The Booch-X Blog

November 22, 2008 - Amy & Rob's Reception

2008-11-24T22:35:00.005-05:00

First Dance Song - Bless The Broken Road by Rascal Flatts

November 1, 2008 - Beth & David's Reception

2008-11-02T22:54:00.005-05:00

First Dance Song - From This Moment by Shania Twain with Bryan White

October 25, 2008 - Gina & Chris's Reception

2008-10-27T21:40:00.005-04:00

First Dance Song - Lost In This Moment by Big & Rich

October 11, 2008 - Marla & Ryan's Reception

2008-10-16T22:03:00.003-04:00

First Dance Song - I Need You So by B.B. King

October 4, 2008 - Caitlin & Bridger's Reception

2008-10-16T21:32:00.005-04:00

First Dance Song - Bless The Broken Road - Rascal Flatts

September 13, 2008 - Stephanie & Brian's Reception

2008-09-14T23:39:00.005-04:00

First Dance Song - Your Everything by Keith Urban

August 30, 2008 - Joyce & Alonso's Reception

2008-09-02T22:24:00.005-04:00

First Dance Song - Nobody Knows Me by Lyle Lovett

August 23, 2008 - Jamie & Josh's Reception

2008-08-24T19:07:00.008-04:00

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

2008-08-12T22:06:00.005-04:00

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

2008-08-03T22:29:00.004-04:00

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

July 19. 2008 - Megan & Keelan's Reception

2008-07-20T23:04:00.006-04:00

The downside to being a DJ that loves to play golf is going to a reception held at a country club or golf course. It’s hard to be inside on a beautiful day watching all the golfers! Such was the case this past Saturday as I was at the Edgewood Country Club for Megan & Keelan’s reception. What a beautiful golf course and facility! Though, I think I enjoyed myself more inside the club than I would have out on the course…this group was high-energy & non-stop fun!

Highlights of the evening include a serenading of the bride by the groomsmen with a wonderful rendition of “You Lost That Loving Feeling” and Keelan discovering a riding crop under Megan’s wedding dress (pictures below). I still don’t know how he worked that magic but it made for one of the funniest garter removals I’ve even seen. I wish I had taken video of his performance. It was certainly a memorable evening!

The reception was also memorable in another way. Megan & Keelan were referred to me by former clients who were in attendance (thanks Kari & Jim and congratulations on the upcoming arrival) and I will DJ the reception of one of Keelan’s groomsman later this year (see you soon Ryan & Marla)…kind of a past, present and future all in one room!

Best wishes to you Megan & Keelan and thanks for having me! See you in a few months!

First Dance Song – Bless The Broken Road by Rascal Flatts

July 12, 2008 - Rachel & Jared's Reception

2008-07-13T21:37:00.005-04:00

Going to the Holiday Inn on McKnight Road this past weekend for Rachel & Jared’s reception was a “return to the scene of the crime.” No, not in a bad way because of the squabbling dentist & his bride from earlier this year…it’s in a good way because I had the pleasure of DJing Jared’s brother’s reception there in June 2007 (nice to see you again Jeff & Anne)! Being with the groom’s family again was a real treat for me and it was like we just started the party back up from where we ended last year! This was one of those nights where everyone was having such a great time…myself included…and time seemed to fly by. I always tell bridal couples that their presence on the dance floor is what helps keep the party going and tonight was a perfect example of that. Rachel & Jared were out on the dance floor all night and they kept everyone else out there as well. I’m sure we could’ve gone into the wee hours of the morning, too…what a fun couple to work with! With Jared and Jeff having a younger sister…do you think I might be able to claim a three-peat from the “S” family? LOL…we’ll see…no pressure!

Thanks for a great time Rachel & Jared and best wishes!

First Dance Song – Speechless by The Veronicas

Caution - DJ At Work

2008-07-09T22:41:00.004-04:00

I received an email today from Vikki Dobosh. Vikki was the photographer hired by Nikki & Bryan to document their wedding day. When I obviously wasn't looking, Vikki snapped a photo of me during the reception...just look at that concentration as I work the mix!

Thanks for the photo Vikki! Here's a link to her website if you'd like to check out more of her work - http://www.creativeimagez.com/.

June 28, 2008 - Nikki & Bryan's Reception

2008-06-29T20:40:00.006-04:00

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

2008-06-15T23:23:00.009-04:00

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

2008-06-09T22:36:00.000-04:00

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

2008-06-01T22:03:00.007-04:00

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...

May 24, 2008 - Lori & Chris's Reception

2008-05-26T23:17:00.010-04:00

The sweetheart table above awaited the arrival of the bridal couple as we celebrated the marriage of Lori & Chris. With the arena filling up nearby with Penguins fans to cheer the first game of the Stanley Cup finals, the DoubleTree ballroom was filling up with over 200 guests who cheered Lori & Chris (and the bridal party!) as they were announced into the room…and it didn’t stop all night. This reception was a DJ dream come true…these folks never left the dance floor! From the time open dancing started until it was time to close things down (after an extra 1 ½ hours!), the dance floor was packed! That’s what happens when you have a great couple like Lori & Chris who dance & sing all night as well as a great group of family & friends who join in. My thanks to you both for having me there…I had a fantastic time!

First Dance Song – I Live My Life For You by FireHouse

As I plan to continue doing, I will write a little bit about any vendor I enjoyed working with at an event…this weekend was no exception. On Saturday, I met Nick & Bethani Bombich who were hired to photograph the wedding & reception…what a great pair! Although employed in the IT industry, Nick’s passion is photography and he’s been photographing weddings for well over 5 years. Bethani is a teacher and helps Nick out when needed. With as hectic as a reception can be, I always appreciate a vendor who is easy-going and can just “go with the flow” - these two were just awesome to work with! Please check out their website at http://www.photosbynick.com/.

Here are some of my pictures from the reception…

May 17, 2008 - Megan & Brian's Reception

2008-05-19T21:00:00.010-04:00

Well, this past Saturday contained a couple of firsts...it was the first reception held at the new Water's Edge exhibit at the Pittsburgh Zoo (think polar bears & sea otters) as well as my first reception using my new gobo projector (see above). And it was kind of fun driving my van through the zoo, too! The occasion? To celebrate the marriage of Megan & Brian!

Megan & Brian's reception was held underneath the Water's Edge exhibit with tunnels on either side of the room providing underwater views of the polar bear pool and exhibits still under construction. And, right in the middle of the reception room was a glass window the gave everyone a view of the sea otters. As Brian was performing a traditional "pinning of the tartan" on Megan, one of the otters dove in for a closer look...I wish I could've snapped a picture of that!

Megan & Brian reside in Maryland but came back to the 'Burgh for their wedding. You could tell how much in love these two are by just how they looked at each other...what a great couple!

First Dance Song - Don't Know Much by Aaron Neville & Linda Ronstadt

I was working with one of my favorite vendors on Saturday, too...Tiffany Cramer of Great Expectation Events. If you need some assistance in planning your reception or other event, she's the one to call. Check out her website at http://www.greatexpectationevents.com/.

Still trying to get the hang of my camera, but I think I got some good shots this time...

And lastly, here's a polar bear sitting on a rock...as viewed from the tunnel...

May 10, 2008 - Kelly & John's Reception

2008-05-13T22:17:00.012-04:00

On Saturday, May 10th, I had the pleasure of DJing the wedding reception of Kelly & John. While Kelly & John currently reside in Columbus, OH, their reception was held locally at Oldenski Hall in Cranberry Township (think St. Ferdinand's Church). I have to say thank you to Kelly's mom for hiring me...she received my name from a lady I work with...and I am so glad she did! What a wonderful crowd! I love having a full dance floor and these folks did not disappoint me!

This is one of those situations that, due to the bride & groom living out of the area, we did all of the planning over the phone and via email! However, these two made the planning a breeze and the reception ended up being a real party!

First Dance Song - Forever by Ben Harper

I must mention the photographer I worked with...Timary Lee. Timary is based out of Columbus, OH and made the trip to PA to photograph the wedding & reception. Yes...she is so good that Kelly & John brought her in fromout of town! And, she is also a joy to work with! If you know anyone in Columbus that's in need of a photgrapher (though I know she does travel!), please look her up at http://www.timarylee.com/. Now, I'm definitely not as good as Timary and I'm still getting used to my new camera, so forgive me if some of these shots aren't the greatest! Here are some photos from the reception...

Hello There!

2008-05-06T21:02:00.000-04:00

Yay...my first blog post! Well...it's been a long time coming, but I've finally made it to the world of blogs. It's my hope that this blog will function as an avenue to share some of my DJ experiences with you. I certainly have the pleasure of working with some wonderful folks...from brides & grooms to venue staff as well as other wedding and event professionals around the Pittsburgh area...so stay tuned (and please bear with me while I get the hang of this!)!