Brent & Crystal at Redhawk with Delicious Designs and the Traveling Photo Booth

Brent and Crystal. Crystal and Brent. One of my favorite couples ever. From our first consultation I knew that I had to be a part of their day. They exude togetherness and an ease with one another that tells everyone around them that they are a couple. A relationship that is tempered and perfected with glowing affection, wonderful children, and life experiences that only come when you overcome previous difficulties and realize that all of these things have brought you to this person- the one you were meant to spend the rest of your life with. This is what you find when talking with and watching the two of them together. 

They selected the Redhawk Resort for their ceremony and reception venue. They made a great choice. Chardonnay and her crew were exceptional all afternoon and evening. She unobtrusively hovered in the background throughout the event, taking care of small issues and making sure things ran smoothly. She was great to work with from the DJ perspective as well. She brought the lights up and down various times for the optimum photo opportunities balanced with dancing atmosphere. She checked on the guests continually, and the DJ as well. I felt warmly welcomed and well taken care of, so I can imagine what the guests thought :)

It was a spectacular day for the first of April, and the ceremony was framed by the wetlands and golf course. The entire wedding party came in to "1000 Years" by Cristina Perry: five bridesmaids, five groomsmen and Cassidy, Emily, Jake & Cayden (B&C's children) followed by Crystal. I was so proud of the children especially- they took their duties very seriously and were just a fun and well-behaved quartet the entire day and evening. Blake was a bit nervous officiating the ceremony but he had some great lines and was genuine and funny. I was really impressed with Emily (or was it Cassidy?) who had a reading in the midst of the ceremony and was on point with her delivery.

When Blake had pronounced them married, they left to a George Harrison song, "What is Life" which I thought was a cool and fitting song for the moment. I love that album and now when I hear that song I'll think of them. That's the magic of a great song paired with a great moment :)

Cocktails and pictures then commenced. They had a new (to me) photo booth company, The Traveling Photo Booth up and running when the guests arrived inside. Jesse and his helper were very friendly and everyone liked the booth's features. I saw people there multiple times, which always means that it is a fun booth and vibe.

Chris Brown's "Forever" serenaded the bridal party in for the Grand Entrance and shortly thereafter a buffet dinner was served. I got several requests from Crystal and the head table for songs during dinner and everyone was just in such a happy and fun mood. Not hard to imagine though. If you are friends or family with those two, chances are you are pretty cool and fun. Redhawk put out a fine buffet with chicken and beef but what I liked the most was this huge mound of fresh vegetables that were sautéed/steamed. I'm a sucker for fresh and well prepared veggies! As I mentioned, great service from Chardonnay and her crew and before everyone had even been through the line, champagne was poured and served for the toasts.

Lonnie was my favorite person in attendance besides Crystal & Brent. He was their Best Man and he was just a great guy all during the afternoon and evening. Fine choice for Best Man! He started the speeches off and gave a great, heartfelt toast. Crystal's sister and Maid of Honor Deanna followed him with an emotional speech that epitomized sisterhood and their unbreakable bond. What was that? A bit of a tear? Maybe... Then the gentleman that introduced the couple spoke and finally Crystal and Brent. Brent had an idea to start up the "hurry up" music like at the Oscars in the midst of his speech, so I did and everyone enjoyed the moment. 

The cake cutting was next. They had placed glass jars near the entrance of the ballroom- one for Brent and one for Crystal. The guests could then vote via a dollar or two on whom would be smashed by the other. Brent won. Or lost, depending on your viewpoint lol. Crystal smashed him in the face! Not too badly, but I loved this and their other ideas throughout the evening. Fun ideas from fun people. 

The cake was delicious! Delicious Designs, that is. Actually Leigh Anne makes cakes that live up to her company's name. They taste different than other cakes. The fresh ingredients and flavors really come through. Brent and Crystal opted for a chocolate raspberry top and a champagne strawberry bottom. The latter is my favorite of Leigh Anne's but both were wonderful. The true test of a cake is when it is portioned correctly, are there lots of leftover slices? The answer was no. I saw people come back again for a taste of the other or just another piece no matter which flavor. The small box that included the leftovers at the end was the size of a pie box, and it included their cake top. Delicious is right...

When Brent had cleaned up frosting from his visage, I introduced them for their First Dance. They chose "Bless the Broken Road" by Rascal Flatts, which I thought signified their lives apart and now together perfectly. They "Danced on a Cloud" which means that I put about 15 pounds of dry ice into a special Nimbus machine and out came clouds of water vapor to punctuate the dance. The kids especially loved the effect, chasing stray wisps around the edge of the dance floor. It was a magical moment and always a favorite time in a reception for me. The bride and groom have been doing so many things all day, and while they are together during the ceremony, the First Dance is a moment almost frozen in time. It allows them to almost be alone together in the midst of all of these happy onlookers. They can talk and laugh, sing to one another- just enjoy each other in a pure moment. Time seems to stand still, then before you know it, the song is over and everyone is cheering. I love weddings (if you can't tell lol)!

Last song

The rest of the evening was filled with dancing with a small break for tossing the bouquet and garter. Crystal chose "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" for her toss and Brent "I Want to Sex You Up" for his, which got lots of cheers and applause when he started singing and dancing. Super fun! I took many requests and had a happy bunch of dancers and we ended the night with another Brent & Crystal favorite, MJ's "Will You Be There".  It was a perfect ending to a fantastic afternoon and evening.

Thanks to Chardonnay & staff at Redhawk, Jesse at The Traveling Photo Booth, and Leigh Anne from Delicious Designs- you all rock!  But thanks the most to Crystal and Brent for inviting me in to their special day and amongst their fantastic friends and family. I really am honored to do what I do, especially for couples like you two. Best of everything, always!

Matt & Maddie at the Tannenbaum with Delicious Designs, Ciprian Photography & Fig Tree Catering

One of the benefits of being a wedding professional is that you meet, get to know, get to laugh with, and ultimately be a part of a fantastic couple's most important day of their lives. I can't tell you how much it means to me to do this. Every couple I have the chance to work with is unique and their love burns brightly, but I think Maddie & Matt are one of my favorite couples ever. Let me tell you why... 

Matt is a member of the Army- one of those professionals that leave on a moment's notice and put themselves in harms way so that we are all safe & sound back here in the States. He has deployed numerous times and that means that it takes a woman with special patience and love to deal with those separations. That woman is Maddie. They are perfect for one another. He is dark & handsome, with a quick wit and kindness that exudes from everything he does. She is blonde, gorgeous, smart and has a teasing gleam in her eye that keeps Matt on his toes. To hear them banter with each other is like watching a prize fight- witticism after witticism all balanced with a love for one another that is almost visible. I am certain if I could see just a little bit into another spectrum, I'd see their love burning brightly- probably brighter than most. When we first met, I knew immediately that they were deeply in love and I was honored to be chosen to be a part of, and have looked forward to, their big day ever since.

They chose Tannenbaum to be the site of their fantastic day and evening. I have done many events there and I am always pleased with it as a venue- beautiful grounds and trees, lots of room inside and out, and flexibility to choose your own vendors and decor. Kiley & Sasha were the Tannenbaum coordinators for Matt & Maddies' event and they did a great job throughout, helping out in innumerable ways. Just great people.

Their choices for their wedding professionals were inspired as well. I was setting up and saw Leigh Anne from Delicious Designs arrive. My favorite wedding vendor! If you don't know Leigh Anne, you should get to know her! A more enthusiastic and talented baker I have yet to encounter. Leigh Anne's cakes, cupcakes, and cookies are delicious and her decorating is amazing. She loves what she does and it shows. Here is what she made for Matt & Maddie:

Champagne cake with lemon curd & raspberry filling.

Pistachio cupcakes with pistachio buttercream frosting.

Chocolate cupcakes with chocolate ganache.

Vanilla cupcakes with vanilla buttercream frosting topped with vanilla bean sea salt.

Guinness stout spiced cupcakes with vanilla buttercream frosting.

Phenomenally decorated butter cookies.

(plus lots of Oreos and M&Ms that she didn't make but displayed with her goodies).

Compared to the picture I took of the desserts, there was very little left at the end of the night :)

Taking pictures all throughout the event was Ciprian from Ciprian Photography. I have had the pleasure of working with him on several occasions and he is a consummate professional- easy to work with and continually snapping shots.  I would have to say he is one of the top photographers in the area both for his ability, professionalism, and his finished work. Again Maddie & Matt hit a home run.

Their choice of caterer and the food served was inspired as well. Fig Tree Catering did the appetizers and dinner, and it was an eclectic mix of M&M's favorite foods. There were shots of soup, gourmet mac & cheese, hand-dipped corn dogs and a sandwich station with carved pork loin and beef with 5 or 6 sauces. All of these were at different stations- not a typical buffet setup. I was amazed how efficiently everyone was served, and how much everyone enjoyed the atypical fare. It another unique aspect to Matt & Maddie's day and yet again another hit with everyone- including the DJ who had to go back for a second corn dog :)

Maddie & Matt did a "first look" and while I am sure Ciprian got much better pictures, I took a few with my cheap camera from up on the deck. Pretty magical. More and more people began to arrive and after a bit the Bridal Party was entering to a piano version of One Republic's "Feel Again". Maddie and her dad Bob then came down the aisle to "Jubel" by Klingand and soon Tom was officiating their union. Right after Maddie arrived however, Matt grabbed a mic that I had secreted nearby and welcomed and thanked everyone for coming. A nice touch to a beautiful ceremony. When all was done, Maddie & Matt exited to the American Author's song, "Best Day of My Life" which was very fitting.

Dee & friends dancing to Madonna on the deck :)

Pictures then ensued. I stayed outside on the deck playing from a list of cocktail music they had selected. When they moved over to the old chimney for more pix, I happened to play a Madonna song off their list and the girls started singing and dancing as they posed. Maddie's mom Dee then appeared on the deck beside me with several of her girlfriends dancing along to the song. Dee told me that she loved Madonna and when Maddie was small they sang and danced to all of her songs together. Dee said the first word that Maddie wrote was "Madonna" so it is in her genes. I played a Material Girl mix from that moment onward until those pics were finished. Very fun!

We then moved inside and I introduced the Bridal Party to Bruno Mar's "Uptown Funk" and they all danced as they came in. When I announced the bride & groom I played more of "Jubel"- a song that really resonated with M&M. That is what it is all about- making the event match the bride & groom. Fig Tree then had the stations for dinner manned and ready and everyone began to enjoy the food. Toasts followed dinner, then cake cutting (with Joe Cocker's "Feelin Alright" punctuating the moment). Then it was time to dance :)

Maddie & Matt danced their first dance (although they cheated a bit and danced to "Jubel as they entered for their entrance beforehand) to Billie Holiday's "Come Rain or Come Shine"- just an amazing moment for them and for all of us watching. 

Ciprian at work

Bob then came up to dance with his daughter. We had all met and planned the week prior to play another song for his dance with Maddie, but when he left the room Maddie then told me instead to play "White Bird" by It's a Beautiful Day. It is his favorite song, and a week later he was so happily surprised when it began to play that he hugged Maddie even tighter. Just a great moment- it makes my eyes glisten just thinking about it. Another case of Maddie & Matt choosing things to make their reception that much more personal and special.

Matt and his mom Kathy then danced to Cole Porter's "Night & Day" sung by Frank Sinatra. It was a perfect lead into their Money Dance which went about 4 songs and then we were all dancing starting with "Shut Up and Dance" by Walk the Moon. The dancing was great- M&M had picked some great music and I filled in the sets with songs I knew would kick butt and had some great requests from the audience.

Etta James slowed us down for the Anniversary Dance followed by the tosses. The girls danced to Meghan Trainor's "Dear Future Husband" as they fought for the bouquet and then the guys gathered around Matt as he removed the garter from Maddie to "Shakin" by Eddie Money. The theme from MNF then punctuated the toss.

I loved every minute of the day and evening. Matt & Maddie's family and friends were almost as fun as M&M themselves and the fun energy never let down. There were many special moments but one of my favorites was when the last couple standing for the Anniversary Dance turned out to be Danny & Shondell. Danny had come up to me earlier and asked if I had "Love Me Tender" by Elvis. He asked if I could dedicate it to his lovely wife Shondell sometime during the evening. It was their wedding song. Absolutely! I told him. Nothing like celebrating 53 years of wedded bliss! So when they were the last couple up I announced how long they had been married and that Danny dedicated the next song to Shondell. When it started up she immediately had a tear and they danced to much cheering and applause like they were teenagers again. So special. Yet special was routine at Matt & Maddie's wedding and reception.

So thankful to be able to work with Sasha & Kiley at the beautiful Tannenbaum- such an extraordinary venue! Leigh Anne from Delicious Designs- your creations were delicious and gobbled up by everyone- you rock! Working with Ciprian from Ciprian Photography is always a pleasure. A true professional. And Fig Tree Catering- you really helped Matt & Maddie make the food delicious and fun, thanks for all your creativity and hard work!

Finally thanks to Matt & Maddie, Bob & Dee, and all the family and guests that welcomed me and made me feel more like a guest than a hired hand. Matt- thanks for your service- we all owe you so much- much more than your humble nature will admit. Maddie, thanks for being such a fun bride! Your smile was infectious and your enthusiastic presence on the dance floor made me strive to give 200%.  Best of everything, always you two!

Viel spaB in Deutschland!

Kyle & Marika at the Rancho San Rafael Ranch House with Opa Cafe, Delicious Designs, and Petal to the Metal

I love ethnic weddings. That affection may come from the Italian ones I attended as a child but I really think that it is the fact that celebrating your family background can be a profound part of the wedding experience and really make your wedding unique. Your family gets to celebrate their heritage and your guests get to experience what may be to them new traditions, music, and food. I have had the privilege of being the DJ at many different ethnic weddings over the years- this summer's batch included Guatemalan, Danish, Bosnian, Native American, German, and the one I have chosen to blog about today, Greek.

Kyle and Marika are a fun, energetic young couple that wanted to have a fun and memorable wedding and reception that both told a story of who they are and also paid tribute to Marika's Greek heritage. I met with them several times prior to the big day and their planning and excitement was infectious. I always look forward to every event I am privileged to be a part of, but it was even a little more so with them.

They chose the Ranch House at Rancho San Rafael Park for their ceremony and reception. It is a beautiful spot filled with nooks and corners inside, an intimate lawn & grove outside for ceremonies, and a central open courtyard that is perfect for tables and the reception events. I arrived early on that Sunday afternoon to find Kyle, Marika's brother Taso and many others sprucing up the Ranch House with decorations, lots of color, and photos attached to lines crossing the courtyard, which I thought unique and fun. I loved the bridesmaid dresses too: all different dresses in different shades of purple with cowboy boots. The fantastic flowers and bouquets from Petal to the Metal really tied everything together, and when Kyle wore his straw cowboy hat it put an exclamation point on their vibe and style- very country chic!

The ceremony was held on the back lawn and reflected their personalities: bright and fun. The parents and bridal party entered to a favorite of mine, Alison Kraus's cover of the Beatles "I Will", which set the tone perfectly as we all awaited Marika's walk down the aisle. She emerged to the traditional "Bridal Chorus" with her mom and dad, and the joy on Kyle's face on seeing her was noticed even by me, way in the back working on the tunes. A simple ceremony followed and then they retraced their steps, this time as husband & wife to the traditional "Wedding March."  I really loved the fact that they included their dogs in the ceremony as well.  Again, a super-fun couple!

Tradition was the word of the day as the guests entered the Ranch House finding Greek delicacies from Opa Cafe awaiting them inside. Opa Cafe did a tremendous job the entire event with both staffing and the appetizers and the buffet.  I love Greek food and found their tzatziki sauce especially addictive, but for me the star of the evening food-wise was the moussaka- so light and delicate and flavorful! Yum! Everything was delicious as well and most of the guests wandered back inside to the buffet line for seconds and thirds.

When pictures were done, I introduced everyone during the Grand Entrance. First, to the strains of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" came the parents Mike & Janet and Steve & Judy. Then came the 2 ring bearers and flower girl accompanied by Pharell's "Happy." then the extensive bridal party entered to EMF's "Unbelievable", followed at last by Stevie singing "Signed Sealed Delivered" as we welcomed Kyle and Marika to their reception. Champagne toasts were then made and we opened up the buffet line.

Opa!!!

After dinner, a very fine Greek tradition began: Ouzo toasts. If you haven't had Ouzo, it is a clear liqueur distilled with anise seeds that give it a black licorice taste. Unlike sambuca it isn't sweet but crisp and and fragrant, and it will keep you warm around a campfire on a cold winter's night (believe me, I know). It was fun seeing dozens of shot glasses filled with the Aegean nectar and everyone partaking in the traditional "Opa" toast as they wished the bride & groom happiness. Now I never drink when I DJ.  Not only is it unprofessional to be drinking a beer as you introduce the first dance etc, it also obviously effects your performance when weaving songs together. Some do drink- maybe it works for them, but I don't as a rule.  Well rules are meant to be broken, especially when the father of the bride and the father of the groom bring me up a shot and insist that I partake with them in honor of Marika & Kyle. So I did one, and only one Ouzo shot. Hard to say no to Steve & Mike  :)

Next Marika & Kyle cut their cake and it and the accompanying cupcakes were extraordinary. Leigh Anne from Delicious Designs is my absolute favorite baker and this is why: not only were the cake and cupcakes beautiful, they tasted even better than they looked, and Leigh Anne always goes the extra mile to please. Not only were several normal flavor combinations, there were special cupcakes made for vegans and people who needed a gluten/dairy-free alternative. Here were the flavors:

Champagne cake with peach filling & vanilla buttercream icing

Champagne cake with blueberry filling & vanilla buttercream icing

Champagne cake with strawberry filling & vanilla buttercream icing

Vegan Chocolate cake with fresh strawberries & chocolate ganache

Red Velvet cake with cream cheese icing

Gluten & dairy-free Red Velvet cake with dairy-free vanilla buttercream

Wow, huh?  I never have cake/cupcakes at weddings unless it is by Delicious Designs.  I had a Champagne/strawberry one and it was fabultastic.  And if that isn't enough, she made a special surprise for Marika & Kyle- actually for their dogs: peanut butter cupcakes that were dog friendly (I did not know that some ingredients in baked goods aren't good for our canine friends). Above and beyond!

"Rock me mama like a wagon wheel"

"Rock me mama any way you feel"

"Hey mama, rock me..."

After the cake was cut and cupcakes devoured, it was time for the First Dance. Marika & Kyle chose "Wagon Wheel" but couldn't decide whether they liked the original by Old Crow Medicine Show or the later version by Darius Rucker best.  The solution?  Play both!  I started with OCMS and mixed it flawlessly to Rucker's rendition, got a few people nodding their heads, and watched as Kyle & Marika spun around the floor.  I love my job! 

Father-Daughter/Mother-Son Dance

More special dances rounded out the evening. A combined Father/Daughter-Mother/Son Dance with Bobby Helm's "Special Angel" got everyone going when Marika & Steve and Kyle & Janet invited everyone up to join them on the dance floor.  An Anniversary Dance featuring Nat King Cole's "LOVE" was a hit along with lots of other requests. It was a fun dance floor, but that fun was taken to an even higher level when Steve and Judy led everyone in some traditional Greek serto and syrtaki dances.  Very, very fun!

When it came time to toss the bouquet and garter, Marika chose "One Fine Day" by the Chiffons for her toss, and Kyle chose "Can't Touch This" by Hammer for his. We just segued into another serto or syrtaki and I am sure even more Ouzo was consumed- I have never seen so many Ouzo bottles at one time before :)

When all was said and done, I had an absolute blast. As the evening wound down and as friends and family pitched in to gather gifts, put away food, and tidy up the Ranch House I noticed Steve & Judy, Marika's folks busy doing umpteen things as I was beginning to break down my equipment.  I thought they might want a moment to themselves so I played their song "Through the Years" and they stopped their hustle and bustle for a moment and danced together like they were the only ones in the universe. A fantastic ending to a fantastic day. Again, I love my job.

Judy and Steve having a last dance :)

Thanks to Rancho San Rafael Park for allowing us use of the Ranch House. I think it is my 7th or 8th time there and every event has been memorable and fun.  Thanks to Petal to the Metal for their inspired arrangements and bouquets which really fit the couple and their vibe. Thanks to Opa Cafe for their hard work and superlative food. Thanks to the always amazing Delicious Designs for their one-of-a-kind cake and cupcakes. Most of all, thanks to Kyle and Marika.  You and your family and friends made me feel more like a guest than a hired hand and I was honored to be a small part of your special day and evening. Best of everything you two!