WEDDINGS
WEDDINGS
Music, Dancing and FUN for Everyone!
The Focus is on FUN!
After all, it's a celebration ... It's families getting together ... It's
laughter ... It's LOVE! We want everyone, from Grandparents to Flower
Girls, to cut loose and have a great time. And, most importantly, we want
YOU to have the time of your life!
In performing for more than twenty wedding ceremonies and receptions, we've developed a completely unique, first-of-its-kind presentation, that incorporates the best elements of a dance band, dueling pianos entertainment, contemporary and traditional piano music for the ceremony, wedding and dance favorites, playing all varieties of song requests, lively audience participation, live karaoke, comedy, sing-along, live cocktail hour and dinner music and complete emcee services.
The One-Price Advantage
We offer all of the above music and entertainment services, start-to-finish,
non-stop, without a break, for one, all-inclusive price. We call it our
One-Price package. (You may want to scroll down to the bottom of this page
now, just to see if we're within your budget.)
Actually, our One-Price
rate may save you money, when you consider all the costs and the aggravation of
having to audition, select and contract the following:
(1) A pianist for the wedding ceremony to play while guests are arriving and to
play the traditional wedding music
(2) An acoustic
musician (pianist or guitarist) to provide background music during cocktails and dinner
(3) A dance band that knows a thousand songs, is willing to emcee the
festivities and can play without a break for up to FIVE hours
(Good luck with item #3!)
No Nasty "Add-Ons"
When we say the price is "all-inclusive", that means we pay for
EVERYTHING related to our music and entertainment services, including:
(1) Shipping, cartage, set-up, tear-down and return shipping of our two,
custom-built, white Slam Grand pianos
(2) Professional drummer's fee and drum rental/transport
(3) Professional sound company and crew, equipment rental, transit, set-up,
sound-check, operator/technician to run the show, tear-down immediately after
event
(4) Roundtrip airfares, hotel accommodations, meals and ground transportation,
for performers and crew
(5) Materials and rehearsals to prepare song(s) you request
(6) Any rentals, repairs, supplies and incidentals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Click on any question to jump down to the
answer.
Who will announce the wedding party as they enter the reception hall?
Van and Cristina will announce, in alternating fashion, the members of the
wedding party, ending, of course, with the newlyweds, as they make their grand entrance.
We
will play appropriate background music to compliment the various entrances.
(At the Nguyen - Caraballo wedding, for example, we played the
Peanuts Theme, Linus & Lucy,
while the young ring-bearers scampered into the room.)
We will make these and all other announcements, at your request. Professional emcee services for the entire evening are part of our One-Price package. If, however, there is a family member or friend or even the wedding coordinator him/herself, who has public speaking experience, this person may be the better choice for emceeing the evening or part of the evening. If you decide to go this route, we provide a good quality microphone out front for this purpose.
What about speeches?
We've got you covered! Speeches are an important and sentimental part of most wedding celebrations.
For planned and unplanned oration, we setup a professional quality, hand-held
vocal microphone. This microphone will be on a stand in the front
of the stage between the pianos, and it's there for speeches and for any of your
guests who would like to sing a song or two with us.
Various speakers will have louder or softer voices and hold the microphone
closer or further from their mouth. (Hey, even Oscar presenters, who
should know better, often stoop forward when speaking into the microphone.)
To allow for varying techniques, our professional sound operator/technician will
be at the controls during speeches and the stage center microphone will be tied
into our top-quality PA system. This will make the speeches intelligible ... insomuch as
the speakers themselves are!
One of our guests is a good singer. May he/she get up and sing with
you?
Absolutely! We know a couple of thousand songs (and a couple thousand more
on command), and we'll gladly accompany any of your guests who may want to
"front the band". The microphone out front is of top quality and
our sound man can make almost anyone sound great. (At the Gast Wedding,
for example, Peter's 9-year-old niece, Katie, sang Can't Take My Eyes Off of
You and Jingle Bell Rock, and she brought the house down!)
What if we have a special song, we'd like you to play?
No problem! It's YOUR special day ... You should be able to hear
and dance to YOUR
special song. If we don't already know it,
we will be happy to learn and perform up to two songs of your choosing.
(For the Nguyen - Caraballo wedding, we learned My Love by Paul
McCartney and Contact by Phish. The Gasts wanted Sinatra's The
Way You Look Tonight [which we already knew] for their first dance and
When You Say Nothing at All [which we learned] for their last dance.)
Can you suggest songs for the different key moments,
like the Mother/Son Dance, in the reception?
We know many of the top wedding favorites such as Unforgettable for the
Father/Daughter dance (which Van & Cristina perform in the Nat King Cole/Natalie
Cole style). For a list of some others we recommend for different key
moments in the reception, please click here:
Wedding Favorites, or refer to the 1000+ songs in our
Repertoire Page and choose a few of your own. Remember, we want the
music to be perfect to YOUR liking, so, if you not struck by anything on our
list, please let us know, and we'll be happy to work-up a song or two for you.
Can you also play for the ceremony?
Yes, we can and often do...and at no additional charge to you. It's
included in the One-Price package, simply for the asking. We (Van &
Cristina or just Van) can play light classical and romantic piano music as
guests enter the church and then play the traditional music for the bride's
entrance (called the Processional) and the newlyweds' exit, (called the
Recessional). Hey, but if you're feeling unconventional, non-traditional
choices are also acceptable these days. One couple, for
example, had us play Billy Joel's She's Got a Way when the bride entered
and In the Mood by Glenn Miller when the newlyweds exited.
In some instances, the organist's and/or pianist's fee is included in the price you pay for the church. If this is the case, we recommend having the resident musician(s) play for the ceremony. He(She)(They) will be familiar with the instrument(s) in the church and will probably do a very nice job for you. Also, if you want the processional ("Here Comes the Bride") to be played on cathedral organ, as it is traditionally played, you should hire a legitimate organists to play it. We're accomplished pianists and we can duplicate these traditional pieces quite well on piano, but, if you want the real thing, we recommend you hire an organist who works with and through the church.
Who arranges and pays for your flights and hotel accommodations
and the pianos?
We do. It's all included in the One-Price rate. We cover
everything expected and unexpected, including our meals, ground transportation,
equipment cartage, air cargo, babysitting (we have a newborn), sound equipment,
sound operator, stage crew, piano movers, shipping charges, batteries for the
wireless microphones...you name it!
We have different religions and tastes in music represented among our
families. How do we accommodate everyone?
Generally, we stick to music that is universally popular. We've never
known anyone, for example, to object to We Are Family. As the party
progresses, requests from the audience and the mood of the guests and people
dancing will guide our song selections. Once everyone is loose and having
fun, we've found that the Hava Nagila circle dance is a high-point...even
with non-Jewish audiences!
The church/reception hall
says they can provide pianos and a sound system.
Can we lower the price, if you won't have to bring in those items?
Usually not. Only by bringing our own pianos and contracting for the
sound system ourselves, can we assure the best possible service and
entertainment for you and your guests. We prefer to play our own, custom
pianos, because they are designed with special effects features that make them
unique to our show...Plus, we know they'll be in tune. We are equipped to safely ship our pianos from
Las Vegas to anywhere in the country. Our sound system requirements are
listed elsewhere on this website, but we prefer to handle this ourselves, since
we know exactly what to ask for.
Only in rare instances -- such as when union regulations do not permit us to bring our own instruments and equipment into the venue, or, if we have a performance in Seattle on Friday night and you need our pianos in Miami on Saturday afternoon -- will we consent to other arrangements being made. Our pricing will be reduced accordingly in these instances. See the pricing section below for details.
How long will you play?
Until the last guest goes home or 5 hours, which ever comes first.
Most wedding receptions last 3 to 4 hours, so you're probably not going to run
into overtime charges; but, if you'd like to keep going, we will, for as long as
you'd like us to. (Remember, Van played for 39 hours nonstop when he set the
Guinness World Record.) Our rate for any time after 5 hours is $300 per
hour or portion thereof.
Do you take breaks?
Unlike bands, we do not typically take breaks. We like to keep playing
and keep the party GOing! Besides, there are natural breaks built into
the rituals of most wedding celebrations, such as: The Introductions of the
Wedding Party, The Cutting of the Cake; The
Tossing of the Garter and the Bouquet, etc.
What pianos will you use?
For weddings we prefer to use our two, sparkling white grand pianos.
These elegant, showpiece instruments are unlike any other pianos you've seen.
They were custom built for us by the Slam Grand Piano Company in Reno, Nevada,
and they have a certain Liberace-esque quality. We have custom shipping
cases for them, so they can be transported from our home in Las Vegas to
virtually anywhere in the country.
Why do you insist on adding a drummer?
Because people love to dance at weddings, and a good drummer makes dueling pianos
more danceable. We are usually able to hire professional drummers with
whom we've worked before. James Hill, when he's available, is our top
choice, because he sings great, can play romantic, background acoustic guitar
music during dinner and is also an awesome drummer.
What will you wear?
Whatever you'd like us to wear. Normally, if we're performing
at the wedding ceremony itself, we'll dress formal or semi-formal; but at the
reception, we like to loosen the bowtie and ditch the chiffon in favor of a
flashier look...after all, we are Vegas entertainers! However, if you
wish, we will be glad to match the wedding party, or the attire of your guests,
or the centerpieces on the tables. If yours is a nudist wedding, let's
talk discount!
We've seen dueling pianos elsewhere and it can get pretty X-rated.
Are you able to tone it down?
Oh, yes! We star in the dueling pianos entertainment on board Disney
cruise ships, where we sing, "Leroy Brown, baddest man in the whole darn town." We put-on a fun and
friendly show, appropriate to the audience for whom we're playing and the
instructions of whomever hires us. We'll strive to be a hit with your guests of all
persuasions and all ages -- from Flower Girls to Great Grandparents.
How much in advance do we need to decide?
It's a good idea to check with us as much in advance as possible, to
make sure we're available on the date of your wedding. Most of our wedding
bookings are signed 3-6 months prior to the wedding date, but we've had bookings
as much as one year in advance and as little as two days before the wedding
(when a band cancelled at the last minute). You may want to click on our
Calendar page, or just give us a ring or email us to
find out if we have the date open.
What do you require to secure the date and finalize the
deal?
When we get the verbal go-ahead from you, we will mail you a simple,
one-page contract that specifies the date, the price and our services to you.
We ask for a 50% deposit payment at the time of signing and the remaining 50%
when the party's over. Once you sign and send the contract back to us
along with the deposit payment, your wedding worries are over...well, at least
as far as the musical entertainment is concerned.
Do you take credit cards?
Unfortunately, no, we're not set-up to take credit cards. However,
we do gladly accept personal checks, company checks, cashier's checks,
traveler's checks, money orders, cash, cars, diamonds and Steinway grand pianos
as payment.
Key Appearances - Weddings and Wedding Receptions
Jodi & Robbie Wedding Ceremony and Reception - June
24, 2004 (300 guests)
DP2GO appeared with "THE FAB
FOUR" Beatles Tribute Act out of Las Vegas
Casa Del Mar Hotel, Santa Monica, CA
2GO Team: Van & Cristina with
drummer/guitarist/vocalist, James Hill
Peter Gast - Tami Carlson Wedding Reception
- December 7, 2002 (60
guests)
Caesar's Palace Casino, Las Vegas,
Nevada
2GO Team: Van & Cristina with
drummer/guitarist/vocalist James Hill
Dr. Peter Nguyen - Marcie Caraballo Wedding Reception -
October 5, 2002
(450 guests)
St. John the Evangelist Church and Parish Center, Naples,
Florida
2GO Team: Van & Cristina with drummer/vocalist
Tony Belch
Steve Hardie Wedding Reception - September 28, 2002 (250 guests)
Bear Creek Country Club, Renton,
Washington
2GO Team: Van & Cristina with
drummer/guitarist/vocalist James Hill
Dr. Joseph Adashek - Sharon Greene Wedding and Reception -
October 13,
2001 (150 guests)
Four Seasons Hotel, Las Vegas,
Nevada
2GO Team: Van & Cristina with
drummer/guitarist/vocalist James Hill
Tammy Holeman Wedding Ceremony and Reception - July 28, 2001 (350 guests)
Private residence, Lake Oswego,
Oregon
2GO Team: Van & Cristina with drummer
Kent Allen
References - Weddings and Wedding
Reception
Tami Gast
(The Bride) - Wedding at Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas
Email:
ARIEL 1130@aol.com
Pam and Ray Caraballo
(Mother & Father of the Bride)
- Wedding in Naples, FL
Email: MissPayum@aol.com
Marcie Nguyen
(The Bride) - Wedding in
Naples, FL
Email:
MarcieRDH@aol.com
Stephanie Luros
(Wedding Coordinator - Consider It Done!
Productions)
Email:
SLuros@computrition.com
Dr. Joey and Sharon Adashek
(The Groom and the Bride) Wedding at Four Seasons Hotel, Las Vegas
Email:
jadashek@aol.com Home: 702-242-8767
Office: 702-341-6610
Tammy Holeman
(The Bride) - Wedding in Lake Oswego, Oregon
310-399-4619
Tory Cooper (Events Coordinator, Four Seasons Hotel
[Formerly of The Desert Inn], Las Vegas)
Numerous
Van & Cristina Dueling Pianos bookings (weddings and corporate events) from 1997
- 2003
Email:
ToryLCooper@hotmail.com
Mobile: 702-245-8679
Booking Information - Weddings and Wedding Receptions
We accept bookings up to one year in advance (for you plan-ahead-ers). If
you decide to hire us, we will send you a simple contract and ask for 50%
down-payment, made payable to "Dueling Pianos, Inc." The remaining
50% is due at the conclusion of the performance.
Letters of Recommendation
From
Pam and Ray Caraballo, Parents of the Bride:
HI
Just a short note to let you know how WONDERFUL you two are !!!!!!!!!!!!
YOU made the wedding PERFECT !!!!!!! Our guests have NOT stopped talking about
the music........it certainly was a very special day......thanks to you
!!!!!!!!!
I think my friends would like you to do a wedding in RHODE ISLAND in April ???
I am going to give them your name, etc.......hope to see you then.........
Love to you all,
Pam and Ray Caraballo
Your BIGGEST FANS !!!!!!!!!!!
...there are NOT enough words to tell you how pleased we are !!!!!!!!!!!!
you truly MADE THE NIGHT !!!!!!!! I
can't wait to hear you two play again......next time I will definitely be a
"guest"........and not the MOB !!!!!!!
THANKS again for making it a wonderful, magical evening.....
Love to you all,
Pam
|
Greetings!
Well, we are back and trying to settle into reality again...wow, what a blast we
had! I just wish everyone was still here and partying!!! I did not want to say
goodbye to our friends!
Just wanted to drop you a note to let you know that you guys were incredible!
When I began planning this event a year and a half ago, I had very few
priorities...
Let me explain: I have been to a bunch of weddings and all of them are
beautiful (based on the very fact that... it's a wedding) but they seem
to lack spice and diversity and a certain element of FUN. I wanted a
party
and not just a wedding reception...I wanted people to remember what a good time
they had, not what was served for dinner or what my dress looked like; and I
wanted to enjoy myself and not be a slave to table hopping to greet everyone.
Don't get me wrong now, I pay particular attention to the details and want
everything to be perfect, but from my past participation in other weddings, I
was determined to have ENTERTAINMENT, not just background music for our
guests...
So my search began...and ended rather quickly when I found you on the
internet... Many people have since asked me where you came from and how I found
you, and every single one of them have looked at me with surprise and shock in
their eyes knowing that I went on blind faith when I made my decision to invite
you two to Naples. I must say, that was one decision that I made with
confidence knowing that everything would turn out perfectly. Van, you made me
feel very comfortable with my decision, and I never once doubted the outcome of
Oct. 5th! As I am sure that you could tell, all of my guests thoroughly enjoyed
themselves, whether being on the dance floor or boogying in their seats, your
music was loved by all. When 2 am came, I was shocked that we had been dancing
all night and never ate a bite...and still had the energy to dance some more!
You two never stopped, and we all could NOT get enough of you!!!! I just hope
one of my friends gets married soon, and we can have you guys back down in
Naples!
Please, please, please...if any prospective brides ever have any questions,
hesitations, need a reference, or just want to chat about you--I would be happy
to let them know how much you guys can really MAKE an event!
We appreciate everything that you did to make our wedding party a success
(including learning the two songs; "Contact" sounded AWESOME! and "My Love" was
exactly how we practiced our dance!)
Hope baby Alani is doing well!
Take care! Thanks again--
Marcie
Handwritten Card from
Raymond P. Caraballo:
November 4, 2002
Dear Van & Cristina,
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! - The Caraballos
You two certainly get the medal for endurance! Our
friends are still talking about you and how you energized the party. You
set just the right tine and played all the right tunes. We are now fans
forever.
So, if you play down here in our neck of the woods or are
playing on a cruise ship - let us know. We'll be checking your excellent
web site from time to time.
Best of luck to you. And thanks, thanks, thanks.
Ray and Pam
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
This from the wedding coordinator for the
wedding we played on June 24, 2004 in Santa Monica:
Van-
Thank you SO much for doing such an amazing job on Saturday! Everyone raved
about you, Christina and James, and unanimously said that the event would not
have been the same without you. I would like to give you a
special thanks for being so accommodating and easy-going, and for relieving a
tremendous amount of stress off my shoulders.
The degree of quality you delivered as entertainers was clearly evident in the
fact that, as I am sure you recall, we couldn't get people to leave at the end
of the night. You really helped make Jodi and Robbie's wedding an event for the
record books. Thank you again. If there is anything I may do to be of
assistance, please let me know. As I have already done "blindly," I will
certainly continue to recommend your services whenever
applicable. Take care, and I hope your return home was a smooth one!
Sincerely,
Stephanie Luros
Consider It Done! Productions
SLuros@computrition.com
