You've got questions? We've got answers!

We provide complete ceremony DJ services including professional audio setup, wireless microphones for your officiant and vows, music coordination for processional, recessional, prelude, and any special moments. We ensure every guest can hear clearly, whether you're getting married indoors or outdoors.

Absolutely! Our live piano, violin, or other instrumental options can beautifully accompany your ceremony music. This creates an elegant, sophisticated atmosphere that recorded music alone cannot match.

We typically arrive 60-90 minutes before your ceremony start time to set up, test all equipment, and coordinate with your venue and other vendors. This ensures everything runs smoothly without adding stress to your day.

Yes! We provide guidance on music selection including timing, song suggestions for each ceremony moment, and recommendations based on your style and preferences. We've done thousands of ceremonies and know what works beautifully.

We specialize in outdoor ceremonies and have professional-grade equipment designed for outdoor use. We always have backup equipment and contingency plans for weather. Our wireless systems ensure clear audio regardless of venue layout.

Absolutely! We communicate directly with your officiant before and during the ceremony to ensure perfect timing and smooth transitions. We handle all the technical details so your officiant can focus on your special moment.

Our ceremony package includes professional sound system, wireless microphones, music coordination, unlimited planning consultations, ceremony timeline assistance, day-of coordination with officiant, and all setup/breakdown. We handle everything so you can relax and enjoy your moment.

Yes! Most couples book us for both ceremony and reception for seamless coordination and consistent quality throughout the day. We offer package pricing for combined services.

Our unique combination of professional DJ services with live piano instrumentation sets us apart. This creates a sophisticated yet energetic atmosphere that standard corporate DJs simply can't match. We also customize every aspect of our performance to align with your company's brand and event goals.

Absolutely! We can incorporate your company branding into our setup, play custom branded music or audio, and work with your team to ensure the entertainment aligns perfectly with your corporate messaging and event theme.

Yes! We've performed at holiday parties, awards ceremonies, product launches, conferences, networking events, galas, team building events, and more. We understand that each corporate event type requires a different approach and energy level.

Corporate events often have guests spanning multiple generations and backgrounds. We excel at reading the room and playing music that appeals to everyone while maintaining the professional atmosphere your event requires. Our live instrumentation adds a touch of class that resonates across all demographics.

Yes! Professional MC services are included. We can make announcements, introduce speakers, facilitate award presentations, coordinate toasts, and keep your event timeline moving smoothly—all while maintaining the professional tone appropriate for corporate settings.

We understand corporate events require careful balance. We keep energy high without being overwhelming, maintain appropriate volume levels for networking and conversation, and adjust throughout the evening as the event evolves from formal to more casual.

Absolutely! We have extensive experience with Fortune 500 companies, tech firms, law firms, medical organizations, and more. We're happy to provide references, show examples of past corporate work, and discuss how we've handled similar events. You can also read testimonials from past clients. I'm also happy to schedule a call to discuss your event, play samples, and answer any questions so you feel completely confident in your entertainment choice.

For corporate events, we recommend booking 3-6 months in advance, especially for popular dates like December holiday parties. However, we'll do our best to accommodate shorter timelines if our schedule allows. Contact us as soon as you have your date confirmed.

Absolutely! We've performed corporate events across the United States. We regularly serve South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, but we're available for travel anywhere for your corporate event.

Our standard package includes professional DJ services, live piano instrumentation, premium sound system, event planning consultation, customized music curation, MC services, and all setup/breakdown. Additional services like uplighting, photo booths, and extended hours are available. Contact us for a detailed quote.

A wedding afterparty is a continuation of your celebration after the main reception ends - typically at a different location like a hotel bar, beach, or private home. It's a more intimate gathering with your closest friends and family, minus the formalities. Think less "wedding" and more "best party of your life."

Most afterparties run 2-4 hours, typically starting around 11pm or midnight when the reception ends. Some couples go until 2am, others party until sunrise. We're available as long as you want to keep celebrating - we're night owls and love the late-night energy.

Absolutely! This is actually ideal because we already know your music preferences, your crowd's vibe, and which songs got the best reactions. We seamlessly transition from your reception to afterparty, ramping up the energy for the late-night crew. Many couples book us for both to maintain consistency and keep the party flowing.

We bring everything needed: professional DJ equipment, high-quality speakers sized appropriately for the space, wireless microphones if needed, and party lighting. Our setup is scalable - whether you're in a small hotel suite or a large event space, we have the right equipment to fill the room with great sound.

Many hotels, bars, and event spaces welcome afterparties, especially if arranged in advance. Some venues have noise restrictions or time limits, so we work within those parameters. We've also done countless beach, outdoor, and private home afterparties. We can help you identify great afterparty locations if you haven't decided yet.

Afterparties are where we really turn things up! Think high-energy dance music, throwback hits, guilty pleasure songs, and anything that gets people moving. The formality is gone - this is pure celebration mode. We read the crowd and play the songs that keep the energy high and the dance floor packed.

For couples who want to celebrate with their closest friends beyond the traditional reception, absolutely! Afterparties let you party without the pressure of pleasing everyone, spend quality time with your inner circle, and extend your wedding night memories. It's often the part of the wedding people talk about most.

If we're already booked for your wedding, adding an afterparty is often discounted since we're already there. Standalone afterparties start around $500-800 for 2-3 hours. Contact us for a customized quote based on your specific plans.

That's totally normal! Many couples decide closer to the wedding date once they get a feel for their guest list and energy level. We recommend booking us for the reception first, then adding the afterparty later if desired. We'll hold availability for you and can usually accommodate last-minute afterparty additions.

Not at all! While weddings are a specialty, I love doing all types of special events. Birthday parties, anniversaries, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, graduations, engagement parties, and private celebrations are all events I perform regularly. Every celebration deserves the same award-winning entertainment.

I specialize in creating multi-generational playlists that keep everyone engaged. Before your event, we discuss your guest demographics and preferences. I blend classics that resonate with older guests, current hits for younger attendees, and timeless songs that transcend generations. The live piano element adds sophistication that all ages appreciate.

Absolutely! I've performed at homes, backyards, beaches, rooftops, and all kinds of unique venues. My equipment is designed to be portable and adaptable to different spaces. Whether you're hosting 20 people or 200, I can create the perfect entertainment setup for your specific venue.

Every event is different! Some clients want background music during dinner followed by dancing, others want high-energy entertainment all night, and some prefer a more laid-back atmosphere throughout. During our planning consultation, we'll create a custom timeline that fits your vision and keeps guests entertained from start to finish.

Yes! I've performed at events celebrating diverse cultures and traditions - from Jewish Bar/Bat Mitzvahs to multicultural celebrations incorporating music from around the world. I take time to learn about your specific traditions and ensure the music and entertainment honors your cultural heritage appropriately.

As much as you want! Some clients prefer to provide detailed playlists, others trust me to read the crowd and choose music based on general preferences. I always ask for must-play songs, do-not-play lists, and general vibe guidance. The beauty of working with an experienced DJ is that I can balance your requests with crowd reading to keep everyone engaged.

Absolutely! MC services are included for all events. I can handle announcements, coordinate special moments like toasts or cake cutting, introduce speakers or performers, and keep your event flowing smoothly. My approach is professional but personable - I facilitate without dominating the event.

Great question! You can read hundreds of five-star reviews on Google, WeddingWire, and The Knot. I'm happy to provide references from clients with similar event types. You can also see performance videos, hear sample mixes, and check out my awards and recognition. I'm also happy to schedule a call to discuss your event, play samples, and answer any questions so you feel completely confident in your entertainment choice.

I'm very request-friendly! During the planning process, you can provide must-play songs and do-not-play lists. During the event, I read the crowd and take requests that fit the vibe we're creating. My goal is to keep the energy high and everyone having an amazing time, so I'm flexible and responsive to what's working for your specific crowd.

Regular venue lighting comes from overhead and typically provides general illumination. Uplighting is decorative and transformative - it changes the entire look and feel of a venue with dramatic color and ambiance.

This depends on your venue size and layout. Typically, we recommend 12-20 uplights for smaller venues, 20-30 for medium venues, and 30+ for large venues or to create maximum impact. We've worked with every venue in Charleston and can recommend the ideal number for your specific space and budget.

Absolutely! Our wireless LED fixtures offer virtually unlimited color options. Whether you need to match specific wedding colors, corporate brand colors, or create a custom palette, we can dial in the exact shades you want. We can even program different colors for different parts of your event.

Yes! Lighting is one of the most impactful and cost-effective ways to transform your venue. Even the most beautiful venues benefit from strategic lighting that enhances architectural features, creates atmosphere, and sets the mood. Many couples say their venue looked completely different (in the best way) with professional lighting.

Definitely! Many clients combine uplighting with cafe lighting or add party lighting to the dance floor. Layering different lighting types creates depth and allows us to highlight multiple areas and features. We'll work with you to design a lighting package that fits your vision and budget.

Our wireless LED fixtures are safe for outdoor use and can handle most weather conditions. We've lit countless outdoor weddings, tents, and beach events. For extreme weather, we have weatherproof options and protective measures. We always have contingency plans for outdoor lighting setups.

We typically install lighting a few hours before your event starts, coordinating with your venue and other vendors. Setup time depends on complexity - uplighting takes 1-2 hours, while more elaborate setups may need more time. Breakdown happens after your event ends and is usually completed within an hour.

Yes! While many clients book us for both DJ and lighting services (which we recommend for seamless coordination), we absolutely offer standalone lighting rentals. We provide the same professional-grade equipment and expert installation whether you're booking lighting alone or as part of a complete entertainment package.

I primarily play piano, but can also incorporate violin, saxophone, or other live musicians as add-ons to create an even more dynamic experience. The piano is my signature instrument and what sets my DJ services apart.

I seamlessly blend live piano performance with DJ mixing throughout your event. During cocktail hour I might play solo piano, during dinner I mix tracks while playing piano accompaniments, and during dancing I jump on the keys for special moments and high-energy performances. It's a completely unique experience that gives you the energy of a DJ with the sophistication of live music.

Not at all! I bring my own professional keyboard and all necessary equipment. This means we can perform anywhere, regardless of whether the venue has a piano.

Absolutely! I love learning special songs for couples. Whether it's your first dance, a meaningful song from your relationship, or a family tradition, I can arrange and perform it live during your event.

A traditional DJ plays pre-recorded music. With live instrumentation, you get the versatility of a DJ PLUS the magic of live music performance. It's the best of both worlds - I can play any song you want while adding live musical elements that create unforgettable moments your guests have never experienced before.

Live instrumentation is positioned as a premium service because it's truly unique and requires years of musical training and performance experience. However, many couples find it's worth the investment for the "wow factor" and the elevated experience it provides. Package pricing is available when booking multiple services.

Guests are always amazed! It's unexpected and creates memorable moments throughout the evening. Many tell me they've never seen anything like it at a wedding before. It becomes a talking point and adds that extra special touch that makes your event stand out.

Absolutely! I have plenty of performance videos showcasing the DJ/live piano combination. I'm happy to send examples or schedule a call where I can play samples and show you exactly what to expect.

No. The live piano is strategically integrated at key moments throughout the night to enhance the energy and create those "wow" moments. DJing remains the foundation—I read the crowd and add piano when it elevates the experience. It's about creating the perfect balance, not overwhelming every song.

Absolutely! We'll work together during the planning process to create your ideal playlist. You can provide must-play songs, do-not-play lists, and special requests. I can even create custom arrangements or mashups for your most important moments.

I maintain a network of professional backup DJs (though in 14 years, I've never missed an event). If the unthinkable happens, a qualified replacement would be provided. However, as the sole performer at Darby Events, I'm fully committed to being there for your celebration.

Yes! Ceremony sound is available as part of the package. I provide a dedicated high-quality sound system ensuring every guest hears your vows clearly, along with music for processional, recessional, and any special moments.

Most couples book 12-18 months in advance, especially for peak season (April-October). However, I occasionally have availability for dates within the year. Check availability as soon as possible to secure your preferred date.

I'm based in Charleston and regularly perform throughout the Lowcountry including Mount Pleasant, Kiawah, Folly Beach, and Isle of Palms. I also travel to Columbia, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, and accept destination weddings nationwide.

Yes! Truly unlimited. We've had events with 500+ prints and never limit the fun. Every guest can take home as many photo strips as they want throughout your entire rental period.

We focus on three things: aesthetic design (booths that photograph beautifully), cutting-edge technology (highest quality cameras and printers), and unmatched quality (we test equipment weekly and maintain commercial-grade standards). Plus our mirror booth is the first of its kind in the Southeast!

Absolutely! Custom print designs with your names and date, backdrop selection (or we'll create one), and personalized graphics. We work with you to ensure everything matches your event's aesthetic perfectly.

All digital photos are delivered via private online gallery within 48 hours. You and your guests can download, share, and post all images at no additional cost. The gallery link is shareable with everyone.

You get a vintage-style rotary phone, professional attendant to manage it, and all voice messages delivered as audio files within 72 hours. Most guests leave 30-60 second messages—they're incredibly personal and emotional keepsakes you'll treasure forever.

Yes, with proper coverage! We need access to power and a covered area (tent or overhang) to protect equipment. Direct sunlight affects photo quality, so shade is essential. We'll discuss your outdoor venue during planning.

Most couples book 12-18 months in advance, especially for peak season (April-October). However, I occasionally have availability for dates within the year. Check availability as soon as possible to secure your date.

No. The live piano is strategically integrated at key moments to enhance energy and create "wow" moments. DJing remains the foundation—I read the crowd and add piano when it elevates the experience. It's about perfect balance.

Absolutely! We'll work together during planning to create your ideal playlist. You can provide must-play songs, do-not-play lists, and special requests. I can even create custom arrangements or mashups for your most important moments.

All packages include professional sound equipment, wireless microphones, timeline coordination, unlimited planning meetings, and my DJ + live piano performance. Full-day packages also include ceremony sound and cocktail hour music.

Yes! I bring backup equipment to every wedding including spare speakers, laptop, and controllers. In 14 years and 500+ weddings, I've never had to cancel or experience technical issues that affected an event.