Tell us a little bit about your business.
DJ Jess is an intuitive and energetic performer and MC who specializes in unique and creative weddings. Her connection-based wedding services are exceptional and have been recognized as the best by Pittsburgh Magazine.
DJ Jess has years of event and wedding experience, supplemented by an undergraduate degree in event coordination and marketing. She has DJ’d from Las Vegas to Pittsburgh, Atlantic City to Milwaukee, and has worked for the Pittsburgh Penguins as the in-house DJ. Jess is also a national conference educator and co-produces The Pittsburgh DJ Summit, a local conference for 150 nationwide DJs. . Her signature client experience and process includes a bit of magic and a heavy dose of connection to ensure that your wedding is a fresh concept and intentionally represents your unique love story.
What makes your work unique?
No two weddings are the same. Because my business is boutique-style, I spend an integral amount of time getting to know my couples, their musical tastes, and their wedding day vision. The clients I work with are not just clients; they are part of my DJ Jess family.
I am constantly evolving and setting new goals for myself through professional development and nationwide performances. I pour my heart and soul into everything I do, and I truly believe it shows when I’m working at a wedding. Plus, I have this crazy intuition when it comes to people. I’m able to pick up on things and tap into what works best.
What is your ideal client like?
My ideal client lives either in Pittsburgh or has relocated to a bigger city, like New York or D.C. They enjoy nature, coffee shops, supporting local and small businesses, going to concerts, traveling, and spending their weekends looking for new adventures. They may be an entrepreneur, in a creative field, or simply enjoy working with people. Music is a large part of their wedding day, and they want to have a say in what’s played, mixed with letting me have creative ability.
They also believe in magic.
My ideal client also wants their wedding day to be unique; instead of following typical traditions, they have ideas about special moments and creative twists they want to collaborate on and pursue.
How do you get to know a couple’s taste in music?
We talk about it during our first discovery call because I want to be sure our music styles vibe. I have an assortment of discovery activities included in the client experience that help peel back the musical layers of my couples.
During the final wedding meeting, we explore my discovery and expand as needed. I check out their Spotify and Apple Music lists to pick up on clues to their musical styles. I use an app called Vibo to plan and collect information also.
How do you motivate guests to get on the dance floor?
I’ve learned that my post-cocktail hour welcome speech is truly a key moment because it allows me to connect directly with your guests, set the tone, and begin forming a relationship with them early on. That connection carries into the dance floor and elevates the entire experience.
During dancing, I choose the right songs at the right time and tap into the crowd’s energy to provide what they need. My mixing skills allow me to elevate the experience and set the scene flawlessly for guests to enjoy the best parts of their favorite songs and remind them of tracks they forgot about.
I also make sure to frequently go dancing myself so that I stay connected to the result I’m striving for as a DJ, which is as many people on the dance floor as possible by knowing what the dance floor feels like.
How would you describe your emcee style?
I speak with your guests, not at them. That approach naturally builds connection and makes the experience feel more personal from the very beginning.
I keep your guests informed and the day moving smoothly, but I’m intentional about how and when I speak. I know when to guide the moment and when to step back and let it speak for itself. For example, guests truly don’t need to be told to “give a round of applause”, because moments demand that on their own.
My style blends clear communication with a “mindful MC” approach that encourages guests to stay present, connected, and fully in the experience… so the day doesn’t just fly by.
