The Tony Schwartz Weddings Blog

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On a beautiful Puget Sound Sunday in April, Brittney and Luke were wed at Lake Union Cafe in Seattle, Washington.  As I have blogged before, Lake Union Cafe is a beautiful, romantic venue that is perfect for a couple looking for an intimate, elegant wedding.  And of course, we made it fun for Brittney, Luke & their closest family and friends.

After a beautiful ceremony ran by Jeff Lee, Brittney and Luke enjoyed some personal time with their family and friends while we had a brief cocktail period on the main floor.  When it was time to introduce the wedding party, “Motownphilly” by Boyz II Men set the mood as we roasted the wedding party members with jokes supplied by Brittney and Luke.  After giving everyone a second to catch their breath, I narrated Luke & Brittney’s “Love Story” as they entered to a standing ovation.  Supplied with a microphone in advanced, Luke thanked everyone for coming out – and even had a few jokes of his for his family & friends!

After dinner, cake cutting, and toasts, we allowed Brittney and Luke to socialize with their guests – sometimes during the dinner portion of the night, there simply isn’t enough time.  When ready, Luke and Brittney shared a special first dance, and then Brittney danced with her father, while Luke and his mother late joined them mid-dance.  After tossing the bouquet and garter – it was time to open the dance floor.  I felt it best approriate to start with a slow dance – and from there, we turned it up a notch and everyone danced and socalized the night away!  From hits from the 60s, 80s, and today’s pop music – we mixed and mashed with a little bit of club DJ style (Brittney’s Man of Honor is a club promoter and Brittney would often go to his events) until it was time for the final dance.

During our planning consultations, we discussed how we would end the night – and after their honeymoon plans had changed – we rehashed those ideas and came up with two ideas of how to end the night – depending on how many people were still there at the end of the night, being as it was a Sunday wedding.  With nearly every guest still in attendance – we went with the “Circle of Love” exit – where Brittney and Luke would share the final dance as guests circled around – and on their cue, they would go around to each guest and thank them for coming out.  Some beautiful photos were taken by Marv Heston, their photographer, and it was the perfect intimate ending for their wedding.  It fit the venue, it fit the client’s guests, and it fit the end of a perfect day for Brittney and Luke.

Vendors:

Dann – Lake Union Cafe – www.lakeunioncafe.com
Marv Heston – Photographer – www.hestonweddings.com
Kendra Yaple - Loves Me Flowers – Florist – lovesmeflowers@yahoo.com
Robbi Broussard – Cakes – 253-859-2812
Jeff Lee – Officiant

Simplified Itinerary

Ceremony
Cocktail Period
Grand Entrance
Welcome & Thank You To Guests
Dinner
Cake Cutting
Toasts
First Dance
Father/Bride & Mother/Son Dance
Bouquet Toss
Garter Toss
Open Dancing
Last Song of the Night
Farewell & Congratulations!

Photos:

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Wedding season has started – and what a party Kurt & Erin had to kick it off!  Hosted at the Pioneer Pavilion in Puyallup, WA – 200 of Kurt & Erin’s family and closest friends traveled from around the country (and the world!) to share in a night no one will forget!

The Pioneer Pavilion is one of the toughest venues to play because of the acoustics – but equipped with my Bose L1 and my two Bose L1 compacts in the corners, I finally am satisified with the sound – it was an audio bliss & nirvana at the same time.  Terri with Act 3 Catering said she never heard the sound at the venue so clearly – and the entire staff loved the sound check with Phil Collin’s “In the Air Tonight” playing in the background.

But this night was about Kurt & Erin – another couple I will never forget and love so much!  We kept the reception very straight forward and classy.  Hosting an open bar and buffet, Erin and Kurt assigned table numbers and we invited tables to the buffet by random draw – which got guests and vendors involved.  For the table that unfortunately was last to be released, I presented (and surprised!) them with two boxes of Girl Scout Cookies – a thank you for being patient and understanding!

After toasts and cutting the cake, it was time to dance – and that they did for two hours straight – playing hits from all the decades of music – from everyone singing along to “Brown Eyed Girl” to both grandmas and Erin and Kurt’s friends getting low to Flo Rida’s “Low”.  It was a night that I wish would never end – but when it finally came to a close, everyone cheered and hugged and wished Erin and Kurt their best wishes!

Video Testimonal:

Vendors:

Sarah Harris – Pioneer Pavilion – http://www.cityofpuyallup.org/services/pioneer-park-pavilion/ – Erin & Kurt decorated it perfect, the room layout was great, and the staff is very courteous and helpful!  If you take the time and do it right, it can be a wonderful place to host a wedding.
Jen & Jody – Photographers – Wonderful twosome team, can’t wait to see the photos! – www.jenandjody.com
Act 3 Catering – Delicious Prime Rib!  The staff is one of the best – friendly and courteous! – www.act3catering.com
Celebrity Cakes – Does anyone not use Odette?!?!  Simply the best! – www.celebritycakestudio.com

Simplified Itinerary

Cocktail Period
Grand Entrance
Dinner
Toasts
Cake Cutting
First Dance
Father/Bride Dance
Mother/Son Dance
Longest Married Couple Dance
Bouquet Toss
Garter Toss
Wedding Party Dance
Open Dancing
Dollar Dance
Last Song of the Night
Farewell & Congratulations!

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Clint and Karen are a lovely couple that celebrated their wedding vows at Thornewood Castle on Feburary 20th – and I was honored to be a part of their day.

There is a bit of a background story to this wedding – and why it holds so dearly in my heart.  After Christmas of 2009, both Karen and Clint became sick with H1N1.  Karen recovered, but Clint didn’t recover as easy – please see his story here:  http://www.king5.com/news/H1N1-patient-miraculously-recovers-in-time-to-make-his-wedding-83514612.html

While Clint was not at 100% – he was definitely up for his wedding day!  And in addition to a wonderful celebration of love, it became a celebration about life and friends and family!

Thornewood is a unique venue, and we planned the reception around the different “zones” for.  I placed a wireless speaker in the dinner room, so background music and announcements could still be heard by all.

The reception was very straight-forward – simple and elegant.  The itinerary is below!

Vendors:

Mironda – Thornewood Castle – www.thornewoodcastle.com
Melenda – Photographer – Very nice lady, can’t wait to see the photos! – melenda29@msn.com
Jessica – Videographer – We go all the way back to junior high! - jrluppino@gmail.com
Maloney’s – Florist – Wonderful, wonderful flower arrangements that fit the Castle just right – www.maloneyfloral.net
Snuffin’s Catering – one of my personal favorites!  The staff is one of the best – friendly and courteous! – www.snuffins.com
Celebrity Cakes – Odette makes the best cakes in the Tacoma area – moist and delicious! – www.celebritycakestudio.com
Annemarie Juhlian – Officiant – one of the best officiants I have worked with.  Professional, organized, and passionate about getting to know her bride and grooms – www.annejuhlian.com

Simplified Itinerary

Ceremony
Cocktail Period
Grand Entrance
Dinner
Toasts
Cake Cutting
First Dance
Father/Bride Dance
Longest Married Couple Dance
Bouquet Toss
Garter Toss
Open Dancing
Last Song of the Night
Farewell & Congratulations!

Giglogs Tacoma Wedding DJ, Thornewood Castle

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What a weekend at the Seattle Wedding Show, and what a way to end the weekend with Bob & Jennifer’s wedding at Lake Union Cafe in Seattle!

Lake Union Cafe is becoming one of my favorite venues, Dann and his staff do an amazing job at providing a very upscale venue – the food is great, the atmosphere very romantic, and the staff is always friendly!  If you are looking for a romantic, intimate wedding venue – take a look at Lake Union Cafe.

Bob & Jennifer are lawyers – so naturally, the party was full of lawyers – and they have no problem with drinking, singing, and dancing the night away!  We began the night with Bob & Jennifer’s ceremony, I mic’d the vows and provided sound reinforcement.  Following the ceremony, we had a brief cocktail period as the LUC staff reset a portion of the room.  Bob & Jennifer were very specific on their playlists for cocktail, dinner, and dancing – and I followed them as expected.  After a nice grand entrance to Europe’s “The Final Countdown”, we began the evening’s dinner buffett.  Switching from classical to crooners, there was a definite feel-good vibe in the room.

Bob & Jennifer had a lovely cheesecake buffett – and I overheard several guests comment it was much better than wedding cake.  Wedding party memebers had each made a cheesecake – I sample a couple chocolate cheesecakes and they were delicious!  Also, two of the wedding party members performed Edwin McCain’s “I’ll Be” before we began the toasts for the evening.  Bob & Jennifer elected to open the mic up to all, however, we quickly worked through the room and began our only formal dance of the evening – Bob & Jennifer’s first dance.  They had also planned a wonderful surprise – stopping mid-dance to grab their parents and invite their wedding party members to join them.

After the first dance, it was time to open the dance floor up for dancing and socializing – and for the next three hours, that is what everyone did.  I rotated the dancefloor often in the first hour – trying to get as many people onto the dance floor as possible.  This was well recieved and many of the elder guests got a chance to get out and dance.  The final two hours of the night were full of party classics and today’s hits – and at night’s end, it was time for Journey’s “Don’t Stop Beleiving” and a rousing cheer for Bob & Jennifer Langbehn!

Simplified Itinerary

Ceremony
Cocktail Period
Grand Entrance
Dinner
Cake Cutting
Wedding Party Performance
Toasts
First Dance
Open Dancing
Last Song of the Night
Farewell & Congratulations!

Sorry, no pictures.

Giglogs Lake Union Cafe, Seattle Wedding DJ, Wedding Giglogs

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Happy New Year’s Everyone!  2009 is done and in the books – and all I have left to talk about it my final wedding of the year – Abby & Matt’s New Year’s Eve wedding at The Majestic in Bellingham, Washington!  Why New Year’s Eve?  Well, Matt and Abby never had plans for how to bring in the New Year – so they decided that for 2010 – they were going to have definitive plans!

Matt & Abby were word of mouth referrals from two of my former clients, Rachel & Kjiel and Skyler and Angie.  Angie, Rachel, and Abby were all sorority sisters at Washington State – and since Cougars love to party – I was looking forward to this party all year!  And it was a great time!

After a quick ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails while the wedding party prepared for their grand introductions, followed by Matt & Abby’s Love Story.  This time however, I told the story of how they met – the majority of their guests were well aware of the proposal.  It was a great story where the third time was the charm for Matt – and matchmaker, (and Matron of Honor!), Angie!

Following dinner, Abby was very excited to play my version of the “Shoe”lywed Game – and Matt’s reaction and antics led to some excellent improvisational moments!  It was a clear indication we had a very lively group on hand – and after toasts, cake cutting, Matt & Abby’s first dance, and bouquet & garter tosses, it was time to dance and get ready to bring in the New Year.

As 12:00 rolled near, I played Journey – “Don’t Stop Believing” and then with about 30 seconds left, I dropped in Europe – “Final Countdown”, remixed it live, and then the countdown was on!  The dance floor was packed and everyone brought in the New Year with rousing enthusiasm until the final song of the evening!

Simplified Itinerary

Ceremony
Cocktail Period
Grand Entrance & Love Story
Dinner
“Shoe”lywed Game
Toasts
Cake Cutting
First Dance
Bouquet & Garter Tosses
Open Dancing
Happy New Year!
Last Song of the Night
Farewell & Congratulations!

Sorry, no pictures.

Giglogs bellingham wedding dj, New Year's Eve, Seattle Wedding DJ, Wedding Giglogs

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Ah, December, one of the most fesitive months of the year.  And if you are going to have a winter wedding – December is just the month to have one!  And for Adam and Michelle Goddard, they had an amazing crowd that was ready to party!

Due to time constraints with Kensington Gardens, I worked with Michelle and Adam to plan a wedding reception that would maximize the amount of open dancing possible – we only had four hours to do a ceremony, room flip, and reception with a sit-down dinner.  Thus, we had to prioritze what was most important in their wedding reception entertainment and then build an itinerary that not only encompassed those priorities – but felt natural as well.  The simplified itinerary below doesn’t do justice – the formal dances were done during dinner, and my narration of the Love Story was performed as the final tables were being served their dinners and was a perfect segue into the toast.

I must give compliements to the guests of the Goddard wedding reception – they were awesome!  After a very cheerful reception of the Wedding Party’s Grand Entrance – I immediately transitioned into “That’s Amore” – and they sang along!  I knew I had a great crowd on hand – and they only proved it after I narrated Adam & Michelle’s “Love Story”.  For the first time ever, my clients got a standing ovation for their love story – and they completely deserved it!

And of course, when we opened the dance floor with “Blame It on the Boogie” – they didn’t stop dancing and singing until the final song of the night.  It was a great mix of funk, pop, and 80s dance – and I wish we had more time to dance the cold night away!

Simplified Itinerary

Ceremony
Cocktail Hour Outside
Grand Entrance
Dinner
First Dance
Father/Bride Dance
Mother/Son Dance
Love Story
Toasts
Cake Cutting
Bouquet & Garter Tosses
Open Dancing
Last Song of the Night
Farewell Tunnel Into the Limo

Sorry, no pictures.

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While many were finishing their Black Friday shopping trips, I was providing music and entertainment services for Sean & Pamela’s friends and family at their wedding at the Lake Union Cafe in Seattle – and everyone was having a great time burning off the feast from the night before!

A very simple and elegant party, Sean and Pamela kept DJ interaction to a minimal – but we worked very closely on picking the right music for Sean and Pamela’s soundtrack.  Throughout the night, we progressed from Soft Classic Rock to Adult Contemporary to Christmas music to upbeat dance music featuring 80s, 90s, classic rock, and hip-hop.  It was great to not only see friends and family smiling and enjoying the music – but also to see Pamela & Sean smiling as they heard their favorite songs play.

Simplified Itinerary

Ceremony
Cocktail Hour
Grand Entrance
Buffet Dinner
Toasts
Cake
First Dance
Bouquet & Garter Toss
Open Dancing
Last Song of the Evening

Sorry, no pictures.

Giglogs Lake Union Cafe, Seattle Wedding DJ

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The final wedding reception of the season – and what a party it was!

Tim & Amy Satrom hosted their wedding ceremony and reception at Kiana Lodge in Poulsbo, WA – a beautiful, rustic location for the perfect Northwest couple that enjoys the outdoors.  The scenery and location fit them perfectly – so it was only natural that I had to ensure the music fit them perfectly as well – and it took much research on Wikipedia, but I was able to work within their guidelines and put together the perfect soundtrack to their wedding!

Let’s start at the beginning – with the ceremony.  Located right on the waterfront, a guest list of about 175 people withstood the slight chill of the October weather as Tim & Amy exchanged their vows.  I provided sound reinforcement – and worked the ceremony sounded beautiful – guests could hear not only Tim, Amy, and the officiant – but they also could hear the three readers during the ceremony.  What was also unique about the ceremony was the music – especially the prelude music.  Tim & Amy picked the perfect ceremony music – the House of Flying Daggers soundtrack.  I have never seen the movie – but if I had to guess – there would be some forest scenes based off the music selections – the music just portrayed that – and that is why ceremony music is a very critical element to the reception – if it fits, it really enhances the ceremony experience.

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour in location number two of three, as they awaited the arrival of the wedding party (who were finishing photos and the signing of Tim & Amy’s marriage certificate.)  Tim and Amy were a very laid-back couple, and during our meetings it was conveyed that they wanted their reception to take on a similar approach.  As an MC, I adjusted accordingly to Tim & Amy’s requests – they definitely did not want a boxing ring announcer at their wedding reception – understandable, very few couples do!

Also for the dinner and cocktail hour, the emphasis was on the music.  Tim and Amy desired a very experimental approach – and they wanted to infuse their love of certain musical artists and genres into their wedding reception.  Here is where my research began as artists/compilations/genres such as Cafe Del Mar, Best Chillout Ever, People in Planes, European Cafe House, Moby, One Self, etc. came into play.  I spent a lot of time on Wikipedia researching the best songs for dinner music – and I think I did a fairly good job at it.  After a serenade by Beth Satrom and toasts by the Best Man and Maid of Honor – it was time to relocate to the next building for the dancing!

I honestly was nervous about Tim & Amy’s guests – I was unsure if they would enjoy the music selections by Tim and Amy and if they would dance or not.  But after Tim & Amy’s first dance and parent dances – they danced the night away!  It started with Van Morrison and ended with Jason Mraz & Colbie Cailat – and it was not your typical music selections at a wedding – but I was able to find the niche and work within those guidelines.  Here is an example of some of the artists played:  Counting Crows, Dave Matthews Band, Jurassic 5, Lady GaGa, Natasha Bedingfeld, Oasis, 311, Sugarland, Sara Bareilles, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Michael Franti, John Legend, etc. – again, it wasn’t a typical wedding – in fact, zero Michael Jackson, Madonna, Love Shack, YMCA, etc.

But you know what?

I loved every minute of it.  The dance floor was packed all night long – and the energy in the room was incredible.  It was perfect – and Tim & Amy, when you read this, I cannot thank you enough for the opportunity to be a part of such an incredible night.  I wish you both the best of luck and success!

Simplified Itinerary

Ceremony
Cocktail Hour
Grand Entrance
Social Period
Buffet Dinner
Beth Satrom’s Serenade
Toasts
Father/Bride Dance
Mother/Son Dance
First Dance
Open Dancing
Last Song of the Evening

Sorry, no pictures.

Giglogs Poulsbo wedding dj, Tacoma Wedding DJ, Wedding Giglogs

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Only one wedding this past weekend, a Friday night affair at Salty’s on Alki Beach in Seattle.  In August I was at Salty’s for Garret and Melissa’s wedding – and it was a pleasure to come back!  This time, I conquered the accoustics of the room – great, clear sound was provided throughout the room!

Now Marc & Valerie were a great couple to work with!  Valerie was very specific during the planning phases – and together, they envisioned a fun and interactive wedding experience.  Did we make that vision happen?  Read on…

As guests mingled inside during the cocktail period, I organized the wedding party for their Grand Entrance.  Marc & Valerie had elected for me to write the 30 Second Wedding Party Bios for their wedding party members – but there was one problem – one of the groomsmen was unable to attend and a cousin was substituted in his place!  So, I quickly had to write a new bio – probably not my best piece of written work – but no one knew the difference!  Finally, for Marc & Valerie, I narrated their Love Story – and like clockwork – a huge ovation for the newlyweds as they came into the room, “I’ve Got A Feeling” pumping through my Bose Speakers.

From there, after Marc’s Welcome & Thank You to Guests, I setup the Guest Kiss List – and it did not take long for guests to catch on and start tapping their glasses.  It probably could have went on and on – but I ran out of couple names on my list after an hour.  Along with the Words of Wisdom cards and the “Shoe”lywed Game – Valerie and Marc’s guests were really into the wedding reception!

After dinner and toasts, there was one special surprise for Marc – he had to have all those keys returned!  I cannot spoil it for any potential grooms reading this blog – but if you would like to find out what I am referring to – you will have to ask for it at your wedding reception!  It was a hoot – and our Best Man, Nathan, played his part perfectly!

For the cutting of the cake, Marc & Valerie invited up Valerie’s Aunt and Father to recognize their birthdays!  They were asked to accept the first slice of cake – and then we all sang Happy Birthday to them!

After a brief social interlude – it was time to begin the dancing!  First, Valerie and Marc’s first dance, followed by a Father/Bride and Mother/Groom dance, and then our Longest Married Couple dance.  The winning couple was married 40 years!  Next up was the removal of the garter – and then we invitied everyone to the dancefloor for the tosses – the gentleman on the left and the girls on the right.  It was a completely different twist – but it worked and everyone had a great time with it!

This was an easy transition into the open dancing – and for the next two and a half hours, that is precisely what they did!  Valerie ’s family background was Lebanese, so we included Lebanese music and dancing into the mix – everyone had a great time!  Valerie and Marc’s other concern for the dancing was a DJ that could play club-style like on Kiss 106.1 FM – fortunately for them, I know how to rock a party on turntables!  And I did just that – rocking the best of 80s and 80s, 90s, pop, rock, and hip-hop - a complete old school set and I loved it!

Overall, it was an awesome party – one that I was proud to be a part of and help create!  Marc & Valerie, thank you for everything – you were a great couple to work for and I am so honored to be a part of your wedding celebration!

Simplified Itinerary

Cocktail Hour
Grand Entrance
Love Story Introduction
Social Period
Buffet Dinner
Guest Kiss List
“Shoe”lywed Game
Words of Wisdom Cards
Toasts
Return Those Keys
Cake Cutting
First Dance
Father/Bride Dance
Mother/Son Dance
Longest Married Couple Dance
Bouquet & Garter Toss
Open Dancing
Last Song of the Evening

Sorry, no pictures.

Giglogs love story, Salty's on Alki, Seattle Wedding DJ, Wedding Giglogs

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On the final Saturday of September, Bob & Natalie – another couple I felt so blessed to work for! – exchanged their vows and hosted their wedding reception at Kensington Gardens in Gig Harbor, Washington.  You couldn’t ask for a better Fall day – the weather was beautiful – sunny and no wind!

After an awesome ceremony - ordained by Father Alan Kemp, a special song performance by Steve Sefanowicz, and sound reinforcement by yours truly, guests enjoyed a cocktail period while photographer Lynette Johnson walked the wedding party and family through their photo session.  Once freshened up, the wedding party got set for their grand entrance.

I’ll admit, I am feeling the wear and tear of a long wedding season – but in my mind, I have to be at 110% for my clients on the one wedding day they have waited for all year.  And I can honestly say – I have never felt so in the moment for Bob & Natalie’s grand entrance sequence.  For the wedding party, I wrote and narrated their 30 Second Wedding Party Bios – with the assistance of Bob & Natalie – and the room was a rockin’.  And then, once we completed the bios – it was time for Bob & Natalie’s Love Story.  And something just hit me – feeding off the story, the guests, and Bob and Natalie’s reaction to their story (I was the only one that could see them) – I just got into the story and the performance.  That’s the secret to the Love Story – it’s all about voice, presentation, and how it was written.

I immediately knew – this was my best Love Story performance yet.  And Bob & Natalie later commented – guests were impressed.

After their entrance, the entire party enjoyed salads, dinner, and desserts – there would be no wedding cake.  Natalie’s friend Stacy had prepared a slide show, I assisted with the projector and screen, and two of Natalie’s bridesmaids did their version of the “Shoe”lywed Game.  Somewhere in the midst, we also had the evening’s toasts.  Finally, it was time for the formal dances.

For the first dance, Bob & Natalie chose George Strait’s “I Cross My Heart”.  Then for Natalie’s dance with her father, she selected “The Way You Look Tonight” – only with a little twist – I had made an edit with the Rolling Stone’s “Start Me Up” to interject in the middle.  Natalie’s father, Phil, had no idea it was coming!  Finally, Bob danced with his mother, Sandy, to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man”.  We finished with a couples dance, and then proceeded to open the dance floor for the remainder of the night!

As I mentioned before, I was blessed to work for such a nice and easy-going couple – Bob & Natalie, I wish you both the best!

Simplified Itinerary

Ceremony
Cocktail Hour
Grand Entrance
Love Story Introduction
Social Period
Sit-Down Dinner
Toasts
Slide Show
First Dance
Father/Bride Dance
Mother/Son Dance
Couples Dance
Open Dancing
Last Song of the Evening

Sorry, no pictures.

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