Location, location, location.  Not only true in real estate, but maybe even more so when choosing the right wedding and reception venue for your special day.  Your choice of venue will determine how your day will progress, and clearly it’s not a decision to be taken lightly.  I love when I get to DJ at locations that are a little different, as I did this weekend for the wedding reception of Kara Piazza and Luke DeJohn at the Grand Concourse in Pittsburgh, PA.

Kara and Luke were married on the stairs at the Grand Concourse.  What an amazing way to begin their new lives together!

Later in the evening, they used the same area to have their first dance.

Since the Grand Concourse is a large, spectacular venue, I placed speakers in a few areas to be sure guests could hear and enjoy the music.  Kara and Luke chose a wonderful variety of songs throughout the evening that really suited them and their guests.

The newlyweds planned to use the different areas in the Grand Concourse creatively.  There was the main dining area, the bar, and in a separate area was a photo booth, cookie table, donut machine and video slideshow .  Even the dancing was in a space that made for a nice, louder party area, while there were plenty of places for people to go to visit and relax.  Once the dancing started, the area filled up right away and things got a little crazy!

Love the look on Kara’s face as Luke’s friends carried him around the concourse.

Towards the end of the night, Kara and Luke were able to dance and spend quality time with their close friends.  They were able to have the entire day at one amazing location.  From getting prepared, all the way to the late night after party, their choice of venue made for an amazing celebration.  They’re now headed to St. Lucia, for what I’m certain will be the perfect honeymoon.

Photographers: The inspiring Annie O’Neill Photography
The pictures above are by DJ Eric Schiemer. Please visit the photographer’s site to see professional photos from the entire day.

Venue: The Grand Concourse, Station Square in Pittsburgh, PA

While I love all types of music, every once in a while I get to DJ for a couple who’s musical style is exactly what I would choose if I were planning my wedding reception in 2011.  I had a great time preparing the music for Heather Mullen and Jesse Evans’ elegant celebration held at J Verno Studio in the Southside of Pittsburgh, PA.

I could go on and on about J Verno Studio’s.  Such an amazing venue for a wedding.  As Heather put it, it’s a little “funky”, just like her and Jesse.  I loved their setup for the ceremony.

I can’t thank Heather and Jesse enough for turning me on to the Vitamin String Quartet’s music, which we used for most of the ceremony.  Cocktail hour featured a great selection of 90′s rock which really helped create a fun vibe that lasted throughout the night.  The whole mix of music really worked out perfectly.

Heather and Jesse had a wonderfully choreographed first dance, easily one of the best I’ve seen.  They looked like they were having so much fun, I can’t even believe they only had 2 dance lessons!

Things got a little wild on the dance floor when it was really time to celebrate!

Best flower girl robot dance ever!

Not only did I absolutely love the music choices including classical, 90′s rock, Rat Pack, oldies, and modern dance hits, but guests kept commenting to me throughout the night about how much they were enjoying the musical selections.  Heather and Jesse nailed a playlist that appealed not only to their tastes but to all of their friends and family’s as well.  Perhaps they’ll add some new Jamaican hits to their favorite music as they head off to relax on their honeymoon.

Venue: J Verno Studios
Caterer: Yes We Cater
Photography: Annie O’Neill

I’m so fortunate to be a wedding DJ in the city of Pittsburgh.  There are many wonderful locations and an incredibly rich history.  Many of my clients share my passion for the city, but never as much as Cathy Aniszewski and Steve Bolar.  Last night I had the honor to DJ their stylish interpretation of a real Pittsburgh wedding at the Highland Country Club.

For starters, their wedding colors were Black and Gold, but done so elegantly. The staff at the Country Club told me that they’ve never seen the room look better.

Throughout the Country Club there were signs and tributes to our amazing city.

After their introductions, Cathy and Steve had their first dance.  It was clear they were having a blast.

The music was varied so that all of the guests were able to enjoy the evening.  From Frank Sinatra to Black Eyed Peas… we covered everything!

I think every one of their guests made it to the dance floor.  Cathy & Steve’s friends and family were so much fun!

I loved the fact that Cathy and Steve found a way to share their love of Pittsburgh with their guests in such fun and unique ways throughout their wedding reception.  They provided so many fabulous details for their friends and family to enjoy that they will remember forever.  As real Pittsburghers, I’m sure the newlyweds will be happy to return to the Steel City after their awesome honeymoon in St Lucia.

Venue: Highland Country Club
Photography: Annie O’Neill
Videography: Big Day Entertainment

Eunie and Frank held a traditional and stunning ceremony at the museum’s Hall of Architecture before the guests made their way down the hallway to the Music Hall.

I can’t say enough about how fantastic the Carnegie Museum works as a wedding and reception venue. The surroundings are truly breathtaking. The entire staff, led by Andrea Verosko, makes sure that every detail is absolutely perfect.

During cocktail hour, Frank & Eunie held a small Korean ceremony which honored the members of both their families. While the guests watched from the Music Hall’s balcony, Eunie’s brother, Yulgene explained the details of the unique and sweet service.

Frank and Eunie planned most of the details of their wedding from their home in New York City. They had very specific ideas for the dancing portion of the evening and we were able to coordinate their ideas through phone calls and online. While the music list they submitted to me did not contain most of the ‘typical’ Pittsburgh wedding songs, I could tell that they had taken the time to create a list of songs that their guests would enjoy. The results were spectacular. The dance floor was completely full throughout the evening, during many songs that I have never had the opportunity to play for a wedding crowd before. Their playlist contained a wide variety of fun upbeat music that really made the evening feel extraordinarily customized just for this group of friends and family.

After dinner, while Eunie danced with her father, Frank joined them with Eunie’s mother.

Once the music started the guests grew more excited with every song that came on. I had the best time using the songs from Frank & Eunie’s list… they knew their guests’ tastes so well!

Eunie and Frank truly knew the songs that would make their wedding day perfect. They had people fly to Pittsburgh from all over the world to celebrate their marriage, and they knew songs that would be fun and familiar to everyone. While it’s easy as a DJ to fall back on reliable dance song ‘standards’, I always remember to listen to my clients who personally know the people who are going to be running to the dance floor for a particular song. Having such a unique dance playlist made a spectacular ending to a wonderful day.

After all the excitement of pulling off the perfect wedding & reception, the newlyweds are now headed off to Africa for a two week honeymoon safari in Tanzania!

Venue: Carnegie Museum, Music Hall Foyer
Photography: Annie O’Neill
Florist: Gidas Flowers