A Melrose Knitting Mill Wedding For Lindsay and Stephen

I was so excited to play for Lindsay and Stephen at Melrose Knitting Mill in downtown Raleigh NC and finally get to meet them on April 26^th!

The ceremony was held upstairs with live musicians.  After a short service, the 150 guests made their way downstairs to the pool area for a cocktail hour.  While photographer Danielle from Blissmore got some shots of the wedding party, I set up and got ready for introductions.

After pics were done, the guests made their way back upstairs and found their seats.  The tables looked beautiful with floral arrangements by Watered Garden. I introduced the wedding party and Lindsay and Stephen to “You Make My Dreams Come True”. They came to the dance floor in front of me and had their first dance to “You Are The Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne.They took their seats and we had the parents dances.  Lindsay and her Father danced to “Tupelo Honey” by Van Morrison. One of my fav songs and albums! Stephen escorted his Mother to the floor for their dance to “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life”. Her Father welcomed everyone and Pastor Mark blessed the meal.  

 

The salads and entrees came out soon and during dinner I had a mix of standards and soft rock playing. After dinner we had the toasts and cake cutting to “Build Me Up Buttercup” and guests started dancing to it.  So, some Motown and top 40 soon filled the floor for the next 2 hours.

We ended the night with “Wagon Wheel” and “Sweet Caroline”.  I invited guests downstairs

for a sparkler exit. As soon as everyone was gone except Danielle, Me, Blake from Melrose, Lindsay and Stephen, I played one more last private dance song just for them.  “Speechless” by Dan + Shay had us all in tears. I LOVE a private dance at the end of the wedding!!

Thank you Lindsay, Stephen and Blake!  That was such a beautiful and fun wedding!!

A Highgrove Estate Wedding For Tara and Mike

I couldn’t wait to DJ Tara and Mike’s wedding at Highgrove Estate in Fuquay Varina on April 20^th! I was excited to finally meet them, but also to see the new renovations at Highgrove!!

The ceremony was held in the new back ceremony site and the rain stopped just in time.  The service was held by Reverend Barbara Lodge with music provided by a quartet from Elegant Ensembles. As soon as the ceremony ended the sun came out and lite the trees in the background for pics and video by Walters & Walters and Twenty One Films.  It was just beautiful and I LOVE the new renovations!!!

They held the cocktail hour outside and Elegant Ensemble stayed to play for that.  They do a great job covering pop love songs! After pics were done and the room was ready, I took over the music and guests found their seats inside the reception room. The room looked beautiful with 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 the Wedding party to “Crazy In Love” and Tara & Mike to “Without You” by David Guetta & Usher (Love that song!!). They came to the dance floor and had their first dance to “I’ll Never Love Again” by Lady Gaga. This was the final song in “A Star Is Born”.  After their dance the wedding party took their seats and we had the Parents dances.  Tara and her Father danced to “Lullabye” by Billy Joel and Mike and his Mother to “I Hope You Dance”. Her Father welcomed everyone and the salads came out before the buffet opened.  During dinner I had a mix of standards, soft rock and classic soul playing.

After dinner we had the toasts and cake cutting to “How Sweet It Is”. I opened the floor to everyone with some Motown & Disco songs, then right into some top 40 and dance. It packed by the first song and stayed packed for the next 1.5 hours.  Considering there were only 60 guests, it was an awesome dance floor with lots of energy!!  We paused for the bouquet and garter toss, then right back to dancing.  

We ended the night with “Despacito”, but they weren’t ready to leave yet.  They started chanting “One more song!!” So,“Bye Bye Bye” by N’Sync was the new last dance.  They had a sparkler exit from the front of the house.

Thank you so much for everything Tara, Mike and Amanda!!  That wedding was so fun!!

Photos courtesy of Walters & Walters

A Wedding At Mayton Inn For Kylie and Matthew

Kylie and Matthew had both ceremony and reception at The Mayton Inn in downtown Cary NC on April 13^th and I was thrilled to supply music for both.

The ceremony was held on the back patio under a tent just in case of rain. As the 100 guests arrived I had a mix of light classical music playing.  The alter looked beautiful with floral arrangements by Tre Bella! When the ceremony was about to begin, guests took their seats and I found Reverend Barbara Lodge to attach her mic.  The Parents and Groomsmen entered to “Jesu, Joy Of Man’s Desiring” and Bridesmaids to “Air On A G String”.  Kylie and her Father came down the aisle to “Canon In D”.  After a wonderful service by Barbara, they recessed to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”. Barbara invited guests inside for the cocktail hour with help from planner extraordinaire Sally Oakley.

During the cocktail hour inside I had a mix of beach music, classic soul and soft rock playing. After pics were taken by Jason from Veritas Digital Photography the guests found their seats and it was time for the wedding party introductions.  I acknowledge the Grandmother and Parents, then introduced the wedding party to “We Are Family”.  Kylie and Matt were introduced to “You Make My Dreams Come True”. They came in to loud applause and took their seats at the head table.  The food stations opened shortly and I went right back to music during dinner.

After dinner we had the toasts and Once In A Blue Moon cake cutting to “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)”. The cake was delicious!! Then, we all sang Happy Birthday to Kylie’s 92 year old Grandmother!! After the cake cutting and after Kylie cleaned all the cake off her face (thanks to Matt.. LOL), they had their first dance to “This Magic Moment”. The Parents dances followed to “Stand By Me” and “How Sweet It is”.  I opened the floor to everyone with some Beach music and Top 40 that had young and old dancing for the next couple hours.

We ended the night with a last dance to “Save The Last Dance For Me” and a sparkler exit.

Thank you so much Kylie, Matt and Sally!!  I had the best time!!!

Photos courtesy of Veritas Digital Photography

An Umstead Hotel Wedding for Molly and Tom

I will never get to DJ Taylor Swift’s wedding (probably not), but I came very close with Molly and Tom’s wedding at The Umstead Hotel on April 6^th.

Their ceremony was held out back of The Umstead overlooking a pond with beautiful floral arrangements by Wylde Flowers. Their ceremony music was performed by the phenomenal Arioso Strings.  After the service planner Megan from A Southern Soiree (with help from Aneesa from Harmony Weddings) invited the 150 guests upstairs for the cocktail hour and reception. During the cocktail hour I had a mix of classical covers of pop songs playing.

After the cocktail hour the doors to the ballroom opened and I left some pop music playing while I went to touch base with Molly and Tom for introductions.  I introduced just them to “You Make My Dreams Come True” and they came in to loud cheers.  They had their first dance to The National’s “Dark Side Of The Gym”. They were singing it to each other like they were in their kitchen alone. So sweet!! After their dance her Father welcomed everyone and Pastor Kevin blessed the meal.  The food stations opened and I had a mix of jazz standards playing.

After dinner we had the toasts and Ashley’s Cake cutting to “You Are The Best Thing”.  I had the strawberry cake!! J. While the staff cut the cake and served it we had the parents dances.  Molly and her Father danced to “You’ve Got A Friend” by Carole King.  LOVE that version!  Tom and his Mother had their dance to “Return To Pooh Corner”.  Such a great song.  I opened the floor to everyone with some Motown and 70’s that shortly filled it for the rest of the night.

During the dancing I played lots of 70’s and 80’s, Of course lots of Taylor Swift, some

current top 40 and even a J-Pop song for Tom’s friends.

We ended the night with “Run Away With Me” by Carly Rae Jepsen before a confetti exit.  I’ve seen some of the sneak peek pics by Photographer Mina Von Feilitzsch and can’t wait to see more!!

Thank you Molly, Tom, Megan, Aneesa and Kaila!  I had the best time!! Oh, and a big Happy Birthday to Tom who’s birthday was the day before.

Photos courtesy of Mina Von Feilitzsch

A Cadillac Service Garage Wedding for Katie and Andy

Katie has heard me DJ weddings a couple dozen or more times as a videographer with Twenty One Films and always dreamed of having me as her Wedding DJ.  I was honored (and humbled) to make her dream come true on March 30^th when she married Andy at Greensboro’s Cadillac Service Garage.

Their ceremony was held in the front room of the building and I provided music and mics from the balcony. As the 120 guests arrived I had a mix of acoustic indie rock playing.  The Grandparents through the wedding party entered to “Beyond” by Leon Bridges. I LOVE Leon Bridges!!!  Katie and her Father entered to “Heartbeats” by Jose Gonzales from the TV show One Tree Hill.  After a short service with 2 readings, they recessed to “I Believe In A Thing Called Love” by The Darkness.  Their minister invited everyone upstairs for the cocktail hour and I started the cocktail music.

During the cocktail hour I had a mix of soft rock, indie rock and classic soul playing.  Photographer Samantha Floyd and Videographers Twenty-One Films got some shots inside and outside of the wedding party before letting them join the cocktail hour.  After the cocktail hour I invited guests downstairs to the reception area in the back and went to line the wedding party up for introductions with help from planner Kaitlyn from Exceptional Events. I introduced the Parents to “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” and wedding party to “Party Up” by DMX. LOL!!  Katie and Andy entered to “I Want Candy” and had their first dance to “I Love You Always Forever” by Donna Lewis.  I have always loved that song!  Her Father gave a heartfelt welcome and Andy’s Mother blessed the meal. During dinner I had the same mix as cocktails playing.

After dinner we had the toasts and then the Parents dances.  We started with Andy and his Mother’s dance to “Forever Young” and then it was time for Katie and her Father’s epic dance to a medley he made of “Only You” Yaz, “Shake it off” Taylor Swift and “Footloose” that was awesome!  He used to sing ”Only You” to her when she was young. I love that whole Yaz album!!!! We had the cake cutting next to “Cut The Cake” by Average White Band and then opened the floor with some 80’s.

The floor instantly packed with young and old for the next couple hours. My favorite moments of the dancing were Katie’s families dance to “Born To Be Alive”, their circle dance to “Lazy Mary” by Lou Monte and the couple of polkas. So great!! We paused for a bouquet toss to “Single Ladies” and then back to dancing to some hip hop and top 40 that included 3 Kendrick Lamar songs for Andy.  We ended the night with “Sweet Caroline” before a streamers exit.

Thank you so so much Katie, Andy, Mr & Mrs Bially, Jess & Phil and Kaitlyn!  I loved every minute of it and was so honored!!

Photos courtesy of Twenty-One Films

A Haw River Ballroom Wedding For Emma and Phil

I was so excited to DJ Emma and Phil’s wedding at Haw River Ballroom in Saxapahaw NC on March 23^rd!  I have seen a few concerts in the building, but never dreamed I would share the stage for a wedding.

The ceremony was held earlier in the day at a Church, then the 200 guests headed over to the Haw River Ballroom for the reception.  As the guests arrived I had a mix of rock, classic soul and country playing.  When the bridal party arrived, I left music playing and went to line them up with help from planner Britni from A Touch Of Southern Events.  I introduced the wedding party to “Celebration” and they lined up in front of the stage.  Emma and Phil came in to loud applause and had their first dance to the piano version of “Then” by Brad Paisley. Her Father welcomed everyone and Dr Shive blessed the meal.  The salads and entrees came out and they had a live jazz band, Mahalo Jazz, provide music during dinner.  They did an amazing job and are the house band from the restaurant next door, The Eddy Pub.  I could have listened to them all night.

After dinner we had the Edible Art cake cutting to “Amazed” followed by the parents dances and toasts.  Emma & her Father danced to “My Little Girl” and Phil & his Mother to “My Wish”. Emma’s Father took the mic to start the toasts, then the Best Man and Maid Of Honor finished them.  We had an anniversary dance to “A Thousand Years” and opened the floor to everyone with some Beach music, Motown and top 40 that filled it for the next 2 hours.  I even played Gucci Mane for Phil!!  We paused for the bouquet and garter toss, then back to dancing.

 

We ended the night with “Closing Time” before a sparkler exit.  After the last dance photographer Steve Exum had a surprise for everyone.  He had a slide show already done from the ceremony and showed it on the screen before leaving.  It was so great and really was a nice finish to an awesome wedding reception.  I can’t wait to see his photos from the reception and video by Bowtie Films.

Thank you Emma, Phil, Mr & Mrs Holt and Britni!  I had the best time!!

Photos courtesy of Steve Exum Photography

A Carriage Farm Wedding For Summer And Chad

I was back to The Pavilion and Carriage Farm, this time for Chad and Summer’s beautiful ceremony and reception on another picture perfect March 16^th day.

The ceremony was held outside and I ran mics and music.  As the 140 guests arrived I had a mix of classical pop songs playing. The Grandparents and Parents entered to “Wonderful Tonight” and wedding party to “Yellow”, both by Vitamin String Quarter.  Summer entered to “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by The Piano Guys. The ceremony included two performances that were both amazing!  One performance by Monica during the unity candle and another by Kelsey during the blessing of the hands really made is very special! After the ceremony they recessed to “This Will be (An Everlasting Love)” and made their way to the adjoining outdoor patio for the cocktail hour.

During the cocktail hour I had a mix of standards and country playing with a little soft rock and Motown added.  Summer, Chad and the wedding party were off getting pics taken by photographer Mark Mosrie.  After pics were taken, planner Alyson invited guests to their tables inside.  The room and fireplace looked beautiful with floral arrangements by Expressions Of Love. I introduced the Parents to ”I Gotta Feeling”, wedding party to “High Hopes” and Summer & Chad to “Bring Em Out”. They came right to the dance floor and had their first dance to “The Day Before You” by Rascal Flatts.  After that, Summer’s Brother welcomed everyone and Stephanie Moore blessed the meal.  The Catering Works buffet opened and I went back to music during dinner. I played a mix of country and standards again as well as “The Greatest Love Of All” by Whitney Houston in honor of Summer’s late Father, Al. 

After dinner we had the toasts and Parent’s dances. Summer danced with her new Father in Law to “What A Wonderful World” and Chad and his Mother to “My Wish”.  We had an anniversary dance to “Through The Years” by Kenny Rogers that had the winners at 59 years married.  I opened the floor to everyone with some Motown and Top 40 that soon filled it with young and old.

We paused for the cake cutting to “You Make My Dreams Come True” and then a couple Lebanese dance songs to honor Summer’s roots while the staff served the cake.  It was so great to see everyone dancing to those songs together hand in hand!  Some 90’s Hip Hop rounded out the night before the last dance to “Then (Piano version)” by Brad Paisley and a sparkler exit.

Thank you Summer, Chad and Alyson!  I had the best time!!