Hi My name is Neil Freestone. I get a lot of business through word of mouth, but recently I relocated to South Florida where I don't know too many people. Through my live acoustic gigs I have met people and made contacts and I have done about 5 weddings this year in South Florida. I seem to specialize beach weddings with the reception close by or in an adjoining facility, maybe it's because I am willing to set up my PA system and play guitar in 100 degree afternoon sun! I have been in the music business since I was 8 years old, organizing gigs and playing solo shows and band concerts though out the years. I have also worked as a recording engineer and had my own record label back in the 90s. My day job is an elementary school music teacher so I always needed to supplement my income with gigs and weddings!

I started doing weddings about 15 years ago, just mainly playing acoustic guitar and singing, as well as writing and recording custom songs for couples. I then started DJing and MCing the weddings.

I have top notch equipment and PA systems, subs, lights, wireless mics, mics for the ceremony, projectors and all possible equipment you could ever need to make it sound and look great. I never sell a piece of equipment and luckily with my job as a music teacher I have a place to use it and store it all!

I work with the bride mostly to customize a schedule/timeline and playlist both for the acoustic live music and the DJ music. Most typically here is what I do on your wedding day:

After meeting with the couple and exchanging emails everything is organized and a timeline is planned.

I arrive at the location 3-4 hours prior to the ceremony, set up the beach/ceremony PA system, speakers and mics for myself and the marriage official.

I then set up the DJ area, hang and arrange the disco style lighting and various decorative up-lighting if needed. I have a projector and screen and often plug in a photo slide show on a loop. Sometimes I do this for the rehearsal dinner the day before. Sometimes the wedding photographer gives me a selection of photos that we can show that night.

I usually play a half hour as the guests are arriving either instrumental or mellow acoustic with vocals, then I play the chosen song to walk the wedding party in, then most often Here Comes the Bride, or Marry me, or whatever you choose for the bride walking down the aisle. Then I play another special song upon exiting the ceremony.

Then I quickly pack up the ceremony equipment and move to the reception to play guitar and sing for the cocktail hour. I know over 500 songs and I am willing to learn some new ones for the wedding for sure. From Johnny Cash to Jack Johnson to Bruno Mars I can play almost any song acoustically and work with you to perfect the set list. Of course I have many love songs!

Then the wedding party returns, I introduce everyone as they enter to specific songs, and the new couple to another song. I then play more live music during dinner. I quietly go and find all the people that will be speaking, like the best man and father of the bride etc clue them in and give them the wireless mic. I introduce them and go with the flow of the schedule from then on.

I MC your event (sometimes people have a friend do this) but I most often do it. The timeline has previously been agreed on and customized through email and a meeting with the bride.

I follow the timeline for the dinner, speeches, cake cutting, first dance, mother/son/family dances, garter removal, bouquet toss, . Everything is pre-organized and sometimes the timeline gets off a little. Often the bridal party are late coming back from photos, so it puts everything a bit behind but I always make sure it runs smoothly even if the times get a bit behind. There is usually no need for me to ask any questions other than to confirm a difficult name pronunciation (I usually have this done already) or if there is a substitution in the wedding party entrance order. Everything is pre-organized and the bride and groom can rest assured that if I am running an event, it will run smoothly and professionally. I forget nothing as I have it all written down and follow the schedule.

Every song, usually, has been agreed on by the couple. Through email we work on a set list of all of your favorite songs. Of course I have all the line dance songs for pop and country line dancing. I even give a dance lesson and lead the dance if needed. Most often someone in the wedding party knows how to do the Electric Slide, Cupid Shuffle, Macarena etc and is more than willing to lead it. There are other dances like the Dollar Dance and the Anniversary Dance that can be planned as well. I always have a limbo stick on hand and from my job as a music teacher I know many fun games and dances. I can even lead a square dance. Karaoke is built in. These are just options, as I've mentioned everything is planned and I always stick to exactly what you want. Every song is selected and I know when to play a certain song to get things going and everyone out on the dance floor.

My rates are quite competitive. I'm not greedy but I know I provide a quality service at a great rate. There are definitely DJs that have fancier up lighting and more radical disco lights but I have never failed to deliver a great party and well organized event. I usually charge $1000.00 for an entire day and that includes live acoustic music and the DJ and everything you need. I will go as late as you can party. Some parties end early and some go until 5am, if you want to go all night I will be there for you.

I charge and extra 200 for a custom song on CD, since I have my own home recording studio it's quite simple to do. Often the groom writes lyrics and once I had a guy even sing with me on the recording. If I come to the rehearsal dinner and sing and/or do your video presentation I usually charge another 200.

I can DJ any style of music - some hip hop and latin/samba music is outside my comfort zone but being as we work on the set list together I have managed quite well with some hip hop weddings and often become educated by the musical tastes of the wedding couple.

If you just want me to do the acoustic guitar for the ceremony and cocktail hour I charge 500 for that.

I play lots of acoustic gigs in Palm Beach County and Broward so maybe there is somewhere you can come and check out my acoustic performances and meet me and see if you would like to hire me. I'm willing to travel anywhere within Fl.

I know some cool locations and of course country clubs, beaches and resorts that I have done weddings at in the past. I also know good people that can help in other areas such as photographers, caterers and officials that I can recommend.

Thanks for reading!

Sincerely,

Neil Freestone