I just love this time of year!  With the weather in Pittsburgh, there’s always a risk of planning an outdoor wedding ceremony, but it’s great to see it turn out perfectly.  Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous for the wedding of Lindsay Orchoswki and Shannon Scott held at Camp Kon-A-Kwee in Zelienople, PA.

While not traditionally a wedding venue, Camp Kon-A-Kwee had the perfect facilities for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.

The weather was fantastic, and being in the camp setting really created a fun vibe.  After the ceremony the guests worked their way up to the main building for cocktails.

After the reception, guests were invited to a campfire, so at every place setting were the most amazing smore’s I’ve ever seen!

Lindsay and Shannon have a tremendous love of music.  I had the best time pulling their playlist together, with so many unique choices.

The sun was setting when the bride and groom had their first dance.

Later in the evening the dancing started, and the newlyweds’ friends and family were hilarious!

My favorite part of the evening was watching Lindsay and Shannon sing and dance together.

At the end of the evening the newlyweds made their exit through a tunnel of the guests cheering.

After the party, the guests all headed over to the campfire to sit and visit.  Having the entire day (and for some, the entire weekend) held at one location really created a fun, relaxed vibe.  Lindsay and Shannon planned the perfect day for their friends and family to celebrate.  This is one wedding day that no one will soon forget!

Venue: Camp Kon-A-Kwee
Photography: Pamela Marie
Catering: Jody’s Pantry
Florist: Karrie Hlista Floral Designs

For starters, their wedding colors were Black and Gold, but done so elegantly. The staff at the Country Club told me that they’ve never seen the room look better.

Throughout the Country Club there were signs and tributes to our amazing city.

After their introductions, Cathy and Steve had their first dance.  It was clear they were having a blast.

The music was varied so that all of the guests were able to enjoy the evening.  From Frank Sinatra to Black Eyed Peas… we covered everything!

I think every one of their guests made it to the dance floor.  Cathy & Steve’s friends and family were so much fun!

I loved the fact that Cathy and Steve found a way to share their love of Pittsburgh with their guests in such fun and unique ways throughout their wedding reception.  They provided so many fabulous details for their friends and family to enjoy that they will remember forever.  As real Pittsburghers, I’m sure the newlyweds will be happy to return to the Steel City after their awesome honeymoon in St Lucia.

Venue: Highland Country Club
Photography: Annie O’Neill
Videography: Big Day Entertainment

Simple Elegance.  Those words mean different things to different people, but there is no denying when you see it.  Last evening I witnessed one of the most beautiful displays of simple elegance as the DJ for the reception of Amy Kim and Christopher Pretsch held at J. Verno Studios in Pittsburgh, PA.

The ceremony and reception were both held in Studio A at J. Verno’s. During cocktail hour, the room was transformed while the guests enjoyed the rest of the venue.  I simply love the choice of colors, so beautiful and unique!

Guests were asked to sign a bottle of wine instead of a guest book.  It’s a unique keepsake that the couple will enjoy on their 5th anniversary.

It’s so easy to tell that Amy and Chris love being together, they were laughing and smiling all evening long.

There were lots of wonderful song choices made for the big day, but Amy and Chris also left room open for guests to make requests.  It was fun seeing everyone enjoy the wide variety of music.

After the guests enjoyed an amazing dinner by the talented folks at Yes, We Cater, it was time to open the dance floor for celebrating!

Later in the evening Amy and Chris changed into traditional Korean wedding clothes called han-boks.  All the guests were surprised when the newlywed’s arrived in their new outfits!

There is no benefit to spending time on your wedding day doing things that feel unnatural or uncomfortable.  I’m so thrilled that Amy and Chris put together a simply elegant day that suited their personalities and was so much fun for their family and friends.  After such a perfect day the couple can now focus on preparing for their fantastic honeymoon in Italy.

Venue & Photography: J. Verno Studios
Catering: Yes, We Cater
Florist: Mocha Rose Floral
Cake: Cakes by Tammy

Scheduling the flow of a reception can be a difficult task for most people.   The challenge is to make sure that everything runs smoothly and efficiently without feeling rushed.  While it’s important to include the events that are special, no one wants to make the guests feel bored or left out.  I love to work closely with my clients to help them figure out what works best based on their needs and priorities.  This past weekend I was very excited to DJ at the wedding reception of Kala Wilhelm and Matthew Lenart at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Moon Township, PA.  The entire evening couldn’t have transpired more perfectly.

The Embassy suites really helped keep things on schedule.  The 150+ guests enjoyed cocktails in the beautiful foyer and then entered the ballroom for dinner and dancing.  There were little special touches throughout the venue that were sweet and romantic.  I loved the special chocolate strawberries on top of their wedding cake!

After the introductions, the newlyweds had their first dance.  Their connection to each other is unmistakable.

Kala and Matt made a fantastic song list for me to use throughout the evening.  They chose a wide variety of music including 80′s rock and oldies, as well as newer Top 40 hits.  The wide mix was a big hit with their friends and family.

I was thrilled to get to see Robin & Jason Scibek at the reception.  I had been the DJ at their wedding last July where I first met Kala and Matthew.  I just love these two!

One of Kala and Matthew’s concerns about their reception was making sure there would be plenty of time for dancing.  Once it was time to pick up the tempo I found out why.  Their friends and family crowded the dance floor and never left!

Kala was just beaming (and dancing) all night long.

I continually tell my clients that time has no meaning on the wedding day.  It’s nearly impossible to predict what time each event will happen since there are so many factors happening.  The stars simply aligned for Kala and Matthew this weekend as everything occurred exactly as planned.  There were tons of time for dancing.  Even after FOUR ‘one more song’ requests, the guests left wanting even just a little more.  Kala and Matt created an evening that was simply perfect both for them and all of their guests.  I couldn’t be happier for them!

Venue: Embassy Suites Hotel, Moon Township, PA
Photography: Lost In This Moment Photography
Cake: Cakes By Tammy

During my DJ career I’ve played for corporate events, Christmas parties, and a few clubs and bars throughout Pittsburgh.  I’ve recognized that my true passion is being the DJ for wedding receptions.  It’s the only type of event where each event is a unique celebration.  There is an energy and excitement that only exists when friends and family gather to acknowledge of the love of two people.  I was lucky enough to be part of the tremendous excitement that existed at the amazing party for Kelly Ryan and Todd Sabo, held at the Pittsburgh Marriott City Center.

Kelly and Todd were open to input from everyone for their big day.  Friends and family participated in many ways to help make the day unique.  Kelly’s grandmother played piano during cocktail hour.  Reverend Rick Roberts, his wife, and Dennis Hack provided a variety of entertainment throughout the reception, including a Johnny Cash impersonation.  It all helped to create a warm, wild, and fun atmosphere.

I was asked to introduce the Bridal Party as a giant basketball team.  It really got the guests excited for the rest of the night.  Kelly and Todd kept each other laughing throughout the evening.

The music was filled with a fun variety of classic hits and new songs that kept everyone dancing.  Kelly and Todd clearly LOVE music, which makes my job SO easy!

If you haven’t guessed by now, all the guests came ready to party.  When the music started the dance floor EXPLODED with excitement.

No, this is not YMCA, it’s “Hang On Sloopy” by the McCoys.  Buckeye fans came out to spell O-H-I-O!

Kelly and Ryan found me through Amie and Greg Donahue.  I played their wedding way back in 2008.  It was great to see them again.  Clearly marriage suits them well!

Once one of the guests busted out some glow sticks I knew I had lost control!

Dancing lasted for more than three hours, Kelly was still going strong at the end of the night!

At most weddings, the guests look to the Bride and Groom to determine the overall mood of the reception.  Kelly and Todd did an amazing job in conveying to their guests a feeling of overwhelming joy, happiness, and downright craziness.  It’s always great to leave your guests wanting just a bit more, and when I announced the last dance it was obvious that no one was ready to leave.  Now that they’ve thoroughly celebrated their vows, the newlyweds are off on their honeymoon in Paris and Greece.

Venue: Pittsburgh Marriott City Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Photography: R. Fritz Photography

I believe that the success of wedding day depends completely on the happiness and love of the newlyweds.  We’ve all seen the downside of this on countless episodes of Bridezillas.  I find it magical when a couple radiates so much positive energy that their guests have no choice but to be caught up in the excitement and romance of the day.  I can’t think of a better example of this than the reception of Christy Steidel and Matthew Crummy, held at The Rivers Club in downtown Pittsburgh, PA.

While I know every bride anticipates her wedding since childhood, Christy had an excitement that came through every time we talked, emailed, and met.  It was so infectious! It was clear throughout the night that both Christy and Matt were enjoying every second.

The first dance was sweet and elegant, such a beautiful bride!

The music flowed perfectly with the energy of the evening.  Cocktail and Dinner featured a great mix of Rat Pack and modern crooners.  When the dancing picked up there was a great variety of music for all ages.

I had the pleasure of meeting some of Christy’s family before the wedding.  Her father, Michael Steidel, was a big help with the details. I loved getting to see him dance with his “little girl”.

Not to be outdone, Matthew and his mother Martha danced next, and even included a few spins!

All of the guests were so caught up in everything that the dance floor flooded with people right away.

Christy and Matthew were so wonderful to refer me to their friends Joe & Sarah.  I’m excited to get to DJ at THEIR wedding this May!

I see a lot of beautiful wedding dresses, but Christy’s is one of my all time favorites.  Clearly it was made for the dancing bride, since later in the evening she was able to remove the bottom!

People like Christy and Matthew are why I devote my time to being the best wedding DJ I can be.  Their energy, love and excitement was so incredible every time we met, I knew their wedding would be the party of a lifetime!  The newlyweds are currently off on a Mediterranean cruise where I’m sure they’re loving every moment.

Venue: The Rivers Club, One Oxford Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Photography: Kendralla Photography

I love my clients.  I love the fact that they LOVE to plan, and want to involve me in ways to make their day truly memorable.  As my DJ business has grown over the years I’ve developed a real passion to help people make their day unique.  I had a chance to do some really fun and innovative things at the reception of Paige Honeywell and William Kress.  The reception was held at J. Verno Studios in Pittsburgh, PA.

First a word about the venue – stunning.  J. Verno opens his studio for many types of events.  Having your reception at the actual photographers’ studio really opens the door for some amazing opportunities.  They offer a fantastic photo booth where Paige and Bill provided lots of fun costumes for their guests to pose in.  This was a HUGE hit with everyone!

Paige and Bill provided me with a great set list to use throughout the evening.  I love it when my guests introduce me to new music!

Paige works as a school teacher, so she was certain to provide goody bags for all of the younger guests.  SO smart!

I always tell people that I’m thrilled to play a part of anything they have planned, even stuff that is new to me.  Paige provided me an awesome list of questions to use in “The Newlywed Shoe Game”.  It was such a success I just had to share it here.

After all the special activities, it was time to open the floor for some dancing!

I was so excited to get to see Darla and Matthew Abel at the reception, I was the DJ at their wedding back in 2008. They were awesome enough to suggest me to Paige and Bill.

Paige and Bill met at Kennywood, and looking back I think they gave their guests a bit of an beautiful and elegant theme park reception.  There were games, prizes, photo ops, wonderful food mixed with great friends and family.  I loved being part of something so well planned and unique to these two fantastic people.

Venue and Photography: J. Verno Studios, Pittsburgh, PA

Family, or perhaps in this case I should say la famiglia, is one of my favorite parts about DJing at weddings.  The wedding celebration is an opportunity for every relative to do their best to create the perfect day for the bride and groom.  Last night I saw a wonderful example of  the importance of la famiglia at the reception of Heather Wojtowicz and Nicky Papa held at the LeMont overlooking downtown Pittsburgh, PA.

During cocktail hour the flower girls were dancing to the Italian music – too cute for words!

When I first met Heather and Nicky it was clear how much they loved music.  We had a great time coming up with songs to use throughout the reception.  They wanted to make sure everyone had a good time so they told to play anything necessary to keep their friends and family dancing.

Instead of wedding cake, guests were treated to a dessert of tiramisu.  A great twist on an old tradition.

Once the dance floor was open, it was packed with family and friends of all ages!

Heather and Nicky knew the words to every song I played.  I loved watching them both sing along to some old school rap songs.

All of Heather and Nicky’s relatives were so much fun, they made everyone feel like part of la famiglia.  After a wonderfully perfect evening surrounded by their loved ones, the newlyweds are now ready for their Bahamas honeymoon. Congratulations to everyone!

Venue: LeMont, Pittsburgh
Photography: Bellissima Photography
Wedding Coordinator: Ambassador Events

I absolutely love being a wedding DJ.  I love it even more when my clients get me involved in ways to make their day special.  Sometimes I hear from people who feel they need “just a DJ”, and typically I’m not a great match for them.  Instead, my clients are those who recognize ways I can help make their day run smoothly.  Just yesterday I was able to play several different roles at the ceremony and reception of Amanda Reistadtler and Jonathan Newcomer at Greystone Fields in Gibsonia, PA.

I was able to provide music for the Ceremony on what I think might have been the most beautiful day of the year.

Amanda and Jonathan provided me with a great song list to use throughout the day.  They were so kind to their guests to allow a few of the “do no play” selections to be heard. Then they even danced to them!  Awesome!

Amanda provided me with a CD of her singing a song as a surprise to Jonathan.  They danced to it right after their first dance, what a romantic gift.

A special thanks to the amazing team at Weddings By Heather who referred Jonathan’s mother to me.  Heather’s work, attitude, and passion for weddings inspires me every time we work together.

Once the sun went down, the dance floor went wild!

Amanda and Jonathan spent the entire evening dancing, laughing and having a great time.  I had the best time getting to know them.

The Newcomers also hired me to create a photo montage of their childhood photos to display throughout the reception.  It’s always a treat to see photos of my clients’ lives leading up to this special day.  I’m so thankful that Amanda and Jonathan took full advantage of my services, and that everything they had planned worked so incredibly well.  The happy couple is now ready for some relaxation on a wonderful honeymoon in Mexico.

Venue: Greystone Fields
Photography: WeddingsbyHeather

Each wedding reception is always different, but I always love it when a client finds ways to make their day even more unique.  It’s the special touches that will be what your guests remember and tell their friends.  Yesterday I was fortunate to be the disc jockey at a reception that gave me lots to talk about for years to come.  Jenny deAngelis and Steve Weiss held their fantastic reception at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh, PA.

The ballroom at the Renaissance looked beautiful as always.  Since the reception was held during the Fourth of July weekend, there was a subtle yet elegant patriotic theme to the decor.

Jenny and Steve have fun tastes in music and they chose a great variety throughout the evening.

The first dance happened perfectly at dusk.  They had a wonderfully choreographed dance to the song 867-5309 (Jenny Jenny) by Tommy Tutone.

Later in the evening, there was a great view of the Pittsburgh fireworks.

All the guests then danced the Hora as they lifted the newlyweds!

This may have been the furthest bouquet toss ever…

Jenny and Steve’s guests crowded the dance floor to every song.  What a great celebration!

Jenny and Steve spent a lot of time creating a day that no one will soon forget. I had such a great time as the DJ of a reception that was so fun and fresh.  The happy couple is off for a well deserved honeymoon in Tahiti.

Venue: Renaissance Hotel, Pittsburgh, PA
Photography: Joanna Fassinger