August 23, 2008 - Jamie & Josh's Reception

First off I have to say how much I enjoy DJing events at The Atrium. Not only is it a wonderful venue both indoors and out, the staff there are just wonderful to work with (great seeing you again Peggy)! Now, on to the reception...

Fun, fun, fun, fun, fun! Am I repeating myself too much? I knew Jamie & Josh's reception was going to be awesome...it was and I'll tell you why! When I met with her and her mother Lynne to review the reception plans, Jamie handed me her song list. As I read down the list I kept repeating "Good song!" again and again. That's when I knew. Then Lynne tosses in a few requests...when you have a parent choosing some good rockin' songs you know it's going to be a good night! They might've known that I was looking forward to the reception because of the big smile I had on my face!

Among the highlights of the evening...getting the Penn State contingent fired up with the University's Victory Song (I didn't announce that I went to Pitt!)...seeing Jamie and her step-father dance to a great Talking Heads tune that I rarely get to play...celebrating Jamie's grandfather's 83rd birthday...and seeing a lot of good friends and family enjoying themselves both on the dance floor and throughout the venue.

Enjoy yourselves in Texas Jamie & Josh...hope you don't miss the snow too much! (Hey Josh...you get to play golf year-round...nice!) Thanks for everything!

First Dance Song - When I Said I Do by Clint Black & Lisa Hartman-Black

August 9, 2008 - Becky & Adam's Reception

The SNPJ Hall in Imperial, PA was the site of Becky & Adam's reception and, as you can see from the pictures below, the Bride & Groom's arrival certainly was unique. I guess one of the "perks" Adam receives for being a volunteer firefighter is that you get to arrive at your reception in style! It certainly made for some wonderful bridal party photos!

Aside from helping plan the reception, it's my job to play music for everyone's ears...here's what's music to mine. The bridal party arrives at the reception and the Matron of Honor Shannon and I see each other. She comes up to me, gives me a huge hug and tells me how happy she is to see me! I then catch Becky's eye. She walks over, also gives me a big hug and tells me how happy she is to see me and have me at her reception...how nice! Here's the connection...I DJ'ed Shannon's reception last year (what a blast that was!) and Becky was in her bridal party...and they're sisters. They had so much fun last year that they brought me back!

Well, we could've used the fire engine as the evening progressed...those folks certainly burned up the dance floor! Everyone was in such a good dancing mood that we could've carried on until the wee hours of the morning. Shannon came up to me after everything was over and told me she's giving my name to some couples who are getting married next year. Maybe we'll make this an annual "event!" As long as I get a hug next time I see her, I'll be happy!

Thanks Becky & Adam and Shannon & Denny! I hope to see you again soon!

First Dance Song - Thank You by Led Zeppelin

August 2, 2008 - Marissa & Nathan's Reception

OK…so I arrive at the Hilton Garden Hotel in Southpointe on Saturday and unload my equipment into the ballroom. As I’m getting ready to head back outside to park my van, the ballroom lights start to flicker…then dim…then flicker…then dim. Somewhere I hear the sound of an industrial generator kick in…then the ballroom lights go dark and the emergency lights go on…we’ve lost power! Because I continued to set-up my equipment, I was asked by a member of the hotel’s staff if I was an optimist…you bet I am! Fortunately, the electric company restored powered about a half hour before I was to start…crisis averted!

Well, there was definitely no lack of energy as we celebrated Marissa & Nathan’s wedding day. I don’t think I saw either of them without a smile on their face the entire evening. Their guests sang, danced, cheered, and celebrated like crazy…my kind of crowd!

I have to say that I am a bit jealous of Marissa & Nathan. They’re honeymooning in Aruba, which is where my wife & I spent our honeymoon…we can’t wait to go back someday! I hope you both have a wonderful trip and come back with a lifetime of wonderful memories!

P.S. – Great to see you Kelly & Rob and thanks for the referral!

First Dance Song – When You Say Nothing At All – Alison Krauss