Get a quote today for your wedding

On the blog

Read More

The Knot Best of Weddings 2013

Each year the editors of the Knot website and magazine make a list of top vendors in each area based on the reviews left by bride’s on their website.  I’ve been blessed to have worked with some amazing clients who have left some wonderful words about the DJ services I was able to provide at their Pittsburgh wedding receptions this past year.  Thanks to these thoughtful newlyweds, I’ve been honored again with this award.  I’m humbled every time I look at these reviews, if you’re interested in reading what real clients have to say about my services, you can read them here.

Bailey and Tom (Grand Hall at the Priory Wedding)

I’ll start this post by stating the obvious.  I love music.  I’m sure one of the main things that have kept me loving my job as a PIttsburgh DJ is how much I enjoy listening to and playing new music.  Since I welcome input from every couple to make sure the music for their celebration is a reflection of their tastes, I’m fortunate to be exposed to new music that I may have never discovered on my own.  I was pointed towards tons of great music for the reception of Bailey Flask and Tom Kapfer, held on a beautiful November Saturday at the Grand Hall at the Priory in Pittsburgh, PA

The Grand Hall is a stunning venue that is hard to beat.  Not only did the ballroom look amazing as usual, but Bailey and Tom also had added some special touches that you’d never see anywhere else.  The newlyweds provided song suggestions for cocktails and dinner that were fresh and unique.  I had a great time pulling together their playlist and hearing some new music that I know I’ll be keeping in my repetoire.

The end of the evening always comes too soon, and this celebration was no exception.  Bailey and Tom were able to exit their reception with the knowledge that their input on the music helped make the day a perfect match for their friends, family and themselves.  Their guests sent them off with a sparkler farewell as the newlyweds began their honeymoon in San Francisco.

view_playlist

Stephanie and Joel (Beth Shalom Synagogue DJ)

Throughout my career as a Pittsburgh DJ, I’ve been fortunate enough to perform at a variety of various cultural and religious wedding receptions.  While I wouldn’t consider my self a specialist at these events, I work closely with couples to make sure I can provide the exact entertainment service they need.  Stephanie Rosenthal and Joel Pomerantz were great to work with at their Jewish ceremony and reception held this past Sunday at the Beth Shalom Synagogue in Pittsburgh, PA.

The newlyweds asked me to provide music and a microphone for their ceremony. The large ballroom allowed plenty of room for all the separate festivities of the day.

Stephanie and Joel chose to use classical music through most of the day, and saved more mainstream music for the last hour of the reception.  This helped keep an appropriate and yet stylish mood to the celebration.

view_playlist

As the newlyweds entered their reception, the guests joined them on the floor for Havah Nagilah.  This might be the most full dance floor I’ve ever seen!

Later in the reception, there was time for more modern dancing, as well as Stephanie and Joel’s first dance.

I’m thrilled that Stephanie and Joel entrusted me to be part of their big day, and helped me make sure  all aspects of my services were mindful of important traditions.  While I’m always thrilled to be the DJ for every wedding, I cherish those celebrations which expose me to new and exciting opportunities.  I can’t thank these newlyweds enough, and I wish them the best on their new lives together.

Dana and Bradley (Sheraton Station Square DJ)

Weddings are filled with special moments, but I feel the ones that are unexpected and unique are the ones your guests will remember for years to come.  I assure my clients that I won’t spring any surprises on them, but if I can help bring a great idea to life, I’m always glad to help.  At the reception of Dana Barvinchak and Bradley Williams, I was able to assist in a great moment which surprised all their guests.

Pittsburgh Sheraton Station Square Wedding DJ-25

The reception was held at the Sheraton at Station Square.  Not only does the hotel provide a great ballroom space and attentive staff, but also the view of Pittsburgh provides a great backdrop for a celebration. Dana and Brad secured a projector and screen from the Sheraton on which to play a slideshow of photos from their childhood through present day.  We had prepared to play the slideshow shortly before dinner.  As a surprise to their guests, the newlyweds sent me a photo of themselves and the bridal party from earlier that day.  I was able to insert this photo at the end of their slideshow, and when it appeared on screen, their guests went wild!  This simple unexpected addition kept their guests buzzing all through dinner.

When it came to choosing music, Dana and Brad had some fun ideas which really kept the evening’s atmosphere upbeat and fun.  Their guests weren’t shy about coming out and filling the dance floor right away.When it came to choosing music, Dana and Brad had some fun ideas which really kept the evening’s atmosphere upbeat and fun.  Their guests weren’t shy about coming out and filling the dance floor right away.  I had such a great time working with Dana and Brad on each aspect of their special celebration.  Their creativity and enthusiasm was infectious as they planned the perfect day for themselves, as well as their friends and family.  After two encore songs, it was time for the couple to head off for the their honeymoon in Aruba.  They can relax knowing they succeeded in proving a day that no one will soon forget.

view_playlist

 

Nicole and Geoff (Wildwood Golf Club DJ)

While almost everyone I work with loves music and has their own unique preferences, it’s a special pleasure for me to get to DJ a wedding for people who are passionate about their musical tastes enough to spend time customizing the wedding music in a way to make their day fit their style.  The music at the wedding of Nicole Solano and Geoff Seaman was romantic, fun, and varied in a way that made it a great experience for them, as well as all of their friends and family.

Solano Seaman wedding

The ceremony and reception were held in the beautiful ballroom at the Wildwood Golf Club in Allison Park, PA.  I love the bunny cake topper the newlyweds chose for their wedding cake!

Nicole and Geoff”s love for music made it great fun for me to help pull their playlist together for their ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.  The music included great choices of strings, singer-songwriters, soul, rock, and pop music.

view_playlist

The evening was planned perfectly, which allowed plenty of time for visiting before the Nicole and Geoff had their first dance.  Everyone should look this happy on their wedding day!

With over 3 hours to celebrate, there was time to play so much great dancing music!

At the end of the evening, all of the newlyweds’ closest friends and family formed a big circle around the happy couple as everyone danced to “Time After Time” by Cyndi Lauper (their pre-ceremony had begun with a string version of the same song).  This brought the perfect close to a fantastic day that had great musical details to make the day even more special.  I can’t say enough what a thrill it was for me to help these music lovers create a day that was as unique as they are.

Stephanie and Nick (J. Verno Studios Wedding DJ)

I talk a lot about the various details of each wedding, and there certainly is a lot to discuss.  The actual dancing portion of the evening only makes for a small percentage of my DJ responsibilities.  That said, it is also the most fun part of being a DJ.  I find that getting to play great music while everyone joins in a celebration is the best way for me to enjoy all the hard work of the day.  I had an amazing time playing music for Stephanie Shelley and Nick Strasser’s wedding reception at J. Verno Studios in Pittsburgh, PA.  Their friends and family came to dance, sing, and party, and no one left disappointed.

Shelley Strasser Wedding

There simply is no wedding venue in Pittsburgh as unique and stunning as J. Verno’s.

J. Verno's StudioJ. Verno's Studio

Stephanie and Nick knew that even though they were having an intimate Friday night wedding, that dancing was going to be important to their guests.  They chose a wonderful mix of fun party music which really made everyone get wild on the dance floor.

view_playlist

J. Verno Studio is a photography studio, which means the lighting was fantastic for the newlyweds’ first dance.

Afterwards, the celebration was quickly underway and never let up.

Almost a year ago, I was the DJ for Stephanie’s sister’s wedding.  It was great fun to see Niki and Neil again, having a great time tearing up the floor.

As the last song ended, Nick commented to me about how everyone could keep dancing for 5 more hours.  The majority of their guests had stayed until the very end of the night and could have easily stayed for more.  Everyone left knowing that this was one of the best celebrations they had ever attended.  Stephanie and Nick are off for 2 weeks in Mexico, where I’m pretty confident they’re doing a little more dancing.

find me on instagram @ericthedj