Margie & Chuck’s wedding on Saturday was fantastic, although it required lots of preparation on my part. In addition to handling the music for dinner and dancing, Margie called me the week before the wedding and asked if I’d be interested in playing the piano during their cocktail hour as well. Always eager to share my talents, I accepted the invitation. I’ve been playing by ear since age 5 and took lessons until I was 13, but I’ve only recently started offering live piano music along with my DJ services. At some point I’ll have some samples of my playing available on my website.

The reception took place at the Wellesley Country Club, and it was an outstanding event from every perspective. The skies were sunny and clear, and the atmosphere was formal yet fun. The cocktail hour took place outdoors on the patio, where Margie & Chuck’s 240 guests enjoyed drinks and the sounds of my piano music coming from the adjacent club room. Later, we all made our way upstairs to Wellesley’s ballroom. The room itself only seats 200, so some of the guests were seated under a tent on the attached deck. This is where more preparation was involved - I used my wireless sound system on the deck, so that the guests there would be able to hear my announcements and the toasts by the best man and maid of honor. It worked beautifully.

The introductions also required some practice (one of the bridesmaids has a five-syllable last name and was impressed that I had nailed it without her assistance). After a delicious dinner, the dance floor quickly filled - this was definitely a party crowd! Margie and Chuck left for a short time to take some pictures, but when they returned they found almost every one of their guests dancing and ready to welcome them back. At the end of the night, Margie summed up her thoughts in three words - “We loved it!”.

Introduction Music: “Sweet Caroline” - Neil Diamond
Margie & Chuck’s First Dance:
“Speak Softly Love (Love Theme from ‘The Godfather’) - Andy Williams
Margie’s Dance with her brothers:
“Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World” - Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Chuck’s Dance with his daughter: “Forever Young” - Stoney LaRue
Groom/Mother Dance: “Young At Heart” - Frank Sinatra
Last Dance: “Turn Your Lights Down Low” - Bob Marley

The reception featured a subtle Red Sox theme. Each table was named for a player:
The Ellsbury Table

Here’s the deck area - it was a gorgeous day!
Deck tables/place settings

Here’s my setup, ready to go:
Brendan\'s Bose L1 system

Here’s the dance floor - make room!
Margie & Chuck\'s Dance Floor