Tim Lopez, owner and founder of Modern Symphony DJ, takes wedding planning to a meticulous level—especially when it came to his own.
“My wife, fiancée at the time, just took a couple steps back and said, ‘All right, go ahead, work your magic,’” Lopez told the Sun.
Lopez handled his own wedding reception the same way he does for his clients—by reading the crowd and adjusting to their needs accordingly.
It seems to be working, he said, since Modern Symphony has won the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award four years in a row.
“It’s all about assessing the dance floor. You know there’s a problem if nobody’s dancing,” Lopez said. “Do whatever it takes—change the music, fix the lighting. Lighting can completely transform a venue, whether it’s indoor or outdoor.”
Although Modern Symphony provides décor lighting and a photo booth for events if requested, the company is mainly known for its DJ services.
Lopez said that being a DJ was his dream career as a child. Nothing made as much sense as being at the center of a big party, providing a driving rhythm for the festivities, he said.
“I went to a lot of weddings as a kid,” Lopez said. “Wanting to become a DJ was a combination of that, and just loving music in general.”
Lopez grew up listening to a variety of genres—classic rock, reggae, country, house music, disco, hip-hop, swing, and salsa. He has a massive library of music suited for any crowd, which he tailors to every moment of a wedding or party.
It’s important to actually like what you’re playing, as a DJ, he added. An eclectic taste is beneficial.
“You have to know your way around,” he said. “You never know what genre the bride, groom, or crowd is going to want at that moment. Even when it has been prepared in advance.”
Lopez works weddings all over California, from San Francisco to San Diego. He’s mainly booked for ceremonies on the Central Coast, which he calls a “gold mine” when it comes to weddings.
“People come from everywhere just to get married here,” Lopez said. “I’ll get calls from all over—New York, Miami. From my experience, it’s usually Cal Poly grads wanting to come back.”
Modern Symphony celebrates its sixth anniversary this May. Lopez feels blessed and is grateful especially for the positive feedback he’s received, he said.
“Even though I was a nervous wreck during my first gig, I ended up getting a $200 tip and a five-star review from the client,” Lopez said. “That was the kind of boost I needed to move forward. Knowing my brides, grooms, and guests are happy keeps me going.”
Intern Caleb Wiseblood would only want to hear Beatles songs at his wedding. Contact him at intern@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Feb 16-23, 2017.