Brian Holmes
The Big Man in the middle.
First thing's first: Brian played center on his basketball team growing up. He sprouted to 6'2" at age 12! He has since been in a growth drought, severely limiting the expected contract offers from the NBA. What he took away from the hardwood, though, was a dedication to do the small things for the greater good of the team -- setting picks, screening out, throwing the occasional elbow -- eh, the other guy had it coming.
The next place he played center was in the restaurant business -- as in, center of the restaurant, the heart: the kitchen. Though ten delicious years makin' finger lickin' yum aren't enough to have him consider himself a chef, he can make a tri-tip that'll make you wish you had tri-mouths to eat it with. He also proudly notes his membership in PETA (People for the Eating of Tasty Animals).
But if you want to know Brian Holmes -- you know, like "know" Brian Holmes, he's in the following story. Pull up a chair:
Brian was DJing a wedding where the groom had a special bottle of wine -- a bottle he had been given at his graduation from high school. The groom vowed to save it for his wedding. 22 years later, the big day had arrived.
The groom handed the bottle off to the coordinator with a big smile. A few minutes later, the coordinator returned with the bottle's neck broken and a half-hearted (at best) apology. The groom was nearly as shattered as his prized bottle. Brian jumped in and asked the groom if he could try to make a save. The groom shrugged and said, "Sure". Brian went into the kitchen, got a filter and strained the wine into the carafe (for as long as he could until the coordinator burst in and kicked him out). Brian left the kitchen, with the caveat that they actually finish the job for the groom's sake.
Sure enough, a few minutes later, the coordinator walked out proudly with the carafe as if he'd done it all himself. Was Brian upset? Not in the least. He left happy knowing the groom's big moment had been saved.
That's the big man's big heart you hear beating.
GoTo Links:
"I (we) want to extend our most sincere thoughts and commendations to Brian Holmes (DJ) and the rest of your staff (chris & bob) for what was an absolutely perfect wedding due mostly in part to Brian and D&D. Brian was such a blast to be around from our first meeting all the way to our goodbyes after the reception was over. He assured us multiple times that he provides more than just a DJ, he provides as service. Being a fireman, I understand those exact words. Brian made our wedding go flawless. From coordinating the timing of the ceremony, to the intros, to special requests, to the ken & barbie test - all the way to making sure the bathrooms found handsoap and assisting the flower lady move 150 lb. bag of river rock around. Brian was truly the best, and for 15 days now since our wedding, each and every time Adrienne & I discuss the memories, we always tip our cap to Brian because none of it was possible without him. Please, Please, PLEASE do not hesitate sending people our way for referals/ recommendations/ testimonials for D&D. Brian you rocked, you without a doubt made our special day the best it could have been and we are forever in debt to you brother. Go A's!"
Chad & Adrienne Navarro, Benicia Arsenal, May 14, 2011
"All of our friends and family that had anything to say said only good things. They loved the whole wedding. I also heard that they liked the mix of music. I also appreciate that Brian let us have one of our guests call a tip of square dancing… it was cool to finally be able to show all the friends who did not know what it is, what it is!"
-Rachelle Dunn, Rancho Solano Country Club, April 9, 2011
"Our party was great!!!! Brian was awesome!!!! Our guests didn’t want to stop dancing!! Thank you again so much!!! We look forward to seeing you guys a lot more once wedding season starts!!"
-Kim Moraga, Catering Manager at Lafayette Park Hotel, January 23, 2011
"Just a quick not to let you know that Brian Holmes did a GREAT job at our wedding. Everything was smooth and he took good care of us the entire night. Our friends and family had a blast on the dance floor and people especially liked the shoe game, the way he did introductions, and the first dance with everybody standing around us. I would recommend Brian and Denon and Doyle to anybody."
-Brian and Erin Corbett, Shadelands Art Center, December 18, 2010
"Brian (DJ) and Richard (photo booth) are both great guys and took very good care of our group. Brian remembered our group from last year and tried to come up with creative ways to get people dancing and having fun -- he is very respectful and wonderful to work with. Richard was terrific with folks using the photo booth -- very patient and a great energy.
All in all it was a wonderful night and we really appreciate your help and how easy it was to work with Denon & Doyle!!"
-Si France, McKinsey & Company, Menlo Circus Club, December 17, 2010
"You guys did an amazing job. Brian was EXCELLENT and the photo booths were a big hit. Justin and Austin were also a big hit with the crowds and did an amazing job keep the lines moving and the people happy.
The music was great and again Brian did an excellent job, especially juggling the MANY requests that were thrown at him. Thank you and we definitely look forward to working with you guys again."
-Sheri Colvin, Wells Fargo, Concord Hilton, December 10, 2010
"The party was a great success and a good time was had by all. Brian was great! He made announcements for me, hosted a raffle and played PERFECT music for the group. I’ve had DJs before and he is the best yet. And the photo booth was a big hit!! Tell Brian “thank you” from us all."
-Cynthia Shelvy, Stacey and Witbeck, Claremont Resort & Spa, December 4, 2010
"We cannot begin to express to you how grateful we are to Brian for making our wedding so magical. I have never been to a wedding where I was so impressed with the DJ. The second we got out of our limo, Brian had a drink in our hand. Almost everyone at the wedding has commented specifically on how amazing Brian was, and I have already had two brides ask for his contact information. I felt like I was in such good hands that I was able to completely relax and just enjoy the night... Brian did EVERYTHING. He kept our drinks flowing all night, spaced out activities perfectly, and was able to make one of the speeches given hilarious by adding the soundtrack to the Titanic. I will never forget how above and beyond Brian went for every moment of our wedding. On that note, I really want to send him a (big) tip and am wondering where I can send a check. Thank you a million times over to your company, and specifically to Brian for being the best DJ I have ever met!"
-Anne Harman, Servino Restaurant, September 5, 2010
"Tyler and I can't say thank you enough to Brian Holmes and Denon & Doyle. Brian was so professional, helpful, engaging and absolutely helped to make our wedding day amazing. He helped the day go so smoothly and did such a great job at getting all the guests up and dancing. We will recommend Brian and Denon & Doyle to our our family and friends."
-Maren Quigley, Poppy Ridge Golf Course, September 4, 2010
"May I please extend to you my most sincere and honest suggestion about Brian: Hold onto him! A party is only as fun as its DJ, I believe, and not ONE person left that evening with anything negative to say about Brian, the music, or the party. It was rather cold and windy, so the guests griped about that, but that was the only thing that Brian couldn't have managed. He was always making sure I had everything I needed of him, offered to even help serve cupcakes! He made sure I was ... well-served from the bartender too, bringing me a Corona before I'd even made it to the reception! There really was nothing that had to be done that evening that Brian didn't have part in. He's hilarious too... And the game he played with Tony and I and our shoes- we LOVED this too- we're watching it on the wedding video right now, actually... no joke, it's great.
Brian was fantastic, you all were great to communicate with and I will forever remember how much fun we all had on the dance floor!!! We're watching the video saying "Wow, look at all the people dancing- even my Aunt Sandy!" Which is a true testament to Brian's work!
Please give him a big hug from me and I will pass on a pic and official thank you to him as soon as I get some pictures from our photographer."
"I am so happy that my husband and I chose Denon & Doyle for our wedding reception and especially that we chose Brian Holmes as our DJ. Brian was amazing! He went way above and beyond and we can't thank him enough. Brian had told us he was our "go-to" man if we needed anything. When Randy and I went to cut our cake, Randy noticed there were no serving plates on the table. Not to worry, Brian was right there helping get the plates from the staff and everything was fine. That's just one example of many that Brian did to help ensure our wedding reception ran smoothly. The music was just the right combinaton and included all of our favorite dance songs. Our guests had so much fun. Thanks again Brian, you are the best! "-Amy Hadrich, Hacienda De Las Flores, August 27, 2010
- Cathy and Randy, The Mountain Terrace, July 24, 2010
"Thank you so much! Brian was amazing. He surpassed any and all ideas I previously had of what a DJ would be like. He acted as our wing-man for the entire event. For example, early in the evening, even before the dancing started, the temperature in the room was passing uncomfortable on the way to pizza-oven range. Most people didn't notice, but Brian picked up on the pallor of my face and immediately worked with the coordinator to correct the situation. In between courses, Brian discretely came over to let me know that the facility engineer's were working on lowering the temperature, handed me an ice cold bottle of water, and encouraged me to hang in there. Brian was on top of everything that evening. He kept the party lively enough for the younger group yet still included the more experienced generation in the festivities. It was the perfect mix. Ive heard countless stories about my now brother-in-law's wedding and how it was such an amazing party that the DJ was leaning across the table as if he was actually in a club or at a rave. Nick and I wanted as much of that as we could get (his brother was married right out of college, and we're a little further removed from that age, AKA older. We didn't think we would be 'rocking out' as much as they did, but hoped to come close). And Brian gave us that. Don't get me wrong, he never acted inappropriately. But he did make sure that our reception is one of those that other people will think, 'I want to have as awesome of a party as they did.
I can't thank D&D enough for the exceptional job accomplished. Ya'll will be my only recommendation for DJ's from now on. Thanks again!"
-Kelly Terry Hoskovec, Hyatt - Santa Clara, July 10, 2010
"We had an absolute blast at our wedding, everyone is still talking about it! Brian was fantastic! I couldn't have asked for anything more! Everyone LOVED the "shoe game." I will definitely be recommending you guys to anyone who is looking for a DJ!!!!"
-Julie Willet, Round Hill Country Club, June 26, 2010
"You are going to laugh... I actually wrote the following on wedding wire prior to us leaving for Bora Bora... We are in Bora Bora right now actually, but I thought I would send this to you...
Review A team that knows what they are doing and just amazing to work with!! Sue, Kevin and Brian are all part of the team that I worked with and they were all just so great!! Sue.. thank you for your flexibility, your responsiveness and the quality of your team. Brian, thank you for your patience!! Brian worked with us when we were picking music till the last day!! And Kevin... he mentioned to me it was the longest event he ever did.. .over 14 hours and wow... he was awesome!! Flexible, on time, and just the perfect guy for the job!! Great team and highly recommended!
Anyway, Thank you for everything!! You guys were amazing and I would highly recommend you guys for anything... and if I ever need a DJ, I know who to call."
-Dr. Sujith Shetty, Palm Event Center, June 20, 2010
"The wedding was amazing and Brian was really great!! I've heard lots of guests say how fun the music and dancing was, I would reccommend Brian to anyone."
-Angela Hass, Brazilion Roon, May 22, 2010
"Everything went awesome. Brian was great, and kept the party going untill the end. I look forward to working more with you soon."
-Freedom Moore, City Beach, March 25, 2010
"The event was great and Brian was amazing!! He was a pleasure to work with and had obviously given out event a lot of thought prior to working at it. There was great energy between him and the auctioneer and the music was perfect. I've received lots of great feedback about him! If we do an auction next year, we'll definitely be requesting him!!"
-Jackie Cate, Boundary Oaks, February 27, 2010
"Brian was awesome, my parents absolutely adore him! He constantly kept the crowd and us entertained!!! I definitely know why your company is on the preferred vendor lists! No complaints, he went out of his way to make sure everything was well taken care of and he even stepped in and did the hotel's job at times!
Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!"
-Mahsa Khorasani, Ritz-Carlton Hotel, February 13, 2010