Drew & Karaleigh – The Big Reveal
Drew Johnstun & Kara Leigh Stofle were married on January 14th, 2011 at Granite Bay Golf Club. We were honored to provide the entertainment for the reception and doubly honored to help do the “big reveal.”
Karaleigh and Drew had a big surprise for all of their guests. Most of them knew that she was a few weeks pregnant, but almost no one knew if it was to be a boy or girl, because she only found out a few days before the wedding.
Her mom, Sherry, wanted to do a big reveal at ther reception and together, we came up with a great plan. She had the color photo of the sonogram, which she gave to us. We had her do the last toast and during her toast, she pointed to the screen as we put the sonogram up on Granite Bay’s big screen. Then, very slowly, in pink at the bottom of the photo, the words “Olivia Leigh” appeared to great applause!
Afterwards, Sherry did a fabulous job of setting up the father daughter dance, which was to be another surprise. The screen changed to show a balloon with the words, “It’s a girl!” on it, as the opening notes of “I Loved Her First” began to play. Watch in the video as Karaleigh’s dad, Mark, finally realizes that the photos behind him are changing in beat with the song, and the photos are all of him and Karaleigh. He does a couple of double-takes and then once he realizes what’s on the screen, he never looks away again. That balloon that was on the screen was not announcing Olivia Leigh, but Karaleigh! To see the full length video montage, click here. Our montages are more than just photos and music – we really tell a story!)
Afterwards, we danced and celebrated with some fun and unique twists. Watch as they cut their wedding cake, using an ax, as Drew is a firefighter. And then, being a 49er fan, he tosses a 49er football with the garter around it, and even signs it with a Sharpie he pulls from his sock, a la Terrell Owens. An Anniversary Dance for all the married couples ended with two sets of grandparents who had each been married for 58 years imparting some great wisdom to Drew and Karaleigh. It was a great family celebration, from the ceremony to their sparkler exit, and we were proud to be included!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Vbr6v7-jV0
Eric & Fiona – A Shrek-ish Wedding
With a bride named “Fiona,” and a groom named “Eric” who stands towering above everyone else, the Shrek jokes were bound to come, and Eric & Fiona loved it.
Married on his Dad’s property in Woodland on June 6th, 2009, Eric was the quiet giant, while Fiona was the beautiful princess. Their reception followed, with personalized introductions of the wedding party, a Fairy Tale Love Story, beautiful lighting and dancing into the night.
Eric surprised Fiona with their first dance, “Look At You Girl,” and we surprised them both by embedding their wedding vows into the song.
But for me personally, the highlight was a strange conversation I had with one of Fiona’s bridesmaids, her sister in law, Jamee. Later in the evening, while the dancing was in full swing, she came over to me and said that Fiona had told her about this awesome DJ she had hired, that she had seen him (me) at another wedding and that he was really great – kept everything moving, got everyone involved and was really funny. So far, so good. But then she said, “So I thought you were going to be really obnoxious, but you’re NOT! You’re really very sweet and easygoing.” She sounded surprised at that.
Huh?
I asked her to explain that. I mean, it didn’t make any sense. If Fiona was saying her DJ was great, how did that become obnoxious in her mind?
Jamee said it was because every time she heard somebody talk about a DJ who “kept things moving,” he turned out to be on the microphone a lot, telling everyone what to do, and whenever a DJ was said to “get everyone involved,” it meant that they were forcing people to do things that they didn’t want to do. It never occured to her that it could be done without the DJ being the center of attention.
Oh. Glad she cleared that up. And, I was thrilled to find out I had changed another person’s perception of what wedding entertainment could be.
Their photographer, Jeremy, from Sharpe Photographers, captured it all in typical Sharpe Photography fashion – fast, non-intrusive and with a sense of fun.
Check out some highlights!
Aaron & Katie – Forest House Lodge
On November 6, 2009, I had my first opportunity to work at The Forest House Lodge in Foresthill, at Aaron & Katie’s wedding and reception.
The ceremony takes place just down the road, at a spectacular mountain setting. It was truly a breath-taking view and with a November setting, the fall colors were in full bloom. Although we had an awesome reception after the ceremony, I really think that just the ceremony itself provided enough WOW factor that they could have stopped right there.
The wedding party entered to Dave Matthew’s #34, and then Katie walked in on her dad’s arm to an instrumental loop we created from Ben Harper’s “Forever,” which would be used later for the first dance.
But they didn’t!
Following the ceremony, guests drove back to the Forest House Lodge, a rustic, very charming Hotel along the main drive in Foresthill. The staff and owner, Kathryn Gardenhire, couldn’t have been more friendly and helpful. Like us, they actually enjoy weddings! As guests entered the room, the music was an upbeat collection of “fun stuff,” from Sam Cooke to Jack Johnson to Santana to Van Morrison, Bob Marley and more. We provided uplighting in the room, with rich fall colors.
When Aaron & Katie arrived, along with their wedding party, we did a reverse introduction, where we began by introducing Aaron & Katie and then their wedding party. This allowed each member of the wedding party to have a fun custom intro, and then walk directly to Aaron & Katie and hug them, fist bump, high five, or just keep laughing. The energy continued to build as more and more of the wedding party joined on the dance floor, and when we brought in the last one to “Let’s Get Loud,” by J-Lo, that became the song to which the entire wedding party began dancing “spontaneously.” (Those who know us, know that we can make just about anything appear to be spontaneous – it’s so much more fun that way.)
Afterwards, Aaron did a short welcoming, followed by the tradition Jewish Hamottzi and Kiddush before their guests enjoyed an awesome dinner.
Toasts followed, with Katie’s Dad, Chip, giving the final toast, which he ended by inviting his daughter to the dancefloor, where they shared an old favorite, “Lullaby” by Billy Joel, but this time, it was made more special because Katie had recorded a special message to her dad, which we mixed into the song.
Aaron & Katie then shared their first dance, “Forever,” by Ben Harper, which we shortened from its original 3:23 to 2:21, making a more comfortable length for them.
Finally, Aaron brought out his grandmother, Bunny, and danced with her to “Sentimental Journey” with Doris Day on vocals. All family members were invited to join in part way through, and it was very touching.
And then we went from sentimental to celebration as we kicked off the dancing. The place was jumping!
Later, they shared their wedding cake while we played ”Sugar, Sugar” and followed with the bouquet and garter removal and toss. Songs used included “Pretty Woman,” “Hot Stuff,” “Mission Impossible” and the Fox NFL theme as Aaron used a Denver Broncos football to throw the garter.
We kick the dancing back off with the traditional Hora, but as you’ll see in the video, the Forest House Lodge has very low ceilings, so we didn’t have much room for error!
We continued dancing throughout the evening and it was all captured on video by Phil Sheffield of Sheffield Multi-Media, a real artisan and a genuine good guy.
Congratulations and Mazel Tov!
Andy & Michelle – Library Galleria
Andy Fogarty & Michelle Killebrew held their reception at the Tsakopolous Library Galleria in downtown Sacramento. Elegant, beautiful, fun, smooth-flowing and a celebration for the ages, this reception back on October 28, 2006 had it all!
Custom introductions of their wedding party, incredible family toasts, a surprise heart-tugging special phone message from Michelle’s family in Italy, which we arranged through her dad, and dancing into the night made this a celebration for the ages.
Their wedding coordinator was Lora Ward, from A Day To Remember and as usual, her penchant for extraordinary decor was evident throughout.
And of course, it was all captured on video by Premier Video. Check out some highlights! Some of this video is on our short demo on our home page.
David & Jaime – Newcastle Wedding Gardens
David Gurevich & Jaime Finnecum were married on June 12th at Newcastle Wedding Gardens. Photography was by Rick & Lee Siegel, (click on their photo to the left) who, in addition to being awesome photographers, are just about the nicest people you’ll ever meet. It’s always a joy to work with pros who can see the wedding day as a whole, instead of just “doing their job.”
David is an Atlanta Braves fan, so he had a groom’s cake in an exact replica of a Braves hat, and we played the tomahawk chant as he cut it. As a Giants fan, I find that chant unbelievably annoying, but I just kept telling myself we would win it all in the end!
During introductions, we played Hang On Sloopy for groomsman Joe Pellington, an unrepentant fan of Ohio State, along with custom song choice for the rest of the wedding party, including, Viva Las Vegas, Sunglasses At Night, The Fireman, Bad Boys, Just Dance, and more.
David & Jaime entered to Shipping Up To Boston.
Their 1st dance was Lady Antebellum’s “When You Got A Good Thing.”
In keeping with her love of penguins, Jaime selected “Personal Penquin” by Davy Jones for their traveling music as they exited at the end of the night.
We also acknowledged some very long marriages, did a fun centerpiece giveaway, played the Shoelywed Game, played two surprise long distance toasts, played back their highlights during their final dance and danced their guests until their feet hurt. The room was accented by our awesome color changing uplights, which you can see in the attached video!
Jeff & Melissa – Monterey Hyatt
I first met the groom, Jeff Roberts was back in the 90′s when he was working as a banquet captain at weddings at the Vizcaya. Back then, Jeff told me that when the time came to get married, he knew that was going to hire me as his entertainer and Christopher Kight as his photographer. Jeff and I worked together many times over the years and when he moved over to Del Paso Country Club, I was always happy to see him there as well. Jeff was one of the captains who really “got it.” He understood the big picture and knew that the day was about so much more than just food, or photos or music.
So when he called me in October of 2008 and told me he was getting married to the beautiful Melissa Martin in October of 2009 at the Monterrey Hyatt, I knew I was going to love working them. In the months leading up to the wedding, we met and began putting together their agenda and created a fun and personal evening.
Thanks for remembering us, Jeff. I understand how you fell in love with Melissa – what a great person! We had a blast. Your families are awesome!
From the custom introduction of their wedding party to their hysterically funny and poignant Love Story, from their first dance to their finale, it was a great time for all.
Check out the highlights!
Troy & Christina – Woodland Hotel
The Woodland Hotel was the setting for Troy & Christina Thompson’s wedding reception on March 28, 2009. Catererd by Cracchiolo’s, and with their wedding coordinator, Alison Ulshoffer, along with Premier Entertainment & Video, the day was a smashing success.
We began by introducting Christina’s parents, Jim & Patsy Brookshire, who had been married for 34 years, followed by the introduction of Troy’s parents, , who were married for 39 years! They were fortunate to have several grandparents in attendance as well, and each were introduced to enthusiastic applause.
Troy & Emma ThompsonThe wedding party was introduced next, to plenty of laughter and applause as we related funny and interesting facts about each one.
Songs used included:
The Fireman
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Beauty School Dropout
Speed Racer
Shop Around
Beer Is Good For You
Fore She Was Mama
I’m Too Sexy
Three Little Birds
Big Ol’ Truck
Save A Horse
The Night They Invented Champagne
Dukes Of Hazzard
Cops
Thunderstruck (for Troy & Christina)
Troy & Christina’s first dance began as “It’s Your Love,” by Faith Hill & Tim McGraw, but when the “record skipped,” they broke into an evolution of dance style dance, which included “Rock Around The Clock,” “The Twist,” “YMCA” and “Apache.” They ended by stepping back into each other’s arms for the end of “It’s Your Love.”
Check it out!
San Francisco Giants – World Champions!
After waiting for years, all of us long-suffering Giants fans can use the phrase “World Champion Giants!”
One of the great retro dance hits is Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” but here’s something special just for Giants fans! I can’t wait for Opening Day 2011! Go Giants!
Dustin & Kelly Petrillo – World Champions!
On September 25th, 2010, Dustin & Kelly were married at her parents’ home in Winters.
As huge fans of the World Champion San Francisco Giants and 80′s music, Dustin and Kelly themed their wedding around both the Giants and the great music of the 80′s.
Their wedding party walked in to the ceremony to Foreigner’s “Waiting For A Girl Like You,” and then Kelly walked down the aisle, escorted by her dad, to Phil Collins’ “In The Air Tonight.”
Their recessional was Huey Lewis’ “Power Of Love.”
And then, to kick off the receptions, almost every one of their wedding party members were introduced to an 80′s song, including:
Kickstart My Heart – Motley Crue
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper
Turning Japanese -Vapors
Holding Out For A Hero – Bonnie Tyler
Nothin’ But A Good Time – Scorpions
Legs – ZZ Top
Back In Black – AC/DC
Cherry Pie – Warrant
Sledgehammer – Peter Gabriel
All She Wants To Do Is Dance – Don Henley
Paradise City – Guns ‘N Roses
Danger Zone – Kenny Loggins
She Drives Me Crazy – Fine Young Cannibals
Eye Of The Tiger – Survivor
Hit Me With Your Best Shot – Pat Benatar
Bang Your Head – Quiet Riot
And then Dustin & Kelly enterted to Bon Jovi’s “Living On A Prayer,” followed by a great celebration!
Other great 80′s songs used for the reception included:
Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now
Centerfield
Can’t Fight This Feeling
Heaven
Simple Man
Take My Breath Away
Girls, Girls, Girls
Another One Bites The Dust
Pour Some Sugar On Me
Two Tickets To Paradise
And that doesn’t even include the open dancing!
Their video montage, prepared by Dustin & Kelly’s brother in law Devin, even opened with Dustin & Kelly on the Comcast News Desk from AT&T Park.
What a great autumn for Dustin & Kelly. First the wedding, then the playoffs, then World Champions! As a fellow fan of the Giants, I enjoyed both the wedding and playoffs too!
Here’s a newer version of a classic 80′s tune that all Giants fan will love!
Al & Talia – Wine & Roses
Al & Talia Martin were married on July 20, 2007 at Wine & Roses in Lodi.
It was a wild and crazy night, with wild and crazy friends and family!
Al is deaf and Talia is a teacher who works with hearing impaired community, so they had sign language interpreters in their ceremony and reception, which really added a lot of energy. From the opening welcome to the final dance, this was a group that was there to celebrate, with dancing, laughter and applause all night.
Al & Talia’s first dance started as “Endless Love” but then morphed into “I Like The Way You Move,” and brought down the house!
Talia danced with her dad, starting with “You Raised Me Up” by Josh Groban, with a special voice-over message she added for her dad, then broke into “Isn’t She Lovely,” a song she and her parents had enjoyed since she was a toddler.
Al followed with a dance with his mom to “A Song For Mama.”
They had a great wedding party dance which moved from “That’s What Friends Are For,” into “Thriller” and which kicked off the dancing.
Check out the highlights here!