I didn’t realize until closer to the wedding (and neither did they) that both Ryan and his Mother had separately hired me from venue referrals for both the rehearsal dinner and wedding on September 6^thand 7^th.  I knew I didn’t want to duplicate anything from night to night for this wonderful couple & their guests. Challenge accepted!

Brooke and Ryan’s rehearsal dinner was held on Friday at The Angus Barn Pavilion for 100 people.  As the guests arrived I had a mix of soft rock, classic soul, standards and a few country songs playing. They enjoyed visiting, cornhole on the back patio, passed hors d’oeuvres and the veggie and cheese display.  What do they do to that cheese to make it so good???

After the cocktail hour I invited them to take their seats for dinner.  His Father, Dave welcomed everyone and Pastor Nathan blessed the meal. The salads and entrees came out and I continued the same music mix as cocktails.  After dinner we had a shoe game and 6 toasts while guests enjoyed champagne and dessert.  Instead of opening the dance floor (that was holding over until Saturday) I played a mix of sing a long “Beachy/Yacht Rock” songs like “Build me Up Buttercup”, “Dancing In The Moonlight” and “Still The One” for guests to visit more before heading out.

Saturday- Wedding Day!!!!

I arrived at The Historic Wakefield Barn super early to set up for the ceremony and hang out with my fellow vendor friends. Shelley from Expressions Of Love Florist was getting the ceremony site on the 2^ndfloor ready. Photographer Nancy Ray was taking pics of Brooke, Ryan and wedding party separately around the property with videographers Chris & Toni from Heart Stone Films and Steph from Southern Oak Events was making sure everything was perfect.

As the 200 guests arrived for the ceremony they were treated to live music by a quartet from Arioso Strings. I ran a mic for Pastor Nathan as well as a hand held mic for a reader.  After the ceremony they were invited to the 1^st floor barn stables for cocktails and more music by Arioso Strings while the staff flipped the 2^nd floor for dinner and dancing.

When the room was ready guests came back upstairs and I lined the wedding party up for introductions. They were introduced to “(This Will Be) An Everlasting Love” and lined up in front of the head table.  Brooke and Ryan came in to loud applause and had their first dance to “Forever Like That” by Ben Rector.  They sang it to each other like they were the only ones in the room. It was so sweet!!  Brooke’s Father welcomed everyone and Brooke and Ryan blessed the meal.  During dinner I played a similar playlist to the night before, but different songs (of course).

After dinner we had a couple toasts and opened the floor with some Motown and top 40 that FILLED it by the end of the first song!  The floor was packed for the entire 2 hours!  We paused for the cake cutting to “How Sweet It Is” and a bouquet toss from the top of the mezzanine to “Single Ladies”, then back to dancing until the end of the night.

We ended with a last dance to “Wagon Wheel” before sending everyone downstairs again for a sparkler exit.

Thank you for everything Brooke, Ryan, Amy, Dave, Greg and Steph!! I was honored to play for you all weekend!

I always LOVE playing at The Umstead Hotel and Spa in Cary, NC!  This time, it was for Morgan and Mark’s wedding on September 1^st (the day before my Birthday).

Their ceremony was held earlier in the afternoon on the back lawn of The Umstead with Minister Ed Sansbury and music by Save The Date Music.  Morgan and Mark had lots of things for the 80 guests to do on their few hours break before the wedding reception later in the evening.

When I arrived I was greeted with a “Happy Birthday” from several staff members of The Umstead. Then, I saw a box left for me on my DJ table by baker Ashley Cakes!  Not going to lie, I kinda teared up a little.  My favorite cake that she makes (snickerdoodle) with my logo on top waiting for me!!  OMG!  So, I delicately moved it under my table and set up for the reception (and dreaming of eating that cake later!!).

The cocktail hour was held in the prefunction area outside of the ballroom I was in and The Umstead handled the music.  When the cocktail hour was over, the guests were invited inside the ballroom by planner extraordinaire GINA from A Southern Soiree.  The room looked beautiful with floral arrangements by Tre Bella, as did Morgan with makeup by Ashley Mooney. I can’t wait to see more pics from photographer Danielle from Blissmore Photography! I left music playing and went to line the wedding party up with Gina.  I introduced them to “I Gotta Feeling” and Morgan and Mark to the chorus of “Something Just Like This” by Coldplay.  They came in to loud applause and Morgan’s Father welcomed everyone.

The soup, salads and entrees came out and I played a mix of jazz standards during dinner.  After dinner we had the toasts and Ashley’s Cake cutting to “Sugar” by Maroon 5 that turned into a food fight..LOL!!  After they were cleaned up, they had their first dance to “25 Years” by Dan Rodriguez.  Morgan danced with her Father to “Butterfly Kisses” and Mark and his Mother to “My Wish”.  We had an anniversary dance to “L.O.V.E.” with the winners at 45 years married.  I opened the floor to everyone with “Brick House” and some 70’s then Top 40 that instantly filled it for the next 2 hours.

After dancing hard all night, it was time for the last dance to “Time Of My Life” from Dirty Dancing before a confetti cannon exit from the back patio. Thank you for everything Morgan, Mark, Danielle, Gina, Ashley Cakes and Kayla!

Photos courtesy of Blissmore Photography

When I met Gabe in October last year I just knew there was going to be an epic dance party for his wedding at Merrimon Wynne on August 31st!!

Their ceremony was held on the side lawn and officiated over by Gabe’s Brother Ben.  He did an amazing job, especially since this was his first wedding.  As the 150 guests arrived I had some light classical music playing.  The Grandparents thru the wedding party entered to an instrumental of “A Thousand Years”.  Kayla and her Father entered to Wagner’s “Here Comes The Bride”.  After a short service they recessed to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” and Ben invited everyone into the house for cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres by Donovan’s Dish.  During the cocktail hour they had a playlist Gabe had made playing.

After pics were taken by Photographer Jordan Maunder, planner Amanda from Amanda Blair By Design invited everyone into the carriage house for dinner. The carriage house looked beautiful with a hanging floral arrangement by Wylde Flowers! After everyone was seated, I introduced the wedding party to “I Gotta Feeling”. They came in to loud applause and had their first dance to “Beyond” by Leon Bridges.  LOVE him!!! The Parents dances followed with Kayla and her Father’s dance to “How Sweet It Is”.  Gabe escorted his Mother to the floor for their dance to “My Wish”.  Her Father welcomed everyone and the food stations opened on the lawn.  During dinner I had a mix of classic soul, standards and soft rock playing.

After dinner we had a couple toasts then went right into an epic 3 hour dance party!  I started with a few Motown songs then into some Top 40. For the next 3 hours I played lots of 70’s, Top 40 and a great EDM set at the end of the night with fists pumping!! We ended the night with a last dance to Donna Summer’s “Last Dance”.

Thank you so much Gabe, Kayla, Haleigh and Amanda!!

Cecile and Eddie chose Cary’s Umstead Hotel to welcome their 50 guests from all over the world on August 25th.

The ceremony was held on the back lawn overlooking the pond and officiated by their friend from South Africa, Pastor William.  After the ceremony, the guests made their way to the back patio for mocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres.  The Umstead covered the music.

After pics were taken by Rob and Amy Allen Photography, the doors to the small ballroom opened and guests found their seats with help from planner Elizabeth from A Southern Soiree.  The room looked beautiful with my uplights and floral arrangements by Preston Flowers Cary. I left music playing and went to line the wedding party up for introductions.  I introduce the Groomsmen to “Ice Ice Baby” and Bridesmaids to “Man, I Feel Like A Woman”. The Ladies were having a blast dancing to it, so I let it roll for a minute or so.  They took their seats and I introduced Cecile and Eddie to “Marry You” by Bruno Mars. They welcomed everyone and Pastor William blessed the 3-course meal.  The soup, salads and entrees came out and I played a mix of country & 80’s soft rock during dinner.

After dinner they had their first dance to “Have I Told You Lately” by Rod Stewart followed by a dance with their parents to “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues” by Elton John. We had a Party Delights Cake cutting to “How Sweet It Is” by James Taylor next.  While the staff cut and served the cake we had a few toasts and opened the floor with a salsa, “Vivir Mi Vida” for their Spanish speaking guests. The floor packed and I went back and forth with Spanish and American music for the next hour.

We ended the night with a last dance to “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran and a confetti cannon exit from the back patio.

Thank you Cecile, Eddie, Kayla and Elizabeth!!  I was honored to DJ your wedding reception!!

Photos courtesy of Amy Allen Photography

They say that rain on your wedding day is good luck. Laurena and Spencer will have good luck for the rest of their lives together!!

The ceremony was held at Neills Creek Baptist Church on August 24th.  After the ceremony, the 200 guests made their way over to the Broadslab Distillery Barn in Benson NC where I was for the reception.  It’s a beautiful Barn with a huge covered front porch with rocking chairs, patio on the side, stage inside and a small balcony looking down onto the room.

As the guests arrived I had a mix of rock and country with a couple bluegrass songs for Spencer playing outside on the porch.  Guests enjoyed visiting with each other, listening to music and having refreshments before planner Shanna and her helpers opened the doors for the reception.  The room looked beautiful with floral arrangements by Dragonfly Florist.  The guests took their seats and it was time for the introductions.  I introduced the wedding party to “Can’t Stop The Feeling” and Lauren and Spencer from the balcony to “How Sweet It Is”. They came down stairs and had their first dance to “My Heaven” by Trace Adkins. The Parent s dances followed and Lauren and her Father danced to “My Little Girl”.  Spencer escorted his Mother to the floor for their dance to “Don’t Blink” by Kenny Chesney.  Her Father, Randall, welcomed everyone and Reverend Chris blessed the Ron’s Barn catered barbecue meal. It was sooo good!!!!!! During dinner I had more rock and country playing.

After dinner we had the toasts and a brownie cutting to “I Can’t Help Myself”.  The brownies were delicious too!!  I opened the floor to everyone with “The Electric Slide” and some top 40 that filled it with young and old.  For the next hour and a half I played lots of 80’s, line dances, some current top 40 and a few slow songs including “Just Like You” by their family member Paige King Johnson that is just beautiful!! Thanks for sharing with me Paige!

We paused for the bouquet toss to “Juice” by Lizzo, garter removal to “Brick House” and toss to “Wild Thing”, then back to dancing.  We ended with “Dancing In The Moonlight”.  I can’t wait to see the pics from Brittany Cruse Photography! Thank you so much Lauren, Spencer, Joyce, Randall, Ashley and Shanna!  I truly feel like I am party of the family!!

For my first of 3 weddings this weekend I was at downtown Raleigh’s Merrimon Wynne house for Catherine and Phil‘s wedding on August 23rd.

The ceremony was held inside the carriage house and I ran a mic for their friend and officiant Dominic, as well as one for Phil and their readers.  I also ran all the music for the ceremony. As the 150 guests arrived I had a mix of classical music playing.  The Grandparents, Parents and wedding party entered to “Air On A G String”. Catherine and her Father entered to “Canon In D’.  After a short service and a few readings, they recessed to “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”.  Planner Kathy from Sally Oakley Events invited guests inside the house for the cocktail hour while the staff from Rocky Top Catering flipped the room for dinner.

After the room was set and pics were taken by Adrienne from F8 Photo Studios and videographer Andrew Kennedy, the guests were invited back into the carriage house for the reception.  I left music playing and went to get Catherine and Phil ready for their introduction.  They came in to L.O.V.E. by Nat King Cole and had their first dance to it. Her Father welcomed everyone and 91 year old Grandfather blessed the meal. During dinner I had a mix of rock, classic soul and standards playing.

After dinner we had the toasts followed by the Parents dances.  Catherine and her Father danced to “Isn’t She Lovely” and Phil and his Mother to “My Wish”.  I opened the floor to everyone with some 70’s and Top 40 and guests danced and enjoyed the Edible Arts cupcake display.

For the next 2 hours they danced non-stop to top 40, Latin, 80’s and some classic rock before the last dance to “Shout” by The Isley Brothers.  I announced the after party at Coglins downtown and invited guests to take some Krispy Kreme donuts on the way out.

Thank you Catherine, Phillip, Abby and Kathy!  This wedding was so fun!!

Photos courtesy of F8 Photo Studios

When I originally Skyped with Katie’s Parents Penny and Alan in January and heard their vision of this very unique wedding at Market Hall on August 17th, I was instantly hooked and the wheels started turning. They had 215 guests coming from all over the world and wanted to incorporate Greek and Palestinian music into the dancing, as well as typical American music. Challenge accepted!!

The ceremony was held earlier at All Saints Antiochian Orthodox Church.  After the ceremony, the guests made their way over to Market Hall where I was set up and ready.  As they arrived I had a mix of soft rock, classic soul, standards and a few Greek and Arabic songs playing.  Guests enjoyed refreshments, passed hors d’oeuvres, The Bunn DJ Company Photo Booth, corn hole and a large Jenga set.  The wedding party and Katie and Kevin joined after pics and video were done at the church by Timo Andrews Visuals and John from Story Focused Media.

After the cocktail hour, I invited guests into the larger back room with help from planner extraordinaire Kathy from Sally Oakley Weddings & Events and Katie’s Parents welcomed everyone.  After the blessing, guests were invited to sample food from all over the world made by Market Hall Catering.  The tacos and salmon were amazing!!!  During dinner I continued the same mix as cocktails.

After dinner we had the parents dances and started with Kevin and his Mother to the Cuban salsa song “Mandinga” by Buena Vista Social Club.  Katie and her Father had their dance that started with “Your Song” then into “Conga”, “U Can’t Touch This”, “Party Rock Anthem” and “The Twist”, then ended with “Your Song” again.  It was so great and really caught everyone off guard. Katie and Kevin had their dance last that started with “Fly Me To The Moon” Then into a Greek Kalamatiano and Ikaria that a live drummer (Naji) joined, then everyone joined in to dance with them.  I followed it up with some American music and then more Greek. It was just an amazing energy of love and dance all night! =

We ended the night with the Greek song “Den Thelo Tetious Filous” and a Palestinian song before a sparkler exit from the side of the building.

Thank you for everything Katie, Kevin, Penny, Alan, Jayne, Kathy and Peter from Island Sounds for helping out with a couple needed extra speakers!  This was a wedding I will never forget!!

I met Mary and Logan almost a year ago and was excited to finally play for them on Friday, August 9th! They are both so nice and I was sure going to be a blast to DJ for, and it was!!

The ceremony was held in the lawn of Merrimon Wynne under the huge tree at the end.  I was there to run a mic for their officiant, Paul and well as all the music. As the guests arrived I had a mix of classical music playing.  The wedding party entered to “Canon In D” and Mary and her Father to “The Bridal March”.  After a short service they recessed to “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” and were invited into the house for refreshments.

After pics were done by Danielle from Blissmore Photography the 150 guests were invited to the carriage house by planner extraordinaire Sally Oakley where I was set up for dinner and dancing.  The room looked beautiful with floral arrangements by Fresh Affairs!!  I left music playing and went into the house to line the wedding party up with Sally. I introduced them to “I Gotta Feeling” and Mary and Logan had their first dance to “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran.  It was so sweet when they sang it to each other like they were alone in the kitchen!! His Father welcomed everyone and blessed the Rocky Top catered meal. During dinner I had a mix of jazz standards playing.

After dinner we had the toasts and Cinda’s Cake cutting to “How Sweet It Is” by Michael Buble. Mary had a dance with her Father to “I Loved Her First” and Logan and his Mother to a shortened edit I made him of “Sunshine On My Shoulders”.  I’ve always loved that song!!  We had an anniversary dance to “The Way You Look Tonight’ with the winners at 47 years married. I opened the floor to everyone with some beach music and top 40 that filled it for the next 1.5 hours.  I played lots of oldies, 80’s and a few current top 40 songs.

We paused for the bouquet toss to “Single Ladies” before ending the night with some EDM, sing a longs and the last dance to “Save The Last Dance For Me” by Michael Buble.  I invited the guests to the front of the house for a sparkler exit and Mary and Logan left on a horse drawn carriage.

Thank you Mary, Logan, Mr & Mrs Merchant, Abby and Sally!!  I had the best time!!