Nobody would want their wedding ever to be considered ‘normal’ or ‘typical’, yet it’s so easy to stick with standard wedding traditions, even if those traditions don’t really feel natural to the bride and groom.  I always encourage my clients to make new traditions and forget the ones that don’t work for them.  Ann Donovan and Joe Carretta igrnored almost every standard wedding tradition and created something truly unique for their reception at the Pittsburgh Zoo.

The tent area at the Pittsburgh Zoo is a wonderful, large space for a reception.  The weather was perfect so guests could enjoy themselves both inside and out on a beautiful August day.

Instead of a cake, Joe and Ann had a table filled with amazing cupcakes!

The music for the reception was a fun mix of every genre.  Cocktail hour and dinner was filled with great singer/songwriter songs from the likes of Jack Johnson.  When dancing began, the guests crowded the floor to everything from Motown to disco to modern hits.

Joe and Ann had a sweet first dance after dinner, and then it was on to the celebration!

One of the things I loved about Joe & Ann’s reception was how everything was set up to be very family friendly while still including ways for the adults to party.

Joe and Ann now share their anniversary with the birthday of their sweet daughter Stella.  At the end of the night she was still going stronger than most of the guests. Look at those beautiful eyes!

It was great to work with Ann, Joe & Stella to make a day that suited their new family perfectly.  They created an amazingly unique day for their friends and family that was truly special for everyone.

Photography: Dawn Hartman Photography
Photobooth: Shutter Booth
Venue: Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium

Every wedding is a celebration, but it really becomes something extraordinary when friends and family are willing to do all they can to make the day one to remember.  Jennifer Bearer and David Yurkovac were surrounded by an amazing group of excited and supportive friends for their Doubletree Hotel reception held in Moon Township, PA.

A Pittsburgh tradition, there was a very impressive cookie table and coffee station that all of the guests were quick to enjoy.

Jen and Dave provided me with an amazing list of music that included everything from traditional line dances to modern hits.  Even as I was lining up the bridal party, it was clear they were ready to dance!

During the newlyweds’ first dance they were joined by their son, Jackson.  They are such a beautiful family!

After the formalities it was time to dance! I loved how excited everyone was to celebrate.

All wedding receptions go quickly, but Jen and Dave’s reception was filled with so much excitement and joy, that even I was surprised how quickly the evening went by.  All of the guests were so friendly and made so many requests, I’m sure it could have lasted long into the next day.  Congratulation to Jen, Dave, Jackson and every one of their friends and family who helped make this special day truly amazing.

Photography: Hughes Photographics
Venue: Doubletree Hotel, Moon Twp

Family, or perhaps in this case I should say la famiglia, is one of my favorite parts about DJing at weddings.  The wedding celebration is an opportunity for every relative to do their best to create the perfect day for the bride and groom.  Last night I saw a wonderful example of  the importance of la famiglia at the reception of Heather Wojtowicz and Nicky Papa held at the LeMont overlooking downtown Pittsburgh, PA.

During cocktail hour the flower girls were dancing to the Italian music – too cute for words!

When I first met Heather and Nicky it was clear how much they loved music.  We had a great time coming up with songs to use throughout the reception.  They wanted to make sure everyone had a good time so they told to play anything necessary to keep their friends and family dancing.

Instead of wedding cake, guests were treated to a dessert of tiramisu.  A great twist on an old tradition.

Once the dance floor was open, it was packed with family and friends of all ages!

Heather and Nicky knew the words to every song I played.  I loved watching them both sing along to some old school rap songs.

All of Heather and Nicky’s relatives were so much fun, they made everyone feel like part of la famiglia.  After a wonderfully perfect evening surrounded by their loved ones, the newlyweds are now ready for their Bahamas honeymoon. Congratulations to everyone!

Venue: LeMont, Pittsburgh
Photography: Bellissima Photography
Wedding Coordinator: Ambassador Events