Kyle & Courtney at Northstar Overlook Pavilion with Reverend Kris Dahir & Tiers of Joy Cakes

Had a blast at Courtney & Kyle's wedding reception up at the gorgeous Overlook Pavilion at Northstar.  Northstar is a special venue which I have had the pleasure of working several times now.  The Overlook Pavilion is a big deck above the skating rink complete with a large open tent, an enclosed bar building, a firepit for later in the evening, and plenty of space for guest tables and comfortable alcoves to sit in.  The meadow next to the party area is a beautiful spot for a wedding ceremony and that is where Kris Dahir presided over a thoughtful & fun exchanging of vows.  I had the pleasure of working with Kris again the following evening and I like how he tailors the ceremony to the individual couples.

Their ceremony

I spent a couple of hours a few weeks back with Courtney planning the music and events.  She is super fun and her music choices set a uniquely upbeat and joyous vibe throughout the ceremony and into the reception.  One of her favorite artists is Jimmy Buffet and we were able to find a Vitamin String Quartet album of Buffet songs for seating.  Imagine 'Margaritaville' done in strings- classy but fun!  Her bridal party members entered the ceremony to a guitar rendition of Canon in D, and then she came in to an instrumental snippet from 'Weather With You', another Buffet song.  She and Kyle then left to the entire song, and began posing for pix as the guests enjoyed hors deurves and drinks.

Toasts

The staff at Northstar are exceptional.  Joey the wait captain was very involved and efficient all evening and Nancy the coordinator made sure everything ran very smoothly and is a true professional.  Tiers of Joy made Kyle & Courtney's cake, and like I have said in the past, their cakes are as good tasting as they are looking, which is a rarity amongst bakers these days.  I usually like to have a piece whereas I don't any other bakers, but it was cut & passed out efficiently by Joey & staff and the extra pieces were eaten up quickly thereafter.  A couple of things that were really neat: Courtney & Kyle had a Time Capsule and also had s'more favors.  The Time Capsule was a wooden box that they will open on their first anniversary and everyone wrote little notes and left surprises in the box for them.   What a great idea!  The s'mores were a plastic box with all the ingredients that you could take home or break open and use at Northstar's firepit that was lit after dark.

Tiers of Joy Cake

Courtney & Kyle had different songs played for each of their bridal party pairs, from Social Distortion to the Specials to the Beach Boys and Baha Men.  When the newlyweds were announced, they came in to Darth Vader's theme from Star Wars.  Very cool.  Dinner was family style, which is a nice change from the countless buffets I see.  After some great toasts they cut the cake and then danced their first dance to "Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not?" by Thompson Square.

First Dance

Lots of dancing followed, with everything from Clapton to Katy Perry, from MJ to Buffet, and lots in between.  Just a super couple, with a lot of great friends and family who celebrated the night away under the tent and stars up at Northstar.  Congrats to the newlyweds!

Courts & Kyle

Winding around the Pavilion

Choosing Events For Your Reception

Ceremony

  While many weddings are still held in churches and temples, the growing trend is for the ceremony site and the reception site to be one and the same. I don’t believe this is any statement on religion but instead a realization that many of the reception venues are outstanding ceremony sites as well.  And the Reno/Tahoe area has some absolutely stunning venues.  I can set my equipment up to play those special songs or amplify those vows making most any music or program you have dreamed of possible.

Seating Music

  You may want to impart a certain mood on your guests as they arrive at the wedding site and find a seat.  I can help you pick songs to make this possible and play them as seating commences.  Some people like classical music during this time.  Some prefer jazz or light instrumentals.  There is no right or wrong choice.  My suggestion is to pick beautiful, elegant music that elevates the mood of the people coming to witness your marriage.  I have hundreds of songs that I use towards this end and I can go to some of my best ones if you don’t have a preference.  I usually gravitate towards Enya or Vitamin String Quartet or classical but there is no right or wrong.  Whatever you envision, I will make it happen.  Some weddings have a special song for the seating of the moms or grandparents.  This is a nice touch but it is one more thing you may have to work on during rehearsal so many couples skip it for simplicity.

Ceremony Music

  In the 24 years I have been deejaying weddings I have witnessed many changes in preferences for both events and music.  One of the biggest changes has been in ceremony music. 

  When I was a brand-new wedding DJ in 1988, almost every wedding used Here Comes the Bride and the Wedding March for their processional and recessional.  The Bridal party’s processional song was usually Pacbel’s Canon or Ode to Joy or one of a few other classical songs.  Not that this was bad- these songs are beautiful and I still get requests for them, but the advent of the internet and iTunes has really changed music selection.  It allowed people to find new versions of these tried-and-true songs and have them played at their ceremonies.  Then people began to think, “Hey I really love that song by….” and had it incorporated into the ceremony.  Now the old standards are rarely played while a myriad of songs has replaced them.

  This brings me to an ongoing theme of mine: don’t be afraid to put your stamp on your reception, whether it’s a twist on a traditional event or a unique song to walk down the aisle to.  People will vividly remember that you kissed and left happily married while Kiss Me by Sixpence None the Richer was playing instead of the Wedding March, for example.  Plus whenever you or they hear that song, those memories will come flooding back.

  A couple of suggestions for ceremony music- the processional songs of both the bridal party and the bride should be something that you can find a natural cadence to.  If it has a nice steady tempo you and your bridesmaids will adapt to it naturally and your walk down the aisle will flow that much better.  Also, the mood of the song is important.  It should impart the beauty and focus of the moment.  Finally, you may want to think of the length of the song as well.  The longer the better, because the I can fade out if it is too long, but if it is too short, you may be halfway in your walk when it runs out, if you have a long way to go.  But I can always loop a song so it continuously plays, making almost any short song long enough.

  When you have kissed and the officiant has introduced you as husband & wife, your recessional song can really make this a special moment.  I think upbeat songs work best, and if you have a song that means something to you or is an inside joke to some of your family or guests, so much the better.  Another nice idea is for the bridal processional and the bridal couple’s recessional to be the same song but by different artists.  For example, an instrumental, slower-paced version of a popular song would work for the bride, and when the couple walks away the full-blown regular song gets the crowd in a festive mood.

Ceremony P.A.

  I do have wired and wireless hand-held & clip-on microphones which can be routed through my equipment or the house system.  They can be used for the officiant, for vows, songs or readings.  But performance can be affected by the environment, especially when the ceremony is outside.  Wind, distance, and the proximity the user holds the mic from his or her mouth can affect the quality.  Most officiants are able to project their voices and some don’t like to hold a mic, so check with yours for their preference.  But it is nice to have the ability to amplify and I can help you with any of these needs.

Reception

  There are lots of possible events that you can have at your reception.  It just depends on your tastes and those of your guests.  You can do some, all or none of the following events in pretty much any order you choose.  However some events go better at certain times.  I’ve listed them in the most logical order, but again, it is your wedding and how you envision it is how it should be.  You may have another event that I haven’t included- no problem.  Basically what I’m trying to get across is that nothing is written in stone about how you schedule your reception.  You are the boss!

  Setting exact times for events usually does not work well at a reception, except when it comes to the caterers.  They like to know when to serve dinner or pour champagne.  But they are more flexible than they’d admit, and many times it is they who screw up the schedule.  Photographers tend to eat up time.  And just the normal events can go off schedule quickly.  Something you expected to take a few minutes stretches into fifteen or vice-versa.  I’ve found through hundreds of receptions that a list of events in the order they occur works best.  That way we can adjust as we go and if you want to scratch or add an event at the last minute or completely change the order, we can do it and the guests won’t be the wiser.

  Basically besides providing the music at the reception, I’m also emceeing the events, coordinating with the photographers, checking with the caterer and dealing with your guests.  I’m  your reception coordinator, keeping the reception flowing, guests happy, and your other hired help informed and pacified.  Let’s take a look at some possible events:

Grand Entrance

  Usually the bride and groom arrive at the reception somewhat after the guests.  I’ll play jazz or background music for the guests, setting a party atmosphere but without going into dance mode.  Photos at the ceremony site or the bride and groom just wanting a bit of time alone is usually the cause, plus the fact if you want a Grand Entrance, you probably don’t want to beat your guests to the reception.  Nothing is more awkward than announcing the bride and groom to a handful of people or without your loved ones there to cheer you on.

  Some couples want everyone in the wedding party introduced.  Some include their parents.  Some just want themselves.  There is no “correct” way.  Whatever feels right to you.  If you intend on having a Receiving Line (see below) then it is good to introduce everyone in the line.

  One thing about introducing everyone- it takes some coordination.  You have to get everyone together, making sure you don’t leave out anyone who’ll get their feelings hurt, and you have to give me a list beforehand.  Some couples just have themselves introduced and then during the second dance they have the wedding party and family introduced instead.  That works well.

  There is no right or wrong way to be introduced either.  You could do any of the following or something else.  Whatever you are comfortable with, for example:

   “Mr. & Mrs. John Doe” or “Jane & John Doe” or John & Jane” or “The Does” etc…

 Receiving Line

  This is not as popular as it once was.  Usually the more formal the wedding, the more you’ll find it done.  Also you’ll see it at big weddings where the two families don’t know each other well or there are a lot of guests who don’t know the families well. 

  Basically, it is a line that begins or ends with the bride and groom, usually includes the parents, and also the bridal party.  The guests file through and are able to talk briefly with everyone in the line.  It takes some time, depending on the amount of guests and the size of the wedding party, but it is nice in the fact that everyone gets the opportunity to talk and meet and greet everyone in the wedding. 

  Most newly-married couples instead opt to mingle, spending time wandering from table to table which is much more personal and allows you to get to people who may be too shy or disabled to come up in a line.  Some couples do both- have a line and make it a point to mingle as well.  Again, there is no right or wrong way- whatever you are most comfortable with goes.

Benediction/Prayer

  This is not done at every reception but when it is done it is usually right before the meal, but often comes before the toasts or after the Grand Entrance.  Most have their minister or priest say something, but others will have a father, uncle, or friend say a few words.

Dinner/Buffet

  This usually takes a while.  It is a good time to relax a bit before some of the other events.  It’s usual for the bride and groom, the wedding party, and immediate family to be served or go through the buffet line first.  This is practical for a couple of reasons.  First it ensures you get something to eat!  It’ll be a long, emotional day and you’ll need the energy and the break.  Also, you get ahead of the majority of the guests, which is good, because while they are eating you can mingle or visit tables, the photographers can get missing shots, or you can start with other events.  If you are worried about time, buffets are the quickest for all involved while full service sit-down meals take longer.  I’ll usually play background music throughout, at a lower level so that people can talk with their tablemates.

Toasts

  The first toast is traditionally given by the Best Man or Maid of Honor, or by one or both of the dads, but it could be given by anyone you wish. A typical reception will start with the Best Man’s initial toast, perhaps followed by the Maid/Matron of Honor’s toast and maybe a family member.  Many couples want me to ask if anyone else would like to propose a toast, either coming up to use the mic or just from their table.  Couples also use the opportunity to toast their guests and thank them for coming.  There really is no set way of doing it. 

  The catering crew will need five or ten minutes notice to pour champagne for everyone.  Some couples have cider or champagne for themselves and the guests use whatever they have in front of them.  The toast is a great way to segue into another big event, like the cake or the first dance.

Cake Cutting

  This is another event which refocuses the event back onto the happy couple.  The caterers will need some notice as they will probably be cutting, plating, and maybe distributing the cake after you make the ceremonial cuts.  This is a great time for the photographers to get some of the special shots they need, and they’ll direct you in getting those poses.  I’ll play some appropriate background music and coordinate the event.  One word of advice: don’t be the first to feed cake to your new spouse…

   The guests will need some time to come up and get cake or have it served to them so after the cake it is a good time to go into another event that only you and the wedding party will participate in such as the First Dance.

 First Dance

   This is typically the most romantic moment of the reception- you and your new spouse dancing to that song that has a special meaning only to you two.  Everyone’s eyes will be on you, flashbulbs will be going off, people will be clapping and yelling, and you won’t even notice.  It’s one of those moments you’ll remember forever.

   Maybe you don’t have a special song.  No worries.  I can suggest lots and one will usually work great.  Maybe you have several songs that mean something.  Also no problem.  We can work them in to following dances or into the mix of the music later on.

   There is no set type of music.  I’ve played lots of songs that haven’t been hits or that their guests maybe had never heard before.  No big deal.  It is what you like that matters.  Also some couples have waltzed, some have done elaborate tangos, and some have just stood still while the world spins around them and enjoyed the moment.

   Usually the entire first song is just for the two of you- others begin to join you in the next song or so (see below).

Second Dance

   This is where the dancing really starts to kick in.  You can have your parents and the bridal party introduced here, and they can get a little of the spotlight back on them.  This is great for the photographers so they can get more shots. 

   Some couples have just the parents join them on the floor the second dance while the bridal party enters on the third.  Other couples have me invite all the guests up to dance floor right afterwards.  Others wait until the third dance.  Again there is no right or wrong way. 

Father-Daughter/ Mother-Son Dance

  Many couples think they should dance with their parents or relatives in the second dance.  That is cool, however it is nice to have a special Father/Daughter and/or Mother /Son dance that is just for them.  It usually is the most sentimental moment in the reception and gets a people teary-eyed before it is finished.

   This dance can be right after the first dance, but some brides like to separate it from the first dances to make it a bit more special.  Some possible songs that might be played include Daddy’s Little Girl, Butterfly Kisses, Through the Years, Daddy’s Hands, My Girl and Unforgettable.  It’s even better if you share a special song with your mom or dad.

Money Dance

   This is a dance where the guests dance with the bride or groom providing they bring up some money.  I’ll play one or more slower songs, depending on the line.  It is a staple at about half the weddings I’ve done.  It is a very old tradition from countries around the globe.  Some couples think that asking for money at the wedding for a dance is too much, as your guests have most likely already brought a present.  However it can be a very meaningful way to connect with your guests one-on-one (and very lucrative as well!).

   Usually there are some guests who will be too shy to cut in on a normal dance to visit with one of you.  This gives them an easy way to do that.  You may have someone just wanting to make your honeymoon that much better with a few twenties, while there may be that little girl with a dollar who just wants to be a princess for a moment and dance with the groom.  Either way you are making sure that your guests have a great experience and also have a chance to help out the new couple a bit more if they’d like to.

   I am very diplomatic, saying that this is their guaranteed chance to dance with you and that it goes for a good cause- making your honeymoon that much more special.

   There are different ways to accept the money.  Some couples have the Best Man and the Maid/Matron of Honor collect the money from the guests in line.  Others accept it when the guests come up- often the bride has a special silk bag to put hers in.  Still others have the guests pin the money on the groom’s tux and the bride’s dress.  This looks cool and can make for some interesting placement of bills, but it also takes a lot of extra time, and more than a few times I’ve seen the bride or groom pierced by a nervous guest…ouch!

Bouquet/Garter Toss

   This is usually done towards the end of the reception.  Traditionally, it was done right as you were leaving for your honeymoon, the last thing as you exited the reception was a fling of the bouquet over the bride’s shoulder.  This is rare now.  Most photographers charge by the hour and they like to get the shots of the tosses before they leave.  Plus most couples now stay until the end of the reception. 

   Typically the single girls and women will gather together on the dance floor and the bride will toss it over her shoulder, with the catcher supposedly the next to get married.

   The same goes for the garter, though the groom usually retrieves it from the bride’s leg before he sends it flying towards the single guys. 

   This can be a very fun event- usually everyone gets a kick out of it.  The photogs will want pictures with you and the two that caught the garter and bouquet and that sometimes is the end of the tosses.

   However there is a tradition that many couples want included after the tosses:

The higher the guy who caught the garter puts that garter on the gal who caught the bouquet’s leg (following me here?), the better the luck for the bride and groom in their new marriage. 

   So I’ll do the garter toss music again, and explain everything, and the guy will sit the bouquet catcher down on the chair the bride just vacated and will put the garter on her leg.  It can be very fun and memorable, but it is up to the bride and groom if they want it done at all.  Sometimes also a child or teen will catch one or the other, making it a possibly very embarrassing event for them so then we’d just cancel the whole thing.  I’ve also had the two people related or even exboyfriend-exgirlfriends who get the bouquet or garter, so I’ll always check to make sure you still want it done or not.

 

Anniversary Dance

   There are other special dances that you may want to have at your reception.  One of my favorites is an Anniversary Dance, where a slow song is played and all the married couples in the audience are invited up (including you two!).  The song starts playing, and I’ll then start asking those couples married less than a day to leave the dance floor (you!).  Then less than a year.  Then two, three, ten etc. until we have only one couple left.  It gives them and all the other married couples special recognition and everyone will applaud the various couples as they exit, especially the longer they have been married.  For a moment it sends all those couples back to their wedding day, and acknowledges them for their accomplishment and love together.

Novelty Dances

   There are lots of dances that you see at receptions.  Some couples don’t want any of them played, others want them played more than once.  Regardless, I will get requests for some of them so I’ll need to know where you stand.  People either love them or hate them, but usually those who request them will dance to them so if you don’t want one or all of them played I’ll diplomatically tell them I don’t have it so the blame will be on me.

   They are all somewhat corny, but they get people who wouldn’t normally dance up on the dance floor and they can be a lot of fun.  If you two participate, it will break the ice for many people and you’ll get more participation.

   Some of them include the Hokey Pokey, the Electric Slide, the Chicken Dance, the Macarena, the Stroll, the Locomotion, the Limbo, the Conga, and some of the newer ones like the Cotton-eyed Joe, Cupid Shuffle, Cha Cha Slide and the Dougie.

A Few More Ideas

-Announcing close birthdays or anniversaries is a nice way to recognize friends or loved ones.

-A group shot of all your guests can be really cool and a great memory.

-And finally, finding out your parent’s, relatives or friends favorite or first dance song is a great way to make the reception special for them as well.  Be sneaky about it & it’ll be a nice surprise when it is played, bringing them right back to their wedding day.

Erin & James at Verdi pines with The Best Barbeque Catering

Wow.  For the first time on this blog I'm at a loss for words.  How do you describe a perfect day?  Perfectly in love bride and groom.  Perfect weather in gorgeous Verdi.  Perfectly happy and lovely family and friends.  Perfect food.  And the most perfect venue I have yet worked at in the Reno area.  Each thing on its own made up a big part of a great day, but together the effect was truly magical.  

As you drive up to Verdi Pines it looks like a beautiful mountain house in the trees.  There is a large circular drive which surrounds a pond complete with a small island and a mine car and shaft across the drive.  Anyone would be impressed with the front- it reminded me of the Chism House in Reno, but the front is just the tip of the iceberg.  The back is even more spectacular, but more about that later.  Jim & Erin had chairs set up on the drive facing the pond and small island, where the preacher awaited them. The guests arrived and enjoyed their beautiful surroundings and got to see a very memorable ceremony.  

Erin picked some contemporary music that was perfect for her day.  Her beautiful bridal party entered to Josh Radin's "I'd Rather Be With You" and she and her dad walked in to "I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz.  There was a sand ceremony in the middle of the nuptials and she picked a song that I will probably use again for such moments, the O'Neill Brothers' "The Prayer", which was a perfect tempo & tone for the mixing of their two different sands into one receptacle.  Finally, they were pronounced husband & wife and left with Colbie Caillet's "Brighter than the Sun" to the cheering of friends and family.  The family and bridal party stayed out front for pictures and I, along with the guests, moved around back for the reception.

Sand ceremony

The backyard.  You really can't even call it that.  Jim (the owner of the property, not the groom) spent two years sculpting the land, adding rock, plants and thousands of small touches that just scream out the pride he has in his home.  And now Verdi Pines is open for weddings and functions!  It is, for the moment, unknown and undiscovered and the most unique and gorgeous outdoor venue in Reno.  As you come around the house, there is a guesthouse that served as a place for the bridal party to get ready in style.  You walk through a lawn on these incredible flagstone walkways amidst granite boulders that leads up to a huge deck.  The deck has a built in bar made of rock slabs that could accommodate several bartenders, and a large wood plank opposite serves as a buffet station for dinner.  Larry from The Best Barbeque had cold drinks and homemade appetizers ready for the hungry guests-  I especially liked the from scratch tortilla chips and salsa- and the deck continued on from there.  I was on the far side, with a large dance floor amongst flowering plants and cool antiques.  But the deck, while expansive and busy with guests was not the main part of the backyard.  No, that is a 20' tall waterfall emanating from a rocky and wooded hill that empties into a spectacular pond that is many times as large as the pond out front.  Immaculately groomed and planned walkways surround the pond leading you to private benches and stepping stone crossings of the many rivulets also pouring into the main pond.  Grassy areas with the same immense flagstone walkways can accommodate many tables on either side, under willow and pine trees always with a babbling brook or smaller waterfall nearby.  Paths lead to the top of the waterfall, and brave swim-suited guests can jump in from a rock diving ledge and into the water which I am told is 14' deep at the deepest.  Swimming in the pond are dozens of bright koi, and guests were feeding them which drove them to a frenzy like I remembered at the Dole Plantation on Oahu.  My poor describing skills and poorer picture-taking skills don't do the place justice.  It was created with a real vision and a lot of love and the closest I can come in my experience is a cross between a mountain waterfall and Tom Sawyer's Island in Disneyland.  It is almost as if some Disney imagineers had a hand in the place as the attention to detail is mindblowing.  You could walk around the property every day for a month and still see something new and unexpected.  For a wedding photographer, the possibilities are endless.  So many amazing shots that ordinarily you'd have to drive and hike to, taking up hours on your wedding day.  I saw a few spots that they had Erin & her bridesmaids posing in, and I thought, wow, those pictures will be amazing!

The pond looking towards the deck & house from the top of the waterfall.

Speaking of Erin and her bridesmaids: they were all gorgeous and fun.  When you have such spectacular surroundings, you worry that maybe the bride and her maids will diminish a bit in the natural beauty, but it wasn't the case.  Erin's dress looked like it had been designed just for her (maybe it was) and she really looked almost regal- like she floated above all of us mortals (lol).  She was truly a princess that night.  Her maids were in simpler, but beautiful dresses but they shone, like Erin, from within as well as from without.  Cat, Corin & Michelle were so happy for Erin, so helpful and just fun throughout the night, with some killer toasts thrown in for good measure.  The guys were great as well. Jim really enjoyed his friends and family and it was one of those receptions where the love between the bride & groom was so palpable that it spread amongst everyone lucky enough to be a part of their day.

The Waterfall from the diving spot

A secret deck up on the hill

The pond from the guesthouse

After pictures out front, Erin & Jim were introduced and went right into their first dance, my favorite Van Morrison song "Into the Mystic".  They mingled for a awhile while Larry from The Best Barbeque did his magic, and when dinner was ready, Erin's Grandpa Bill said a prayer consisting of a couple of poems that really were neat- one by Robert Louis Stephenson I found very appropriate.  Then everyone loaded up on amazing BBQ.  Larry is one-of-a-kind.  All of his food is made from scratch, and if it is cooked, it is cooked on one of his huge grills on-site.  He had salad, chicken breasts, amazing beef tenderloin, and red potatoes roasted on the grill along with corn, squash and eggplant all painstakenly grilled for a fabulous real-bbq taste.  Even the bread was put on the grill.  The ingredients were simple but of the highest quality, and the time taken to perfectly grill everything was so worth it.  It makes you reconsider what you think bbq should be like.

Jim & Erin's first dance

After dinner the reception started anew with heartfelt toasts and the cutting of the cake.  Erin & her dad Joe then danced to "Never Alone" by Jim Brickman & Lady Antebellum, and then Jim and his mom Jane danced to "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts.  After some initial fast dancing, the first slow song was the Anniversary Dance, which is always my favorite moment.  Erin picked "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri which was an inspired choice. Lots of married couples filled and overflowed the dancefloor, and when the smoke cleared, Erin's grandparents Bill & Doreen were the last couple up, with an astounding 59 years of marriage!  What role models and what a great pair they are!  Erin then surprised them with their wedding song, Nat King Cole's "Too Young", and they danced like they were teenagers again, still deeply in love almost sixty years later.  Wow!  I told you this day & night were perfect!  Doreen even danced to many other songs throughout the evening: everything from LMFAO to Dion to Michael Jackson.  And when a slow song came up, there was Bill & Doreen again dancing like the newlyweds.  Inspiring!

Joe and his beautiful daughter

Jim & his mom Jane

Newlyweds: one pair going almost 4 hours, one pair going on almost 60 years

The rest of the evening flew by as the shadows darkened and the lights came on making the Retreat even more magical.  A friend of theirs (a DJ btw), Roger, serenaded the bride and groom with a wonderful slow song, proving that there are DJ's out there with real musical talent (myself not included lol).  The tosses were fun with Erin's bouquet very much fought over while Jim threw the garter before anyone, including the catcher knew what was happening!  The rest of the evening was filled with music and dancing, with a great dancing crowd and lots of oldies and classic rock being played as well as some current favorites.  I can't thank Erin & Jim enough for having me be a part of their absolutely magical day.  It is one of those wedding days that will really live forever in the memories and bring a smile to all who attended it.  What a couple!  What a paradise setting for a wedding!  What a great bunch of family & friends to enjoy it with!  What a perfect day!

The last dance- great crowd!

Matt & Karleigh at The Grove at Southcreek with Reno Photobooth

Had an absolute blast last night at The Grove at Southcreek being a part of Karleigh & Matt's fantastic ceremony and reception.  What was not to like?  A great, fun, amazing couple.  Welcoming, happy, tremendous family & friends.  And one of the best venues & staffs in the Reno-Tahoe area- it all added up to a very memorable night.

The wedding was performed by Rich, the bride's uncle, who had never officiated at a wedding before!  He was a natural, however, and gave the ceremony insight, emotion and a reality that could only come from a close member of the family.  He should do more weddings!  Karleigh's vows were sweet and I especially liked the part when she added "frustrate" to the list of love, cherish, care for etc.  Very funny & heartfelt!  Then Matt spoke his vows which were carefully made up of lyrics from Journey tunes (his favorite band). Super unique and fun, and the sentiment from those words he made his own.  Some of the best vows I've ever had the privilege of witnessing!  Oh, the music!  

Karleigh came in to Vitamin String Quartet's version of 'Faithfully' and had their recessional accompanied by the theme from the Big Bang Theory followed by VSQ's 'Don't Stop Believing'.  I told you they were Journey fans!  I liked how they picked Friday the 13th for their wedding date.  For them it is special.  Their first date was a Friday the 13th forty nine months prior (and Matt is a HUGE 49'er fan) so in this case the 13th was extremely lucky for the two of them.

Pinwheel centerpiece

While the BP and families had pictures taken, the guests went inside and were treated to a slideshow of pics from Matt & Karleigh's life together along with some of Shaka's amazing hors'deurves.  Karleigh is a school teacher and she had some very innovative ideas for decorations and favors.  I really liked the pinwheel centerpieces, and even more than that they had keepsake programs made into those 'cootie catchers' that the girls used to make in school when I was young.  You open one flap and it has the parent's names, the next the bridal party etc.  Very unique!  The always fun Jo from Reno Photobooth Company was there with one of her booths for the guestbook.  The guests would pile in, get some fun shots that they could take home, and sign a small card.  Later, the B&G will marry up their copy of the pics with the card for a unique keepsake guestbook.  What a great idea!  Finally, they had some brochure-like cards made up inviting their guests to brunch the following morning and softball later that day, complete with maps to the aforementioned places.  What a great idea to keep the weekend going!

The rest of the evening was magical.  The BP entered the reception to 'Stone in Love' and were soon enjoying a delicious dinner from The Grove's master chef Shaka.  I have spoken of his talents before, but he makes a simple buffet dinner memorable.  The chicken picatta and the almond vegetables were amazing as was everything else.  With Julie overseeing everything and efficient staff members like Roberto keeping everyone happy, The Grove is a real class-act.  Karleigh & Matt had a great first dance with 'Faithfully' by Journey and soon the place was rocking!  Later Karleigh danced with her father to the 'Theme from Summer Place' and Matt with his mom to 'Simple Man' by Skynyrd.  The cake was just a small one to cut, as they had hundreds of cupcakes in four different, delicious flavors.  The Anniversary dance had lots of couples over 20 years up, with the last couple having been married 44 years!  I was happy to be able to play lots of songs from the 60's, 70's and 80's as well as some current favorites, and the dancing never paused, keeping the DJ busy & happy all night long.  Karleigh & Matt ended the night with more Journey, as they were whisked off in their limo as everyone cheered and clapped.  What a job I have!  Great people, great music, great food, and a couple celebrating their love. Thanks to Matt & Karleigh- I wish you many, many happy years filled with love & music!

The happy couple!

Corey & Crystal at Lakeland Village, Lake Tahoe with Reno Tux Shop & Dreamcatcher Photography

This past Sunday, when temperatures were peaking in the high 90's down in Washoe Valley, I was happy to be up on the beautiful shores of Lake Tahoe, a part of Corey & Crystal's wedding at Lakeshore Village.  The temperature was perfect- in the 70's and the lake reminded me of a Caribbean beach- what a memorable ceremony site!

RB Nathaniel & FG Avery right before the processional.

Avery & Nathaniel, followed by the rest of the bridal party walked down to 'You've Got a Friend in Me' from Toy Story while Crystal & her dad Brent entered to one of my favorites, 'Marry Me' by Train. Tesla at Reno Tux Shop sure had Corey, Nathaniel & the rest of the guys looking sharp!

Beach wedding!

After a beautiful ceremony, Crystal & Corey exited to 'I Do' by Colbie Caillet and were off for pics with Gary from Dreamcatcher Photography.  All the guests headed over to the Lakeshore Room for drinks and food and waited for Corey & Crystal's arrival.  They came in as the 'Imperial March' from The Empire Strikes Back played, and it was a great moment.  After some mingling, the B&G danced their first dance to 'Lucky' by Jason Mraz.

First dance!

Dancing then ensued, first with Crystal and her dad Brent who danced to 'I Loved Her First' by Heartland, then with an Anniversary Dance that was dedicated to Corey's folks, Barb & Fred.  After cutting the cake the dancing continued, with LMFAO and Justin Bieber being very popular.  Some Shuffling and Sliding was also on the dancing playlist, and Corey did a spot-on impersonation of Mick Jagger which got everyone cheering.

Thanks to Crystal and Corey for inviting me to be a part of their day.  Both were gracious, fun, and had an amazing glow of love & laughter all day long.  A great pair!  Congrats you guys!

Heather & Justin at the Ranch House at Rancho San Rafael Park with Follow Your Heart Photography

Heather and Justin are a great couple with supportive, loving families, a faith that is visible in everything they do, and a true love that has grown from friendship to best friends to now husband & wife.  I was so pleased to be a part of their special day along with a hundred or more of their friends and family.  They had their ceremony on the east side of the Ranch House, which was a first for me.  It is a nice grassy area surrounded by oaks and apple trees that must have been there since the park was a working ranch.

Heather & dad Bob's Processional

The moms, grandmothers and Kyla (the MOH) entered to 'Over the Rainbow' by Iz while Heather & her dad walked in to 'All Your Life' by the Band Perry.  Before the ceremony started, I was able to slip in some 'Stairway to Heaven' for Justin as well.  Led Zeppelin is one of his favorite bands but he was concerned that it wouldn't go over well during the ceremony so we nixed the original idea.  However I was able to locate an instrumental string quartet version by VSQ that worked perfectly in the pre-ceremony music mix, and most importantly, brought a smile to Justin's face.

Heather, Justin & Rev. George Velarde

George Velarde of Living Stones Church in Reno presided at the ceremony and knew the couple well so it was a very personal and inspiring wedding.  I had the pleasure to witness George marry John & Sara last Fall at the McKinley Arts Center (see blog post) and he is one of my favorite officiants so far.  Another of my favorite pastors, Kris Dahir happened to be officiating a wedding in a grove a couple hundred yards away that afternoon, so the park was filled with love, faith & commitment that day!

After leaving the ceremony to Queen's 'Best Friend', the bridal party began taking pictures with Dean & Tiffany of Follow Your Heart Photography and the guests entered the Ranch House to drop off gifts, sign the guestbook and then out to the patio where the families had set up tables and drinks. Please note that these pics are from the photographically-challenged DJ, not from Tiffany or Dean.  I'm sure theirs are 1000% better!  They were very easy and fun to work with as well!

Justin serenading his bride

After a great evening with an exceptionally poignant blessing by Bob (Heather's dad), a great first dance ('Smile' by Uncle Kracker) and a Bride & Groom dance where Heather & Justin danced with most of their guests, Justin had a surprise for his new wife: a song he strummed and sang just for her!

Heather spinning some tunes!

The guests, family & bridal party weren't just there for the events: they loved to dance and it makes a DJ so happy to have a full dance floor all night long.  I loved how everyone came together before and afterwards to decorate and clean, while still having fun.  Special thanks go out to Edna & Dana who really made sure everything went like clockwork that day.  They went above and beyond.  Thanks also to the amazing family & friends who couldn't be more gracious and welcoming all throughout the event.  Finally, thanks to Justin and Heather for having me a part of their day.  It was so neat to be able to be a witness to their commitment, faith, and love.  Congrats you two!

Holly & Shawn at Arrowcreek Country Club with Jeramie Lu Photography

Holly and Shawn were married at Arrowcreek Country Club this past weekend and I was honored to be part of their day.  The ceremony was held out on the grass overlooking Reno and was special in a few aspects.  First, several of the bridal party members were friends or were in weddings I had previously deejayed- it was nice to be a part of such a great group again.  Secondly, Shawn's grandmother officiated the ceremony and did a great job.  What a cool thing for your grandmother to pronounce you husband & wife!  Finally, Shawn & Holly's vows were heartfelt, honest and full of love for one another.  They exposed their deepest feelings for one another in a light and very human way which moved everyone.  Some of the best vows I've heard in 24 years of doing weddings.

Dave & Cristin walking in to 'Count on Me" by Mat Kearney

Holly & Dad entering to "She is Love" by Parachute

Holly & Shawn leaving to "Faster" by Matt Nathanson

Danielle and her staff at Arrowcreek are fun and efficient.  Danielle is the wedding/event coordinator and she was busy making sure everything went well all day and through the end of the night.  I have to give some props to Blake the bartender as well.  I was setup near the bar and he really connected with the crowd and always was smiling and upbeat.  Arrowcreek has several rooms inside and a tent outside.  We were in the interior rooms- a dining area, the bar & me, and then the dancing area.  It isn't an ideal setup but it worked okay. 

  The bridal party entered to "News Team Assemble" from Anchorman followed by "Ma Sheba Ba" from Zohan.  Holly & Shawn then entered to "Drive By" by Train.  After dinner some great toasts were made, the cake was cut and everyone moved to the dancing room for "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz, Shawn & Holly's first dance.  Regular dancing then ensued with songs from LMFAO to Zac Brown; from Journey to Frank Sinatra.  I was especially pleased that I could play "Like Red for a Rose" for Bevan & Phil whose wedding I was privileged to deejay almost a year ago (here for their blog post).

Bevan & Phil

I had the privilege of working with Jeramie Lu of Jeramie Lu Photography who is a true professional.  He and his second and third shooters captured the day and even placed a iPad on a table with pictures taken before the ceremony while Holly and Shawn were getting ready.  It was a great way for the guests to see some of the behind-the-scenes shots and a preview of the wedding photos.  Jeramie is always easy to work with, a professional, and his work is outstanding.\

  Thanks and congratulations to Shawn & Holly, their families, and friends!

Some Cupid Shuffling