A Merrimon Wynne Wedding for Kasey and Grover

I was back at downtown Raleigh’s beautiful Merrimon Wynne House again, this time for Kasey and Grover’s wedding on June 29^th.

Because of the heat, they had the ceremony inside the Carriage House and I ran a mic for their officiant Dr. Kenneth Clapp.  They had a live pianist provide music and he was just amazing!! Kasey looked amazing with hair and makeup by the ladies at Makeup By Ashley Mooney. What a beautiful ceremony with floral arrangements by Meristem Floral. After the ceremony, the 200 guests were invited into the house for cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres.

After pics were finished by Ally and Bobby Photography and the room was flipped by Rocky Top Catering, the guests were invited into a huge air conditioned tent on the lawn for dinner.  I had a wireless speaker in the tent for dinner music and announcements. After everyone had taken their seats and the wedding party was ready, I introduced them to “Clique” by Kanye West. Kasey and Grover entered to “End Game” and took their seats at the sweetheart table. Her brother welcomed everyone and her Uncle James blessed the meal.  The buffet opened and I had a mix of rock, classic soul, beach and standards playing.

After dinner we had the toasts and Kasey, Grover and their parents snuck away for a private Ashley’s Cake cutting in the house. After they were done I invited everyone back to the Carriage House where I was for the formal dances. Greenhouse Picker Sisters had set up a couple lounge areas that were awesome! They had their first dance to Clay Walker’s “She Likes It In The Morning”. Kasey’s Father joined her after that for their dance to “Barbie Bandaids” by The Isaacs.  Grover escorted his Mother to the floor for their dance to “A Mother’s Song”.  I opened the floor with some Beach Music and Top 40 that soon filled it for the next 2 ½ hours straight!  They had picked a great mix of current Top 40, 2000’s throwbacks, some Beach music and sing a longs that kept everyone dancing all night.  

We ended the night with “Wagon Wheel” before a sparkler exit from the front of the House.  Thank you so much Kasey, Grover and Kaila!!  I had the best time!!

Photo courtesy of Ally and Bobby Photography

A Cookery Wedding for Christina and Thomas in Durham

I was honored to be NY Jets long snapper Thomas and Christina’s wedding DJ on June 22^nd at The Cookery in Durham, NC!

Their ceremony was held at Duke Chapel and the 150 guests made their way over to The Cookery for the reception after.  As they arrived for the cocktail hour I had a mix of rock, top 40, light EDM and classic soul playing.  Guests enjoyed passed hours d’oeuvres, signature cocktails and the Zim Zoom photo booth.

After the cocktail hour in my room, I invited guest to the banquet room next door for dinner with help from planner Jayme from Hazel Weddings And Events.The tables looked beautiful with floral arrangements by Tre Bella! After everyone was seated I introduced the Parents to ”Celebration”, wedding party to “This Girl” by Kungs Vs Cookin’ on 3 Burners and Christina and Thomas to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”. She looked amazing with hair and makeup by WINK and dress by Alexias Bridal! They came in to loud applause and took their seats at the sweetheart table.  Christina’s Father welcomed everyone and the Durham Catering buffet opened shortly.  During dinner I had a mix of classic soul, standards and soft rock & pop playing.

 

After dinner we had the toasts in the banquet hall and cake cutting to “I Can’t Help Myself” by The Four Tops.  The donut station opened and I invited guests to the Two Roosters ice cream truck for dessert. After everyone had their fill of donuts and ice cream, I invited the guests back to the main room for dancing.

We started with Thomas and Christina’s first dance to “You’re My Best Friend” covered by The Once. It is such a beautiful version of the song and extra sweet when they were singing it to each other! Christina danced with her Father next to “My Little Girl” and Thomas and his Mother to “I Hope You Dance”. I opened the floor to everyone with some Motown and Top 40 that filled it instantly. For the next hour and a half I played lots of top 40, EDM and Hip-hop before the last dance to “Home” by Phillip Phillips and a glow stick exit. I can’t wait to see the pics and video from Sara Ozim Photography and Toast Wedding Films!

Thank you Christina, Thomas and Jayme!  I will never forget this wedding.

Top photo courtesy of Sara Ozim Photography

A Merrimon Wynne Wedding For Lauren and Michael

The Merrimon Wynne in downtown Raleigh is one of my most favorite venues to DJ and I was thrilled to be back there for Lauren and Michael’s wedding on Friday, June 21^st.

Their ceremony was held on the lawn under a large tree.  Their officiant was their friend Laura.  I ran a mic for her, Michael and a reader while the music was covered by violinist extraordinaire Udeshi Hargett.  I always LOVE working with her!  Lauren and her Bridesmaids looked beautiful with hair and makeup by WINK. After a short service the 140 guests were invited to the house for the cocktail hour while photographer Krista from Six Foot Photography got some shots of the wedding party.

After pics were taken and the cocktail hour was over, planner Lynn from Happily Ever After invited everyone to the carriage house where I was for dinner and dancing. The room looked beautiful with floral arrangements by Brides and Bouquets! I left music playing and went to line the wedding party up for introductions with Lynn.  I introduced them to “Can’t Stop The Feeling” and Lauren and Michael to “Marry You”. They came in to loud applause and had their first dance to “Speechless” by Dan & Shay.  That’s going to be a HUGE first dance at weddings this year!!  The Parents dances followed with Lauren and her Dad first to a medley I made them of “My Little Girl” then “Celebration” that caught everyone off guard!  So great. Michael and his Mother’s dance was to “Everything I Do” by Bryan Adams. Her Uncle blessed the meal and the salads came out before the Donovan's Dish food stations opened in the lawn. During dinner I had a mix of soft rock, classic soul, standards and country music playing.

 

After dinner we had the toasts and cake cutting to “Sugar” by Maroon 5. Before opening the dance floor to everyone we had an anniversary dance to “Still The One” by Shania Twain.  The Mama Birds Ice Cream station opened and I opened the floor to everyone with some Motown and Top 40 that filled it for the next 3 hours. They danced to lots of Top 40, oldies, 80’s and 2000’s hits.  We paused for a bouquet toss to “Single Ladies” then back to dancing until the end of the night.

We ended with a last dance for everyone to ”Closing Time” and private last dance for Lauren and Michael to “Perfect Duet” by Ed Sheeran and Beyonce before a sparkler exit.

Thank you Lauren, Michael, Abby and Lynn!  I had the best time!!

Top photo courtesy of Six Foot Photography

A Rose Hill Plantation Wedding For Claire and Linwood

I always have the best time DJing at Rose Hill Plantation in Nashville, NC and Claire and Linwood’s wedding on June 15^th was no exception!

Their ceremony was held on front porch of the huge plantation house.  I ran a mic for officiant Heidi Gessner and also one for Linwood to pick up their vows. Harpist Laura Byrne handled the music on the porch and did an amazing job!  Claire and her Bridesmaids looked beautiful with hair and makeup by the ladies at Makeup By Ashley Mooney. After a short service ,Heidi invited guests into the house for cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres while Amber from Six Foot Photography got some shots of the wedding party around the grounds. Laura provided live harp music during the cocktail hour also.

 

After the cocktail hour the 150 guests were invited to the banquet hall for dinner and dancing by Kaisey and Chad from Chad Biggs Event Planning and Design. I left music playing and went to line the wedding party up for introductions with them. The room looked beautiful with floral arrangements by Chad with Perfect Palette Floral!  

I introduced the wedding party to “Eye Of The Tiger” and Claire and Linwood to “Dear Life” by High Valley. They came in to loud applause and had their first dance to “Heart Like A Wheel” by Eric Church. The wedding party took their seats and Claire and Linwood thanked everyone for coming.  Her Parents welcomed everyone and her Step-Father blessed the meal. The food stations opened around the room and I had a mix of country, rock, standards and classic soul playing. They also had a photo booth from ShanSound open all night that people had a blast with!

After dinner we had the Parents dances before opening the floor to everyone.  Claire started with her Step-Father’s dance to “Love Is Everything” by George Strait (one of their favorites). Her dance with her Father was to “Wildflowers” by Tom Petty. Linwood escorted his Mother to the floor for their dance to “Humble and Kind” and we had a Cupcake Shoppe cake cutting to “Make It Sweet” by Old Dominion.  The donut hole station opened and I opened the floor with some beach music, Motown and Top 40 that shortly filled it.  They had a great request list of hip-hop, 2000’s pop-punk and sings a longs that their friends ate up!  I even played “Mr Brightside” for her Bachelorette party and “Magic Carpet Ride” by Steppenwolf for his fraternity brothers from Lambda Chi Alpha which he was the chapter president.

We paused for the bouquet toss to “Girlfight” and then back to dancing until the end of the night. We ended the night with a last dance to “Closing Time” and a sparkler exit. Thank you so much for everything Claire, Linwood, Kaisey and Chad!!!

Photos courtesy of Six Foot Photography

A Museum Of Life and Science Wedding for Rebecca and Avery

I have had fond memories of The Museum of Life & Science in Durham since the last wedding I did there back in 2012. Rebecca and Avery’s wedding on June 9^th just added more great memories!!

Their ceremony was held under a tent next to the Butterfly House where the cocktail hour would later be. I ran a mic for Avery’s Sister, Zoe who was also their officiant and she did a great job!!  As the 100 guests arrived I had a mix of acoustic guitar covers playing.  The Grandparents and Parents entered to an instrumental of “Carolina In my Mind” and Groomsmen to a guitar cover of “Here Comes The Sun”. The Bridesmaids entered to “You’ve Got A Friend” and Rebecca and her Father to “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by an acoustic guitar. After a short service with vows written by Rebecca and Avery, they recessed to “Rockelbel’s Canon In D” by The Piano Guys. Zoe invited guests inside the butterfly House for cocktails and I had a mix of classical music playing inside.

After the cocktail hour, the guests were invited to the Aerospace Room of the Museum by planners Something Perfect for the dinner and dancing.  I left music playing and went to line the wedding party up for introductions.  I introduced them to “Celebrate” by Ingrid Michaelson and Becky and Avery to “Crave” by Parachute.  They had their first dance to “Buy You A Rose” by AJR followed by the Parents dances. Rebecca and her Father dance to “Forever Young” by Rod Stewart and Avery & his Mother to “You Are My Sunshine” by Elizabeth Mitchell.  It’s such a great version of this classic song!!

The Rocky Top catered food station opened and passed hors d’oeuvres came out shortly.  During dinner I had a mix of indie rock and soft classic rock playing.  After dinner we had toasts and the cake cutting to “How Sweet It Is” by Michael Buble.  After Rebecca cleaned her face off (thanks Avery!!LOL), we had the bouquet toss to “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme” By Abba and an anniversary dance to “Still The One” by Orleans. I love that song!!!

I opened the floor to everyone with “Build Me Up Buttercup” and some Motown, top 40 and 80’s that instantly filled it for the next 1.5 hours.  We ended the night with a last dance to “What A Wonderful World” and a private last dance to “If I Tremble” by Front Porch Step before a paper airplane exit.  I can't wait to see more pics from J.P. Lord Photography!!

Thank you Rebecca, Avery, Lauren and Ashley!  That was a great wedding!!

Photo courtesy of J.P. Lord Photography

A Wet Chapel Hill Carriage House Wedding for Blair and James

A rainy reception is an understatement for James and Blair’s wedding at The Chapel Hill Carriage House on June 8^th, 2019. BUT, it turned out to be a blast!

Their Ceremony was held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.  After the service, the guests started over to The Carriage House for the reception. As the 120 guests arrived I had a mix of soft rock musicians from NC (James Taylor, Old Crow, Avett Brothers..) along with classic standards by Sinatra and Dean Martin. Guests enjoyed cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres by Caterers The Mediterranean Deli.

After pics were finished by Ally & Bobby Photography, the guests escaped the sprinkles from the sky and found their seats under the pavilion.  I left music playing and lined the wedding party up with planner Cheryl Anne from Kast Events.  I introduced them to “Summertime Romance” by Johnnyswim and Blair and James to “Found A Heart” by Emily Hearn. They came to the floor and had their first dance to Nat King Cole’s “Unforgettable”.  They took their seats, her Father welcomed everyone and his Father blessed the meal.

The buffet opened shortly and during dinner I played more soft rock and standards.  After dinner we had the toasts and Simply Cakes cutting to “A Taste Of Honey” by The Beatles. The Parents dances followed with Blair and her Father dancing to “The Way You Look Tonight” by Sinatra. James and his Mother had their dance to “Kentucky Waltz” by Mark Howard. James did a great job!! I opened the floor to everyone with “Build Me Up Buttercup” at the exact same time that a torrential downpour started!! The pavilion kept everyone dry to dance the night away which they did.  We only paused from dancing once, for the bouquet toss to “Man, I Feel Like A Woman”.

 

We ended the night with “Perfect” by Durham natives Bombadil. The rain kept everyone from a sparkler exit, so the guests just made a couple rows for Blair and James to walk through.  

Thank you for everything Blair, James and Cheryl Anne!!

A Melrose Knitting Mill Wedding for Caitlin and Forrest

Downtown Raleigh’s Melrose Knitting Mill was the setting for Caitlin and Forrest’s wedding on June 1^st.  I was so excited to be there for both ceremony and reception.

The ceremony was held on the second floor and officiated over by Reverend Perry Hardison.  He always does a great job and has the best laugh!!  I ran a mic for him while the music was covered by Arioso Strings. After a short service the 110 guests were invited downstairs to the pool area of Mulinos for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while the staff flipped the room.

After pics were taken by Photographer Megan Kerns and the room was set, the guests were invited back upstairs for dinner and dancing. The tables looked beautiful with purple floral arrangements by Expressions Of Love. I left music playing and lined the wedding party up with help from planner Jessica from Southern Oak Events.  I introduced them to “I Gotta Feelin”” and Caitlin and Forrest to “Marry Me’ by Jason Derulo.  They came to the floor and had their first dance to “Die A Happy Man” by Thomas Rhett.  Love that song hard!!  The wedding party took their seats and we had the Parents dances.  

 

Caitlin and her Father danced to a shortened edit I made her of “It Won’t Be Like This For Long” and Forrest escorted his Mother to the floor for their dance to “Never Alone”. Her Father welcomed everyone and the salads came out before the buffet opened. During dinner I had a mix of rock, country, classic soul and standards playing. Towards the end of dinner guests just started dancing, so I played some sing a long and beach songs for them to dance to while Caitlin and Forrest finished talking to tables.

When they were ready we had the Cinda’s Cake cutting to “Make It Sweet“ by Old Dominion followed by a group pic of all the NC State alumni with an NC State flag.  I opened the floor (again) with “Wagon Wheel” that packed it until the end of the night.  I played lots of oldies, 80’s, early 2000’s and some sing a longs at the end of the night.

We ended with “Ignition (Remix)” (ok’d by Caitlin) and a sparkler exit.  Thank you so much Caitlin, Forrest and Jessica.  I had the best time!!!

Photo courtesy of Megan Kerns Photography