A New Years Eve Wedding for Elizabeth and Winston at Forest Hall

After 74 other weddings, 2018 came to a close with Elizabeth and Winston’s epic wedding at Forest Hall in Pittsboro NC on New Years Eve.

When I arrived to set up, the wedding party was outside taking pictures and I could tell that this was going to be an absolute blast!  The ceremony was held on one side of the venue and I was there for mics and music.  They had the cocktail hour before the ceremony.  As the 100 guests arrived I had a mix of standards and indie rock playing.  They enjoyed drinks from both the bar and coffee bar along with some light munchies.  The ceremony was about to get under way and they found their seats.  The Grandparents thru the Bridesmaids entered to “Wouldn’t It Make A Lovely Photograph” by Ray Lamontagne.  Elizabeth entered to “I Get To Love You” by Ruelle.  I LOVE that song!!  After a short service officiated by their friend Thomas that included communion, they recessed to “Weathered” by Jack Garratt. The wedding party went out to the hall to line up for introductions and the guests made their way to the adjoining room for dinner.

After lining the wedding party up with lots of help from planner Chelsy from The Gathering Company, I introduced them to “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)”.  Mr &. Mrs Bob Vance from Vance refrigeration (inside joke), I mean, Elizabeth and Winston came in to loud applause and found their seats at the head table.  They welcomed everyone and her Father blessed the meal.  The City Barbeque buffet opened and I continued a standards and indie rock playlist.

After dinner we had the toasts and I invited everyone back to the main room for the first dances.  They had their first dance to the acoustic version of “Depth Over Distance” by Ben Howard followed by a dual Parents dance. Their Parents dance was to “What A Wonderful World” then came an anniversary dance with the winners at 38 years married.  I opened the floor to everyone with some Motown and top 40 that filled it for the next 2.5 hours.  I played lots of 70’s, 80’s, top 40 and some Latin & 2000’s hip-hop.  The Duck Donuts station opened for the last hour as did the mac and cheese station.  YUM!!  

We did the New Years countdown and sang Auld Lang Syne before ending the night with “Candy Shop” by 50 Cent and a glowstick exit. I can’t wait to see the pics of that by Kathleen from Amelya Jayne Photoghraphy!

Thank you so much Elizabeth, Winston and Chelsy!!  I couldn’t have had a better time celebrating New Years Eve!!

A WinMock Wedding For Brittney and Nick in Bermuda Run

Brittney and her family used us back when her Sister Katie was married and I’m so glad we were asked to play for them again! This time around we were at WinMock at Kinderton near Winston-Salem on December 29^th, 2018!!  

The ceremony and reception were both held in the Winmock Barn and I was there to provide mics and music all night.  The ceremony was on the second floor.  As the 120 guests arrived I had a mix of classical pop playing.  The ceremony music was all from the Father Of The Bride Soundtrack (so appropriate!!!).  The Grandparents & Parents entered to “Snow Scene” and Bridesmaids to “Canon In D”.  Brittney and her Father entered to “End Credits” from the soundtrack.  During their service that was officiated over by Pastor Dave McIntosh, they had communion while her Mother sang to an instrumental of “The Prayer” by Celine Dion. She did an amazing job!!  After the ceremony they recessed to “End Credits” and the guests were invited downstairs for the cocktail hour by planner Melissa from Relish Design Company.  

During the cocktail hour I had a mix of beach music, country and soft rock playing.  While the staff flipped the room for dinner, photographer Aura Marzouk and videographers Sugar Shack Films got some shots. After the room was ready the guests were invited back upstairs.  I introduced the wedding party to “Best Of My Love” by The Emotions and Brittney and Nick to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”.  They had their first dance to “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran.  Brittney’s Father joined her on the floor for their dance to “Isn’t She Lovely” and Nick and his Mother to “You’ll Be In My Heart”.  Her Father welcomed everyone and Pastor Dave blessed the meal.  The salads and entrees came out and I continued the same music mix as cocktails.

After dinner we had the Maxie B’s cake cutting to “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” followed by the toasts.  I opened the floor to everyone with some beach music and 70’s funk, then top 40 that brought young and old to the floor to dance.

We paused for the bouquet toss to “Ladies Night”, garter removal to “Kiss” by Prince and garter toss to “Sharp Dressed Man”, then back to dancing.  We ended with “Time Of My Life” from Dirty Dancing, but I wasn’t ready to end yet.  So, some sing a long rock songs from the 80’s kept them singing and dancing until the glow stock exit from the front of Winmock.  

Thank you Brittney, Nick, Tammy and Melissa.  I was thrilled and honored to play for you!!

A Melrose Knitting Mill Wedding For Meghan and Dustin

My first wedding of the last weekend of the year was for Meghan and Dustin at downtown Raleigh’s Melrose Knitting Mill on December 28^th.  It was such a great way to start the end of the year!

The ceremony was held on one side of the room and I was there to run a mic for their officiant Kayelily and also all the music. Their Mothers entered to a classical version of ”Stand By Me”, The Groomsmen to “Perfect” by The Piano Guys and Bridesmaids to their cover of “Begin Again”. Meghan entered to The Piano Guys cover of “Rewrite The Stars” from The Greatest Showman movie. After the ceremony, they recessed to “Home” by Phillip Phillips and Kayelily invited the 85 guests downstairs for the cocktail hour.  The staff flipped the room for the reception and photographer Katherine from George Creatives got some shots.

After pics were done and the room was set, the guests came back upstairs for dinner and dancing.  I left music playing and lined the wedding party up for intros with lots of help from planner Blake from Melrose.  I introduced them to “Can’t Stop The Feeling” by Justin Timberlake.  Meghan and Dustin came in to loud applause and had their first dance to “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Kina Grannis.  Meghan danced with her Father to “I Loved Her First” and Dustin and his Mother then Stepmother danced to “Never Alone”.  Meghan’s Father welcomed everyone and blessed the meal. The salads came out and the buffet opened shortly.  During dinner I had a mix of rock, classic soul and standards playing.

After dinner we had the toasts and Simply Cakes cutting to “How Sweet It is”.  I opened the floor while the staff served the cake with some Motown and Top 40 that filled it for the next 2 ½ hours.  We paused to honor Dustin and all the other military past and present with “The Ballad of The Green Berets”, then back to dancing.  I even played “Rhinestone Cowboy” for their Grandmothers.  I still LOVE that song!!

We ended the night with “New York, New York” before sending everyone outside for a sparkler exit. Thank you so much Meghan, Dustin and Blake!  I had a blast!!

A Carolina inn Wedding in Chapel Hill for Michelle and Eric

Michelle and Eric chose Chapel Hill’s beautiful Carolina Inn for both wedding ceremony and reception on December 16^th.  I was thrilled to be there for both!

When they told me the wanted lots of swing music, I knew I was going to LOVE being their DJ!  The ceremony was held in the courtyard behind the main lobby.  They had a heated tent to keep everyone warm and I was set up in there.  I ran mics for their minister (Michelle’s Uncle), Eric and a reader as well as all the music.  As the 120 guests arrived I had a mix of classical pop songs playing.  Her Uncle entered and asked everyone to silence their phones and the ceremony was under way.  Their Mother’s entered to an instrumental of “Perfect” and the wedding party to an instrumental of Ingrid Michaelson’s cover of “Can’t Help Falling In Love”. Michelle and her Father entered to “Canon In D”.  After the service that included a reading and hand-written vows, they recessed to “Joy To The World”.  Planner Betsy from McLean Events ushered everyone to hallway outside the Old Well Room for cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres. 

During the cocktail hour I had a mix of standards and swing playing. After pics were taken by Michelle’s cousin/photographer Kenzie from Hart Films, the doors to the ballroom opened and I went to line the wedding party up with help from Betsy.  I introduced them to “Crazy In Love” and Michelle and Eric came in for their first dance to “L-O-V-E” by Nat King Cole.  One of my favorite songs ever! After that I opened the floor to everyone with “Runaround Sue”, “Brown Eyed Girl” and “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” that filled it for 20 min or so before we broke for dinner. Her Father welcomed everyone, her Uncle blessed the meal and the salads and entrees came out. During dinner I played more standards and swing.

After dinner we had lots of toasts and the cake cutting to “Sugar” by Maroon 5.  She joined her Father on the floor for their dance to “Isn’t She Lovely”. Eric escorted his Mother to the floor next for their dance to “How Sweet It Is”.  I opened the floor to every again with some 70’s and 80’s that filled it.  We paused for the bouquet toss to “Single Ladies” and an anniversary dance to “Always and Forever” by Luther Vandross.  This was so special because it was her parents wedding song!  Back to dancing until the end of the night to more 80’s sing a longs and some 2000’s hits.

We ended the night with “Save The Last Dance” by The Drifters.  I invited everyone outside for a sparkler exit and when the room as empty, Michelle and Eric had one more intimate private dance to “Better Together”.  I love when couples do this so much!!

Thank you Michelle, Eric, Betsy and Kristen!!  I LOVED playing this wedding!!

Photos courtesy of Hart Films

An NC State Wedding for Courtney and Tyler

Courtney and Tyler are HUGE Wolfpack fans, so of course they had their ceremony and reception at Park Alumni Center on NC State’s centennial campus! I HAD to wear my NC State cufflinks and red paisley tie for their wedding on December 15th.

The ceremony was held in the main ballroom in front of one of the fireplaces decorated with gorgeous flowers by Dogwood Tree Floral Design. The oval room is already beautiful with marble floors.  As the 85 guests arrived I had a playlist of Christmas songs playing by Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The Parents entered to “Jesu, Joy Of Man’s Desiring” and wedding party to “Bella’s Lullabye”.  Courtney and her Father entered to an edit I made of “Christmas Canon”.  After a short service they recessed to an edit I made them of “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra.  Their minister invited everyone to the lobby for cocktails and I had a mix of classic rock and country playing.

After pics were taken by Krysta from Six Foot Photography and the room had been flipped for the reception, they guests were invited back inside by planner extraordinaire Sally Oakley. I introduced the wedding party to “Don’t Let me Down” by The Chainsmokers and Courtney & Tyler came in for their first dance to an edit I made of “Like The Rain” by Clink Black. After the first dance, her Father joined her for their choreographed dance to a medley I made them that started with “Sister Christian” then into Skynyrd, Lil Jon and Nantucket.  It was so great and caught everyone off guard!! Great job!!  Tyler danced with his Mother to “Simple Man”, her Father welcomed everyone, her Uncle gave a toast and their minister blessed the meal. During dinner was more country and classic rock.

 

After dinner I opened the floor for a short time for the kids then paused for the cake cutting. After the cake cutting a surprise guests arrived to join in the dancing on the floor. NC State mascot Mr Wufcame from the lobby and got tons of selfies and high fives! He joined them on the floor to dance for an hour. There was even a dance off between tables 5 & 6.  I think it was decided as a tie. We had the bouquet toss to “Lady Marmalade” then back to dancing to some current hip-hop before the last song.  They had a last dance to “Wagon Wheel” before I invited everyone to the front for a sparkler exit.  As they were leaving I played “Fly Away” by Lenny Kravitz.

Thank you Courtney, Tyler and Sally!  I had a blast!!

A Rose Hill Wedding for Reecha and Heath

I was so excited to finally be DJing Reecha and Heath’s wedding at Rose Hill in Nashville, NC on December 8^th! They were originally supposed to have their wedding in September, but Hurricane Florence had other plans for the day.

Their ceremony was held inside Nathan Hall and I ran a mic for Reverend Kayelily Middleton and all the music. The room looked gorgeous with floral arrangements over the fireplace.  As the 200 guests arrived I had a mix of contemporary love songs playing. When the ceremony was about to begin, Kayelily entered and instructed the guests to silence their phones.  The Parents entered to “Setembro” by Quincy Jones.  The Bridesmaids entered to “A Thousand Years” and Reecha to “Perfect” by Andre Soueid.  After a short service that included a blending of the sand with all 5 of their kids, they recessed to “Happy”.  Kayelily invited guests to the Manor House next door for cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres. During the cocktail hour I had a mix of rock, R&B and standards playing.

After the room was flipped and pics and video were taken by Southern Love Studios and Morgan Scott Films, planners Jennifer and Nicole from Vision Events invited guests back to Nathan Hall for the reception. I left music playing and went to line the wedding party up.  I introduced the Parents, flower girl and ring bearer to ”Can’t Stop The Feeling” and wedding party to “Forever” by Chris Brown. Reecha and Heath came in to the panjabi hit “Kala Chashma”.  They danced from one end of the room to the other and then had their 2^nddance as husband and wife to “Every Time I Close My Eyes” by Babyface.  I love that song!!!  Heath danced with his Mother after that to “Unforgettable” and Reecha danced with all 5 kids to “Mama” by Boyz II Men.  So sweet!!! Heath welcomed everyone and the youngest son, Braedon, blessed the meal. During dinner I had a mix of rock, reggae and R&B playing.  At the end of dinner a guests preformed an Indian love song karaoke that got people dancing.  

After dinner we had toasts and a cake cutting with a birthday announcement for Reecha’s daughters 21^stbday along with 5 others . Before opening the floor to everyone Braedon, his brother Bryce and a few other boys did a dance routine to “Fortnite Rap Battle” and one of Reecha’s bridesmaids along with 4 other ladies did a dance routine that started with a Celia Cruz song and ended with J. Lo.  I mixed into “Suavemente” and a couple India dance songs that filled the floor!!  It was so great mixing all different styles of music together and keeping everyone dancing. Reecha’s daughter Chelsea even sang her favorite song “U Got It Bad” by Usher to surprise her!

We ended the night with “Don’t Stop The Party” by Pitbull before a sparkler exit.  Thank you so much Reecha, Heath, Nicole, Jennifer and Walter. I had the best time and so glad I was able to play for you!!

A Wakefield Barn Wedding For Melissa and Bradley

There is nothing better than a beautiful barn wedding, and Melissa and Brad’s wedding at The Historic Wakefield Barn in Wake Forest, NC on December 2^nd was no exception.

The ceremony was held on the top floor of the barn and I provided mics and music.  As the 160 guests arrived I had a mix of classical covers of contemporary songs playing.  The Grandparents through the Groomsmen entered to the Christian rock song “Come Away” and The Bridesmaids and Melissa to “Our Song Will Be”.  After a short service that included two bridesmaids leading a sing-a-long while playing guitar to two Christian rock songs, the wedding party recessed to “No Matter Where You Are” by Us The Duo.  Their officiant, Jessie, invited guests downstairs for a social hour where I had a playlist of indie rock and Christian rock playing. 

While photographer Lindsey Cash and videographers Twenty-One Films got some shots of the wedding party and the staff flipped the room for dinner, I set up my lights. The room was ready and looked beautiful with floral arrangements by Expressions Of Love.  I left music playing and went to line the wedding party up for intros with lots of help from the Barn’s Blake.  I introduced them all to “Born To Be Yours” by Kygo and Melissa and Brad had their first dance to “Heaven’s Knife” by Josh Garrels.The wedding party took their seats and Melissa and her Father had their dance to “Daughters”.  After that Brad and his Mother had their dance to “I Wish” by Heather Headley.  Melissa’s Father welcomed everyone and her Godfather blessed the meal which included a poem he read at her parents wedding.  So sweet and special!!  The salads came out and shortly the buffet opened. During dinner I played more soft rock and Christian rock.  

 

After dinner we had the toasts and opened the floor to everyone with “Boogie Shoes”.  It filled the floor in minutes and kept them dancing until the Simply Cakes cutting to “How Sweet It Is”.  Right back to dancing and a packed floor until the last dance to “That’s Amore” by Dean.  They made a huge circle around Melissa and Brad during this song and everyone sang it at the top of their lungs.  It was one of my favorite moments of the night (there were many!!).  After the last dance I invited everyone outside for a sparkler exit.

Thank you Melissa, Brad and Blake.  I had an absolute blast!!

A Sutherland Wedding for Carrie and Dathan

Even thought it was a little rainy for Carrie and Dathan’s wedding at The Sutherland in Wake Forest, NC on December 1^st, I was thrilled and honored to be there!

The ceremony was held in the side walled garden that was covered with a beautiful clear top tent.  I was there to play music and run a mic for their friend, Matt who was their officiant.  As the 100 guests arrived I had a mix of contemporary love songs playing.  The wedding party entered to “Where Are You Christmas” by The Piano Guys and Carrie and her Father to their cover of “A Thousand Years”.  After a short service that included a unity candle, they recessed to “In Case You Didn’t Know” by Brett Young.  This is one of my favorite country songs!  The guests were invited to the reception hall for cocktails while pictures and video were taken by photographer Joe Payne and Twenty-One Films.

During the cocktail hour I had a mix of soft rock and country playing.  The room looked beautiful with floral arrangements by Embellished Blooms. After pics were taken I went in the house to line the wedding party up with lots of help from Gina & Lindsay from A Southern Soiree.  I introduced the wedding party to “Bring ‘Em Out” by T.I. and Carrie & Dathan to an edit I made them of “All Of The Lights” by Kanye.  They came in to loud applause and had their first dance to “Yours” by Russell Dickerson. Carrie’s Father welcomed everyone and Matt blessed the meal.  The Rocky Top food stations opened and I played more rock and country during dinner.

After dinner we had toasts and cake cutting to “You Make It Easy” and sang “Happy Birthday” to Dathan’s Father who was celebrating his Bday that day.  The Parents dances followed while the staff served the cake.  Carrie & her Father danced to “My Little Girl” and Dathan and his Mother to “My Wish”.  I opened the floor to everyone with some Motown and top 40 that soon filled it for the rest of the night.  I played lots of hip-hop, top 40 and a few 80’s songs while guests enjoyed cake and the Andia’s Homemade Ice Cream station.

We ended the night with a last dance to “You Make It easy” (yes, the cake cutting song) before sending everyone out with Lindsay and Gina for a sparkler exit.  Thank you Carrie, Dathan, Linday, Gina (and Andia for the ice cream!!!).  I had the best time!!

A Highgrove Wedding for Alison & Joe in Fuquay Varina

Alison and Joe’s wedding ceremony and reception were both held in Fuquay Varina at Highgrove Estate and I was thrilled to play for them and their 180 guests on November 24th!

Their ceremony was held in the back overlooking a wooded hill that is just beautiful at this time of year.  The rain stopped right before the ceremony. I ran a mic for their officiant and they had a quartet from Arioso Strings provide music for the ceremony and cocktail hour.  They always do an amazing job!  After a short service the guests were invited into the house and the back patio for cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres.  

After pics were taken by Lauren and David from Red Cardinal Studio and video by Sugar Shack Films, the doors to the ballroom opened.  The room looked beautiful with our uplights and floral arrangements by Flowers On Broad Street!  I left music playing and went inside the house to line the wedding party up for introductions.  I introduced them to “Crazy In Love” and Alison and Joe to an edit I made her of “Diamonds” by Kanye West. They had their first dance to “This Magic Moment” by The Drifters followed by the Parents dances.  Alison and her Fathers dance was to “Have I Told You Lately” by Rod Stewart and Joe and his Mothers to “Simple Man”. Her Father welcomed everyone and their minister blesses the meal.  The salads came out and the entrees were served family style. During dinner I had a mix of standards, classic soul, soft rock and country music playing.  

After dinner we had the toasts and Sweet Memories Cake cutting to “How Sweet It Is”.  I invited all the married couples to the floor for an anniversary dance to “The Way You Look Tonight” and then opened the floor to everyone with some Motown and Top 40 that filled it by the end of the first song.  For the next hour and a half the floor stayed filled to top 40, 80’s, oldies and a couple slow songs.

We paused for the bouquet toss to “Single Ladies” and garter toss to “Bad To The Bone” before the last dance to “You Are The Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne.  I invited everyone to the front of the house for a sparkler exit and said goodbye to Alison and Joe.

Thank you so much for everything Alison, Joe and Lisa!  I had the best time and can’t wait to see you again at the Hurt wedding next September!

A Merrimon-Wynne Wedding For Rachel and Jeff in Downtown Raleigh

Rachel and Jeff are one of the most thankful couples I have ever worked with!  They thanked everyone working each many times that day for being there for them.  So sweet!!

Their ceremony was held on the side lawn of downtown Raleigh’s Merrimon-Wynne on a picture perfect November 17^th.  I ran a mic for Reverend Kayelily Middleton and also one for Jeff, as well as all the music.  As guests arrived I had a mix of contemporary love songs playing.  The Parents and wedding party walked down the aisle to “Rise” by Jason Mraz and Rachel and Jeff to his “Love Somebody”.  After a short service that included a love letters ceremony, they recessed to “You Are The Best Thing” by Ray LaMotange.  Kayelily invited the guests into the house for cocktails and I got ready for the reception.

After the cocktail hour the 90 guests made their way into the carriage house for dinner and dancing. The room looked beautiful with my uplighting along with floral arrangements by Wylde Flowers. I left music playing and went inside the house to line the wedding party up for intros with planner Jessica from Happily Ever After.  I introduced them to the intro of ”My Type” by Saint Motel and Rachel and Jeff entered to the chorus of the song.  Jeff welcomed everyone and the salads came out before the Donovan’s Dish buffet opened.  During dinner I had a mix of indie and soft rock, standards and classic soul playing.  

After dinner they had a private Cupcake Shoppe cake cutting and the toasts before their first dance to “Coming Home” by Leon Bridges. LOVE that song!!  I invited all the married couples to the floor for an anniversary dance to “The Way You Look Tonight” by Sinatra with the winners married over 49 years!  I opened the floor to everyone with Motown and Top 40 that filled it for the next 2 hours.  

I ended the night with a last dance to “Love Never Felt So Good” by Michael Jackson and Justin before sending everyone to the front of the house for a glowstick exit.  After everyone had left the room Rachel and Jeff had an intimate private last dance to “The One” by Kodaline before their exit. It is just the most precious moment! I can’t wait to see the pics by photographer Kristin Moore and video by Thomas Blake Films!

Thank you for everything Rachel, Jeff, Kaila and Jessica!  I was thrilled and honored to spend my day with you and your guests!

A Cold Fearrington Wedding for Easton and Nick

I loved Easton and Nick’s vision of music for their wedding at The Fearrington Village in Pittsboro NC on November 11^th! She’s a little bit country, he’s a lot a bit Rock ‘N’ Roll.  Blending their musical tastes together was challenging, and fantastic!

The ceremony was held in the Garden Terrace due to the cold weather and lots of freezing guests from California.  Nick’s sister did an amazing job as their officiant!  The Grandparents and Parents entered to “Canon In D” and Nick and the groomsmen to a cover of Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters” by Apocolyptica.  The Bridesmaids entered to “Prayed For You” by Matt Stell and Easton to “The Bridal March” by The O’Neill Brothers.  After a short, but very personal, ceremony they recessed to “Marry Me” by Train.  His sister invited guests to the Fearrington Barn for cocktails and dinner.

During the cocktail hour I had a mix of country for Easton and Rock for Nick with Nine Inch Nails, Tool (his favorite band) and Deftones in the mix. So great!!  After pics were taken by Krystal Kast (always LOVE working with her) it was time for the introductions.  I left music playing and went outside to line up the wedding party with help from The Fearrington’s Gilda.  They came into the room to “Welcome To The Jungle” LOL and Easton and Nick to “Party Rock Anthem”.  Energy was thru the roof and they had their first dance to “Grave” by Thomas Rhett.  Both Fathers welcomed everyone and the salads and entrees came out. During dinner was the same country/rock mix.

After dinner we had the toasts which included surprise recorded messages from Easton’s Grandparents. Easton danced with her Father to “Strawberry

Wine” and he told a story of taking her to see Deana Carter for her first concert.  So sweet that she picked that song!  Nick took the mic to thank everyone for coming and how much his Mother would have loved this day. He told how much she loved Huey Lewis and I played Huey’s “Power Of Love” that brought everyone to the floor to dance in her memory.  Very touching moment with everyone singing it!! Some Motown, top 40, 80’s and rock sing a longs kept them dancing all night.  I even played the Pina Colada song for the adorable little flower girl Maddie to dance to with Easton.

We paused for the cake cutting to “Pour Some Sugar On me” then back to dancing until the end of the night. We were supposed to end with “We Are Family” but Nick wasn’t ready to stop dancing yet.  So, I played “Yeah” and “Jump Around” to finish the night out before a sparkler exit.

Thank you so very much Easton, Nick and Gilda!  I was honored to be your DJ!

A Rose Hill Plantation Wedding for Lynda and Derek

I was back to Rose Hill Plantation again for Lynda and Derek’s wedding on November 10^th and was thrilled about it!  I really like them and was excited to play for them and their crazy group of guests.

Their ceremony was held at the back pond complete with 2 gorgeous white swans swimming.  Even though it was a little cool and way windy, it was a beautiful ceremony officiated by Heidi Gessner.  The wedding party entered to “Perfect” by 2 Cellos and Lynda to “Here Comes The Bride”. After a short service, they recessed to “The Wedding March”. The 100 guests were invited inside the Manor House for cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres (I think I counted 8 different ones).  During the cocktail hour I had a mix of standards, soft rock, classic soul and current country playing.

After pics and video were taken by photographer Will Greene, they were invited to Nathan Hall for dinner and dancing. I left music playing and went to line the wedding party up with planner Chad Biggs for introductions.  The Parents were introduced to “Raise Your Glass” and wedding party to “Turn Down For What”.  It was time for Lynda and Derek to enter and they came in to “My House” by Flo Rida. They had their first dance to “Promise To Love Her” by Blane Howard.  Such a great song!!  They welcomed everyone followed by the toasts and both sets of parents giving a polish blessing.

The salads and enrtrees came out and during dinner I had the same music mix playing as cocktails. After dinner we surprised her parents by inviting them to the floor for the first dance for everyone with their wedding song “To Me” by Barbara Mandrell. It was their 34^thwedding anniversary that day.  So sweet. Shortly the floor was full with everyone joining them.  “Uptown Funk” had the younger guests join the adults on the floor and that’s really all it took to keep them dancing all night long!!  We paused for the cake cutting and parents dances, then back to dancing until the end of the night.  

I ended the night with “Thinking Out Loud” and finally “Sweet Caroline” before everyone grabbed a fresh late night pretzel and dip and got on the buses.

Thank you Lynda, Derek and Chad!  That was a blast and a great group to play for!!

Photo courtesy of Will Greene Photography

A 214 Martin Street Wedding For Heather and Lincoln

I was so happy to finally play for Heather and Lincoln’s wedding at 214 Martin Street on November 9^th!  They originally were supposed to be married in September, but Hurricane Florence had other plans.

Their ceremony was still held at All Saints Chapel.  After that the 120 guests made their way over to 214 Martin for the reception. As the guests arrived I had a mix of trip hop, indie rock and electro-swing playing.  Photographers Andrea & Marcus Anderson stayed at the chapel to get some shots of the wedding party before heading over for the reception.  

After the cocktail hour I invited guests to find their seats and went to line the wedding party up with lots of help from planners C and D Events.  The Bridesmaids entered to “Run The World” and Groomsmen to “It’s Raining Men”.  Heather and Lincoln entered to “Shape Of You” from top of the stairs and made their way to the dance floor for their first dance to “Say You Won’t Let Go”.  Her Father welcomed everyone and her Aunt blessed the meal.  The Catering By Design buffet opened shortly and during dinner I played standards, blues and indie rock.  

 

After dinner we had the toasts and parents dances. Heather and her Father danced to “I Loved Her First” and Lincoln and his Mother to “Loves Me Like A Rock”. After that we had the cake cutting to “When I’m Sixty-For” and an anniversary dance to “Cheek to Cheek” by Ella & Louis. I opened the floor to everyone with “S.O.B.” by Nathaniel Rateliffe and the ZimZoom Photo booth opened. For the next 1.5 hours guests danced to 70’s, 80’s, sing a alongs and a few oldies before the last dance to “Time Of My Life” from Dirty Dancing. As everyone was leaving I played “Home” by Edward Sharpe before the sparkler exit.

Thank you so much Heather, Lincoln and Kelsy!  I had a blast and was so glad I could play for your rescheduled date!

A Sutherland Wedding For Courtney and Zach

I was thrilled to play for Courtney and Zach’s wedding at The Sutherland Estate in Wake Forest NC on November 4th! He was her 9th grade crush and I am so glad they made it to the alter!

Their ceremony was held in the beautiful brick walled side lawn of The Sutherland.  I ran mic’s for their officiant Taylor as well as Zach.  As the 100 guests arrived I had a mix of contemporary love songs playing.  The guests took their seats and the ceremony was under way.  Everyone including Courtney entered to “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran.  After a short service that was Taylor’s first (he did amazing!!) and included hand written vows read by Courtney and Zach, they recessed to Signed, Sealed, Delivered.  Taylor invited guests to the other side of the plantation house for cocktails in the grooms terrace.  I had a mix of standards both old and new playing during the social hour.

After pics were taken by Patty from Eivans Photo and video by Darius, the guests were invited into the pavilion for dinner and dancing by planner Donna from The Sutherland.  The room looked beautiful with floral arrangements by Bloom Works!  I left music playing and went inside the house to line the wedding party up with Donna.  I introduced them to “Bring ‘Em Out” by T.I. and Courtney and Zach to “This Is What You Came For” by Rihanna.  The energy was thru the roof!!  They came in and had their first dance to the Elvis version of “Can’t Help Falling In Love” sung by Courtney’s cousin Brent.  He was absolutely perfect!!  So great!!  After that the wedding party took their seats and we had the parents dances.  Zach and his Mother danced to “Simple Man” and Courtney and her Father to a medley I made of 6 different songs that caught everyone off guard. Her Father welcomed everyone and blessed the meal.  During dinner I played more standards.

After dinner we had the cake cutting and toasts.  I opened the floor to everyone with “My Girl” and some Motown that filled it for the next 2 hours.  During dancing I played Top 40, some 80’s (Her Father was a mobile DJ in the 80’s..no pressure there..lol), line dances and 90’s. We paused for the bouquet toss to “Single Ladies” and garter to “Another One Bites The Dust”.  We ended the night with some sing a longs and finally “Closing Time” by Semisonic before a sparkler exit.

Thank you Courtney, Zach and Donna!  I loved every minute of the wedding!!

An All Saints Chapel Wedding for Claire and Greg in Downtown Raleigh

I was so excited to play for Claire, Greg and her family visiting from the UK at her wedding in downtown Raleigh at All Saints Chapel on November 3rd. 

The ceremony was held on the main floor of the 150 year old adorable white church.  It looked beautiful with floral arrangements by Flowers On Broad Street. They had a live acoustic guitarist provide music and officiant Ben held the service.  After a short ceremony, the 100 guests were invited to the basement for cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres by planner Michelle from Magnolia & Grace Events.  During the cocktail hour I had a mix of standards, 60’s British rock and some current indie rock playing.

After pics and video were taken by Kivus & Camera and RalGoodFilms and the room was flipped by Rocky Top Catering, guests were invited back upstairs for dinner and dancing.  I introduced Claire and Greg to “The Way You Look Tonight” by Sinatra and when they reached the dance floor they had their first dance to “La Vie En Rose” by Daniela Andrade.  It is such a beautiful version of the song!  After their dance her Father welcomed everyone and the buffet opened.  During dinner I played a set of classic standards.

After dinner we had the toasts and cake cutting to “How Sweet It is”. Claire joined her Father on the floor for their dance to “What A Wonderful World” and Greg & his Mother to “Days Like This” by Van Morrison.  I opened the floor to everyone with “My Girl” and it filled within 41 seconds!  Not kidding!  I checked. LOL.

For the next 2 1/2 hours I played a few line dances, oldies, top 40 and 80’s.  I even played Karma Chameleon for Hunter, the cutest little flower girl!  As soon as it came on she started bouncing up and down with Claire. So cute.  I ended the night with the acoustic version of ”Perfect” by Ed Sheeran and invited everyone outside for a sparkler exit.  After everyone had left the room, Claire and Greg had a private last dance to “Just The Way You Are” by Billy Joel.  It’s always just the sweetest moment!  

Thank you Claire, Greg and Michelle!  I had an absolute blast!!

A Historic Wakefield Barn Wedding for Alana & Alex

I was so excited to play for Alana and Alex at The Historic Wakefied Barn in Wake Forest on November 2nd! I had played for them just two weeks prior to their wedding when they attended Kristin and Brian’s wedding at The Cotton Room.  I was so glad they had fun at that wedding!!!  I knew this one would be a blast, but didn’t want it to be a duplicate of the other.

The ceremony was moved inside due to rain.  The second floor of the barn is just beautiful and make a great backup.  The amazing arrangements by Expressions Of Love really made it all gorgeous!  I ran a mic for officiate Katherine Edwards and all the ceremony music. As the guests arrived they were treated to live jazz played my Peter Lamb and the Wolves. When the ceremony was ready to start I took over the music.  The seating of the parents thru the Bridesmaids was to “Dead Sea” by The Lumineers.  Alana and her Father walked down the aisle to “Sweet Thing” by Van Morrison.  After a short service they recessed to “I and You and Love” by The Avett Brothers.  Katherine invited everyone downstairs for the cocktail hour and more live music by the Peter and the band.

Planner Daniel from Chad Biggs Events and his team did a great job flipping the room and getting it ready for the 200 guests for dinner.  After pics by Kelsey Nelson Photography and video by Oak City Films were done and the room was set, the guests made their way back upstairs for dinner and dancing.  I left music playing and went to line the wedding party up for intros with Daniel’s team.

Each couple had their own song to come in to and had a short funny dance when they hit the floor.  Alana and Alex entered to “Would You Go With Me” by Josh Turner.  When they reached the floor they used my mic to welcomed everyone and her Father blessed the meal. The salads came out and the buffet opened shortly.  During dinner I had a mix of Rat Pack standards and classic soul playing.  

After dinner they had their first dance to an acoustic version of “The Girl” by City & Colour followed by the parents dances.  Alana chose her parents wedding song to dance with her Father to, “Hawaiian Love Song” by Andy Williams. It was such a sweet moment when she was singing it to him! Alex and his Mother danced to “You’ve Got A Friend” by James Taylor.  I invited all the married couples to the floor for an anniversary dance before opening it to everyone.  The winning couple was 49 years married.  It was so close!!!  I opened the floor to everyone with some Motown, Classic Rolling Stones songs and top 40 that filled it for a 40 minute dance set.  We paused for the toasts & cake cutting before the garter and bouquet toss.  Now, this was another first for me..and I loved the idea!!  Alana’s Father graciously offered a $100 bill to both catchers of garter and bouquet!!! I had no problem at all getting people to run up to catch them!! LOL.  The bouquet was to “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” and garter to “Eye Of The Tiger”. We opened the floor again and kept it filled until the last dances to “Shout” and “Friends In Low Places”. I invited everyone back to the first floor for a sparkler exit.

Thank you so much Alana, Alex and Daniel!!  It was so great to play for you and see Kristin, Brian and their family again. 

Photo courtesy of Kelsey Nelson Photography

A Cadillac Service Garage Wedding in Greensboro for Laura & Kevin

I initially DJd for Laura and Kevin in 2016 when they attended a wedding I did for their friends Molly & John.  I was so thankful they called me to be their wedding DJ at Greensboro’s new venue, The Cadillac Service Garage on October 27th!!

The ceremony was held at Finch Memorial Chapel and then the 175 guests made their way to the reception at Cadillac Service Garage.  The cocktail hour was held in the front bar area and they had an acoustic guitarist playing music.  Guests enjoyed refreshments and hors d’oeuvres.  After pics were taken by photographer Jillian Knight, planners Melissa & Becky from Relish Design Company invited guests to the back where I was set up and ready.  The room is awesome!!  It’s a huge old Cadillac service garage with brick walls, cement floors, a balcony that has a bar in it, really high ceiling…I can go on and on..  The tables were set up rustic with beautiful floral arrangements by Blooms & Thistle.

I introduced the parents and Laura & Kevin to a cover of Disclosure’s “Latch” by Natalie Taylor. They came in and had their first dance to a cover of The Beatles “Real Love” by Tom Odell (Laura told me it was a cover..LOL). Laura and her Father then danced to “Never Alone” by Jim Brickman and Kevin & his Mother to “Child Of Mine” by Carole King. Her Father welcomed everyone and his Father gave an Irish blessing.  The food stations opened and the staff soon butlered the tables.

After dinner we had the Pound Cakes by Margaret Elaine cake cutting to “With This Ring” and I opened the floor with some beach music, Motown and top 40 that filled it within a minute.  They went hard dancing for 3 hours!!  I played lots of 80’s, 90’s, current dance hits, some oldies and even a couple One D songs for Laura.

We ended the night with “From Now On” from The Greatest Showman before a sparkler exit from the side of the building.

Thank you so much for everything Laura, Kevin, Margaret & Becky!  I had the best time!!! And thanks Molly & John for inviting them to your wedding!!

Photos courtesy of Jillian Knight