What a weekend I had… 3 parties in 28 hours started on Friday, January 16th with the wedding of Shelly and Eric at Dibbles Inn in Vernon. I made sure to wear my extra heavy jacket and gloves as it was a very cold night for a load in and loud out. I actually used two sound systems for this party: the Fender Passport PA system (perfect for ceremonies) in the Gold Room and my regular Big Party sound systemand lights in the Silver Room where the reception was held.
I arrived at 5pm, the same time as the cake decorators (who unfortunately had a flat tire on the way to deliver and had to switch cars) and Shelly, who got dressed and prepared for the wedding in the newly renovated upstairs at Dibbles.
The ceremony was short and beautiful as Eric and Shelly exchanged vows in a ceremony that started at 6:30 and was done by 6:45. Nearly 130 people were at the ceremony and many more came to the reception. After the ceremony Shelly/Eric held their receiving line then went upstairs so guests could enjoy the wonderful cocktails and munchies. After everyone entered the Silver Room for the reception Shelly/Eric went back to the Gold Room to take pictures. (Photographer was Sue Donohue 315-942-5559).
What was great about this reception and most I have done recently is that it was different from the “norm”. There were no formal introductions, just two toasts given by the best men before dinner. The first one was given by Eric’s friend Kevin. The second one was by Billy, pictured below after getting a little crazy and stepping on a table only to have it collapse on him. Both speeches were quite funny and touched on good times the guys had together. Look for the audio book out soon lol…
After an outstanding buffet dinner it was time for two special dances. The first one was Shelly/Eric’s dance which started with Amazed by Lonestar and mixed into These Are The Days by Keith Urban halfway. At the mix of the songs Shelly’s children came out to dance followed by the bridal party. Eric then danced with his mom Jane to a beautiful song I have only played once or twice in the past: A Song For My Son On His Wedding Day by Mikki Viereck. After these two songs it was time to dance and party. There was a cake cutting but it was done very low key after the first slow song for the night.
Musically we had the pleasure of mixing a variety of tunes during the night. Eric and Shelly trusted our judgement on what to play for cocktail hour and during dinner and provided a great list for party tunes. We covered all the different genres: oldies, country, disco, 80’s, party rock and some of the new hits from today. Shelly and Eric asked us not to play the Electric Slide, YMCA, Cha Cha Slide, Chicken Dance or Macarena, all songs I normally do not play unless you specifically ask for them when we go over the music for your wedding. (They are the most common DO NOT PLAYS I receive).
After a great reception a shuttle bus took the party went back to the hotel at Vernon Downs, where guests hung out at the bar and then crashed for the night… Here is the music breakdown:
Wedding Ceremony Intro: Canon In D Major
Recessional: All You Need Is Love by The Beatles
First Dance: Amazed by Lonestar to These Are The Days by Keith Urban
Mother/Son: Song For My Son On His Wedding Day by Mikki Viereck
Last Song Of Night: It’s Your Love by Faith Hill/Tim McGraw
More photos: www.kennythepromoguy.com/photos.html
