Scenes from Marquita marries Derrick !

Love is the greatest measure - DJ Seko Varner

It's three months later and I still rested uneasy when this event popped into my mind. Tonight I realized what was bothering me. I may have been using the incorrect ruler.

In all honesty the event was beautiful and emotionally the event was touching. The bride was a knock out. Her dress simply amplified her beauty and the groom made the tuxedo look enchanting. The Evangelical Christian tone of the ceremony truly set the mood, and became the central focus for the event. The family of both the bride and groom lit the ballroom with smiles and tears-of-joy which were thrilling and humbling to observe. The guests were almost as captivating as the post-ceremony view of the couple at the top of the stairwell preparing to make their descent into the reception. The music for the ceremony was a lovely mix of a live pianist, a live singer, and Jazzy-Gospel music I played for the prelude's prelude. The microphone I set-up for the live singer worked perfectly, the microphone used to ensure that the Bride-Groom-Officiant trio were all easily heard worked without a flaw. The bride entered being serenaded by a great enthralling voice. The officiant began the ceremony with an interesting mini-sermon on salvation and had an altar call (Will you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior ?). I couldn't wait for the recessional as the groom choose a popular Earth, Wind, and Fire song to "Groove" (hint-hint) their way into the reception........... As a performer one learns that the audience is very much a part of the performance. This is one of the few events where I don't feel that I connected with the crowd in a way that enhanced every moment.

The upscale formal reception had a very casual, worshipful, and jovial feel. Singing and swinging along to great soulful music didn't seem to capture the ambiance of this celebration. The groom hinted to me "Do you think you could play some Gospel ? Maybe we should do all Gospel instead ?" I smiled knowing that I had just switched over to Gospel Jazz about 45 seconds before approaching the groom to "check-in". Shaking the groom's hand I replied "No problem my friend, I'll keep it just like this." It was a heart-warming sight to see the guests shower the couple with love. The guests were so comfortable with each other, embracing the religious overtone, and celebrating the newly bonded family that a throw-down party wasn't going to be icing on the cake. I hadn't received a complaint. I actually received a great deal of compliments. "You seem so professional. Can I have your card ?"..... "Thanks for playing the Gospel music. Most DJs don't carry Gospel."......."Hey Seko. It's good to see you at this event. I know everything is going to go right." The coordinator Tamara Hundley even told me "You're doing great. Everything is going great !" after I shared with her that I just didn't feel as connected as I wanted to be. Three months later I know that I actually felt disconnected because I realized that this event wasn't going to be the high energy 'laugh-sing-dance-cry-shout-party' that I've become known for...... I also realized that I measure the success of the event and my performance upon creating and maintaining those high energy 'laugh-sing-dance-cry-shout-parties'. As much as I planned to rock everyone's world, my world was the one that was rocked. This event was going to be remembered and memorialized on the merits of the glowing love and support of the guests.

We definitely had a ball during the "line dance party". We got our 'Wobble-Wobble' on, and even did the "Get Your Praise On Line Dance" along with other popular favorites. As I put on the last line dance, "The Electric Slide" I felt my heart grow heavy. I knew that that this was the end of the dancing. The remainder of the event was a square focus on hugs, kisses, photos with family friends, and spontaneous toasts. I'm thankful for the coordinator, Tamara, who reminded me that all events can't be judged on the event's party-level. Perhaps they should be judged on the event's Love-level. "There's a lot of LOVE in the air." noted Tamara........ She was right.......

Today it all made sense....... Three months later...... I'm not sure what clicked, but it clicked..
Love is the greatest measure. Today I have a new feeling. I feel honored that I was chosen to witness such a great love affair. I feel honored that the couple chose me to provide services for them. And I feel professionally and emotionally taller from the growth that three months of self-bashing and today's light of epiphany has provided......... Ashee & Amen !
Thanks Tam.
Congratulations C & J !
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Coordinator Event feedback form.
Event Date: Saturday, November 12, 2011
Event Location: Chrysler Museum
Event Type: Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Event Staff: Seko "DJ Seko" Varner
Quality of Customer Service via Telephone: Excellent
Quality of Customer Service via Internet: Excellent
Quality of Customer Service at Event: Excellent
Friendliness of your Entertainer: Excellent
Was your Entertainer set-up on time: Excellent
Professionalism of your Entertainer: Excellent
Entertainer's Performance: Excellent
Entertainer's Appearance: Excellent
System Appearance: Excellent
Sound Quality: Excellent
Overall Volume Levels: Excellent
Lighting effects: Excellent
Music Selection: Excellent
Incorporation of Your Requests: Excellent
Equipment Appearance: Excellent
Overall Customer Service: Excellent
Planning Assistance: Excellent
Entertainer's Cooperation with Other Vendors: Excellent
Overall Performance Rating: Excellent
Did we meet your expectations: Excellent
Did we exceed your expectations: Excellent
Is there anything specific we can improve on? No
Additional comments or suggestions? n/a
Would you recommend our service to others? Yes
May we share your comments with others? Yes
May we add you to our list of references? Yes
Name: Coordinator Tamara Hundley
Email: Tghundley@verizon.net
Phone: 7576302960
PRINTABLE REPORT: http://www.positivevibes.djintelligence.com/survey/report.asp?ID=571927013

Demitri & Heather

Here is a clip from thier reception:

Event Type:
Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Event Location:
THE SURFSIDE INN
Event Staff:
Seko VArner
Quality of Customer Service via Telephone:
Excellent
Quality of Customer Service via Internet:
Excellent
Quality of Customer Service at Event:
Excellent
Friendliness of your Entertainer:
Excellent
Was your Entertainer set-up on time:
Excellent
Professionalism of your Entertainer:
Excellent
Entertainer's Performance:
Excellent
Entertainer's Appearance:
Excellent
System Appearance:
Excellent
Sound Quality:
Excellent
Overall Volume Levels:
Excellent
Lighting effects:
Excellent
Music Selection:
Excellent
Incorporation of Your Requests:
Excellent
Equipment Appearance:
Excellent
Overall Customer Service:
Excellent
Planning Assistance:
Excellent
Entertainer's Cooperation with Other Vendors:
Excellent
Overall Performance Rating:
Excellent
Did we meet your expectations:
Excellent
Did we exceed your expectations:
Excellent
Is there anything specific that can be improved upon?
NO. WHAT YOU DO IS AMAZING AND NO OTHER VENDOR IN HAMPTON ROADS HAS THE SPECIAL TALENT YOU HAVE !!!
Additional comments or suggestions?
YOU HAVE A TRUE TALENT KEEP DOING WHAT YOU DO !!
Would you recommend this service to others?
Yes
May your comments be shared with others?
Yes
May your name be added to a list of references?
Yes
Heather Henley

Heather Henley

henleyaic@hotmail.com

Positively Great Feedback

Hey Seko,

I just wanted to say THANK YOU for doing such a bang up job on Saturday, you are truly a professional at what you do. Aside from Felix, you were the man of my day, honestly, it was as if you read my mind.

I know I had a lot of requests up until the last minute...which I hope didn't bother you but seriously THANK YOU, you came through with each crazy expectation! I'll be creating events just to have Positive Vibes (you) out again.

I gave your name and number out to alot of guests so I hope you all will receive some business from us, you received nothing but kudos from every guest as they left and/or called me the next morning.

I can't say THANK YOU enough times, I'll talk to you soon.
Tamara Cherry-Clarke AKA "TamCake"

tcherryclarke@yahoo.com

Otika and Moscoe

"Seko,We loved the work that you did for the wedding. People are talking about all of the video work that was done and I told them that it was all the DJ's work. Of course they were shocked, because no other DJ does work of that caliber. They also loved the music selection for the dancing. My parents and in laws loved everything. Grandma got up and danced and they say she never dances. Thanks for everything that was done."
- Moscoe B. Gardner

She was tall. He was taller. I felt like a dwarf standing next to them. Their day was bigger than the three of us combined. This was truly a family celebration. The family came from far and near and joy filled the room. I provided the Total package taking care of their ceremony and the reception, adding special touches along the way.

The event was held in Queen Street North in Hampton Virginia. This facility is owned by Queen Street Baptist Church and is truly state of the art and in a state of beauty. The ceremony began with a special mix of Jazzy Gospel reflecting the grooms deep religious core. Kenny G's version of "Wind beneath my Wings" highlighted the emotions as the parents and grandparents were ushered into the room. The song was extended to easily allow for the seating, candle-lighting, and recognition of the couples very important guests. I created a special version of "Never" by Jaheim beginning with an accapella and slowly building into the full version. This version beckoned our groom, best man, and the officiator into the ceremony. I heard someone say to her next-seat-neighbor "That's my song !" as Moscoe entered. The wedding singer, seated next to me, laughed saying "That's the perfect song for him." The wedding party entered to an extended version of "Ready for love" by India.Arie. Then it was Otika's time.

Otikia entered on a customized entrance I created adding splashes of Stevie Wonder, a classical rendition of "Here and Now" (made popular by Luther Vandross), a string-quartet performance of the traditional bridal march, and the warmth and love of the bride herself. The crowd was touched the bride's prelude and many women began crying before Otika even entered the room. Moscoe stood tall, strong, and emotionally touched as his soon-to-be-wifey entered the room escorted by her parents. It was on ! The ceremony continued with a great wedding singer, a lovely interactive praise dance, a perfect officiator, a gorgeous broom which the couple jumped highlighted by an African-drumming recording, and lastly the recessional....... We created a mix of the traditional recessional music and "Make me better" by Fabolous and Ne-Yo although I removed Fabolous from this edit. The wedding party partied their way out of the room and I played "The prayer" as the parents and other special guests sauntered out of the room.

A high powered entrance brought the room to high excitement as the wedding party and later the couple graced the ballroom. We brought the couple into the room from a different entrance than the wedding party, throwing even more excitement into the hearts of the guests as they turned around to see that the couple of honor had snuck into their party. Gotta' keep them guessing !

The meal was highlighted by our "Love Movie" full of jokes, interviews, music photos, and video. I shared with the couple how I've wanted to create a movie that will encompass most of the meal time to provide an extra level of excitement. Moscoe wanted to give his guests something more, this was a good match from the beginning.

The party was on ! After conducting the toast, cake, garter and bouquet, we threw down. The couple invited a great amount of mature adults so I knew we could take it to the old-old school ! We also line danced and blues-danced (check the below video) until the facility kicked us out of the ballroom. The bride was stunning, the groom was delighted, and the event was a success. May the couple and the family enjoy prosperity !

D.J. Seko VArner, Positive Vibes

Herman & Joy

"September 28th, I had the opportunity to photograph the wedding of Joy and Herman at the Botanical Gardens in Norfolk. The African themed wedding went off without a hitch, thanks to wedding coordinator Isha Foss and her assistant. Flowers were designed impeccably by Daevid’s Florist, while music & entertainment was performed by D.J. Seko of Positive Vibes.
The highlight of the wedding was the performance by the African Dancers who danced gallantly during and after the ceremony. The performance was truly breathtaking. Joy and Herman, thanks for having me be a part of your special day. Your wedding was truly amazing in every aspect of the word." - Keith Cephus Photography

This event touched me culturally. I've done hundred's of weddings over the years and I've only performed at two other events that displayed a adoration of their African roots to this degree. In many ways this event reminded me of my wedding to my beloved Rho' eleven years ago.

The day seemed unsure of itself. It rained a little, it became very hot, then a cool breeze enveloped the Norfolk Botanical Gardens minutes prior to the beginning of the wedding. Joy and Herman added touches of traditional West-African Yoruba wedding culture onto standard Euro-Christian rituals creating a unique ceremony that kept all of the guests on the edge of their seats. Ashee !

Two jets flew over the Botanical Gardens during the event. Using our ceremony sound system prevented the jets from disturbing the nuptials, yet the jets seemed to accent the ceremony. As the officiators paused, a jet launched. As Herman kissed his Joyful bride a flock of birds flying in a "V" formation flew over the ceremony. As the couple were announced as "Mr. and Mrs. Herman & Joy Johnson" an eagle circled over the ceremony. We were all in awe as mother-nature celebrated the union with the guests. Ashee !

The reception was a blast ! They choose the Total package which allowed me to create magic. The theme for the event was "Our Song." I created a customized 'Joy & Herman' remix of Ashford & Simpson's classic hit "Solid" to introduce the couple who were then escorted into their ballroom by African dancers and drummers. The couple were then treated to celebratory dances leading into their first dance. We created an extended first dance ending with all of the guests encircling our couple. The remainder of the night was a blast as the Almighty blessed the room with the spirit of Joy. Ashee, Ashee, Ashee.

D.J. Seko VArner
Positive Vibes Inc.

Carolyn & Herbert

Old school cool. herb & Car celebrated 25 glorious years and we took it back to 1983 ! Jam-J-J-J-Jam on it ! Last year one of our staff members performed for Carolyn's daughter, a few months ago I performed for this daughter's friend Tawana. Carolyn was at both events and wanted something nice for her 25th. As we talked and planned we found ways to involve her guests into the celebration, and found ways to make her event distinct. Meeting with she and Herbert (herb always spells 'herb' with a small 'h'.) was great and we added an interview to thier "Full Movie". Description of thier justice-of-the-peace wedding were timeless. As the "Full Movie" played the guests laughed and cheered and their antics. On the dance floor we threw down ! Herbert chose "Magic Man" for the first dance and the entire room sang along with the quiet-storm classic. We decided to do an 'Extended First Dance' and all of the couples in the room danced and sang with our couple of honor ! Shouts out to Mr. and Mrs. Shannon & Sheronda who were still reveling in the glow of love from celebrating their first anniversary. From the entrance to the exit we got crunk for the couple. Carolyn simply blushed as one of the tables I coached serenaded the couple during the tour of the tables. Herbert is a true Jazz lover and he and I traded sounds as I segued from my Hip-Hop Jazz collection to his smoothed-out-and-funky smooth jazz. Playing music starting in 1983 was great for the dance floor and we even stepped back a little further in time as the crowd rapped along to Rappers Delight by the SugarHill Gang (Circa 1979)........."Hotel, Motel, Holiday Inn !"..... I'm sure you know the rest. This night was Tha' Bomb ! Thanks for allowing me to blow it up !

D.J. Seko

Shaun & Tawana

"Seko, you did an incredible job. Tawana and I appreciate your every effort in making our reception better than we ever imagined. We enjoyed incorporating your ideas and surprising each other. We are still having guests tell us how our reception was the best they have ever been to. They thought they were celebrities that night. Best wishes always and Peace and Blessings!"

- Shaun & Tawana Howard

Boy I enjoyed this event ! Shaun choose the Total package for this event. (He had already contracted with another D.J. to perform at his event. He later cancelled that performer and hired me.) He shared during our second meeting that Tawana was insistent upon Positive Vibes specifically you (Seko). Tawana's family had been in the catering business and she had seen my work previously although she hadn't seen the Total Package as performed by me. "It has to be you Seko, it can only be you Seko !" Tawana made it clear what she wanted.

We meet numerous times developing creative ways to touch their guests. Unbeknownst to Shaun we created a customized entrance which brought him to tears as Tawana graced into the ceremony. Unbeknownst to Tawana Shaun and I created a customized 'extended-three-song-plus' first dance which brought Tawana and all of the women in the reception to tears and all of the married couples in the room onto the dance floor area to celebrate the couples love. The 'Front-Page' can be seen in the background of this photo. The Front-Page is a video/photo montage that brands the event for the couple. As we entered the 'Full-Movie' following dinner the guests cheered and got really rowdy-rowdy as we celebrated the Couple, the couple's commitment to Christ, and the Friends and Family visually. The couple were going to Jamaica for their honeymoon and themed the event "The Tropical Paradise." The early music for this event branded the theme and took the guests from the waters of the Virginia Beach Oceanfront to the waters of Sweet Jamaica. "No worries Mon !" As the late Gerald Levert sang in the one of the first dance songs "Sweeter", tomorrow for them will be sweeter than it was today !

Photo credits: Mike Porter of Cherish The Moment Photography & Videography.

757-515-3144 - http://ctmphotoandvideo.com

Kacee and Randy

Kacee chose her parent's lovely home as the site for her nuptials. She is going to be an advertising mogul, he protects our country, I was happy to be their entertainer.

Kacee chose the best of the best. Her photographer Keith Cephus shared on his blog "On June 14th, I had the honor of photographing the wedding of KaCee and Randy at their family’s luxurious estate in Virginia Beach. It was truly an amazing wedding thanks to Cathy and her crew from East Beach Catering. KaCee was truly stunning in every aspect of the world. Her
couture gown would have made Vera Wang raise and eyebrow! The both of them together made a magical couple." Keith is one of the top photographers in Hampton Roads and I used to work for him as a club photographer in the 1990s. I was proud to be chosen as the D.J. for his wedding years ago to his lovely wife. East Beach Catering has one of the best culinary presentations and finger-licking good food! Kacee and Randy chose the best for their day.

The wedding had an Irish theme, celebrating Kacee's Irish heritage. I smiled hearing the traditional Irish wedding music considering that one of my paternal ancestors immigrated from Ireland in the late 1800's and was brave enough to marry a beautiful woman of African descent during that turbulent time in America's history. They became my great-great-great-great-great grandparents: Kiss me, I'm Irish.....Kinda.... A String Trio provided the prelude music and I played the entrance music for the bridesmaids and the bride.

Our special ceremony mic'ing ensured that everyone heard all of the vows and officiating. As the couple exchanged their vows a cool breeze wrapped the ceremony providing a respite from the 95 degree heat that battered us earlier that day. The timing was perfect ! Everyone was comfortable and the sun set about 20 minutes following the nuptials providing a perfect blanket to highlight the beauty of the decorated tent and the captivating house.

The introductions were "to-die-for" and the crowd became so "Rowdy-Rowdy" as our couple entered their reception.

The stunning first dance was choreographed by Joey Starling. As the couple danced we all swooned. I projected the "Front Page" film onto the tent's ceiling, providing an excellent backdrop for the couple's first dance. I initially brought a screen to project the film onto. However, the wind continually blew the screen to the ground. I'm thankful for that wind, having the film on the ceiling of the tent allowed the screen space to become larger and provided a large impact. As the friends and family viewed the "Full Movie" they cheered as the movie reflected the bond the couple held with many of thier guests.

The "Tour of the Tables" was so exciting, the photographer Keith obtained excellent table shots and shared with me "No one does a Table Tour like you do. This gives me so many great pictures."

I opened the toast with a story of the couple's love adding a touch of romance. The Best Man and the Lady of Honor shared funny memories. As we all raised our glasses to the heavens, it was obvious that we all loved this couple.

We partied hard. Kacee's parents 'threw down' and only left the dance floor to tend to the event, and then returned to the floor. Randy's "Five-O" friends and co-workers were non-stop. We enjoyed classic rock, Disco, Funk, Soft-Rock, Blues, and American classics on a packed dance floor. As the Top-40 music began the dance-floor merged onto the grass as everybody joined in the revelry. We all returned to our respective homes worn out. Kacee shared with me that she was so glad that she chose the Total Package. I'm glad she did too ! Blessings be upon Randy and Kacee !

All photos courtesy of Keith Cephus Photography (kcephus@cox.net) with client permission. Visit http://www.keithcephus.com/blog/?s=randy to view a photo show of Randy & Kacee's event.

Jalonna & Michael

" Hi Seko,
Let me tell you....my guests enjoyed you. They said they have never been to a wedding like that before. Normally while the bride and groom are taking photos the guests are sitting around with nothing to do. You entertained and kept the guests involved..Oh my goodness the lady in the pink suit (my aunt) she danced all night. Thank you so very much for being apart of our special day."
Jalonna & Michael

This was a great event ! Michael and Jalonna chose the Total package. Jalonna picked her father's birthday to wed her perfect man. What a tribute to fatherhood. I don't know if anyone noticed but I teared up during the father daughter dance as I thought about dancing with my daughter at her wedding. Jalonna's friends and family were great and Michael's fam' was crazy fun ! Technically I had a Murphy's-Law event and had to fix so many things along the way in a way that the guests would never know. Events like this one keeps me on my toes and keeps me sharp!

Jalonna's entrance was a tear jerker as we created a very special and touching processional. I overheard one of her guests saying "They didn't do this at my wedding, man I wish I would have been married after this event so I could steal ideas." I laughed quietly and smiled as Jalonna had the effect that she wanted....Original, touching, and tasteful.

The first dance Michael and I created had all of the women either crying or about to cry and had a lot of the guys pointing at Michael and saying "You the Man !"

The "Front Page" video kept the guests oooohing and aaaahing and the "Full Movie" received an ovation as it ended. As I advised the couple in our first meeting, getting the guests onto the floor is an ease if they have been entertained throughout the event....We ended the celebration later than we expected....T'was so much fun.

Their photographer, Neal, worked will with me and their videographer, Bobby Sivills, and I have done so may events together it's hard to remember who we partied with recently. The wait staff from Jem's Catering (From P-Town) always has great food and beautiful wait-staff that keep the guy-guests wanting more than the food. The Smithfield Center staff are always on top of things and I laughed so hard at the guy-guests who gave thier telephone number and hit on the gorgeous main female staff member from the Smithfield center. She was so professional, while she is on the clock she is fully dedicated to the customer and the customer's vendors. She let those fellas' down politely and professionally. I felt bad for the fellas, and I also saw what they saw (There are so many funny things that happen in the background of a special event, I should write a book).

As I was heading out of the door Michael grabbed me and said "You were worth more than what we paid." That statement meant more than any "tip" ever will. I can't wait to see their online feedback form. May their lives be blessed. Oh, the lady in the pink suit was 83 years young and I even saw her doing the "Soulja Boy" dance as we slowed down the music for the romantic couples. She was gonna' get her groove-on regardless !