Ami + Tom: August 21, 2010
I frequently get to work for couples who live in other places but choose to get married here in Massachusetts or in neighboring Rhode Island. When I first met with Ami & Tom, I was surprised to learn that they’d actually be moving out of state in the six months between our meeting and their wedding day. The reason was simple: job transfer. However, the joys (and chaos) of moving didn’t impair their wedding plans at all. For me, learning about their musical tastes and reception details was simple, thanks to the online event planning system that I have for all of my clients. It’s super-convenient, and it allows me to keep track of every detail and special request.
For Ami & Tom’s wedding, I provided sound reinforcement for their wedding ceremony as well as reception entertainment. Everyone enjoyed the music – although there wasn’t as much dancing as I’d hoped for earlier in the night (Ami & Tom had some catching up to do with the friends they’d moved away from), things definitely picked up as the night went on. I purposely saved some of the bride and groom’s special requests for later in the evening, when I knew they’d be dancing. Among the artists on their request list: Lady Gaga, K.C. & The Sunshine Band, The Gap Band and Flo Rida.
As expected, the staff at Indian Pond Country Club did an amazing job – in addition to a multiple-course meal, Ami & Tom opted for a chocolate fountain dessert station. I’ve seen lots of these in the past few years – some good, some just okay. This presentation was among the best.
Congratulations, Ami & Tom!
Wedding Party Introduction Music: Forever – Chris Brown
Ami & Tom’s Intro Song: Sirius – Alan Parsons Project (it’s the song everyone associates with the Chicago Bulls)
First Dance: More Than Anyone – Gavin DeGraw
Bride/Father Dance: My Girl – The Temptations
Groom/Mother Dance: What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
Song Played During The Cake Cutting: I’ve Got A Crush On You – Michael Buble
Wedding Party Dance: In My Life – The Beatles
Last Dance: How Sweet It Is – James Taylor
Farewell Song: Last Dance – Donna Summer
Ami & Tom's Wedding Cake
Tables were set perfectly for the reception.
The Centerpieces
Indian Pond Country Club, Kingston MA
The dancing begins!
Ami & Tom lead a dance to "The Wild Rover"
Last Dance
More dancing...right to the finish!
Danielle + Stephen: August 14, 2010
One of my favorite August events was Danielle & Stephen’s wedding ceremony and reception in downtown New Bedford. At first, hearing the words Whaling Museum might bring back memories of elementary school field trips. However, I can assure you that as a venue, the New Bedford Whaling Museum is top-notch. This was my second event there (read about the first one here), and my first working with Events Manager Karen Allen.
One of the things that I really liked about Danielle & Stephen were their musical tastes, especially when it came to choosing songs for their wedding ceremony. When we first met, they had only their recessional song picked out – Smash Mouth’s “I’m A Believer”, so I was asked to offer up some suggestions about what other songs they should consider. Danielle had originally considered the Guns N’ Roses staple “Sweet Child Of Mine” – it’s her most favorite song of all time – but I thought it might be too heavy for the ceremony itself. One of my suggestions was for this couple was to check out Vitamin String Quartet; they’ve put a classical twist on hundreds of popular songs and are a wedding DJ’s savior when it comes to modern ceremony music. Danielle really liked their rendition of “Sweet Child Of Mine”, and also found an instrumental version of Snow Patrol’s hit “Chasing Cars”. With those two songs, the ceremony selection decisions had been made final.
The ceremony began at 6:00pm. Immediately following, guests had the option of enjoying the fantastic weather outdoors, or the opportunity to view the museum’s exhibits. Most opted to stay outdoors, as the sea breeze from the nearby waterfront was a refreshing change from the 90+ degree temperatures that became the norm for Summer 2010.
Dinner service was provided by Pranzi Catering; photography by Matthew Poyant, who recommended me to Danielle & Steve. I’m truly honored when other professionals take note of my work and refer their clients to me.
Dancing began at 8:30, and for the next two-and-a-half hours I delivered a 42-song mix of music which included a number of guest requests in addition to some of Danielle & Stephen’s favorites. The dance floor, although small, was the place to be – everyone enjoyed the party. The reception ended just before 11:00, with smiles all around. Danielle & Stephen had an amazing time.
Wedding Party Introduction Music: Bring ‘Em Out – T.I.
Danielle & Stephen’s Intro Music: I Can’t Help Myself – Four Tops
First Dance: If I Should Fall Behind – Bruce Springsteen
Bride/Father Dance: My Wish – Rascal Flatts
Groom/Mother Dance: Forever Young – Rod Stewart
Cake Cutting: Sugar Sugar – The Archies
Last Dance: Save The Last Dance For Me – Michael Buble
Farewell Song: Friends In Low Places – Garth Brooks
The Whaling Museum, New Bedford MA
Danielle & Stephen's Wedding Cake
Whale skeletons are suspended from the ceiling.
The dance floor at 10pm.
Living On A Prayer
Danielle & Stephen on the dance floor.
Pam + Shane: July 30, 2010
I’m really starting to think that this is THE year for great wedding receptions – and here’s the best part – there are still five months left in 2010, two of which are the most popular months for weddings here in Southeastern New England. Although I did have quite a few events in July, most were for other types of events, including a road race, two anniversary parties, and a birthday.
I’ll admit that I was somewhat anxious in the days leading up to Pam and Shane’s wedding. Not for any specific reason, just because I truly care about the success of my clients’ events. Even though I’ve done a number of events at LeBaron Hills Country Club this year, this was the first time someone had requested my piano playing talents during the cocktail hour there. It was also the first time that my services had been included as part of LeBaron Hills’ Grande Wedding Package, along with photography by Through The Lens and videography by Silver City Video Productions. Needless to say, I wanted Pam and Shane’s reception to be the absolute best.
Pam and Shane are somewhere in Italy as I type this, but I’m sure they’d agree that it was. You simply couldn’t have asked for anything better.
Cocktail hour began at 5:00 on the patio. Shortly after 6:00, guests were asked to take their seats. For introductions, Pam and Shane had requested an assortment of Michael Jackson songs to be played, one for each couple being introduced. Things like this have to be pre-produced, but I was happy to oblige. It’s the details like this that make my receptions unique and memorable. And when Pam and Shane entered to the sounds of “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough”, everyone knew that this was going to be an amazing party. The bride and groom entered the room dancing… and kept on dancing once they reached the dance floor. I was hesitant to fade into their actual first dance song, as they were clearly enjoying every second of MJ. In fact, by the time we reached the chorus, the entire wedding party had joined the bride and groom on the dance floor.
After dinner and cake, the dance floor quickly filled. Pam and Shane had given me a list of only ten songs to play – all great choices, ranging from “Jump Around” to Wyclef Jean’s “We Trying To Stay Alive” to one of my current favorites, David Guetta’s “Gettin Over You”. I mixed these with a number of current hits, like Usher’s “OMG” and another of my favorites, Taio Cruz’s “Dynamite”, and also included a few tried-and-true party favorites. A highlight of the night was Shane’s rendition of “Friends In Low Places”. It’s something he’s been singing at friends’ weddings for a number of years, so he definitely wanted to sing it at his own wedding.
The evening wrapped up with a return to the Michael Jackson theme – “Thriller”. However, with a packed dance floor at the very end, I was happy to play a couple of extras. Those two, “Mo Money Mo Problems”, and Usher’s “Yeah”, made for a fun ending to an outstanding reception.
Congratulations, Pam and Shane!
First Dance: “Smile” – Uncle Kracker
Song Played During The Cake Cutting: “That’s Amore” – Dean Martin
Bride/Father Dance: “Because You Loved Me” – Celine Dion
Groom/Mother Dance: “Danny Boy” – John McDermott
Bouquet Toss: “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) – Beyonce
Last Dance: “You Are So Beautiful” – Joe Cocker
Farewell Song: “Thriller” – Michael Jackson
Our setup at LeBaron Hills Country Club
Pam & Shane's First Dance
The dancefloor filled very quickly.
The chair cover ties became the night's most popular fashion accessory.
Just before 10pm
An impromptu Conga line broke out towards the end of the night
The last dance.
Lisa + Mike: June 12, 2010
My west coast DJ colleague Scott Faver once wrote a piece called “Where’s the party?”. He’d ask the question to his clients, and when they answered with the name of a venue, city, or other location, he’d tell them they’re wrong. In short, at a wedding reception, the party is wherever the bride and groom happen to be. And when they’re both on the dance floor, you can be assured that their guests will be there too.
At Lisa & Mike’s wedding reception, the party was on the Tirell Room’s dancefloor.
The bride and groom were referred to me through Lisa’s sister Denise, whom I’d previously met when she sang at Keith & Stacey’s memorable 2008 wedding. Denise is a fantastic vocalist – in fact, the first question I had for Lisa and Mike was about whether or not Denise would be singing at their wedding. Of course, the answer was yes. But as an added bonus, we’d have another vocalist as well.
Guests arrived at the reception in great spirits, despite a rainfall that kept everyone indoors. And when Lisa & Mike were introduced into the room, the level of applause was proof that we were in for a fun night. There was dancing, singing (Trisha London sang the song for the Groom and his Mom – a rendition of Molly Pasutti’s “The Man You’ve Become” that easily outdid the original version), more dancing, more singing (Denise’s take on “When You Say Nothing At All” kept everyone on the dance floor and was easily as good, if not better, than Alison Krauss’ well known version), and yes, more dancing. This was a great reception. And to top it off, guests were provided with a CD of some of Lisa and Mike’s favorite songs AND Denise’s performance (Denise and I booked some studio time at Bongo Beach about a month before the reception, with the super-talented John Mailloux in charge of recording and mastering – well worth the investment)!
Did I mention there was dancing? Oh yes. Lots of it.
The bride and groom also chose some songs that will certainly find their way into my repertoire at other guests’ events, most notably Maroon 5′s version of “The Way You Look Tonight”. It was a perfect song to cap off a fun and talent-filled night.
Congratulations Lisa and Mike!
Introduction Music: I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas
Lisa & Mike’s Introduction: A Little Less Conversation – Elvis Presley
First Dance: I Do (Cherish You) – Mark Wills
Song played during the Cake Cutting: Makin’ Whoopie – Rod Stewart & Elton John
Bride/Father Dance: Daughter Of Mine – John McDermott
Groom/Mother Dance: The Man You’ve Become – Molly Pasutti (live vocal performance by Tricia London
Last Dance: The Way You Look Tonight – Maroon 5
Farewell Song: Life Is A Highway – Rascal Flatts
The Tirell Room, Quincy MA
Lisa & Mike's First Dance
Dancing Bride
Dancing Groom
Denise sings "When You Say Nothing At All"
Mike & the Groomsmen start the conga line.
Hands up!
More dancing.
Last Dance
Mike shares the farewell dance with Lisa's grandmother.
Ellen & David: June 5, 2010
You probably wouldn’t think it, but there’s a lot of planning that a skilled wedding DJ does in the weeks and months leading up to a client’s wedding. For me, the preparation process includes meeting with my clients, going over the reception timeline, making sure I can properly pronounce the names of the bridesmaids and groomsmen that I’ll be introducing at the reception, preparing playlists and tracking down hard-to-find music requests, making backup copies of important songs, and then typing up the notes that I’ll be using at the event. That process takes anywhere from 4 to 10 hours, but it’s absolutely necessary. My goal is to provide to my clients the best service possible on the most celebratory night of their lives.
Despite all of the prep work that I do, there are still some things that I just can’t predict, like guests arriving at the reception venue more than an hour before the scheduled start time while I’m still setting up, or the mother of the bride who somehow gets hold of the microphone and wants to say a few words just as I’m about to introduce the Best Man’s toast. My experience and a year’s worth of improv comedy training has taught me how to roll with these types of changes smoothly. And fortunately, I get to work for really fun couples, like Ellen and David.
Yes, their guests did arrive early, which was no problem at all thanks to Andrew Beuttler and the staff at LeBaron Hills Country Club. I can’t tell you how many venues would have turned people away until the scheduled start time. Instead of making people sit in their cars for an hour, the events staff moved quickly to finish the room preparations, direct guests into the venue’s lounge area, and then out to the patio for cocktail hour. Andrew would probably want me to tell you that this type of accommodation was an exception to the rule. Still, it was a generous move on his part. Great job.
I gotta feeling… that tonight’s gonna be a good night…
I don’t often get to meet the parents of the bride and groom until it’s time to line them up for introductions. In retrospect, I wish I had met Ellen’s mom sooner. She’s terrific. I realized this right after the officiant who said the blessing before dinner handed her the microphone. Not knowing what she might say, and because there was no previous mention of her making a speech, I reached out to take the microphone. And in front of 175 guests, into an open microphone, Ellen’s mom said these six words in the softest, sweetest, slightly-nervous voice:
“…but I’m the mother of the bride!”
First, there was laughter. And then there was overwhelming applause. I turned to Ellen, got a nod of approval, and then brought her mom out to the center of the dancefloor with the microphone.
Her speech was very impromptu, but fabulous. You can’t plan a moment like that.
With everyone in great spirits (they were dancing before the main course was served), I knew for sure that the night would be even better than I had imagined. Ellen must have danced the entire night; her friends requested some great songs that I love but don’t usually play at weddings, and the energy level in the room was unbelievable. For the DJ, there’s nothing better than getting high-fives during the reception from the bride, groom and guests… it’s the ultimate seal of approval.
Congratulations, Ellen & David!
Introduction Music: “I Gotta Feeling” – Black Eyed Peas
Ellen & David’s Intro Music: “Say Hey (I Love You” – Michael Franti & Spearhead
First Dance: “All I Want Is You” – U2
Song played during the Cake Cutting: “Sugar Sugar” – The Archies
Groom/Mother Dance: “A Mother’s Song” – T. Carter
Bouquet Toss Song: “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” – Beyonce
Last Dance: “I’ll Be” – Edwin McCain
Farewell Song: “Dont’ Stop Believin’” – Journey
Ellen & David's First Dance
The wedding cake.
Dancing began immediately after the cake cutting...
...and continued even before dinner was served.
Dancing under an indoor moonlit sky.
Last dance.
