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Real Wedding: Roshonda & Stephen

Don't you love playful weddings? I sometimes get a bit wrapped up in the formality of it all - it's one of the few times you can really have a fancy event - and forget to infuse a sense of humour into it all. This couple, however, has managed to create a gorgeous event full of lovely details and not lose sight of the importance of a good giggle! Enjoy it below - their happiness is contagious. 


From the Photographer, Charo Photo: 
Roshonda and Stephen are both in the Army, and when they started planning their wedding, she was stationed in Iraq. She did all of her wedding plans from abroad, relying on friends and family to get details together - which meant that it was a crazy, scattered, and completely wonerful weekend! The big event was at The Davenport in South Carolina on a Sunday morning. Nearly everything at this wedding was DIY - the food, flowers, desserts, and all. Everyone pulled together and created something truly beautiful for the couple, even with the time constraints and other limitations. I was very lucky to have been a part of this crazy weekend! Roshonda was a delightful bride to work with - gutsy, adventurous, and spirited throughout it all.

Sneak Peek: South Carolina Real Wedding

When I was sent this gem from Charo Photo, I couldn't help but crack a smile. Gotta love a wedding that gives you the giggles - be sure to come back Tuesday for more!

Hey Mister Dee Jay...

Martha Stewart Weddings

When you simplify it all - boil down the dinner and the decor and the dress, alphabetize those place cards and (finally) decide on your hair,  your wedding is a party. The biggest party you'll ever throw, yes, but a party still. And, my dears, a party is never really a party without dancing, now is it?? 

The truth is, music is as much a part of your decor as your flowers. It has a huge role to play in setting the ambience, the tone, the vibe of your big day. Frolicking down the aisle to Bruno Mars tugs on different heart strings than a steady gait to Vivaldi, par example. 

Now without getting into the DJ vs. Live Band debate (we'll go there another time), I thought we could chat a bit about sussing out a spin master that'll have the hankies out during the ceremony and the shoes off on the dance floor. "What questions do I ask?" (you ask). Well harken here my waltzing Matilda, and you'll know in just what direction to point those feet.

1. "Do you do weddings?"

A club DJ is going to hit a very different note than one who knows how to please all ages. While you may bury your head in the sand if you hear the Funky Chicken, a wedding DJ is a different beast - but doesn't have to fit the Adam Sandler image you've got in your mind. There is an art to playing songs that make Grandma kick off her Dr. Scholl's without totally clearing the floor, or to getting your hipster friends to cut a rug without offending the more sensitive ears in the room. And this art, my dears, takes practice.

2. "Do you know our venue? If not, will you check it out before?"

God knows if you're like me, you know that a DJ needs a plug in the wall and let's be honest, haven't thought much further. You want someone who is going to set up in a jiffy and know which extension cords (or whatever) to bring before the big day, so that you aren't having your first dance to the sound of crickets while buddy hits up Home Depot.

3. "How much is overtime?"

Some DJ's won't actually charge for overtime and will swipe a flat rate, but many have it into the contract that they'll play to a set hour. To ensure that the lights don't go out if you happen to be having a super-great time later than expected, pre-arrange what you'll do if the party is just too rockin' to shut down. That way, when the credit card bill rolls in after the event, the lights won't go out at home. At least not because of your DJ bill.

Fashion Smashion - DJ Pauly D

4. "What will you wear?"

Ensure they know your dress code and will adhere to it. I.E. The "tux" shouldn't be printed on a tee-shirt.

5. "What equipment is included in the cost?" 

No one likes hidden fees.

6. "How to we set up a no-play list?"

Because truly... Funky Chicken.

7. "Do you take requests?"

This is a toughie - and it depends on what you think about your friends taste in music. It could be great, because your buddies may come up with an oldie you hadn't thought about since junior high, or it could be bad, because you hate that song. When it comes down to it, if you find someone who just gets your taste in music, they'll tactfully turn away the ones that rub you the wrong way and blare your faves on full volume. If you're feeling like a middle ground, set it up to take requests on your wedding website and filter them a bit... but there is something to be said for being able to holler when the song you just gotta hear next comes to mind! 

So there's a start. Picking your DJ is one of the biggies when it comes to wedding decisions, because it is the part that really has the pull when it comes to the party - it can make or break (dance) the bash! So choose wisely, meet the peeps in person, and ask lots and lots of questions! 

California Real Wedding: Amy & Scott

I love me some California weddings, and even more, I love me some quirky, unique California weddings! When this one landed in my inbox my smile practically smacked me across the face. It just glows with adorable DIY details - even the musicians were family and friends!

From the Photographer, Thor Swift Photography:
Amy and Scott were married at Amy's boss' ranch in Healdsburg, California, along the banks of the Russian River. Music and performance are very important to Amy and Scott, so for the reception everyone was invited to perform, because Amy notes, "in the Jewish tradition, it's a mitzvah to make the bride and groom smile." Amy serenaded Scott with an a cappella version of, "I'm your man" (though she changed some of the words). Scott and a fellow member of his band, "Conspiracy of Beards" performed also. As the sun was setting Amy and Scott wanted to go for a swim, but there was not enough time for Amy to change into her wedding bathing suit, so she went into the Russian River wearing her Lanvin wedding dress. Most of the vendors were friends.