My Final Wedding of 2010’s for Kaylie and Donovan at Market Hall

My final wedding of the 2010’s couldn’t have been better!!  Kaylie and Donovan and their 100 guests had the best time at Market Hall on December 30th!!

Their ceremony was held at Market Hall and they had a live duo playing provide music.  After the ceremony, they had another group of musicians playing for the cocktail hour.  I set up for the reception during the cocktail hour.  At the end of the cocktail hour guests found their seats and I took over the music.  I got Kaylie and Donovan ready for intros with planners Ashley and Trent from Something Fabulous Weddings and Events. They came in to loud applause and had their first dance to “What A Wonderful World” by Sam Cooke. I LOVE that song!! Her Mother welcomed everyone and the salads came out before the buffet opened. During dinner I had a mix of classic standards playing.

After dinner we had the toasts and dual parents dance to “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life”.  After 45 seconds I invited all the parents and their children to join them on the floor.  It was so nice!!  I opened the floor to everyone with “Dancing In The Moonlight” that started the 2.5 hour dance party. The floor was full all night!! We paused for an energetic Hora dance, then back to dancing until the end of the night.  I can’t wait to see the pics from photographer Audrey from Rose Trail Images!

We ended the night with “Sweet Caroline” before a sparkler exit and guests took cookies on their way outside.

Thank you Kaylie, Donovan, Trent and Ashley.  That was a great way to end the decade!!  

Photos courtesy of Rose Trail Images

A Merrimon Wynne Wedding for Marina & Chris

Marina and Chris had such an amazing wedding reception at The Merrimon Wynne House on December 29^th!  I was THRILLED I was their DJ!!

Their ceremony was held at downtown Raleigh’s Historic All Saints Chapel. It is the perfect example of a “little white church”! After the ceremony, the 130 guests started over to Merrimon Wynne where I was set up for the reception.  The cocktail hour was held in the house and they had the music covered there.  After pics were taken by Cara from F8 Photo Studios planner Kathy from Sally Oakley Events invited guests to the Carriage house for the reception.  I left music playing and went inside the house with her to line the wedding party up for introductions.

 

I introduced the wedding party to “September” and Marina and Chris to “You Make My Dreams Come True”.   They had their choreographed first dance to “Millionaire” by Chris Stapleton.  The Parents dances followed with Marina and her Father dancing to “Brown Eyed Girl”. Chris and his Mother danced to “My Wish” before a welcome by Marina’s Father and blessing by her Uncle. The Rocky Top catered buffet opened after the plated salads were finished.  During dinner I had a playlist of jazz standards and Brazilian jazz playing.  I LOVED it!!

After dinner we had the toasts and opened the floor with “The Cupid Shuffle”.  That’s all it took to fill the floor for the next 2 hours. While guests were dancing, Marina and Chris grabbed a few family members and snuck into the house for a private Nothing Bundt Cakes cutting.  During dancing I played lots of top 40, 80’s, some Greek dance songs and even “In The Mood” for a Grandmother. We ended the night with “Die A Happy Man” before the sparkler exit.

Thank you Marina, Chris, Abby and Kathy!!  That was a BLAST!!!

Photos courtesy of F8 Photo Studios

A Merrimon Wynne Wedding for Kailtyn and Mike

Kaitlyn and Mike had the longest wedding reception I have done and I had the best time playing all night at downtown Raleigh’s Merrimon Wynne House!!

Their ceremony was held outside on the lawn and the weather was perfect! Her Brother officiated and he did a great job.  I ran his mic as well as all the music. As the 100 guests arrived,  I had a mix of contemporary love songs playing. The Grandmothers, Mothers and Groomsmen entered to “Here Comes The Sun” and Bridesmaids to “Love On Top”.  Kaitlyn and her Father entered to “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. After a short service they recessed to “Simple” by Florida Georgia Line.  I invited everyone inside the house for the cocktail hour while Danielle from Blissmore Photography and videographer Phil from Twenty-One Films got some shots of the wedding party.

After the cocktail hour the guests were invited into the Carriage House where I was by planner Stephanie from Viva L’Event for dinner and the epic dance party. The room looked amazing with florals by Meristem Floral! I introduced the Parents to “This Will be (An Everlasting Love)” and wedding party to “All I Do is Win”.  Kaitlyn and Mike came in to loud applause and had their first dance to the duet version of “From This Moment” by Shania Twain.  Kaitlyn and her Father had their dance to “I Loved Her First” and Mike & his Mother to “The Man You’ve Become”.  Her Parents welcomed everyone and the plated salads came out. Shortly the Rocky Top Catered buffet opened on the pergola. During dinner I had a mix of soft rock, country, classic soul and standards playing.

Towards the end of dinner guests started dancing to some 70’s pop and beach music before we paused for the toasts and anniversary dance to “That’s Amore”.  The winners of the dance have been married 57 years!  I opened up the floor again to everyone with some Motown and top 40 that kept them dancing for the next 4 hours!!  That’s right, 4 hours of dancing!!  I played lots of oldies, 80’s, current top 40, a couple line dances, some hip-hop and sing a longs. 

We ended the night with everyone in a big circle singing to “Country Roads” by John Denver before I invited them to the front of the house for a sparkler exit. After everyone had left, Kaitlyn and Mike had an intimate private last dance to “Stay With You” by John Legend.

Thank you Kaitlyn, Mike, Lecia, Haleigh & Stephanie.  That was such a fun wedding!!

A Sutherland Estate Wedding for Kory and Brandon

I was thrilled to be back at The Sutherland Estate in Wake Forest for another wedding.  This time was for Kory and Brandon on December 14^th.

They had me provide a mic and music for their ceremony on the side lawn.  As the 90 guests arrived I had a mix of contemporary love songs playing. The wedding party including Kory walked down the aisle to an instrumental of Michael Buble’s cover of “You and I”.  After a short service they recessed to “Marry You” by Bruno Mars.  Their officiant invited them to the other side of the house for a cocktail hour on the Grooms terrace.  During the cocktail hour I had a mix of rock, country and classic soul playing.

I left for the pavilion and started music in there for those who were too cold outside.  After pics were done by JP Lord Photography, it was time to introduce Kory and Brandon. They came in to loud applause and had their first dance to “Dancing Away With My Heart” by Dillon Carmichael. Such a great song!!  Kory danced with her Father and Step Father next, then Brandon and his Grandmother.  Hey Step Father welcomed everyone and Brandon’s brother blessed the Rocky Top meal.

 

After dinner we had a cake cutting to “How Sweet It Is” followed by the toasts.  I invited guests to help themselves to the cupcake display and opened the dance floor with “Dancing In The Moonlight” that brought young and old out. We paused for a bouquet toss to “Single Ladies” then back to dancing until the last dance to “Everybody” by The Backstreet Boys and a sparkler exit.

Thank you Kory, Brandon, Laurae, Christy and Lena. I had the best time!

Photos courtesy of JP Lord Photography

A Lavender Oaks Farm Wedding for Shannon and Sean

What a beautiful venue Lavender Oaks Farm is to have a wedding! It was the picture-perfect site for Shannon and Sean’s wedding on December 7^th.

Their ceremony was held in front of a stone fireplace outside next to the lavender field.  It smells amazing!  As the 150 guests arrived I had a mix of classical covers of pop songs playing. When it was time for the ceremony to start, officiant Kevin Holland asked everyone to silence their phones and the Parents entered to “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Drew Jacobs.  The wedding party entered to a cover of “Marry Me” by J Benjamin. Shannon’s processional was to “A Thousand Years” by The Piano Guys. After a short service that included a wonderful reading by her Grandfather, they recessed to “Marry You” by Bruno  Mars. Kevin invited them into the Barn for the cocktail hour while photographer Amber from Six Foot Photography got some shots.

During the cocktail hour I had a mix of standards, soft rock, classic soul and pop songs playing. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres by Beau Catering and Six Foot Photography’s photo booth. When it was time for introductions, I invited guests to their seats and left music playing while I lined the wedding party up with help from Karen from Lavender Oaks Farm. I introduced them to “Can’t Stop The Feeling” and Shannon and Sean to “Good As Hell” by Lizzo. They came in to loud applause and had their first dance to “I’ll Be” by Edwin McCain.  LOVE that song!!  Their Father’s shared a welcome and the family style entrees came out shortly.  

After dinner we had the cake cutting to “How Sweet It Is” by Marvin Gaye followed by the toasts. Shannon had a dance with her Father to “My Wish” and Sean and his Mother to “You’ll Be In My Heart”.  We had an anniversary dance to “100 Years” with Shannon’s Grandparents winning the longest married contest.  I opened the floor to everyone with some Top 40 and 80’s that filled it shortly.

We ended the night with a last dance/sing a long to “Closing Time” before a glow stick exit.

Thank you Shannon, Sean and Karen.  I loved every minute of this wedding!

Photos courtesy of Six Foot Photography

A Carolina County Club Wedding for Sara and Cole

I always LOVE playing at The Carolina Country Club in downtown Raleigh! Whether it is a pool party, Father/Daughter dance, Gingerbread Party or Sara and Cole’s wedding on November 23rd, it is always a blast.

Sarah and Cole had their wedding ceremony at St Mary’s Chapel, then the 175 guests came over to The Carolina Country Club where I was set up for the reception. As the guests arrived I had a mix of rock, classic soul and standards playing.  The heavy hors d’oeuvres stations were already open when they arrived as was our Bunn DJ Company Salsa Photo Booth. The room looked beautiful with floral arrangements by Fresh Affairs!

After pics were done by photographer Ray Barbour Images. I introduced Sara and Cole to “I Gotta feelin’”. They came in to loud applause and had their first dance to “Stand By me”. They danced with their parents to “My Wish” and her Father welcomed everyone followed by a blessing by Cole’s Brother.  We had a couple toasts and the Edible Art cake cutting to “Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch”.

I opened the floor to everyone with some beach music and Motown, then Top 40 that kept them dancing for the next 2 ½ hours.  We paused for a bouquet toss to “Singles Ladies”, “garter removal to “Sexual Healing” and toss to “Pour Some Sugar On me”. For the rest of the night they danced to 80’s, 90’s and some great throw back hip-hop tracks.  

We ended the night with a last dance to “Wagon Wheel”, but they kept chanting “One.More.Song” so I played a couple minutes of “Bye, Bye, Bye” before a rose petal exit.

Thank you so much Sara, Cole and Brenda. I had the best time and it was great to play for Lauren and Peter again who’s wedding I did back in 2015.

A Bay 7 Wedding for Kendall and Scott

What a fun wedding Kendall and Scott had at Durham’s Bay 7 on November 22^nd!

The ceremony was held at the bottom of the stairs and I ran mics for their officiant Ben Poston (I always LOVE working with him!) and also for their reader.  As the 125 guests arrived I had a mix of classical pop songs playing.  When it was time for the ceremony, Ben entered and asked everyone to silence their phones.  The Parents and Groomsmen entered to “Marry me” by The O’Neill Brothers Group.  The Bridesmaids entered to “We Built A Zoo” by Jonsi.  Kendall and her Father entered to “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”.  After a short service that concluded with a smashing of the glass, they recessed to “On Top Of The World” by Vitamin String Quartet.  Ben invited everyone upstairs for the cocktail hour while photographer Rose Trail Images and videographers HoneyDew Films got some shots. During cocktails I had a mix of classic soul, standards and soft rock playing.

After the cocktail hour I invited guests back downstairs where the room was ready for dinner and dancing. I lined the wedding party up with lots of help from planners Emily Katherine Events and got them ready for introductions.  I introduced each couple to a different song and Kendall and Scott came down to “Bring Em Out” by T.I.  They had their first dance to a special edit I made them that combined the acoustic and regular versions of “Ritual” by Wrabel & Marshmello.  After a couple minutes of the song, I invited the wedding party to join them on the floor.  Kendall’s father welcomed everyone and the salads and entrees came out. 

After dinner we had the toasts followed by the Parents dances.  Kendall and her Father had their dance to “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Michael Buble. Scott escorted his Mother to the floor for their dance to “How Long Will I Love You”. I opened the floor to everyone with “Build Me Up Buttercup” and “Brown Eyed Girl” before some 80’s that filled it with young and old while Kendall and Scott had a private Ashley’s Cake cutting.

For the next 3 hours the floor stayed filled to top 40, EDM, a few oldies and ballads and 90’s.  We paused for a bouquet toss to “Where Dem Girls At” and a hora dance to an EDM cover of it by Steve Aoki.  We ended the night with an EDM cover of “Dancing In The Moonlight” by Jubel before a sparkler exit.

Thank you Kendall, Scott, Sarah and Emily! I had the best time!!

Photo courtesy of Rose Trail Images

A Bridge Club Wedding in downtown Raleigh for Melissa and Daniel

Melissa and Daniel chose the beautiful Bridge Club in downtown Raleigh for both their ceremony and reception on November 16^th.  I was thrilled to be there for both!

The ceremony was held on the second floor, just about the amazing restaurant Death and Taxes.  As the 60 guests arrived I had a mix of classical covers of classic rock songs playing.  When it was time for the ceremony to start, the guests found their seats and I started the processional to the instrumental “Going To California” by Led Zeppelin for both Daniel and Melissa.  After a short service by officiant Kevin Holland, they recessed to “Daylight” by Matt & Kim. Kevin invited guests to the cocktail hour in the back of the room and I started a mix of indie rock for cocktails.

After the cocktail hour I invited guest to the 3^rdfloor for dinner.  During dinner I played a mix of rock, yacht rock and classic soul. After dinner I invited everyone back downstairs for dancing and our Bunn Photo Booth.  As soon as everyone was in the room, Melissa and Daniel had their first dance to Kacey Musgraves “Golden Hour”.Half way thru I invited everyone to join, which they did. For the next 1.5 hours I played a great mix of top 40, 2000’s hip-hop and a few oldies and ballads.  I’m sure photographer Aurelia Baca got some great shots of dancing!

We ended the night with “Prop Me Up Beside The Jukebox” by Joe Diffie and Melissa and Daniel personally thanked everyone on their way out.

Thank you Melissa and Daniel!!  I had the best time playing for you and your guests.

A Bridge Club Wedding for Christina and Chris

I LOVE playing weddings at Chef Ashley Christensen’s wedding venue, The Bridge Club in downtown Raleigh!  This time I was there for Chris & Christina’s wedding on Sunday, November 10th.

Their ceremony was held on the 2^ndfloor right above Death & Taxes. I ran music for them as well as a mics for their officiant and Friend Taygen and a few readers. As the 60 guests arrived, I had a mix of soft indie rock and classic rock playing. When it was time for the ceremony, the guests found their seats.  Taygen and Chris entered to “Here, There and Everywhere” by The Beatles. Christina entered to an edit I made her of “Book Of Love” by Magnetic Fields.  It was timed perfectly.  After a short service they recessed to “You Make My Dreams Come True” and were invited to the bar in the back of the room for cocktails. Photographer Chelsea Morgan took Chris and Christina outside to get shots of downtown.

After pics were taken they joined the remaining cocktail hour.  I had a mix of indie & classic rock, classic soul and standards playing. At the end of the cocktail hour they welcomed everyone and invited guests to the 3^rdfloor for dinner.  During dinner I had the same music mix playing.  After dinner we had the cake cutting to “Our House” and a few toasts before inviting everyone back downstairs for dancing.

After everyone was on the 2^ndfloor, Chris and Christina had their first dance to “You and Me” by Penny and the Quarters. Chris and his Mother had their dance next to “You Are My Sunshine” by Elizabeth Mitchell.  After a minute, I invited everyone to join them, which they did. I opened the floor after that with some 70’s funk, 80’s and 2000’s Hip-Hop that filled it for the next couple hours.  I also played a few Latin songs that were fun!

We ended the night with a last dance to “Sweet Caroline”.  Thank you Chris & Christina!!  I loved playing for you and your guests.

A Barclay Villa Wedding for Reynolds and Matthew

If you dream of a storybook wedding in a castle like Reynolds and Matthew did, The Barclay Villa in Angier NC is the closest you can get locally!

The ceremony was held in the back in front of a stone gazebo and officiated over by their friend Guy. They had a live pianist and 2 singers provide the music. I ran mics for Guy and Matthew.  After the ceremony that included a hand binding portion, they recessed and the 130 guests made their way to the other side of Barclay Villa to the pool area for cocktails. I had a mix of classic instrumental jazz playing.

After the cocktail hour, guests were invited to the ballroom for dinner and dancing by planner Chelsy Ferguson from The Gathering Co.  The two story room looked beautiful with floral arrangements by Jeffrey’s Florist.  After guests were seated, I introduced the Parents from the hall to “A Sky Full Of Stars”. The wedding party was next from the top of the stairs. Reynolds and Matthew were introduced to “Levels” by Avicii and came to the bottom of the stairs for their first dance to “Perfect Duet” by Ed Sheeran and Beyonce.  It was so sweet that they were singing it to each other.  Her Parents welcomed everyone and the dinner buffet opened. During dinner I had instrumental and vocal standards playing.

After dinner we had a few toasts and the cake cutting to “Lover Of The Light” by Mumford and Sons. While the staff served the cake and coffee we had the Parents dances.  Matthew and his Mother were first to “Carolina Moon” by Jim Reeves.  It was so touching and a song the Grandparents danced to 75 years ago! Reynolds and her Father’s dance was next that started with “Cinderella”, then after a few minutes I played “The Wobble” that they did alone for a minute, then opened the floor to everyone that filled it for the next 2 hours. 

During the dancing I played some beach music, oldies, 80’s a few line dances and Top 40.  We paused for the bouquet toss to “Run The World” by Beyonce and garter toss to “Pour Some Sugar On me”.  We ended with “Friends In Low Places” and finally “Sweet Caroline” before a sparkler exit.

Thank you for everything Reynolds, Matthew, Kathy and Chelsy!  I had the best time DJing this wedding.  The pics and video by Warren McCormack Photography and Memories Of A Lifetime look amazing!!

Photos courtesy of Warren McCormack Photography

A Fearrington Wedding for Samantha and Richard

I love playing a small, intimate lunch wedding, especially at The Fearrington Village Garden Terrace! Samantha and Richard’s wedding was just that on Sunday afternoon November 3^rd.

Their ceremony was held in the Fearrington’s Jenny Garden and the 45 guests wrapped around a beautiful fountain in the middle.  Arioso Strings covered the music.  After a short service, they made their way over to the Garden Terrace where I was set up for cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres. I had a mix of Indie Rock, country and oldies playing. The wedding party stayed at Jenny’s Garden for pics by Heba Salama Photography. 

After Pics were done, I introduced Samantha and Richard to “Home” by Edward Sharpe and they had their first dance in front of the fireplace and sweetheart table to “In My Life” by The Beatles. Her Father welcomed everyone and invited guests to the food stations.  During dinner was same music mix as cocktails.

After dinner we had a couple toasts followed by the Parents dances.  Samantha and her Father had their dance to “Here Comes The Sun” and Richard and his Mother to “God Only Knows”.  I opened the floor to everyone with “Uptown Funk” that got them up and dancing for the next 1.5 hours.

We paused for a cake cutting to “We Belong” by Pat Benatar, then back to dancing until the last dance to “Beautiful Day” by U2.  They had a rose petal exit from the patio.

Thank you Samantha, Richard, Kevin and Gilda.  Such a nice wedding!!!

Photo courtesy of Heba Salama Photography

An Umstead Wedding For Jennifer and Daniel

I knew this was going to be a great wedding at The Umstead Hotel and Spa from my initial meeting, and it was!

Their ceremony was held out back overlooking the pond and The Umstead took care of the sound with Save The Date Music providing music.  After the service, the 120 guests made their way around the back of the hotel and to the patio and pre-function area for cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres. We also had our Sleek Salsa photo booth there for pics!

After pics were done by photographer Cara from F8 Photo Studios (with help from 2^nd shooter Martha!!) and videographer Thomas Blake Films, the doors to the ballroom opened and guests found their seats. The room looked beautiful with floral arrangements by Embellished Blooms! I left music playing and went to line the wedding party up with planner Elizabeth from A Southern Soiree.  I introduced them to “A Sky Full Of Stars” and Jennifer and Dan to “Without You” by Usher. They had their first dance to a shortened edit I made them of “I Get To Love You” by Ruelle.  Jenn’s Father joined her on the floor for their dance to “I Loved Her First” and Dan & his Mother to “It Happens In A Heartbeat”.  We had a couple toasts, then the first course of risotto came out and I played a mix of rock, soul, standards and a couple Irish folk songs for her Father.

After the first course I opened the floor for a quick dance set with some Motown and Top 40 that filled it while the staff cleared the plates and brought out the salad course. During the second course I played more dinner music until opening the floor again. The 2^nddance set started with some beach, 70’s and 80’s while the main course was served.  During the 3^rdcourse dinner set I played “The Wild Rover” just for her Father and people sang along.

After the 3^rd course we had the Cinda’s Cake cutting to “Sweetheart” by Thomas Rhett, then opened the floor again with some oldies, Top 40 and 90’s Hip-Hop that kept them dancing until the last song. Two Roosters Ice Cream was there also to provide sundays and floats. I played “New York State Of Mind” for the last dance, but they weren’t having it and started chanting “One.. More.. Song”.  I had “New York, New York” already cued up, so ended with that.

Thank you so much Jennifer, Daniel, Kayla and Elizabeth!!  I had so much fun!!

Photos courtesy of F8 Photo Studios

A Merrimon Wynne Wedding for Brianne and Casey

I was so excited to be back at Merrimon Wynne in downtown Raleigh again! This time for Brianne and Casey’s wedding on Friday, November 1^st.

Their ceremony was held on the lawn and I provided mics and music.  Their officiant was Brianne’s Brother, Beau, who did an amazing job! As the 100 guests arrived I had a mix of light classical music playing.  The Parents and Groomsmen entered to the “Masters Theme”.  The Bridesmaids entered to “Minuet in G’ and Brianne and her Father to “Canon In D”.  After a short service with a couple readings, they recessed to “Triumphal March”.  Beau invited guests into the house for the cocktail hour where The Merrimon Wynne handled the music.

After pics were done by The Picture Guy, planner Kristin with Viva L’Event invited everyone into the Carriage house where I was ready. The room looked beautiful with arrangements by Plume Events  I left music playing and went inside to line them up for intros.  I introduced the wedding party to “The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air” theme and Brianne and Casey to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”.  They came in to loud applause and had their first dance to “Claire de Lune” from Oceans 11.  After a couple minutes, I invited the wedding party to join them until the end of the song.  Her Father welcomed everyone and gifted Casey a bag of candy to bribe Brianne with.  So funny!!  Chef Beau Bennett from Beau Catering welcomed everyone and described the food stations before they opened. During dinner I had a mix of rock, classic soul and standards playing.

After dinner we the toasts and Cupcake Shoppe cake cutting to “How Sweet It Is”. While the staff cut the cake and served it, we had the dual Parents dances to “What A Wonderful World”. An Anniversary dance followed to “The Way You Look Tonight” by Sinatra.  I opened the floor to everyone with “My Girl” that filled it with young and old.  For the next 2 hours guests enjoyed dancing, lawn games and visiting around the fire pit.

We had a last dance to “You Are The Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne before a sparkler exit from the front of the House. Thank you Brianne, Casey, Kristin, Brittnee and Abby.  That was a fun wedding!!

A Highgrove Estate Wedding for Shelby and Jake

What a nice family and couple!!  I never met Shelby and Jake until their wedding at Highgrove Estate in Fuquay Varina on October 27th, but had a nice chat with her Mother, Janni a year ago.

Their ceremony was held in the back overlooking a beautiful fall colored hill.  As the 150 guests arrived I had a mix of acoustic guitar covers playing.  The guests found their seats and the ceremony was under way.  The Grandparents, Parents and Groomsmen entered to a cover of “Fields Of Gold” by Harvey Reid.  The Bridesmaids and Jr. Bridesmaids entered to the first party of “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Kina Grannis.  Officiant Kevin asked everyone to stand, the doors to the house opened to reveal Shelby and Her Father, and I started the second half of the song.  It was timed perfectly!  After a short service they recessed to “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire.

After the ceremony, the guests were invited to the back patio for cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres. I had a mix of standards playing that was heavy on Sinatra and Buble.  After pics were done by Amber from Six Foot Photography, the doors to the ballroom opened and I invited guests inside for dinner with help from Britnie from Highgrove.  I introduced the wedding party to “This Will be (An Everlasting Love)”.  Shelby and Jake came in to loud applause and had their first dance to “Just The Way You Are” by Billy Joel.  Her Father welcomed everyone and blessed the meal. The salads and family style entrees came out and I had a mix of soft rock playing.

After dinner we had the toasts and cake cutting to “How Sweet It Is”.  Shelby joined her Father on the floor for their dance to “Walk With You” by Edwin McCain.  This is one of my favorite Father/Daughter songs!  Jake escorted his Mother to the floor for their dance to “My Wish”.  I opened the floor with “Brick House”, “Play That Funky Music” and some Top 40 that filled it.

The Krispy Kreme flambe station opened outside and guests enjoyed that as well as dancing.  We paused for a bouquet toss to “Man, I Feel Like A Woman” and garter toss to “American Woman”, then back to dancing.  We ended the night with a last dance to “At Last” before a sparkler exit.

Thank you so much Shelby, Jake, Janni and Britnie!  I had the best time!!

An NC State Park Alumni Center Wedding for Sheila and Mike

I was so thrilled to play for Sheila and Mike’s wedding and to take on the task of blending both American and Persian music and customs together at NC State’s Park Alumni Center on October 26th!

Their American ceremony was held earlier in the day at the new Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral. After the service, the 150 guests had a little break before heading over to the Alumni center for the reception.  The cocktail hour was held in the foyer and on the 2^ndfloor.

After the cocktail hour, the doors to the oval black and white ballroom opened and guests found their seats. The room looked beautiful with floral arrangements by Daniel’s Florist.  I left music playing and went to line the wedding party up for introductions with help from planner Stephanie Shaul. I introduced them to “Marry You” and Sheila and Mike to “Can’t Stop The Feeling”. They came in to loud applause and sat down at the back of a decorated stage for a Persian ceremony hosted by her Uncle.  After the ceremony her Father welcomed everyone and Mike’s Mother blessed the meal. During dinner I had a mix of soft rock playing.

After dinner we had the toasts and dances.  They had their first dance to “Faithfully” by Journey.  Sheila’s Father joined her on the floor for their dance to “I Hope You Dance” and Mike and his Mother to “You’ll Be In My heart”. Before the cake cutting, her Sister and cousins did a Persian knife dance to “Ay Gole Royaee” that flowed into the Publix cake cutting.  

While the staff served the cake I opened the floor with some Motown and Top 40 for 15 minutes, then blended into a Persian music set that took the energy thru the roof!!  It always does!!  So fun.  I went back and forth with American and Persian music for the next 2 hours only pausing for a couple ballads and the bouquet and garter toss.

I ended the night with “Sweet Caroline” and “Wagon Wheel” before sending everyone outside for the sparkler exit.  After everyone was gone except Photographer Chelsea Allegra, videographers Bryce and Jessie from Muddy Trails Film Co. and Sheila and Mike, they had a private last dance to “At Last”.

What a beautiful and fun wedding!!  Thank you Sheila, Mike, Stephanie and Hannah!!  I will never forget this wedding!

A Sutherland Wedding for Alanna and Chris

I finally got to meet Alanna and Chris just a week before their wedding. They are so funny and I was thrilled to play for their wedding at The Sutherland in Wake Forest on October 20^th.

The ceremony was held in the bricked garden and I ran mics and music for them.  As the 80 guests arrived to take their seats, I had light classical music playing. The Parents entered to “Ancient Stones” by Jeremy Soule. Chris lead his Groomsmen and Bridesmaids in by skipping in to Vivaldi’s “Autumn Op. 3. So great!!! Alanna entered to “The Morrowind Theme”.  After a short, very sweet and sometimes funny ceremony that included hand written vows, they danced out to “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley. The cutest!!

The guests were invited to the covered grooms terrace for cocktails and I had a mix of rock, R&B and oldies playing. Guests enjoyed refreshments and hors d’oeuvres while Nieto Photography and Oak City Films got some shots of the wedding party and pavilion.  After the cocktail hour, Donna & Lena from The Sutherland invited guests into the pavilion for the reception.  I left music playing and went inside the house to line the wedding party up for intros with them.

I introduced the wedding party to “Can’t Stop The Feeling” and Alanna and Chris to “Turn Down For What”. They had their first dance to “Safe & Sound” by Capital Cities followed by her dance with her Father to “Isn’t She Lovely” by Sinatra.  I have hundreds of his songs, but had to search for this one.  It’s awesome!!!  Her Father welcomed everyone and the plated salads came out by Rocky Top Catering before the food stations opened.  During dinner I had the same music mix as cocktails.

After dinner we had a short shoe game where they agreed (mostly) on the answers, and then the toasts. We had a Cakes By Chelsea cake cutting to “Cake By The Ocean”, then opened the floor with “Build Me Up Buttercup” and some Top 40.  The floor filled and they had a blast dancing to Top 40, 70’s, 80’s and a few 90’s tracks.  We paused for a bouquet toss to “Single Ladies” then back to dancing.

I ended the night with “Last Dance” before a sparkler exit.  Thank you Alanna, Chris, Nancy, Donna and Lena.  I loved playing for you and hopefully your knee will heel soon Chris!!

Photo courtesy of Nieto Photography

A Merrimon Wynne Italian Wedding for Ashlie and Ryan

When both Bride and Groom are Italian and lots of fun, I am thrilled to be their DJ!!

Ashlie and Ryan chose downtown Raleigh’s historic Merrimon Wynne House for their wedding ceremony and reception on October 19^th.  I arrived early and set up my sound system for the ceremony.  As the 150 guests arrived I had a mix of soft rock playing.  The Parents entered to “The Love Theme From St. Elmo’s Fire”. The wedding party to the Ed Sheeran part of “Perfect Symphony”.  Officiant Barbara Lodge asked guests to stand and Ashlie and her Father entered from the house to the Bocelli verse of “Perfect Symphony”.  After a beautiful service by Barbara, they recessed to “Heaven” by Bryan Adams.  They were invited into the house for cocktails and I had a mix of Italian crooners playing inside.

After pics & film were done Pamela Jahnke and Thomas Blake, the guests were invited into the carriage house for dinner and dancing. The room looked gorgeous with floral arrangements by Meristem Floral! I lined the wedding party up with lots of help from Catherine with Events by La Fete! I introduced the Parents to “Rock Of Ages” by Def Leppard and wedding party to “Can’t Stop The Feeling”.  Ashlie and Ryan came in to “Hot For The Teacher” and loud applause.  They had their first dance to “Thank You For Loving Me” by Bon Jovi. Her Father welcomed everyone and her Uncle blessed the meal.  The Rocky Top catering food stations opened and I had a mix of classic rock and Italian crooners playing.

After dinner we had the toasts followed by the Parents dances.  Ashlie and her Father were first to an edit I made them that started with “When You Need Me” by Bruce Springsteen, then into “Nothin’ But A Good Time” by Poison. So great!! Ryan and his Mother danced to a shortened edit of “Mother” by Sugarland I made for her.  I opened the floor to everyone with the Italian classic “The Tarantella” and the Limoncello shots came out!!  Some oldies and top 40 followed and kept the guests dancing for the next 3 hours.

We ended the night with Joe Cocker’s “With A Little Help From My Friends”, Garth’s “Friends In Low Places” and finally “New York, New York” that had everyone in a huge circle singing and dancing.  Thank you Ashlie, Ryan, Bill, Catherine and Kaila.  That was an awesome wedding!!

Photo courtesy of Pamela Jahnke Photography

An Oaks at Salem Wedding for Sarah and Niko

Sarah and Niko are so nice and I was thrilled to be at the beautiful Oaks At Salem in Apex NC for their wedding on October 18^th.

Their ceremony was held across the pond and I ran a mic for their officiant Steve.  A quartet from Arioso Strings was there to handle the music.  They always do just an amazing job!!  After a short service the 90 guests were invited back to the house for cocktails.  I had a mix of rock, classic soul and standards playing.

After pics were done by photographer Carly Fogelman, the guests were invited to their seats for the introductions.  I introduced them to “I Gotta Feeling” and Sarah and Niko to “Best Day Of My Life”. They had their first dance to Dan + Shay’s song “Speechless”. Sarah danced with her Brother’s next to “Unforgettable” and Niko escorted his Mother to the floor for their dance to “Humble & Kind”.  They took their seats and the Rocky Top Catered buffet opened in the house. During dinner I had a mix of rock, country and Motown playing.

After dinner we had the toasts including one by some random stranger that build their house, Natascha. We had the Once In A Blue Moon Cake cutting in the house to “Sugar” by Maroon 5. While the staff cut the cake for serving I opened the floor with some Beach and Motown, then top 40 that filled it for the next 2 hours.  They had a blast dancing to line dances, top 40, 80’s and even Eden XO “Weekend” for Niko.

We ended the night with a last dance to “Closing Time” before a sparkler exit.  Thank you Sarah, Niko and Becky.  I had the best time!!

Photo courtesy of Carly Fogleman Photography

A Melrose Knitting Mill Wedding for Athar and Teddy

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

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

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

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

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

Photo courtesy of Carley Page Photography

A Museum Of Art Wedding for Georgia and Jackson

I had never met Georgia and Jackson until their wedding on October 12^th at The Museum Of Art in Raleigh, but had a meeting with his very sweet Mother and talked to her about their wedding.

The ceremony was held in the back “garden” and I provided a mics for their officiant, Aaron, as well as a hand held one for prayers by 7 different people. The site looked beautiful with floral arrangements by Watered Garden.  They had a live cellist and violinist provide the music.  After the service that ended with both Georgia and Jackson breaking a glass, the guests were invited inside for the cocktail/dinner hour.

During the cocktail/dinner hour I had a mix of indie rock, classic soul and standards playing that Jackson mostly gave me.  I LOVED his playlist!!  Guests enjoyed passed hors d’oeuvres, small plates and looking at the museums exibits. Half way thru photographer Rebecca Ames finished up pics of the wedding party and I introduced them to “This Will be (An Everlasting Love)”. They came in to loud applause and joined the 180 guests for the rest of the cocktail/dinner hour.

After dinner we had the Cinda’s Cake cutting to “How Sweet It Is”. The toasts followed from the dance floor while the Museum staff cut the cake.  After the toasts, Georgia and Jackson had their first dance to bluesy/R&B cover of Shania Twain’s “Still The One”.  I had never heard this version before, but it is amazing!! Georgia had a dance with her Father next to “isn’t She Lovely” and Jackson and his Mother to “Count On me”.  I opened the floor to everyone with some Motown and Top 40 that filled

it for the next 2 hours. I mean FILLED!!!  We paused for a 150 people deep dance to the “Hora Medley” then back to dancing.

I ended the night with one of my favorite songs ever, “Valerie” by Amy Winehouse and finally “You Make My Dreams Come True” by Hall & Oates before a sparkler exit.

Thank you Georgia, Jackson, Sally and Morgan!  That was an amazing wedding!!