The Tony Schwartz Weddings Blog

Supplied by Jody & Jen of J&J Photography – www.jandjphotography.com

During the Dinner Hour

Open Dancing

Yours Truly

Uncategorized J&J Photography, Seattle Wedding DJ, Tacoma Wedding DJ

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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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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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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.

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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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Friday Night was probably my biggest setup for a wedding ever – and it was worth every ounce of sweat and hard work to put it up!

Nick & Carrie hosted their wedding ceremony and reception at High Cedars Golf Course in Orting; I provided sound for both!  High Cedars has the best breadsticks – and Debbie, the reception manager, saved me a few – she’s awesome!

For 200 guests, I decided to run two Bose L1 sound systems with four B1 subs – the sound was amazing!  I also had a Bose L1 Compact in the back of the reception room – so guests in the front and back could hear everything with clarity – especially the toasts!

After the ceremony, we started with the Grand Entrance of the Wedding Party with a slightly abridged version of the 30 Second Wedding Bios, following up with the Love Story Introduction before Nick & Carrie’s Entrance.  Since I had my big DMX Light Show, I had created a light show scene to their entrance music, Kanye West’s “Stronger”.  After their entrance, Nick & Carrie thanked their guests and welcomed them to their reception.

To keep things organized for the buffet line, we released tables by my version of Bride and Groom Trivia – it was fast-paced and high-energy!  Country hits played in the background as guests enjoyed dinner and socialized – Nick and Carrie opted to keep dinner interactions to a minimal.

After toasts that featured an open mic session and a suprise toaster, Nick and Carrie went to cut their cake – and proceeded, with my assistance and setup, to smash their wedding cake not in their faces, but in the faces of the Best Man and Maid of Honor.  An old trick, but it was the right couple and party to do it for!

After cleaning up and socializing with guests leaving early on a Friday night, Nick and Carrie had their first dance to songs they picked out and dedicated to each other.  Again, I had customized a light show for this dance using their theme colors.  After dancing with their parents and wedding party – there was one thing left to do – toss the bouquet and garter.  And of course, Nick and Carrie asked me to perform my Garter On The Bouquet Catcher Routine – I think I need to redesign it for next year because everyone has seen it by now!

And then we danced, working from Nick & Carrie’s requests, guest requests, and my own knowledge and ability to mix the right song to fill in the gaps.  After two hours of dancing – it was time to wish Nick and Carrie well as they made their Grand Exit to their honeymoon destination!  It was an amazing night, a lot of fun, and I couldn’t work for two better people!

Simplified Itinerary

Ceremony
Cocktail Hour
Grand Entrance
Wedding Party Bios
Love Story Introduction
Nick & Carrie’s Welcome & Thank-You To Guests
Dinner
Toasts
Cake Cutting
Social Interlude
First Dance
Father/Bride Dance
Mother/Son Dance
Wedding Party Dance
Bouquet Toss
Garter Toss
Garter On The Bouquet Catcher
Open Dancing
Last Song of the Evening
Congratulations and Farewells

Pictures!

My Setup - I have never done a bigger light show at a wedding!

The Entire Room!

The Bose L1 Quad System - The Best Sound Around!

Guest Tables

Nick & Carrie's Wedding Cake

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Saturday night, I took a little trip out into the country – to Lake Lawrence Lodge in Yelm for the wedding of Luke and Holly Ayers.  The place was beautifully decorated, and the evening turned out to be an amazing night.

After a beautiful ceremony, which I, again, was asked to provide sound reinforcement for, the room was transformed for the reception.  After helping Luke and Holly setup thier receiving line for guests to re-enter the Lodge, I lined the wedding party up for their Grand Introductions.  Luke and Holly supplied me with the information on each member – I wrote and narrated their bio!  Then for Luke and Holly – I narrated their Love Story – it was cute how they met and it was an honor to tell their story!

During dinner, Luke and Holly wanted a very interactive and entertaining experience.  Along with giving the centerpiece away and the “Shoe”lywed game, I finally did a new “game” – the Great Toliet Paper Race, with either Luke or Holly winning control of the remote control for one year!  I even gave them a nice certificate, I’m sure Holly will have it framed and by the TV in no time

After toasts and cake cutting, Holly & Luke enjoyed their first dance together, followed by Holly dancing with her father and step-father, and then Luke dancing with his mother.  We then tossed the Bouquet and Garter, and then I was asked to perform my post-garter and bouquet toss routine.  This time, the Maid of Honor and her boyfriend were the lucky couple – something Holly and Luke wanted manipulated.  This led into a great high-energy segway into opening the dance floor and the rest of the night!

Simplified Itinerary

Ceremony
Room Transformation
Grand Entrance
Wedding Party Bios
Love Story Introduction
Luke & Holly’s Welcome & Thank-You To Guests
Dinner
Centerpiece Giveaway
“Shoe”lywed Game
The Great Toliet Paper Race
Toasts
Cake Cutting
Social Interlude
First Dance
Father/Bride Dance
Step-Father/Bride Dance
Mother/Son Dance
Wedding Party Dance
Bouquet Toss
Garter Toss
Garter On The Bouquet Catcher
Open Dancing
Last Song of the Evening
Congratulations and Farewells

Sorry, no pictures.

Uncategorized "Shoe"lywed Game, Great Toliet Paper Race, love story, Tacoma Wedding DJ, Wedding DJ, Wedding Giglogs, Yelm wedding dj

So, what did we do?

First, I was asked to provide sound for their ceremony – which featured a live acoustic performance by two vocalists and a guitarist.  After sound check, an errant tee shot hit a row of chairs and scared the heck out of everyone that was there - an usher yelled, “GRAB YOUR HELMETS!”  Fortunately, no one was hurt and no errant tee shots happened during the ceremony – that’s the risks of a ceremony on a golf course though!

After a beautiful ceremony that went off without a hitch – it was time for a mini-cocktail period and then the Grand Entrance and Introductions of the Wedding Party.  Dustin and Janelle had a great time supplying me with material on their wedding party – and a lot of laughter ensued for each wedding party member.  And then, before welcoming in my guests of honor – I narrated their Love Story – which I felt was vital for Dustin & Janelle.  Easily one of my youngest couples ever, I think the telling of their four year journey and how much they meant to each other really hit home that this was a marriage built to last, especially for a young couple.  At least that is how I feel in my heart – these two will be a future Longest Married Couple at one of my weddings (if I am still doing this 50 years from now  )

After dinner, we played a round of the “Shoe”lywed Game – and Dustin and Janelle scored very high!  Again, I told you – this was meant to be!  Followed up by toasts and cake cutting, we also recognized Autumn Leer’s 21st birthday with the second slice of the wedding cake – one of my favorite presentations.  Moments later, Dustin and Janelle were on the dance floor – sharing their first dance as husband and wife.

Foregoing the option to dance with their parents seperately, Dustin and Janelle invited their respective mother and father to dance with at the same time.  It was a very easy transition into our Longest Married Couple dance – won by Janelle’s grandparents – who then shared the remainder of the dance with Dustin & Janelle – a very cool moment!  Next up, we recognized the wedding party and family with their “Wedding Party Dance”, and followed up with the tossing of the Bouquet and Garter Toss.

Finally, before opening the dance floor for the remainder of the night – Dustin and Janelle loved the idea of my Post-Toss routine.  But we had a slight issue – an 11 year old had caught the bouquet.  Using some savvy and quick thinking – we suddenly had our new “Strangers in the Night” – and the routine went off without a hitch – with probably the biggest reaction from a bouquet catcher I have ever seen!  By night’s end – it was another great party and another happy couple ready to start the rest of their lives!

Simplified Itinerary

Ceremony
Cocktail Period
Grand Entrance
Wedding Party Bios
Love Story Introduction
Dustin and Janelle’s Welcome & Thank You to Guests
Dinner
“Shoe”lywed Game
Toasts
Cake Cutting
Social Interlude
First Dance
Parent Dance
Longest Married Couple
Wedding Party Dance
Bouquet Toss
Garter Toss
Garter On Bouquet Toss Catcher
Open Dance Floor
Last Song
Grand Exit

Pictures!

Guest's Wedding Table

Centerpiece at Each Table

All Dinner Tables - I placed a Bose L1 Compact on the Far Wall and Ran Sound To It Wirelessly

The Dance Floor - I Setup The Lighting Package Away From My Setup

My Setup

Another View of My Setup and the Bose L1

Giglogs high cedars golf course, love story, Orting wedding dj, Tacoma Wedding DJ, Wedding Giglogs, Wedding Party Bios

A few of the pictures from the wedding of Ryan & Nicole Welander:

A simple, yet elegant table scheme. Thank you Nicole for sending me a table shot - she obviously reads my giglogs!

Ryan & Nicole score another point in the "Shoe"lywed Game

Ryan & Nicole's Final Dance of the Evening

Uncategorized Emails I Love Waking Up To, Gig Harbor Wedding DJ, kensington gardens, Seattle Wedding DJ, Tacoma Wedding DJ