Wedding
Hot Late June Camp Angelos Wedding Corbett
The temperature was pushing 100 degrees on Saturday, June 24, 2017 at Gina and Blake’s Camp Angelos Wedding in Corbett, Oregon.
The ceremony began a little after 3:30pm and a nice breeze made the heat a little more tolerable for the 150+ guests.
Camp Angelos Wedding Ceremony Highlights:
- Wedding Party Entrance: Piano Guys – A Thousand Years
- Bride Entrance: Brian Cain – Canon in D
- Bride/Groom Exit: Etta James – At Last
The reception followed inside the air conditioned lodge, but some chose to hangout outside. I brought a second sound system for the ceremony and continued playing music outside for a little while. The hot weather eventually drove everyone inside.
Background music for the cocktail hour was a mix of summer party and family reunion music as requested by the newlyweds. During dinner, they wanted Rat Pack hits from Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Dean Martin and others.
Camp Angelos Wedding Reception Highlights:
- Grand Entrance: Ray LaMontagne – You Are The Best Thing
- Cake Cutting: Four Tops – I Can’t Help Myself
- First Dance: James Arthur – Say You Won’t Let Go
- Bride/Father Dance: Joe Cocker – You Are So Beautiful
- Groom and Mother Dance: Ben E. King – Stand By Me
- Bride/Grandfather Dance: Nat King Cole – Unforgettable
- Bouquet Toss: Meghan Trainor – Dear Future Husband
- Garter Toss: Ginuwine – Pony
- Last Dance: Chainsmokers & Coldplay – Something Just Like This
As the reception moved into the evening, many guests began to move outside to the inviting shady front deck and impromtu photo booth setup on the back deck. This provided some competition for the dance floor, but the many who wanted to dance couldn’t stay away for long and the dance floor was mostly packed for long stretches.
‘Twist and Shout’, ‘Uptown Funk’ and ‘Cupid Shuffle’ were crowd favorites, along with the 2017 song of the summer, ‘Despacito’.
Congratulations Gina and Blake and thank you to Blake’s brother Josh and his wife Destiny for recommending me for this event. I performed at their wedding in August 2014.
McMenamins Edgefield Manor Wedding
Barb and John were married on Saturday, May 20, 2017 inside Blackberry Hall at McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale, Oregon.
This classic venue remains ever popular with couples planning their weddings. Many choose to have their ceremony in the meadow behind Blackberry hall, then the reception inside. But on this warm and sunny day, Barb and John chose to hold both inside since our waterlogged winter and early spring made the grass extra soft.
For the bride’s entrance music, Barb asked me if I could edit the song ‘Marry Me’ by Train to remove the lyrics that reference ‘getting the nerve to say hello in this cafe.’ She loves the song and all of the lyrics applied to her experience, except that line. I was happy to oblige and the final edit sounded like it was supposed to be that way, so success 🙂
McMenamins Edgefield Manor Wedding Ceremony Highlights:
- Weding Processional Entrance: Roy Todd – Radiant As A Bride
- Bride Entrance: Train – Marry Me (Edit No Cafe)
- Bride/Groom Exit: James Taylor – How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)
Following the ceremony, it was a perfect evening for a stroll on the Edgefield grounds as the hall was reset for the reception. When guests returned, I played a variety of background music selections that included artists Colbie Callait, Jason Mraz, OneRepublic and more.
McMenamins Edgefield Manor Wedding Reception Highlights:
- Grand Entrance: AC/DC – Thunderstruck
- Cake Cutting: Maroon 5 – Sugar
- First Dance: Trisha Yearwood – How Do I Live
- Groom and Mother, Bride and Father-In-Law Dance: Rascal Flatts – My Wish
- Bride and Mother Dance: Van Morrison – Brown-Eyed Girl (Call all brown eye girls to floor after about 30 seconds)
- Money Dance: Barenaked Ladies – If I Had A Million Dollars
- Anniversary Dance: Anne Murray – Can I Have This Dance
- Last Dance: Brad Paisley – She’s Everything
After the formal dances that concluded with the anniversary dance that revealed the bride’s aunt and uncle were married the longest at 50 years, the dance floor opened to everyone around 9pm. The lights remained on for the first 20 minutes or so, but that didn’t stop many in this group from movin’ to the classics and recent hit songs, such as ‘Billie Jean’, ‘Hey Ya’ and ‘Twist & Shout’.
I played everything from ‘Stayin’ Alive’ to ‘Uptown Funk, ‘Can’t Stop the Feeling’, ‘Celebration’ and more. Blackberry Hall was rockin’ the final 90 minutes of the reception… even some passersby took a look inside to witness the action when the doors to the dance floor area opened later.
Congratulations Barb and John and thank you for choosing PRO DJs.
Post Event Satisfaction Survey:
“Rich was great! He spent an hour on the phone with us organizing our wedding details. He is very professional and kind. I am very satisfied with our experience with ProDJs and Rich.” Â
-Barb & John Pemberton
- Event Date: Saturday, May 20, 2017
- Event Type: Wedding & Reception
- Event Location: Edgefield McMenamins
- Event Staff: Rich Ellis
- Quality of Customer Service via Telephone: Excellent
- Quality of Customer Service via Internet: Excellent
- Quality of Customer Service at Event: Excellent
- Friendliness of your Entertainer: Excellent
- Promptness of your Entertainer: Excellent
- Professionalism of your Entertainer: Excellent
- Entertainer’s Performance: Excellent
- Entertainer’s Appearance: Excellent
- System Appearance: Excellent
- Sound Quality: Excellent
- Overall Volume Levels: Excellent
- Music Selection: Excellent
- Incorporation of Your Requests: Excellent
- Lighting Effects: Excellent
- Equipment Appearance: Excellent
- Overall Customer Service: Excellent
- Planning Assistance: Excellent
- Entertainer’s Cooperation with Other Vendors: Excellent
- Overall Performance Rating: Excellent
- Would you recommend this service to others? Yes
Wedding Season Begins At Langdon Farms
Glorious sunshine greeted Devon and Brandon as they exchanged vows outside near the golf course at Langdon Farms Golf Club in Aurora, Oregon on Saturday, May 6, 2017.
After the record rain we have had this year, it wasn’t really surprising that a stray shower fell as I was setting up. Fortunately, it was short-lived and you couldn’t ask for a better day for the unofficial start of the wedding season in the Pacific Northwest.
Langdon Farms Wedding Ceremony Highlights:
- Parents Entrance: Josh Ward – Together
- Wedding Party Entrance: George Strait – It Just Comes Natural
- Bride Entrance: Tracy Chapman – Stand By Me (Live at the Late Show with David Letterman)
- Bride/Groom Exit: Cody Johnson – Ride with Me
The reception followed inside the Red Barn. As guests engaged in conversation, I played a variety of songs for background music from artists such as Jack Johnson and OneRepublic, as well as Country favorites requested by the bride and groom, including artists George Strait and Jason Aldean.
Langdon Farms Wedding Reception Highlights:
- Grand Entrance: Jason Aldean – Gonna Know We Were Here
- Cake Cutting: Wade Bowen – Who I Am
- First Dance: Cody Johnson – With You I Am
- Bride and Father Dance/Groom and Mother Dance: The Highwaymen – Live Forever
- Last Dance: Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’
The dance floor opened just before 9pm and was packed until the end at 11. From the classics, including ‘Twist & Shout’ and ‘Billie Jean’ to more recent releases ‘Happy’ and ‘Uptown Funk’, it was a great time, even with the lights still on the first five songs:
What a mix with classic Hip Hop and Country hits moving this group and an impromtu conga line breaking out several times.
Last song, last photo… every last soul on the dance floor.
Devon and Brandon let me know they really enjoyed the evening. I even got a hug from the groom 🙂 Congratulations you two and thank you for choosing PRO DJs.
November Rain At Empress Estate Wedding
Katie and Chase were married at the historical Empress Estate in Woodland, Washington on Sunday, November 20, 2016. It was a wet late November day and with the ceremony and most of the reception held in a tent adjacent to the main entrance of the main building, we were reminded throughout as the rain fell (hard at times) off and on outside.
Ceremony Highlights:
- Bridal Party Entrance: Amy Hite – Prelude from Cello Suite No. 1, BWV 1007
- Bride Entrance: Vitamin String Quartet – Yellow
- Bride/Groom Exit: Chad Brock – Yes!
Following the wedding, all guests were directed inside for cocktails and appetizers as the tent area was turned for the reception, including dinner. The newlyweds requested all Country music for their big day. During dinner I played a mix of background music that featured artists such as Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum, Tim McGraw and more.
Reception Highlights:
- Grand Entrance: Etta James – At Last
- Cake Cutting: Billy Currington – Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right
- Boquet Toss: Little Big Town – Little White Church
- Garter Toss: Toby Keith – A Little Less Talk And A Lot More Action
The traditional reception events took place inside the main entrance of the estate. The bride and groom wanted their guests standing along the stairwell on each side of the cake table below… this made for a great photo. With no amplification inside, I projected my voice the best I could to coordinate the bouquet and garter toss and it seemed to go perfectly.
At the end of the evening, it was a sparkler sendoff as Katie and Chase made their exit out the front doors of the Empress Estate to their waiting guests. Congratulations to you both and thank you for choosing PRO DJs.
Post Event Satisfaction Survey:
“Rich did an excellent job and provided great recommendations.” Â -Katie Mason & Chase Hendrickson
- Event Date: Sunday, November 20, 2016
- Event Type: Wedding & Reception
- Event Location: The Empress Estate – Woodland, Washington
- Event Staff: Rich Ellis
- Quality of Customer Service via Telephone: Excellent
- Quality of Customer Service via Internet: Excellent
- Quality of Customer Service at Event: Excellent
- Friendliness of your Entertainer: Excellent
- Promptness of your Entertainer: Excellent
- Professionalism of your Entertainer: Excellent
- Entertainer’s Performance: Excellent
- Entertainer’s Appearance: Excellent
- System Appearance: Excellent
- Sound Quality: Excellent
- Overall Volume Levels: Excellent
- Music Selection: Excellent
- Incorporation of Your Requests: Excellent
- Lighting Effects: N/A
- Equipment Appearance: Excellent
- Overall Customer Service: Excellent
- Planning Assistance: Excellent
- Entertainer’s Cooperation with Other Vendors: Excellent
- Overall Performance Rating: Excellent
- Would you recommend this service to others? Yes
October Wedding At Charbonneau Country Club
Kim and Keith’s wedding and reception at Charbonneau Country Club in Wilsonville, Oregon was held on Friday, October 21, 2016.
With the rain pouring outside, everyone was comfortable inside for the ceremony that began at 6pm
Charbonneau Country Club Wedding Ceremony Highlights:
- Wedding Party Entrance: Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes – I’ve Had the Time Of My Life
- Bride Entrance: Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes – I’ve Had the Time Of My Life
- Bride/Groom Exit: John Travolta & Olivia Newton-John – You’re the One That I Want
Background music for cocktails and dinner featured a variety of classic hits that included Stevie Wonder, Coldplay, OneRepublic and Motown favorites.
Charbonneau Country Club Wedding Reception Highlights:
- Grand Entrance: Pharrell Williams – Happy
- Cake Cutting: Maroon 5 – Sugar
- First Dance: Michael Buble – Everything
- Bride and Father Dance: Stevie Wonder – Isn’t She Lovely
- Bouquet Toss: Cyndi Lauper – Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
There were a few people dancing during the background music (always a good sign) and from the opening slow dance to uptempo songs that followed, many of the 120 guests were on the giant dance floor for the entire first hour.
I received requests for 70’s and 80’s hit songs, including Neil Diamond’s ‘Sweet Caroline’ and AC/DC ‘You Shook Me All Night Long’ plus plenty of hits from the past decade, such as ‘Dynamite,’ ‘Cupid Shuffle’ and the new track from Bruno Mars ’24K Magic’.
Congratulations Kim and Keith and thank you for choosing PRO DJs.
Post Event Satisfaction Survey:
“All was perfect. There was nothing that needed improvement.” -Gloria Schwindt (Mother of the Bride)
- Event Date: Friday, October 21, 2016
- Event Type: Wedding & Reception
- Event Location: Charbonneau Country Club
- Event Staff: Rich Ellis
- Quality of Customer Service via Telephone: Excellent
- Quality of Customer Service via Internet: Excellent
- Quality of Customer Service at Event: Excellent
- Friendliness of your Entertainer: Excellent
- Promptness of your Entertainer: Excellent
- Professionalism of your Entertainer: Excellent
- Entertainer’s Performance: Excellent
- Entertainer’s Appearance: Excellent
- System Appearance: Excellent
- Sound Quality: Excellent
- Overall Volume Levels: Excellent
- Music Selection: Excellent
- Incorporation of Your Requests: Excellent
- Lighting Effects: N/A
- Equipment Appearance: Excellent
- Overall Customer Service: Excellent
- Planning Assistance: Excellent
- Entertainer’s Cooperation with Other Vendors: Excellent
- Overall Performance Rating: Excellent
- Would you recommend this service to others? Yes
