Jen + Mike: September 27, 2008
Jen & Mike hired me to DJ their wedding back in January of this year; they were referred to me by Victor Rodrigues at Party Time DJs in Pawtucket RI. I was really excited about this wedding from the start, as it was taking place at the Glen Manor House in Portsmouth RI. Glen Manor House is a beautiful venue, one that I hadn’t been to in almost ten years. In fact, I’m pretty sure the last time I was there I was still lugging around turntables and spinning records.
Despite the rain (were there ANY sunny Saturdays in September?), the bride was in great spirits – I’ve worked for a number of brides over the years that I know would have been devastated if it rained on their wedding day. Fortunately, Jen & Mike had backup plans for everything. The ceremony location was moved indoors, and the chairs were moved from the dining room and arranged beautifully in the ballroom.
Glen Manor House has a pretty unique layout, in that the room where guests dine is not the same room where dancing takes place. So, to start the reception, the bride and groom entered the ballroom to the thunderous applause of their guests and had a first dance to Jack Johnson’s “Banana Pancakes”. The title of the song might be funny, but the opening lyrics fit the occasion perfectly.
After a few toasts, the guests took their seats in the dining room, and then returned after dinner and started dancing almost as soon as they re-entered the ballroom. Seizing the opportunity, I immediately picked up the tempo and welcomed them with some classic party hits. Before too long I had a sizable request list going, with songs ranging from Kenny Chesney’s “Beer In Mexico” to When In Rome’s “The Promise”. I played them all, mixed in a few slow songs from time to time, and then finished off the night with an amazing set of floor-fillers and newer music, from House Of Pain’s “Jump Around” to Estelle’s “American Boy”.
Congratulations, Jen & Mike!
Introduction Music: “Calabria 2008″ – Enur feat. Natasja
Jen & Mike’s First Dance: “Banana Pancakes” – Jack Johnson
Song played during the Cake Cutting: “When I’m 64″ – The Beatles
Bride/Father Dance: “The Way You Look Tonight” – Rod Stewart
Groom/Mother Dance: “In My Life” – The Beatles
An exterior shot of the Glen Manor House. It's much bigger than it appears here.
The ballroom at Glen Manor House, ready for a wedding ceremony.
Ceremony music was provided by the International String Trio. Outstanding!
The wedding cake.
The bride and her dad stayed behind while guests took their seats for dinner, then shared a private dance.
The dance floor was filled from the moment things got started!
A shot of the dance floor just before the night's end.
