Category Archives: Energy Innovation Center

Laura and Marco’s reception was one of those nights that remind you how personal a wedding can be when you really lean into what matters most to you. Instead of worrying about traditions or expectations, they built a celebration around time with their friends and family, great music, and just enjoying the night together. From the moment guests arrived, you could feel that relaxed, happy energy in the room, and it carried all the way through the last song and into the after-party that followed.

Their celebration took place at the Energy Innovation Center in downtown Pittsburgh, a venue that always feels unique and a little unexpected in the best way. Laura and Marco transformed the space with custom details everywhere, all tied together with fun graphic design elements that made the whole reception feel cohesive and creative. I provided uplighting for the evening, and the room looked incredible (especially when they turned off all the lights!). They also skipped a few “traditional moments”, which gave them more time to visit with guests and really be present in the celebration, something a lot of couples are realizing is worth prioritizing.

Some of the most memorable moments of the night were the ones that felt genuine and joyful. Their first dance was incredibly sweet—you could feel their connection across the entire room. The parent dances were just as meaningful, and Laura and her dad even surprised everyone by getting a little wild toward the end, which brought a lot of laughter and applause. Later in the evening, guests were treated to something I’ve never seen before: fresh cannoli being hand-pumped right on the dance floor so people could grab a dessert without ever leaving the party. It was a huge hit and added to the fun, relaxed atmosphere they created.

Music played a big part in making the night feel exactly the way Laura and Marco envisioned. During cocktails and dinner, the playlist leaned into indie, alternative, classic rock, soul, and singer-songwriter styles that felt warm and inviting while guests mingled. Once the dancing started, everything opened up with tons of dance music, throwbacks, pop, hip-hop, and crowd-favorite sing-alongs kept the floor packed all night. Laura and Marco’s song requests were spot-on for their friends and family, and the energy never really dipped. Toward the end of the night, guests gathered around, cheering as the newlyweds were lifted into the air in celebration, one of those spontaneous moments everyone remembers long after the music stops.

Nights like this are a big part of why I love being a DJ. Watching a couple design a reception that truly reflects who they are (and then seeing their friends and family completely embrace it) is always something special. Laura and Marco created a night that felt joyful, relaxed, and completely their own, and it was an absolute blast to be part of it. And the fact that everyone headed off to an after-party because they weren’t ready for the night to end pretty much says it all.

Types of Music Played

Cocktails
Indie rock, alternative, modern folk, classic rock, pop, and soul.

Dinner
Classic pop, soul, jazz standards, singer-songwriter, indie, and soft rock.

Dancing
Dance and electronic, pop, hip-hop and rap, 80s and 90s throwbacks, sing-along classics, rock, and party anthems.