This month I wanted to connect with a wedding service provider to get some insight on their business!
I decided to sit down with my good friend Henry Potter! DJ Mr. Potter was born and raised in Virginia Beach and is now located in the DMV! He has over 12 years of experience providing DJ services at bars, clubs, weddings, private parties, and festivals!
Need a DJ that has the ability to spin for any crowd? Check out DJ Mr. Potter on Facebook! Email dj.mr.potter@gmail.com for availability and pricing!
How did you get into the DJ business?
I always wanted to DJ ever since watching the movie “Juice” back in elementary school. In that movie they had a DJ competition and I just thought that it was really cool. I was also inspired by Jam Master Jay mixing and scratching. I knew I wanted to try it!
Before I even had my own turntables, I was purchasing records! Michael Jackson’s Thriller, LL Cool J’s “Rock the Bells”, and Missy Elliot’s “Get Ur Freak On” started my collection! I started DJing back in high school. I finally got my first set of Turntables in the 9th grade.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
My favorite part of the job is being able to make lasting memories for the couple’s big day. When you’re DJing a wedding, it’s a great feeling when you see the bridal party take their heels off, put on those flats, and start to sweat their hair out from dancing, screaming and partying! Another great part of the job, is getting all the different generations at a wedding on the dance floor together. When Grandma is jamming with the teenagers, the feeling is ALL THAT!
What makes you different from others in your field?
For me it’s the ability to read a crowd and play music to get just about everyone involved. That’s an important part of every gig! Also, I provide good energy while hosting an event. I like to make the event different and special by showing my personality and engaging the audience. It’s a performance and every performance should be unique.
What tips or advice can you give to couples who are in the midst of planning their big day?
The advice I would give, is not to undervalue the need/importance for wedding planners and day-of coordinators. Someone with experience can be the difference in making sure the wedding goes smoothly. The other advice I would give is to do their research when booking a DJ (www.Djmrpotter.com). I feel the entertainment is the biggest part of the wedding. People may not remember whether they had chicken breast or salmon, but they will remember whether they enjoyed the music and had a good time overall.
What’s a lesson you’ve learned the hard way in the wedding industry?
The importance of communication with the couple, wedding planner, and others involved. The consultation between the DJ and couple is very important and should be taken seriously. Following the consultation there should be open lines of communication leading up to the day to make sure everything goes as planned!
What do you like to do during your downtime?
In my down time I like to work out, coach football, check out other DJ’s (the competition lol), watch movies, and take my socks off and relax at home.
Tell us about the first gig you landed!
My first DJ gig was a birthday party for my high school teammate during my senior year. I just knew I was ready because I would host parties at my home with my mom and brothers. Man, that party was a disaster! Lucky for me, the party was so packed the neighbors complained and the police shut us down!
My next gig was 3 years later in college. I DJ’d a party for the cheerleaders because their DJ was stuck in the snow. We had a ball! that was my “Aha Moment” and I felt like I could continue doing it! After that, I DJ’d my first wedding the following year in 2007 and I’ve been rolling ever since.
What piece of advice would you give to others just getting started in the field?
I’m not the biggest fan of helping the competition, but I would say, be open to different genres of music and practice microphone presence as much as mixing and blending. Being able to engage a crowd with the microphone will take you a long way.
Are there any trends that you would love to see brides leave behind?
Well, I believe people should do whatever makes them happy, whether I think it to be cheesy or not. With that being said, as a DJ, when you get the party rolling and they ask to stop everything to watch them “cut the cake” it can kill the vibe of the party. Most people do not care that much about the cake cutting. That’s not to say, they shouldn’t do it, because it makes for great pictures, but I wouldn’t stop the show for it.
Any great stories from working with a client?
A few years ago, I was asked to DJ a surprise wedding. The bride and groom told everyone it was an engagement party. While giving a speech for thanking everyone for coming to celebrate with them, the pastor walks out and they tell them the surprise. I thought that was so0000 cool. I think they missed out on some wedding gifts, but the event was really great.
Another great moment at one of my recent weddings. The bride had the best energy! She came behind the DJ booth to vibe out with me! I gave her the headphones and let her DJ for a bit! She didn’t know what she was doing, but her energy was crazy and everyone loved her! That was a great night!
