Mike & Georgie with Zinser Photography and Zinser Photo Booth

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...

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!

Jason & Christine at Arrowcreek with Take the Cake Events, Zinser Photobooth, Tiers of Joy Cakes, Steve Dutcher Photography, the Stylish Scribe, I Thee Wed, Reno Tux Shop and Allies Flowers

Being a wedding DJ means that I get to be a part of a something that is bigger than myself- the love, commitment, laughter, tears and fun of a special couple's most important day.  To be able to share and contribute to that couple's achieving their perfect wedding and reception is an honor and I take it very seriously, and to be able to work with other wedding professionals who feel the exact same way as I do is both refreshing and inspiring.  Such was the case at the wedding and reception of Christine & Jason.

I met Jason at an Open House at the Victorian House early in 2012.  Open Houses at the VH are fun, casual affairs where prospective brides and grooms can speak to various event professionals in the house without feeling pressured and while learning all about venues, services and ways to make their events pop and stand out amongst other weddings.  I had the pleasure of talking with Jason for quite some time and learned that he and his fiance were studying at UNR and were on a definite budget.  He also told me all about his future as a United States Army Officer after school and impressed me not only as a bright young man but also as a deeply patriotic one as well.  After talking with him for a while I thought to myself that I'd really like to be a part of his & Christine's day, and I hoped that their budget would allow for a DJ, even with the military discount I'd extend to them.  Then fate, karma or a higher power intervened.  Jason, along with dozens of others, had signed up for our Grand Prize Drawing where all of the VH vendors gave free or deeply discounted services for a couple's wedding day and literally seconds after we finished our conversation, his name was drawn, winning the Grand Prize!  Not only would I be deejaying their wedding, I'd also get to work with a lot of great people in doing so!

My view of the ceremony through the fireplace

Months later, everything came together on a snowy late-December evening at Arrowcreek Country Club.  An outside wedding was ruled out but Blake and his crew at Arrowcreek put together a beautiful space inside next to the fireplace for the ceremony, and Pastor Kris Dahir presided over an eloquent and personal ceremony.  The wedding party was composed completely of guys except for the flower girl and Christine- there were groomsmen on Jason's side and Bridesmen on Christines. Very cool! The tuxes were provided by Tesla at Reno Tux Shop and all the guys looked very sharp. The flower girl had some adorable, last-minute jitters, walked partway down the aisle, panicked, and then sought the refuge of Pattye from Take the Cake Events.  People chuckled and went "awww" and then Christine walked down the aisle to a baroque version of "Canon in D" in one of my favorite dresses of 2012, an off-white gown that really set her hair and eyes off (I don't usually comment on dresses, as I don't have any fashion sense and all my brides are gorgeous, but this dress really hit a nerve with me...).

Christine's bouquet was from Allie's Flowers in Carson City and it and the other flowers were beautiful.

After the heartfelt ceremony by Pastor Kris, the newly-married couple left to Iz's "Over the Rainbow" and we all moved to the dining room.

Pattye and Cassie from Take the Cake Events are fantastic.  They provided day-of coordination and were involved continually behind the scenes making sure everything went more than smoothly.  To have the peace of mind that they provide is priceless on your big day.  They were there before I arrived and still there after I left, and I arrive early!  As guests moved to the dining area, Trevor from Zinser Photobooth went into action, welcoming them and making their evening even more fun and special.  In the dining room, each place setting included a special program/menu provided by the amazing Jessica at Stylish Scribe and I heard many compliments about them.  I had the pleasure of working with Steve Dutcher of Steve Dutcher Photography for the first time and he and his second shooter were very professional, pleasant and extremely innovative in the shots they took.  Blake from Arrowcreek was there all day as well, very accommodating and helpful, and his staff was very friendly and efficient.

Dinner was served to strains of "Be Our Guest" and afterwards champagne and cider was poured for some very personal and heartfelt toasts.  An amazing toast was given by Jason's brother and Best Man Scott who had everyone rolling with laughter with his witty observations.  One of the top two toasts of 2012, in my opinion, and there were dozens of extraordinary ones this past year.  Then the newlyweds moved over to the gorgeous and delicious Tiers of Joy Cake and proceeded to smash a some of it into each others' faces to "Can't Help Falling in Love"...

Their first dance as husband & wife!

The action then moved to the adjoining room with the dance floor.  The dancing began with the B&G's first dance, Jason Mraz's "Lucky' and then into an Anniversary Dance where the married couples kicked it up to Sinatra's "The Way You Look Tonight". Lots of great songs and dancing followed, with the nearby Zinser Photobooth in constant use.  I was happy to play Billy Joel's "Just the Way You Are"  for Jason's folks and to see them transformed back to newlyweds and taken back to their wedding day, if only for a few minutes.  Again, what a great job I have!  To work with other amazing vendors, to help people relive magical moments, and most importantly to help make the bride & groom's day exceed their expectations.  Who knows?  Maybe 30 years from now I'll be playing "Lucky" for Christine and Jason at their son or daughter's wedding.  You never know...

Virginia & Mike at Silver Legacy's Silver Baron Ballroom with Philmclips Video & Zinser Photobooth

I had the pleasure of being a part of Mike & Virginia's reception at the Silver Legacy Casino's Silver Baron Ballroom along with Zinser Photobooth and Philmclips Video.  Mike & Virginia did a lot of planning for their big evening and it helped make a great reception a phenomenal one!  The 300 or so guests came to the Silver Legacy from an offsite ceremony and immediately felt right at home with appetizers and drinks.  They had the always fun Zinser Photobooth ready for their guests, and it was busy all night.  Phil from Philmclips was everywhere, capturing the sights and sounds, and the bride & groom, aware that there were several new mothers and some toddlers amongst the guests had arranged for a "Mom's Room" adjacent to the ballroom for changing and nursing.  What a nice idea!  Virginia & Mike had all kinds of touches that personalized the night and made it very special for not only them but their friends and family.  For example, for the Grand Entrance they had a song for each of their eight of their bridal party couples: everything from Dobey Grey's "Drift Away" to Black-Eyed Peas to "Lean Like a Cholo"... Very cool choices that the BP loved and responded to coming in.

The buffet was delicious and the Silver Legacy had two lines going on either side, getting the hundreds through quickly.  And while they had a cake to cut, they had for the main dessert a strawberry shortcake bar.  Their innovation did not stop there.  They had a great idea for their first dance... 

Michael and Virginia First Dance from craig musni on Vimeo.

They started with a nice slow song and then it evolved into an epic dance that they choreographed themselves.  My two favorite moments were when they revealed to everybody that they were expecting and when Virginia showed her "boots with the fur".  Awesome!  It took us a few meetings and me many tweaks to the mix but it was so worth it!  I forgot my camera that night, but Phil from Philmclips came to the rescue with this snippet.  A great guy to work with and just a great guy!

Following the epic first dance was a Father-Daughter Dance with "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts and a Mother-Son Dance with Skynyrd's "Simple Man."  A night-full of fun dancing ensued with occasional neat special touches by the bride & groom.  For the Anniversary Dance, I played "At Last" by Etta James and Virginia & Mike had me especially honor 2 couples who had their anniversary on the very same day.  Classy gesture.  They also had me acknowledge several birthdays.  It was a great crowd and I played all kinds of music to a packed dance floor late into the night.  What a great party!  Congrats to Mike and Virginia and thanks for including me in your fantastic night!

The Victorian House: Reno & Tahoe's Wedding HQ!

I haven't taken the time lately to blog about the best wedding and event vendors in the Reno-Tahoe area and beyond- my fellow Victorian House members!  I am extremely lucky to be doing something I love and to be surrounded by like-minded, amazing professionals who strive to be the best they can be at their various professions.  The meetings, get-togethers and shared wedding experiences really make me feel close to these folks, and I don't exaggerate when I refer to everyone as the Victorian House family.

The concept of the Victorian House was put together by Evan Zinser of Zinser Photography, Zinser Photobooth and Reno Boudoir Photography.  As well as being the visionary of TVH, he is also an amazing photographer who strives to    make every client a client for life.  His work and personal ethics are exemplary and whether he is shooting your wedding or providing the latest in Photobooths for your function, customer service is always his number one concern.  He and his staff can also make your future husband's dream come true with Reno Boudoir Photography.  What an amazing wedding or anniversary gift a tasteful portrait or photobook would be.  Something that will catch your beauty in this moment in time and remind him of your wedding forever.

The Victorian House is supposed to be a gathering of the best vendors in their specific field, one-stop shopping, if you will, designed to take the stress out of event planning, and Cassie and Pattye can make it even easier on the frazzled bride and groom with Take the Cake Events.  They go above and beyond and can plan the whole event or just show up the day of and lend a huge helping hand.  I love their enthusiasm and organization, and you will too. Save yourself headaches and hours of frustration and get in touch with them- the earlier in the process the better.  They are such a pleasure to work with!

Jessica of the Stylish Scribe is the person to talk to if you envision something more than ho-hum, everyday invitations, save-the-dates, menus and programs.  The Stylish Scribe has truly innovative ideas for anything paper, yet her prices are similar to the boring invites you can get anywhere.  Why not put some of your personality into the invitations or table cards and whatever else you need?  Opening one of Jessica's invitations sets the tone for the entire celebration- your guests will know right off the bat that this will not be an ordinary wedding.  Instead it will be an event that is special from the Save-the-Dates all the way through the big day, unlike anything else they have attended.  What a way to start off your dream day!  Check out the Stylish Scribe online and start your dream today!

David and his team at I Do Massage give brides-to-be and everyone else amazing massages at really reasonable rates.  Their room in the VH is an island of tranquility and they will even come to you on your wedding day.  What a great gift to give to your bridal party or to yourself to relax before the big day!  They also take regular appointments and I can say they are very proficient at what they do.  My wife, for example, has had back problems for the past few years and she tends to take the stress off her back and put it on her shoulders, neck and elsewhere.  I Do Massage relieves that stress and she feels better for days afterwards.  Highly recommended!

The Grove at Southcreek is an amazing venue, but most people are unaware that their fantastic food can come to your event, even if you aren't at The Grove.  Their catering service is top-notch.  Shaka and his staff prepare everything from BBQ to haute cuisine and everything is delicious.  Even simple items like steamed or grilled vegetables are amazingly delicious!  Let their Event Manager Samantha help you design a menu that will have your guests going back for seconds and thirds!

I have deejayed close to 650 weddings now, and one characteristic that I always find disappointing is that while most cakes look spectacular, the vast majority do not taste as good as they look.  They run the gamut from almost inedible sheetcake with tasteless frosting to cakes that are good but still lack that certain wow factor.  Well look no further!  It is possible to have a cake that looks amazing and that tastes even better than you thought possible in a wedding cake.  Let Leigh Anne & Tesla at Tiers of Joy Wedding & Celebration Cakes blow you away with their made-from-scratch flavors that will have your guests coming back for seconds.  Every flavor is outstanding but my two personal favorites are Champagne and Chocolate-Peanut Butter.  Why get a cake if it's not amazing both inside and out?  Tiers of Joy will make sure it is both.

Reno Tux Shop is your source for contemporary tuxes for all of your bridal party at prices that can't be beat.  Tesla & Joshua will make all of your groomsmen appointments quick and easy, and when you combine meetings with other professionals in the house, you save all kinds of time.  Why go to a tux shop across town, then visit a bakery miles away, and then meet your DJ at a third location when you can do all of that and more in one simple visit?  With the highest quality tuxedos, a huge selection, low prices with deals on multiple tuxes, and above-and-beyond service why go anywhere else?

Pastor Kristopher Dahir at I Thee Wed can customize your ceremony for your tastes and beliefs and make it a ceremony that everyone will remember for years to come.  What I like about Pastor Kris is his ability to make everyone feel at ease during his ceremony.  He truly cares about the couple and even offers marital counseling before the big day to help make their upcoming matrimony one that they'll be celebrating decades from now.  He doesn't just say some words on a page- he believes in the sanctity of marriage and in the bond that they are making together.  Even mishaps are handled by him with ease and care.  One wedding I witnessed, a bridesmaid locked her knees and tumbled during the vows.  Kris, without being flustered at all, went to her aid, told everyone what was happening and that it was something happens often, and joked with and soothed the bridesmaid (and the bride & groom) until everyone was able to continue.  He flawlessly led everyone right back into the ceremony and people didn't talk about the mishap afterwards but about how beautiful the ceremony was.  That's the kind of officiant Pastor Kris is and will be for your big moment.

Cathy from Alie's Flowers & Gifts is a talented florist and one of our core team-members at the VH.  Unlike many wedding florists who work out of their homes, she has a successful shop in Carson City which is open year-round and serves both Carson City and Reno.  Why is this important?  Because many "professional florists" don't have things like insurance, business licenses, and even a knowledge of current flower costs and availabilities like a true storefront florist will have.  I have done many weddings where the flowers were not what were ordered, envisioned, or just plain awful.  Sometimes they don't show up at all!  When you have no reputation of excellence like Alie's Flowers, you can promise the world and deliver what you'd like.  Cathy knows which flowers she can get, what they will cost and will give you a fair price because she deals with these issues every day.  Many florists will drive to Sacramento the day before your wedding, hoping the wholesaler has the flowers they have promised you.  Don't risk your day on a picture in someone's book when you have the stellar reputation and expertise of a full-time florist who will make your floral dreams a reality.  Alie's Flowers- great service, fair prices, and no worries!

Michael & Sons Fine Jewelry and Native American Art is a Northern Nevada institution and the latest member of the Victorian House.  Their expertise with engagement and wedding bands is only exceeded by their exemplary customer service and love for what they do.  Whatever your need, they can help.  They can even help you realize your dream ring with custom design so that your ring is as unique as you are.

Craig & Vickie Musni at Ever After Creations Video are awesome videographers, super parents, and above all, great people.  They feel like family after you meet them and that is the way they conduct themselves at the weddings and events they capture.  People open up to them and they record not just the typical shots but the entire vibe and feeling of your event.  Their production values are top-rate and they can even do a quick edit where you and your guests are watching the getting ready and ceremony footage at the reception!  That is really special, as most companies take weeks just to deliver rough edits.  Unlike some other companies, EAC Video has vast experience with weddings and other events whereas others might be able to count their clients on one hand.  Don't be a learning experience for your videographer; instead be another amazing wedding shot by the best, to play over and over to relive your day.  Contact Craig and Vickie for a package that fits your needs and prepare to be wowed!

Carolyn at All About Honeymoons is a travel guru specializing in getting the best honeymoon for your style and budget.  Being a honeymoon specialist allows her to get you packages normally unavailable, even online.  Whether it is a cruise, all-inclusive resort, or even a house overlooking the beach in Nicaragua, she can tailor your trip to your likes and needs.  And as a travel agent she receives her compensation from the airlines, cruise lines and hotels, leaving you with no expenses for the incredible amount of time she takes making sure you get the perfect honeymoon at the best price.  Recently I became a client. For our 25th anniversary, Carolyn planned an amazing European vacation that we still are glowing from.  Her advice and ideas helped make a trip become a trip of a lifetime.  Why trust your honeymoon to some fuzzy pics on the internet?  All About Honeymoons will take care of you and your spouse and make it a trip to remember forever.

Cleaning is a service that most people overlook when planning their wedding.  If you get married at a unique venue, sometimes the end of the night comes and you & your relatives are stuck cleaning off tables, putting up chairs, and gathering all the accouterments that must be packaged up and returned to vendors.  Things like tablecloths, silverware, plates and vases, just to name a few.  Then the floor has to be spotless and maybe the kitchen and bathrooms too.  Do you really want your bridesmaids and parents cleaning toilets and emptying trash cans?  Kathleen and her crew at Just In Time Cleaning can come in at the end of your reception and take care of all this and more for less than you'd expect, and less than a deposit.  You and yours can go on to an after-party or just relax after an amazing day.  I worked with Just In Time at an outdoor wedding, and they went above and beyond, setting up decorations prior to the reception, helping the caterer, and even gathering all the gifts to bring to the bride & groom's parents home the following morning.  And they do home and commercial cleaning too.  You can't go wrong with Just In Time Cleaning!

I don't often recommend other DJ companies.  I set my standards very high, and to tell you the truth, the majority of deejays out there are either wannabe radio jocks with egos as big as their hair, untrained newbies who bought the equipment but don't have a clue how to run a wedding, and finally the wedding crashers who have decided to settle down with some equipment and hit on guests professionally.  These are the deejays that give our business a black eye, but believe it or not, there are deejays out there who are consummate professionals who will keep your reception flowing and the dance floor busy all night.  Larry Williams from Reno Tahoe DJ Company is one of these.  He is first and foremost all about customer service- he has even written a book about it that you can get on Amazon.com.  He believes is extensively training his other deejays so you won't have a rookie presiding over your day.  Finally, he has a "Love Story" presentation that he does that is unique and that many rave about.  To sum up: he is a professional in a sea of part-timers and that is why you should   give him a call or send him an email.  When I am booked, Reno-Tahoe DJ Company who I refer people to, and I don't put my reputation on the line lightly.

Finally, if you want a band at your reception or simply a musician or two to play you down the aisle, consider Nichole at Bon Fete Live Music.  Nichole has artists and bands to fill any need for any aspect of your day, and she goes above and beyond in order to pair you with the right musicians.  As a DJ, I don't see many bands, but I work with quite a few harpists and guitarists and Bon Fete can give you a wide variety to choose from.  Choose Bon Fete for all your live musical needs!

Come by the Victorian House at 216 Stewart Street in downtown Reno and meet some or all of our family of professionals.  We'd love to be a part of your celebration!

TMCC Royal Father-Daughter Ball

I had the pleasure of deejaying the TMCC Royal Father-Daughter Ball at the Grand Sierra Resort's Summit Pavilion.  What an event!  Over 1200 dads and their daughters, all dressed to the nines, attended this year and the two dancefloors, the space in between, and the carpet beyond were filled with dancers all night long! It was a DJ's dream as every song was enthusiastically danced to and lots and lots of requests were made and played.  

The Summit Pavilion was decorated and very festive and on the opposite side of the room was Zinser Photography clicking away all night, creating portraits that the dads and daughters will treasure for years to come.  The sides of the room had drinks and hors d'oeurvres and sweets for the hungry dancers along with a very popular Zinser Photobooth which was busy all night long.

What a great event!  The memories made that night will be treasured all throughout the lives of the attendees and all for a great cause- local continuing education.  It is one of my favorite events I've ever been a part of, and if you have thought about taking your daughter to this event, do it!  I cannot stress how much it meant to the daughters and to their dads, and how good it made me feel to be a part of that memory.  Thanks to Amy Williams who put everything together for TMCC, and to everyone at the Grand Sierra who were so helpful and professional all night long, especially Neil from AV who rigged the electricity and gave me a lesson in amps and wattage. 

Travis & Amanda at The Grove with Zinser Photography & Photobooth and Tiers Of Joy

Amanda & Travis saying "I do"

I was thrilled to be a part of Travis & Amanda's wedding and reception at The Grove in Reno yesterday.  The weather was beautiful as the guests gathered on the patio for the ceremony and then moved inside for cocktails and appetizers.  While Evan Zinser took family and bridal party photos, the guests inside watched a video tribute of the the bride and groom that he had made for the occasion, and Trevor, his assistant ran the Zinser Photobooth.   After a while (and many cool photos) the bridal party re-entered the reception with a fun Grand Entrance.  They all donned props and hats from the photobooth and made their way to the dancefloor while "Walk It Out" played.  Then Amanda & Travis entered and went right into their first dance, "I Love You This Big" by Scott McCreery.  As they finished their dance, the Grove began serving the delicious dinner.

Anniversary Dance!

Dinner was delicious and the service was stellar.  Shaka & Samantha worked tirelessly to make the evening perfect for the newlyweds and their guests and the waiters, led by Roberto, were friendly and efficient.  You can tell they enjoy what they do and are good at it as well.  I can totally relate to that! ;)

Toasts and dancing followed dinner and the rest of the night was extremely fun.  I especially enjoyed the special dance Amanda had for her grandparents, Don & Pauline, who had celebrated their 61st anniversary the previous week.  Don was a great guy to talk with.  He and Pauline had met at a dance 63 years ago and that night he told his mother that Pauline would be his wife.  They got married and then he got drafted, sent to Korea, and served with the First Cavalry in those first months of the war.  As the 1st Cav criss-crossed the entire Korean peninsula he was in the trenches and was wounded and sent home where he recuperated and enjoyed a long career in the aerospace industry.  He was so proud of his granddaughter and new grandson, and to tell you the truth I was proud to be able to speak with him and tell him thanks for his service.  He & Pauline danced to Anne Murray's "Could I have this Dance?" and many other songs that night and served as an example to the amazing thing marriage can be.

Grandparents Don & Pauline

The amazing Tiers of Joy cake was cut along with an extra grooms cake that looked like a motorcross rider on a dune.  An Anniversary Dance was followed by a great Money Dance and lots of other dancing which was ranged from country to hip/hop to big band to rock.   It was a great party and I had a lot of fun filling requests and getting everyone up dancing.  Thanks to Shaka and company at the Grove and thanks to Amanda and Travis and their family and friends who really made me feel like a guest instead of just one of the help.  Congrats you two and have fun in Costa Rica!

Doing the Dougie

Tommy & Randee at D'Andrea Golf Club with Zinser Photography

Receptions at D'Andrea are always special with the thoughtful staff, delicious food, and breathtaking views and when you pair these things up with a gorgeous bride, a terrific groom and some great Victorian House vendors, you have a guaranteed phenomenal evening.

Randee was stunning in her dress from Alfred Angelo and the rest of the bridal party looked amazing as well.  When I played "Canon in D" by the Angels of Venice, she emerged from around the balcony and there was an audible intake of breath and a huge smile on Tommy's face.  The wedding was officiated by Pastor Kris Dahir who always does an exceptional ceremony and it was a very memorable one.

Taking much better pictures than these were Evan and Kinsey Zinser of Zinser Photography.  They are awesome wedding photographers and just great people to boot.  They treat every event they photograph as if it were their own family and regularly go above and beyond to exceed their clients' expectations.

One of Randee & Tommy's more unique ideas was to have the rest of the bridal party enter to the theme from "Star Wars", a very regal and upbeat song.  But then they entered to the "Imperial March" from The Empire Strikes Back, which everyone cheered and loved.

Randee and Yours Truly

Lots of popular dance songs were played, but I enjoyed the fact that Randee and her family really enjoyed '80s funk- Dazz Band, Kool & the Gang, Cameo etc.  so a lot of classic R&B and hip-hop was danced to.  Once again, thanks to Stef, Savannah and the rest of the super crew at D'Andrea, and congrats again to Tommy & Randee!

Dana & Frank at D'Andrea with Zinser Photography and Photobooth and Pastor Kristopher Dahir

What a magical ceremony and reception for Frank and Dana at D'Andrea Golf Club up in the hills overlooking Reno & Sparks!  I thought I'd be different this post and take pictures of Evan Zinser hard at work photographing the event.  He gets such amazing shots, and when I saw him shooting this one I just had to take a picture.  Dana is a beautiful woman, both inside and out, and framed by D'Andrea's glass doors, she looked positively ethereal.  Frank was no slouch either in his dress whites (see below), and together they were one of the best-dressed couples I've seen in 600+ weddings.

Another Victorian House member, Pastor Kristopher Dahir officiated the ceremony and it was special and memorable.  Pastor Kris has a way of calming nerves, interjecting a bit of humor, and leaving the assembled with an outstanding message that makes him heads above other officiants in the area.  I always am uplifted by his message of love and God, and his advice for relationships that everyone benefits from, not just the bride and groom.

After walking down the aisle to "Endless Love" and leaving as a married couple to "Kiss Me" by Sixpence None the Richer, the guests went inside to amazing appetizers and cold drinks passed out by the always exceptional D'Andrea staff.  Stef and her staff are top-notch: everyone is very friendly, efficient and truly invested in the flow and feel of the event. Shelby & Savannah lead a great bunch of waiters and cooks and I am always amazed at the hard work they all put in in front of and behind the scenes.  Also exceptional are the bartenders who adroitly dealt with the crush of an open bar and a hundred thirsty guests as soon as the ceremony was over, and kept everyone happy all night long.  They obviously enjoy their work and were dancing and playing air guitar behind the bar at times.  If you want an outstanding venue, with a killer view, amazing food, and a staff that treats you like family, D'Andrea is for you!

The toasts were memorable, especially Frank's at the end.  What a class guy, and what a great family he is marrying into!  Dana & Frank then started the dancing with "At Last" by Beyonce', and their dance lessons by Doug & Charlie of the Dancin' Partners really made it elegant and special.  The dance floor was rocking all night, and the guests loved the Zinser Photobooth staffed by Josh and the jars of candy on each table.  D'Andrea even had s'mores outside at the fire ring later in the evening.  It was an outstanding event, one I was privileged to be a part of.  Thanks & congrats Frank and Dana!

Mott Wedding-Nugget-Zinser Photography

Had a great time deejaying Ryan & Melissa's reception at John Ascuaga's Nugget in Sparks. It was the first time I have played the Poolside Terrace on the 5th floor, and I was impressed both by the room and the staff.  The room is away from the normal convention ballrooms which makes it more private and exclusive.  Lots of windows and great linens and decorations really made the room seem airy and festive, but the real stars are the excellent servers and staff of the Nugget.

Jeanie was the head server and was amazing in all respects: friendly and attentive with the guests, very helpful to a certain DJ, and always smiling- what a great ambassador for the Nugget!  Just as impressive were Liz and Emil.  Liz was in charge and she dove in to help at various points, dealing with everything with professionalism and speed.  Emil was just one great server amongst many, but he was always smiling, asking guests if they needed anything even though he had already anticipated and fulfilled their needs.  He made me feel very much at home from the minute I arrived and he did the same for Melissa & Ryan's guests.  Everyone was great to work with and a pleasure to be around.  If you want great service with a staff that really prides itself with it's professionalism and friendliness, check out the Nugget.

Evan Zinser  of Zinser Photography was the photographer, and I know when he is at an event that everything will go off smoothly and that the bride & groom will get some amazing photos.  I will post some more of his work on my website to go with his pix of Mandy & Whip's wedding already there.

Following a great dinner and some very heart-felt toasts, Ryan & Melissa danced to Sade's "By Your Side" and then the "Buffalo Girls" (Melissa's friends) took over and the party got going.  Lots of great dancing ended with Norah & Wylcef's "Any Other Day".   It was a great reception and I was privileged to be a part of it.  Congrats Mr & Mrs Mott!