Marc O'Leary Weddings

Renee Kelly's @ Caenan Castle - Sept 27th, 2008

2008-09-29T15:38:00.003-05:00

Reness Kelly'e & Caenan Castle - Yes, it’s a real, restored castle. Right here in Kansas City. And, like most castles, this one comes complete with a classically trained chef who prepares flawless, fresh dishes; a wine cellar fit for a king; and a five-star staff ready to fulfill your smallest whim or your grandest plans.

Kim @ The Uptown

2008-06-09T12:21:00.002-05:00

Lights, camera, action! Joe & Morgan's wedding at the Uptown this weekend was perfect. My co-cast members, Kim (Uptown) and Bette Kindler (Above & Beyond) help create a storybook event. From Joe & Morgan's first dance under the 6 foot mirror ball to their grande kazoo exit.

I'm also getting to know Ryan Brown (photographer). I've worked with him twice in the last several months and I'm impressed with his photography style and composition.

Adams Point - Facility & Staff Review

2008-05-28T17:16:00.003-05:00

Several times each year I have the pleasure of working with Bill and the staff at Adams Point Conference Center. They're located east of Kansas City on I-70 & Adams Dairy Parkway. If you're an Independence, Blue Springs or East KC Bride, you should seriously consider them as a great alternative. My event this weekend was no exception...

Adams Pointe Conference Facility A+++ - Their top notch ballrooms are inviting and spacious. They have an oversized foyer that doubles as a buffet area if needed. Allowing you to invite more family and friends.
Adams Pointe Conference Staff A++++ - Every member of their staff that I interacted with had a great attitude, were outgoing and very personable. As a DJ, I'm usually forgotten, forsaken and widely overlooked, but I too had the pleasure of being on the receiving end of several smiles.

Spring Break - Vacation

2008-03-14T19:32:00.003-05:00

I will be traveling the week of March 16th~22nd. If you are in need of assistance while I'm gone, please don't hesitate to call me on my cell phone at 913-980-7010. I look forward to seeing you all Tuesday the 25th at the Madrid!

Madrid Theatre Open House March 25th, 2008

2008-03-12T10:08:00.004-05:00

I have been invited to entertain at the Madrid on March 25th, 2008 for their open house. The Madrid is high on my list of top venues. This is a great opportunity for you to check out their space, eat cake and listen to me do my thing. I hope to see you there!

Mardrid Theatre

March 25th, 20008

5:30 to 8:00PM

3810 Main Street

Kansas City, MO 64111

(816) 753-8880

New Aladdin Hotel Kansas City Event

2008-03-12T10:01:00.002-05:00

A quick note about the new Aladdin Hotel. What a great facility. If your looking for a Unique place to hold your event (150 guests or less) then the Aladdin should be on your short list!

Top 10 Father Daughter Songs

2008-02-28T17:01:00.003-06:00

I have the worst time trying to remember the names of songs, and the artist who sings them, so when trying to pick a song to dance with your father you can use this list of the top ten most popular father-daughter songs.

1. Butterfly Kisses - Bob Carlisle (Overdone, but right on the money)
2. The Way You Look Tonight - Frank Sinatra (A Classic)
3. Have I Told You Lately - Rod Stewart (Dads Love this one)
4. Unforgettable - Natalie Cole (Classy and on Topic)
5. My Little Girl - Tim McGraw (Best of 2007)
6. I Loved Her First - Heartland (Absolute Best of 2007 )
7. My Girl - The Temptations (Fun, Upbeat and Heartwarming)
8. Father's Eyes - Amy Grant (Ok, I Guess...)
9. Hero - Mariah Carey (A little over done but...)
10. Isn't She Lovely - Stevie Wonder (Last on the list for a reason)

Memory Video VS. No Memory Video

2008-02-28T16:36:00.002-06:00

Unless you've been living under a rock for the last few years, you have probably been to a wedding where the Bride & Groom are the main stars in a short video. I'm asked constantly if it's worth the time, effort & expense to display them. My answer is a resounding *YES*! It's my opinion that your wedding reception is your gift back to those who raised you, family who put up with you during your formative years and those family and friends that surrounded you during your courtship period. By taking the extra step to create a funny, from the heart video, you emphasize that your event is not only about you, but your friends and family.

Note: Please keep in mind that most facilities can provide you with all of the equipment necessary for a great presentation.

Marriott Country Club Plaza Open House

2008-02-26T19:51:00.002-06:00

Take this friday off and come down to the Marriott on the Country Club Plaza! I will be emceeing the Marriott's 2008 Bridal Open House on Friday February 29th from 5PM to 7:30PM. Enjoy good music, food, beverage and a bit of wedding cake. No reservation is needed!

New Starfeild Projector Added

2008-02-26T19:44:00.002-06:00

I'm not a big fan of spinning lights. Quite frankly I'm a minimalist when it comes to dance floor lighting. Less is certainly better. For those of you who are booked for 2008, I have added one additional light to my setup. It's called a star field generator and it's simply an amazing light in a very small package.

Take a look...

New: Interview with Jon & Elizabeth

2008-02-26T19:35:00.004-06:00

I had such a great time working with these two. Their October wedding was incredible and their friends and family deserve all of the credit for such a great reception. If you haven't had a chance to watch this interview, take a minute to step into a their approach from proposal to reception finale.

Click Here To Watch The Interview Now

Terrace On The Green - A+++

2008-02-06T13:46:00.000-06:00

I had the honor of entertaining Jon & Eryn Coverdale on New Years Eve. Their choice for a venue couldn't have been better. Terrace on The Green, located at 151st & Nall, is as beautiful as it is spacious. It's also a great multi-seasonal venue. With great views of the Golf Course and it's nouveaux styling, it fits evenly with a romantic or a high-energy wedding reception.

Decorating Notes: If your not afraid of a ladder, you can place small-bulb christmas style lights in a circular pattern to mimic an old fashioned gazebo.

KC Library A+++

2007-12-10T21:07:00.000-06:00

I very rarely give a facility such a high grade. If you are looking for the perfect balance in space, architecture and usability, the KC Library should be on your short list. I have had the pleasure of performing there several times in the fall and now once this weekend. I can certainly say that this facility has it all. From the top sky deck to its timeless entrance, this facility is versatile and romantic.

The most overlooked detail at any reception is the compatibility between you and the venue's employees. I can truly say that the KC Library has caring, courteous staffers that will bend over backwards to make your evening perfect.

If you are considering a spring or fall wedding, I would suggest using a combination of rooms. First, choose to have your wedding on the 5th floor Skydeck. Once the ceremony is over, your guests can mingle in the central foyer and retire to the adjacent Helzberg Auditorium. If your planning a summer or winter event, consider having your ceremony in Kirk Hall followed by a cocktail reception at one of many of their mezzanines or galleries.

Kemper Museum, Great for Art, Not Wedding Receptions

2007-10-22T11:55:00.000-05:00

It's not often that I form such an instant opinion about a Kansas City wedding reception site. Mason & Katie selected the Kemper Museum as the backdrop for their wedding reception. Their carefully selected colors, flowers and decorations were nothing short of spectacular. Their carefully rehearsed grand entrance to Harry Connick's tune "It Had To Be You, from the motion picture soundtrack "Sleepless in Seattle" set the tone for a perfect evening. I have to admit, the evening started flawlessly. The museum staff, up to this point, were helpful and accommodating.

----> INSERT ANNOYING RECORD SCRATH HERE <----

Yes, this is the typical record scratch that you usually hear in a TV commercial. That infamous record scratch that separates euphoria from pure horror (It's Halloween for gosh sake).

Lighting can be adjusted In just about every facility in the metro. Oddly enough, The Kemper Museum refuses to dim the lights to a less than "Blazing" setting. Imagine trying to set the tone for dancing? Will your guests dance in full sunlight? They may, but, in my opinion, it's not likely.

Now, for those of you who were out Saturday evening, do you remember what the weather was like? Was it Windy? Gusty? Almost gale-force at times? The Kemper Museum frowns upon Bouquet & Garter Tosses. Any tosses "must be done outside". (This little tidbit eluded not only me, but both the bride and groom). So, if you are a bride, waiting for that special moment when you toss the bouquet, close your eyes and imagine...

You and forty of your favorite single friends outside, in the elements, hair blowing horizontally, holding down your wedding dress and trying to toss your bouquet to 39 others who are experiencing the same.

The Kemper Museum's staff had no remorse, no empathy, and at times, in this writers opinion, enjoyed the inconvenience.

In the end, both the bride and groom had a fantastic evening. I would imagine that they are in St Lucia right now, probably talking about these silly memories over a Pina Colada.

New Father Daughter Song

2007-10-02T14:02:00.000-05:00

There are so many choices for that magical father daughter dance...

My Girl, Butterfly Kisses, Wonderful World, I Loved

Her First, Daddy's Hands and on and on...

I just received my promo disc for October and, to my surprise, another top contender... If you get a chance, take a listen to: Stealing Cinderella by Chuck Wicks (iTunes Link). It's got a bit of country flair, but it's a great alternative to those already overplayed songs.

Blogged by Adrienne Maples...

2007-09-25T09:55:00.000-05:00

I received an email this morning from the bride for my event on January 5th, 2008. While most of the email was housekeeping and scheduling, the final paragraph was a pleasant surprise...

"On an unrelated note, you might already know, but in case you don't: Adrienne Maples (a KC photographer) gave you an incredible review on her blog recently (www.amaples.blogspot.com) and said that it was the first time she's felt comfortable recommending a DJ from one of her weddings and that you were excellent. Woohoo!"

A-Team Reloaded

2007-09-18T08:41:00.001-05:00

In a brief conversation with a customer last week, I realized that two of my three daughters may just decide to get married this decade. While there are no prospects at present, Thank Gosh, it's always good to be prepared. So, in the style of an 80's action series called the "A-Team", here's my A-Team...

Photography: Allure Imagery or Adrienne Maples
Venue: Uptown Theatre (Main or Broadway room ),
Sprint Festival Plaza at Union Station or The Madrid
Planner/Coordinator: You're Invited or Inspiron (Both are fabulous)
DJ: I'll get back to you on this one
Cake: Hy-Vee (Yes, Hy-Vee, inexpensive, great tasting, reliable and elegant)

More to come...

Cory & Teressa's Reception 9/15/2007

2007-09-17T10:20:00.000-05:00

I had the privilege of performing for Cory & Teressa's 125 friends and family this weekend at the Ritz Charles. My experience usually tells me that guest counts below 150 can be extremely challenging. Especially for the unprepared or less experienced DJ. The formula or basis for my concern is pretty simple. You can usually count on 10% of your guests to be "self-motivated" party persons. So, if you have an event with 300 guests, you can count on 30 of them to be self-motivated. 30 self-motivated guests create an aura or excitement that you simply can't buy. This excitement is infectious and will certainly guarantee a great event. Some DJ's try to overcome this formula with interactivity that, in many cases, seems contrived or artificial (Cheesy).

So, If you take a party with 125 people, on average, you will have 12~13 self-starters. While this may not be the case for you event, It is the norm. Here are a few ideas to help bolster the excitement at any wedding reception...

Aim for at least 200 guests. 200 guests will equate to 20 self starters and that will yield the infectious excitement you need to have a wonderful reception
Start on a high note! If your introduction is "less than exciting" you may lose guests immediately following dinner. Introductions that are well choreographed and timed with great music will point your reception in the right direction.
Arrived fashionably late. Give your guests time to arrive, get a drink and become comfortable.
If you are planning on *not* doing your first dance on arrival, place your cake in the center of your dance floor. It's a centerpiece for gosh sakes! Show it off. Give your guests a work of art to spark conversations.
Last, but certainly not least, book an event Emcee/DJ who has a significant amount of experience and use that experience to plan your event.

YourSoundSystem.com

2007-09-13T19:48:00.000-05:00

I couldn't resist. Can you imagine trying to create a playlist without getting feedback from your friends and family? Don't get me wrong, I'm all for being frugal, but if your serious about having a great event, this is certainly not the way to save money. Your thoughts? BTW, their website is www.yoursoundsystem.com.

Don't forget Drexel Hall

2007-09-13T10:16:00.000-05:00

Built in the 1900's, this sometimes forgotten facility can be the answer to many issues that a b/g face. I had a pre-event meeting this last evening that illustrated that point. The b/g wanted to do their own decorating, bring in their own caterer and buy their own liquor. Drexel Hall not only accommodated them, but is willing to give them access early in the week to decorate and have their rehearsal.

Note: It's imperative that you have your Emcee/DJ attend your rehearsal if they will be playing music for your ceremony.

On the romantic side, Drexel Hall provides the ambience that most other facilities cannot. It's rounded steamship type balconies and gloss hard wood floors can play a vital role in any traditional event.

Barb & Cody's Pre-event for Oct 20th, 2007

2007-09-12T09:55:00.000-05:00

Barb & Cody's pre-event meeting was an absolute riot. One of the greatest things about being a professional emcee/DJ are the relationships that you forge during the planning process. Most b/g's know exactly what they want, getting it from them is easy, creating it is another story. A wise DJ once told me that "One person's cheese is another person's Brie" -

Interpreted: Cheese at a wedding can cause a b/g to become embarrassed. Cheese per WIKI is kitch, cheap, inauthentic, or of poor quality. Such negative connotations might derive from a ripe cheese's sometimes unpleasant oder.

The conundrum is that most b/g's want their events to be fun, romantic, classy and memorable. In order to create those moments, it's imperative that any event Emcee/DJ have the experience to deliver an "authentic" moment. Something heartfelt and spontaneous.

Make sure that your Emcee/DJ knows you and your fiance intimately; how you met, and most importantly, what you expect!

"Oops, I Did It Again"

2007-09-11T15:12:00.000-05:00

I stopped by my local Borders today and viola, the new Fall/Winter KNOT was there. While that wouldn't normally warrant a post here, the timing did. If you spent this weekend under a rock or on another planet, you may have missed hearing about Britney's comeback at the MTV VMA awards. Her "not-so-glamourous" performance created a completely different spin on my "Oop's I Did It Again" ad. Check it out when you get a chance... It's on page 65!

Note: I'm actually a closet fan!

Michael & Jenny's Wedding Reception - Saturday Sept - 8th 2007

2007-09-11T10:47:00.000-05:00

There are dozens of great wedding reception sites in the KC metro, but only a handful can compare to the garden reception area at Indian Hills Country Club. This event was one of several combo musician/DJ events in 2007. I'm not sure who the pianist was, but his knowledge of music and talent "tickling the ivory" was perfect for the mood that my b/g wanted (By the way, "b/g" = "Bride & Groom".

The staff at IHCC was exemplary. Both Matthew & Janell know exactly what it takes to create the atmosphere that most brides dream about. I might suggest that anyone who wants an outdoor wedding contact these folks at IHCC.

Song Note: It's my opinion that the song "As Times Goes By" from the movie "Casablanca" by Dooley Wilson is much better than the Jimmy Durante version from "Sleepless in Seattle".