Christopher "Kiefer" & Jessica Vetsch....

I love this family. Christopher (aka. "Kiefer") and Jessica Vetsch are a young couple who have been together for six years; which means they started dating when they were about 15 years of age!!! There is definitely more than meets the eye with this young couple. I am absolutely convinced, that after having spent some time with each of them in preparation for their special day, that they are indeed soul mates. You take a look at our groom, and he looks like the all-American clean cut kid... full of energy and extremely witty. Jessica, though a bit reserved at first, had an incredible creative side to her. She was always willing to give, and eventually she opened up to Daniel and I during their interview process. It was during our interview that we found out how much these two young lovebirds have been through during their lifetimes. They have seen their share of tragedies, they have experienced things no young person should have had to experience, and they both have run the gamut of hardships, yet despite all this, there is a lightness and happiness that they both emanate. I believe on a very personal level, that this is due to their love and kinship to one another. They are two peas in a pod and it was my honor to serve as their Wedding Entertainment Host. I had the fortune of meeting both sides of family, and I was immediately made to feel a part of it. I know that I know that I know that these two will overcome any obstacle that will come their way, and will grow old together. This is rare, but I had the chance to witness the beginning of an amazing and long-standing relationship. I can hardly wait to celebrate their 10, 20, and 30+ anniversary together :-)

WEDDING DATE: Friday, 9/24/10

LOCATION: American Legion Post 99. Albuqeurque, NM

BB King & Buddy Guy Concert...

Just back from a very long weekend in Albuquerque... and phew, I am just now catching my breath. On Friday evening, I was what we call a lighting 2nd for the Eli Young Band at the NM Expo State Fair. You can read about my experience there below at the next blog posting. Then I was off to do video at the Sandia Casino Amphitheater for the B.B. King & Buddy Guy Concert. It was an excellent concert! BB just celebrated his 85th birthday, and he's still going strong on the road. I can't imagine how many shows he has done on the road during his lifetime, but he makes each one seem like his first. I love his facial expressions when he plays his guitar... They are so animated and you can almost tell what he is thinking. All around enjoyable experience... Weather was beautiful.... There was a downfall to this gig though. I was robbed!!! No joke. I was robbed... that is, my stuff was stolen ;-(. My entire backpack, complete with Apple Powerbook, iPod, cell phone, car keys, bluetooth headset, appointment calendar, and Wedding Portfolio (for one of my clients)..... POOF.... gone..... just like that. It was a terrible feeling. The worst part of it was that it had to be one of the employees as it was taken well after the concert when the amphitheater was cleared of all audience members.

Lesson lived, lesson learned. ... I'm trying to shake it all off. There was nothing in that bag that wasn't irreplaceable.... (that is with the exception of my wedding portfolio and some keys). Deep breath.... - goose frabba..... goose frabba- ..... deep breath.

Well, it's almost midnight on Sunday night and I have to be up bright and early at 5:45 am to do my 8.4 mile run in the morning... and then I am off to the beautiful Truth or Consequences, NM for a training service.... Fun! Here are some pics of the Buddy Guy / BB King Concert:

Eli Young Band Concert...

Wow, it's been several weeks since I've been in the field. Seems like I've been spending these last several weeks behind a desk working and planning. I love it when I get the chance to get my hands dirty... and yesterday was no exception. Worked lighting rig at Tingly Coliseum yesterday for the Eli Young Band. It is the second week of the New Mexico State Fair, and everything went fairly smoothly. The crew utilized four upright stage banners (pictured below) that had printed on it the logo of the E.Y.B. The first banner had the "E," the second the "Y," etc..... What was cool about these stage set pieces was that behind the mesh banner was an L.E.D. net underlay. This basically means that there was a virtual video monitor hidden under the guise of the banner. The video dude produced some really cool effects with these props. Four relatively small props produced a really large impression. I was thoroughly impressed! I asked the production manager about these banners, and was able to get the inside scoop. Got me to thinking how I could utilize this type of technology in my own wedding entertainment business. Got my creative juices going, and though I was delighted to be up in the catwalks and trussing, working with various lighting gear (about 60' above everyone's heads), I am excited about getting back to the office and putting down some of what I learned on paper. I think it would be cool to offer some ostensibly simple set pieces behind the wedding party's head table, but when it's time to get down on the dance floor to dance, BAM!!!! Flashy surprises.... I'm excited about this :-). James

Wonderful Quote....

The moment you claim your ability to co-create with the Spirit, your human mind begins to dissolve the false boundaries that previously kept you from doing so. Peace -- Michael B. Beckwith

Just came across this quote from an online friend, and I cannot seem to shake it from my psyche :-):

I love this quote because of its profound truth and simplicity. I share this because I have been training for the Denver Rock n Roll Marathon taking place on October 17th, 2010. Every morning when I go for a run, I am shattering that self-limiting belief that, "I am not a runner". For the last several weeks, I have averaged 6 - 8 miles of running per day. I am actually beginning to (... and I cannot believe I'm about to say this) enjoy the act of running. I am on the cusp of shedding my 100th pound of body weight, and each day I get stronger and more alive.... If you haven't watched the documentary titled, "The Secret" I encourage you to go out and purchase or rent it tonight. It features Michael Beckwith [pictured here]. It's worth a watch... I watch a piece of it each morning :-). Santiago (James) A. Naranjo

Newest Addition to the DJLM / WC Family...

Man, it has been an amazing week!!!! One of the most significant issues in this industry has to do with logistics. You see, one can invest in a myriad of state-of-the-art lighting, sound, and / or video equipment; however, if you don't have a way to effectively transport it, then setting up for an event can be a cumbersome ordeal. These last several weeks, we have been looking around for a new mode of transport. Late yesterday afternoon, we closed on a very nice 14' box truck. It's a 1999 Ford E450 with a V10 engine!!! Powerful and boy is it roomy!!!! My dad drove it home late last night as I stayed in Albuquerque to attend some meetings. I didn't get home until pretty late, and I found myself standing inside the box of our new truck in awe :-). Was even tempted to break out the roller skates and start skating inside the cargo bay of thing ;-). Again, I'm a bit flabbergasted and absolutely excited about our latest investment!!! We can literally travel anywhere within the Continental United States and take all our gear with us!!! EXCITING!!!!