On the blog this week, featured vendor of the month, Gary S. Jones Entertainment! One of my absolute favorite wedding entertainers to work with, Gary is incredible. He’s not only a DJ, but a super talented acoustic guitarist and singer! I always recommend him to my wedding couples that are looking for more than just a DJ. Here’s what he has to say about what sets him apart…

Tell us about Gary S. Jones Entertainment

I have been in the entertainment business for most of my adult life and have been a full-time wedding entertainer since 1991. As an acoustic guitarist and singer, I started by singing at wedding ceremonies and rehearsal dinners etc. After several years being in the wedding industry, I decided to diversify and delve into the DJ business. Early on, I decided to provide live vocals and acoustic guitar not only for the ceremony but during the dinner hour as well. Later, I added accent up-lighting as well as a photo booth and projected gobo (monogram) services as well. I also sing at restaurants, ski areas and nursing homes and assisted living facilities and I’m the house entertainer at High Meadow Resort in Granby, CT. I have identical twin daughters that are the loves of my life and are also my photo booth technicians.

What makes your business stand out from other wedding entertainers?

Other than the obvious of me combining the live music as well as the DJ aspect, my attention to detail and understating that this is an extremely important day for the clients. Under no circumstances can anything go wrong so you always have to be on top of everything. Meeting with clients beforehand in my Agawam office about a month before the weddings helps to ensure a perfect day. This meeting isn’t just about getting the basic answers such as what song you’d like for your first dance, parents dances etc., but to also offer my thoughts and suggestions to better assist my couples in making the right choices to ensure that things go as close to what they’re envisioning in their minds eye as possible.

What do you enjoy most about weddings?

I have to say that my favorite part of a wedding is simply making sure this day goes without a hitch and that my clients are thrilled with how their day went. There’s always something that could potentially happen that was unforeseen but with the proper preparation such as always having back-up equipment, an extra set of clothes etc., you know you’ll always be ready if something unexpected happens.

What is one thing you want clients to know about your business?

I am completely committed to making sure their day goes as perfectly as I can make it. I have been a wedding entertainer for over thirty years and have learned so much about how to achieve that goal and use that experience and guidance to help my clients’ day be as perfect as it can be.

What inspired you to start your own business?

After High School, I joined the United States Marine Corps and went to Paris Island for basic training. Unfortunately, I received an honorable medical discharge due to asthma. Not knowing what to do, I bought a 2nd hand guitar and started teaching myself to play. I had always been able to sing and both my sister and brother played and showed me a few chords. I knew if I wanted to stay local and make a decent living, I needed to diversify. Which is what I did by becoming a wedding entertainer!

What’s the most memorable thing that has happened in your years of entertaining?

A few weeks after 9/11/01, I had a wedding at the Log Cabin in Holyoke, MA. As I usually do, I was singing and playing guitar during the dinner hour. Although I mainly sing love songs during this time, I felt a need to sing “America the Beautiful”. I do a slow, soulful version of the song and was really getting into it, singing with my eyes closed. As I concluded the song, I looked up to see every guest in the room standing and looking out the window. There was an American flag flying at the restaurant next door. Guests were facing the flag, holding their right hands to their hearts. It was an unscripted very powerful moment that I’ll never forget.

Thanks for letting us get to know you a little more Gary! To any couples searching for a wedding entertainer, be sure to check out Gary S. Jones Entertainment!