TMCC's Royal Father Daughter Ball with CTR Photo Booth and Zinser Photography at The Grand Sierra Resort

I have had the distinct privilege of deejaying the Royal Father Daughter Ball at the Grand Sierra Resort's Summit Pavilion several times now and it is always one of the highlights of my year. I am a huge fan of father-daughter dances during wedding receptions- they are so heartfelt, personal, and memorable for everyone involved. Imagine that same joy multiplied by 1200. That is the Royal Father Daughter Ball.

This year, my daughter, who has attended previously as a participant got to try her hand at spinning the tunes and being the MC (with a little guidance from me).  She did a great job, and I think she even scratches better than her old dad!  It was nice to see all the fathers & daughters dancing to songs that a father and daughter were playing. She played everything from Psy to Ylvis to Meghan Trainor interspersed with slower, Father-Daughter style songs like "Cinderella","My Girl" and "Butterfly Kisses". As always, the number of requests exceeded the time we had to play them, but we put a huge dent in the request list.

If you have never attended the Ball, here's what goes on. There are a hundred or so tables set up, as well as two large dance floors and many daughter-friendly appetizers and treats on side tables. Every one of the 1200 dads & daughters are dressed to the nines- some dads were even in tuxes or uniforms.  In the front of the ballroom, farthest from the dancing are backdrops manned by the amazing folks at Zinser Photography who capture professional portraits of beautiful daughters & proud dads so they can always remember their special night. Zinser Photography has been doing the portraits at the Ball for years and they are great to work with and their photos live up to the specialness of the evening. My daughter and I got ours taken right before the doors were opened to everyone.

On the sides of the room are photo booths provided and manned by Carson Tahoe Reno Photo Booth and they are very popular throughout the night. I see girls clutching and comparing photo strips all throughout the evening, and the people at CTR Photo Booth do a great job making each girl's experience fun and memorable.

There are raffle drawings every 20-30 minutes with items that are definitely geared towards the girls. They had art kits, iPhone decorators, and other creative prizes as well as one goodie bag of dad friendly tools. They aren't trips to Disney World or iPads or what have you, but they are exciting for the young ladies, and all the proceeds from the raffles and the admissions go to a scholarship fund at TMCC, so it is a win-win.

The dancing starts from the moment they open up the doors to the ballroom and doesn't end until the very last moment. The songs are gone through by yours truly to make sure the lyrics and content are all acceptable to kindergartners through middle schoolers. I vary the playlist quite a bit, from a few 60's fun songs to songs from today to all of the group dances that they especially love. Nothing like a thousand people doing the "YMCA" or "Cupid Shuffle" at once! The most requested artist this year was Taylor Swift with the song being "Shake It Off" but I think the best moment of the evening was when my daughter played "Let It Go" from Frozen. The whole room stopped whatever they were doing and every little girl (and quite a few dads) sang every word and made every gesture. Very cool!

Once again I was so honored to be a part of the Royal Father Daughter Ball. Thanks to everyone at TMCC for the elegant soiree they put on for such a great cause. Thanks to the GSR for doing a great job with the room and food & drink. Thanks to all the daughters who danced and danced and danced. Thanks to all the dads who made it a point to create such fabulous memories with their daughters- something they'll remember fondly for the rest of their lives. Thanks to Evan and everyone at Zinser Photography as well as Mike and everyone from Carson Tahoe Reno Photo Booth. Both operations are top-notch. Finally thanks to my daughter with whom I shared some indelible memories both behind the mixer and on the dance floor. 

Finally, dads, grandfathers, guys...  Don't pass up an opportunity to have this experience with your little girl. It's something you cannot put a price tag on and they sell out every year. Start looking for the chance to buy tickets this upcoming summer- you won't regret it!

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!

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!

Selecting Songs for your Wedding & Reception

  There are many good lists online that will give you ideas for music selections for your big day.  However here are some my thoughts & advice attained through well over 600 weddings that may make those selections easier and help make your day unique and special:

Ceremony

Seating music 

You want something evokes the mood, that prepares your guests for the upcoming ceremony.  Classical music, new-age like Enya, light jazz- all these will work well but I have used Motown, country songs and even the Beatles depending on the bridal couple’s preferences.

Bridal Party Processional 

There are many good choices and in this digital world they are not limited to the standard classical songs.  Pacbel’s Canon is a one of those that I use a lot, as the cadence is perfect and the mood is uplifting.  Ideally you want something that the bridal party, nervously trying to walk perfectly, will find an easy rhythm or cadence to settle into.  There are a lot of contemporary songs that work very well, and if you like a song but think that the pop vibe is a bit much, chances are that there are piano and string quartet versions on iTunes that will work perfectly.  Time can be a consideration here if you have a large bridal party, shy ring bearers or flower girls, and/or a long way to walk.  I can and have looped a song to go longer to accommodate all the people coming down the aisle, so it is usually not a big deal. Sometimes you may want a different song for the kids than for the rest of the bridal party, maybe a Disney theme for the flower girls fading into something else of the maids.

Bride’s Processional

Many brides have always dreamed of walking down to “Here Comes the Bride” (Bridal Chorus), and if that is what you envision, then great!  However many brides are choosing songs that have some special meaning or just ones that are beautiful and worthy of the most momentous steps they’ll ever make.  I am a believer that if you can find a song and make it your own, then you should do it.  When the “Bridal Chorus” is played, it is hard to separate the many brides you’ve seen use the song from each other, whereas your song will immediately transport you back to that moment without fail.

Candle or Sand Ceremonies

Some couples have a ceremony within the ceremony pouring sand or water together into one receptacle or perhaps lighting a single candle from two separate ones.  Songs that work well are typically instrumentals or light vocals, sometimes with religious connotations, sometimes not.  "The Wedding Song (There is Love)" is one I have used in the past but other songs will work just as well.

Bride & Groom’s Recessional

The traditional recessional is the “Wedding March”, and many couples still use this.  It is something that punctuates the ceremony and puts an exclamation point on the end.  However you can easily use another song to put your own spin on it and have some fun.  Typically you want something that sentimentally says something about the two of you or something upbeat that celebrates your new life together.   An example of the sentimental type song would be “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer while something like “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours” would be an upbeat example.  The sky is the limit, and unlike the prior two, cadence is not usually an issue.  Think of a song that makes you happy- that’s what you want.

Reception

Grand Entrance

Grand entrances vary from couple to couple.  Some have everyone in the bridal party, maybe some family and the bride & groom announced.  Some just have the bride & groom.  There is no right or wrong way. Whatever you envision, we’ll make happen.  Sometimes I’ll just play a song for everyone. Sometimes just for the bride & groom and sometimes each person or pair will have their own theme song to walk in to.  That can be a bit of a hassle to figure out, but if the people are into it then it can be very fun.  If you want to do that, ask your bridal party etc. to pick a song that they like.  Sometimes it references what they do or who they are or their background.  Sometimes it is just a favorite song to dance in to.  For them or for the bride & groom, the same ideas as the Recessional apply: sentimental and/or fun and upbeat.  My favorite story to tell is of the couple who liked Star Wars, so for the Recessional they used the ending music of the first (IV) movie and for their Grand Entrance they came in the “Imperial March” from the next movie which is very imperious and dark.  Everybody loved it.  So, like in all these songs, the more you tailor the music to you, the better it will work out.

Toasts

Usually music isn’t played during the toasts as it interferes with hearing and the toaster’s train of thought.  In the few times where the B&G have wanted some music, I have played something innocuous and low to set the tone they are trying to achieve without disrupting the speakers.

Cake Cutting

Typically you want some nice background song to punctuate the cutting.  I will usually play something like “Love & Marriage” by Sinatra or “Marry Me” by Train, but the sky is once again the limit.

1^st Dance

This is not as easy to give advice about.  The first dance should be personal- something between the bride & groom that means something to them.  There are thousands of songs to choose from and if you are stuck you can always listen to artists or genres you like together to begin to find the perfect one.  If it is quirky or a little too fast, don’t disregard it offhand.  If it is special to you we can make it happen.  Some couples do elaborate dances they learn and then the song also has to be something that will accommodate the dance style.  More popular now is the mixing of two or more songs together to match choreography, like starting with a slow song, jumping into a fast fun song, and then maybe ending back in the original.  Most people however just cling to each other for their whole song, the rest of the world fading to the background as they share their moment.

Father/Daughter

When I started deejaying in the ‘80s, there were a few songs that everyone associated with a dad dancing with his daughter.  Now there are dozens that fit the bill and more come out all the time.  If you don’t know what you’d like, ask Dad!  He may have a song he has dreamed about dancing with you since you were a little girl.  If there are artists that you and your dad enjoy together or maybe sung together in the car, perhaps think of using one of them to dance to.  It is nice if everyone gets the sentimentality of a song, but really all that matters is you and your dad.

Mother/Son

Very similar to Father/Daughter, although there aren’t as many songs out there as there are for dad.  I tend to see more songs that mean something to mom and her son.  A wedding I did last summer used “Wild Thing” by the Troggs; not a typical Mother/Son song but it was special to the two of them and everyone loved it.

Anniversary Dance

The Anniversary Dance celebrates not only your marriage but all those married family and guests, acknowledging their vows whether they were a half a year ago or half a century.  Usually a good song is something that cuts through all the ages present, like “At Last” by Etta James or “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole. 

Bouquet Toss

This song is all about the girls.  You want something that is fun and that fires them up.  “Single Ladies” by Beyonce or “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” are just a couple of examples but there are many possibilities.  What does your crowd get crazy to?  That may be the perfect song.

Garter Toss

This is similar to the bouquet song but for the guys.  As you are maybe sliding a garter off a leg, you may want to add a playful twist to it, by playing the “Stripper” or “Legs” by ZZTop to bring up the level of risqué.  Many times it is just a fun guy song.

Last Dance

Some couples like to program a last song of the evening.  Maybe it was a close runner-up to you 1^st Dance choice or maybe another version of your 1^st Dance.  Maybe it is something fast & fun and guaranteed to get everyone up one last time.  Maybe it is sentimental to the moment, like Semisonic’s “Closing Time”, Sinatra’s “Last Dance” or even Green Day’s “Time of Your Life.”  Sometimes it is just better to go with the flow and cap off a great dancing night with something on the fly, a request off the floor, or a last minute idea from the B&G.  Either way, if the newlyweds are on the floor, everyone will want to join them regardless of the song.

  Even if you don't pick many or most of the songs for your events, we'll be fine.  I have done so many different scenarios of each event that I can pick something that will work well.  However, why not personalize it?  The day is all about the two of you, shouldn't that apply to the music as well?

Scott & Allison at Camp Richardson with Zinser Photography, Tiers of Joy Cakes, & Alexander's Catering

Maid of Honor Becca, beautiful bride Allison, and dad Don before "I Do"

What a fantastic time I had up at Camp Richardson this past Saturday at Ally & Scott's reception!  They are a super couple and I was really looking forward to their day and it did not disappoint. 

The weather was beautiful and they had rented out the entire lodge for their family and friends so when I arrived everyone was getting ready for the ceremony down at the boathouse.  Scott and all the guests headed to the ceremony site and only Ally, her dad, and Becca remained, waiting for their ride to the wedding.  I took maybe the last pic of the unmarried Allison!

Dancing starts!

It is great to work with professionals who know what they are doing, take pride in their work, and put the Bride & Groom's desires above everything else.  Adam from Zinser Photography, Leigh Anne from Tiers of Joy Cakes, and Alex from Alexander's Catering are all such amazing professionals.  Adam was everywhere that evening getting great shots and never missing a moment.  Leigh Anne brought delicious pies that had everyone swooning with joy (towards the end of the night one family member was digging into a whole pie without utensils, they were that good!), and Alex and his crew went above and beyond all night in very tight quarters and still delivered delicious food, drink & exceptional service throughout.

"Put your hands in the air...hands in the air..."

The reception was an absolute blast!  The bridal party arrived and were announced and went into dinner followed by some very memorable toasts, especially by Becca and by Scott toasting his bride at the end.  Then Scott & Allison danced to "Si Tu Quieres" by Elefante followed by the Father/Daughter & Mother/Son dance and then by Sinatra's "The Way You Look Tonight" for the Anniversary Dance.  After that, the dancing only stopped for the Pie Cutting and for the tosses.  The rest of the night the floor was packed with enthusiastic dancers.  We started at 4pm and I was scheduled to play until nine.  Nine became ten.  Ten became 10:30, and when I finally said good night it was past 11:30.  What a crowd, what a crowd, what a crowd!  

Scott in the middle of a Reggaeton circle

Scott & Allison left the party around 10ish and usually when the bride and groom take their leave, the party begins to fizzle.  Not so for this group!  Another hour and a half after the bride & groom exit?  What a party!  Thanks to Scott & Allison for including me in their day. Thanks to Don & Nancy and Rocky & Laurie and all the bridal party and guests for making me feel so welcome and for dancing the night away!  Thanks to Leigh Anne for introducing me to her fabulous family. What a way to start 2012!

One last dance for Ally & Scott (complete with bubbles!)

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!