We had the good fortune of connecting with James DiNanno and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi James, what do you attribute your success to?
I think the most important factor behind our success is that we always remain focused on what our clients love about the brand. We built the company on an authentic foundation and mission. Music is so important to me and everyone on the team. Initially, we wanted to offer couples a music experience that goes beyond wedding cliches, and avoid hokey emcee banter. There’s lots of shiny distractions that present as opportunities, as the business grows. We remain grounded in the mission and that’s how decisions are made. Something could be potentially highly lucrative in the short term, but not align with the mission of the brand. If that’s the case, I always pass on it.
Other times, opportunities arise that support that foundation of exceptional music knowledge and classy emceeing. In those cases, we may take the growth opportunity.
But the foundation that our clients love, that will always be the litmus test.

What should our readers know about your business?
Meritage Entertainment is a DJ and Uplighting company that offers “a new approach for the modern couple.” Our reputation is rooted in a personalized client experience.

Music is the passion. Each Meritage DJ is also a musician. The result is an expansive knowledge of all genres and generations of music, as well as a skill set to carefully and creatively blend music selections. This ensures a PACKED dance floor!

#NoWayCliche… That’s right! Meritage takes pride in removing the cheese factor from weddings. Couples entrust in them as the alternative to the over the top wedding DJ; no games, no uncomfortable jokes, no YMCA…just polished, charismatic announcements and great music.

Ambiance is everything and Meritage creates that perfect glow with uplighting. Choose from any color concept to beautifully accent Bradstreet’s space. From a subtle candlelit glow that enhances the rustic vibe, to exciting color changes that match the energy of the party, anything is possible!

With nearly 1000 online reviews from happy couples all over New England, Nashville, and Philly, the results speak for themselves! Meritage has proudly received WeddingWire’s Couples Choice award for the last eight years, as well as Best Entertainment company from the Northshore Magazine, Boston Magazine and the Knot.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The Lane Motor Museum, White Limozeen in the Graduate is a super vibey bar, and you’ve gotta get BBQ at Martin’s!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There have been so many people, albums and books that inspired me along the way. But my wonderful wife Liz is absolutely the main reason this brand has thrived. She co-owns the company with me. I was at a cross-roads in life where seemingly everything was falling apart. The company I was working for offered no opportunity for growth, the energy was very negative, and the singer in the band I was playing in got in a serious car accident. It seemed like the main roads that I had ventured down for years were dead ends. We were living paycheck to paycheck at the time too, and newly married with a first home.
It was a dark, scary time.

Liz encouraged me to take that leap of faith. She’s brilliant with marketing and really helped embellish the company’s mission visually. Her encouraging, loving and empathetic nature during such a turbulent time was the reason I was able to persevere.

Website: meritagedj.com

Instagram: instagram.com/meritagedj

Facebook: Facebook.com/meritagedj

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIy2eaUEVemgAZPEGig3RHA

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutTennessee is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.