There are some things you just can’t control on your wedding day.  Probably the biggest is the weather.   In Western PA, you never know if you’re going to get a heat wave or a downpour.  All you can do is accept what comes and pray for the best.  The weather didn’t seem like it was on our side while I was the DJ for Amy Stausbaugh and Josh Friday at their wedding ceremony and reception at the Alpine Room in Enon Valley, PA.

The rain was extremlely heavy while everyone was getting ready for the ceremony, but Amy’s attitude was upbeat and positive.  She told me “they say a little rain is good luck, so it looks like we’re having TONS of luck today!”  About an hour before the ceremony began, the clouds parted and even a little sun shown down.  Perfect for Amy’s entrance on horse drawn carriage!

Amy made it clear that they wanted their night to be fun and full of all types of music.  Throughout the day we covered everything from classical, country, rock, oldies, pop, and dance.

Their reception was prepared to be sure everyone could relax and have a great time.  A huge cookie table and photo booth awaited their guests as they arrived for cocktail hour.  After the grand entrance the newlyweds had a very touching and sweet first dance.

After dinner Amy danced with her father.  I just love this picture.

Finally it was time to open up the dance floor and celebrate!

I love that Amy and Josh didn’t let the potentially bad weather worry them, and instead made sure that their day would be fantastic no matter what.  They are now off to a well earned honeymoon in Hawaii where I’m sure they’ll find many ways to enjoy paradise, regardless of the forecast..

Photographers: BJC 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 Alpine Room, SNPJ in Enon Valley

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

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

Tara Zurowski and Jason Hoover held their reception at the Grand Concourse located at Station Square in Pittsburgh.   I had worked with Tara and Jason with what ended up being an entire day long celebration of their wedding vows at various locations.  The Grand Concourse was a wonderful location for the first half of their wedding reception.

Tara and Jason entered the reception down the beautiful staircase and immediately launched into their bridal and parent dances.

The Grand Concourse created the prefect as atmosphere for their elegant and relaxed afternoon reception.  It truly created wonderful spots for the photographer to grab some stunning images.

After the meal, the guests all headed over to Tara’s family’s house for a more casual celebration that lasted long into the night with lots of dancing and fun.  Special thanks to Heather of Weddings By Heather for providing these fantastic photos from the reception.

Venue: Grand Concourse at Station Square
Photography: Weddings By Heather

The first question after “will you marry me” is typically “when’s the wedding?”. Choosing the right day can be as hard as finding the right person to marry (well, for some). The day of your wedding can be an opportunity to express who you are as much as the music and location. This past Sunday I performed at the wedding of Megan Espenschied and Brent Tritt at the Alpine Room in Enon Valley, PA.

Clearly the time of year played a big a part in Megan & Brent’s decision of when to hold their special day. They were married outside at the Alpine Room’s outdoor facility and the weather was perfect. It had rained in spurts throughout the day, but the sky was perfectly clear while they held their nuptials. They included great elements of the season throughout the venue including the name cards, centerpieces, cake and an out of this world cookie table.

Megan & Brent made a request list for me that was fun and diverse.  The mix worked out perfectly, I was already getting compliments during cocktail hour and dinner.

Brent is the cousin of Andy Diehl, Matt Diehl & Holly Kuczynski.  I was the DJ for Holly’s wedding a couple of years ago.  Holly and her husband Brian now have a BEAUTIFUL little girl!  I was so happy to get to meet little Aubry at the wedding and see the Diehl family.

The staff at the Alpine room is always great to work with so the evening moved along smoothly with tons of time for visiting and dancing!

Megan’s sister was married this past February in Niagara Falls.  They didn’t have a DJ at their wedding so Megan had me play a song so Emily could dance with her father.  It was very sweet!

Megan and Brett had a perfect Fall wedding.  The weather was wonderful for their outdoor wedding and their guests enjoyed the convenience of having everything held in one location.  I was thrilled when the newlyweds told me they were having a Disney World honeymoon and then a cruise to the Bahamas!  A perfect end to a wonderful occasion.

Venue: Alpine Room, Enon Valley, PA
Photography: Isabell Photography

During college I acted as a youth leader for a small church in Beaver Falls. Kamela had been a very active member of the group and I was SO excited when she contacted me about her wedding. Having known Kamela for so long I knew that she’d be planning a wedding that would be fun and unique. Kamela & Casey came up with some great music suggestions, including the idea that I play music from the Motown era during cocktail hour and dinner. I could see people singing along from their tables!

Kamela & Casey also had me create a photo montage to play after dinner. All the guests enjoyed seeing the cute images of them as babies and the silly images of them as they grew to become adults. I really enjoyed making this for them, it was great seeing images of Kam during the years since she was just a teenager.

It was also great to see so many familiar faces at the reception from the youth group and church and I was so happy to be there and reunite with everyone. I was able to take this photo of Kamela and her cousin Cheri during the money dance.

Kamela and Casey were the life of the party all night long. They were clearly excited to be with their guests, but you could also see when they looked at each other that they were able to communicate their thoughts to each other with just a glance. I was pleased to see Kamela’s reaction to the music as everyone was dancing. Everyone should get to be this happy at their wedding.

Kamela and Casey were so easy to work with, they gave me a great list of music for their friends and family to enjoy. They even let a few guests sing a song. Wayne and Taylor were both BIG hits!

I can’t say enough how excited I was to be a part of this wedding. Kamela & Casey were surrounded by so many wonderful guests, and everyone really helped step in to make it a fantastic party. While I’d like to deny that I’m old enough to see any of the ‘kids’ from the youth group get married, I’m extremely proud to have seen her grow to become such a wonderful adult and thrilled that she found a terrific guy. The best part of my job is when you can see how much in love two people can truly be.

I wanted to mention that Kamela does a great blog about pretty much everything (as she says – A steaming bowl of entertainment) at My Hatertots, make sure you check it out.

Venue: Franzee’s Banquet Center, Ambridge, PA
Photography: Autumn DeLellis, Skysight Photography