Katie + Keith: April 30, 2010
Good things come to those who wait… and there was lots of waiting in between the time Katie & Keith reserved my services (March 2009) and their wedding day, the last day of April 2010. They first met me at the Rachel’s Lakeside Bridal Fair back in February 2009.
The setting for their wedding reception couldn’t have been more perfect – Independence Harbor in Assonet MA. I grew up in neighboring Freetown, where I first started my business, so I’ve been fortunate to work there on a number of occasions ranging from high school senior banquets to wedding receptions (of course!).
Katie & Keith had perfect weather for their special day; you really couldn’t ask for a better afternoon. Their guests arrived promptly at 6 for cocktails, and the newlyweds entered the room at 7 to Jagged Edge’s “Let’s Get Married”. After a first dance and a toast by the best man, Katie & Keith’s guests were treated to a fantastic meal featuring soup, salad and an entree. While dinner was being served, I set up a slideshow presentation created by one of Katie’s bridesmaids; the show was approximately 10 minutes long and featured pictures of the bride and groom’s childhood years, leading all the way up to their engagement photo. Everyone loved it, and the 80-inch Insta-theater screen that I provided for the show allowed everyone to see no matter where they were seated. Our projector and screen rental options have proven to be very popular, and I have screen options up to 12 feet.
Once the dancing began, it was non-stop until 11:30. What made me especially happy was seeing both Katie & Keith on the dance floor for much of their reception. At Independence Harbor, the bar is in a separate area and the expansive outdoor deck can be a DJ’s worst enemy and an easy distraction for guests. So, it’s really fantastic when the couple that everyone is there to celebrate with brings their energy (and their guests) to the best spot in the room. I should note that Katie & Keith gave me very little musical guidance, preferring to let me decide what songs to play and how to keep everyone dancing. As a result, guests were treated to a wide range of music, from old songs to new songs, disco to love songs. Some of the more memorable songs played during their reception include Ke$ha’s “Tik Tok”, The Weather Girls’ “It’s Raining Men” (a request), and Bell Biv Devoe’s “Poison”.
We ended the night with two songs requested by the bride and groom: Peter Cetera’s “The Glory Of Love” (which turned into a group-sing) and Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ On A Prayer”. It was truly an exceptional reception.
Congratulations, Katie & Keith!
Introduction Music: Could You Be Loved – Bob Marley
Katie & Keith’s Introduction Song: Let’s Get Married – Jagged Edge
First Dance: Heaven – Bryan Adams
Song played during the Cake Cutting: Pour Some Sugar On Me – Def Leppard
Bride/Father Dance: Tupelo Honey – Van Morrison
Groom/Mother Dance: A Song For Mama – Boyz II Men
Garter Removal: I’m A Slave 4 U – Britney Spears
Bouquet Toss: Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) – Beyonce
Last Dance: The Glory Of Love – Peter Cetera
Farewell Song: Livin’ On A Prayer – Bon Jovi
Independence Harbor's Deck and Private Grounds
Independence Harbor's Function Room
Our DJ setup, with color-changing LED uplighting on the stage.
The Wedding Cake
Dinner service at Independence Harbor
The bride dancing with her father.
Slow dancing.
The dance floor at 11pm
The Glory Of Love
The Bon Jovi sing-along.
