Heather and Scott describe themselves as a “quirky, weird hipster couple,” and while that may be accurate in some ways, it doesn’t come close to conveying their warmth, romance and vivaciousness.

Let’s get something straight here: it’s not easy to have an eclectic song list filled with artists as diverse as Leonard Cohen, Nirvana and Arcade Fire, and still have a kick ass party…especially on a Sunday night.  Yet another reason why Heather and Scott are amazing!

The Ceremony

The ceremony began with a humorous dissertation on marriage, socially, historically, etymology and chemically, in honor of

Photo by Steph

Heather and Scott’s scholarly backgrounds.  But it was the vows they had written for each other completely stole the show.  (I didn’t take notes because I was too busy wiping my eyes, if that tells you anything.)

Heather was beyond adorable!  She wore a strapless gown with chunky pearls and a sapphire and diamond necklace.  Her hair drawn back in a white feather fascinator and topped with a bird cage veil, the image of funky vintage cool.

After the ceremony, guests threw paper airplanes instead of rice, and the couple ducked, laughing, as they walked back down the aisle.

The Details

The bridesmaids wore deep blue dresses cut above the knee and blue feathers in their hair, and carried wildflower bouquets.  The groomsmen and Men of Honor wore smart gray suits.

Heather and Scott met at Rhino Records, and music was a primary feature of their wedding.  Each table was named for a They Might Be Giants song, each title written on a record: Robot Parade, My Brother the Ape, Through Being Cool.

The wedding cake, created by talented pastry chef (and former bride of ours!) Robin Brophy, was just gorgeous, with white sugar flowers, each with blue or purple stamens, and topped with a pair of owls.

Photo by Steph

The Music

Heather and Scott shared their first dance to “I Called You Back” by Bonnie Prince Billy, the song Scott played for her on their very first date, declaring boldly (prophetically?), “I’m playing this song at my wedding.”

Heather surprised Scott by singing, “I Will Follow You Into the Dark,” accompanied by Dave on guitar and Matt on harmony.  She explained that she had combed their music collection of over 5,000 albums searching for a song that represented Scott, only to settle on a song that is an extension of their vows, “exploring the dark side of love,” the macabre Scott had taught her to appreciate.  Her voice was clear, sweet and sincere.  Scott listened to his new bride sing, absolutely beaming.

This was the first time we saw the bride body surfing on the dance floor.  Yes, body surfing!  And also the first time we had the groom’s mother pull out a whiffle bat to chase her son around during their dance together to the Ramones, “Beat on the brat with a baseball bat, oh yeah!”

We also had the pleasure of visiting with THREE of our former couples who were among Heather and Scott’s guests.

We are so honored to have played a part in your day.  Truly, truly honored.  Thanks for inviting us, Heather and Scott!

Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel

Photos by Matt Petricone

Cake by Robin Brophy

Jacie and Tyler are simply adorable together.  Jacie was tall and lovely in her off the shoulder gown and a snowflake barrette in her long hair.  They exchanged vows in the Terrace room while Jeff played acoustic guitar.  The couple was  married “officially” last February before Tyler was deployed, so this ceremony was a special sentimental moment shared with all their guests.

At the reception, the parents and bridal party were introduced to “Say Hey, I Love You” by Michael Franti.  Jacie and Tyler shared a special dance to the acoustic version of “Calling You” by Blue October.  (I love Blue October!  And this sweet acoustic version makes an amazing first dance.)

The Details

The Terrace Room was transformed into a snowflake wedding theme.  White and pale blue linens sprinkled with snowflakes were on the tables, matching the Maid of Honor’s dress.  The gorgeous wedding cake had white and pale blue snowflakes and a jeweled snowflake topper.

There were tons of reasons for this group to celebrate: Tyler’s return from Iraq, Jacie and Tyler’s birthdays, Jacie’s graduation from massage therapy school the newlyweds moving to Colorado.  All these wrapped into one made for a warm, enthusiastic group!

One of the highlights of the night was when Jacie’s friend Natalia sang, “Like a Star” by Corinne Bailey Raye.  She and Jacie have been friends since they were three years old!  She nailed this song with amazing pitch and a beautiful voice.

By the end of the night, Jacie and Tyler’s friends were in quite the good mood.  We watched a tall young man lift the Best Man into the air a la Dirty Dancing to “The Time” by the Black Eyed Peas.  I think that was a first for us!

Check out these gorgeous winter wedding photos by Elissa Davidson.  Jacie and Tyler braved the bridge in the cold, but these images make it totally worth it!

Jacie and Tyler, you and your families did an amazing job with your Poughkeepsie wedding.  Thanks for inviting us!

Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel

Photos by Elissa Davidson *Photos in this blog post courtesy of Elissa.

The couple dated in high school 35 years ago.  They went on to live separate lives and have children, until three years ago when Susan contacted Nick through Classmates.com.  The romance was back on!

Susan and Nick’s love story through the years featured in their wedding day and really drew all the guests into their story. And when that happens, a party is inevitable!

Meet the Family

The newlyweds chose a different song for each group of family members who were introduced: “For Once In My Life” by Michael Buble for Susan’s parents, “Holiday” by Madonna for the flower girl, and “It’s Raining Men” for Susan and Nick’s four sons, much to their great embarrassment.

Susan and Nick, whose love for the Giants is probably only surpassed by their love for each other, were introduced to their theme song, “Proud To Be a New York Giant.”

The Love Letters

In letters they wrote for each other, they shared their history, their mutual love of sports, travel and their sons.  Nick ended his with an introduction to their first dance, “I chose this song because this is how you make me feel.”

They danced to “You Make Me Feel Brand New” by the Stylistics.  Susan looked beautiful, and even more beautiful was the way they looked at each other as they moved across the floor.

The Details

Tables were named and labeled with NY Giant’s jerseys, and guests received gifts of Giant’s football ornaments.  The cake was decorated with sugar holly and poinsettia between the tiers.

The groom’s cake (in this case, I’m sure it was the bride and groom’s cake) was an impressive ode to the Giants: Giant’s stadium topped with a bride dragging her Giant’s attired groom.

Photo by Steph

Guests visited a memorial table that included the wedding album of Nick’s parents and Susan’s infamous high school year book that Nick had signed, “I will always love you.”

Susan and Nick shared so much of their love story, their sense of fun and worked in so many little details at the wedding that it was a true delight.  Even down to the comments in their ceremony program about their music choices, “Beautiful by Jim Brickman, because Nick thinks I am…Can’t Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Vallie, because we can’t.”

May you never take your eyes off each other and enjoy an amazing holiday season, Susan and Nick.  Thank you so much for inviting us to your wedding!

Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel

Photos by Vivian Photography *All the attractive photos in this blog courtesy of Vivian.

How did I know it would be good?  Well, we did the music for Tara’s sister’s wedding way back in 2005.  So we knew from experience that this family rocks!

Gangster Entrance

The bridal party made their entrance to a pumpin’ version of “Sing, Sing, Sing” by The Spitfire Band…the guys in black suits wearing sunglasses and white fedoras, the girls in black gowns with white sashes, autumn colored hairpieces and bouquets with vibrant fall colors, feathers and masquerade masks.

The Maid of Honor and Best Man, Tara’s sister and brother, requested a special song, “Smooth Criminal” by Michael Jackson, cued up at just the right point to give them a slick, stylin’ entrance.

Of course, Tara and Adam were the stars.  Their entrance song?  The theme from the Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers!  “They’ve got a force that you’ve never seen before…”

Tara looked absolutely amazing!  Her strapless gown had a black sash matched the bridal party and her elaborate diamond hairpiece was glamorous and elegant.  But it was Tara’s beauty and adorable sense of humor that really stole the show.

After the first dance, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” from the Jersey Boys Soundtrack, the bridesmaids lifted their skirts (not that high!) to reveal another Halloween touch…black and orange striped stockings!  Tara even wore black, orange and yellow candy corn shoes.

The Details

Each table was named after a candy bar…Twix, M&M’s, Snickers, etc…and had two goblets full of their signature candy on them.  Tara and her family hand made the autumn centerpieces.

A Jack-o-lantern ice sculpture was the highlight of the candy buffet table stuffed with jars of candy.  And the wedding cake!  It was decorated with gorgeous branches and autumn leaves, topped with a jeweled tree and a bride and groom cake topper, the groom with a ball and chain locked on his leg, the bride holding the key.

Photo by Steph

We played “Monster Mash” to give out wax lips, fangs and mustaches to the guests, who then rocked out to “Thriller” by Michael Jackson.

How to pick some highlights from this party?  Well, the Mayor of Poughkeepsie, John C. Tkazyik led us in a blessing over the meal and then presented Adam and Tara with a certificate proclaiming October 30th Poughkeepsie’s Adam and Tara Day!

Cheeky Garter Toss

The newlyweds picked, “Too Many Dicks On the Dance Floor,” by Flight of the Conchords to be played when Adam tossed the garter to the guys.  I couldn’t stop laughing!

Tara and her sister Tiffany were adorable, dancing all night long and hamming up the floor with each other.  At one point they sang, “Come What May” at the top of their lungs, finishing to thunderous applause.

Adam and Tara, this was an amazing night.  Thank you so much for letting us join in your kooky Halloween fun!

Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel

Photo & Video by Majestic Studios *Photos in this blog post courtesy of Majestic Studios

Photo by Steph

wedding ceremony and reception were filled with both sentimental and silly moments.

After Laurie’s father walked down the aisle at their ceremony in the Terrace room, the very jovial pastor charged him, “You can make or break this wedding right now…Who gives this woman to be married?”

Laurie’s father gave his assent…then promptly had a whispered conversation with the nearly-weds, which made us all chuckle.

Cool Recessional

Jeff performed “You and Me” by Dave Matthews for the recessional.  He did an awesome job, if I do say so myself!

I love the songs they chose for their introductions!  First, “Copperhead Road” by Steve Earle, then “King of Spain” by the Tallest Man on Earth, before finally making their (slightly nervous but adorable) entrance to “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” by the Dropkick Murphys.

“The maitre’d told us where to go when we came in,” Nate told me afterward.  “But then we just couldn’t remember!”

It was so cute!

The guests slow-clapped along with their first dance to Ray Lamontagne’s “You Are the Best Thing.”

The Details

The ceremony took place before a white arbor draped in tulle and lights, with basket arrangements of sunflowers and deep red and orange lilies at either side.  The favors were bottles of red and white wine made by Laurie’s father.  The bouquets were beautiful tight arrangements of red-hued calla lilies and sunflowers, the same flowers that topped the wedding cake.

Photo by Steph

Everyone was so attentive of Laurie’s 87 year old grandfather.  They asked us to dedicate songs to him (Nat King Cole and Patsy Cline) and kept inviting him to dance; he was even out there with his walker for Katy Perry!

Since it was Halloween weekend, “Thriller” was one of the highlights of the night!  Our friend Gary from Christine Studios photography captured an amazing video clip of one guest breaking it down on the dance floor.

This wedding was a blast!  Thanks for having us, Laurie and Nate.  You are truly top notch.

Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel

Photos by Christine Studios

Jeff and I first met Nora and RJ a few years back when we were DJ’ing a wedding and Nora was the photographer.  We hit it off with these sweet, fun loving high school sweethearts and kept in touch when we proceeding to work the weddings for their group of friends.

When it came time for Nora and RJ to get hitched, we were flattered and completely psyched that they choose US to do the music for their big day.

This whole wedding was about HEART; their 240 or so guests were mostly family and the love was overwhelming.  Nora and RJ took it to a new level.  Usually when couples write “love letters” to each other, I read it for them.  But Nora and RJ read their own, bringing down the house with gentle teasing (RJ’s passionate affair with Excel spreadsheets) and the gratitude they have for each other.

THE DETAILS:  Nora designed her invitations, menus, CD favors and came up with her rustic woodlands theme.  The centerpieces were wheat grass and the cake matched, perched on a slice of a wooden log.  Nora made the adorable bird cake topper, using the lace from her mother’s wedding gown in the lady bird’s veil.

Nora couldn’t have been more lovely.  If only I could describe wedding gowns better…she had shed her bird cage veil by reception time, but the feather in her hairpiece added a playful touch.

Could these guys dance!  Nora told me that she and her father were the family’s “crazy dancers.”  They led everyone in an enthusiastic Armenian dance, Tarantella and on into the night.  I didn’t want it to end.

Nora and RJ had just about the best crew I could think of, with the Grand staff doing an excellent job of service and presentation, plus our wedding buds Lori O’Toole and Jen Cassaro of Masterpiece Video.  It was a slam dunk!

We are so pleased and honored to have been a part of such an incredible day in your lives.  Nora and RJ, you ROCK.  Thank you!

Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel

Photos by Lori O’Toole *Photos in this blog post courtesy of Lori O’Toole.

Video by Masterpiece Video Productions

Amy really wanted a wedding that incorporated personal details and touches to make their day extra special.  We brainstormed lots of ideas and left it to Amy and Eric’s creativity to choose the ones that fit them best.  They absolutely succeeded and did an amazing job!

It was extremely important for the couple to highlight music at the wedding since Amy is a singer and music teacher and Eric is a singer-songwriter.  (Talk about a match made in heaven!)

At their ceremony in the Terrace Room, Amy’s sister sang Twila Paris’ beautiful song, “How Beautiful,” accompanied by the Julie Berman Ensemble.  Amy and Eric also received Communion and performed a Covenant of Salt, sealing their vows as a promise before God by touching salt to each other’s lips, as it was done in Biblical days.  Amy was amazingly beautiful, with the most radiant smile, in a strapless gown with diamonds about the waist and a floor length veil as she recited her vows with absolute sincerity and commitment.

THE DETAILS:  The Terrace Room was transformed with blue uplighting to accent the blue napkins at the tables.  The bridesmaids wore sexy one-shoulder dresses in deep blue.  The four flower girls wore white and carried pomanders; two of them had sage green sashes and two had blue sashes.  Instead of place cards, the guests received votive candles with their names on them and the wedding photos of the couple’s parents and grandparents were placed on the gift table.

We learned more about Eric’s musical background at the reception when his Best Man projected a circa 1988 photo of Eric with his rock band Jaguar, onto a big screen for everyone to see (and laugh at) with the guys sporting long, glammed out hair and 80′s attire.

Amy serenaded Eric by singing a song called, “We Build,” with words reflecting her commitment to build their relationship through thick and thin.  Not only was her voice beautiful, her words were filled with devotion and truly sung from the heart.

With the fabulous staff at the Grand and the video and photo crew, it was a seamless performance.  It was such a pleasure to play a part in it.  Thank you so much, Amy and Eric.  We loved it!

Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel

Ceremony music by Julie Berman Ensemble

Photos by Mamaratzy Photography *Photos in this blog post courtesy of Tiffany Brown, Mamaratzy Photography.

Video by Plasma Productions

Uplighting by Hourglass Lighting

Tara’s colors highlighted the new decor of the Regency ballroom: the bridesmaids in luxurious red matched the table linens.  A tall vase of beautiful white cala lilies graced the center of each table.

Tara and Jeff added some extra special touches to their wedding.  Guests enjoyed custom martinis during cocktail hour.  Instead of place cards, the guests’ table assignments were engraved on glass votives, each lit with a candle.  Vintage wedding photographs of the couple’s parents and grandparents decorated a table near the door.  In addition to cake, dessert featured bananas foster and a decadent chocolate fountain.

Jeff was the music lover of the pair, so he chose “Let Me Clear My Throat” by DJ Kool for their introduction.  The bridal party, especially the guys, hooted and hollered to cheer them in.

Tara and Jeff danced to “Making Memories of Us,” by Keith Urban, a song they danced on the roof to while they were dating.  Not every couple has a “special song” (my Jeff and I sure didn’t!) but if you can find a significant song from your relationship, like Tara and Jeff did, it can be extra special.  And if you share it with your guests, they’ll eat it up!

People watching is one of my favorite past times, and the DJ life is the ideal way to indulge my hobby.  I love to watch the romantic moments, the goofy dancing, the laughter and the tears.

One of my favorite voyeuristic moments came at the end of dinner.  I slipped on one of Jeff’s special requests, “Waste” by Phish.  Jeff gave a shy smile as he recognized the song, then scanned the room until he found Tara.  He crept across the room until he was standing behind her, then placed a loving hand on her shoulder and asked her to dance.  The two of them owned the dance floor for the next three minutes.  “Come waste some time with me…”

Ah, Jeff couldn’t fool me.  As tough as he looked, he was a true romantic.

Congratulations, Tara and Jeff!

Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel

Photos by Allan Levine Photography

The bridal party was introduced to “Heavy Action,” also known as the theme for Monday Night Football. (I’m sensing that Alan had something to do with that choice…)  We met Kara and Alan for the first time that wedding day, but the love between them was obvious right away.  They shared an intimate First Dance together as husband and wife, trading shy smiles, as they danced to “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flats.

The bridesmaids were dressed in red, carrying white rose bouquets, and Kara’s strapless gown had a matching red sash about the waist.  I loved the splash of holiday color added to her winter wonderland wedding.

Since Kara and Alan met line dancing, it was only natural that they should celebrate their line dancing prowess on their wedding day.  The newlyweds led a partners’ dance to “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy” and taught their guests how to line dance to “Footloose.”  But the group dancing didn’t end there.  Guests packed the floor for the Cha Cha Slide, the Electric Slide, and coaxed everyone up to join a conga line to “C’mon Ride It.”

Now, I’ve seen a few bouquet and garter toss shenanigans in my time as a Hudson Valley DJ, but Kara and Alan’s wedding was a first.  Alan tossed the garter to the waiting single guys behind him.  The garter went up…and didn’t come down.  The guys looked around helplessly.  He’d thrown it so high and at just such an angle that it landed on top of one of the supports in the ceiling!  It lodged there until Chris, the banquet manager, climbed a ladder to fish it out, while the guests danced around him.

The snow fell harder and faster throughout the reception, and still the guests danced.

We worked with Kelley and Todd Whitaker, a husband-wife photographer team from Connecticut.  They were wonderful; silently capturing the memories while the newlyweds and their guests had the time of their lives.   Having another loving couple actively involved in the wedding day really does cast a glow over the entire celebration.  Of course, I’m just a girl who’s grateful she gets to work with her best friend.  *grin*

Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel

Photos by Kelley & Todd Whitaker

I knew Colleen and Jeff from my days working at All Sport Poughkeepsie (the place they met!) so when we saw them at the Poughkeepsie Grand Bridal Expo and found out they were getting married…I decided this was a wedding we HAD to be a part of.

The couple surrounded themselves with familiar faces, and not just us. Judge Elia from Highland, who Jeff knew from his work as a police officer and was also a friend of the family, joked before the ceremony, “It’s nice to see Jeff without so many handcuffs.”

The bridesmaids were dressed in red, the favorite for autumn weddings, and they carried bouquets of yellow and orange tiger lilies. The guys had roses on their lapels.

The ceremony was short and sweet, accompanied by classical music selections from Handel, Mozart, and Paschebel.

It was great to see our friends Samantha and Scott, both in the couple’s bridal party, also from the All Sport crowd, whose wedding we did in the very same Regency ballroom at the Grand Hotel three years ago. “It’s just like my wedding,” Scott dead panned. “Except this time, I don’t have to pay for it.”

It was great reliving those memories with Samantha and Scott. We made new ones, watching the young guys in black with white ties and fedoras dancing with Colleen’s grandmother. It was a lively group, a fitting tribute to another successful workplace romance.

Did you know I have a “thing” for love at work? Could be because Jeff and I met working at IBM over twelve years ago…

Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel

Photos by Myles Studio