When I first sat down with Victoria and Tom to discuss details for their wedding (way back in October of 2012) I was immediately excited to DJ their wedding.  This is a couple that loves dance music, and especially some of the great disco songs that came out of the 70s and early 80s.  And not just the popular ones but some really great but obscure songs like Arpeggio’s “Love and Desire” ,  “I Haven’t Stopped Dancing Yet” by Gonzalez and The Trammps “That’s Where All The Happy People Go.”

Unfortunately for Vicky and Tom, their original wedding date had to be postponed due to Hurricane Sandy.  When Vicky called me with some dates that  worked for their banquet hall (The Molly Pitcher in Red Bank) I told her we could definitely accommodate any date because even if I wasn’t personally available one of my other DJs could do it.  But even as I said those words I was thinking, “I WANT TO DJ THIS EVENT!”  So I was very relieved when they picked a Saturday in February where I was available.

The delayed wedding gave us a chance to have some fun with their introductions.  Vicky and Tom had originally selected Barry White’ “First Last and Everything” to be introduced to but with the new date they changed it to Ce Ce Peniston’s “Finally.”   Before I introduced them for the first time as husband and wife I added said, “After a delay cause by Hurricane Sandy I can finally introduce to you…”

When I have a music list like Vicky and Tom’s I get a little anxious hoping that their guests respond to their songs.  I could tell by the attention to detail this couple had put into selecting the songs that they really love their music.  And they love to dance.  So as I prepped my music list and made some edits in advance of their wedding, I was secretly praying that their guests shared their passion.  I’m happy to say that everyone did.  From the first dance song of the night through to Donna Summer’s “Last Dance” (what else would you end a Disco-heavy night with?) the dance floor was jammed all night.  And nothing brings this DJ more joy than seeing a packed dance floor and knowing that my mixing and programming has something to do with it.

Besides getting the chance to play some awesome songs that I don’t often have the opportunity to spin, I loved Vicky and Tom’s wedding because of the people I worked with.  The Maitre d at The Molly Pitcher was a man named Cristian who I have worked with for many years (either at The Molly Pitcher or the Oyster Point).  Cristian is one of those uber-cool Maitre d’s who is great to work with.  He just makes everyone feel comfortable and at ease.  I also worked with a photographer named Anthony from Innovative Productions who was fun and easy to get along with.  Plus the Elite crew on site consisted of myself, my music mixer David Friedman and both Chris and Tom Monaco who were running the add-ons (Up-lighting and plasma TV).  Nothing ratchets up the pressure more than beat mixing with a Monaco in the room but I’m happy to say I rose to the occasion.

Vicky and Tom headed to Aruba this morning on their honeymoon but before they did Vicky sent me this text message:

photo

 

Nothing in my professional life, and I do mean nothing, compares with the feeling I get when I receive feedback like this from a bride and groom.  With my own wedding looming (is that the right word?) just 5 weeks away I understand the importance that couple’s place on everything going right that day.  I’m so thrilled that Vicky and Tom, after waiting all this extra time, are “finally” happily married.

Here are some photos Tom and Chris took for the zap shots that went up on the plasma screen.

Vicky having fun
Vicky having fun
Me mixing and apparently I had someone admiring my work
Me mixing and apparently I had someone admiring my work
David Friedman hard at work
David Friedman hard at work