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