*Photographer: Kearsten Taylor Photography*

We are continuing our ‘Meet the Vendors’ blog series where we introduce you to our wonderful My Mystic Wedding Preferred Vendors, and today we’re getting to know Jason from Dawson Entertainment! Jason is one of our favorite DJs and he also offers a number of other entertainment elements for your big day including uplighting, LOVE marquee letters (we’re big fans of these!), photo booths and more.

“Dawson Entertainment is a DJ, lighting and photo booth company founded by Jason Dawson (DJ JD) in 2007. With his background in nightlife event production as Music Director and resident DJ at Shrine Nightclub inside Foxwoods, Jason combines the high energy, smooth transition mixing style of a nightclub DJ with the refined experience and fun playlist of a wedding DJ to keep the dance floor rocking!

While playing the right music is extremely important, Dawson Entertainment has other elements that can help boost your event’s entertainment value. Uplighting is the perfect way to customize the color palette and highlight architectural features of your event space. Bistro string lighting will add that romantic star-like glow overhead. The Edison Bulb Wall is a beautiful backdrop for a head table or dance floor. The Mirror Photo Booth is a fun new twist on a classic event staple. Huge Marquee Letters make a statement and are a perfect photo opportunity for you and your guests. Dawson Entertainment prides itself on bringing these elements together to make an unforgettable, fun event!”

*Photographer: Kelsey Regan Photography*

We love getting to know our MMW Vendors better so we asked Jason some questions about how he started his business, a few questions about weddings, and what he enjoys doing when he’s not DJing…

How did you become a DJ?
The inspiration started in middle school when I would choose which CDs were played at parties. Then I saw the movie Juice which has an epic DJ battle scene. That got me interested enough to bug my parents for my first DJ gear as a Christmas present. Soon enough I was playing friends’ birthday parties and even my teacher’s wedding, while still in high school. I kept DJing through college and once I graduated, decided I had to DJ full time. That’s when I started taking it more seriously, officially starting my business, focusing on creating great mixes that people loved and started playing events and nightclubs full-time.

What do you love about being a wedding DJ?
Watching a group of family and friends come together to celebrate with nothing but joy and love is simply the best! As the DJ, helping create fun memories on the dance floor by playing an exciting mix of songs and getting the crowd’s reaction is what I live for.

What are the top three songs couples request for their playlist?
”Uptown Funk” by Bruno Mars
”Can’t Stop The Feeling” by Justin Timberlake
”Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
The funny thing is, these are also probably the most requested do not plays, along with the chicken dance!

What is your favorite part of a wedding?
The last song of the night can be such an epic showing of energy that almost nothing can beat it!

What is the last book you read?
I listen to a LOT of books on Audible. Right now I’m about halfway through the “Home” series by A. American which coincidentally fits somewhat with the situation we’re going through right now. I also recently listened to “Never Split the Difference” by Chris Voss and “Midnight in Chernobyl” by Adam Higginbotham. I am reading a real, physical book as well. It’s the first Harry Potter book which me and my five-year-old, Lukas, are slowly getting through :)

What are the top three places on your travel bucket list?
- Anywhere you can see the Northern Lights
- Japan
- Australia

Edison Bulb Wall: Dawson Entertainment Photographer: Uplift Photography — Edison Bulb Wall: Dawson Entertainment
Photographer: Uplift Photography

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Spare time? What’s that? Lol. Besides owning Dawson Entertainment I also teach DJing classes at Berklee College of Music in Boston and am the Music Director and DJ for Big Night Entertainment Group, also based in Boston, which owns 17 venues throughout New England. But I do my best to dedicate time to my family. Finding that balance has not been easy, but it has gotten easier. We like to watch movies together and with a five-year-old there’s always some game to play, like cops and robbers or Ninjas or just building with Legos.

What is one thing that most people don't know about you?
I love Legos! I always loved them as a kid and was reintroduced to them with a Christmas gift a few years ago. Ever since I’ve been on a rampage and would be scared to say how many sets I’ve bought. Building the sets is fun and relaxing. Some of the things you can build now are just incredible. It’s also been a great way to bond with my son, Lukas, who loves to help out and has started a collection of his own.

Thank you so much for sharing, Jason! Visit Dawson Entertainment’s website, Instagram and Facebook pages to learn more about the variety of wedding services Jason offers, and to contact him for your big day. Trust us, you definitely want him on your dream team of vendors!