Jill & Zach at the Corner Barn in Graeagle with Longboards Bar & Grill Catering, Courtney Aaron Photography, and XOXO Video

This wedding season is still young but it has been already filled with fantastic nuptials and receptions- every one seems a bit better than the one before it. Superlatives don't do these couple's special day justice- I am continually inspired by my brides & grooms, their amazing venues, and their fun-loving crowds who dance the night away- I cannot wait for the next event!

"See the pyramids along the Nile..."

Such was the case with Zach & Jill's recent wedding and reception up in Graeagle at the Corner Barn. I had been talking to Zach for many months- touching base every so often as he was away at SDSU (go Aztecs!) getting his MBA. As we got closer to the big day I met with Jill and we finalized the timeline and music selection. I was excited to play at the Corner Barn- I had driven by it many times on the way to other venues but until Jill & Zach's day had never performed there. It is hard to miss, at the crossing of Hwy 89 and Hwy 70 and is truly a great barn venue with modern amenities. It was a large crowd (280+) and everyone was accommodated everyone nicely inside. Indeed, as the weather was a bit sketchy the ceremony was also moved inside and again the Corner Barn worked out perfectly. Jill & Zach and their friends & relatives had decorated it, adding so many special touches I was really in awe of their skill and ideas. A bridesmaid, Alice I believe, is a graphic designer and the various signs she had made were the best I'd ever seen. A large bar area towards the front door was stocked with cases of libations, and a neon sign with their last name lit up the other side of the door area highlighting several areas where the cake, gifts, and video guestbook were positioned. I like the fact that unlike many barns I have performed in, the floor is solid concrete and there are plenty of electrical outlets with modern wiring- makes my job so much easier :)

As the guests arrived and were seated we got closer & closer to the appointed time. Soon the parents & grandparents entered to Mick McCauley's "Serenade" followed by the bridal party accompanied by a great rendition of "500 Miles" by Sleeping at Last. Finally Jill and her dad entered to a really great selection Jill had made, "You Belong to Me" by Carla Bruni. You know how you associate songs with important moments in life? That song, whether by Bruni or whomever will now always evoke memories of Jill's dramatic entrance. The Carla Bruni version is stripped down musically, full of life and breathy lyrics that just screams to be made for such a special moment in time, and I thought Jill really set the bar high for other brides walking down the aisle- just a perfect moment in time where everything slowed down for a a moment and all of us witnessing it almost forgot to breathe. That special.

First Dance!

Uncle Patrick presided over the ceremony and did a great job for his first ever officiating gig. I really liked their vows and also a trio of readings, poems, and passages given by some special family members. It really made the ceremony personal and soon they were pronounced husband & wife, kissing each other, and exiting to the classic Crystals song, "Then He Kissed Me." While pictures were being taken, the guests enjoyed appetizers and cocktails and explored the Barn. Zach & Jill gave me an eclectic list of songs for both cocktails and dinner as well as a dozen or so for dancing later. I liked their musical tastes: everything from Milky Chance to Van Morrison; from Gerry Rafferty to the Kinks; from Alabama Shakes to Hall & Oates. Soon we were welcoming them back to their reception  with Mika's "Love Today". They then went into their first dance, Queen's "Best Friend" which got the crowd even more pumped and we segued into a delicious family-style dinner prepared by the great people at Longboards Bar & Grill from nearby Plumas Pines Golf Resort.

Which brings me to my fellow wedding professionals. I performed at a wedding in Longboards at Plumas Pines for Mark & Georgia about a year ago and it was a huge hit, and a great deal of the credit went to the food, atmosphere, and staff there. This evening, Longboards came to us and I was again impressed by the people and that the quality of the food was maintained miles away from their home kitchens. Their prep work was efficient and they were able to feed a barn-load of hungry people quickly and with friendly professionalism. Jill & Zach made a great choice picking them to be a part of their day.

Jill and her dad 

The photography and video departments were more than ably filled by Courtney of Courtney Aaron Photography and Sky Rondenet of XOXO Video. Courtney had a second-shooter and both of them were everywhere, capturing moments and were super easy to work with. Sky was feeling a little bit under the weather but you wouldn't have known it from her energy and skills. I loved the fact that she is a take-charge type of person and I had a lot of fun working with her. I am in awe of photographic & cinematographic artistry and both Courtney & Sky exemplified this. I saw them work and I know the end results will be ridiculously fantastic.  I hope to work with both of them again in the future.

Zach and his mom

Toasts followed dinner, and with the toasters having personalities as big as the dance floor, the toasts were both funny and heartwarming. Adam, one of the best men and Zach's twin brother started and set the bar pretty high (and sometimes low) but Chelsea (MoH) and Trevor (other best man and brother) were up to the task. After Zach & Jill thanked everyone for coming (and refuted some dubious testimony from the toasts), Jill stepped into the spotlight with her dad Mark for their Father-Daughter dance, the classic "Wonderful Tonight" by Slowhand himself, Eric Clapton. Sherry then joined her son Zach up on the dance floor for their special dance, "Love Me Like a Rock" by Paul Simon.

Best. Thing. Ever.

For me though, the coolest moment of the evening was a special surprise that the Bridal Party had for Jill. They sat both Jill & Zach down at the edge of the dance floor. I cued up "Sugar" by Maroon 5.  They then, in complete choreographed unison, danced and sang to the B&G. As different lyrics came up, one of them would peel off and sing them directly to the bridal couple. That was cool enough, but all of a sudden, when the lyrics were at "I want that red velvet" or so, Zach jumped up and sang to his new bride! He fit right in to their choreographed moves and needless to say the Corner Barn went berserk as Jill was speechless!  So freaking awesome. I have done over 750 weddings and have seen a lot of cool things: grooms surprising their brides with guitars & songs; a Maid of Honor rapping her speech to DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince; a dad surprising his daughter in the midst of their dance with "In Da Club" and the list goes on. The practice & enthusiasm that this bridal party and Zach put into this particular moment puts it right up there with some of my all-time favorite moments as a wedding DJ. I cannot wait to see XOXO's video  :)

"Well you're pretty good old son..."

The rest of the evening was just as fun and fantastic. The crowd was enthusiastic and ready to dance the night away- just the kind of crowd every DJ hopes for. I started the dancing with Walk the Moon's "Shut Up and Dance" and it just escalated from there.  I played a little and lot of everything, had a bunch of fantastic requests, and was able to weave a mix that pleased everyone. Some special moments included a huge family singalong to "Devil Went Down to Georgia" with Zach smack in the middle of a huge circle, a long and tight Motown mix, and quite a few Garth songs as many in the BP had just saw him in concert. "Footloose" was requested and I swear this guy had the Kevin Bacon moves down perfectly.  It was also great to see Kelly & John, a couple whose wedding day I had the privilege of being a part of in 2013. I dedicated a little Rob Base to them :)

I liked that the little touches never stopped. Taxis were provided later in the evening for those who had imbibed a bit too much (I was the last person to leave the Barn and there were a dozen or more cars parked in the lot whose drivers had taken the cabs). Lots of pizzas arrived around 10pm and were a huge hit as the active dancing crowd had begun to work up another appetite. I had a young man come up to me as the dancing was going, interested in how I picked & mixed songs. His name was Pierce and he was very polite, serious but friendly, and eager to learn so I put him to work. He spun a set of tunes (under my supervision of course) and even scratched a bit and got quite a few cheers from the crowd. I hope in 6-8 years he puts himself through college spinning tunes at fabulous weddings like this one. He's got potential, smarts, and the beginning of some skills- there is always room for another great DJ  :)

As the evening came to its conclusion, I played the last few requests and then surprised Zach with an extra last song, "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift. Taylor is his guilty musical pleasure (as she is for many of us) and it was a perfect high note to end perfect day and evening.

I want to thank Sky from XOXO Video and Courtney from Courtney Aaron Photography- both true professionals and fun to work with to boot! Thanks to the Corner Barn- what a fun venue! I know where I'll recommend when a bride asks me if I know a good barn for weddings. Thanks to Longboards Bar & Grill for fantastic food and service. Finally thanks so much to Jill & Zach. I am truly blessed to be able to do what I do and doubly blessed to be a part of a night like yours. In a career of spectacular parties, this was one of the best ever, and that is saying something :)

Congrats Jill & Zach!  Have a blast in Spain, run really fast in Pamplona, try the pimientos de padron (my fave) and wash them down with lots of Mahou and Sangria. Felicidades!

Mark & Georgia at Longboards at Plumas Pines with the String Beings

I am a spiritual person. I believe that love conquers all, cutting through time and space.

Weddings are a perfect example of this as they not only celebrate the bride and groom's love for one another, but also celebrate the love that is shared by family and friends, the love shared by other committed couples sharing in that day, and finally for the love we have for those people who are dear to us but have passed on.  It is so fulfilling to be a part of a wedding celebration that accommodates all of these facets.  I sometimes think that I can almost see that emotion permeate and snowball through the course of the evening into an almost visible aura of pure joy. Okay maybe I am going off a little hippyish here (no I don't own any Birkenstocks or have any medicinal prescriptions to visit any dispensaries) but it is true. That's why to me, weddings are the most fun a DJ can have. To be able to participate in one of these weddings that hits all these parameters is such a pleasure, and a perfect example of this was Mark & Georgia's reception last month.

The String Beings!

Mark & Georgia don't live in the area- they had planned on a destination wedding to the gorgeous Plumas Pines area in the California Sierras with the reception at Longboards Bar & Grill. Mark found me on the internet and we spoke on the phone once or twice, and we were off and running. They hired the always phenomenal String Beings trio for their ceremony and for cocktail and dinner music, and while they got married across the way on a beautiful golf green, I set up inside Longboards. Longboards Bar & Grill is a beautiful venue overlooking the Plumas Pines golf course and the surrounding forests and mountains. Up on a rise, the views are quite dramatic. The interior is very lodge-like but with a modern flair that goes perfectly with the surroundings. I had not worked there prior to Georgia & Mark's evening but as the staff were so helpful and friendly I immediately felt at home.

First Dance

Georgia & Mark had planned a very simple yet elegant timeline, and it couldn't have gone any better. I introduced them when they arrived at Longboards after taking pictures and that was basically it for me for a while. The String Beings really are special. They entertained everyone with classical pieces and arrangements of popular songs and really did an excellent job. I have a lot of string trio or quartet songs that I use for seating or dinner music, but those songs don't match up to a well-practiced, talented live trio like the Beings. I had the pleasure of being set up close to them so I really could hear the intricacies and nuances in their playing.  They were very gracious too, playing a request or two from the guests and conversing with them between songs when the guests wanted to know a song title or what have you. They are highly recommended if you need a strings group.

Mother-Son Dance

As dinner wound down, toasts were made and everyone moved to the dance floor as the String Beings played their last song of the evening, "Could I Have This Dance" for Mark & Georgia's first dance. It was a great moment which just continued as we went into "Celebration" and invited everyone up to join them. The special dancing continued with a Mother-Son dance, "You'll Be in my Heart" by Phil Collins where Georgia got to dance with her sons Matt & Anthony. Multiplying an already special moment, Mark brought his new Mother-in-law Dolly onto the floor a few moments later and then they had me invite all the mothers & sons and fathers & daughters to come up and join them.  This is what I am talking about when the love in the room just builds and builds. Guests come to a wedding prepared to see special moments for the bride & groom, and the next thing they know they are dancing with their parent or child and having a special moment of their own they will remember forever. An Anniversary Dance accomplishes much the same thing, honoring those guests and family members for their commitments to one another whether it was 3 hours ago, 3 years ago, or 73 years ago. These are the moments that take a wedding to the next level- one that will be remembered for as long as the participants live.

Then we were in for a special treat arranged by the family, specifically all of the cousins. About a dozen of these cousins began singing a special song with custom lyrics to the bride and groom using the music of "Living on a Prayer" which cousin Dean strummed on his guitar. It really brought the house down and was just many of those moments that night that pulled everyone that much closer together.

Flash mob starts to gain momentum!

They didn't stop though! As more general, open dancing began, I played "Happy" by Pharrell Williams to start everyone off. Unbeknownst to the newlyweds, many of the guests had planned a flash mob for that moment and they did such a great job that it was infectious and soon almost everyone was on the dance floor with them.

"Jump on it!"

Dancing then ruled for the rest of the evening, punctuated a bit later by Georgia & Mark cutting their cake. I was able to play such a fun variety of music to such an enthusiastic dancing crowd all night long. Everyone knew the moves from "Thriller" and "Apache" and did Cha Chas and Shuffled. When the last song played, "We are Family" everyone was on the dance floor singing along at the top of their lungs. Such a fun crowd!

Back to my starting point: the love that Mark & Georgia had for each other was glowing brightly all night. You could see it when they danced, when Mark watched Georgia from across the room, when she grabbed at his hand when talking with friends and family.

The love of family and friends was apparent as well, with the cousin's song, with the toasts, the flash mob, and hundreds of little moments that added up to something bigger in its entirety as people just enjoyed each other and the moment.

Finally the love for and from those who have passed or cannot be with the couple was also apparent. Usually it manifests in small ways, sometimes perceptible, sometimes not. Many times it is felt during a slow song, as the dancers relive another dance in the past when those loved ones were present. It was definitely there that night but if you had asked me that night I wouldn't have been able to put my finger on it exactly.

A week or so later I received a nice email from Mark and he asked if I had had a specific request for a certain slow song. I had several for other songs- one I remember well was one for "Georgia on my Mind" by Ray Charles that was just perfect for Mark & Georgia, and as a last slow song I played Anne Murray's "Could I Have This Dance" so they could relive once again their first dance that the String Beings had played so perfectly, but this was "Over the Rainbow" by Iz and though I had played it, no one had requested it.

I have perhaps 10-15k slow songs. Of those there are probably several hundred I play with any regularity. "Over the Rainbow" is in that 300 song category. With the requests from the group and Mark's playlist, I probably played 2-3 slow songs that I chose, so it was basically a 1% chance I'd play that song. But I did. And here is where love can reach across the world and even across life at a reception. "Over the Rainbow", Mark related, was his dad's favorite, and when his dad passed, Mark's son (who lives in Hong Kong and couldn't make this wedding) had fashioned a beautiful rendition and played it in his honor at the funeral. Mark said that when he heard the song he immediately felt that his son and dad were with him. Could it have been a coincidence? Yes, unlikely, but yes. However in 26+ years of doing weddings I see and hear about these things all the time. If you are wondering if you are connected with that loved one halfway across the world or with someone who has left this life, the answer is yes. Love has no boundaries.

Thanks to Longboards for such an elegant setting, meal and service. Thanks to the String Beings- I am in awe of your talents. Finally thanks to Mark & Georgia. You couldn't have been more fun or gracious and the same for your family and guests. I so enjoyed being a part of such a joyful celebration. Congrats!