A Barn Of Chapel Hill Wedding For Emma & Zach

The Barn Of Chapel Hill was the setting for Emma and Zach’s wedding ceremony and reception on a warm June 23^rd. I was lucky enough to be the DJ for their reception.

The ceremony was held on the side garden with music provided by a live pianist (who also played the cocktail hour).  After the ceremony, the guests made their way to the back patio for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and to play lawn games.  A few guests snuck inside where I was to beat the heat, so I left some music playing for them.

After pics & video were done by Danielle from Blissmore Photography and Ellizon from Epoch Visuals, the 150 guests were invited into the barn by planners Cheryl Anne & Justine from Kast Events.  I left music playing and went to line up the wedding party. I introduced everyone to “Shut Up & Dance” and Emma & Zach came in to loud applause.  They had their first dance to “Perfect Duet” by Ed Sheeran & Beyonce. Emma’s Father joined her for their dance to “Butterfly Kisses” and then a minute of the “Pennsylvania Polka”.  It was so great and caught everyone off guard.  Zach and his Mother had their dance after that to “I Hope You Dance”. Her parents welcomed everyone and blessed the meal.  The BBQ buffet opened outside and I had a mix of rock, country and classic soul playing.

After dinner we had the toasts and Cupcake Shoppe cake cutting to “How Sweet It is” by James Taylor.  The homemade cookie buffet table opened and I opened the dance floor with some beach music, Motown and top 40 that filled it for the next 2 hours.  Guests danced to line dances, oldies, Top 40, some 2000’s pop hits and 80’s sign a longs. We paused for the bouquet toss to “Singles Ladies” and garter toss to “Pony”, then back to dancing until the end of the night.

I ended the night with “Wagon Wheel” by Darius and finally “I’ll Be” by Edwin McCain.  I just LOVE that song! It reminded me of Edwin performing it in my store back when it came out.  They had a sparkler exit from the front of the barn and guests made “to go” boxes of cookies on their way out.

Thank you so much Emma, Zach, Justine and Cheryl Anne!  I had a blast!!

An NC State Alumni Center Wedding For Mary English and Jeff

I had played for Mary English and Jeff a couple months earlier at their friend Melissa’s post-wedding party and they had a blast!  I was so excited to play for them again this time surrounded by their family along with friends at NC State’s Alumni Center on June 16th.

The ceremony was held at Christ Episcopal Church and guests made their way over to the Alumni Center right after.  The cocktail hour was held in the front lobby as well as the bar/dining area where I had music playing.  I had a mix of beach music, soft rock and standards playing.  After pics and video were taken by Photographer Megan Kerns and Erin from Three Thirty Six Films, the doors to the ballroom opened and I invited guests to their seats.  The oval ballroom looked beautiful with floral arrangements by wedding planner Caroline Ruth.

I introduced the wedding party to Signed, Sealed, Delivered and Mary English and Jeff came in for their first dance.  They danced to an edit I made of “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur. She danced with her Father after that to a couple minutes of “Butterfly Kisses’ and a minute of “Brown Eyed Girl”.  It was so sweet!!  Jeff escorted his Mother to the floor for their dance to “The Man You’ve Become”. Mary English’s Father welcomed everyone and blessed the meal.  During dinner I had the same music mix playing as cocktails.

After dinner we had the toasts and Cupcake Shoppe cake cutting to “How Sweet It Is” by James Taylor.  I opened the floor to everyone with some beach music that filled it by the end if the first song!  For the next 2 hours guests danced to beach music, oldies, top 40, some 80’s & 90’s and even some 2000’s.  We ended the night with Wagon Wheel by Darius and a sparkler exit from the front of the building.

Thank you for everything Mary English, Jeff & Caroline!  I had the best time!!!

Photo courtesy of Megan Kerns Photography 

A Highgrove Wedding For Sarah & Garrett

I was so thrilled to be Sarah and Garrett’s wedding DJ on June 15^that Highgrove Estate in Fuquay-Varina, NC!  They are so nice and were super excited for me to play for them.

The ceremony was held in the back with Reverend Barbara Lodge.  I provided a mic for Barbara and music for the ceremony.  As the 80 guests arrived I had a mix of contemporary love songs playing.  The Parents thru Bridesmaids walked down the aisle to “Canon In D”.  Sarah & her Father to an instrumental of “Hey There, Delilah”.  After the service they recessed to “You’re My Best Friend” by Queen.

After the ceremony the guests made their way to the back patio for cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres. I had a mix of standards, classic soul and soft rock playing with a few country songs mixed in for Garrett. After pics were taken by Kate Pope Photography (and Tracy) the doors to the ballroom opened and I invited guests to their seats.  I introduced the wedding party to “A Good Night” by John Legend (LOVE that song!)  They came in and had their fi“Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur. Sarah’s Father welcomed everyone and Garrett’s Grandfather Papa Lloyd blessed the meal.  The salads came out and the buffet opened in the house shortly. During dinner I had the same mix playing.

rst dance to an edit I made of

After dinner we had the toasts and the Sweet Memories Cake cutting to “Cake” by Flo Rida.  The also had a Krispy Kreme flambé station that opened shortly (OMG!!!). I opened the floor with some Motown and top 40 that young and old danced to.  For the next hour I played a mix of 80’s, 90’s, some disco and finally some 2000’s hip-hop at the end of the night.  

We ended the night with “Grow Old With You” from The Wedding Singer because they met during their high school production of it.  So sweet! It was a surprise last dance for Garrett.  I invited guests to the front of the house for a glow stick exit.

Thank you Sarah and Garrett!! I had the best time playing for you and your guests!

Photo courtesy of Kate Pope Photography

A Cookery Wedding for Juli and Alex in Durham, NC

 I was so excited to play for Juli, Alex and their guests at The Cookery in Durham on June 10th!  They both work there, so when I was asked to DJ their wedding I was so honored!  They have heard every DJ in the area.

The ceremony was held in the back garden and I provided mics for their officiant, Elvis Woody and well as one on Alex.  I also handled the music.  The wedding party walked down the aisle to The Beatles song “In My Life” performed by Jake Shimabukuro.  Juli & her Father walked down to “Here Comes The Sun” by The United Guitar Players. After a short ceremony with hand written vows, they recessed to “You’re My Best Friend” by Queen.  I invited the 120 guests inside for the cocktail hour. The guests were more than happy to go in and get out of the heat.

The cocktail hour was in the front room of The Cookery and I had a mix of classic standards and big band playing. Juli & Alex are really good swing dancers, so this was perfect (as were my black & white wingtips I wore for them).  After pics & video were done by Liz from Heirloom Collective & Bradley Reynolds, I invited the guest to the new ballroom for dinner and dancing with help from planners A Swanky Affair.

I introduced the wedding party to “Best Of My Love” and Juli & Alex to “Bring Em Out”. Yes!!!  They welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming followed by a blessing by Alex’s cousin Jay.  The salads were already out and I went into a dinner playlist similar to cocktails. The Durham Catering buffet soon opened in the middle of the room.  After dinner we had the toasts, a fun shoe game and the Two Roosters Ice Cream truck opened outside.

We had the first dance and parents dances before opening the dance floor to everyone. Juli & Alex had their dance to the 2016 acoustic version of “Baby I Love Your Way” by Peter Frampton.  I loved the original version of this, but may even love this more!  Juli’s Father joined her for their dance to a mix I did of “The Way You Look Tonight” by Sinatra and then “Givin It Up” by Delbert McClinton.  They had a blast dancing to them.  Alex & his Mother danced to “I Hope You Dance” after that. I invited the married couples to th

e floor for a shared dance with Juli & Alex to “Say You Won’t Let Go” with the longest married couple at 46 years!  Some Motown and top 40 kept everyone on the floor.  The floor was packed all night to oldies, top 40, 2000’s pop sings and even some hip-hop at the end of the night.

We ended the night with “New York, New York” and a ribbon wand exit right before the rain came. Thank you Juli, Alex and Amanda!! I had a blast!!

A Carolina Inn Wedding in Chapel Hill For Patty and Alan

Wow! What a fun night DJing Patty and Alan’s wedding reception at The Carolina Inn in Chapel Hill, NC on June 9th! 

Their ceremony was held at the University Presbyterian Church and guests came over to The Carolina Inn after for the cocktail hour and reception. The cocktail hour was held in the front room and I had a mix of standards playing.  The wedding party stayed at the church for a short time getting pics taken by Brain  Mullins Photography.  After pics were done, they came over to the Inn for the reception. The doors to the ballroom opened and guests were invited to their seats by planners from Elle’s Dream Events.  

I introduced the wedding party to “You’ve Got A Friend In Me” by Michael Buble and Patty & Alan to “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)”. They had their first dance to ”Your Song” followed by parent’s dances. Patty & her Father danced to “Carolina In My Mind” and Alan & his Mother to “Have I Told You Lately”. Her Father welcomed everyone and Reverend Kate blessed the meal.   The appetizers, Salads & entrees came out and I played a mix of standards & classic rock.  After dinner we had the toasts and Ashley’s Cake cutting to “How Sweet It Is”. 

The Classic Carolina Photo Booth opened and I opened the floor with “Build Me Up Buttercup”.  People ran to the dance floor!  Not kidding!!  That is such a great feeling as a DJ.  For the next 1.5 hours the floor stayed packed to Top 40, Motown, 80’s 2000’s and even Hanson (Patty’s favorite group growing up).  There was even an appearance by Rameses Jr. that was a surprise to everyone.  He stayed around a while and danced with everyone and got lots of pics taken.  I ended the night with “Sweet Caroline” and finally “Twist & Shout” by The Beatles before a blue & white pom pom exit down the hallway.

What an absolute amazing wedding reception!  Thank you Patty (and her Mother!), Alan & LaShayla.  I had the best time!!!

An Umstead Wedding in Raleigh NC for Stephanie and Harris on June 3rd

Stephanie and Harris have got to be two of the nicest people I have met!  Her parents are just as nice!  I was so happy to be their DJ at The Umstead Hotel on June 3^rd!

 

Their ceremony was held on the back lawn with live music performed by jazz trio The Boulevard Ensemble.  After the ceremony and breaking of the glass, they made their way to the cocktail hour on the back patio and inside the pre-function area.  The trio provided music for this too.  After the cocktail hour, the doors to the ballroom opened and the guests found their seats with help from GINA!! from A Southern Soiree.  The room looked amazing with arrangements by Embellished Blooms! I introduced just Stephanie and Harris to “It Had To Be You” by Harry Connick Jr.  They came in and had their first dance to “When I Fall In Love” by Nat King Cole.  Her Father welcomed everyone and the salads and entrees came out.  During dinner I had a mix of standards, soft rock and classic soul playing.

 

After dinner we had the toasts and Ashley Cakes cutting to “Love And Happiness” by Al Green. Stephanie & her Father had their dance to “Unforgettable” by Nat and Natalie Cole before an anniversary dance.  I invited all the married couples to open the floor to dance to “These Arms Of Mine”. The winning couple was married 62 years! WOW!!  I opened the floor to everyone with some oldies and top 40 that filled it within the first song.  They danced hard for the next 2 hours even though the ZimZoom Photo Booth was just outside the door.  I’m sure photographer Hooman from Vesic Photography and videographers Twenty One Films got some amazing dance shots!

The late night snacks of Umstead made pizza came out (so good!!!) and guests continued to dance right up until the last song!  I ended the night with “Hold On” by Wilson Phillips, but they weren’t ready to leave yet and started chanting “one more song”.  I kinda knew that was coming and had “Sweet Caroline” ready.  I invited everyone outside for a confetti cannon exit after.

Thank you Stephanie, Harris, Betsy, Gina, and Amanda!  I had such an amazing time playing for you!

Photos courtesy of Vesic Photography

A Merrimon Wynne Wedding in Downtown Raleigh NC for Alexia & Corey

I was so excite to play for Alexia and Corey on June 2^ndat Merrimon Wynne House!  Especially when I found out he is from Buffalo!  I spent every holiday an hour away from there growing up.

The ceremony was held inside the carriage house (thank god! It started raining out of nowhere).  I ran the mics for the readers and their officiant Justin from Randy Taylor Weddings. They had a duo from Arioso Strings perform the music for the ceremony and cocktail hour. After the service Justin invited the 130 guests into the house for cocktails and planner Stephanie Shaul and staff flipped the carriage house for dinner.  The room looked and smelled beautiful with arrangements by Wylde Flowers. I’m sure Photographers Ally and Bobby got some great shots!

After the cocktail hour the guests were invited back into the carriage house for dinner and dancing. I left some music playing and went to line them up.  They entered to “First Day Of My Life” and came in to loud applause for their first dance to “Your Song” by Elton John. He was my favorite when I was a kid.  Her Father welcomed everyone and the Beau Catering caprese salads and entrees came out.  During dinner I had a mix of indie rock, classic rock and beach music playing.

After dinner we had the toasts and parents dances.  Corey and his Mother danced first to “Forever Young” and Alexia and her Father followed to “I’ll Be Your Man” by Zac Brown. I invited everyone to join them for a dance with her and her Father to one of their favorite song, “Friends In Low Places” that filled it!  Some beach and top 40 kept lots of guests dancing and others went to play lawn games outside.  I announced that the Two Roosters Ice Cream truck was here and lots checked that out.  I really don’t blame them!!  

I had such a blast playing for them!  There was lots of 80’s and top 40 and I even played the Bills version of “Shout” for Corey! I could tell he was shocked with that! We ended the night with a packed floor to “I’ve Had The Time Of My Life” before their exit on a rickshaw.

Thank you Alexia, Corey and Stephanie!  I wish we could do it again this weekend.

A Cross and Main Wedding in Youngsville For Danielle And Derek

Danielle and Derek had their wedding reception in Youngsville NC at the very cool Cross + Main on June 1^st, 2018.  I was thrilled to play for them and their guests, lots from NJ and NY (I’m originally from western NY)! 

The ceremony was held earlier in the afternoon at Church Of The Good Shepherd in Raleigh. After the ceremony, the 120 guests loaded into buses and made their way to the reception. When they arrived for the cocktail hour in the front room, I had a mix of rock, classic soul and standards playing. Danielle and Derek stayed at the church to get pics taken by Tracy from Timmester Photo.  They arrived shortly after everyone and got to check the room out first.  It looked beautiful with floral arrangements by Brandi’s Botanicals.

After the cocktail hour the doors to the main room opened and everyone found their seats with help from planner Erin from Chestnut And Vine Weddings.  I introduced the wedding party to the dance track “Sweet Lovin”” by Sigala.  Danielle and Derek came in to “Come Get My Love” by Redbone (LOVE that song!)  They had their first dance to “Nothing Can Change This Love” by Sam Cooke (love that one too!). They took their seats and his Grandmother blessed the meal.  During dinner was the same music as cocktails.

After dinner we had the Simply Cakes cutting to “How Sweet It Is” and then the parents dances. Danielle and her Father danced to “Daddy’s Angel” by T. Carter Music and Derek and his Mother to “Simple Man” by Skynyrd (another one I love!).  We had the toasts and then opened the floor to everyone. Soon the floor was packed and I played a pretty awesome 90’s dance set including Real McCoy, Haddaway and Reel to Real. They didn’t want me to play the whole song of anything, so I was flipping through songs pretty quick. That’s a blast for a DJ!

We didn’t stop until the end and the last dance to “The Time” by Black Eyed Peas and a sparkler exit. Thank you so much for having me as your DJ Danielle and Derek!  I LOVED your playlist and playing for you and your guests.