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

I believe that the success of wedding day depends completely on the happiness and love of the newlyweds.  We’ve all seen the downside of this on countless episodes of Bridezillas.  I find it magical when a couple radiates so much positive energy that their guests have no choice but to be caught up in the excitement and romance of the day.  I can’t think of a better example of this than the reception of Christy Steidel and Matthew Crummy, held at The Rivers Club in downtown Pittsburgh, PA.

While I know every bride anticipates her wedding since childhood, Christy had an excitement that came through every time we talked, emailed, and met.  It was so infectious! It was clear throughout the night that both Christy and Matt were enjoying every second.

The first dance was sweet and elegant, such a beautiful bride!

The music flowed perfectly with the energy of the evening.  Cocktail and Dinner featured a great mix of Rat Pack and modern crooners.  When the dancing picked up there was a great variety of music for all ages.

I had the pleasure of meeting some of Christy’s family before the wedding.  Her father, Michael Steidel, was a big help with the details. I loved getting to see him dance with his “little girl”.

Not to be outdone, Matthew and his mother Martha danced next, and even included a few spins!

All of the guests were so caught up in everything that the dance floor flooded with people right away.

Christy and Matthew were so wonderful to refer me to their friends Joe & Sarah.  I’m excited to get to DJ at THEIR wedding this May!

I see a lot of beautiful wedding dresses, but Christy’s is one of my all time favorites.  Clearly it was made for the dancing bride, since later in the evening she was able to remove the bottom!

People like Christy and Matthew are why I devote my time to being the best wedding DJ I can be.  Their energy, love and excitement was so incredible every time we met, I knew their wedding would be the party of a lifetime!  The newlyweds are currently off on a Mediterranean cruise where I’m sure they’re loving every moment.

Venue: The Rivers Club, One Oxford Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Photography: Kendralla Photography

Most of my clients are people who recognize how important it is to have the right music at their reception.  It’s always spectacular to work with a couple who puts time and effort into considering what songs THEY will be excited to hear when they’re DANCING.  This past weekend I performed at the reception of some awesome dancers, Leah Schacht and Jason Hunt.  The fantastic celebration was held at the West View Banquet Facility.

Leah and Jason contacted me after they had already reserved a different, national DJ service that doesn’t offer as much interaction between the couple and the entertainer.  They reconsidered that decision after realizing the importance music would play on their special day.  I’m so excited that they hired me to perform, since it was clear from the beginning that they and their families were people who REALLY wanted to celebrate and dance.

Their music choices were excellent.  We had plenty of time for dancing, so throughout the evening it was effortless to include most of guests’ requests as well as play the songs requested from Leah & Jason.  I was also able to switch between genres often so that everyone had the chance to hear their favorite music styles.

Leah & Jason were on the dance floor all night long, keeping their guests singing and dancing.  I always say that the Bride & Groom set the tone of the evening, and these two set a tone that kept everyone wound up and extremely happy.

Everyone even passed the microphone around for awhile to sing along with some great songs like “Living On A Prayer” and “Don’t Stop Believing”.

Leah and Jason had an incredible reception where everyone danced and partied all night long.  You can always tell the end of the perfect evening when the venue is telling people it’s time to leave!  I had a fantastic time working with these newlyweds to make an evening that was such a great party.  I think the lyrics of their bridal song are so appropriate to the evening they had… “I Could Not Ask For More”.  Congratulations to the new Mr & Mrs. Jason Hunt!

Venue: West View Banquet Facility
Photography: L.A. Photos (Paul Kulwik)