Can you describe GDG Elevated Events in one sentence?
GDG is a multi-award-winning premium DJ and MC service specializing in custom music, specialty lighting, and luxury photobooth options for special events throughout Texas, featuring highly personalized planning assistance and stellar, 5-star client feedback across all review platforms.
Where have you been featured?
We've been featured in 360 West Weddings and on The Bash's "Best Of" list numerous times, ranking #1 for weddings and events in the Metroplex for over five years straight. We've also received multiple "Couples Choice" and "Top Pro" awards from The Knot, WeddingWire and Thumbtack, and feature regularly at bridal shows across Texas throughout the year.
Why do clients love working with you?
Getting to know our clients as people, offering expert suggestions, and helping create a great flow of events will beat a DJ just showing up trying to "wing it" every time. As a boutique DJ service, we're able to stay in close contact with our clients from their early planning stages all the way through the event itself, getting a real feel for the unique vision and needs of each. We're often thanked for our high level of service, and how we're able to streamline things for folks by eliminating the need to contract multiple vendors for music, specialty lighting, and photobooth service. Lastly, people really seem to appreciate how we'll go to the ends of the earth to get the music they want, rather than limiting things to some predetermined list or database. We want our clients to hear what they like, and we then fill in any gaps as needed.
What type of event do you love to play most? Why?
It's tough to pick just one as we love the variety in this industry, but probably weddings. It's really satisfying helping bring a couple's vision to reality on one of the biggest days of their life, and keeping guests engaged with a great blend of highly customized music, lighting effects, and even specialty games as desired. We believe a wedding should feel celebratory... that's the point, after all! We also really enjoy the planning process and hosting events as MC, creating a smooth flow between music and traditional moments, and ensuring folks go home feeling like they experienced a truly special occasion. There's nothing worse than getting all dressed up and traveling to a wedding only to have it feel aimless and bore everyone to tears!
Do you perform LBGTQ+ weddings/events?
Of course! We're huge advocates for everyone's right to love, marry, and celebrate as they choose, and have had incredible fun playing a variety of LBGTQ+ parties and unions over the years, even before gay marriage was made legal. We love being part of an inclusive community with the types of events we service, so these are of course no exception!
How did you get started as a DJ and wedding specialist?
I've been a DJ since high school, when friends would request that I cart over my large collection of music to play their house parties. Later, as I went off to study film in college, I still felt myself being pulled back toward music, so prior to graduating I formed a small company and began moving in this direction professionally. I started playing weddings in 2011 and quickly discovered how the necessary combination of musical expertise, public speaking, and organizational skills really played to my particular strengths, and have made them a specialty of mine ever since!
What three words best describe your style?
GDG's style is expert, entertaining, and tailor-made (that's one word, right?).
Can clients request their own songs, or do you play mostly your own selections?
Of course they can! In fact, we encourage every client/couple to give us a list of songs they like in advance, and we'll take requests during the event as needed, too. Some people are really into music and provide a list longer than what we actually have time for, whereas others just mention a few basic parameters and ask us to fill in gaps. We're completely comfortable working both ways, and it's always smart to allow us a little room to read the room and let our experience/expertise enhance your vibe, create smooth transitions between genres, etc.
Do you play events outside the North Texas area?
Absolutely. While we're Metroplex-based, the greater Texas area and surrounding states are all within range for GDG Elevated Events! Austin is a region we often find ourselves in when traveling outside DFW for a gig (if only for the food trucks!).
What's one thing you wish clients understood better? Why?
When fun and dancing are typically a major goal for an event, it is our opinion that clients should really consider blending their personal tastes with other some styles that may work well for their group as a whole. For example, country may not be a couple's favorite genre, but if a good number of their guests enjoy two-stepping, it'll only make their reception better if they allow for a couple of these songs during the dance period. The same can be said for line dances or other styles that may not be one's personal favorites. Taking your attendees into account and allowing your DJ to field a few spontaneous requests will go a long way toward making your event feel like a big success, create many more fun moments/photos/videos to look back on, and ensure everyone felt it was worth the trip!
What's your set-up like? What equipment do you use?
Our standard service features a top-of-the-line RCF sound system, including wireless microphones and multiple LED dance units, which produce a colorful array of dynamic lighting effects. We also offer a variety other extras, such as custom-colored up-lights to dress up plain rooms and complement decor, spotlights for wedding cakes, and a monogram putting a custom design up in lights (such as a couple's names+wedding date, hashtag, or company logo). We recently added a luxury photobooth as an option, as well. Lastly, a good number of our couples add onr ceremony sound with a microphone for their officiant, extra speakers for sound in adjacent areas, a projector/screen for videos or slide shows, or even karaoke.
What are some tracks that never get old for you, no matter how many times you play them?
Major kudos if you can name every artist here... "P.Y.T.", "Suavemente", "Shoop", "Friends in Low Places", "You Shook Me All Night Long", "This is How We Do It", "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" and "Get Low" are all can't-miss favorites. For slower dances, a classic like Nat King Cole's "Unforgettable", "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley, or more contemporary songs like "In Case You Didn't Know" by Brett Young or "Say You Won't Let Go" by James Arthur never fail to evoke some real feelings. All undeniably great songs even a professional DJ who spins every weekend can enjoy hearing again and again!
GDG is a multi-award-winning premium DJ and MC service specializing in custom music, specialty lighting, and luxury photobooth options for special events throughout Texas, featuring highly personalized planning assistance and stellar, 5-star client feedback across all review platforms.
Where have you been featured?
We've been featured in 360 West Weddings and on The Bash's "Best Of" list numerous times, ranking #1 for weddings and events in the Metroplex for over five years straight. We've also received multiple "Couples Choice" and "Top Pro" awards from The Knot, WeddingWire and Thumbtack, and feature regularly at bridal shows across Texas throughout the year.
Why do clients love working with you?
Getting to know our clients as people, offering expert suggestions, and helping create a great flow of events will beat a DJ just showing up trying to "wing it" every time. As a boutique DJ service, we're able to stay in close contact with our clients from their early planning stages all the way through the event itself, getting a real feel for the unique vision and needs of each. We're often thanked for our high level of service, and how we're able to streamline things for folks by eliminating the need to contract multiple vendors for music, specialty lighting, and photobooth service. Lastly, people really seem to appreciate how we'll go to the ends of the earth to get the music they want, rather than limiting things to some predetermined list or database. We want our clients to hear what they like, and we then fill in any gaps as needed.
What type of event do you love to play most? Why?
It's tough to pick just one as we love the variety in this industry, but probably weddings. It's really satisfying helping bring a couple's vision to reality on one of the biggest days of their life, and keeping guests engaged with a great blend of highly customized music, lighting effects, and even specialty games as desired. We believe a wedding should feel celebratory... that's the point, after all! We also really enjoy the planning process and hosting events as MC, creating a smooth flow between music and traditional moments, and ensuring folks go home feeling like they experienced a truly special occasion. There's nothing worse than getting all dressed up and traveling to a wedding only to have it feel aimless and bore everyone to tears!
Do you perform LBGTQ+ weddings/events?
Of course! We're huge advocates for everyone's right to love, marry, and celebrate as they choose, and have had incredible fun playing a variety of LBGTQ+ parties and unions over the years, even before gay marriage was made legal. We love being part of an inclusive community with the types of events we service, so these are of course no exception!
How did you get started as a DJ and wedding specialist?
I've been a DJ since high school, when friends would request that I cart over my large collection of music to play their house parties. Later, as I went off to study film in college, I still felt myself being pulled back toward music, so prior to graduating I formed a small company and began moving in this direction professionally. I started playing weddings in 2011 and quickly discovered how the necessary combination of musical expertise, public speaking, and organizational skills really played to my particular strengths, and have made them a specialty of mine ever since!
What three words best describe your style?
GDG's style is expert, entertaining, and tailor-made (that's one word, right?).
Can clients request their own songs, or do you play mostly your own selections?
Of course they can! In fact, we encourage every client/couple to give us a list of songs they like in advance, and we'll take requests during the event as needed, too. Some people are really into music and provide a list longer than what we actually have time for, whereas others just mention a few basic parameters and ask us to fill in gaps. We're completely comfortable working both ways, and it's always smart to allow us a little room to read the room and let our experience/expertise enhance your vibe, create smooth transitions between genres, etc.
Do you play events outside the North Texas area?
Absolutely. While we're Metroplex-based, the greater Texas area and surrounding states are all within range for GDG Elevated Events! Austin is a region we often find ourselves in when traveling outside DFW for a gig (if only for the food trucks!).
What's one thing you wish clients understood better? Why?
When fun and dancing are typically a major goal for an event, it is our opinion that clients should really consider blending their personal tastes with other some styles that may work well for their group as a whole. For example, country may not be a couple's favorite genre, but if a good number of their guests enjoy two-stepping, it'll only make their reception better if they allow for a couple of these songs during the dance period. The same can be said for line dances or other styles that may not be one's personal favorites. Taking your attendees into account and allowing your DJ to field a few spontaneous requests will go a long way toward making your event feel like a big success, create many more fun moments/photos/videos to look back on, and ensure everyone felt it was worth the trip!
What's your set-up like? What equipment do you use?
Our standard service features a top-of-the-line RCF sound system, including wireless microphones and multiple LED dance units, which produce a colorful array of dynamic lighting effects. We also offer a variety other extras, such as custom-colored up-lights to dress up plain rooms and complement decor, spotlights for wedding cakes, and a monogram putting a custom design up in lights (such as a couple's names+wedding date, hashtag, or company logo). We recently added a luxury photobooth as an option, as well. Lastly, a good number of our couples add onr ceremony sound with a microphone for their officiant, extra speakers for sound in adjacent areas, a projector/screen for videos or slide shows, or even karaoke.
What are some tracks that never get old for you, no matter how many times you play them?
Major kudos if you can name every artist here... "P.Y.T.", "Suavemente", "Shoop", "Friends in Low Places", "You Shook Me All Night Long", "This is How We Do It", "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" and "Get Low" are all can't-miss favorites. For slower dances, a classic like Nat King Cole's "Unforgettable", "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis Presley, or more contemporary songs like "In Case You Didn't Know" by Brett Young or "Say You Won't Let Go" by James Arthur never fail to evoke some real feelings. All undeniably great songs even a professional DJ who spins every weekend can enjoy hearing again and again!
