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