It’s time again for the Filene’s Basement “Running of the Brides” in Washington, DC!  We’ve been asked by our good pals at WeddingWire to help out again this year – we’ll be cranking out the jams from 6am-8am this Friday, July 30th, to get everyone awake and pumped up for crinoline-laced warfare.  You can check out all the details on the Running of the Brides event here, if you’re a bride-to-be and still need a dress, this is a great chance to find a steal.  The dresses are comparatively cheap ($250-$700) which is a huge discount from the $900-$9000+ on the original price tag. 

The line starts forming overnight on Thursday (last year, there was a group who had been there since 6pm the night before – wow!) so it’s best to get there early and stake out a spot.  Bring some chairs or a blanket – the sidewalk is hard.  It’s a really unique and fun experience, we’ll see you there!

Wedding Date: May 30, 2010

DJ: David Johnson

Kim’s and Bryan’s wedding was all about family and friends, with so many special touches that made the wedding truly one-of-a-kind.   Their guests clearly had a wonderful time and felt so welcomed at this beautiful celebration.

Held at the always-spectacular Woodend Sanctuary at the Audubon Naturalist Society, guests witnessed Kim’s and Bryan’s thoughtful ceremony, officiated by Rev. Alberta Eaton.  As they entered the reception, they were greeted by a really pretty and whimsical display consisting of a small tree set atop a table, with small cards and pens on which they could write special notes to the groom.  They could then hang the notes on the tree, making for a very special alternative to a guestbook.

Kim and Bryan shared their first dance to the timeless “At Last” by Etta James, and everyone was then treated to catering by Xochitl Gutierrez and her team at Marco Polo Caterers.  Then, after the traditional parent dances, the bridal party enjoyed a fun dance and guests were invited onto the floor.  This was a very festive and fun way to start the party!

Throughout the evening, Kim, Bryan and their guests had a great time dancing to everything from Motown to 80s, disco to country, hip hop to pop, and everything in between.  Kim and Bryan also dedicated a variety of songs to particular friends and family members over the course of the evening, making the reception even more inclusive.

After cutting their cake (provided by Cakes for Cause, an organization close to our own hearts) and enjoying a fun bouquet and garter toss, Kim and Bryan wound things down with some heartfelt comments.  It truly was a very warm and touching wedding, and we’re so glad to have been included!  Many thanks to the brilliant and talented Andrea Jacobson of The Observatory for these fantastic images, and congratulations to Kim and Bryan!

Wedding Date:  June 5, 2010

DJ:  David Johnson

Kate and Ryan clearly put so much thoughtfulness and creativity into their wedding, and it really showed in every detail.  Their guests obviously had an amazing time, too.  This was a wonderful celebration!

Natalie Turner and her team at Brittland Estates in Chestertown, Maryland were the hosts for this gorgeous afternoon wedding with Eastern Shore flair.  As guests entered the tented receptions, they were greeted by colorful, handcrafted place cards hanging along the walkway.  Beautiful hydrangeas and other florals in soft blues and greens added to the ambiance, and the golden Honey Bear favors were a whimsical touch.

The happy couple took their first spin as husband and wife to the classic “L-O-V-E” by Nat King Cole, and later shared a combined father/daughter and mother/son dance to “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder.  About 90 seconds into the song, they had the music change to “Can’t Turn You Loose” by Otis Redding, at which point several other couples joined them on the dance floor for a fun, upbeat finish.  That energy really carried through to the rest of the dancing and everyone seemed to have a blast.

Many thanks to Liz Hough of Hough Photography for providing these great images — and thanks so much to Kate and Ryan!  Best wishes!

Wedding Date:  May 2, 2010

DJ:  Michael Bell

All of my clients are awesome, but every so often I get to work with a couple that I really share a special connection with.  Beth and Brad were one of these couples.  Beth’s uncle was my favorite teacher in high school, and from there, we all built an amazing rapport that made working their wedding not seem like work at all!

The wedding took place at the very hip Pier 5 Hotel in downtown Baltimore.  After a breathtaking waterside ceremony and an elegant cocktail reception, guests moved into the beautiful and modernly appointed ballroom inside.  Beth looked absolutely stunning, and her many bridesmaids were gorgeous in green dresses.

Beth and Brad shared their first dance as husband and wife to “Maybe I’m Amazed” by Paul McCartney, one of those songs that is unique for a first dance, yet everyone knows and loves it.  Their guests really got into a mix of oldies, hip hop, dance hits and songs from the 80s.

There were lots of special Jewish traditions at this wedding, including the motzi and, of course, a very spirited hora!  Later, Beth and her sorority sisters recreated their pledge dance to “Sandstorm” by Darude, which was a lot of fun!

I was fortunate to work with some amazing vendors on this wedding — Heather Johnson and her team at the Pier 5, photographer Maria Vicencio and her husband Drew Miller (who provided us with these amazing shots!) and Jim Skipper of Black Tie Video.  Can’t wait to work with them all again!  Congratulations, Beth and Brad!

Wedding Date:  May 30, 2010

DJ:  Anthony Simpson

This wedding was so special — it was fun, relaxed, and really captured the very essence of family.  Debbie and Mike were a real pleasure to work with, and I enjoyed getting to know them and playing a part in their special day.

Debbie’s and Mike’s guests gathered at the Waterford at Fair Oaks in Fairfax, Virginia, which was decked out with florals from Sylvain’s Florist.  Everyone enjoyed the Waterford’s plentiful catered buffet and a beautiful wedding cake by Victoria’s Cakery, and then it was time to party!

After a sentimental first dance to Tim McGraw & Faith Hill’s “It’s Your Love,” the couple shared one of the most touching and special family dances I’ve ever seen.  First, Debbie danced with her son Justin to Phil Collins’ “You’ll Be in My Heart,” then invited her daughter Taylor and Mike to the dance floor for a short chorus of “We are Family” by Sister Sledge.  Then, Mike and his mom shared the traditional mother/son dance.  Everyone really enjoyed this part of the reception.

At the couple’s request, after an early mix of Motown and 80s rock, I really tailored the playlist to the younger guests in attendance, and created a club-like atmosphere with lots of classic hip hop like Run DMC, Bell Biv DeVoe, and House of Pain.  Everyone also got into some hits circa 2000-2003, and of course I had to include quite a few songs from the couple’s favorite group, OutKast!  It was one of the most fun weddings I’ve deejayed in a long time.

Special thanks to the amazing Elaine Studley and the team at Hay McKenna for the beautiful images, and many congratulations to Debbie, Mike, Justin and Taylor!

One trend we’re loving, though, is the effort many couples are now making to mark the significance of their union with an effort to raise awareness and support for charitable causes.

For brides and grooms who have enough chip-and-dip bowls and bath towels, JustGive.org and the I Do Foundation has made it easy to create a registry for charitable donations instead of traditional wedding gifts.  You can also make a charitable donation in lieu of purchasing typical wedding favors, and the organization will, upon request, provide a printable PDF that you can print and frame for your guest tables announcing the gift you’ve made.

An organization called Changing the Present also has a very cool system for charitable wedding favors.  You can pick what you wish to donate — books for children, treats for sanctuary animals, concrete for playgrounds, among many other choices — and design your own custom favor cards.

Brides Against Breast Cancer and the Pink Envelope Project accepts donations in exchange for beautiful pink favor cards that can be distributed at the wedding.  You can also accept guests’ donations  as gifts in the corresponding pink envelopes.

The American Diabetes Association will also, with a minimum donation, provide complimentary personalized scrolls, tent cards, or bookmarks for you to give to your guests at the wedding.

What a beautiful way to celebrate a new life together!

Wedding Date:  April 17, 2010

DJ:  Evan Reitmeyer

Katie and Brian were wonderful to work with – they were one of my “long-distance” couples.  Since they live in North Carolina, we “met” over the telephone in the fall just before our son Alex was born and I could tell right away they would be a lot of fun!  They had seen Anthony at a friend’s wedding and, as luck would have it, he was already booked on their date but I was available.  We were able to keep in touch via email, and even managed to squeeze in a (short) face-to-face meeting a few days before the wedding once they got into town.

The reception was in one of my favorite rooms for a wedding in DC – the Rotunda at the Ronald Reagan Building.  It’s perfect for a smaller group (Katie and Brian had about 80 guests) and has great wood finishes and a dome ceiling.  Danielle Johnson from the Reagan Building was great to work with, and I got to work with one of my pals, photographer Amie Otto, who gave us some great pictures!

The centerpieces were lovely, and were done by our friends Gerry and Rebecca at Petal’s Edge!

Katie and Brian shared their first dance to a classic, “Someone Like You” by Van Morrison.  Then it was time to get down!  Their guests were fabulous on the dancefloor and I was able to work in everything from 60’s motown to 80’s rock and current dance music.  I was tired just watching!

Everyone took a break for a few minutes to enjoy the cake, courtesy of Cakes by Linda, and then it was back to to dancefloor!

Everyone seemed to have a great time, it was such a pleasure playing for Katie and Brian and their families and friends.  These ladies look like they’re showing off their rings, so maybe I’ll get a chance to do it again before too long! 

Congrats to Katie and Brian on hosting such a beautiful, fun event!

Parent Dance Songs:

CSN: Teach Your Children Well

Foo Fighters: Virginia Moon

Joni Mitchell: Circle Game

Bob Dylan: Forever Young

Frank Sinatra: All the Way

Natalie Merchant: Kind and Generous

Jimmy Buffett: Little Miss Magic

James Taylor: Sweet Baby James

Beach Boys: Surfer Girl

Paul Simon: Loves Me Like a Rock

Black 47: Funky Céili

Loudon Wainwright: Daughter

Billie Holiday: Our Love is Here to Stay

Nickel Creek: When You Come Back Down

Alison Krauss: Simple Love

Wedding Date:  May 8, 2010

DJ:  Michael Bell

From their first contact with us, it was obvious that Darby and Jake were absolutely wonderful.  Working on their music was hardly “work,” and their wedding was beautiful and unique.  Photographer Larry Huffman captured some gorgeous images of this amazing couple’s special day!

As always, the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club provided a spectacular setting — “breathtaking” isn’t even the word.  The evening kicked off with a warm, intimate outdoor ceremony with unparalleled bay views.  One really funny moment happened during the vows — just as Jake said “I do,” the wind gusted hard, getting a chuckle out of everyone!  Just another memorable, touching moment of many throughout the night.

The reception took place in the Tavern Ballroom, one of my favorite spots within the venue.  Teresa Hunter and her team at the Beach Club were accommodating and kind as always, and the service and five-course meal were second to none.  Guests were also wowed by the couple’s incredible beach-themed wedding cake, complete with sailboats and crabs, provided by Charm City Cakes.  (The cake was actually filmed for Chef Duff Goldman’s TV show “Ace of Cakes” — can’t wait ’til it airs!)

Darby and Jake shared their first dance as husband and wife to Keith Urban’s “Making Memories of Us,” and then guests kicked up their heels to all kinds of rock, country, oldies, disco and pop.  At one point I was requested to play “Finnegan’s Wake” so that Darby’s family could dance a jig.  It was a lot of fun!

Thanks so much again to Darby and Jake, and to the wonderful wedding professionals who made their day extra special!

First Dance Songs

Sister Hazel: This Kind of Love

Sam Cooke: You Send Me

Muse: Starlight

Harry Connick Jr.: For Once in My Life

Frank Sinatra: Fly Me to the Moon

Jason Mraz: I’m Yours

Brad Paisley: Then

Ray LaMontagne: You are the Best Thing

Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris: Love and Happiness

Louis Armstrong: Sweet Lorraine

Martina McBride: I Just Call You Mine

Be sure to take a look at our first round of Wedding First Dance Songs as well!

And without further ado, we’re proud to announce our debut recap in the new format… Jeannie and Jon!

Couple:  Jeannie & Jon

Wedding Date:  April 24, 2010

DJ:  Michael Bell

Jeannie and Jon were an incredible couple to work with: friendly, enthusiastic and ready to have a great time with their families and friends.  Their wedding reflected such amazing attention to detail, with a great team of vendors showcasing their best work.  (Many thanks to the talented Stephen Bobb of LoveLife Images for sharing his gorgeous photos here!)

Laura Gaige and Elizabeth Connor of Columbia Country Club were the gracious hosts, providing absolutely incredible catering and service in an beautiful setting that is second to none.  The warm saffron tones in the club’s ballroom added just the right splash of color to Jeannie’s and Jon’s elegant black-and-white theme.  Amaryllis‘ spectacularly arranged flowers in shades of white, set against crisp white linens and accented with shimmering votive candles, created a unique yet formal tablescape. 

Jeannie’s and Jon’s celebration was rich with signature touches, from the John Daly cocktails enjoyed by guests to the couple’s thoughtful request to include all of Jon’s brothers’ first dances from their weddings.  Jeannie’s and Jon’s choice for their own first dance was Keith Urban’s “Making Memories of Us,” destined to become a classic.

Later, the party really amped up with a fun mix of oldies, 80s hits, and current pop and dance songs.  At one point, the guests really got into a girls versus guys “dance/sing-off” to The Proclaimers’ “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles).”  A delicious assortment of cupcakes provided by Baltimore Cupcake Company was the perfectly sweet ending to an extraordinary evening.

Congratulations to Jeannie and Jon!

First Dance Song Suggestions

Keith Urban: Only You Can Love Me This Way

Edith Piaf: La Vie en Rose (English Version)

Boys Like Girls feat. Taylor Swift: Two is Better than One

Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat: Lucky

Dave Matthews Band: Steady as We Go

Al Green: Let’s Stay Together

Jack Johnson: Better Together

Nat King Cole: Unforgettable

Keith Urban: Making Memories of Us

Louis Armstrong: A Kiss to Build a Dream On

Paul McCartney: Maybe I’m Amazed

Israel Kamakawiwo’ole: Sea of Love

Hopefully these first dance suggestions helped! We’ll post another round next week. In the meantime, tell us what you used/are using for your first dance!

Annabel and Tim got married last year in October and had an amazing team of vendors at Dumbarton House in Georgetown.  Today, it was featured on District Weddings – complete with fabulous pictures courtesy of Jennifer Domenick of Love Life Images.  Check it out!

In other news, I’m sending a shout-out to one of our best pals, Julianne “Garter Girl” Smith, who asked me to collaborate with her on a three-part series of blog posts about wedding garter removal songs, garter toss songs, and general wedding garter toss advice.  I think the posts turned out great, so check out Julianne’s blog for some sage advice as well as simple, stylish wedding garters!

As most of you know, operating a “green” business is really important to us here at MyDeejay, and we’re very happy to be participating in the Mid-Atlantic Green Wedding Showcase this Sunday in College Park, MD. 

There are some really great vendors participating, and every one of the vendors has been through a rigorous screening process to ensure that they are actually running a sustainable business.  Pre-registration is available at a discount here, but only through midnight tonight!  Tell your friends, tell your clients, and we’ll see you then!

Judy and Jacob, 1/23/2010, China Garden Restaurant, Arlington, VA

DJ:  Evan Reitmeyer

The setting:  A grand chinese restaurant with 120 of their closest friends!

The first dance:  “Lucky” by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat

A fun surprise:  The bride’s brother-in-law produced a great video slideshow along with video from Judy and Jacob’s ceremony (they were married in Costa Rica in December). 

Something unusual:  The cake!  The happy couple bought a sheet cake with a picture of the two of them cutting their other wedding cake in Costa Rica – funny!!

Thoa and Horacio, 1/24/2010, The State Theatre, Falls Church, VA

DJ:  Evan Reitmeyer

The setting:  The very historic and retro State Theatre provided the perfect setting for this movie-themed wedding!

The first dance:  “No One” by Alicia Keys

A unique touch:  Basically everything having to do with the decor – it’s was awesome!  Red carpet in the lobby for guest arrival and papparrazi pictures, a popcorn vendor cart, custom romantic movie montage before the ceremony, a custom backdrop on stage to make it look like an outdoor garden, and then a full-room transformation for the reception including the staff at the State Theatre hanging dozens of chinese lanterns suspended above the crowd!  Holy smokes!

The playlist:  The couple had very eclectic tastes, and the music ranged from latin music to current pop to ballroom.  It was a lot of fun!

Here are some bad pictures I took with my camera phone:

Their custom movie poster! (last names removed by me)

The view from where I was on stage with the chinese lanterns. Sorry for the awful quality picture!

Here's a terrible picture of me set up on stage beneath their ceremony arch. Definitely the most elaborate stage I've been on in a while!

Even if you don’t win, you should still go – it will be a really cool, intimate bridal show.  Plus, you can meet some awesome bloggers and enter to win a $2500 eco-couture gown from Cotton Bride! 

Click here to register online, and save 25% if you use the code DCCWC25!

Hurry up!

Today we have fabulous news!  We’ve been accepted as members of Style Me Pretty’s Little Black Book, an amazing international directory of the wedding industry’s elite vendors.  Making the list is no joke – Abby Larson and the lovely staff at Style Me Pretty throroughly research each vendor who applies to ensure that they’re the best of the best.  They grilled us for almost an hour and checked our reviews and references, it was quite a process!  Of course, we’re so excited to have been accepted – the Little Black Book is one of the most visible advertising spaces available anywhere in the industry. 

We couldn’t be happier about joining such an exclusive community of top-quality vendors, Style Me Pretty is an incredible resource for brides and we’re really looking forward to being a part of it!  Check it out!

Lisa and Sean, 1/16/2010 – Overhills Mansion, Catonsville, MD

DJ:  David Johnson

The setting:  The classic, historic Overhills Mansion was a hospitable backdrop for a winter wedding celebration.

The first dance:  ”For Once in My Life” by Harry Connick, Jr.

The music:  A fun, upbeat mix of 50s rock, Motown and lots of hits from the 70s!

A unique touch:  The bride and groom wanted a very low key, welcoming event that would focus on the enjoyment of their guests — they kept the formalities to a minimum and really emphasized the food, music and dancing!

A fun moment:  A group of younger guests kept very busy on the dance floor right to the end of the night!

Alyson and James, 1/9/2010 – Belle Haven Country Club, Alexandria, VA

DJ:  David Johnson

The setting:  The beautiful Belle Haven Country Club was bedecked in a winter theme, complete with stunning white branches with red birds as accents.

The first dance:  “The Lovers’ Waltz” by Jay Unger and Molly Mason

The music:  The couple had many swing music fans as guests, who enjoyed everything from waltzes to salsa!

A touching moment:  During the groom’s dance with his mother, the bride had her grandfather join her on the dance floor as well.

Outstanding vendors:  Nicole Duncan and the staff at Belle Haven were great, as was photographer Tara Harman, who gave us pictures!

Alison and Rob, 1/9/2010 – Carnegie Institution, Washington, DC

DJ:  Evan Reitmeyer

The first dance:  “Beyond the Sea” by Bobby Darin

The music:  The bride and groom gave me a great list to start with, and a lot of latitude to make it all work.  Guests enjoyed everything from downtempo electronica to indie rock to international music and current dance hits.  It was great!

A touching moment:  All of the toasts were amazing, it was clear that there was a lot of love in the room.  I almost got choked up!

Outstanding vendors:  All I can say is, WOW.  This was a “green” wedding (love it!) and the vendor team was AMAZING.  Catering by Michelle Fishman and Main Event Caterers, flowers and decor by Katie Martin at Elegance and Simplicity, not to mention one of our faves, Cherry Blossim String Quartet who played the ceremony and cocktail hour.  Darla Keefer at the Carnegie Institution was great to work with beforehand, and photographer Greg Gibson was outstanding as well! 

Cassie and Mark, 1/9/2010 – Engineer’s Club, Baltimore, MD

DJ:  Michael Bell

The setting:  The historic and classically appointed Engineers Club in the Mount Vernon neighborhood of Baltimore — one of our favorite places to play!

The first dance:  ”I Could Not Ask for More” by Edwin McCain

The music:  Lots of current pop hits as well as 80s throwbacks kept the dance floor full.

A unexpected surprise:  The groom’s best men had set up a secret, surprise slideshow, complete with music, that was projected onto the entire back wall of the atrium right after the first dance.  It was funny and cute!

Naomi and Omri, 1/10/2010 – Sixth and I Synagogue, Washington, DC

DJ:  Michael Bell

The setting:  With elegant stained glass windows and soaring, vaulted ceilings, the Sixth and I Synagogue was a breathtaking venue for a special celebration.

The first dance:  ”Hatinasi Li” by Regev Hod

The music:  Lots of Israeli tunes mixes with current hits and oldies.

A funny moment:  The bride looked very nervous during the hora!  Thankfully, no one was hurt and it was a lot of fun to watch!

A touching moment:  The bride’s grandfather gave a special blessing.

Outstanding vendors:  Matt Goldenberg of Sixth and I, Tracey Brown of Paper Camera Photography, and Elaine Liss of Cuisine Catering were all amazing!  Tracey even gave us pictures!