One thing I talk about a lot is finding a venue that truly meets your style.  Mansions on Fifth is one of Pittsburghs newest choice which offered a one-of-kind feel for the reception.  The mansion was decorated for Christmas which really added to the intimate and homey touch of the rooms.

Niki and Neil shared a story with me of how they went through a variety of my previous wedding playlists and had a blast picking and choosing the songs for their big day.  I love when people take the time to consider the role that music will play throughout the night. 

Another thing that the bride and groom considered was how they wanted to spend their time during the reception.  They knew they didn’t want to waste a lot of time with wedding traditions that weren’t important to them.  This gave them lots of time for visiting and dancing.  They did include a beautiful first dance after their entrance down the main staircase at the mansion.

After dinner and dances with their parents, everyone crowded the dance floor for over 2 1/2 hours of celebration.

A little bonus for me was getting to see Kate & Pete Nicholas whose wedding I played a few months ago.  I was thrilled that they had referred me to Niki & Neil.

At the end of the evening, many of the guests stayed around for a pizza party in the bar of the mansion (yet another fabulous idea!) before heading off to their rooms.  So many guests had come to be a part of a day that was truly unique, and no one left disappointed.  The newlyweds headed off for St. Lucia, confident in the fact that they had created the perfect beginning for their new lives together.

Want to see more?  Please visit Kukucka Photography to see professional photos of the entire wedding day.

I knew I was in for a fun evening when I saw Carlee and Rob’s custom cake topper featuring a bride dragging her groom away from his videogames and Dr. Pepper cans!

Due to hectic schedules, Carlee and I did most of the planning online and through Skype.  It worked out great as she was able to let me know what special songs they wanted to use throughout the evening to make the day perfect.

Carlee and Rob had wonderful first dance after dinner.  I loved seeing this quiet moment between the two of them.

An extra bonus for me was getting to see Carlee’s father and stepmother.  Cy and Joni used to work with me at one of my earliest DJ gigs, and I even DJ’d their wedding, right at the same golf club over 11 years ago!

After all the visting and catching up, it was time to celebrate!

I’m grateful to Carlee and Rob for choosing me as their DJ.  They were so relaxed and fun to work with, and their day truly reflected all their hard work.  They had a wonderful celebration that they’ll never forget as they start a new chapter in their lives.

No matter when you get married…they will come.  People LOVE to join the wedding celebration.  It doesn’t matter when or where you hold it, your friends and family will be there.  This was certainly the case for Dottie Dutchesne and Daniel Miller when they said their vows on a beautiful Monday afternoon at Shakespeare’s in Ellwood City, PA.  Around 250 came from all over to be a part of their perfect day.

What can you say about Shakespeare’s?  Clearly it’s the best castle in Western PA!  A wonderful venue for a fairytale wedding.

Dottie and Daniel were married on the balcony.  I was able to provide music and sound for the ceremony. I love the chance to play a part in the entire day.

When I met with the couple, we had a great time talking about music and finding ways to include a wide variety (including Hanson) into the festivities.

After a wild introduction featuring some awesome rap tunes, Dottie and Daniel had their first dance to Keith Urban’s “I Wanna Be Your Everything”.

The recent heatwave we’ve been having gave way on this Monday to a wonderfully cool and breezy day.  The guests were able to dance & party and then go relax on a cool summer evening.

Dottie and Dan had to extend their evening since so many guests were still enjoying themselves.  Their guests didn’t seem to mind, or perhaps were even enjoying the fact that it was a Monday evening.  These newlyweds took a day that most people dread and turned it into a day that their guests will never forget.   Now they get to spend this Tuesday preparing for their getaway honeymoon to St. Croix.

Photography: The Amazing PhotosByNick
Venue: Shakespeare’s Castle

Like most DJs, I don’t get to see many wedding ceremonies.  Most of the time I only get to be part of the big day after the biggest moment has already happened.  I love when I get the chance to witness, and even play a part of, the wedding ceremony.  I was given the pleasure of providing a sound system and music for the beautiful outdoor nuptials of Megan O’Bryan and Peter Madsen.  The weather was perfect at the Mayernik Center in Avonworth Community Park, Pittsburgh, PA.

Megan and Peter were married on the grassy area outside of the center.  Their officiant included touching details about the couple’s relationship which made the ceremony very personal and special.

Instead of name cards, each guest was given an empty box with their table assignments.  Each guest then visited the candy buffet to load up on treats.  I love how they made all the candies match the colors of the day!

The music throughout the day was romantic and fun.  Megan and Peter gave me flexibility to keep their guests happy, but made some really fun requests to help make the day unique.

Megan and Peter have known each other most of the their lives and are now completing med school together.  The bond they share was clear to me the first moment I met them.

Once it was time to dance the guests hit for floor for great music from every genre.

Megan & Peter’s guests and family were extremely friendly and tons of fun.  At the end of the night no one was ready to leave, it had been such a perfect day it was sad to see it end.  The newlyweds are now off to St. John’s to rest up for their next adventure together.

Venue: Mayernik Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Photography: Paul Sinnett Photography

I always find myself talking with people about how much I love my job.  The day I get to DJ a wedding doesn’t seem like something I have to do as much as something I get to do.  After tons of preparation and planning, I look forward to watching all the hard work pay off.  The results of a lot of hard work (by everyone involved) had tremendous results at the reception of Sarah Downing and Joe Gramc held at the Marriott Pittsburgh North in Cranberry, PA.

I had a rare moment during cocktail hour when I was alone in the main ballroom.  I was able to capture this unique 3-D look at the beautiful Marriott Ballroom completely setup for Sarah and Joe’s 350+ guests. (click below to load, then use your mouse to move around the image.)

In all the excitement, I almost missed this amazing detail on their cake cutting knife!

Sarah and Joe could not have picked music more suited to their guests.  Cocktail and dinner included a mix of both contemporary artists and classic crooners.  When it was time for dancing the guests hit the floor for music from every genre including top 40, oldies, rock, and disco.

The first dance was so sweet as they danced to Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers.

When it was time for dancing, the staff at the Marriott handed out 1600 glow necklaces to all the guests.  It really helped set the party mood!

I was so excited to get to see Christy and Matt Crummy at the reception.  I played their wedding last year and they had referred me to Sarah and Joe.  (thanks guys!)

Sarah and Joe’s guests danced and partied like crazy.

Later in the evening Sarah and Joe had arranged a late night snack of 400 McDonald’s hamburgers and cheeseburgers.  They were a big hit for all the guests to re-energize and keep celebrating.

After almost 3 hours of dancing it was time to say goodnight.  The evening ended with a very full dance floor with everyone cheering for Sarah and Joe.  It’s always such a thrill for me to see so many guests truly wrapped up in the celebration of such a great couple.  These newlyweds are now headed off to Hawaii to get some much needed rest!

Venue: Marriott Pittsburgh North
Photography: Julie Petrick
Videography: Luke Gruber
Photo Booth: Art Campbell Enterprises

During my DJ career I’ve played for corporate events, Christmas parties, and a few clubs and bars throughout Pittsburgh.  I’ve recognized that my true passion is being the DJ for wedding receptions.  It’s the only type of event where each event is a unique celebration.  There is an energy and excitement that only exists when friends and family gather to acknowledge of the love of two people.  I was lucky enough to be part of the tremendous excitement that existed at the amazing party for Kelly Ryan and Todd Sabo, held at the Pittsburgh Marriott City Center.

Kelly and Todd were open to input from everyone for their big day.  Friends and family participated in many ways to help make the day unique.  Kelly’s grandmother played piano during cocktail hour.  Reverend Rick Roberts, his wife, and Dennis Hack provided a variety of entertainment throughout the reception, including a Johnny Cash impersonation.  It all helped to create a warm, wild, and fun atmosphere.

I was asked to introduce the Bridal Party as a giant basketball team.  It really got the guests excited for the rest of the night.  Kelly and Todd kept each other laughing throughout the evening.

The music was filled with a fun variety of classic hits and new songs that kept everyone dancing.  Kelly and Todd clearly LOVE music, which makes my job SO easy!

If you haven’t guessed by now, all the guests came ready to party.  When the music started the dance floor EXPLODED with excitement.

No, this is not YMCA, it’s “Hang On Sloopy” by the McCoys.  Buckeye fans came out to spell O-H-I-O!

Kelly and Ryan found me through Amie and Greg Donahue.  I played their wedding way back in 2008.  It was great to see them again.  Clearly marriage suits them well!

Once one of the guests busted out some glow sticks I knew I had lost control!

Dancing lasted for more than three hours, Kelly was still going strong at the end of the night!

At most weddings, the guests look to the Bride and Groom to determine the overall mood of the reception.  Kelly and Todd did an amazing job in conveying to their guests a feeling of overwhelming joy, happiness, and downright craziness.  It’s always great to leave your guests wanting just a bit more, and when I announced the last dance it was obvious that no one was ready to leave.  Now that they’ve thoroughly celebrated their vows, the newlyweds are off on their honeymoon in Paris and Greece.

Venue: Pittsburgh Marriott City Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Photography: R. Fritz Photography

People will always tell you that time on your wedding day will come and go too quickly. It is truly something you can’t understand until you experience it for yourself. Because there is only so many hours at the reception, I encourage all of my clients to make the most of the time they’ll have. It’s so important include the things that are special to you and to be certain not to waste precious moments or to let others rush you away from enjoying yourself throughout the day. I recently had the pleasure of DJing at the reception of Brooke Warren & Greg Baker. Greg & Brooke used their time EXTREMELY well all day and were able to include everything they wanted in their perfect celebration.

The wedding and reception were held at the beautiful Oglebay Resort & Conference Center. Both the outdoor ceremony and cocktail hour featured music from an amazing string ensemble provided by Pittsburgh Music Live. Brooke & Greg requested special songs for the trio to play during cocktail hour that were familiar and lovely.

Brooke & Greg were tons of fun to work with. They wanted to make sure their reception matched their style and I think they did a remarkable job. It was a great mix of fun and elegance that really led to an awesome party. We ended up staying at the resort for much longer then we originally had planned, which left a lot of room for some terrific requests.

One of the hardest parts of the event is knowing when to switch from quiet socialization to the dancing portion of the evening. Greg & Brooke handled this great and knew when it was time to get the party started. Once the dance floor opened, guests of all ages went wild. Brooke’s grandfather made a tribute and even sang for everyone. (See the George Foreman post below).

This may be one of my all time favorite pictures. Every bride should get to be so happy!

I feel that the reception is an opportunity for newlyweds to show their friends and family a bit about who they are as a couple. I love the fact that Brooke & Greg were so true to themselves in the planning of the reception. The entire day was full of special, unique and touching moments that clearly reflected the love they share.

Venue: Oglebay Resort & Conference Center
String Ensemble Pittsburgh Music Live
Photography: Studio Bash

I make a big deal about the importance of including your own tastes into your wedding and reception. Everyone deserves to have a day that is truly unique. I’m just amazed at originality of the wedding I just performed for Dawn Ruby & John Lonzenski. The ceremony and reception were both held at Olde Stonewall Golf Club in Ellwood City. Since the castle is also referred to as Shakespeare’s, Dawn & John decided it would be fun to have a theme wedding and go for broke. Although they aren’t typically “into” the whole renaissance scene, they made their day special by making it fun and stylish.

This chocolate cake was truly amazing!

This was an intimate celebration with about 40 of the newlyweds friends and family, Dawn’s mother did a great job making choices for cocktail hour and dinner that were able to be enjoyed by everyone.
Dawn & John picked a great selection of oldies and 80′s music for the dancing portion that really got people up and having fun.

Click here to see the playlist from the reception

Dawn’s grandparents, Norman & Cleora, were celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary, Norman spent a lot of time dancing!

Since Dawn & John were married about 1:30, this was an early reception with dinner served around 3:30. They really planned things out well so that their guests were not left with hours and hours with nothing to do. When I had met with John I had made a comment about the fact that sometimes people aren’t up for dancing while it’s still light outside, but clearly I had nothing to worry about. Around 5:00 I “opened the dance floor” and everyone was up and celebrating!

I always hope that people can learn from people like Dawn & John. Not that everyone should have a renaissance theme wedding, but that it’s important to find the fun on your wedding day. Most people find that their wedding day passes by very quickly, and it seems silly to me to waste any moment of it. Dawn & John found so many special ways to make their day memorable, fun and beautiful. They were so genuinely sweet and wonderful to work with, I’m glad they chose to let me be a part of it!

Venue: Olde Stonewall Golf Club in Ellwood City
Photographer: Stanley Studios

This past Saturday I played at the reception of Amie Hack and Greg Donahue at the Olde Stonewall Golf Club in Ellwood City. It was a beautiful day for them to get married on the deck overlooking the golf course.

Amie and Greg totally understood how to make their day unique, and really applied their ideas in a variety of unique and fun ways. They included some live music in their day as well as hiring my services. They had a harpist and violinist for their ceremony which was beautiful. Amie’s 88 year old grandfather, Ray, performed songs during the Anniversary dance while her father Dennis accompanied him on the guitar. Then as a special surprise, Johnny Cash showed up! (ok, it was actually Pastor Rick Roberts from the ceremony) Johnny (Rick) had a whole band with him and entertained everyone with selections including “Jackson” and “Ring of Fire”.

I got a chance to entertain everyone too. Amie and Greg gave allowed me to do whatever I needed to keep the dancefloor busy. We covered a lot of ground from Rock to Rap and everyone seemed to have a fantastic time dancing.

Click here to see the playlist from the reception

The day was packed full of such great and memorable events that I’m sure everyone will be talking about this reception for years to come. My favorite moment was watching the newlyweds dance their first dance which they had worked out some special choreography to make it special, it was a sweet moment where you could just see how much they belong together. The entire evening went really smoothly, but even I felt that it went by really fast. Amie and Greg were a complete joy to work with, and both of them and their families went out of their way to make me feel comfortable and appreciated. I’m so glad I was able to help them create a day that went so perfectly.

Venue: Olde Stonewall Golf Club in Ellwood City
Photographer: Diane Adrian Photography

The Mayernick Center is a beautiful venue and an excellent staff. The center’s coordinator, Meghan, did an amazing job keeping everything running smooth all day, made it so pleasant for everyone.

April and John were completely relaxed and it was clear that they were out to have a great time with their guests. Everyone had an awesome time celebrating with the newlyweds, it was a pleasure for me to be there and be a part of their wonderful day.

Venue: Mayernik Center, Avonworth Community Park
Photographer: Jean Frye of Spittin’ Images Photography