Aaahhh, summer is here, and in an attempt to sit back and enjoy summer, I am introducing Throwback Thursday, which is a collection of oldies but goodies that need to be revisited since Hill City Bride’s humble beginnings. I adore the Aviary, so be sure to check it out!

When I saw this sweet posting about the Aviary by Sabrena Deal of S Carter Studios, we just could not resist making this little known, affordable location known to all of you. Built in 1902, this 18 sided building is nestled near downtown Lynchburg in Miller Park, and its history is amazing as it once served as an exhibition house (which included showcasing birds), a library and an office structure.

The photographs below were taken by S Carter Studios, and we we hope that you enjoy reading Sabrena’s own words on the Aviary as she used the venue for her own wedding.

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Oh how I love to look at our wedding photos, it was just perfect! One of the things that made it so perfect was being able to land beautiful, thrifty venues. This unique and vintage venue is perfect for the Central Virginia bride on a budget. The Aviary is run by Lynchburg Parks and Recreation. One of the things that makes this the best value is that renting it (which when we rented in March of ’09 was $400 total for 8:00 am to 10:00 pm) includes tables and chairs! It also has a full fridge, oven and storage as well as bathrooms. It can house up to 300 people. We paid to rent it the night before which allowed us to begin setting up and have our rehearsal dinner there.

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I loved the many sided building in a beautiful sage green with almost bulgarian looking white details. The natural light is absolutely gorgeous pouring the the windows! We barely had to decorate the interior at all. I have done three other weddings at this location, and it is just as beautiful each time. The park around the Aviary is lush and a great place for photos of the bridal party or family!

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It looks like a building from a fairytale at night, and I remember driving away from it so thankful to have found a great venue. I hope that some of you will be able to take advantage of this diamond in the rough!

Of course, since Sabrena used the venue herself, we just couldn’t resist including a photo of her and her husband, Josh, on their wedding day. The photo below was taken by A J Chan, and Sabrena, thank you for bringing this little known venue to the forefront. Oh, and we just love seeing a sweet photograph of a photographer on one of the happiest days of her life.

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The Aviary is a unique, beautiful venue that is integrated into the history of the Hill City. If you are interested in renting the Aviary, contact the Lynchburg Department of Parks and Recreation (just click!) as their rates and specific rental information is now included online. Again, special thanks to S Carter Studios for letting HCB kindly borrow her posting.

Who doesn’t love something free, and I have a feeling that all DIY brides fit into that category! I stumbled upon printables for place cards, favor tags and more at DIYwedding.org, and I encourage you to do the same. Just click here to check them out, and below are some examples of what you will find. Happy printing, and have a lovely day!

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Our Hill City Bride vendors are such a great group of people, and Devin from Devin Olson Media is a great part of our HCB family. I get especially excited when I am able to feature our vendors in a posting, and this is one of those times! Enjoy a sneak peek into the love story and wedding of Devin and Christen Olsen.

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Thank you again, Devin, for sharing your work with the readers of HCB … I wish you and Christen a full, happy life together! If you would like to view their full video, just click here.

Many thanks to my friend, Phil Tucker, DJ extraordinaire of Official Entertainment for today’s posting.  There are many questions that you may have for your potential DJ, and do not be afraid to ask them.

Chances are you have never hired a disc jockey service. Many people are tempted to ask about pricing as their first question when interviewing a prospective disc jockey service. This is not the best way to start your interview. Price is important, but it should not be “the” determining factor. You want to get all of the information and the most for your money. One potential DJ may charge less because the company is less experienced or is not as well equipped to handle your function. Some DJ services charge more because their service has a great reputation, stay busy and have an exceptional sound and light show, with many years of experience.

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Phil at Tresca on 8th, photo by Crystal George Studios

Remember the law of supply and demand. You should, by all means, shop around and look for the best overall package that fits you. Just make sure you know what you are getting when you book. We have put together this list of questions to help you interview prospective DJ services. We hope you find the professional that is right for you!

Do you use professional pro audio gear? What are some of the brand names you use?
If the DJ tells you name brands that you can buy at the local electronic store (Best Buy, Circuit City … etc.) chances are they are not using pro audio gear. Home hi-fi gear is not made to hold up to the demands of repeat performances of professional use.

Do you provide back up gear in case of an emergency?
Chances are nothing will happen at your event, but if it does, is your DJ prepared to troubleshoot the problem? Do they have back-up equipment on location to get the party back on track? (They should have extra cables, fuses, basic tools, CD player, amplifier, mixer … etc.)

Is your DJ service is insured?
If the service is professional and reputable, they will be insured. Most DJ services will at least have liability insurance for $1,000,000. Some will also have their equipment insured.

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Phil with Tresca on 8th‘s owner, Leecy Fink, photo by Jessica Boardman

Are we guaranteed the DJ of our choice the day of the event?
Some DJ companies have more than one DJ working for them. While the company may have been in business for years, your DJ may have been hired last week, so be sure who you are getting. Most companies have references on the specific DJ who will be assigned to your event.

How many years of experience do you have?
This is a commonly asked question. The question should be how many events have you performed at? A seasoned DJ will have performed at hundreds of events.

May we call three of your references?
A good DJ service keeps current references. The list that they provide for you should have at least ten or more names and not be more than six months old. This is a good indicator of the quality you can expect. If you are not comfortable with calling strangers, ask if they have any banquet halls, photographers or video services that recommend them. Most banquet halls, photographers and videographers work with a lot of different DJ services every weekend.

How will you be dressed?
Specify the type of apparel that your disc jockey is expected to wear for your occasion. Formal attire or coat & tie are the most popular forms of attire. If you are having a “themed” event, make sure your entertainer is informed.

How early will you be set up?
Most DJ services like to have the opportunity to do a sound and light check before any guests arrive. The last thing you want is a DJ hauling equipment through your receiving line and or guests.

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Fun at City View by the James‘ Open House, photo by Stone Blue Productions

Do you allow requests from us and/or our guests?
Consider the policy of requests. The best DJs will take requests form the audience and work them into their routine. But don’t expect the DJ to play every request. An excellent DJ blends requests with songs that will get your guests up and moving.

What type of music is available?
Remember it is not the number of CDs, Tapes or Albums they carry but the content of the media. Ask them how many hit songs they carry and what type of music they have. Ask them how do they stay current with the new hits. A good DJ service will carry a wide variety of music and will have as many as 2000 hits or more. There are professional DJ services like Promo Only and Hot Hits that are available to professional DJs. These services provide the latest hits played on the radio stations with new additions released monthly. Remember that during the dancing segment of your reception a DJ will average 15 songs per hour, so you should hear nothing but hits all night long. This will keep your dance floor full all night and everyone will have a great time.

Do you provide a written contract?
It is extremely important to have your booking confirmed in writing . Ask for a written agreement, especially if you are paying an initial retainer. The standard initial payment for entertainment services is 50%. If you are expecting a specific entertainer, make sure you get it in writing as well.

Thanks again, Phil for providing this… it is really informative. Can I add another question? Do you play Love Shack? Ha! Sorry, but every time I am there when Phil DJs I just have to request my favorite 80s song…