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.
