The Ballantyne Hotel in Charlotte Hosts An Epic Wedding For The UK

I have DJd some amazing weddings, but Kaylyn and Will’s wedding at The Ballantyne Hotel in Charlotte on August 18th is one at the top of the list of epic weddings I have DJd! I have never had 2 opening bands, fireworks during an 8 hour reception before.

 I met Kaylyn when I DJd her sister Allie’s wedding 2 years ago at The Fearrington.  Her wedding to Michael was so beautiful and I had the best time DJing for her family and their guests.  When I was invited back to DJ for them by planner Erin from McLean Events, I was thrilled, honored and humbled!  

The ceremony was held at The Ballantyne for their 200 guests. After the ceremony, they enjoyed a cocktail hour before heading to the grand ballroom where I was all set up.  The room looked beautiful with floral arrangements by Lily Greenthumbs. American Idol singer Haley Reinhart’s band introduced Kaylyn & Will and they came in to loud applause for their first dance to Haley’s cover of “Can’t Help Falling In Love”. She has the most beautiful voice and is so sweet!! They took their seats and Kaylyn’s Mother gave an amazing welcome speech to everyone especially Will’s friends and family that came from England. The served entrées came out and Haley and her band played during dinner.

After dinner I opened the floor for 30 minutes or so and it filled quickly.  I can’t wait to see the dance pics by photographer Jacqui Cole and videographers Chris & Toni from Heart Stone Films!  After dancing, we had a couple toasts and the cake cutting to a classical cover of Oasis’s “Wonderwall”.  I invited guests out back for a private fireworks show that lasted 10 minutes!  Just amazing!! Everyone came back in and now were treated to band number 2, I Love This Band from Atlanta! They killed it and played non-stop for 2 ½ hours!!

As soon as I Love This Band was done, I took over and kept people dancing for the next 2.5 hours. What an amazing wedding and I couldn’t love this family more!  Thank you Kaylyn, Will, Pamela, Erin & Carrington!  I will never forget how amazing a Weller girl wedding can be!!

Photo courtesy of Jacqui Cole Photography

An Umstead Hotel Disney Wedding For Sara And Bryan

Anyone who knows me knows how perfect this couple was for me to DJ their wedding on August 11th!  Sara and Bryan love Disney and were even engaged at Disney World.

Their ceremony was held at The Umstead across the hall from where I was set up.  They had The Triangle String Quartet provide music for the ceremony.  Reverend Perry Hardison was there to officiate for them and bless the meal later. I always love working with him!

After the ceremony, the 150 guests made their way across the hall for cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres and the Island Sounds photo booth.  During the social hour I had a mix of classic soul, standards and of course Disney songs playing. After pics and video were done inside the ballroom by Brian Mullins Photography and Twenty-One Films, the doors to the ballroom opened and planner Kelley Ann from A Southern Soiree invited guest to their seats.  The room looked beautiful with floral arrangements by English Garden. I introduced the wedding party to “Treasure” and Sara and Bryan to “Safe And Sound” by Capital Cities.  They came in for their first dance to “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran. The dance floor had an amazing cartoon of Cinderella’s Castle that Island Sounds played all night along with purple uplights around the room.  Just perfect!!  After their dance Sara’s Father welcomed everyone, toasted the Bride & Groom and Perry blessed the meal.  The salads and entrees came out and I continued with music like cocktails.

After dinner we had the Cinda’s Creative Cake cutting to “Better Together”.  The cake topper was just awesome!  It had a likeness of Sara with Mickey Mouse ears on and Bryan holding a Storm Trooper helmet. After the cake cutting we had toasts and parents dances. Sara and her Father danced to “Butterfly Kisses” and Bryan’s dance followed to “A Mother’s Song”.  Before opening the floor to everyone, we had an anniversary dance to “The Way You Look Tonight” with the winners at 59 years married!! It was really close!  The runner up was 58 years.  Congratulations to both couples!!  I opened the floor to everyone with “Uptown Funk” that filled it for the next 1 ½ hours.  We paused for the bouquet toss to “Isn’t She Lovely”, then back to dancing.  

Before playing the last couple songs I polled the guests to see which version of “Wagon Wheel” they would rather hear with Old Crow winning by a long shot.  The last song for everyone was “Adventure Of A Lifetime” by Coldplay and I invited everyone to the lobby doors for a bubbles exit.  When the room was cleared I played one last song, “Reflecting Light” by Sam Phillips for Sara and Bryan to have a private dance to before leaving.

Thank you for everything Sara, Bryan, Amanda and Kelley Ann!  I had the best time!!

Photos courtesy of Brian Mullins Photography

A Merrimon Wynne Wedding For Carolyn and Lowell

When I saw Lowell and Carolyn walk up to me at the Merrimon Wynne wedding showcase last year I was praying they would have me as their wedding DJ!  I have known Lowell for years from when I was a swing dance DJ and he was a dancer.  I knew this would be an awesome party with lots of friends I don’t see very much.

Their ceremony was on the side lawn and I provided mics and music.  The Parents entered to “I’ve Got A Crush On You” by Ella Fitzgerald and Lowell through Bridesmaids to “At Last”.  The perfect song since they have been together for years.  Carolyn entered to a shortened edit I made her of “My One And Only Love” by John Coltrane and Johnny Hartman.  I LOVE that song (whole album!!). After a short ceremony with a couple readings, they recessed to the gospel song “Up Above My Head” by Rhiannon Giddens.

The guests made their way inside the house to escape the heat and get refreshments.  During the cocktail hour I had a mix of classic soul, big band, soft rock, ska, and a couple swing tracks playing.  It was an awesome playlist!!  After pics were taken by amazing photographer Autumn Harrison, planner Amanda from Amanda Blair By Design invited guests to the carriage house for dinner and dancing.  The room looked beautiful with floral arrangements by Bowerbird Flowers.

I introduced just Carolyn and Lowell to “Superbad” by James Brown (hahaha) and they danced into the room for their now second dance, this time swing, to “My Baby Just Cares For Me” by Nina Simone. Their fathers welcomed everyone and RJ blessed the meal.  During the Snap Pea served dinner I had a mix of standards, big band, 80’s, rock and classic soul playing.  

After dinner we had the toasts and parents dances to “My Girl”. I opened the floor to everyone with some classic Motown, “The Electric Slide” and ever  “Before I Let Go” by Maze (another of my fav songs ever!). For the next 2 hours guests danced to oldies, some swing (of course), rockabilly, lots of 80’s and a few ballads.

We ended the night with “Still The One” by Shania Twain before the rickshaws arrived to take people to an after party.  Thank you so much Carolyn, Lowell, Amy and Amanda!!  It was an absolute honor and I had the best time!

Photo courtsey of Autumn Harrison Photography

A Merrimon Wynne Wedding for Molly and Chip

I was back to The Merrimon Wynne House again for another wedding this weekend, this time for Molly & Chip on August 4th.  They are so nice and both Dentists.

The ceremony was held inside the carriage house and I was there to provide mics and music.  The room looked beautiful with floral arrangements by Brides & Bouquets! The Grandparents and Parents entered to “How Deep The Father’s Love For Us”.  The Bridesmaids entered to “Canon In D” and Molly to a cover of “A Thousand Years” by violinist Jun Sung Ahn.  After a short service that included a reading they recessed to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” and the 175 guests were invited into the house for cocktails.

After pics were done by Melissa Delorme and video by Thomas Blake Films, planner Jessica from Happily Ever After invited guests back to the carriage house for the reception.  I introduced the wedding party to “Levels” by Avicii and Molly & Chip to “Space Jam”. LOL!!  They came in for their first dance to “Forever Like That” by Ben Rector. After the wedding party took their seats Molly had her dance with her Father to “Never Alone”.  Chip and his Mother’s dance followed to “Like Jesus Does”.  Molly’s Father welcomed everyone and blessed the meal.  The plated salads came out and the Rocky Top buffet opened shortly. During dinner I played a mix of rock, country and classic soul.

After dinner we had the toasts and cake cutting to “How Sweet It is”. I opened the floor with some beach, Motown and Top 40 that filled it for the next hour and a half.  We paused for Chip’s past baseball team to “retire” his jersey and then dance to “Danza Kuduro”. So great!!  I even got to play a short 2010’s hip hop mix that kept the energy way high!!  They danced hard until the last dance to “Carolina” by Eric Church. They all made a big circle and sang it to Molly & Chip who were in the middle. Everyone went to the front of the house for a sparkler exit.

Thank you so much for everything Molly, Chip. Jessica and Kaila!

Photo courtesy of Melissa Delorme

A Merrimon Wynne Wedding for Rachel & Jon

I was back at The Merrimon Wynne House again, this time to celebrate with Rachel & Jon at their wedding.  I was so honored to be chosen to DJ their reception on August 3rd!

The ceremony was held in the Carriage House for 100 guests.  They had a wonderful violinist provide music and floral arrangements by Fallons Flowers.  After a short ceremony the guests were invited into the house for the cocktail hour by Kaila from Merrimon-Wynne.  While the guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, the staff from Donovan’s Dish flipped the carriage house for dinner.

After the room was set and pics were taken by Zach & Kate from Garter & Whiskey Photography, the guests were invited back to the carriage house for dinner and dancing.  I introduced the wedding party to “The Olympics Theme” and Rachel & Jon to “Star Wars”.  They came in to loud applause and had their first dance to “Mean To me” by Brett Eldridge.  The Parents dances followed.  Rachel and her Father’s dance was to “Here Comes The Sun”.  It was so sweet! They were singing it to each other like they used to when she was a little girl.  Jon escorted his Mother to the floor for their dance to “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong.  Jon welcomed everyone and the family style dinner came out.  During dinner I had a mix of standards playing.

After dinner we had the toasts and cake cutting to “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)”.  While the staff cut the rest of the cake and passed it out I opened the floor with some beach music and top 40.  People danced and enjoyed the outdoor lawn games, basketball throw and air hockey they brought in for this wedding.  The ZimZoom photo booth was also there to get some great pics of the guests.

After dancing for an hour and a half it was time to call it a night.  The last dance was to “Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show and they had a sparkler exit from the front of the house.  Thanks you so much for everything Rachel & Jon and congratulations!

The Merrimon Wynne House Hosts France For A Wedding

I always LOVE playing for guests from other countries!  I have played for so many including Africa, Scotland, Ireland, and yes, even France before. I was so thrilled to play for Michael, Lauren and her friends and family from France on July 28th!

The ceremony was held earlier in the day at the new Holy Name Of Jesus Cathedral. It is just gorgeous there!!  After the ceremony guests had a little break to rest before coming over to The Merrimon Wynne House for the reception. The cocktail hour was held inside the house and guests enjoyed drinks and passed hors d’oeuvres.

After the cocktail hour the 100 guests were invited into the carriage house where I was by planner Casey from Events By La Fete.  After everyone had found their seats I introduced Lauren and Michael to “Can’t Stop The Feeling”. As soon as I said their names one table in the corner started chanting in French, then the opposite one joined in.  Pretty soon the whole room was chanting in French and banging the table.  It was like being at the world cup!! Not kidding!!  So awesome!!  They finally quieted down and Lauren and Michael could have their first dance to“Die A Happy Man”.   Her Parents welcomed everyone in English and French, his Father blessed the meal in English and her Grandfather said the blessing in French.  So wonderful and truly special. During dinner I had a mix of rock, French pop songs, classic soul and country playing.

After dinner we had toasts both in English and French and the Parents dances.  Lauren and her Father danced to “Do You Remember” by Phil Collins.  Michael and his Mother’s dance was to “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion.  I opened the floor to everyone with “Uptown Funk” that filled it with both sides of the families!  For the next 2 hours I mixed from English to French in short sets that kept everyone dancing no matter what language it was in.  I even played a French line dance called “Last Night” that is similar to “The Electric Slide”.

We paused for the cake cutting to “How Sweet It Is” and a French sing a long to “P’tit Fluer Fanee” that Casey handed out lyric sheets for.  After that we went back to dancing until the end of the night.  We closed down the floor with “Sweet Caroline” before a sparkler exit from the front of the house. I can’t wait to see the pics by Krista from Six Foot Photography! 

Thank you so  much Lauren, Michael, Casey and Abby!  I had an amazing time!!

A Sutherland Wedding For Ashley And Rocky

What a sweet couple!!!! I was so thankful to be Ashley and Rocky’s wedding DJ on July 27^that The Sutherland in Wake Forest NC.

The ceremony was held in the side lawn and I provided mics for the minister, 2 hand held mics for a duet and music for the ceremony.  The Grandparents, Parents and Groomsmen entered to “Marry Me” by The O’Neill Brothers. Everyone was looking for where Rocky was.  I played the “Rocky Theme” and he came running up to the front from inside the house. It was so great and really made everyone laugh!  The Bridesmaids walked down the aisle to “A Thousand Years” and Ashley & her Father to an instrumental of “Say You Won’t Let Go”.  During the ceremony Ashley and Rocky took their first communion as husband and wife while her Mother (who also did a great job as her Matron Of Honor) joined in on a duet of “Communion Song”.  It was so special!  After the ceremony they recessed to an instrumental of “Something Just Like This”.  The guests were invited to the grooms terrace on the other side of the house for the social hour.

It was getting hot so the staff opened the pavilion early so the 200 guests could escape the heat. After pics were done by photographer Eric Jones, it was time for the introductions.  I lined the wedding party up with help from planner Christy from The Sutherland.  I introduced everyone to “24K Magic” and Ashley & Rocky to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”.  They came to the dance floor and had their first dance to “Honeymoon” by Johnny Stimson.  Such a beautiful song!  The wedding party took their seats and the Parents dances followed.  Ashley and Father danced to “Daddy Dance With Me” by Krystal Keith.  Krystal is Toby Keith’s daughter and wrote it just for her own dance with her dad. Rocky and his Mother danced to “My Wish”.  Ashley’s Father welcomed everyone and blessed the meal.  The food stations opened and I played a mix of rock, country, classic soul and standards during dinner. 

After dinner we had the cake cutting to “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” and then the sparkling cider toasts.  Before opening the floor to everyone, we had a very special Mother/Daughter dance to “Mama’s Song” for Ashley and her Mother/Matron Of Honor.  It was so sweet! After a minute I invited all the other Mothers/Daughters to join them for the rest of the song.  I opened the floor to everyone with some beach music, Top 40 and line dances that kept them dancing for the next 2 hours.  I got to play lots of 70’s also for Melissa (Ashley’s Mom) and her friends.

We paused for the bouquet toss to “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”, garter removal to “Let’s Get It On” and toss to “Pirates Of The Caribbean” theme.  We ended the night with a really long human train to “Love Train” and last dance to “Don’t Stop Believin’” before a sparkler exit.  Thank you so much for everything Ashley, Rocky, Melissa and Christy!  I was honored to be your DJ.