Jim & Laurie at the North Tahoe Event Center with Jeramie Lu Photography

As a wedding DJ, I get to work with amazing brides & grooms at gorgeous venues with extraordinary wedding professionals, and Laurie & Jim's reception this summer was no exception.

Yours truly. Hope I didn't break Jeramie's camera!
(photos by Jeramie Lu Photography)

As a wedding vendor, you have to have more than a professional interest in the couple's day. It will be one of the most important moments in their lives and they are entrusting an aspect of that day to you. It is a responsibility that I take very seriously, as should all your wedding professionals. You should have a comfort level with them after a meeting or two. They should be communicative and flexible so they can concentrate on bringing your dream into reality. I can't understand vendors who don't have that fire to give that couple 110%; to go above and beyond ensuring that the experience is even better than their clients imagined. Unfortunately there are many out there who view their service as just a job- another gig- another payday. Avoid these vendors at all costs!

Jeramie Lu of Jeramie Lu Photography shares that fire for his clients satisfaction like I do. He is all of what you want in someone capturing those special moments on film: organized, passionate and very talented. 

His organizational skills are such that he contacts the other vendors well prior to the day of just to let them know he will be photographing the event so that any coordination issues will be smoothed over long before the wedding day. He is always thinking about possible shots-indeed thinking with his camera clicking away. One sequence of his I loveI love is of a bride & groom cutting the cake and the first shot is of them, the second is of a loving mom looking on, and the next is back to the bride & groom a mere second or two later. He understands the rhythm and flow of an event and is always ready to capture it. He is passionate about the light, the way the bride's train falls to the sand below, and countless other things that go into framing a perfect shot. I think he believes that the next shot will be the best, and the next after that... kind of like I think when I play a song- never content to rest on the last one but always striving for perfection. His talent and point of view are indisputable. The artistry he weaves and tale he tells with his camera will last long after the minor memories of the day fade away, reawakening them when viewed to enjoy once again. That's what you want when you hire a wedding photographer. I don't refer just anyone to couples. A bad referral will reflect poorly on me. Jeramie Lu is one photographer I do refer without any reservations whatsoever. 

Grand Entrance!  (Jeramie Lu Photography)

If you need a further example to illustrate the difference between someone who takes a picture and a true photographer like Jeramie, take a look at the next couple of pix. I forgot my small digital camera that day, and if you've seen other blog posts you can tell that I was made to DJ, not to take photographs! However, I still tried to grab a few, using my iPhone. Look at the difference between someone who doesn't know what they are doing, like me and a great chunk of the photographers out there, and then look at Jeramie's view of the same moment. No contest.

My iPhone photo...

Jeramie Lu's version... Just a bit better :)
I love the joy on Laurie's face!

Laurie & Jim got married at a church in Incline while I set up at the North Tahoe Event Center. If you haven't considered the NTEC, you might want to check it out. It is right on the beach- a ballroom with huge windows that make you feel like the Lake is part of your day. They allow you to bring in your own caterer and decorate as you'd like: a blank slate that can become whatever you've imagined.  They had the tables all decked out in white and red, mimicking their colors, and many other special touches were evident that complemented the vibe without taking away from the breathtaking views of Tahoe. They arrived and proceeded to do family and bridal party shots with Jeramie on the beach outside. Guests mingled within and without on the large patio watching Jim & Laurie and taking in the lake. Before long, they and their BP entered to rousing applause with "I Gotta Feeling" playing in the background. After a heartfelt benediction by their pastor, everyone went across the hall to another room where the buffet line was set up. Another great feature of the NTEC. As dinner was finishing up, the best man Clive gave a very energetic toast followed by a sentimental Christina, the Maid of Honor. A proud papa, Laurie's dad Dennis then welcomed Jim into the family and before long the newlyweds were on the dance floor swaying to David Crowder's "Come and Listen."

Dennis then took his daughter's hand for their dance as "I Loved Her First" punctuated the moment perfectly. Dancing then continued until 10pm with only a couple breaks for the cake cutting and a special Anniversary Dance- "Unforgettable" by Nat & Natalie Cole. The last couple dancing just had celebrated 50 years of marriage the month before. What an example for all of us!

Beautiful bride with her proud dad

Happy groom looking on...

Lots of requests were made and played, from Glenn Miller's "In the Mood" to the Electric Slide to Ronan Keating. It was a super fun crowd and I was so happy to be able to be a small part of a great couple's day and evening. Thanks to the North Tahoe Event Center, photographer extraordinaire Jeramie Lu, and thanks most of all to Jim & Laurie. Congratulations you two!

Swinging with Glenn Miller...Amazing time. Incredible pictures!
(Thanks Jeramie Lu!)

Jason & Nicole's Wedding at Sunnyside Resort on Lake Tahoe

Sunnyside Resort up at Lake Tahoe was the spectacular setting for Nicole & Jason's ceremony and reception late this summer.  It was a bright and sunny Saturday without a cloud in the sky, and the deck was filled with loved ones and friends sharing their special day.  Nicole had handkerchiefs placed on every chair embroidered with "Cry Happy Tears" and her aunt Kelly performed a uplifting and personal ceremony that had everyone using their handkerchiefs one moment and laughing the next.  Nicole entered to Vitamin String Quartet's version of Clapton's 'Wonderful Tonight' while her bridal party preceded her with VSQ's 'Bittersweet Symphony'.  When the newly married couple exited the ceremony, their recessional was Iz's 'Over the Rainbow', which always is a crowd favorite.

View from the dock.

The DJ's view!

As the bridal party and family took pictures around the resort, the guests were treated to appetizers and mimosas and I played classic rock as per the bride and groom's choice.  It was fun entertaining not only their guests but the people coming for lunch at Sunnyside's terrace.  It was a fun and happy crowd all around.  A lot of that has to do with the great staff at Sunnyside.  Everyone is attentive, efficient and and very amicable, led by the competent duo of Mel & Erin coordinating the event.  They were outstanding- always making sure every small detail was correct and that every guest was happy and taken care of.  Same with the wait staff and even management- they couldn't do enough for everyone, even keeping the DJ hydrated and fed.  And the meal was outstanding!  I was lucky enough to have lived in Guatemala for a year, and the fishing down there is amazing.  We would catch mahi-mahi (dorado) all the time and eat it fresh, so I am not eager to try mahi at local places here, as it always tastes a bit old.  Not so at Sunnyside!  The mahi was flown in the night before and tasted like it had just been caught- boy was I impressed!  Apparently they are affiliated with resorts in Hawaii, and they have it shipped directly to them.  The rest of the food was delicious as well, even if it wasn't shipped quite as far to get there.  Bravo to the chefs and management.  First class!

Jason & Nicole's first dance as husband & wife!

After the tremendous meal and some heartfelt toasts, the newlyweds cut their baseball-themed cake and then came back out onto the deck and danced their first dance to "Amazed'" by Lonestar.  The Father/Daughter & Mother/Son Dance then followed (Aerosmith's "Don't Want to Miss a Thing") and then open dancing.  Nicole & Jason are big fans of modern pop and club music and that was the soundtrack of the rest of the afternoon, with some slow songs interspersed here and there to bring in the romance factor.  The bride & groom had some great moments taking pix near and in the lake, and when they left the reception, they rode off on a jet ski!  Very cool and unique!

Dancing on the deck

It was great to play for such a fun crowd and I got some neat requests from bridal party members and guests for their first dance songs, allowing them to re-live their wedding days as well.  "Blue Hawaii" by Elvis was one such request from a pair of grandparents, and they immediately were on the floor beaming like newlyweds.  I love being able to recreate special moments, as well as help create new ones.  Thanks to Nicole and Jason for inviting me to be a part of their day.  Thanks to their great crowd of family & friends who were so great to talk with, and thanks to Mel & Erin and everyone at Sunnyside for their hard work and dedication.  What a spectacular afternoon!

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!)

Roe & Regina at the Overlook Pavilion at Northstar with Zella Events

Roe & Regina say "I do"

I had the pleasure to deejay Roe and Regina's wedding up at the Northstar Overlook Pavilion. Regina was absolutely radiant as were her bridesmaids in different colored bridesmaid dresses.  What a cool idea!  Roe and his groomsmen were looking pretty stellar as well, and they all had rattan-like shoes on that looked cool and comfortable.  I love little touches that brides and grooms do to make their day very much their own.  It was a large gathering of friends and family and all were very nice and made me feel very much like a guest instead of a hired hand.  They came from all over and I had many great conversations with terrific people even before the ceremony.  

Regina is congratulated by Best Dog 'Bama'

Northstar is a destination on it's own, with shops, restaurants and a skating rink, and the Overlook Pavilion sits above the rink but seems like it is in it's own separate area as it borders a beautiful meadow and the treeline just beyond.  The meadow is where the ceremony was held, and it is a beautiful backdrop for a couple's vows.  Then right beside it is the expansive Pavilion area, with the large tent for dancing and dining and plenty of outdoor space for lots of guests.  Roe and Regina welcomed about 200 or so guests and they all had plenty of space and enjoyed the beautiful weather and surroundings.  You could probably seat many more than that if necessary.  The food was delicious and the service outstanding- the people there are really top-notch.  The lighting is gorgeous as night arrives, and they had a fire-ring with s'mores for those guests who still had room after dinner and cake.  The whole day and evening was coordinated by Carla from Zella Events.  She and her staff were so pleasant to work with!  They had a detailed timeline and even coordinated via two-way radios at times.  Every little detail was perfect and they were always anticipating events instead of letting events control the tempo.  High praise from a DJ who likes to make sure things run smoothly.  

Money Dance!

Roe is a huge San Jose Sharks fan so we re-created the Sharks entry on the ice with the Grand Entrance. The bridal party entered to the theme from "Jaws" which segued into "Rock & Roll Part 2" by Gary Glitter...  Very cool!   They danced to Corrine Bailey Rae for their first dance and the dancing never stopped from there!  I loved the fact that I played all kinds of different types of music and dance styles- from Salsa to the Electric Slide; from the Cha-Cha to the Cha-Cha slide.  Mambos, waltzes and jitterbugs were also in the mix for this very talented crowd of dancers.  This crowd came to dance and did they ever!  Thanks to Regina & Roe for having me be a part of their amazing day and evening and for making me feel like a part of the family.  Congrats you guys!

Phil & Bevan at the Lakeview Lodge at Heavenly

What an amazing venue!  What an amazing couple!  Phil & Bevan light up the room when you meet them with an almost tangible aura of love for each other.  To have been a part of their wedding day reminds me of what a cool job I have- what an absolute pleasure it is to do what I do.  Their ceremony was simple yet beautiful with tears, laughs and heartfelt vows that came from the very core of their love for one another, all punctuated by the beauty of the Sierras and Lake Tahoe 2000' below.

One of the coolest things about a wedding at Heavenly is how you get up to the Lakeview Lodge.  You don't just have a ballroom somewhere amongst other parties or hotel guests- you have a Lodge all to yourselves, and the only way up is via the gondola.  The bridal party, guests, and the DJ (and his equipment) all come up on the tram during the day and descend back down to earth with the lights encircling Lake Tahoe.  No wonder they call it Heavenly.  Here the bridal party rides the tram for a picture opportunity after the ceremony.

Libby and her staff at Heavenly really make everyone feel at home and well taken care of.  From the gondola pilot, to the bartenders, to the servers, everyone does their utmost to keep the event running smoothly and their guests happy.  The buffet was delicious as well.  My favorites were the fresh steamed and grilled vegetables and the tri-tip with whiskey reduction sauce.  Yum!  Once the dancing started, it never stopped and I really liked Bevan & Phil's music list- very eclectic and very fun songs.  Here they are Cha Cha sliding but some other memorable songs packing the dancefloor included "The Safety Dance" by Men Without Hats, "Apache" by the Sugarhill Gang, "Friends in Low Places" by Garth Brooks, and "I'm on a Boat" by Lonely Island.  Their first dance was "Like Red on a Rose" by Alan Jackson and for a couple who said that they didn't dance very well, they were in perfect "First Dance Bliss", where the world revolves around them for the length of a song.

Here we are at the end of the night.  Bevan had changed from her gown into an equally spectacular party dress- what a beautiful bride!  Phil's not too shabby himself, especially after just having conducted a best-dressed dance-off.  Me, well I'm not much to look at but I'm a damn good DJ- and a lucky one at that to be able to be a part of their day.  Thanks for your service to our country and congratulations Bevan & Phil!

Amanda & Joe at the Orchard House in Genoa with Emily Clark Photography

  Had a fantastic time at the Orchard House in Genoa playing Joe & Amanda's wedding.  The weather was perfect and the grounds are gorgeous.  What an amazing venue!  Betsy & Randy treat their guests like family as they share their little piece of paradise with everyone.  Joe and Amanda had a 20's-30's  theme, complete with his grandfather's Model A and lots of Big Band music during cocktails and dinner.   Joe and his best man Brandon brewed 5 different types of beer which were enjoyed by all.  Amanda & Joe danced to Adele's "Make you Feel My Love" and Amanda and her dad Virgil danced to "be Ever Wonderful" by Earth Wind & Fire.

  Emily Clark photographed the wedding and is quickly turning into one of my favorite photographers.  She is easy to work with, unobtrusive, and gets all the right shots.  Check out her website and blog for pix of this wedding and more.  This is my favorite shot as it features not only Amanda & Joe but Patti & Robby for whom I had the pleasure of deejaying their wedding last year.  Great crowd and lots of dancing!

 Anniversary Dance!

 Money dance!

Joe and his mom Noreen dancing to "Moondance" by Van Morrison.