Sunday, October 13, 2019

A Melrose Knitting Mill Wedding for Athar and Teddy

I was so excited to play at Athar and Teddy’s wedding at Melrose Knitting Mill in Raleigh NC on October 13th. The challenge was to not only play American music, but incorporate Palestinian dance music for Athar’s side of the family. Challenge accepted!

Their ceremony was held on one side of Melrose and the room was divided by a floor to ceiling white linen. I ran a mic for their officiant Kathie McCutcheon.  They had a string trio from Corda Entertainment cover the music.  After a short service, the 175 guests were invited downstairs for a social hour.

After pics were done by photographer Carley Page the staff flipped the room for dinner.  When the social hour was over Sarah from Melrose invited everyone back upstairs for dinner and dancing.  I left music playing and lined the wedding party up for introductions as guests found their seats.  I introduced them to “I Gotta Feeling” and Athar and Teddy to “Best Day Of My Life”.  They came in to loud applause and had their first dance to “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran. Teddy’s Mother joined him for their dance to “Child Of Mine” and she welcomed everyone after the dance. Athar’s Uncle Joe blessed the meal and the salads came out. During dinner I had a mix of soft rock, R&B and standards playing.

After dinner we had a few toasts and the opened the dance floor.  I started with some Motown and top 40 for a short set, then mixed into a set of Palestinian dance music that had both families dancing together and the energy went through the roof!! Of the 175 guests there had to be 150 on the floor dancing to dabke.  It was so great seeing both cultures dancing together and having such a great time!! I went back and forth with American and Palestinian music for the next 2 hours with a great dance floor the whole time.

We ended the night with “Sweet Caroline” before a sparkler exit.  Thank you Athar, Teddy, Cincy and Sarah.  I will never forget how much fun and truly special this wedding was!

Photo courtesy of Carley Page Photography

1 comment:

  1. What a wonderful evening you were able to provide for Athar and Teddy. I'm sure it will be a wedding the guests will not soon forget due to your ability to get everyone up dancing and sharing cultures. I am so impressed that you record the ceremony and the toasts and provide a copy to the couples so they can remember their special day forever.

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