The B-Sharp Entertainment Blog

I’m really starting to think that this is THE year for great wedding receptions – and here’s the best part – there are still five months left in 2010, two of which are the most popular months for weddings here in Southeastern New England.  Although I did have quite a few events in July, most were for other types of events, including a road race, two anniversary parties, and a birthday.

I’ll admit that I was somewhat anxious in the days leading up to Pam and Shane’s wedding.  Not for any specific reason, just because I truly care about the success of my clients’ events.  Even though I’ve done a number of events at LeBaron Hills Country Club this year, this was the first time someone had requested my piano playing talents during the cocktail hour there.  It was also the first time that my services had been included as part of LeBaron Hills’ Grande Wedding Package, along with photography by Through The Lens and videography by Silver City Video Productions.  Needless to say, I wanted Pam and Shane’s reception to be the absolute best.

Pam and Shane are somewhere in Italy as I type this, but I’m sure they’d agree that it was.  You simply couldn’t have asked for anything better.

Cocktail hour began at 5:00 on the patio.  Shortly after 6:00, guests were asked to take their seats.  For introductions, Pam and Shane had requested an assortment of Michael Jackson songs to be played, one for each couple being introduced.  Things like this have to be pre-produced, but I was happy to oblige.  It’s the details like this that make my receptions unique and memorable.  And when Pam and Shane entered to the sounds of “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough”, everyone knew that this was going to be an amazing party.  The bride and groom entered the room dancing… and kept on dancing once they reached the dance floor.  I was hesitant to fade into their actual first dance song, as they were clearly enjoying every second of MJ.  In fact, by the time we reached the chorus, the entire wedding party had joined the bride and groom on the dance floor.

After dinner and cake, the dance floor quickly filled.  Pam and Shane had given me a list of only ten songs to play – all great choices, ranging from “Jump Around” to Wyclef Jean’s “We Trying To Stay Alive” to one of my current favorites, David Guetta’s “Gettin Over You”.  I mixed these with a number of current hits, like Usher’s “OMG” and another of my favorites, Taio Cruz’s “Dynamite”, and also included a few tried-and-true party favorites.  A highlight of the night was Shane’s rendition of “Friends In Low Places”.  It’s something he’s been singing at friends’ weddings for a number of years, so he definitely wanted to sing it at his own wedding.

The evening wrapped up with a return to the Michael Jackson theme – “Thriller”.  However, with a packed dance floor at the very end, I was happy to play a couple of extras.  Those two, “Mo Money Mo Problems”, and Usher’s “Yeah”, made for a fun ending to an outstanding reception.

Congratulations, Pam and Shane!

First Dance: “Smile” – Uncle Kracker
Song Played During The Cake Cutting: “That’s Amore” – Dean Martin
Bride/Father Dance: “Because You Loved Me” – Celine Dion
Groom/Mother Dance: “Danny Boy” – John McDermott
Bouquet Toss: “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) – Beyonce
Last Dance: “You Are So Beautiful” – Joe Cocker
Farewell Song: “Thriller” – Michael Jackson

Our setup at LeBaron Hills Country Club

Pam & Shane's First Dance

The dancefloor filled very quickly.

The chair cover ties became the night's most popular fashion accessory.

Just before 10pm

An impromptu Conga line broke out towards the end of the night

The last dance.

You probably wouldn’t think it, but there’s a lot of planning that a skilled wedding DJ does in the weeks and months leading up to a client’s wedding.   For me, the preparation process includes meeting with my clients, going over the reception timeline, making sure I can properly pronounce the names of the bridesmaids and groomsmen that I’ll be introducing at the reception, preparing playlists and tracking down hard-to-find music requests, making backup copies of important songs,  and then typing up the notes that I’ll be using at the event.   That process takes anywhere from 4 to 10 hours, but it’s absolutely necessary.   My goal is to provide to my clients the best service possible on the most celebratory night of their lives.

Despite all of the prep work that I do, there are still some things that I just can’t predict, like guests arriving at the reception venue more than an hour before the scheduled start time while I’m still setting up, or the mother of the bride who somehow gets hold of the microphone and wants to say a few words just as I’m about to introduce the Best Man’s toast.  My experience and a year’s worth of improv comedy training has taught me how to roll with these types of  changes smoothly.  And fortunately, I get to work for really fun couples, like Ellen and David.

Yes, their guests did arrive early, which was no problem at all thanks to Andrew Beuttler and the staff at LeBaron Hills Country Club.  I can’t tell you how many venues would have turned people away until the scheduled start time.  Instead of making people sit in their cars for an hour, the events staff moved quickly to finish the room preparations, direct guests into the venue’s lounge area, and then out to the patio for cocktail hour. Andrew would probably want me to tell you that this type of accommodation was an exception to the rule.  Still, it was a generous move on his part.  Great job.

I gotta feeling… that tonight’s gonna be a good night…

I don’t often get to meet the parents of the bride and groom until it’s time to line them up for introductions.  In retrospect, I wish I had met Ellen’s mom sooner.  She’s terrific.   I realized this right after the officiant who said the blessing before dinner handed her the microphone.   Not knowing what she might say, and because there was no previous mention of her making a speech, I reached out to take the microphone.  And in front of 175 guests, into an open microphone, Ellen’s mom said these six words in the softest, sweetest, slightly-nervous voice:

“…but I’m the mother of the bride!”

First, there was laughter.  And then there was overwhelming applause.  I turned to Ellen, got a nod of approval, and then brought her mom out to the center of the dancefloor with the microphone.

Her speech was very impromptu, but fabulous.  You can’t plan a moment like that.

With everyone in great spirits (they were dancing before the main course was served), I knew for sure that the night would be even better than I had imagined.  Ellen must have danced the entire night; her friends requested some great songs that I love but don’t usually play at weddings, and the energy level in the room was unbelievable.  For the DJ, there’s nothing better than getting high-fives during the reception from the bride, groom and guests… it’s the ultimate seal of approval.

Congratulations, Ellen & David!

Introduction Music: “I Gotta Feeling” – Black Eyed Peas
Ellen & David’s Intro Music: “Say Hey (I Love You” – Michael Franti & Spearhead
First Dance: “All I Want Is You” – U2
Song played during the Cake Cutting: “Sugar Sugar” – The Archies
Groom/Mother Dance: “A Mother’s Song” – T. Carter
Bouquet Toss Song: “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” – Beyonce
Last Dance: “I’ll Be” – Edwin McCain
Farewell Song: “Dont’ Stop Believin’” – Journey

Ellen & David's First Dance

The wedding cake.

Dancing began immediately after the cake cutting...

...and continued even before dinner was served.

Dancing under an indoor moonlit sky.

Last dance.

Jessica & Michael first met me at the LeBaron Hills Country Club Bridal Show last November, and they chose me to be their DJ based on a recommendation by Andrew Beuttler, the Sales & Catering Director at LeBaron Hills.  I was the DJ at Andrew’s wedding last October, and one of the reasons he and his wife Taryn chose my services was because of my willingness to accommodate music styles that one might not expect to hear at a wedding reception while also mixing in songs that their guests would know and enjoy.

For Michael & Jessica’s wedding, the order of the day was Classic Rock.  I was happy to serve up a cocktail hour mix of Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Rolling Stones and Aerosmith that was well-received by their guests, and I included some more recent artists as well, including the Counting Crows and Kings of Leon.

Prior to cocktail hour, I provided the music for Jessica & Michael’s wedding ceremony.  My Bose L1 Compact sound system is perfect for ceremonies, as it can be set up almost anywhere.

Dinner at this reception didn’t last for very long, as this was definitely a party crowd.  I picked up on this as soon as Jessica & Michael entered the room: Not only did guests give a standing ovation to welcome the newlyweds, they all moved in closer to the dance floor without any prior instruction by the DJ.  It was absolutely magical, and the start of a perfect evening.

Wedding Party Introductions: “Good Times Roll” – The Cars
Jessica & Michael’s Intro Song: “Do Ya” – Electric Light Orchestra
First Dance: “Thank You” – Led Zeppelin
Cake Cutting Song: “In My Life” – The Beatles
Bride/Father Dance: “Father And Daughter” – Paul Simon
Groom/Mother Dance: “Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World” – Iz Kamakawiwo’ole
Last Dance: “She’s Got A Way” – Billy Joel
Farewell Song: “Don’t Stop Believin’” – Journey

Jessica & Michael's Wedding Cake

Jessica & Michael's First Dance

Party on the Dancefloor

Tiny Bubbles... and a great party!

The last dance.

Mark your calendars – one of the area’s best fall wedding fairs is coming up in just a few weeks. It’s LeBaron Hills Country Club‘s annual bridal show, and it’s taking place on November 22nd from 11 to 3. This really is a great show. For one thing, it’s got a great mix of vendors. Andrew Beuttler and his staff personally select the exhibitors who take part, so you can be confident knowing that you’re meeting with true professionals. Here’s another great reason to attend… it’s free, with prize giveaways taking place every half-hour.

Most of this area’s bridal shows take place in January and February, so this is a fantastic opportunity to get a sneak-peek at 2010 wedding trends and hopefully cross a few “to-do’s” off of your checklist. Be sure to stop by the B-Sharp booth and say hello! For more information, or to download a flyer for the show, click here.

In this area, most of the local bridal fairs happen during the months of January and February. That’s why I was happy to hear about LeBaron Hills Country Club‘s Bridal Show taking place on Sunday, November 23rd from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. I’ve really enjoyed my LeBaron Hills events over the course of the past year or so – they’ve made some big improvements in the management of their facility and the waitstaff is always happy to serve you. As soon as I got the call asking me to take part in the show, I didn’t have to think twice about saying yes.

The show will be featuring about two dozen vendors, from DJs to Florists, Bakeries and more; all are top-notch and referred by LeBaron Hills to their clients. Admission is free and cocktails and hors d’ouevres will be served. You can get more information about the show here. I hope to see you there!