Tim & Erin at Winters Creek Lodge

DJ's today market themselves in a variety of ways- through associations, the internet, and the occasional bridal show.  I am lucky that referrals from past clients make up about half my business but I do make a point of doing the Reno Fantasy Wedding Faire every January because it is a great show and even more importantly, every dollar goes to the local American Heart Association.  I feel good about being a part of such a great event- a resource for local brides-and-grooms-to-be and a step towards heart health and disease prevention and hopefully, one day, a cure.

During this past January's Faire, I had the opportunity to meet Erin and her mom Debbie at the show and we ended up talking for quite some time.  I knew then that I wanted to be a part of their day.  They had a unique vision for the ceremony & reception which was to be held up at Winters Creek Lodge, a spectacular and somewhat unknown venue that is part of the Mount Rose Ski Area.  They ended up booking me on the spot and over the next few months we met and planned out the music and events for the ceremony and reception. Erin, Tim (Erin's husband-to-be) and Debbie were all so easy to work with and eager to make the day unique and memorable.

Hang-glider high above the pre-ceremony afternoon

When their Saturday arrived, I drove up the mountain, the skies clear, the temperature perfect and hang-gliders wafting in lazy circles far above the Lodge.  What a perfect day! Even the winds were mellow, and the Winters Creek staff had set chairs up overlooking Washoe Lake thousands of feet below for the ceremony to come.  The Lodge itself is architectural art with huge glass windows, gorgeous wood and stone and metal framing that really catches the eye and brings the spectacular outdoor scenery in.  Winters Creek Lodge is at 8260' and really has expansive views.  On one side is Washoe Lake & Valley and on the other the slopes of the East Bowl which still had some snow on the upper stretches.  What a way to combine the natural beauty with the inherent beauty of the building.

Hang-gliders launch themselves into the air a couple hundred yards away, and I watched them dive and rise up into the updrafts as I set up for the ceremony and reception.

After a while, the guests began to arrive and filled up the seats for the ceremony.  Erin & Tim like the Beatles so I found some great instrumentals of their music for the guest's arrival and before long I was playing "Marry Me" by Train for the Bridal Party, and then "1000 Years" by the Piano Guys for Erin's processional.  After a thoughtful and heartfelt ceremony they exited as husband & wife to "This Will Be an Everlasting Love" by Natalie Cole and the guests found hors d'oeuvres and drinks awaiting them inside.  I really enjoyed speaking with all the guests and bridal party members.  A fun crowd and very happy for Erin & Tim, they really loved the amazing views and attention to detail they found inside.

Tim & Erin eventually returned after what I imagine were fantastic photo opportunities around the area and they and their bridal party entered to "I Gotta Feeling" by the BEP and mingled with their happy crowd. I have to give massive thanks to Judit, the wedding coordinator at Winters Creek Lodge.  Her attention to the guests, the food, and the bar really sets WCL well above the competition.  Her bartender and servers always had a smile and went out-of-their-way to make sure everything went perfectly throughout the day and evening.  Their stellar service certainly only adds on to the beauty of the venue.

After some mingling, the newlyweds danced to "I'll Be" by Edwin McCain and then Erin danced with her dad Wayne to Satchmo's "What a Wonderful World".  More dancing then followed with a fun Money Dance followed by an Anniversary Dance using Mraz's "I Won't Give Up."  Anniversary Dances are amongst my favorite events at a wedding.  What a great way to acknowledge those who have committed to one another by a couple who just did the same only a couple of hours prior.  Tim & Erin went a step further- they gave a bottle of wine to the couple who had been married the longest.  A nice gesture and then they had another surprise for their guests.  They called up several couples without any explanation and gave them wine for having travelled the farthest, having gotten their RSVP in first and having the next upcoming wedding.  A real classy idea from a top-notch couple. 

A bit later Christine (an aunt) sang "At Last" to Tim & Erin and shortly thereafter the bouquet & garter were thrown, the garter tossed to the "NFL on Fox" theme song... Very fun!  The rest of the evening was spent reveling in the beauty without and within and dancing the rest of night away.  I truly feel blessed to be able to do what I do, and this night punctuated that feeling for me.  Congrats Erin & Tim!

Jenna & Travis at The Gatekeeper Museum with Dish Catering & A Simply Splendid Event

Sometimes no matter how much you plan and envision your day unfolding, mother nature intervenes and you just have to deal with less-than-perfect weather.  Twenty-six years ago, I married my wife inside a church on a rainy day.  We spent the reception inside the hall we rented but it didn't diminish the day or the joy we shared with our guests. You just make do.  Lake Tahoe can be notoriously fickle weather-wise.  Usually it is later in the summer when thunderstorms rush overhead- rainy one moment and beautiful the next.  It seems that even if the rain is coming down hard, you can wait ten minutes, wipe off the chairs, and have a gorgeous outdoor ceremony and reception.

Travis & Jenna brought all of their friends and family up to Lake Tahoe from Arizona for their dream destination wedding, held on the pristine grounds of the Gatekeeper's Museum in Tahoe City.  The weather before and after their date was beautiful with few if any thunderstorms.  But a freak low-pressure system, usually only found much earlier or later in the year brought constant rainfall, of course centered right on their special day.  Surrounded by their loved ones and friends, Jenna & Travis wouldn't let a few raindrops dilute their dream wedding and indeed it turned out beautifully because of their character & vision, the support in every way possible from their remarkable families, and help from some very dedicated and special wedding professionals.  They made some pretty great decisions that made a less-than-perfect day pretty darn perfect.

First off, they hired Melody Holland from A Simply Splendid Event as their coordinator.  She is one of my favorite people to work with as she doesn't rest a moment while she works an event.  She did countless things, both small and large to make the event not only a success but a resounding one at that.  She coordinated with all of the other vendors, lending a hand and guidance where needed.  She made every guest and family member feel comfortable and constantly adjusted for the rain and the countless other issues that occur in every event.  She always makes sure she takes into account the bride & grooms wishes and overall vision.  Some coordinators feel they need to leave their "stamp" on things, sometimes obscuring the original ideas of the clients.  Melody goes above and beyond to make their vision come to life and exceed their expectations while still maintaining that theme or idea that they had for their day.  And that vision was spectacular.

The second great decision they made was to get a clear tent to cover their dining and other events.  Many times I see a white tent used, which functions well but except for a side or three constricting the view of the outside.  With the tranquil surroundings of forest, river and lake surrounding the Gatekeeper's Museum, they elected to spend a bit more and get a clear-sided tent. That was an inspired decision!  All of the beauty that made Jenna & Travis want to marry in this temple to nature was still there for everyone, visible even in the hardest downpour.  There were lights strung within as well, which illuminated and also gave it a magical feel when the sun went down.  With Melody's help and direction, all the tables and chairs, vendors and guests were covered and it really felt intimate inside.

The third great decision they made was hiring Joe with Dish Cafe & Catering.  The Dish Cafe is a favorite of my wife and I.  It is a small lunch spot in Reno in an ordinary office building that makes extraordinary food.  Indeed it is so good that it was featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives" and everything they do is delicious, handmade, and sourced locally when possible.  I have had their food truck fare as well, but this was my first time with their catering side and we were not disappointed!  They arrived in a small SUV and proceeded to pull delectable dish after delectable dish from it.  Their hors d'oeuvres were both simple and complex, with cheese & crackers, amazing salamis, and skewers of chicken that reminded me of a Persian version of satay.  While guests devoured the appetizers, Joe and his helper readied the main courses, a Mexican feast that included several homemade salsas and tremendous marinated chicken, savory beef that reminded me of rib meat sans the bones, and pork carnitas that were my personal favorite.  The rain did not dampen their spirits or efficiency, and they made a point of chatting with the guests in line and helping out with beverages and other details wherever they could.  Very pleasant people with very yummy food!

Finally I think the thing that I liked the most about the day and evening was the spirit of togetherness and fun exhibited by their friends, family, and bridal party.  Everyone pitched in to help make the day special and fun.  Dad built all of the gorgeous wood tables that everyone sat at and ate on.  They were fashioned in Arizona, taken apart for transport, packed in a U-Haul trailer and driven all the way up just for the day.  Groomsmen lit and moved portable heaters.  Bridesmaids passed out shawls to all the ladies.  Guests helped put beer on ice and moved chairs from the ceremony site to the tent.  When we found out we were short on bottle openers for the beer & wine bottles, guests brought out their utensils and the party continued without a hitch.  Later, when the reception had ended, at least half the guests remained to help clean up, gather up gifts, fold chairs and take apart the wooden tables.  A communal effort that demonstrated the bonds of love and friendship that brought them 750 miles to help celebrate Travis & Jenna's day.

I really enjoyed video chatting with Jenna & Travis prior to their day.  They have a great chemistry between them and shared ideas for their events and music selection that really made their day unique and their own.  They have a love for music and turned me on to a couple of artists that I was unfamiliar with but really liked when I heard them- Band of Horses being one.  Another song of theirs which I will add to my repertoire is "Love Never Fails" by Brandon Heath, a great choice for a sand or candle ceremony. 

When the rain let up and some actual sunshine began peeking through the clouds, the ceremony began. The bridal party walked in to "I Will" by Alison Kraus and Jenna appeared accompanied by Van Morrison's "Sweet Thing."  After they had been pronounced husband & wife and kissed, they used another Van Morrison song, "Glad Tidings" for their recessional.  They took off into the wilds beside Lake Tahoe for pictures and the aforementioned appetizers and drinks came out for the guests.  When they returned, they and their bridal party entered to Muse's "Starlight" and the real reception began.

The sun, which hadn't made much of an appearance all day began to break through, and the rest of the evening had bouts of light drizzle but for the most part was much drier than earlier.  Dancing commenced on the deck near the museum with Jenna & Travis dancing to "Into the Mystic" followed by a Brother-Sister and Mother-Son dance danced to Iz's "Over the Rainbow".  Lots of dancing then followed with an Anniversary Dance thrown in for good measure.  When it came time to toss the bouquet and garter, Yello's "Oh Yeah" gave the moment a great vibe.  

Throughout the night I spoke with the friends and family that had travelled up to witness the nuptials and really felt welcomed and at ease with every one of them.  Despite the rain, everyone was having a great time and made the most out of every moment.  Just a tremendous crowd filled with love for the bride and groom.  Sometimes adversity on a wedding day pulls everyone together even more than before, and this was definitely the case this time.  Thanks to Melody and Joe for all their hard work and a special thanks to Travis, Jenna, and their family & friends for including me in their day and making me feel so at home and a part of their moment.  Love conquers all, even a little rain on the shores of Lake Tahoe...

John & Bridget at Rocklin Golf Club

Had a super special wedding & reception last weekend at the Rocklin Golf Club (formally Sunset Whitney Golf Club) in Rocklin California, just east of Sacramento.  Prior to Bridget & John's day there, Rocklin was basically a stop on the way to Sac or Frisco that we repeatably make because of Adalbertos, a San Diego-style taco shop that sits just off the I-80 exit. But if you venture further into Rocklin, amongst homes and hills you find Rocklin Golf Club and it is a beautiful venue for a wedding.

Bridget found me through a referral from Courtney & Kyle's wedding from last year up at Northstar. I blogged about their day here.  Even though Bridget and I weren't close by, we spoke on the phone and stayed in touch, and she crafted an amazing timeline with many musical selections and neat events.  I had always been in awe of her organization and vision and was doubly so when I saw how everything turned out.

I was situated outside on a patio with plenty of shade on a warm day.  I was able to run a speaker to cover the ceremony (in a grassy grotto nearby) and another to cover the inside of the club, where dinner would be served.  The ceremony, amongst trees, flowering gardenias and posies was beautiful and interspersed with a sand ceremony and an amazing rendition of 'Ave Maria' by Kelley, one of Bridget's bridesmaids.  John & his groomsmen entered to the 'Imperial March' from Empire Strikes Back, which was fun, and the bridesmaids entered to 'Bella's Lullaby' while Bridget walked in to the Piano Guy's version of  '1000 Years'.  When they had been pronounced Husband & Wife, the BP all left to 'Love and Marriage' by Sinatra to many cheers and happy expressions.

Like I said, Bridget had thought of many neat, personal details and implemented them throughout the day and evening.  As the guests left the grassy grotto for cocktails and hors'deurves on the patio, lawn games were set up where the ceremony had taken place.  People had neat little keys to guide them to their tables and disney-themed touches were everywhere.  The photo booth had Minnie ears and Donald Duck hats, and every table had a framed quotation or two from a Disney movie.  The programs included a blank paper for guests to find all the "hidden Mickeys" and write them down, and there were quite a few.  A corner of the clubhouse had toys, a video console and disney games for the small guests, keeping them occupied through the evening.  After lots of pictures we welcomed the bridal party in with a Grand Entrance, with John & Bridget entering last to 'At Last' by Etta James.

Dinner ensued inside for the guests and bridal party who were seated at one of the longest head tables I can remember seeing.  They included not only the Bridal Party, but their significant others, which I thought was a thoughtful touch.  After dinner, Russell, the Best Man, led off the toasts with one of the better first toasts of the year- funny & touching it set a great tone for the toasts that followed.  Jamie (MoH) then read a clever and lovely poem she had written instead of a speech which had everyone clapping and cheering.  The Dads and other bridal party members and guests then added to the toasts with great sentiments and then we all made our way outside to the patio for the First Dance.

Father-Daughter and Mother-Son dance

Zac Brown's 'Whatever It Is' was Bridget's and John's first dance together as newlyweds, and it was followed by a Father/Daughter & Mother/Son Dance using 'Over the Rainbow' by Iz in which the four of them danced and then invited the other fathers & daughters and moms & sons up to join them.  Another nice touch.  The Money Dance soon followed as well as plenty of open dancing.  It was a great crowd that responded well to various songs and genres and even a "Hidden Mickey" song by Mandy Moore which added to the lists that people were collecting.  Cake cutting then ensued, with another Disney/Pixar touch as the song was 'Married Life' from the movie 'Up'.  Along with cake, platters of donuts were served and I heard many compliments about both desserts.

Dancing included everything from Van Morrison to Kid Cudi- LMFAO to Josh Turner.  My favorite song of the evening was a request for Fun's 'Some Nights' which was asked for by a dad of a 14-month old who said his son just loved that song.  Sure enough, Elijah I think was his name, got out and danced amongst the crowd and was cheered on.  Everybody including me just thought it was the coolest moment on the dancefloor.  Soon thereafter, Beyonce's 'Single Ladies' rang out as the bouquet was thrown and Social Distortion's 'Angel's Wings' played as John retrieved the garter.  The gorgeous night, with the lights on outside, my lights and lasers playing off the patio, and the backlit photo booth with people's silhouettes showing mouse ears just emphasized how one bride's dream was realized that night with all of her special touches.  So happy and lucky to be a part of John & Bridget's amazing day!

Elijah dancing to Fun's 'Some Nights'

Carly & Chris at the Grove at Southcreek with Reverend Dave Beronio

Another fabulous wedding at The Grove this past weekend!  Chris & Carly were married and celebrated the night away with a great bunch of family and friends who included me in their happiness for the newlyweds. I had met with Carly back in January right before the American Heart Association's Fantasy Bridal Faire.  I love doing the AHA event as all the proceeds go to fight heart disease and raise awareness.  I told Carly to look me up if she came to the Faire, and she did, so I gave her my Bridal Faire special and we were good to go.  Carly & Chris also saved money with me and with many of their other expenses by planning a Sunday wedding.  Many wedding professionals will give discounts and/or extras for events falling on non-Saturdays, and they had chosen their Sunday wisely- the Sunday before Memorial Day!  So they got great deals and their guests still had a day to sleep in afterwards. Exceptional planning!

It was a gorgeous day, and the ceremony was held in the outside patio at The Grove.  As a DJ I love the flexibility The Grove allows their clients to have their ceremony either inside or out.  I could have set up inside and taken care of the ceremony music and amplification as well as the later reception however I like to be able to watch everything in case I need to cue music or change volume on a mic, so I usually set up just outside and then move inside after the ceremony.  It is only a matter of about 12' but I think I do a better job when watching the ceremony, and it is always an honor to witness a couple's vows.

This was certainly the case with Carly & Chris.  Their officiant was Dave Beronio Jr.  I have witnessed many ceremonies officiated by Dave Beronio Sr. who does an outstanding job and about whom I blogged about here:

          

http://allaboutthemusicdj.blogspot.com/2012/06/brandon-kate-in-reno-with-lake-tahoe.html

However, if you read that blog you'll find I was very impressed with Dave Sr's son Dave Jr, who really helped make that ceremony go off without a hitch.  As they say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, and Dave Jr. really did a great job both officiating and making the Chris & Carly feel at ease.  I liked the fact too that he made sure that the clip-on mic I rigged him up with picked up Carly & Chris's vows so everyone could hear them.  We are so lucky in the Reno-Tahoe area to have such outstanding officiants and it is great to know that another Beronio has joined this auspicious group.

I really liked Carly's choices for ceremony songs.  Her bridal party entered to a great version of Pacbel's Canon, and then she appeared with her dad Gary and walked down to the Vitamin String Quartet's version of "1000 Years".  When Dave pronounced them husband & wife they exited to the famous version of the same by Christina Perri.  I always appreciate the help coordinating the couples that the coordinators at The Grove provide.  Teresa was amazing as always all throughout the day and evening as was the entire Grove staff- truly the friendliest and most professional team in Reno.

After the ceremony the guests went inside for drinks and conversation while Chris & Carly posed for pictures.  They had a slideshow presentation that played on The Grove's state-of-the-art projection and monitor system.  I was enthralled especially by scenes from the Nevada outdoors that showed the happy couple enjoying hiking & hunting, and gorgeous pheasant and other game that they hunt together.  I thought when I met them that they were a fun couple, attuned to each other, and to see that they share so many interests and hobbies really makes me think they are in for a long lifetime of things that they will discover and do together.  When they were finished with pictures they and their bridal party entered and were introduced while "My Kinda Party" by Jason Aldean played, and that song really just set the tone for the evening.

As soon as they entered dinner was ready and Executive Chef Shakka had amazing beef and salmon along with delicious sides ready for the attendees.  Even though it was a buffet, at The Grove it always feels more like full service.  There are always waiters hovering to check if you need anything, removing used glasses and plates and pouring champagne and cider for the toast.  They are efficient and friendly and really take pride in where they work.  After dinner, Carly's dad Gary started the toasts followed by Chris' dad Rick and everyone from the bridal party.  Each toast was heartfelt and had a different perspective on the day and on the bride & groom.  Just like toasts are supposed to be.  Carly & Chris then started the dancing with their first dance, "She's Everything" by Brad Paisley.  Gary and Carly then followed with "I Loved Her First" by Heartland and LouAnn and Chris followed with "In My Life" by the Beatles.  I loved the fact that Chris & Carly had the other fathers & daughters and then mothers & sons come up after they had danced for a minute or so.  It is really a classy way to extend that sentiment with your guests, and those guests really appreciated being able to share that moment of parent and child.

First dance!

What didn't I play that evening?  Chris & Carly did not have a "do not play list", although they gave me  a dozen or so songs to include, and with those songs and with many requests from the guests, the dance floor was never empty.  I did have a groomsman come up and request that I didn't play "Thriller".  I thought, sure, I have lots of other MJ tunes if asked for.  But then several bridesmaids came up and requested it.  What is a DJ to do?  For his sake I tried to talk them out of it, but they were adamant.  So I buckled and "Thriller" came on, and that groomsman did the most awesome dance and basically copied MJ's moves perfectly.  Everybody went crazy cheering for him and trying to imitate his moves.  I talked with him afterwards and he was cool with it- I think he doesn't want to seem like he is showboating, but wow!  I've seen groups do "Thriller" better but never a single dancer as good as him.  Very cool!

All the Dads & Daughters!

A Money Dance and Anniversary Dance were also danced that night and when they tossed the bouquet & garter some great snatches from mid-air were made.  Dancing continued all through the night with all different genres and tempos.  I really liked how they responded to old-school hip/hop so I played some deep cuts from that genre as well as motown, country, rock & roll and the latest pop hits.  A very well-rounded evening of music with enthusiastic dancers- what more can a DJ ask for?  Thanks to Teresa, Shakka, Marco and everyone at The Grove.  Thanks again to Rev. Dave Beronio for starting us off so well, and finally thanks to Carly & Chris for sharing their special day with me.  Wishing them many years of health, happiness, music and love.  Congrats you two!

Brandon & Jillian at the Grove at Southcreek with Rev. Mark Frady and Mix Cupcakes

  It is great when you know some of the family and friends of a bride & groom before you even meet them or do their wedding.  This is the case with Jillian & Brandon's wedding which I was so happy to be a part of this past weekend.  I have had the absolute pleasure the last couple of years to DJ Brandon's mom Rita's work holiday party and have had a blast doing so.  It is not a large crowd, but they are super fun & friendly and dance all night long and it is always one of the highlights of my Christmas season.  This past holiday season I met the future bride & groom at the party and was pleased when they decided to have me at their big day at The Grove at Southcreek.

  It was one of those beautiful spring days in  Northern Nevada where the temperature is perfect but clouds come in and out, and you wonder if a thunderstorm is in the works.  Thankfully no rain was forthcoming but the sun coming into and out of the clouds really made the light perfect for those professional photographers out there- the pix I took, well you can see why I'm a DJ and not a photographer. 

Jillian, Rev. Mark Frady, Brandon

  I am always happy to see Reverend Mark Frady at a ceremony.  He is one of the best & most experienced officiants in the area, and he has an unflappable wit and huge smile that puts brides & grooms instantly at ease.  He is not afraid to deviate from his script, making it a personal experience for everyone there, and his ability to roll with changes and soothe nervous almost newlyweds is unmatched.  I threw him an unintentional curve ball when the lapel mic I equipped him with started to cut in and out.  I immediately began running up towards the dais with a backup mic, but he just asked if everyone could hear him without amplification, waved me off, and continued with his hearty reverend voice. A true professional.  His service is always a perfect blend of familiarity, love, commitment, and inspiration and  the guests and bridal party were completely immersed in his words and the moments he perfectly framed with them.  Jillian walked down the aisle to "I Cross My Heart" by George Strait, bringing a tear to Brandon's eye (First Looks have nothing on seeing your bride for the first time coming up the aisle).  When Rev. Frady pronounced them husband & wife, they departed down the aisle to "Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not" by Thompson Square to the cheers of everyone.  A perfect ceremony.

First Dance

  While family and the bridal party stayed outside for pictures, everyone else moved inside to the beautifully decorated Grove for cocktail hour.  Jillian & Brandon had a picture-filled guestbook and also a thumbprint tree for their guests to sign (and press) and a slideshow of the two of them through the years was on the big screen as well as the bar & fireplace monitors.  A candy table occupied many of the younger guests as well as many who were just young at heart.  When pictures were through, the bridal party entered to cheers while "Long Cool Woman" by the Hollies played in the background.  Brandon & Jillian entered last and made their way to the dance floor for their first dance, "Cowboys & Angels" by Dustin Lynch.  As soon as the last note was played, and the clapping & cheering subsided, Julie, the Grove's event coordinator informed me that dinner was ready.  That is what I love about the Grove- such attention to detail and timing!  The Grove served the bridal couple at their sweetheart table and everyone else went through the delicious and quick buffet line.  I know I've typed about him in the past, but executive chef Shakka's food is always extraordinary.  People were going back for seconds and thirds.  I love how his simplest foods are over-the-top good.  Like sauteed veggies and real mashed potatoes with herbs or perhaps leeks that make them so delicious.  Needless to say the guests were not disappointed.  After some great toasts by the Best Man, Maid of Honor, dad and groom, the newlyweds moved over to the cake table.  They cut a small cake and didn't mash each other too badly, but the dessert highlight were the many different cupcakes piled all around the cake.  I found out it was Mix Cupcakes of Reno, and though I don't know them or haven't had their cupcakes before, I am a fan!  The many flavors and the sheer beauty of the cupcakes really sets them apart, and later when the dancing was in full swing and everyone had had their fill of them, I wandered over to the cake table and picked a Reeses-topped cupcake that was absolutely fantastic.  Yum!

Rita and Brandon

  Speaking of dancing, Jerry danced with his daughter Jillian to "Just Fishin" by Trace Adkins to start off the night.  Then Rita danced with her son Brandon to Lynryd Skynyrd's "Simple Man" followed by a great money dance. The Black Eyed Peas started the fast dancing and it never really let up except for slow songs to let them catch their breath and an Anniversary Dance and the Bouquet & Garter.  I played a lot of country, but also a lot of newer pop and hip-hop along with many of everyones favorite novelty and line dances.  One guest requested "Billie Jean" and proceeded to start an MJ dance-off that really fired up the crowd.  What a great group!  Easy for a DJ when practically everything you play is enthusiastically danced to.  All too soon the evening wound down, with Brandon & Jilly exiting to sparklers and off to their honeymoon.  I can't thank them and Rita enough for allowing me to be a part of their special day.  Thanks also to Reverend Mark Frady and Julie, Roberto & Shakka and everyone else at the Grove that took their day and evening to the next level.  Congrats Brandon & Jillian!

Haley & Spencer at the Grove at Southcreek with Follow Your Heart Photography

Haley and Spencer had an amazing reception this past Saturday at The Grove which I was privileged to be a part of.  It was fun, heartwarming and reinforced a pillar of service that I always strive for- arriving early at the venue.

It doesn't sound like much or too terribly important.  All your professionals will be at the venue well beforehand, right?  Not always the case unfortunately.  Even if you allow yourself enough time to arrive and set up, things can always go wrong.  In nearly 1000 events I've done over the years, I've nearly been late only twice- once because I was rear-ended on the freeway and once because I slid off the road in a blizzard and had to be towed out of a snowdrift.  In both cases I was able to arrive at the event and set up my gear without being late because I gave myself extra time to begin with.  My minimum arrival is an hour before I am supposed to play.  If it is a venue I haven't been to before, or if it is farther away, or if the weather is iffy I give myself even more extra time for travel and setup.  I would rather be set up with an hour to go than stressing about being ready in time.

With Spencer & Haley's reception I arrived an hour before I was scheduled to begin playing even though The Grove is five minutes from me and it takes 15-20 minutes to set up there.  I would rather take my time and perhaps talk with Julie and her great crew at The Grove a bit and not worry about the time.  I had an amazing helper as well that evening, Vickie Musni, president of Weddings of the West and co-owner of Ever After Creations who wanted to see the deejay side of things at a reception and I began showing her my setup procedures.

Soon thereafter, about 35-40 minutes before I was scheduled to start, guests started arriving, the offsite ceremony having concluded earlier than expected.  As I was there early and ready to go, I started the music and the reception started earlier than we had planned.  Some wedding professionals might be flustered by this but I looked at it as an opportunity.  How often do you get extra time during a reception?  Usually the ceremony goes off late and everything gets bumped a bit further in the evening. Julie and The Grove rolled with the changes perfectly as well, even having dinner ready 15 minutes earlier than planned.  Good things happen when you are early and ready to go.

The bridal party entered shortly thereafter to "Forever" by Chris Brown and then the happy couple arrived to "Love Story" by Taylor Swift to thunderous applause and a few tears.  Spencer had played that song for Haley in the background as he proposed, so it will always hold a special place in their hearts.

First Dance!

Dinner then followed- the usual amazing cuisine by Shakka.  After toasts by the bridal party and parents, Haley and Spencer went into their first dance which started with "I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz but soon faded into "La La La" by LMFAO.  Everyone cheered their choreographed moves and they soon settled back into Mraz for the ending.  What a great first dance!  Father-Daughter and Mother-Son dances then followed with JT's "Suit & Tie" starting off some lively dancing.  

After a nice long fast set of music they moved into the Anniversary Dance, with Haley's grandparents being the final couple on the floor, having celebrated 61 years of happily married life together.  What an inspiration!  I was able to play them a couple more songs that evening including the "Tennessee Waltz" and "Laura's Theme" from Dr. Zhivago.  I hope I'm still dancing like they did when my wife and I celebrate 61 years as well.

It is great to work with such amazing professionals like Julie from The Grove and Vickie helping me spin the tunes, but most of all it is so important to work in concert with great photographers, and two of the best were capturing images all night: Tiffany and Dean from Follow Your Heart Photography.  I always am happy when I see them at an event.  Not only are you getting two amazing shooters with unique perspectives and styles but they are just great people who are happy to be doing what they are doing and always are striving to give 110%.  Some wedding professionals seem jaded or burned out doing what they do.  These are the people who should move on to another profession.  Tiffany & Dean genuinely love what they do and are able to preserve amazing moments for their brides & grooms.  It is a calling and a privilege to be a great wedding photographer or great wedding deejay and Tiffany & Dean have the same fire for their photography as I do emceeing and spinning tunes for people.  It helps too when you embody the love and commitment of marriage.  It comes through in your work and several times I've seen them steal a slow dance when all the events are finished and portraits taken.

Love is why Haley & Spencer married and had all their closest friends and family around them throughout the night.  Love is being married 61 years and getting up to dance at your granddaughter's wedding.  Love is playing a special song when you propose and having it played at your Grand Entrance.  Love is your photographers lost in a slow dance at the end of the evening.  Love is your friends and family serenading you singing "Don't Stop Believing" at the top of their lungs at the last song.  All of these things and countless more contributed to a special night for Spencer and Haley.  When there is that much love in the air, it can't help but solidify the bonds of the bride and groom and all the couples that witness it.  Good luck to Haley and Spencer and thanks for including me in your celebration.  I love my job!

Camelot Party Rentals

As a DJ, I am usually contacted later down the list of professionals that a bride & groom use for their big day and as such many of their choices on other professional services have already been made. But I am always happy to give ideas and recommendations when asked for, as it is yet another way I can contribute to the event's success.  I don't give out referrals lightly- I need to see their work firsthand and know them as people before I wholeheartedly recommend them to my brides & grooms.  I try to find and recommend people and organizations who like me who strive to exceed expectations.  In the wedding business, anything short of that is unacceptable.

For years now I have worked side-by-side with Camelot Party Rentals, sometimes without even knowing it.  They provide tables and chairs, spectacular place settings and gorgeous linens, and most importantly to a DJ, tents for shade and protection from the elements and dancefloors for me to fill with happy guests.  Usually when I get to a venue, their crew has already been and gone, their amazing handiwork on display already, so I don't get to put a face to their hard work.  However over the past few months I have gotten to know Regina Barker, Camelot's Outside Sales Manager and have had the pleasure to chat with her about wedding and event ideas as well as general business in northern Nevada.  She is a super example of a company sending a talented individual out into the local organizations and associations with the idea of making Camelot a true partner in the area.  Indeed, Regina is a member of the Victorian House, Weddings of the West, NACE, and the Chamber of Commerce as well as many other professional organizations.  She is Camelot's liaison for community events such as Susan B. Komen and other great causes.  She grew up in nearby Susanville and has gone to school and worked in the Bay Area, Tahoe and Reno for all her life.

Regina and one of Camelot's tables & settings here at the Victorian House

She is constantly giving back to the community and her vast network of friends and associates in various ways that gives Camelot an even more stellar reputation than they already have.  She gave a talk today at the Victorian House meeting about extending your network both in person and through social media and how that can be applied to business and charitable functions.  She is a great asset to the Victorian House, Camelot and the Reno/Tahoe wedding and event industry in general.  

So when I have a bride wondering about how to pull off that meadow wedding at her grandfather's ranch, or where she can get a dancefloor at the last minute, or if she should get a tent for the Tahoe beach wedding just in case those notorious summer thunderstorms make an appearance, I'll know whose number to give her.