Mato & Amy at The Old 1862 Ranch with Take the Cake Events, Kaylynne Kroshus Photography and Men Wielding Fire

There are many benefits to being a wedding DJ.  You get to meet people from all over, from all walks of life, and all backgrounds. You get to help make an amazing couple’s most special day that much more memorable and fun. You get to work in fabulous settings and venues. And you get satisfaction knowing your efforts were an integral part of the overall experience of the bride & groom and of their guests.

The ceremony

You could attach all of these benefits to wedding coordination as well. There are some coordinators who embody the same spirit and love for their work as I do, and I was fortunate to be a part of a day and evening with a fabulous couple, their family and guests, and my favorite coordinators, Cassie and Pattye from Take the Cake Events.

Lawn games

The couple’s marriage we all were so happy to be a part of was that of Mato and Amy. They are head-over-heels in love and wanted everything about their day to celebrate their love for each other as well as the love for their families and guests.  They had a very clear vision for their day- from the venue to the food to the look of the whole thing. They made sure the day would be perfect- perfect for them and for their guests and it certainly was.

The bar

The venue they chose is really unique. It was the first time there for me and it really exudes the atmosphere that Amy & Mato wanted to bring out- country gorgeous. It is called The Old 1862 Ranch, and it has been an active ranch from that date, lovingly restored by its owners Jan & Jim. Two nicer hosts I cannot remember. They helped out all throughout the evening and talked with guests about the history of their beautiful spot in the rolling Long Valley northwest of Reno. The ranch has extensive acreage and several outbuildings evoking simpler times gone by. They had set up a tent and dance floor on the wide lawn and the ceremony and reception surrounded the stately ranch house.

Dining tent, dance floor, and ranch house

The ceremony was simple yet beautiful. The natural arch of a tree branch provided the arbor for the focus of the event with views of green fields, livestock and distant mountains making for a perfect backdrop.  The bridal party entered to a great version of “Fireflies” by Jurgen Johannes followed by a radiant Amy entering to one of my all-time favorites, Van Morrison’s “Into the Mystic.” The ceremony itself was fairly quick, perhaps quicker than it should have been as the officiant forgot the “I do’s” and was about to pronounce them married!  Everyone, especially the bride & groom had a chuckle as someone brought it to his attention and it was soon rectified. I loved how Mato & Amy and their bridal party just rolled with it and enjoyed the moment. I knew then that it would be a fun and happy group that evening. It will be something they can laugh about for years to come. I would rather have a memorable moment if it turns out fine than a ceremony that fades quickly from memory. Their ceremony, with the beautiful bridesmaids and bride, the gorgeous backdrop, and the love that encapsulated everyone will never fade from people’s memories.  They exited to “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray LaMontagne to rousing applause and were off on the wonderful grounds of The Old 1862 Ranch for pics with Kaylynne from Kaylynne Kroshus Photography.

Kaylynne is a fantastic photographer. I have had the pleasure of working with her several times and she always has an easy-going vibe with the other vendors as well as the bride & groom and guests. She really captures the feel of the moments and events she photographs, and her work is stunning. Follow this link to see how a real photographer documents a day through her talent and artistic eye. Much better than the pictures I take for my blog... :)

Toasts!

Speaking of music, I really loved the choices Amy & Mato made for their ceremony and reception.  They live in Austin Texas, probably the greatest city for progressive music in the country, and their selections reflected their high music IQ and eclectic tastes. When a bride & groom give me specific songs not just for events but for cocktail hour, dinner and dancing, they are putting themselves into the mix. They gave me a songlist that ranged from Louis Armstrong to Ghostland Observatory, from Johnny Cash to Cake, and from Cat Stevens to the Wheeler Brothers. Many guests complimented me on the selections- I was quick to let everyone know that Mato & Amy had programmed the majority of the songs. It is a day all about them, but they included songs that were special to family and friends and when the dancing started, they encouraged requests. A recipe for a fun night as the dance floor was always humming.

First Dance!

While the happy couple roamed the grounds for pictures, their guests enjoyed a fun bar area and a whole variety of lawn games. They had cornhole, croquet, bocce ball and two sets of mega-Jenga using 2'x4's. The guests that weren't inclined to play wandered around the ranch and sat on the porch and laughed and talked. When Amy & Mato were ready to rejoin the reception, Cassie came over and let me know, and within a few moments we were welcoming them with their Grand Entrance. Men Wielding Fire catering provided the BBQ that followed and soon everyone was enjoying dinner.

All during this time, and well before everyone started to arrive, Cassie & Pattye from Take the Cake Events scurried around solving problems big and small and preparing for the guests and their needs. It is hard to know where to begin describing what a good wedding coordinator does, let alone a great one, and two great ones to boot! They prepared beverages, placed fans, fixed flowers, drove down the road to affix a sign for directions to the wedding, met with all the vendors and helped them with their setup and the schedule, assisted the bridal party, found missing items, figured out where and how things should be displayed or placed, and welcomed the guests and family as they arrived. These and another couple hundred things that I haven't mentioned. They are always the first vendors to arrive and the last to leave, after cleaning up, organizing linens, collecting gifts and making sure the people coming for chairs, tents, and tablecloths the next morning would find all of their items quickly and organized. I can't say enough about them. They went above and beyond with a goal, like mine, to do everything possible to make the bride & groom's day better than they even imagined, and they succeeded with flying colors. When Cassie & Pattye are at an event where I am deejaying, my stress level immediately drops down to almost nothing, allowing me to concentrate on the music and emceeing. Many coordinators can be imperious and bossy. You want them to be assertive, as they are trying to get things done and solve issues that arise, but while being assertive the girls at Take the Cake Events are also friendly and cooperative- just the sort of coordinator you want interacting with your guests and loved ones.

Father & Daughter

Lori and Jenny, Amy's sisters, led off with a pair of tremendous toasts as dinner concluded, and John, Ray and Steve followed up with great ones of their own. Then Mato and his bride started the dancing with their first dance, using "I Can't Believe You're in Love With Me" by Hot Club of Cowtown. They had a few moves to wow the audience with, and their loving enthusiasm warmed the already attentive crowd. Ray then danced with his daughter in the Father-Daughter dance using the appropriate "Daughter" by Loudon Wainwright.  Next Judy danced with Mato for the Mother-Son dance with "I Will" by the Beatles capturing the moment perfectly. Everyone joined the newlyweds for the dancing that followed and it never really let up except when it was time to cut the cake (they also had cupcakes) and toss the bouquet and garter. As the summer night darkened, the lights around the tent and ranch house came on (and a couple of lights from yours truly) and the dancing took over. I played many great requests mixed in with Amy & Mato's playlist, sprinkled with a few choices of my own. I couldn't have asked for a friendlier or active bunch of dancers- it was like the whole day was magical and they were trying to capture some of that magic forever by dancing and having fun alongside the B&G.

Mother & Son

I sure enjoyed the entire experience. Like I said, there are so many positives to being a wedding DJ, you don't mind the load-in or out, especially with a bride and groom like Amy and Mato and their family and guests. I was honored to be a small part of the magic.

Dancing begins!

Thanks to Kaylynne from Kaylynne Kroshus Photography, Men Wielding Fire, Cassie and Pattye from Take the Cake Events for all their help and hard work and a huge thank you to Jim & Jan for opening up The Old 1862 Ranch for the evening. It is a special place, and they do only a very limited amount of events each summer, and it is really an undiscovered gem. But most of all, thank you Amy and Mato. I truly enjoyed your day and I am so happy for you as you discover the world together.  Magical...

Congrats Amy & Mato!

Crystal & Travis at the Tannenbaum Event Center with Alexander's Catering and Dan Thrift Photography

What's wrong with a Thursday wedding? Absolutely nothing! When you have a super couple, fun guests and family, great vendors, and a fantastic alpine setting, the day of the week is hardly a concern. Travis & Crystal and their guests fit that bill perfectly. 

On a Saturday, and to a lesser extent a Friday or Sunday, your choice of venues may be limited. The caterer or photographer you want may be booked already. But by having your big day on a non-traditional day of the week, you can make your planning much simpler and bring those costs down considerably. Of course you need to make sure that any conflicts with bridal party or guests' schedules can be overcome, but with plenty of advance notice, everyone will schedule for your wedding and reception long in advance and there won't be any difference in fun or atmosphere.

Tannenbaum's ceremony site

Travis & Crystal made some great choices for their day besides taking advantage of a weekday. First they booked the Tannenbaum Event Center on the slopes of Mount Rose. The Tannenbaum is a gorgeous venue, both for ceremonies and for receptions. There is a grassy area, perfect for a ceremony, just behind the building, below the deck that looks out over the mountains and it is surrounded by pines and greenery. The building itself is beautiful and reminiscent of a mountain lodge and the people at the Tannenbaum really do a great job coordinating the event while allowing for various vendors and setups. In the last year or two they really upgraded the bride's and groom's rooms, giving the bridal parties lots of space to change and celebrate the day. Indeed, the bridal suite opens up so the ladies can just walk right out as the processional starts to play. It is dramatic and convenient. Another huge plus there is the level of professionalism from the coordinators. That day Rachel, Kylie and Rebecca went above and beyond (as usual) and smoothed over details both small and large making the event and my job much better and easier.

Crystal & Travis saying "I do"

Next they hired Alexander from Alexander's Catering. I have blogged about him before. He is one of my favorite caterers- always going the extra mile for his customers. His crew is dedicated & friendly as well, taking the whole event to another level. His food is always delicious too, but many caterers have great food but drop the ball on service or are great on service but drop the ball on the meal. Alexander's consistently hits home runs on both levels, and that is why he is on my personal preferred vendor list.

Cutting the Cake

They made an inspired choice with Dan Thrift Photography as well.  I have worked with Dan in the past and I really like his style when he works.  He is unobtrusive but seemingly everywhere at once, getting not only all the normal posed shots but also candid shots of the guests enjoying the moment. A true professional and great to work with.

First Dance!

Finally, I loved all the extra little touches Travis & Crystal thought of to make the day all about them and their guests. There was a photobooth guestbook, which is always fun and gives your guests something fun to do together. They named their tables after various types of wine instead of plain old numbers, infusing their love of wine into the evening. And they thought about their guests' safety in that they had a bus take them up and down the hill so they didn't have to drive from their hotel to the Tannenbaum. To me that is the ultimate show of caring for your friends and family- making sure if they have had a few glasses of their favorite libation that they can arrive safely at their rooms. Very cool.  Here's another example of them going above and beyond: coming up the hill, a bus broke down bringing guests up to the ceremony and reception. Travis and his groomsmen immediately headed out to the parking lot and took several vehicles down the road and picked up the stranded guests. Here they are, getting ready for the ceremony but they didn't want their guests to have to wait for a replacement bus.  Just the kind of atmosphere that Travis & Crystal engendered throughout the day. I heard several guests telling others how happy they were to see their new chauffeurs come to the rescue in snazzy tuxedos.

Such a great couple

The music was hand-picked by them as well. I love when my couples add their musical tastes and personalities to the mix.  It started with the seating music prior to the ceremony: instrumental string versions of classic rock that set a fun yet ceremonial mood, and then Bach's Prelude in C Major accompanied the bridal party followed by Crystal and her dad entering to "Concerning Hobbits" from the LOTR soundtrack. How unique is that! I really liked a line that the officiant uttered during the ceremony: "Love is a friendship that has caught fire." So descriptive and true!  Then after he had pronounced them husband & wife they exited to "The Throne Room" by John Williams which was the end of "Star Wars: A New Hope"... How cool is that!?!

Leroy and his daughter

After what I imagine were amazing picture opportunities out and around the Tannenbaum, the bridal party entered to the Black-Eyed Peas "I Gotta Feelin" and shortly thereafter Alexander's Catering were working their magic. Another nice touch Crystal & Travis thought of was to feed the kids with their own kid-friendly buffet prior to the adults. Alexander's Catering had many choices for them and they (some with their parents help) went through their own line and got settled into their seats before the rest of the guests. This was great for a couple reasons: the kids got something they'd like and eat, they sat down and got a head-start so they were happy, and their parents were happy being able to go through the adult line without jostling a second plate with a child in tow. Just another thoughtful touch by the bride and groom. When the kids were through, Alexander quickly changed out the serving dishes to the adult fare and people were up getting their delicious dinner in no time.

Start of the special family dance

After dinner, the reception events began, first with some great toasts by the two dads and then the bridal party. The cake was then cut and soon thereafter Crystal & Travis were dancing their first dance to Journey's "Faithfully". Then Crystal and her dad Leroy danced to "Through the Years", and in another classy move invited all of the fathers and daughters in the audience to join then halfway through the song. I love it when all the dads and their daughters get to experience a Father-Daughter dance alongside the bride and her dad. It's something that they will always remember, and something that sets Crystal & Travis' reception apart from other wedding receptions they've been to. This was immediately followed by a Mother-Son dance started by Travis and his mom Roxanne, and again halfway through the song, this time the Beatles tune "In My Life", I invited all the other moms and sons up on their behalf. Following a few slow songs for the Money Dance, dancing started in earnest and never quit all night long.

Everybody joining in...

Some of my favorite moments were a great Anniversary Dance and later the bouquet & garter tosses using "Ladies Night" for the girls and the theme from Indiana Jones for the guys. Very unique and fun!

Another awesome moment was a traditional Mexican dance led by several people in Crystal's family.  They used a song I love, "La Marcha de los Zacatecas" for the dance (I know the song from one of my favorite comedies, "The Three Amigos" when it is played at El Guapo's birthday party). Basically they all started the dance like a train or a conga line, with a column of people in a line moving all around the room.  Then they made two sides and the couples would go through the arches the previous couples would make.  Finally, everyone got in a large circle and Crystal & Travis were put in the center.  It was a great dance and a fun family tradition that the whole crowd participated in. 

Going through the arches

They danced to all kinds of genres from country to hip/hop and rock & roll to oldies. Any wedding that I get to play "Volver" to a crowded dance floor with everyone singing along is exceptional in my book. When the bus arrived to bring everyone down the hill, it was a bittersweet moment as the night had to come to an end. Glowsticks were then distributed and all the guests formed a glowing tunnel for the bride & groom to make their exit through with Semisonic's "Closing Time" setting the mood. It was a great afternoon and evening, and I was so happy to be a small part of it. Thanks to Alex and crew from Alexander's Catering, everyone at the Tannenbaum, and Dan Thrift Photography for helping make their day even that much more special. Congrats Travis & Crystal!

Katy & Justin at the Chism House with Reno Photobooth, Fig Tree Catering and Photography by Monique

Some DJs have trouble sticking to a music list prepared by the bride & groom. I see posts by DJ's on DJ boards and Wedding Wire telling their brides to pick "10-15 songs max" so they can feel free to take requests and use their usual mixes of the same music they played last weekend. They cannot adjust to new music or thinking outside their box. They complain if popular songs are marked as "do not plays" and when a DNP song is requested they hold out that list like a "get out of jail free" card and blame the B&G. Good DJs make the experience all about the bridal couple. They encourage songlists and input from the B&G so that the couple will feel like it is their event, an event as special and fun as they are. I love couples that have a strong point of view. Katy & Justin fit that bill perfectly.

They had seen me deejay at Heather & (a different) Justin's wedding last year (see blog). It was a phenomenal event at Rancho San Rafael that really was special and unique. This wedding was to be  just as unique and fun. After a couple of meetings we were able to really bring out their personalities and love of music with the selections they made for the ceremony and reception events. Katy gave me an extensive music list with around 90 songs for cocktails, dinner and dancing and then told me to take no requests- just use the songs off the list. No worries! Her picks were well-thought-out, with something for everyone and really reflected her and Justin's musical likes. Again, some DJs view this as an obstacle, but I look at it as an opportunity. I have a list that is golden in regards to the newlyweds. That means they are going to dance to them which is a huge catalyst for the guests getting up and doing the same. My job is to read the crowd and group those songs together so people will stay on the dancefloor. (BTW if you haven't figured it out, playing weddings is an absolute blast and I actually get paid to do this!). But the music was only one component of this special day.

First Dance

They chose to have their ceremony & reception at the Chism House. This is a unique venue near the Truckee River in West Reno that really gets better and better every time I play there. For the last couple of summers, it has been under new management, and they really are a class act and are continually upgrading the gardens and the house itself. If you want an outdoor wedding in a beautiful garden setting just a few blocks from downtown, then look into the Chism House. Tina was their coordinator from  the Chism House and she did a tremendous job from beginning to end. No issue was too small for her attention and she kept everything going with a minimum of fuss and always with a big smile. Great to work with other exceptional vendors such as Jo from Reno Photobooth, Monique & Scott from Photography by Monique, and the great staff from Fig Tree Catering. Jo kept the guests and bridal party busy all evening with her booth and her great personality. To have a photo booth can really boost a party.  To have a photo booth run by Jo, that is a party in itself!  Monique & Scott were professional, unobtrusive, and just flat-out great to work with. Their work will knock your socks off as well. Fig Tree were their usual selves- delicious food and service with a smile. But let me tell you about the ceremony...

Bridal party watching their first dance as husband & wife

When I was changing clothes prior to the nuptials, I spent a little time with the groomsmen doing the same. However one member of the party didn't have a tux or suit- he had a set of dress blues of the USMC. Lloyd was not only a fine example of a patriot but he was also the officiant and friend of the B&G. He had never officiated a wedding before, but he did an outstanding job and received many compliments throughout the evening. Justin & his folks entered to "Blackbird" by the Beatles and the BP came down the aisle to "With a Little Help From My Friends" by Joe Cocker, and then Katy appeared, taking everyones breath away (especially Justin's) and walked down the aisle to a beautiful rendition of "In My Life" by Johnny Cash. After a nice ceremony and a reading by Amy, Lloyd pronounced them married and they kissed and exited to "Lucky" by Jason Mraz. The guests were off to  drinks and delicacies while the BP took their pictures around the beautiful grounds.

Katy & her dad Jeff

The Bridal Party entered the reception a little while later to Beyonce's "Crazy in Love" which was immediately followed by Justin & Katy's first dance, "I'll Be There For You" by Boyce Avenue. I liked the fact that the bridesmaids & groomsmen stayed standing while Katy & Justin danced- a simple but elegant gesture that I don't always see. The toasts followed a delicious dinner buffet and then the cake was cut, with Marvin Gaye playing in the background. Dancing then resumed with Katy and her father Jeff dancing to Heartland's "I Loved Her First" followed by Justin and his mom Lori doing the same to Good Charlotte's "Thank You Mom". That song was new for me and I thought it was a great choice. Dancing followed and the floor was busy all night long. Again, a happy bride & groom = happy guests which means the whole level of the party goes up a few notches. By playing their list, I made them happy, comfortable, and above all, special. It is all about the bride & groom! 

The guys are getting carried away, literally!

Okay, I did stray from their list once. When the songs slowed down and people got romantic for a moment or two I slipped in Heather & (the other) Justin's first dance song, "Smile" by Uncle Kracker. I love being able to instantly take a couple back to their first dance whether it be one or sixty-one years ago. It is a nod to a previous wedding which makes the current one even that much more memorable. Celebrating love & marriage is what the day is all about.

Heather & Justin from last year :)

When it was time to toss flowers & lingerie, David Guetta's "Where Them Girls At" was the soundtrack for the bouquet, and a moment later Van Halen's "Hot For Teacher" punctuated the garter removal.  When Justin tossed it, the theme from "Baseball Tonight" framed the catch, a great idea Justin had that his boys really liked. Again, these little touches really amplify the reception.  Katy is a teacher who teaches autistic kids- probably the most difficult teaching there is. I was happy to extend her an Educator discount, as I appreciate what she and others like her do every day for the kids in our community.

The bridesmaids were a fun group!

When it was time to end the evening, Led Zeppelin's "Thank You" was the last song to be danced to and then the guests grabbed sparklers and formed a pyrotechnic tunnel for the newlyweds exit to, accompanied by Motley Crue's "Home Sweet Home." I was happy to be able to be a part of Justin & Katy's amazingly special day. J&K- Thanks for allowing me the privilege & pleasure to be a part of your day! Many, many happy years!

Karah & Leng at Edgewood Tahoe

The digital world we live in now makes life so much easier in a variety of ways. I used to have to lug a half-dozen crates of records and four cases of CDs around to events. Now a pair of Macbook Pros gives me instant access to tens of thousands of songs without any of that weight or bulk. 

Communication is light-years ahead of where it was when I started deejaying. My website and blog are representing me 24/7 all across the country and the world and people can read reviews on a plethora of sites. I am never far away from my clients, whether by phone, email or text. And I can meet with them no matter the timezone or distance. My office is wherever I am & wherever my brides and grooms are.

Karah and Leng live in the Midwest and decided to celebrate their love with their friends and family on the shores of Lake Tahoe. Through the net they found my website and blog, read some past client reviews, and contacted me about their big day. Pretty soon we were chatting about their vision for their wedding day via Facetime and soon thereafter I was happy to be chosen as their DJ.  

Meeting with your primary wedding professionals is key, especially your photographer & DJ. You want to know if you are comfortable with them, that they have your best interests at heart, and that the chemistry is right so they will capture your true nature in those pictures or through the music and vibe that you want to create.  Skype & Facetime allows for face-to-face meetings even with hundreds or thousands of miles between us. I love technology!

Karah & Leng decided on Edgewood Tahoe, one of my favorite venues anywhere, let alone up at the Lake. Edgewood has wow factors that are unequaled on so many levels. First the location.  The gorgeous golf course fronts sandy beaches with unparalleled views of water and mountains. The building is an architectural gem that even exceeds the spectacular surroundings it sits in. The wood, stonework and wide, tall windows bring the outdoor beauty inside and meld with it flawlessly.

My view setting up

But just as important as the location and ambience is the level of service that the Edgewood is famous for.  The employees are top-notch, friendly, and professional at all times. Walter & Rosalyn were my main contacts throughout the night, and they and their staff were exemplary in every way. Over the years there I see the same faces over and over which indicates to me that in a business fraught with employee turnover, Edgewood hires and retains the best people, and those people enjoy working there and providing that high level of service. Everyone from the bartenders to the waiters to the cooks and maintenance staff seems to love working there and to love what they do, and it shows.

The pensive groom right before the ceremony

The South Room was decorated beautifully and right outside on the terrace chairs were set up for the ceremony.  Some thunderclouds rolled in overhead just before the ceremony time and sprinkled a bit, but as always up at Tahoe in the summer, you can wait ten minutes and the clouds will speed past and sunshine will again reign. Edgewood's folks just wiped down the chairs and  we were ready to go a few minutes later.  Stepdad Dave was the officiant and he did a great job, mixing traditional and personal perfectly and soon thereafter Leng and Karah were married and off posing for pictures on the gorgeous grounds and on the beach. When they returned to the reception, they and their bridal party entered to the Killers' "All the Things That I've Done", an inspired and unique choice.  Leng & Karah have distinct and progressive musical tastes, and all throughout the evening I was able to use the songs and artists they love to make it that much more about them.  I played everything from Elvin Bishop and Allison Krause to Temper Trap and Snow Patrol. Eclectic and sophisticated, just like the bride & groom.

The dinner was amazing as usual... maybe even better than amazing.  I've blogged about the food and service at Edgewood before- how even their simple dishes like grilled veggies and their pasta salad are the best I've ever had.  But even with these standouts, my new favorites there are the flat-iron steak and the parmesan chicken. Absolute yumminess! They put the buffet on the dancefloor and when everyone has eaten their fill, they begin pouring champagne for the toast and in 2:44 (I timed them as I am always amazed at their efficiency) the entire buffet line was taken down and the dancefloor ready for the first dance. Usually I am the one prodding the venue to move along- at Edgewood they are always a step ahead of me, which again shows their flexibility and professionalism.

After some great toasts the cake was cut and we went into the first dance and then the Father-Daughter dance. The guests and bridal party then settled into a fun night of packing the dancefloor.  There were lots of great requests but my favorite was for "Everybody" by Backstreet Boys by Leng's sister.  I wasn't expecting the response when I started it up: the groom's family knew all the dance moves to it, like a music video or something!  Leng later told me that his sister made everyone dance to it when they were kids and it was so fun to watch them laughing and totally in sync with each other. These are the moments that everyone will remember forever, and I was so pleased to be a part of it.  Leng and Karah, thanks again for allowing me into your amazingly special day!

Kathy & Patrick at the Ranch House at Rancho San Rafael with Ever After Creations and Hidden Valley Country Club Catering

I was thrilled to be able to deejay Patrick & Kathy's wedding last weekend at the beautiful Ranch House at Rancho San Rafael Park in Reno. To be asked to be a part of their wedding was special, as Kathy is the Event Director at Hidden Valley Country Club, a stunning venue in Reno where she and her staff are always so professional and endlessly accommodating to their guests. I have had the pleasure of working there many times and have always enjoyed the opportunity to not only entertain the clients and guests but to work with Kathy. She is well-known and well-liked in the local wedding industry and I knew that her husband-to-be must be special to capture her heart.

Meeting them together to discuss the music and events I could literally see the chemistry flow between the two of them.  To be already blessed with the personalities and families they have and then to find absolute true love in one another means someone is looking out for them upstairs. I am a big believer in that what you put out into the world you get back in return, and they epitomize this belief.

Kathy didn't want a stuffy wedding and reception. She helps countless brides & grooms and other clients with their events and for her day she really concentrated on decor, events and creating a vibe that celebrated their friends and family, and the love that she shares with Pat.  There were so many details, both large and small that really accented that feel, from sayings on the wall, to pictures and flowers over the fireplace, to horseshoes for the guests and lining the aisle, to her stunning dress.  She even posted handmade signs here and there to direct and inform her guests and set a fun tone for the day.  Besides a photo frame to sign, she had these very cool "Mad-Lib" style slips of paper for her guests to fill out for their advice, both serious and silly.

When it came time for the ceremony, Patrick's dad was the celebrant.  He is a great guy, a pastor for many years down in Palm Springs who is about to retire and he loved the opportunity to marry his son to his new daughter-in-law.  The almost newlyweds had their boys stand up with them, which I thought was a neat touch, and then Kathy and then Pat read very thoughtful vows to one another that really expressed their joy to be marrying each other.  To hear such love in their words, from a couple that has lived life and have already experienced many things was awe-inspiring and made everyone there a gift of re-evaluating what is really good and true in life.

Everyone moved into the Ranch House for drinks and a fabulous dinner from Hidden Valley Country Club Catering.  Delicious flat-iron steaks were the culinary bomb and the service from the staffers from HVCC was efficient and super-friendly- I think that Kathy picked the best of her already great staff :)

Vicki and Craig Musni from Ever After Creations were never idle, videoing the ceremony, the events, and getting neat interviews from the guests.  They are always super to work with- consummate wedding professionals and just great people.  They were guests as well, but made sure that everything was fully and beautifully documented.  It was fun to play them a song or two later that evening.

The sons of Kathy and Patrick gave memorable toasts in the perfect evening in the courtyard.  Then Kathy & Patrick danced their first dance to "It's Your Love" by Tim and Faith, and boy did they dance!  They surprised their guests with elaborate choreography with twirls and dips and everyone was cheering by the end.  Lots of dancing then ensued with plenty of great requests and dancers having fun.  I was really impressed by a little girl, Emily I believe, who knew all of the current dance steps and led all the grownups in line dances and other specialty songs.

It really was a fun wedding and reception and I was so honored to be a part of it.  When you have a couple that does so much for others: Kathy in helping to make people's weddings amazing and Patrick in helping the community through his social work, it is so nice to see all that come back in spades for them. Truly a wonderful afternoon and evening. Congrats Patrick & Kathy!

Chelsea & Kyle at The Chateau at Incline Village with Ciprian Photography

To have a beach wedding is a dream of many brides, but to have it on the shores of Lake Tahoe, at the foot of the family cabin was a dream come true for Chelsea & Kyle last week.  I love the fact that it was held at a place already so special to the family, a spot already containing a lifetime of memories and now with a brand-new memory shared at the same moment with all of their loved ones and friends.

It was a gorgeous King's Beach afternoon- boats out on the water, people on the sands, and classic WWII Mustangs and Texans flying overhead.  Chairs were set up right in the sand, steps from the water with parasols and flip-flops available for guest's use and foot-washing basins filled for those that wanted to go barefoot.  Simple pinecones decorated the chairs, amplifying the Tahoe feel.  Chelsea picked the "Forrest Gump Suite" for her bridesmaids to walk down the aisle to, and a piano version of Love Story for her processional with her father. Inspired choices. Chelsea's sister Megan was the officiant and did an amazing job with a heartfelt and thoughtful ceremony- hard to believe it was her first time marrying anyone!  Soon she was announcing Kyle & Chelsea for the first time as husband & wife and they exited to Natalie Cole's "This Will Be an Everlasting Love". The bridal party and family remained on the beach for photos while everyone else headed up to the Chateau at Incline Village for the reception.

Just Married!

The Chateau is a beautiful venue set amongst the pines on the golf course in Incline Village and whether it is a gorgeous sunny summer day or a snowy winter's afternoon, weddings are always special there.  The guests (and the DJ) arrived and settled in, enjoying the room and deck outside.  After pictures on the Lake, family began to arrive and so too the bridal party.  Chelsea & Kyle followed the rest of their party into the room accompanied to thunderous applause and enjoyed a great dinner and some tremendous toasts by their family and bridal party.  Then dancing began and never really abated all night.  Kyle & Chelsea started with Jack Johnson's "Better Together" and then Roland danced with his daughter Chelsea to "Butterfly Kisses."  Kyle then danced with his mom Michele to "Sweet Child of Mine" by Sheryl Crow.  I loved how Chelsea and Kyle really thought of their guests all throughout the day- from the flip-flops on the beach to asking all the fathers & daughters to join Chelsea & Roland and all of the mothers and sons to join Kyle and Michele. This, to me, is a very unselfish moment in a reception.  To give your guests and family members the same opportunity to have a special moment with their mom, dad or kids is magical and something they will remember forever.  To further emphasize how attentive Chelsea and Kyle are, after they cut the cake, Chelsea took the mic and wished a guest, Myra,  a very happy 50th birthday and Kyle brought out a cake just for her. Just another classy touch amongst many throughout the day and evening.

All the fathers & daughters

Ciprian of Ciprian Photography was their photographer, and I always enjoy working with him as he is very professional and creative.  He also provided a photobooth for the evening, and it was an open space with a backdrop and props.  In the past I have thought that enclosed photobooths work better.  The guests seem to feel less intimidated and like to push the buttons and take their own shots.  But I was very pleasantly surprised with Ciprian's booth.  It was more like having a fun portrait taken as Ciprian and his assistant really brought out the best in his subjects and the guests played off one another in the shots.  It is a neat thing as well to see the entire bridal party posing with the bride and groom- something not possible in a small booth.  Everyone had a blast using the booth, and over my way the dancefloor never emptied.  The money dance really set a fun tone with Kyle covered in bills at the end and it was neat seeing the large number of couples during the Anniversary Dance.  Many couples had been married for 20+, 30+ and 40+ years, but the last couple on the dancefloor were the Smiths who gave something for us all to aspire to- 61 years of marriage!  They are truly great role models and amazing people as I was privileged to speak with Mr. Smith several times before the ceremony and during the evening. What a great example for Kyle & Chelsea!

Chelsea & Kyle gave me a substantial list of what songs they really liked to dance to and I played the vast majority of those plus took great requests off the floor all evening.  The dancing was going so well that they extended for extra time so we could keep the party going. Truly an absolute blast for a DJ lucky enough to be a part of the celebration.  Thanks to Linda, Chelsea's aunt who really helped me through all aspects of the ceremony and reception.  Thanks to Ciprian Photography for all of their hard work and expertise. But most of all, thanks to Chelsea and Kyle for picking me to be a part of their amazing day. I say it again, because it is true: I love my job!  But I love my job because of the special people I get to meet, interact with, and help to realize their vision of their perfect wedding day. I am blessed.  Congrats Kyle & Chelsea!

Update 11-13
Just received a thank you card from them! So fulfilling to have a bride & groom's wedding dreams come true and be a small part of it!

Tim & Arlene at Cal-Neva Resort, Lake Tahoe

I feel honored every time I am chosen to provide entertainment at a couple's wedding.  It is a big responsibility not only to emcee and keep everyone informed about what is happening or about to happen, but also to help plan the events and music, and above all keep the dance floor hopping when the dancing begins. When I initially spoke to Tim and Arlene about their upcoming wedding and how I could help them realize their vision for their day, I couldn't help being impressed with their ideas, questions for me, and their overall level of organization.  It turns out that Tim used to DJ and Arlene used to photograph weddings.  To be chosen to be a part of their day was an honor, doubly so because they were living in Vegas and we were able to meet only by Skype and phone, but over a few sessions we hammered out the music selection and reception events and I really looked forward to their day up at Lake Tahoe.

Cal-Neva is a historic property located right on the California-Nevada state line.  It overlooks the Lake and you can envision Sinatra and Jack Benny walking down the halls, visiting the bar, entertaining guests in the Showroom or at a banquet in the Indian Room.  Arlene & Tim had their ceremony at the gazebo, a gorgeous spot with expansive views of the Lake and plenty of seating and room for all their guests.  The bridal party entered to "Titanium/Pavani" by the Piano Guys and Arlene came down the aisle to a version of "Canon in D" mixed by Tim (how cool is that!?!).  Their ceremony was unique and heartfelt and included a poem by Robert Fulghum called "Union" which everyone liked very much, including yours truly. After they kissed and were introduced, they recessed to "You Make My Dreams" by Hall & Oates... such a fun song!  The families remained at the gazebo for pictures while the guests moved to a shady, tented pavilion just outside the Indian Room for cocktails and conversation.

My view of their first dance

The Indian Room is a one-of-a-kind banquet room where wooden beams and rock dominate the architecture and a line painted down the middle of the fireplace and the room denotes the border of the two states.  I was told by a staffer that back in the '20s they would have gambling before it was legal and drinking (during Prohibition) in the room, and depending on which state's police force was raiding them they would just move the gaming tables and/or bar to the other side of the room!  Lots of cool anecdotes about the property really makes it a unique venue.  When Tim & Arlene were done with photos, I ushered everyone into the Indian Room for dinner and their Grand Entrance (with "Power of Love" by Huey Lewis emphasizing their entry).  A delicious dinner was then served which was followed by some truly well-thought-out toasts.  Thanks go out to Sharon & her very capable staff at Cal-Neva for all their hard work and friendly assistance throughout the night.

Again Arlene & Tim's vision for their day came to the forefront when, to start the dancing, Arlene began with her stepdad Rick, dancing to "Beth" by Kiss.  Shortly thereafter her dad Art stepped in and we faded into "November Rain" and finally Tim, after a minute or so, stepped in and the Bridal Dance began- one of my favorites, "I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz.  Following thunderous applause, we started open dancing and the dance floor never emptied the rest of the night.  Tim & Arlene had a great Money Dance and then cut their zombie cake (very cool!) to "Moondance" by Van Morrison.  As dancing began again, "Thriller" kept the zombie vibe going and lots of fun requests kept everyone happy.  "Conga" was huge as were Daft Punk, MJ and David Guetta amongst others.  Their musical tastes are varied, as were those of their guests so it was fun to play stuff like Johnny Cash and Santana and Jive Bunny as well as the newer stuff.  Very cool crowd!  So fun to talk and interact with them all day and night!  

But my favorite moments of the night revolved around the last couple of dances that Tim & Arlene picked out.  Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" got every person up singing at the top of their lungs as Tim & Arlene danced in their midst and finally, the final song was a perfect choice, "Swing Life Away" by Rise Against.  I was unfamiliar with it prior to planning with Arlene & Tim, and I have to say, seeing Tim & Arlene, with their bridesmaids and groomsmen hugging and swaying and singing to it was an absolute perfect way to end an absolutely perfect day and evening.  Congrats to Tim & Arlene and thanks once again for sharing your day with me!