A Highgrove Wedding in Fuquay-Varina NC for Elizabeth and Michael

I had the best time playing for Elizabeth and Michael on May 27^that Highgrove in Fuquay-Varina NC!  Their Italian New York families were so much fun to play for!!!  I truly wished it didn’t have to end.

The ceremony was held in the back overlooking a wooded hill.  It is one of the most picturesque ceremony views in the area!  They had a harpist/guitarist/singer provide music for the ceremony and she was awesome!  After the ceremony, the 140 guests made their way to the back patio for cocktails, passed hors d’oeuvres and the taco bar.  During the cocktail hour I had a mix of rock, classic soul, standards and country playing.  Photographer Kelsey Nelson and videographers Dogwood Media got some shots of the wedding party around the property.

After the cocktail hour, the doors to the ballroom opened and I invited guests to their tables.  I introduced the wedding party to “Like A G6” and Liz and Michael to “Space Jam”. LOL. They had their first dance to “Mean To Me” by Brett Eldredge.  It was the perfect surprise for Michael!  I invited to the wedding party and guests to join for the next dance to “Ho Hey” that filled the floor.  Since they were from NY, we had a traditional short 30 minute dance set before the salads came out.  The floor was packed the whole time to Motown and top 40.

The salads came out followed by the toasts and family style entrees.  During dinner I had the same music mix as cocktails.  After dinner we had the parents dances.  Liz and her Father danced to “Little Wing” by Hendrix and Michael and his Mother to “Most People Are Good”. We had the cake cutting to “Whatever It Is” and I opened the floor again to everyone with some 80’s, 2000’s and top 40.  The floor soon filled again and they danced for the next 2 hours.  I even played “the Tarantella”!!

We ended the night with a short country sing a long set including “Friends In Low Places”, “Colder Weather” and Darius’ “Wagon Wheel” before a sparkler exit.  But, like the night before, they weren’t ready to leave yet so “New York, New York” was the perfect ending!  Thank you Elizabeth and Michael!  I will never forget how much fun I had with you and your NY guests!!

A Bay 7 Wedding in Durham NC for Emily and Patrick

I was so thrilled to be Emily and Patrick’s wedding DJ on May 26^th  at Bay 7 in Durham NC!  They are such a nice couple!!

Their ceremony was held on the main floor at the bottom of the stairs.  Their officiant, Tom, had also married Emily’s other two sisters. That is so special!  Arioso Strings was there to provide music and I ran Tom’s mic.  After the ceremony the guests were invited to the cocktail hour on the 2^ndfloor. During the cocktail hour I had a mix of rock, country, classic soul and standards playing.  The staff flipped the downstairs for dinner while photographers Robin Lin and Stacy got shots of the wedding party inside and outside.

After the cocktail hour, the 160 guests made their way back downstairs to their tables with help from planner Sally Oakley. I introduced Emily and Patrick and they came down the stairs to loud applause.  They had their first dance to “Then” by Brad Paisley followed by a welcome by her Father.  The food stations and ZimZoom photo booth opened and I went back to music.

After dinner we had the toasts and cake cutting to “Shotgun Rider” by Tim McGraw.  Emily and her Father had their dance to “I Hope You Dance” by Ronan Keating.  Such a great version of this song!  Patrick escorted his Mother to the floor for their dance to “My Wish”.  I opened the floor to everyone with some Motown and Top 40 that soon filled it. For the next 2 hours they danced hard to 80’s, 90’s 2000’s, top 40 and some oldies.

We ended the night with a last dance to “Sweet Caroline” but I knew they weren’t ready to leave yet. Sure enough, a loud “One More Song” chant started and I dropped “Tearin’ Up My Heart” by N’Sync.  I invited the guests back upstairs for the sparkler exit. Thank you so much Emily, Patrick and Sally!  I had an absolute blast!!

A Merrimon Wynne Wedding for Chad and Morgaine in Raleigh, NC

I knew I would click instantly with Chad and Morgaine!  They have great taste in music and even chose songs from the Kingdom Hearts (I was addicted to that game for months!) for their ceremony at Merrimon Wynne in Raleigh NC on May 20th, 2018!

As the 100 guests arrived to the ceremony on the side lawn I had a mix of soft rock ballads playing. Chad and his groomsmen entered to “Pictures At An Exhibition” by Piano Guys.  The Bridesmaids and Morgaine entered to “Passion/My Sanctuary”. After a short service that included very touching vows (especially by Chad), they recessed to “Passion (After The Battle)”.   The guests made their way into the house for cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres by Rocky Top Catering.  During the cocktail hour I had a mix of classic soul, soft rock and indie rock playing.

After pics & video were taken by Hooman from Vesic Photography and Marty from Blu Couture Wedding Films the guests were invited into the carriage house for the reception by planner Sally Oakley.  The room looked beautiful with floral arrangements by Daniels.  I introduced the wedding party to an instrumental of “Viva La Vida”.  Chad and Morgaine came in to loud applause and had their first dance to Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream” performed by Boyce Avenue.  They took their seats after and Morgaine’s Father welcomed everyone. During dinner I had the same music mix playing as cocktails.

After dinner we had the toasts and Cinda’s Cake cutting to “How Sweet It Is”.  Morgaine joined her Father on the floor for their dance to “For My Wedding” by Don Henley.  It was so sweet to see her Father singing it to her!!  Chad escorted his Mother to the floor for their dance to “You’re The Inspiration” by Chicago.  Before opening the floor to everyone we had an anniversary dance with the winners married 38 years. I opened the floor to everyone with “Build Me Up Buttercup” that instantly filled it!  Wow.. I saw some people running to the floor (not kidding!).  We paused for the bouquet toss to “Single Ladies” and garter toss to “Sexyback”. 

I ended the night with “All Of Me” by John Legend before their exit.  What a fun night of dancing!  Thank you Morgaine, Chad and Sally!!

Photos courtesy of Vesic Photography

An Umstead Wedding in Cary NC for Valerie and Nate

I was honored to be Valerie and Nate’s wedding DJ at  The Umstead Hotel in Cary NC on May 19^th.

They had the luck of the rain stopping long enough for the ceremony and cocktail hour to be held outside. The lawn overlooks a pond with a fountain in the middle of it.  It is just beautiful!  Their ceremony music was performed by Elegant Ensembles.  After the ceremony the 150 guests made their way to the back patio and inside for passed hors d’oeuvres and refreshments.  They also enjoyed taking fun photos in the ZimZoom Photo booth.

After the cocktail hour, the doors to the ballroom opened and guests found their seats with help from Gina from A Southern Soiree(YAY!!). The room looked beautiful with floral arrangements by Embellished Blooms! I introduced Val and Nate to the intro of “Crazy In Love” by Beyonce.  They came in to loud applause and dropped her bouquet off at the head table.  They made their way back to the dance floor for their first dance to “Everything” by Michael Buble. The parent’s dances followed. Val and her Father danced to “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole.  Nate escorted his Mother to the floor for their dance to “God Only Knows” by The Beach Boys (LOVE that song!!).  Val’s Father welcomed everyone and the 3 course meal came out.

After dinner Nate and Val thanked everyone for coming followed by the Ashley Cakes cutting to “How Sweet It Is”.  Before opening the floor to everyone we had an anniversary dance to “Just The Way You Are” with the longest married couple at 48 years!!  I opened the floor to everyone with “Build Me Up Buttercup” that filled it for the next 1.5 hours!  We paused for a bouquet toss to “Single Ladies” and for the late night snacks to come out.  I ended the night with a huge circle dance sing a long to “Sweet Caroline” before a rose petal exit.  I can’t wait to see video by Thomas Blake Films and pics from Anna Routh Photography!

Thank you for everything Valerie, Nate, Amanda & Gina!

A Wolfpack Wedding at Prestonwood Country Club

NC State Alumni’s Laura and Connor chose Prestonwood Country Club in Cary, NC for their wedding reception on May 12^th, 2018.  They are one of the nicest couples I have played for!!

The ceremony was held earlier in the afternoon at Sacred Heart Church. After the ceremony the 110 guests had a short break before heading over to Prestonwood for the cocktail hour and reception.  This gave photographer Sarah Morrell and videographers Kissing Toad Productions plenty of time to get some shots.  After the cocktail hour the guests made their way to their seats and awaited the introduction of the wedding party.  

I introduced the parents to “Celebration” and wedding party to “Bring ‘Em Out” by T.I.  They lined the dance floor and Laura and Connor had their first dance to “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran.  The parents dances followed with Laura and her Father first.  They danced to “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong.  Connor escorted his Mother to the floor for their dance to “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” by Brother IZ.  Laura’s Father welcomed everyone and Connor’s Grandfather blessed the meal.  The salads and entrees came out and I played a mix of rock and classic soul during dinner.

After dinner we had the toasts and then opened the floor for an hour before the cake cutting.  During the first part of dancing I started with Motown and top 40 that soon filled it.  We paused for the cake cutting (complete with Mr & Mrs Wuf topper) to “Lucky” by Jason Mraz and then back to dancing to top 40, 80’s and hip hop.   Laura also surprised Connor with a visit from Mr Wuf himself who also presented her brother Sean with his diploma from NC State! So great!!

We ended the night with a huge sing a long to “Sweet Caroline” before a sparkler exit and a drive off in the Father’s beautiful car.  What a wonderful evening!! Thank you Laura and Connor and congratulations.

Photos courtesy of Sarah Morrell

A Museum Of Art Wedding For Sarah and Sumner in Raleigh NC

The Museum Of Art in Raleigh NC was the host for Sarah and Sumner’s wedding ceremony and reception on May 5^th.  I was there as their reception DJ along with Joanna Sue Photography.

The ceremony has held outside at the museum and officiated by Reverend Kathi Moon.  Arioso Strings was there to provide their music. After the ceremony, the 100 guests came into the museum for the reception.  The room looked beautiful with floral arrangements by Watered Garden. The food stations were already open so guests could eat and have refreshments while pics were taken of the wedding party.  After pics were taken, Sarah and Sumner enjoyed a short private break outside to rest and eat before their introductions.  What an awesome idea!!  

I introduced just them to “Anything Could Happen” by Ellie Goulding and they entered to loud applause. Her Father blessed the meal and I played a mix of rock, standards and classic soul while they visited, ate & enjoyed the Museum.

After dinner we had the Cinda’s Cake cutting to “How Sweet It is” followed by the toasts.  We had the parents dances right after while the staff prepared the cake.  Sarah and her Father danced to “Butterfly Kisses”. Sumner escorted his Mother to the floor for their dance to “New York, New York”.  After a minute I invited everyone to join them and the floor filled with a huge circle.  I opened the floor to everyone with some Motown and top 40 that filled it for the next 2 hours.  One of my favorite moments of the whole night was Sumner’s lip sync to “Total Eclipse Of The Heart”! Well done my friend!! We ended the night with a bubble exit.

What a fun night and awesome group to play for!!  Congratulations Sarah and Sumner and thank you so much for having me as your DJ!

A Pavilion At Carriage Farm Wedding In Raleigh NC

Pamela and Aaron chose Raleigh’s picturesque Carriage Farm for their ceremony and reception.  It was my first time being there and I absolutely LOVE it!!!

The ceremony was held on the side lawn backed with tall trees.  Their music was performed by the duo Evan & Dana that did an amazing job both for the ceremony and cocktail hour.  After the cocktail hour the 120 guests started making their way inside the pavilion for dinner and dancing with help from planners Carol & Andrea from Forward Fig.  I had some music playing and went to like up Pam and Aaron for introductions. 

I introduced them to “You Make My Dreams Come True” and they came in for their choreographer first dance. They were in their stance and I started their first dance, “The Way You Look Tonight” by Sinatra.  They did an amazing job!!  It seriously looked like Aaron was floating on the floor!!  After the applause died down her Mother welcomed everyone and their chef Beau from Beau Catering 

described the meal.  It was, as usual, all so delicious!!

After dinner we had the toasts and a fun shoe game where they agreed on almost every question. Before opening the floor to everyone we had an anniversary dance to “It Had To be You” by Sinatra and then opened the floor to everyone with some Motown and top 40.  The floor was full within 3 songs and stayed that way for 3 hours!

During the 3 hours of dancing I played oldies, disco, 80’s, 90’s, EDM, top 40 and some sing a longs. We ended the night with “Piano Man”, “Sweet Caroline” and finally “Friends In Low Places” before a sparkler exit. I can’t wait to see the pics from Incontrast Images!!

Thank you so much for everything Pamela, Aaron, Carol & Andrea!

An Umstead Hotel Wedding Celebration in Cary NC

Amanda and Jesse had me DJ both their wedding ceremony and reception on a picture perfect April 27th at The Umstead Hotel in Cary NC!

The ceremony was held in the back lawn overlooking a pond with a fountain in the middle.  It is just beautiful!  As the guests arrived I had a mix of classical, standards and acoustic rock playing.  When the ceremony was about to begin their Rabbi walked down the aisle and described the ceremony.  The Groomsmen through the flower girl came down to “Better Together” by Guitar Dreamers. Amanda and her Father came down to “Canon In D”. As the ceremony ended they recessed to “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)”. The Rabbi invited guests to the back patio of The Umstead for the cocktail hour while photographer Kelley Deal took photos of the wedding party.

During the cocktail hour I had a mix of soft rock, classic soul, country and standards playing. Guests enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres and refreshments from the indoor and outdoor bars.  After the cocktail hour, the doors to the ballroom opened and Alyssa from A Southern Soiree invited guests to their seats.  I left music playing and went to line the wedding party up for introductions.

I introduced them to the Dexter remix of “Oceans” and Amanda & Jesse came in to loud applause. They had their choreographed first dance to “Feel Good” by Gryffin & Illenium.  They welcomed everyone and had blessings of the candles, wine and bread. The soup and entrees came out and I went right back to music.    After the first course was done Amanda’s Father made the first toast.  After dinner we had a few more toasts and the cake cutting to “Love & Marriage” by Frank Sinatra.

I opened the floor to everyone with a Hora medley that filled it with almost 100 people dancing! It was awesome!!  Some top 40, 70’s & 80’s, Hip-Hop and EDM kept the guests dancing for the nest 2 hours.  They also enjoyed taking tons of selfies out in the hallway!! We ended the night with “Last Dance” by Donna Summer before everyone met up at the hotel bar to end the night.

Thank you so much for everything Amanda, Jesse, Alyssa & The Umstead’s Amanda!! And, Happy Birthday to the Bride Amanda today!!!

Photo courtesy of Kelley Deal Photography