Walnut Hill Farm – Dalton, GA Wedding Venue
On Saturday, March 19th I traveled from Charlotte to the beautiful Walnut Hill Farm in Dalton, GA to DJ the ceremony and reception for my pals Courtney and Niles. Being out of state, not only did I get to check out a new venue, but I also got to meet all new vendors. Everyone was great to work with! Friends of the couple came through in a couple of roles. The Ashah Photography team was all over the place catching beautiful moments throughout the day.
The Wedding Ceremony
Although forecasts showed morning clouds in Dalton, by the time guests started arriving at Walnut Hill Farm, everything had cleared up and it was a beautiful Spring day. I had Classical music playing as guest took their seats in the field facing the altar, with a magnificent backdrop of foliage and mountains. The wedding party entered to “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” complete with a very special ring bearer (the couple’s awesome dog, Maddie). The Bride and her parents entered to Pachelbel’s “Canon in D.” After a wonderful ceremony, provided by Pastor Jim Suddath, the wedding party exited to “Spring” by Vivaldi.
Cocktail Hour & Dinner
Following the ceremony, guests moved to the pavilion beside the Hill Top Barn for drinks, hors d’oeuvres, and yard games. I played a mix of low-key country, rock, and r&b as guests mingled, took pictures at the photo booth, and played ladder golf, corn hole, and croquette. Towards the end of the cocktail hour, the huge doors to the barn were opened and everyone made their way inside to find their tables.
The bridal party entered to “Suit & Tie” by Justin Timberlake with a huge ovation as I announced, “Mr. and Mrs. Niles Fleet.” As the applause dissipated I started, “Die a Happy Man” by Thomas Rhett while Courtney and Niles made their way to the center of the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. Following a blessing by Pastor Jim, tables were released for the buffet. Throughout dinner I played a mix of Country and Folk music, highlighting bands that the couple had seen live, like Delta Rae and Brad Paisley. After dinner, the cake was cut and toasts were given by the Matron of Honor and Best Man.
The Dancing
Following the toasts, Courtney danced with her father to “Wildflowers” by Tom Petty. Then Niles’ mother joined him for a dance to Van Morrison’s “Days Like This.” Immediately following the parents’ dances, I opened the dance floor for everyone with “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder. The dance floor filled quickly as I continued with Motown favorites. There was a wide range of requests, including “Footloose” by Kenny Loggins, “Salt Shaker” by the Ying Yang Twinz, “We Found Love” by Rihanna and some line dances. I was able to work the request in and keep the dance floor full with 80’s Pop, 90’s Hip-Hop, some Country, and current hits. We ended the night with “Mean to Me” by Brett Eldredge. Then everyone headed outside and lined the exit, holding sparklers, to see the new Mr. and Mrs. Fleet on their way. Congratulations Courtney and Niles!
