MERRY WEDDINGS blog

So Lisa and I are standing in line this morning at Starbucks when a young mother with 2 small children turned to me and said, “You were the DJ at my wedding 5 years ago.”

Her name was Brooke and she married Justin back on July 26th, 2003.

Justin & Brooke with Peter on July 26th, 2003

We reminisced about how one of her relatives had drawn a gigantic heart on the grassy hillside across the street from the Laguna Hills Community Center (where their reception was hosted) with a huge “J+B” in the middle.

There was also a striking moment during their reception when we honored a decorated, uniformed member of the Navy Seals who had just returned from a tour of duty in Iraq. The guests gave him a well-deserved standing ovation.

Navy Seal, Bill Posey

I love running into former clients and finding out how much their lives have changed since their big day.

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In May of 1999, while entertaining at Craig & Kelly Cooper’s Reception, I was asked to to pull a fast one on Craig’s brother, Steve, who was one of his Best Men that day. During the Grand Entrance…we surprised him with a brief version of “The Dating Game” as a roast of his status as a perpetually single guy. Steve played along quit well…but when you see the footage…be sure to check out Bachelorette #2…what a HOTTIE!

Craig and Kelly had selected a casual Hawaiian theme and they had insisted that I wear board shorts and sandals. This is the only reception I have ever performed at in shorts. So I introduced myself to their guests on the mic as “DJ of Great White Legs.”

So fast forward to today…imagine my delight when I found out that Steve Cooper was finally getting married. And today he and his fiancé, Jessica, secured my services for their big day in July of 2008…when Jessica will become his wife…in San Francisco. Look out Craig…you know what they say about payback…

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Travis & Danielle got married last night at Rancho Capistrano in San Juan Capistrano…but there was a small amount of Deja Vu going on…not just for me as I have entertained for weddings there off and on for over 13 years…but for Travis & Danielle as well.

Travis had been a groomsman in a wedding reception at Rancho Capistrano back in July of 2004, when he and Danielle had been dating for a little over a year. The groom at that wedding, Bryant, was now serving as one of Travis’ groomsmen…and I was thrilled to get to see Bryant & Brooke as I had also served as their Wedding Entertainment Director™ back then as well.

Their photographer was Jack Randall of Jack Randall Photography, whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with off and on since 1999. I gave Jack a copy of my new book, “The Best Wedding Reception…Ever!” and he seemed very impressed with it.

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Eric & Sabrina

Eric & Sabrina got married last night…and their reception was on the top floor ballroom of the Marina del Rey Marriott. The view was breathtaking…you could see the twinkling city lights all around…from Los Angeles…to Century City…to the hills of Hollywood…to Santa Monica and Malibu.

Check out that view!

Sabrina used to work as a Nanny for Bernard & Gialisa (whose reception I had entertained at as their Wedding Entertainment Director™ back in September of 2003) and she had watched their wedding video a few times while taking care of their infant son.

Eric proposed to Sabrina while they were visiting Disneyland and he used the services of a caricature artist to pull it off. After they posed for their “portrait”…they went for dinner nearby while the artist completed their drawing. When they returned, Sabrina was surprised to find the artist had drawn Eric down on one knee while holding an egagement ring…and when she turned around to look at Eric…there he was…on one knee with the ring in hand just as the artist had depticted him.

I have to say that Elizabeth Leal with the Marina del Rey Marriott was a pleasure to work with, as was their photographer, Robin Fadtke of ZoArt Photography. I am looking forward to seeing how their photos turned out.

Eric & Sabrina's First Dance (Check out the Groomsmen's shoes!)

Best wishes Eric & Sabrina…thanks again for allowing to be a part of your celebration.

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Lisa and I decided to spend our Memorial Day weekend in Phoenix, AZ visiting with our good friends, Curtis & Amy Hoekstra. Curtis & Amy were married in in March of 2005 and I had the privilege of providing the entertainment at their reception. Curtis also provides entertainment at receptions via his company, Remarkable Receptions.

As it turned out, Curtis had a wedding set for last night and so I rode along as his assistant.

Imagine my surprise when the minister walked up and we recognized each other. His name is Dr. Jon Ireland and he’s a Pastor in Santa Babara. We had worked together at 2 weddings in the area in the last 2 years and he is simply one of the best ceremony ministers I have seen in action. His delivery during this ceremony very personalized, friendly, and engaging. He even took a moment to read special notes of thanks that the Bride and Groom had written to their parents.
The reception kicked off with Curtis delivering a very fun and personalized grand entrance that had everyone in attendance laughing and cheering. I heard many people in attendance (including the catering staff) commenting on how creative and fun the introductions had been.

Later in the evening, Curtis really showed how being prepared can make the dancing even better as he began pulling out truly unique songs that had been college favorites of Christie & Garrett’s (the Bride and Groom) inlcuding an upbeat version of “Joyful, Joyful” from their days together in choir, which is where they had first met.

Curtis’ performance as the Master of Ceremonies was truly “Remarkable” indeed. He was polished, prepared, professional, and very classy in everything that he said and did last night. No wonder he’s also one of the first members of the new Wedding Entertainment Directors Guild™.

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