.com/
Officiant
NC Secular Weddings by Kenna & Cynthia -- https://www.facebook.com/ncsecularweddings/
