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

I tell every couple I meet that their guests will take their cues from the bride and groom throughout the wedding day.  If the bride and groom are having the time of their lives, then it’s easy for family and friends to relax and enjoy themselves.  If the bride and groom seem disappointed or uninterested in their reception, the guests won’t enjoy themselves nearly as much.  This past Saturday I had a chance to DJ for the wedding and reception of Bethany Cortese and Aniceto Sousa at J. Verno Studios in the Southside of Pittsburgh, PA.  Not only did these newlyweds clearly love every minute of their big day, they created so much energy that their guests couldn’t help but join in the celebration. (as you can see by the photo… this is one very happy couple!)

I’ve been lucky enough to DJ at J. Verno many times before.  It’s a marvelous place for both a wedding & reception.  I provided music for the ceremony which was beautiful and elegant.

While guests enjoyed cocktails, the room was transformed for the reception. Kudos to Erin the wedding planner from Divine Celebrations for keeping everything moving smoothly all night long.

Beth and Aniceto chose the perfect wedding music to make the day spectacular.  Their guests rushed to the dance floor and didn’t let up until very last song.  It was truly amazing.

Bethany and Aniceto are sweet and kind, but are also extremely fun and a little wild.  All of which makes for a great wedding day.

Aniceto warned me that they had a dancing crowd, but nothing could have prepared me for this group!

Bethany may have danced more and harder than any bride I’ve ever seen.  This clearly helped keep everyone on the dance floor really excited.  Aniceto also spent a great deal of time of dancing and singing as well.  It was great seeing how their joy, excitement, and love was transfered to each and every one of their guests.  Not only did it help keep everyone dancing til the very end,  I’m sure all of their guests will be full of excitent for Bethany and Aniceto for years to come.

Wedding Coordinator: Divine Celebrations
Photography: Joanna Fassinger Photography
Venue: J Verno Studios

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

Everything you read about wedding planning will tell you to plan your wedding details around who you really are and not what you think is ‘typical’.  The challenge I think for most people is whether or not they know who they really are.  For me, some of the most fun and exciting receptions are those in which I work for people who know themselves enough to plan a day that really suits their style.  Style was certainly the case for the elegant and unique wedding of Kate Hanahan and Adam Cooper, held at Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh, PA.

Kate and Adam were married outside at Phipps Conservatory, and while there was a brief chance of rain, the sun appeared and the weather was wonderful throughout the rest of the evening.

Family played a very important part in the day.  The flowers were all done by Kate’s cousin, and her mother made her dress!

The music for the evening was perfect.  Kate and Adam provided a list of music that perfectly suited their guests’ tastes while staying true to what they envisioned for their big day.  Dinner music was lively and fun, and the music for dancing was energetic and wild.

Throughout the day, you could feel the joy that Kate and Adam were feeling.  I don’t think I ever saw Kate without a smile.

When it was time to dance, everything went completely insane.  I was warned by the newlyweds about their friends and family being ready to celebrate. They did not disappoint!

I don’t think Kate and Adam left the dance floor all night long!  They really kept the party going strong.

My evening was made even better by getting to work with some of Pittsburgh’s finest.  Wedding planner extraordinaire, Sumer Schmitt of Simply Perfect Weddings, really kept things on track the whole day.  Also, this was my first time getting to work with the talented Leann Marie. I can’t say enough about how great it is to work along side such wonderful people.

As midnight was approaching, it was obvious that this party could have lasted for 6 more hours.  All of the guests crowded the dance floor to congratulate the newlyweds and celebrate just a little more.  So much more than an “average” wedding, Kate and Adam planned a day that showcased their personalities in a stylish and elegant fashion.  In a word, it was perfect.

Planner: Simply Perfect Weddings
Photography: Leann Marie Photography
Venue: Phipps Conservatory

One of the coolest parts of my job is that I get to meet with each couple a few weeks before the wedding.  I love this time when plans are coming together and the soon-to-be newlyweds are full of the anticipation of seeing their big day finally happen.  While these meetings are always a good time, I had an especially great time working with Chrissy Goldbach and Josh Hughes to prepare for their celebration at the Circuit Center & Ballroom in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Chrissy and Josh were relaxed, yet so excited about their big day at the Circuit Center.  It was great to see the Center so perfectly decorated for the big celebration.

My favorite part of working with Chrissy and Josh was talking through all their fun music ideas for their special day.  The results were unique and fun.  We had the best time compiling a wide variety of song ideas for cocktails, dinner, and dancing.

During the wedding everything went exactly as we had planned. I love seeing people so happy.

The Circuit Center provided tons of room for people to dance and get wild.

Chrissy and Josh were a joy to work with.  It was a great day that had gone exactly as we had discussed during our meeting.  You could feel their satisfaction as their guests gathered on the dance floor.   The newlyweds enjoyed one last dance before heading off on their Jamaican honeymoon.

Photography: Pamela Marie Photography
Venue: Circuit Center and Ballroom

It’s always hard for me when I reach the last wedding of the year.  While I’m sure a break in the action is good for me, I love going out each weekend to DJ such amazing events.  I’m thrilled to have had a wonderful and intimate reception as the way to end a perfect year.  This weekend I was fortunate to be the DJ for Amanda King and Joshua Lavallee’s reception, held at the Carnegie Alumni Center located at Grove City College.

Amanda and Josh planned an elegant and romantic celebration for themselves and 80 guests.  The room was perfectly prepared for a fun and relaxing evening.  Instead of a traditional wedding cake, they chose to have tiers of delicious cupcakes!

After their grand entrance, the newlyweds had their first dance to Our Lady Peace’s “Somewhere Out There”.

Working with Amanda and Josh was a terrific experience.  They were very easy going and just wanted their reception to be something all of the guests would appreciate.  The music was diverse and fun, including 40′s swing, modern crooners, 80′s hits, and some newer songs.  The variety kept their guests dancing and singing all night.

After dinner, the groomsmen did a dance to Haddaway’s “What Is Love” (from Night At the Roxbury).  I have to say, Josh had some awesome moves!

Smaller weddings can be great when the guests are this fun and friendly.  After dinner, everyone felt comfortable enough to jump up and join in the dancing.

Amanda’s grandfather came out to do a Fox Trot with the bride.

Towards the end of the evening, Josh took time to dance with Amanda’s mother and grandmothers… it was so sweet.

People ask me, “what is your favorite amount of guests at a wedding?”.  Honestly I don’t really have a preference for large, medium, or small receptions.  My favorite type of wedding is the one where the Bride and Groom leave knowing that they had their ideal celebration.  Watching Amanda and Josh, it was obvious that they were thrilled with everything that had happened on their big day.  For me, I wouldn’t have wanted to end 2010 any other way.

Venue: Carnegie Alumni Center, Grove City College
Photography: Josh Mariana Photography

Most people have an idea what they want for their wedding, but it can be difficult to have every detail work according to plan.  I encourage all of my guests to have the confidence to have things their way, and I love when people are able to create a reception that celebrates the uniqueness of the bride and groom.  Yesterday I was thrilled to be the DJ for such an event at the wedding reception of Colleen Daley and Nicholas Elliott held at the Edgewood Country Club in Pittsburgh, PA.

The Country Club was decorated splendidly.  The customized up-lighting really tied everything together, and the room was the perfect size for the approximately 240 guests.

Each table was designated with a word from “Pittsburgh-ese”.  What a fun way for guests to find their seats!

Colleen and Nick had an entrance like none I’ve ever seen.  When I announced the couple, they entered with members of the Pitt Drum line followed by the Pitt Panther himself!  All the guests stayed on their feet dancing and singing along to Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline”.  It was AWESOME!

Among the other things that Colleen and Nick developed for their big day, they also worked closely with me on a wonderful selection of music to be played throughout the evening.  Their choices were spot on, and their friends and family crowded the dance floor all night long.

The evening was so well organized that we were even able to do a few festivities between courses.  The newlyweds’ first dance was sweet and elegant.  I still can’t get over Colleen’s lovely wedding dress.

Then things got pretty wild when the dancing started!

Later in the evening Colleen changed into a fun reception dress.  Perfect for dancing all the way until 1AM!

For the very last song (after a few other last songs), Colleen took the mic to lead every one in singing Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’”

I love helping people achieve the wedding of their dreams.  Colleen and Nick had an amazing day and didn’t compromise anything to make it a perfect reflection of who they are.  (They actually did so many cool things, I can’t even begin to list them all here!)  I’m thrilled they chose me to be a part of such a fabulous celebration.  The newlyweds are now off for a 2 week honeymoon in St. Lucia.

Venue: Edgewood Country Club
Photography: Photos By Nick

I encourage all of my clients to find clever ways to utilize my presence on their big day.  I love being a wedding DJ, and thoroughly enjoy helping to create special moments for the newlyweds and their guests.  This past weekend I was asked to provide some unique and fun contributions for the wedding of Gwen Zajdel and Steve Majewski, held at the LeMont overlooking Pittsburgh, PA.

I  have to mention how Gwen and Steve used striking fall colors throughout the LeMont, everything looked amazing!  Candy apples as favors was complete genius.

After their grand entrance, Gwen and Steve danced to a special medley of Michael Buble, The Black Eyed Peas AND Frank Sinatra!

During cocktail hour and dinner, guests were entertained by the Hilil String Quartet.  These brothers and sisters have been playing together for over 9 years and performed flawlessly.  (They were also a joy to work with.)  I was blessed to work with 2 other amazingly talented vendors, Dawn from DMB Videography and Dana from Scheller Image and Design.  I can’t say enough about how important it is to hire talented and accommodating vendors like these two.  Their attitude and professionalism kept everything running smoothly while they captured tons of memories for Gwen and Steve to cherish.

Steve, Gwen and I had a great time talking through the music for the reception.  They had a ton of fun ideas including their special first dance medley and a unique take on the Anniversary dance.

After dinner, guests JAMMED the dance floor.  Clearly everyone was there to celebrate!

Sometimes I am asked, “How many songs do you play for dancing?”  The answer depends on how the day is planned and how well everything is executed during the reception.  This couple scheduled an evening with LOTS of time for dancing, and because everything went flawlessly, there was plenty of time for everyone to dance to almost every style of music.  I’m so grateful that Gwen and Steve included me in so many of their plans.  I love getting to work for such fun, creative and detail oriented people.  These love birds are now off for a well earned two week honeymoon in Figi.

Venue: The LeMont, Mount Washington
Photography: Sheller Image and Design
Videography: DMB Videography

I just love this time of year!  With the weather in Pittsburgh, there’s always a risk of planning an outdoor wedding ceremony, but it’s great to see it turn out perfectly.  Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous for the wedding of Lindsay Orchoswki and Shannon Scott held at Camp Kon-A-Kwee in Zelienople, PA.

While not traditionally a wedding venue, Camp Kon-A-Kwee had the perfect facilities for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.

The weather was fantastic, and being in the camp setting really created a fun vibe.  After the ceremony the guests worked their way up to the main building for cocktails.

After the reception, guests were invited to a campfire, so at every place setting were the most amazing smore’s I’ve ever seen!

Lindsay and Shannon have a tremendous love of music.  I had the best time pulling their playlist together, with so many unique choices.

The sun was setting when the bride and groom had their first dance.

Later in the evening the dancing started, and the newlyweds’ friends and family were hilarious!

My favorite part of the evening was watching Lindsay and Shannon sing and dance together.

At the end of the evening the newlyweds made their exit through a tunnel of the guests cheering.

After the party, the guests all headed over to the campfire to sit and visit.  Having the entire day (and for some, the entire weekend) held at one location really created a fun, relaxed vibe.  Lindsay and Shannon planned the perfect day for their friends and family to celebrate.  This is one wedding day that no one will soon forget!

Venue: Camp Kon-A-Kwee
Photography: Pamela Marie
Catering: Jody’s Pantry
Florist: Karrie Hlista Floral Designs

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