A Bride, A Groom, and a DJ Who Loves Weddings
As I continue to compose entries for this blog I’m beginning to find a pattern…I LOVE TO DJ WEDDINGS!!! There are numerous factors that go into an awesome event, but the most important is the chemistry between a DJ entertainer and their crowd. When I refer to the crowd I’m also referring to their leaders, our Bride and Groom. Every couple creates an excitement that only they can explain, but some couples show it from every pore of their being; Elena and David are – not were – the personification of that excitement.
However, like most events, this one was experienced its own brand of snags. When the final van from the hotel was late for the ceremony – delaying the start by a few minutes – the demeanor of our couple did not change, they remained happy and easy going. When cocktails and dinner were delayed by the same late start, again they were not phased, they kept on smiling. Every shared look with each other became another priceless moment. Every shared look between them and their proud parents became something special.
Keeping the energy peaked throughout the night is made easy with a crowd like this one was. It also helped that Elena and David were involved during every step of the evening. Working in a venue that may be the largest I’ve ever rocked – The Elkins Estate – located just outside Philadelphia, we utilized every square inch we could. The bridal party, as well as our Bride and Groom, made their grand entrance during cocktail hour to the pumping sounds of “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”, “Sexyback” and “I Gotta Feeling”. Once our newlyweds made their way down the grand staircase and into the main foyer they shared their first dance to “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green.
The staff from Feastivites and the Elkins Estate kicked into high gear for dinner; little time was wasted taking dinner orders and serving our guests. The swift actions of our catering staff allowed us to integrate our parent dances into dinner, between courses. Elena shared a dance with both her Father, John (“Turn Around”, by Harry Belafonte) and her stepfather, Bob (“Smile”, by Nat King Cole). What occurred next became an example – as I like to call it – “efficiency by necessity”.
Despite being limited to only an hour of “party time” this crowd didn’t hesitate to make each minute count. We opened with an energetic Hora, which was highlighted with Elena and David being lifted in chairs. I decided to focus on the requests of our happy couple to ensure their enjoyment, including the classic track “We Don’t Have To Take Our Clothes Off” by Jermaine Stewart. This was a special request by our bride, who sang every word with her girlfriends.
The most memorable moment of the night came in the form of our final parent dance, which David shared with his mom Fredda. Fredda has endured some serious health issues of late, but this moment was especially touching to everyone in the room. David chose – appropriately – “Fix You” by Coldplay; if you know the song you can only imagine the emotions that filled the room. We followed this with “Always and Forever” by Heatwave, allowing Fredda to share a dance with her husband, John.
Has anyone ever said to you, “turn that frown upside-down” or “take those tears and make them smiles”? If so, this crowd took those phrases and made them reality. Each person on the dance floor began to sweat “drops of joy”, dancing all the way until the end of the evening. With Elena and David surrounded by their friends and family we concluded the night with their introduction song (“I Gotta Feeling”).
I want to thank the staff of the Elkins Estate and Feastivities for making this one of the smoothest wedding I’ve had the honor of working – if you can even call it work. Thank you to the Gabe’s (#1 and #2!!) from Philip Gabriel Photography for being accommodating all night, as well as for the spectacular images; your work speaks for itself, and I highly suggest our readers check out their site for more spectacular images.
The smiles never subsided, the joy increased with every song and the excitement was visible from the walk down the aisle to the very last song. Best of luck, Elena and David, on your journey, and be sure to keep smiling and laughing, it makes all the difference.
-Brian
Images courtesy of Philip Gabriel Photography – www.philipgabriel.com
About Post Author
