Elisa & Tommy at Rancharrah with Ken Lewis Photography, Dish Catering, Reverend Mark Frady, and The Socks

I had the most fantastic wedding and reception to start off my 2014 season a few weeks back and it can be attributed to the amazing bride and groom, their friends & family, the outstanding vendors who worked tirelessly, and to the beautiful grounds of their special venue, Rancharrah.

Ceremony- DJ's view :)

First off, Tommy and Elisa are one special couple. They were such a pleasure to meet and chat with and they had a vision of their day that really reflected their likes and points of view while taking great care of their guests from the moment they arrived. They gave me an extensive music list but also encouraged requests throughout the evening. We met several times prior to the big day to perfect a special mix of three songs that they learned a dance to for their first dance. They were very involved in planning and it showed- from the cocktail tables with custom "Mad Libs" to fill out, to the lawn games for their guests while they were off taking pictures, to the acknowledgment of guest's anniversaries and birthdays, to a completely green candy table that matched their colors, no detail was overlooked and it gave their day such an intimate and personalized vibe.

Onlooker- don't think he was on the guest list...

Secondly the setting they chose was spectacular- the Rose Garden at Rancharrah. Their ceremony site, flanked by trees and backing up to a pasture with horses seemed to make the most of the gorgeous day. I am continually impressed by the professionalism, friendliness, and the willingness to go above and beyond that Brandi, Rosie, and their crew at Rancharrah exhibited before during and after the event. Their dedication is certainly worthy of the surroundings- both are exceptional.

The Socks!

Third, they hired some of the best wedding vendors in Reno to make their dream become a reality. To start it off, they had a great band, The Socks to play for seating, ceremony, and cocktails. I was very impressed with their talent and musical range and they seemed to set a perfect tone for the nuptials and cocktail hour. Next they had one of the best officiants there is do their ceremony: Mark Frady. I love the way he puts his couples at ease- the way he styles their ceremony around them, and the obvious delight he has being a part of their most important day. He is always a pleasure to work with, and I was astonished at the time and effort he put in to a surprise for the B&G: framing their marriage certificate and printing a booklet with their names and personalized vows that he gives to them and their immediate family members. Such a class act! 

Ken Lewis even framed me!

Catching all of these special moments was Ken Lewis of Ken Lewis Studio, another inspired choice for a wedding professional. Ken has great photographic talent but the thing I admire most about him is that he is everywhere during the day and evening, capturing shots that many other  photographers might miss. He really documents the entire event and his subjects are so comfortable with him that they lower their guard and he captures their true personalities. One more thing Ken did- he had an assortment of various frames at one end of the Rose Garden where guests could come to and pose for a picture. Their personalities really came out holding a frame and acting happy or silly- kind of a classy, different Photo Booth concept. Very cool!

Best Man Michael's toast

Finally, Tommy & Elisa chose Dish Cafe as their caterer and as usual their food was extraordinary. They had these cold soup shooters and fresh bruschetta for appetizers that really were a hit. When the dinner buffet was set up, I saw many head back to the line for seconds and thirds. It is nice to know that even with the success they have had with "Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives", their quality has remained at such a superlative level. Yum!

First dance! My iPhone does not do them justice...

When the reception got underway, the BP entered to "Could You Be Loved" by Bob Marley and the newlyweds entered to Michael Franti's "Hey Hey Hey". Following the Dish Cafe's delicious dinner, some great toasts were given. I liked the fact that every toaster had a unique way of presenting their toast whether it was sentimental, funny, anecdotal or just full of love for the B&G. It really set the stage for a video presentation projected up on the tent wall. Again Elisa & Tommy personalizing their day. Dancing then began with the mix we perfected- three songs by Elvis, When in Rome, and the Mowgli's that they danced a beautifully choreographed routine to. Such a great moment and all the guests were on their feet clapping and cheering by the end. Magical.

Anniversary Dance

Elisa then danced with her dad Mike to "Over the Rainbow" by Iz, graciously allowing me to invite all the dads & daughters up midway through so they could have a special moment as well. Tommy and his mom Heidi then danced to "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong and again welcomed the other moms and sons up to dance halfway through. I love when couples do this! It really touches their guests and makes an already memorable event even that much more so. The dance floor then never really emptied as the night progressed. With Tommy & Elisa's song list and requests from the crowd it was a DJ's dream. When Fun's "We Are Young" finally closed out the evening that had already gone into extra hours, every voice sang as loud as they could and happily wished the newlyweds well. What a way to kick off the 2014 wedding season!

Last song- everybody singing "We can go high-er than the sun!"

Thanks to Brandi & Rosie and everyone at Rancharrah. Thanks to Ken Lewis for his pictures and his enthusiasm. Thanks to Mark Frady for an inspiring yet down to earth ceremony. Thanks to the crew from Dish Cafe for their delicious food and to The Socks for their great music. Finally, and most importantly, thanks to Elisa & Tommy for allowing me to be a small part of their incredible day and evening. You guys rock! Many, many years of happiness and love!

Elisa & Tommy!

Brandon & Jillian at the Grove at Southcreek with Rev. Mark Frady and Mix Cupcakes

  It is great when you know some of the family and friends of a bride & groom before you even meet them or do their wedding.  This is the case with Jillian & Brandon's wedding which I was so happy to be a part of this past weekend.  I have had the absolute pleasure the last couple of years to DJ Brandon's mom Rita's work holiday party and have had a blast doing so.  It is not a large crowd, but they are super fun & friendly and dance all night long and it is always one of the highlights of my Christmas season.  This past holiday season I met the future bride & groom at the party and was pleased when they decided to have me at their big day at The Grove at Southcreek.

  It was one of those beautiful spring days in  Northern Nevada where the temperature is perfect but clouds come in and out, and you wonder if a thunderstorm is in the works.  Thankfully no rain was forthcoming but the sun coming into and out of the clouds really made the light perfect for those professional photographers out there- the pix I took, well you can see why I'm a DJ and not a photographer. 

Jillian, Rev. Mark Frady, Brandon

  I am always happy to see Reverend Mark Frady at a ceremony.  He is one of the best & most experienced officiants in the area, and he has an unflappable wit and huge smile that puts brides & grooms instantly at ease.  He is not afraid to deviate from his script, making it a personal experience for everyone there, and his ability to roll with changes and soothe nervous almost newlyweds is unmatched.  I threw him an unintentional curve ball when the lapel mic I equipped him with started to cut in and out.  I immediately began running up towards the dais with a backup mic, but he just asked if everyone could hear him without amplification, waved me off, and continued with his hearty reverend voice. A true professional.  His service is always a perfect blend of familiarity, love, commitment, and inspiration and  the guests and bridal party were completely immersed in his words and the moments he perfectly framed with them.  Jillian walked down the aisle to "I Cross My Heart" by George Strait, bringing a tear to Brandon's eye (First Looks have nothing on seeing your bride for the first time coming up the aisle).  When Rev. Frady pronounced them husband & wife, they departed down the aisle to "Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not" by Thompson Square to the cheers of everyone.  A perfect ceremony.

First Dance

  While family and the bridal party stayed outside for pictures, everyone else moved inside to the beautifully decorated Grove for cocktail hour.  Jillian & Brandon had a picture-filled guestbook and also a thumbprint tree for their guests to sign (and press) and a slideshow of the two of them through the years was on the big screen as well as the bar & fireplace monitors.  A candy table occupied many of the younger guests as well as many who were just young at heart.  When pictures were through, the bridal party entered to cheers while "Long Cool Woman" by the Hollies played in the background.  Brandon & Jillian entered last and made their way to the dance floor for their first dance, "Cowboys & Angels" by Dustin Lynch.  As soon as the last note was played, and the clapping & cheering subsided, Julie, the Grove's event coordinator informed me that dinner was ready.  That is what I love about the Grove- such attention to detail and timing!  The Grove served the bridal couple at their sweetheart table and everyone else went through the delicious and quick buffet line.  I know I've typed about him in the past, but executive chef Shakka's food is always extraordinary.  People were going back for seconds and thirds.  I love how his simplest foods are over-the-top good.  Like sauteed veggies and real mashed potatoes with herbs or perhaps leeks that make them so delicious.  Needless to say the guests were not disappointed.  After some great toasts by the Best Man, Maid of Honor, dad and groom, the newlyweds moved over to the cake table.  They cut a small cake and didn't mash each other too badly, but the dessert highlight were the many different cupcakes piled all around the cake.  I found out it was Mix Cupcakes of Reno, and though I don't know them or haven't had their cupcakes before, I am a fan!  The many flavors and the sheer beauty of the cupcakes really sets them apart, and later when the dancing was in full swing and everyone had had their fill of them, I wandered over to the cake table and picked a Reeses-topped cupcake that was absolutely fantastic.  Yum!

Rita and Brandon

  Speaking of dancing, Jerry danced with his daughter Jillian to "Just Fishin" by Trace Adkins to start off the night.  Then Rita danced with her son Brandon to Lynryd Skynyrd's "Simple Man" followed by a great money dance. The Black Eyed Peas started the fast dancing and it never really let up except for slow songs to let them catch their breath and an Anniversary Dance and the Bouquet & Garter.  I played a lot of country, but also a lot of newer pop and hip-hop along with many of everyones favorite novelty and line dances.  One guest requested "Billie Jean" and proceeded to start an MJ dance-off that really fired up the crowd.  What a great group!  Easy for a DJ when practically everything you play is enthusiastically danced to.  All too soon the evening wound down, with Brandon & Jilly exiting to sparklers and off to their honeymoon.  I can't thank them and Rita enough for allowing me to be a part of their special day.  Thanks also to Reverend Mark Frady and Julie, Roberto & Shakka and everyone else at the Grove that took their day and evening to the next level.  Congrats Brandon & Jillian!

Matt & Breanne at Hidden Valley Country Club

What an amazing day and evening at Hidden Valley with Breanne and Matt!  Here Breanne is walking towards her groom and all the guests with her dad Ed.  I had a great view of the ceremony officiated by Mark Frady as I played the processional songs: "You & Me" by Dave Mathews Band for her bridesmaids and "First Day of My Life" by Bright Eyes for her and her dad.  Their recessional was "Signed, Sealed, Delivered- I'm Yours" by Stevie Wonder which got everyone up and singing.  Great song choice!

After the ceremony, the guests headed to the terrace for cool drinks, appetizers and fun pictures with Jo from Reno Photo Booth.  When Breanne and Matt came in from pix, Kathy and her incredible staff at Hidden Valley had a delicious dinner ready and served 210 people in about 20 minutes.  Amazing!  I have worked at Hidden Valley numerous times, and am always grateful for Kathy and her many talents. She will cue me on when the bridal party is ready to march, then be setting up tables inside, then directing her excellent staff, and later that night she was on her hands & knees cleaning up a drink spilled on the dance floor.  She and her staff strive to make everyone feel at home and exceed their client's expectations (as well as those of this grateful DJ).

Matt & Breanne really made the whole day their own.  They paid attention to the smallest details, from decor to innovative cards instead of a guestbook, to a Candy Bar ( a table with dozens of kinds of candies with bags and scoops), to a room where there were all kinds of fun activities for kids.  Their cake was a bundt cake (see above) with hundreds of mini-bundt cakes for their guests.  Being right beside the cake table (notice a speaker) I tasted a couple- delicious!  Later, a huge beer-bong was brought out which the bridal party indulged in, and later Matt was "Iced" during the garter toss...

The dancing went on and on, touching everything from the latest hits to disco, motown and a lot of 90's hip hop.  The Dougie and all the slides and shuffles were huge and the party didn't stop until midnight.  What a great bunch of folks celebrating with a special couple.  Congrats Bree & Matt and thanks for letting me be a part of your tremendous wedding day and night!