June 28, 2008 - Nikki & Bryan's Reception

Take a look at that bouquet…one of the most beautiful “toss” bouquets I’ve ever seen (and a pretty good picture if I do say so myself!). The Clarion Hotel in New Kensington was the location for Nikki & Bryans’s reception this past weekend. This is the second time I’ve been to this venue and I certainly enjoy working with the staff there.

It was both a happy and poignant day for the bride & groom…though certainly a celebration of love on many different levels. A few weeks before the wedding, Nikki’s father passed away. However, there was definite proof of him being there to celebrate with everyone. Though not considered rare, rainbows are not an everyday occurrence. Nikki told me she spotted a rainbow in the sky on the day of her father’s funeral…he was telling her that everything would be OK. A strong thunderstorm made its way though the area the night of the reception. The wind blew the ballroom’s emergency exit doors open a couple of times and we even lost power for a brief moment. After the storm passed, Nikki stepped outside for some fresh air and what did she see in the sky? You guessed it…another rainbow! What an extra special blessing to a most wonderful day!

As for the crowd, these folks were certainly ready to party & celebrate Nikki & Bryan’s new life together…as you can see from the pictures below! My best wishes to both of you...I hope you see many more rainbows throughout your marriage!

First Dance Song - Making Memories Of Us by Keith Urban

June 14, 2008 - Allison & Kory's Reception

I needed to do a bit more pep work for this past weekend’s reception, but it was definitely worth it! The celebration of Alli & Kory’s wedding…held at the Comfort Inn in Penn Hills…was a fantastic and definitely memorable affair! This was another reception full of firsts for me so let’s begin…

Since the grand entrance song is one that is used at many sporting events (Sirius by The Alan Parsons Project), the bridal party was introduced as though they were members of a sports team. Using some tidbits and facts about each person provided by the bride & groom…funny stuff, too…we whipped the crowd into a frenzy as Alli & Kory were introduced! Wanting to take their first dance to a new level, Alli & Kory asked me to create a special medley (a take off on the “Evolution of Dance”…search for it online) for them and they worked on the choreography for well over a week. All I can say is that I’m glad my camera has a video function…their dance was awesome! Further into the reception, as Alli sat down for the garter removal, Kory pulled a surprise by sitting down next to her with his guitar to serenade her in song…he got the crowd singing, too! Though, I think I bumped his guitar as I was getting it ready and put it a little out of tune…sorry Kory!

Now, on top of all of this did I mention the packed dance floor? LOL! This was a great crowd and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this reception! My thanks to Alli & Kory for having me and best wishes to you both!

First Dance Song - well…view the video clip below and you’ll hear & see it all!

Here are some pictures from the reception…

June 7, 2008 - Jessica's Graduation Party

No wedding reception this weekend...no pictures either...but I did break out some equipment to play music for a graduation party. My wife & I have become good friends with our neighbors Mike & Sue and their daughter Jessica recently graduated from Clarion University...so it was time to celebrate! The main party was at our housing plan's pavilion (no electricity) but we kicked it up a notch when everyone headed back to the Mike & Sue's house for a backyard bonfirec. I brought out my ceremony/pa system and laptop and we had a grand old time! I normally use my laptop just as a back-up to my main audio system so it was good to give it a real workout...and it performed flawlessly! From Buffett to Journey to Johnny Cash to Timbaland...we played it all...and boy was I tired the next day!

Congratulations Jessica!

May 31, 2008 - Vanessa & Andrew's Reception

As evidenced by the above unity candle set-up (and more on that later), my event this past Saturday included both ceremony and reception. Vanessa & Andrew's celebration took place at the Longue Vue Club in Verona...and what a beautiful day! The rain stayed away long enough for the ceremony & cocktail hour to take place on the outside patio with everyone moving inside for dinner and the reception. The breeze on the patio made it a bit difficult to light the candles pictured above but, with a quick move by yours truly and a little help from my DJ console cover, we were able to shield the breeze enough to make unity candle lighting happen...whew!

Before the ceremony, Vanessa's mom told me that she (and everyone else!) was ready to dance...and she wasn't kidding! The reception was a ton of fun with a great crowd on the dance floor all night. I even had a request for "Total Eclipse Of The Heart" that turned into an amazing sing-a-long!

Vanessa & Andrew have been together since high school and made their way through college and grad school together as well. Andrew just received his doctorate and will soon be starting an internship in Philadelphia. So my congratulations and best wishes to you both for many reasons!

First Dance Song - Someone Like You by Van Morrison

I worked with another favorite vendor tonight...Bob Carroll of N-Focus photography. If Bob was any more laid back I'd have to check him for a pulse...LOL...and that's a good thing! Bob is one of the few photographers I link to on my website. Check out his website at http://www.n-focus.net/ and you'll see why.

I also met April from Mocha Rose Floral tonight. April provided the flowers for Megan & Brian's wedding two weeks ago (which were beautiful...as were the ones this evening) but we never "formally" introduced ourselves until tonight. Please visit her website at http://www.mocharose.com/ to find out what she can do for you!

Now, here are some pictures from Vanessa & Andrew's day...