Welcome to our newest blog feature: vendors we love! Please meet Luke Joachim, AKA DJ CoolHand. This sharp-dressed, hard working cat always impresses us with his fresh beats and professionalism. Let’s learn more…
How did you discover your talent?
I started DJing back in high school as a way to throw parties. My first paid gig was a wedding and I was hooked ever since.
How did your business blossom?
I went to college in New Orleans for music. During my time there I started DJing for major acts and touring the country. It added clout to my wedding and corporate events so my business grew rapidly. Not to mention, it taught me how to deescalate the most stressful situations which has been helpful for all my events, especially weddings.
Do you work alone, or do you lead a team?
On the wedding day, I’m the DJ and MC. I may bring an assistant to help me setup and takedown my equipment, if I think it’s necessary. Our agency, Remixologists, is a team of the best DJs in New York and beyond.
What is your process with wedding clients before the wedding? Couples that want a “non-cliche” wedding DJ contact me either via my website or Remixologists. We schedule a phone call and possibly a time to meet in Manhattan. If I’m the perfect fit, clients usually book within 6-18 months before their wedding. We make planning and music requests easy by using an online portal and including a sample timeline template that’s easy to fill in. Clients can send me music requests, however is most convenient for them via a playlist from their favorite music service or writing it directly into the template. There are specific songs for special parts of the night like the first dance, must-plays for dancing, a general playlist, and a do-not-playlist,which usually includes group dances like the YMCA. I have a full spectrum of clients from people that want to choose every single song and couples that leave it up to me to read the room. Both are creative challenges that keep my job interesting. My favorite part of my job is mixing the music live and making the party rock.
How do you continue to grow as an artist?
I love DJing unique weddings that want the best DJ service in NYC. Clients often expand my music knowledge via their request for non-traditional and non-American tunes. I also run a podcast called DJ for Hire that promotes professionalism in the DJ industry by sharing my tips and interviewing other pro DJs.
Sharon Becker is truly a gem in this industry! Sharon has the magic touch. That’s really all I can say without repeating myself. If you are looking for a calming presence, an extremely competent hand, and a truly reliable vendor, look no further than Sharon Becker and SB Beauty.
Megan
Sharon, thank you SO much for making myself and the wedding party look absolutely stunning. (and for making me beautiful after I cried) Please let Chelsea and your team know what an amazing job they did. Myself and the bridesmaids looked and felt gorgeous on my wedding day! You are the BEST and I will be sure to recommend you to all my friends and coworkers!
Christie
Sharon Becker, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for the amazing job on my hair and makeup on our elopement to NYC in September. I truly felt beautiful by the time you had finished with me and was so thrilled with the natural, elegant style you created for me. Denise & Scott xx
Denise B.
Sharon is talented, organized, patient, hard-working, and calm; she listens carefully to her clients, executes any desired look perfectly, and does an all-around incredible job. I could not have felt more beautiful on my wedding day, and that is largely thanks to Sharon’s exquisite work. My six bridesmaids and all of my family members adored working with Sharon as well… I could not recommend Sharon more highly!
Gabriella K
Sharon Becker did my hair and makeup (and hair and makeup for my mom and bridesmaid) at my Spring 2014 wedding. We all looked great, and I loved the way I Iooked–fresh and pretty, but my makeup stayed in place for hours without looking overdone or feeling sticky; plus Sharon is fab to work with–calm and fun and flexible.