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Pittsburgh Magazine Online

2011 truly was an amazing year to be a DJ in Pittsburgh. I recently discovered yet another one of the fabulous weddings where I was the DJ has been featured online. Pittsburgh Magazine shared some photos and the story of Laura and Sean’s perfect wedding. The beautiful reception was held at the grand ballroom at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh-Meadow Lands.

See the whole store here.

Photo by Aaron Varga Photography

Ashley and Jon (Chadwick Reception DJ)

Winter has come to Pittsburgh! Just in time for the beautiful snowy-themed wedding of Ashley Derby and Jon Seelnacht. They hoped to have just the right amount of accumulation to fit in with their winter motif, but not enough to keep people from making it to the reception at the Chadwick in Wexford. The weather could not have been better.

Derby Seelnacht Wedding

The Chadwick was decorated elegantly with many signs of the wintery season.  A hot beverage buffet awaited guests with coffee, hot chocolate and apple cider.  Along with the cookie table, there was also a great candy buffet for kids of all ages.

Winter Wedding Reception Details

Ashley and Jon gave me lots of flexibility when it came to the music for entertaining their guests.  This lead to an evening with music for everyone which really kept the dance floor jumping all night long.

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Before the party got crazy, everyone watched the couple have their formal dances…

father daughter dance

When the dancing started, everyone rushed to get glowsticks.  This is always a fun touch that helps get the party going!

Glow sticks wedding reception

Ashley and Jon created a reception that felt warm and cozy during a typically chilly time of year.  It was clear that everyone enjoyed the special touches that were provided to be sure everyone had a good time.  The newlyweds are now off on a well deserved trip to much hotter temperatures in Punta Cana.

Cara and Dave (Sheraton Station Square DJ)

Many of my friends were surprised to hear I’d be DJing a wedding on New Year’s Eve this year.  As I worked with Cara Kappler and Dave Oechslein, I came to realize what a perfect match these two occasions would be.  It was perfect for them to be with their friends and family, celebrating the beginning of a new year while starting a new chapter of their lives as husband and wife.

Kapper-Oechslein Wedding

I was impressed with how Cara and Dave created the schedule to be certain most of their guests would be happy to stay at the reception until past Midnight.  When the newlyweds had their first dance after dinner, everyone was ready to begin the celebration of the upcoming new year.

New Year's Eve Wedding

The great variety of music that was a played throughout the night was selected by Cara and Dave to be sure there was something for everyone.

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Of course there were New Year’s Eve hats and noise makers which really helped get everyone ready to welcome 2012.

New Year's Eve Wedding DJ

Cara brought so much life and fun to the dance floor.  Every bride should get to have this much fun!

Cara and Dave’s began a new year together in a unique and elegant style that was extraordinary.  Their guests kicked off 2012 in such a fun way, it should keep them celebrating all year long.

Niki and Neil (Mansions on Fifth DJ)

At the end of the each year, I tend to look back at all the marvelous weddings that I’ve been fortunate enough to DJ. I love keeping a blog where I can highlight these amazing events, and try to point out the special ways that couples make their day unique and elegant. I recently was the DJ for Niki and Neil’s reception, held at the Mansions on Fifth in Shadyside. These two newlyweds included many of the elements that I think really help make a wedding spectacular.

Niki and Neil Wedding DJ

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.

Mansions on Fifth

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. 

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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.

Mansions on Fifth Wedding DJ

Mansions on Fifth Wedding DJ

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.

Kate Pete Nicholas

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.

Laura and Zack (Renaissance Hotel Wedding)

It’s so easy to get caught up in the details of a wedding, and lose focus on what the day is really about.  While all of the individual elements will clearly help make it more special, it all boils down to celebrating the simple love between the bride and groom.  I was fortunate enough to work with a couple that never lost focus at the Renaissance Hotel in Pittsburgh, PA.  Laura Kiley and Zack Cataldi had a beautiful and elegant reception in early October.

Kiley Cataldi Wedding

One of my favorite moments of the day was when Laura and Zack came in to see the Symphony Ballroom before the guests entered.  After taking a few moments to take in the beauty of the room, the view, the details, and the cake, Laura said “this is a great bonus”.

Kiley Cataldi Wedding

Even when it came to choosing music, Laura and Zack guided me to play songs that people would want to hear.  It could not have worked out better, as people jumped up to dance to a wide variety of tunes.

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Since everyone had come from all over to join in the celebration of these two newlyweds, it wasn’t difficult to get the party started.

Pittsburgh Renaissance Hotel Wedding

Laura and Zack even had a few unexpected bonuses when celebrities Jane Seymour and Chelsea Kane stopped in to dance!

Jane Seymour Chelsea Kane

These two are so clearly in love that nothing could have kept their day from being anything but perfect.  Friends and family came together to see Laura and Zack get married, and at the end of the day everyone got so much more.

find me on instagram @ericthedj