Morgann & Danny at Silver Lake Stockton Family Camp with Chloe Ramirez Photography

I really get to deejay for the the best brides and grooms at the best places. Take this past weekend's couple for example: Morgann & Danny.

Morgann is a first grade teacher and has a gift for organization that really shone all throughout the planning process. She had a very clear vision of what she wanted for their most special of days and it was spectacular. When certain venues didn't quite fit her dream, she continued to search and found a beautiful mountain retreat that she, Danny, and their guests could have all to themselves: Silver Lake Stockton Family Camp.

This camp was started in the twenties by civic leaders from Stockton California as a refuge from the hot Central Valley summers. It is a 10 minute walk from Silver Lake, sits behind another, more commercial camp, and has nothing beyond it but National Forest land. Some forty rustic cabins and a dining hall make up the bulk of the camp and when you are a guest there, the staff does all the cooking. The staff, headed by Ron and with Chuck as bartender, were super helpful and friendly. They had had only one other wedding there prior to Morgann & Danny, and they were happy to share their little corner of mountain paradise with Morgann & Danny and their guests. They had done a welcome BBQ the night before and had scheduled a farewell breakfast for the next morning, so it was a wedding weekend, not just a wedding day. It really is a great vibe when your guests don't have to depart after the reception or can come early and spend extra time with everyone else. Morgann's vision was coming into focus.

The wedding site was another outstanding choice. A meadow gradually merges with Silver Lake about a quarter mile from SLSFC leaving a breathtaking view of the water and the surrounding Sierras. Chairs and a white runner were set up but there was no need for an altar or arch- a large slab of granite rises up from the meadow making a perfect focal point and vow area.

I set up under a large pine and waited for the nuptials to commence. A generator was required as, in the middle of this natural splendor, there weren't any plugs within 500 yards or so ;)  My Honda 2000 again performed flawlessly and provided me with the ability to mic their officiant David and play music for the pre-ceremony and ceremony.

I loved their musical choices! They wanted reggae for the seating period before the ceremony, so I had a great time picking choices that just put an exclamation point on their fantastic setting. Many of the guests could be seen enjoying the music and a fun, yet unique tone was set. The wind then came up a bit, as it is apt to do in the mountains at times, and the white runner that Morgann was due to shortly walk down on became twisted up. Several guests jumped up and became an instant 'Honor Guard' of sorts, keeping the runner in place. It was a great example of everyone pitching in to make sure that everything goes smoothly. When Danny and David were situated on their granite dais, a decorated electric golf cart pulled up with Morgann inside. She had picked a perfect and unique song for her processional, "Impurity" by Kaizen which she had practiced walking down the aisle to a couple times previously. She got out of the cart, fixed her dress and timed her walk perfectly. The 'Honor Guard' faded back as she approached, having done their jobs with distinction, and the tempo of the song continued to grow as she came closer and closer to that slab of granite holding David and her husband-to-be. I was so happy that all of her effort and planning had blossomed into the perfect processional. 

David then took over and performed a wonderful ceremony, highlighted by some very personal readings and vows that Danny & Morgann had chosen. When all was said and done, kisses were exchanged, and they recessed triumphantly to "Easy Love" by Sigala. They then turned and everyone got in a group drone shot, which framed by the lake and mountains must be a spectacular photo.

Photography (and drone shots) were aptly taken care of by Chloe of Chloe Ramirez Photography out of SAC. I'm sure they are 1000% better than these iPhone shots of mine ;)  She and her second shooter were very professional, fun, and easy to work with all throughout the day and evening. It is always a pleasure to work with professionals and she was top-notch. She tirelessly worked to document the entire event and I'm sure her photos will be amazing.

Ron, the head honcho at the Silver Lake Stockton Family Camp, was also fantastic to work with all day and evening. He and his crew worked tirelessly all evening and they do it for the benefit of their non-profit camp so that people can continue to enjoy the mountains and the traditions that have been kept up there for nearly one hundred years. Hopefully it will still be here in another hundred years, and will have been the scene of many happy wedding celebrations. It's a venue where you know that your dollars directly fund the camp so that families and children who might not ordinarily be able to enjoy the Sierras can do so. It's a win-win.

Morgann & Danny came back from photos and had a grand Grand Entrance. Chloe had everyone come out on the broad steps below the hall and, with the drone hovering above, the newlyweds entered to "With You" by Dirty South. After a little while longer, everyone moved to the opposite side of the hall and sat amongst the pines and enjoyed a dinner prepared by Ron & Co.

When dinner plates were pushed aside and champagne and cider glasses filled, Danny started the toasts, thanking all the many people who had helped to make this weekend come to pass, especially his new wife who had really knocked it out of the park. More toasts were then offered up and then, under the trees and surrounded by their friends and family, they danced to their first dance as husband & wife, "Danny's Song" by Loggins and Messina. I heard so many compliments about the appropriateness of the selection- I mean obviously the title and the groom's name match but even beyond that. The lyrics seemed to encapsulate them perfectly.  As the song ended and the cheering died down, I began "Just the Way You Are" by Billy Joel.  Morgann stepped out with her dad Gerhard and Danny with his mom Nikki, and again the musical selection seemed ideal- their moment transcendent. I am so unbelievably honored to witness moments like these.

Dancing followed inside with more reggae, current hits and hip-hop as well as some electronica. It was a fun crowd and I had lots of requests. James Taylor did interrupt the dancing for a bit ("How Sweet It Is") while M&D cut their delicious cake. As the dancing continued, people would slip out, head to their cabin, and slip back in wearing more comfortable clothes and shoes. Indeed, a blazing fire-ring down below the steps complete with s'mores added to the rustic charm, and as the last dance was played people made plans to meet beside the fire and continue the evening.

Such a fantastic afternoon and evening spent with a fun bride & groom and their crowd. Thanks to Chloe Ramirez for her stellar work and coordination. Thanks to Ron and Chuck and the SLSFC crew- so great to work with and talk to. And finally, thanks to Morgann & Danny and their friends and families for making it so memorable and fun for me. As I've said in the past: I love my job and whom I get to do it for :)

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

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

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

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

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

Champagne cake with lemon curd & raspberry filling.

Pistachio cupcakes with pistachio buttercream frosting.

Chocolate cupcakes with chocolate ganache.

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

Guinness stout spiced cupcakes with vanilla buttercream frosting.

Phenomenally decorated butter cookies.

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

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

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

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

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

Dee & friends dancing to Madonna on the deck :)

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

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

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

Ciprian at work

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

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

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

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

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

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

Viel spaB in Deutschland!

Jennifer & BJ at Sugar Bowl Lodge atop Donner Summit

The Lodge at Sugar Bowl

As a wedding DJ, the best accolade I can receive is a referral from a happy client. Recommending someone for such an important part of such an important day is taking a big responsibility for the outcome of that event, and I appreciate the trust put in me by both a former client and a new one.

About a year ago I was so honored to be a part of Jason & Nicole's day at Sunnyside (see blog) and when Nicole's friend Jennifer set her date to be married, Nicole gave her my information. I couldn't be happier. Nicole & Jason's wedding was such a great time and I knew any friend of Nicole's would be pretty special too, so I was excited to be considered for Jenn & BJ's day.

My view of the ceremony.

As Jenn & BJ live quite a distance from me, we spoke on the phone, traded emails, and finally Skyped to finalize the events and music for their day. They have very definite musical tastes, and we incorporated their playlist into the entire day and evening. Many DJ's get flustered with clients who have tastes that don't fit into a standard box. They can't think past their own 'most played' playlists and have a difficult time meshing their style with that of the B&G. Me, I love strong opinions on music. Music is such a large part of our lives- it mirrors our mood and defines our most treasured moments. To incorporate the musical choices of the clients is one more way to make the day completely theirs- to add their essence, both serious and playful to their day. So many times I get people coming up and complimenting me on the music I play, and usually the songs they hear are those that the bride & groom had chosen. For example, BJ really like the Avett Brothers, and while I had some of their music, he really broadened my perspective on them and turned me on to new songs I hadn't heard before. When they were taking pictures, I played a few of them, and he turned and gave me a thumbs up, and went back to his photographic duties. I could feel the bridal party's mood elevate just a little but more, as when the bride & groom are happy & smiling, it is incredibly infectious. I encountered more new (to me) artists through Jenn & BJ such as Iron & Wine and the Morning Benders and am better for it. Part of the benefit of being a DJ is that your clients and their guests expose you to new bands that you may never have found on your own. When you love music as I do, this can be priceless.

BJ & Jenn picked the Lodge at Sugar Bowl for their ceremony and reception, and what a great choice they made!  Sugar Bowl is a fantastic venue for an alpine wedding. The ceremony was held in the meadow adjacent to the Lodge with spectacular mountain views and a babbling stream a few yards away. I played Sufjian Stevens' "For the Widows in Paradise" for the parents entry and Ben Howard's "Old Pine" for the bridal party's processional. I had "Bloom" by the Paper Kites ready for Jenn's processional, but Asa Dean, a groomsman came down the aisle with his guitar on his back, surprising BJ with his own rendition of the song. Asa sounded wonderful, BJ was surprised, and Jenn positively glowed coming down the aisle. When the ceremony concluded, the newlyweds exited to "Anna Sun" by Walk the Moon and their guests boarded the chair lift for a cocktail hour at the top of the mountain.

BJ & Jenn head up for cocktails!

How cool is that?!?  Where else can you invite your guests up for a mountaintop cocktail? When BJ & Jenn were finished with pictures, they boarded a chair and joined their guests at the top of the mountain while I set up on the deck of the Lodge. After an hour or so, everyone returned and found their tables on the deck for dinner, I introduced the bridal party punctuated by Macklemore's  "Thrift Shop," and the reception began A buffet line was set up inside and soon everyone was enjoying Sugar Bowl's delicious dinner. Speaking of the Sugar Bowl, I have to say they have one of the friendliest staffs out there.  Amanda & Megan and their people are top-notch. They really enjoy what they do and are proud of their food and of the Lodge, and their service shows it. At some lodges and ski resorts the staff is very transient and because of this, not as well-trained, loyal or happy. You can tell that Sugar Bowl treats their staff well and it shows in the level of service from the coordinators on down. Great job!

After dinner the bride & groom were toasted and then Jenn & BJ made their way to the dance floor for their first dance, "February Seven" by the Avett Brothers. However, once again the talented Aysa Dean came up and serenaded them with his own version of the song. Very special and memorable!  Augustine then danced with his daughter to "My Little Girl" by Tim McGraw and then Beth danced with BJ to "Over the Rainbow" by IZ.  In a special twist, Jenn then called up several other newlywed couples and they all danced to Adam Sandler's "Grow Old With You" with Jenn & BJ. Enthusiastic dancing then followed all through the rest of the evening.  What a great dancing crowd!  I played such a variety of songs and the floor never emptied.  It was pretty magical as night fell as the deck was lit by candles and twinkling lights, yet you could still see the Milky Way high above in the alpine night sky.

First Dance!

Aysa at work

Dad & Daughter!

Thanks to BJ & Jennifer for allowing me to be a part of their extraordinary day and evening.  Thanks to  everyone at Sugar Bowl Lodge for their efforts and warm hospitality. And thanks to Nicole & Jason for making it all happen for me through a simple referral. I love what I do. I try to make a difference in a couple's most special day, and I am so happy people seem to get that and are so pleased with my performance.  Congrats Jenn & BJ! May the soundtrack of your lives be long, varied and filled with lovesongs!