I had the honor to be a part of Georgie & Mike's big day a couple of weeks back at a private home in the Silver Knolls neighborhood along with a hundred other fantastic people. I loved the vibe the whole day and evening, as everyone pitched in to take the ceremony and reception over the top. It was one of those weddings that people will be talking about for years to come and there are so many reasons why.
First and foremost are the happily married couple. From the moment I met them, I saw that incredible bond they share and sensed that they couldn't wait to make it official and start their journey together. Georgie is full of laughter and life and Mike has a wry wit and an silent strength that blend perfectly together. They have a level of comfort together that I liken to the same level of closeness my wife and I have after being together almost 30 years now. They are a couple you'll see still deeply in love 60 years from now.
I met with them about 5-6 weeks prior to the big day at Georgie's brother's home, where the ceremony and reception would take place, and frankly I was a bit concerned. There was nothing but dirt in the backyard where in a few weeks a reception would take place. They talked of grass, a gazebo, tents, tables and a pond, and I hoped they could get even half of it constructed before their date. Ken & Kathy, Georgie's brother & sister-in-law were another of these reasons why the day was such a resounding success. They were such gracious hosts and got their home and yard into amazing shape, and when I arrived all those things they envisioned were there. What a great backyard venue!
Another several reasons it was such an amazing event were the vendors and friends providing exceptional service during the day & evening. Their photographer was Evan Zinser from Zinser Photography who is one of the best out there, if not the best. He is such a great guy, and his photography is fantastic. He works effortlessly with the bridal party and guests to capture those important moments, establishing a relationship with them that lasts beyond their day. Indeed, two or three couples at the wedding had had Evan photograph their wedding or do their family portraits. It says something about him that they feel like he is almost family instead of just a vendor.
Same with Mike at Zinser Photo Booth. He made the photo booth experience come alive for the guests and is patient with those first-timers and also with the kids that came back time and again. He is one of those vendors I love to see at my events because I know he has his stuff together and will treat the guests correctly. Super fun!
The third person that made the event go above and beyond was their caterer, a family friend who came out of caring retirement just to do their dinner. He had amazing smoked pork & beef loin with all the fixings that really stood out as being very delicious- better than many of the BBQ caterers I see throughout the year. The beef especially was perfectly cooked and tasty (in this reporter's humble opinion) and the hand-tossed caesar salad was really delicious. Nobody went hungry and many came up for seconds and thirds...
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| Georgie's entrance! |
As I said though, Georgie & Mike were the true catalysts of the evening's fun though. Their happiness infused everyone with the same, and a special moment at the beginning of the ceremony set the tone for the rest of the evening. After the bridal party walked in to "I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz, I started up Kevin Rudolf's "Let It Rock" and the guests looked around expectantly. After a couple of seconds, Ken & Georigie on Ken's ATV roared up and the crowd went wild!
They dismounted their ATV chariot and I started the Bridal Chorus as she and her brother walked the final steps to meet Mike at the gazebo. The energy and love in the crowd was electric- one of the best entrances of a bride I can remember in over 700 weddings. So fun! After a special ceremony that included Georgie's two daughters and had them join hands with Mike & Georgie to signify their new family bond that they share, they departed to "Eye of the Tiger" to much cheering from their guests. What a way to start off a wedding reception!
After some pictures with Evan, they returned to the reception with their Grand Entrance and went right into their first dance, Savage Garden's "Truly. Madly, Deeply" which seemed so perfect for the moment and for them.
The rest of the evening never let up in fun and celebration. After the delicious dinner and fantastic toasts, they cut their cake while Mraz's "Lucky" punctuated the moment. Then the real dancing began interspersed by an Anniversary Dance and the Bouquet & Garter tosses. I played a huge variety of music from Benatar to Ben E. King; from Chicago to Shaggy; from Sinatra to Flo Rida and everything in between. We went long into the night and I even got to play some EDM and 90's pop and hip-hop before we were through. The last song was a memorable one- the newlyweds dancing to "Just the Way You Are" by Bruno Mars while everyone else danced around them and sang. Just a magical night in perfect weather with absolutely amazing people. What more could a DJ ask for?
Thanks to Evan at Zinser Photography for turning me on to such a great couple, bringing me 7-Ups, and for being the best in the business. Thanks to Mike at Zinser Photo Booth for going above and beyond once again. Thanks to Ken & Kathy for their hospitality and for making me feel so welcome. Thanks to all the family and guests who made me feel like I was a one of them instead of just a hired hand. Finally, thanks to Mike & Georgie for allowing me to be a part of such an amazing and fun day and evening. Best of everything you two!
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