David & Chelsea - March 3, 2012

The Venue: The Stoneleigh Hotel in Dallas

If you’re looking for a vintage spot for a medium-sized wedding, The Stoneleigh Hotel definitely fits the bill. It has tons of character, especially the 11th floor which includes the Penthouse Suite with a huge rooftop terrace overlooking downtown Dallas. David & Chelsea were not planning a sit-down dinner, so they only used the Grand Salon for their ceremony. (This room is often times used for a formal dinner.) Instead, they had plenty of passed hors d'oeuvres to keep their guests fed.

Since the rest of the 11th floor is pretty spread out, I placed speakers in both the hallway and the bar area (aka The Library), one of them wireless.

Everything was well organized and flowed smoothly thanks Chelsea’s awesome Dallas wedding planner, Kristin Mullen at Events By Kristin! I’ll link back to the photos and video as soon as they are available.

The Music

David, Chelsea, and the bridesmaids spent a great deal of time brainstorming their favorite songs for their reception. Although I usually indicate which songs were on the bride & groom’s playlist (to differentiate from the ones that I picked), I’ll avoid putting asterisks all over the blog post. I’d estimate about 90% of what I played was directly from their list. They knew exactly what they wanted to hear and what would keep their guests dancing. Open dancing started around 8:00 and didn’t end until midnight, and the floor was never empty!

Ceremony
Processional (bridesmaids entrance): Rolling Stones - She’s A Rainbow [1968]
Bridal entrance: Bryan Adams - Heaven (ceremony edit) [1985]
Recessional: Natalie Cole - This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) [1975]

Cocktails
Journey - Lights [1978]
Chicago - Colour My World [1971]
Foreigner - I Don't Want To Live Without You (single version) [1988]
Gerry Rafferty - Baker Street (promo single version) [1978]
Elton John - I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues [1984]
Fleetwood Mac - Hold Me [1982]
Hootie & The Blowfish - Hold My Hand [1995]
Ray LaMontagne - You Are The Best Thing [2008]
INXS - Never Tear Us Apart [1988]
Extreme - More Than Words (Remix) [1991]
Van Morrison - Moondance [1970]
Mr Big - To Be With You (promo single version) [1992]
John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads [1971]

Grand Entrance
Queen - You're My Best Friend [1976]

First Dance
Willie Nelson - Unchained Melody (first dance edit) [1978]

Father/Daughter
Beatles - In My Life (father-daughter edit) [1966]

Mother/Son
Jackson 5 - I'll Be There (mother-son edit) [1970]

Open Dancing
Cat Stevens - Wild World [1971]
Garth Brooks - Shameless [1991]
Abba - Take A Chance On Me (promo single version) [1979]
Four Seasons - December, 1963 (Oh, What A Night) (single version) [1976]
Michael Jackson - Rock With You (single version) [1980]
Elton John - Your Song [1971]
Righteous Brothers - You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' (mono) [1965]
Wilson Pickett - Mustang Sally (mono) [1966]
Queen - Another One Bites The Dust [1980]
B-52's - Love Shack (single version) [1989]
Kenny Loggins - Footloose (LP version) [1984]
Chubby Checker - Let's Twist Again (mono) [1961]
Foundations - Build Me Up Buttercup (mono single version) [1969]
Isley Brothers - Shout (Parts 1 & 2) (w/o false ending) [1959]
George Strait - I Cross My Heart [1992]
Garth Brooks - Friends In Low Places [1990]
Pink - Raise Your Glass (Radio Edit) [2010]
Black Eyed Peas - I Gotta Feeling (Radio Edit) [2009]
Earth Wind & Fire - September [1979]
Salt-N-Pepa - Push It (Remix) [1987]
Run-DMC - It's Tricky (LP Version) [1987]
MC Hammer - U Can't Touch This [1990]
Michael Jackson - Billie Jean [1983]
Kool & The Gang - Celebration (single version) [1981]
Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble - Pride And Joy [1983]
Journey - Faithfully [1983]
Dixie Chicks - Landslide (Sheryl Crow Remix) [2003]

Cake Cutting
Barry Louis Polisar - All I Want Is You (from "Juno") [1977]

Alicia Keys - No One (first dance edit) [2007]
UB40 - Red Red Wine (LP version) [1988]
Black Eyed Peas - Pump It (Radio Edit) [2006]
Spice Girls - Wannabe (Single Edit) [1997]
Montell Jordan - This Is How We Do It (extended) [1995]
Usher f/Lil Jon & Ludacris - Yeah (Radio Mix) [2004]
Kesha - Tik Tok [2010]
Justin Timberlake - Like I Love You [2002]
Madonna - Vogue (Single Version) [1990]
Madonna - Music [2000]
Destiny's Child - Lose My Breath (Radio Edit) [2004]
69 Boyz - Tootsee Roll (Rap Version) [1994]
Cyndi Lauper - Girls Just Want To Have Fun [1984]
Rolling Stones - Start Me Up [1981]
Journey - Don't Stop Believin' [1981]
Bon Jovi - Livin' On A Prayer [1987]
Terror Squad - Lean Back (Clean) [2004]
Kanye West - Gold Digger (extended intro) [2005]
J-Kwon - Tipsy [2004]
Bob Seger - Old Time Rock & Roll [1978]
Beatles - Twist And Shout (mono) [1964]
Flo Rida f/T-Pain - Low (New Radio Mix) [2008]
Flo Rida - Good Feeling (extended) [2011]
LMFAO - Sexy And I Know It [2011]
Maroon 5 feat Christina Aguilera - Moves Like Jagger (extended) [2011]
Jennifer Lopez feat Pitbull - On The Floor (extended) [2011]
Destiny's Child - Jumpin, Jumpin [2000]
Jay-Z feat Amil & Ja Rule - Can I Get A (Clean Album Version) [1998]
Coolio - Gangsta's Paradise [1995]
Jay-Z - Dirt Off Your Shoulder (Mainstream Version) [2004]
Lou Bega - Mambo No 5 (Radio Edit) [1999]
Wham - Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go [1984]
Dexy's Midnight Runners Come On Eileen (promo single version) [1983]
Jennifer Lopez - Jenny From The Block (No Rap Version) [2002]
Ace Of Base - The Sign [1994]
Salt-N-Pepa - Shoop (Single Version) [1993]
Commodores - Brick House [1977]
Ben E King - Stand By Me (mono) [1961]
Frank Sinatra - The Way You Look Tonight [1964]
Dolly Parton - 9 To 5 [1981]
Van Morrison - Brown Eyed Girl [1967]
Nelly Furtado feat Timbaland - Promiscuous (Radio Edit) [2006]
Timbaland feat Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake - Give It To Me (Extra Clean) [2007]
Timbaland feat Keri Hilson - The Way I Are (extended) [2007]
50 Cent Candy Shop (Clean) [2005]
Beyonce feat Jay-Z - Crazy In Love [2003]
Jackson 5 - Never Can Say Goodbye (mono) [1971]
Semisonic - Closing Time (Radio Edit) [1998]

Jose & Cassie - October 1, 2011

I really enjoy backyard weddings, so I was excited when I got the call from Cassie’s mom about her daughter’s wedding. I met with them about a month prior to look at the layout. The backyard was beautifully landscaped with a big yard, large stone patio, and a gorgeous in-ground swimming pool.

For the ceremony, there was an area of the yard separated by an iron fence. I set up a smaller sound system (separate from the main system) with a wireless mic for the officiant. The bride’s uncle also hooked up to the system to play the “Bridal Chorus” on his acoustic guitar.

For the reception, they decided to clear out the family room to use as a dance floor, which opened up to the patio via a set of double doors. I had speakers in the family room and on the patio outside, and I sent a wireless signal to the smaller sound system to cover the back of the yard. This allowed the music to be spread out but at a comfortable volume.

The Music

The playlist below is what was actually played with an asterisk* indicating a request. They also had some talented musicians and singers in the family who played a few songs throughout the night.

* from Jose & Cassie’s suggested playlist
** requested by one of their guests

Ceremony Recessional
Michael Franti & Spearhead - Say Hey (I Love You) (ceremony edit) [2009]*

Cocktails
Feist - 1234 (Radio Version) [2007]
Jack Johnson - Flake [2002]
John Mayer - Neon [2002]
Train - Drops Of Jupiter (Tell Me) [2001]

Bridesmaids Entrance

Beyonce - Single Ladies [2008]*

Groomsmen Entrance
Johnny Pearson - Heavy Action (Theme from Monday Night Football) [1978]*

Bride & Groom Entrance
Natalie Cole - This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) [1975]

Dinner
Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat - Lucky [2009]
George Strait - River Of Love [2009]*
Jason Mraz - I'm Yours [2008]
Michael Buble - Haven't Met You Yet [2010]
Garth Brooks - The River [1992]
Colbie Caillat - Bubbly (promo single version) [2007]
Sam Cooke - You Send Me (mono) [1957]**
John Mayer - Say [2008]*
James Taylor - How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) [1975]
Jack Johnson - Better Together [2005]*
Randy Travis - Forever And Ever, Amen [1987]
Frankie Valli - Can't Take My Eyes Off You (stereo) [1967]
Ray LaMontagne - You Are The Best Thing [2008]
Stevie Nicks & Don Henley - Leather And Lace (single version) [1981]
David Gray - This Years Love (Strings Remix) [2001]
Adele - To Make You Feel My Love [2008]
Frank Sinatra - Summer Wind [1966]
Van Morrison - Moondance [1970]
Dave Matthews Band - You And Me (Radio Edit) [2009]
Ingrid Michaelson - The Way I Am [2007]
Four Tops - I Can't Help Myself (mono) [1965]
Stevie Wonder - You Are The Sunshine Of My Life (single version) [1973]
Blake Shelton - Honey Bee [2011]
Roy Orbision - You Got It [1989]
Michael Jackson Rock With You (single version) [1980]
Train - Marry Me (first dance edit) [2011]*
Tim McGraw with Faith Hill - It's Your Love [1997]

First Dance
Loving You Tonight (live performance by cousin of the bride)

Father/Daughter Dances
Rod Stewart - Have I Told You Lately (custom edit) [1993]*
Mariah Carey - Hero (custom edit) [1993]*

Mother/Son Dance
Richard Clayderman - I Just Called To Say I Love You (custom edit) [2007]*

Open Dancing
George Strait - I Cross My Heart [1992]*
Wild Cherry - Play That Funky Music (single version) [1976]*
Michael Jackson - PYT (Pretty Young Thing) [1983]*
Pink - Raise Your Glass [2011]*
George Strait - Amarillo By Morning [1983]*
Ritchie Valens - La Bamba (mono) [1959]*
Gipsy Kings - Bamboleo [1988]*
Africando - Son Fo [2000]*
Benny Goodman - Sing Sing Sing (re-recording)
Cupid - Cupid Shuffle (extended) [2007]**
LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem (Updated Radio Edit) [2011]**
Enur f/Natasja - Calabria 2007 (Radio Edit) [2008]
Black Eyed Peas The Time (Dirty Bit) (Radio) [2011]**
Maroon 5 Feat. Christina Aguilera - Moves Like Jagger [2011]**
Bob Marley & The Wailers - Is This Love [1978]*
Michael Jackson - Thriller (promo single version) [1984]*
Live performance by bridesmaid: "At Last"
Randy Rogers Band - Steal You Away [2010]**
Gipsy Kings - Moorea [1988]*

Bouquet Toss

Rihanna - Only Girl (In The World) (bouquet version) [2010]*

Garter Removal
Henry Mancini - The Pink Panther Theme [1964]*

Garter Toss
Nelly - Hot In Herre (garter version) [2002]*

Lil' Wayne - Fireman (Radio Edit) [2006]*
Lenny Kravitz - American Woman (Single Version - No Distortion) [1999]*
Lenny Kravitz - Fly Away (Pop Single Edit) [1999]*
Usher f/Lil Jon & Ludacris - Yeah (Radio Mix) [2004]*
Queen - Another One Bites The Dust [1980]
Bee Gees - Night Fever [1978]
Flo Rida - Low (New Radio Mix) [2008]*
Sir Mix-A-Lot - Baby Got Back (extended intro) [1992]**
Los Roland's - La Yuca [1991]*
Kazzabe - Mi Tradicion [1998]*
Pitbull Feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer - Give Me Everything [2011]
LMFAO - Sexy And I Know It [2011]**
Enrique Iglesias Feat. Pitbull - I Like It (With Rap) [2010]*
B-52's - Love Shack (single version) [1989]**
Isley Brothers - Shout (Parts 1 & 2) (stereo LP version) [1959]**

After Party
Michael Jackson - Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough (promo single version) [1979]
KC & The Sunshine Band - Boogie Shoes [1978]
Prince - Kiss (single version) [1986]
Banda Blanca - Sopa de Caracol [1991]**
Journey - Don't Stop Believin' [1981]*
Usher Feat. Pitbull - DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love [2010]*
Britney Spears - I Wanna Go [2011]**
Jimmy Buffett - Margaritaville (single version) [1977]
California Swag District - Teach Me How To Dougie [2010]**
ISA - Moving Like Berney [2011]**
Rej3ctz - Cat Daddy (Clean) [2011]**
New Boyz - You're A Jerk [2009]**
Unk - 2 Step [2007]**
V.I.C. - Wobble (Clean Version) [2008]**

Scott & Amber - September 10, 2011

Since I just started this blog at the beginning of November, I’m still catching up on some prior weddings. Scott & Amber were married on 9/10/11, and they had a beautiful backyard wedding at the groom’s parents’ house. The weather turned out to be perfect for an outdoor reception.

To add some color to the yard, they had me shine some red uplighting in the trees and behind the bartender. If I can get my hands on some pictures, I’ll be sure to post them. It looked really great! I also included a wireless speaker on the other side of the yard, since the area was quite large, and some of the tables were a long distance from the dance floor.

The Music

The following is a list of songs that were actually played at the wedding with a * or ** indicating a request.

* from Scott & Amber’s request list
** requested by one of their guests

Cocktails
Alan Jackson - Gone Country [1994]
Van Morrison - Moondance [1970]
Conway Twitty - I'd Just Love to Lay You Down [1980]
Drifters - Under The Boardwalk (mono single version) [1964]
Elton John - Your Song [1971]
Hootie & The Blowfish - Hold My Hand [1995]
Garth Brooks - To Make You Feel My Love [1998]

Grand Entrance
Scott & Amber have a great sense of humor, and they had some fun with their grand entrance. They surprised everyone by dressing up with oversized sunglasses, a large clown tie, and a big red nose. I think they got the idea after deciding on their entrance music.
Boots Randolph - Yakety Sax (stereo) [1963]

First Dance
George Strait - I Cross My Heart (first dance edit) [1992]*

Father Daughter Dance
Brad Paisley - He Didn't Have To Be (father daughter edit) [1999]*

Dinner
Stevie Nicks & Don Henley - Leather And Lace (single version) [1981]
Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble - Cold Shot [1984]
Kenny Chesney - Somewhere With You (Single Edit) [2011]
Ray LaMontagne - You Are The Best Thing [2008]
Steely Dan - Hey Nineteen (single version) [1981]
Conway Twitty - Tight Fittin' Jeans [1981]
Eagles - Peaceful Easy Feeling [1973]
Stevie Ray Vaughan - Little Wing [1991]

Dancing
George Strait - Here For A Good Time [2011]*
George Strait - Amarillo By Morning [1983]*
Etta James - At Last [1961]
Cupid - Cupid Shuffle (extended) [2007]**
Michael Jackson - Beat It (extended) [1983]
Neil Diamond - Sweet Caroline (stereo) [1969]**
Kenny Loggins - Footloose (single version) [1984]*
Brian Setzer Orchestra - Jump Jive An' Wail [1998]*
Michael Jackson - Thriller (promo single version) [1984]**
Marcia Griffiths - Electric Boogie [1990]**
Usher f/Lil Jon & Ludacris - Yeah (Radio Mix) [2004]*
LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem (Updated Radio Edit) [2011]
Maroon 5 Feat. Christina Aguilera - Moves Like Jagger [2011]**
69 Boyz - Tootsee Roll (Rap Version) [1994]**
Billy Currington - Good Directions [2007]**
David Allan Coe - You Never Even Called Me By My Name [1975]**
Righteous Brothers - Unchained Melody (mono) [1965]
Michael Jackson - The Way You Make Me Feel (7'' Re-Mix) [1988]*
Sir Mix-A-Lot - Jump On It (Clean Radio Edit) [1996]**
Foster The People - Pumped Up KIcks (Radio Edit) [2011]**
V.I.C. - Wobble (Clean Version) [2008]**
Nelly - Ride Wit Me (Clean Edit with FX Short) [2001]*
Louis Armstrong - What A Wonderful World (stereo) [1968]
Frank Sinatra - Summer Wind [1966]**
Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble - Pride And Joy [1983]*
Mr C The Slide Man - Cha Cha Slide (Radio Edit) [2000]**

Bouquet Toss

Beyonce - Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) (bouquet version) [2008]*

Garter Removal/Toss
Adam Clayton & Larry Mullen - Theme From Mission Impossible [1996]*
Stray Cats - Stray Cat Strut [1983]*

Juvenile - Back That Thang Up (Clean Radio Edit) [1999]**
Big Tymers - Still Fly (Radio Edit Clean) [2002]**
Bobby Goldsboro - Watching Scotty Grow [1971]**
Lou Bega - Mambo No 5 (Radio Edit) [1999]**
Cherry Poppin' Daddies - Zoot Suit Riot [1998]*
Snoop Doggy Dogg - Gin And Juice (Radio Version) [1994]**

Last Dance (before sendoff)
Brad Paisley - Then (Single Edit) [2009]*

After Party
Some of the guests wanted to come back and dance some more, and I was happy to continue the music.
Van Morrison - Brown Eyed Girl [1967]
Beatles - I Saw Her Standing There (mono) [1964]
ACDC - You Shook Me All Night Long [1980]
Rolling Stones - Honky Tonk Women [1969]
Bob Seger - Old Time Rock & Roll [1978]
Earth Wind & Fire - September [1979]
KC & The Sunshine Band - Boogie Shoes [1978]
Robert Palmer - Addicted To Love (single version) [1986]
Herbie Hancock - Chameleon [1973]**
John Mellencamp - Jack & Diane (promo single version) [1982]
Queen - Another One Bites The Dust [1980]
INXS - Need You Tonight [1988]
Bell Biv Devoe - Poison (7" Version) [1990]
Aretha Franklin - Respect (mono) [1967]
Sister Sledge - We Are Family (single version) [1979]
Bee Gees - You Should Be Dancing (promo single version) [1976]
Michael Jackson - Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough (promo single version) [1979]
UB40 - Red Red Wine (LP version) [1988]
Brooks & Dunn - Boot Scootin' Boogie [1992]
Garth Brooks - Friends In Low Places [1990]