Wedding
Energetic Cornelius Pass Roadhouse Wedding
The wedding season is officially under way and for Claire and Travis’ wedding and reception held at McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse in Hillsboro on Saturday, June 8, 2013, it felt like mid-summer under a sunny blue sky and a comfortable 76 degrees.
The ceremony took place in the secluded Cornelius Pass Roadhouse Wedding Grove and I was fortunate to be given a shaded, semi-hidden spot under a tree to set-up my sound system. The audio projected perfectly from this location and kept the speaker and me out of the pictures.
Cornelius Pass Roadhouse Wedding Ceremony Highlights:
- Bridal Party Entrance: Wonderful Tonight (Piano Only)
- Bride Entrance: Train – Marry Me
- Bride/Groom Exit: Lumineers – Hey Ho (chorus only)
The reception was in the historic Octagonal Barn and adjacent outside Barnyard and as guests made their way over from the Grove, I hustled along a back trail through the rear entrance of the building, to start the background music with my main sound system I had set-up earlier.
Next, I returned to the Grove to pack up my equipment there and in the process, brought an extra speaker back to the Barnyard area (most people were seated outside for dinner) and used a wireless microphone to provide music and announcments, including the toasts in the dining area.
For background music, Claire and Travis requested a mix of modern adult contemporary, that included selections from Michael Bublé, John Mayer, Ray Lamontagne and Norah Jones.
Cornelius Pass Roadhouse Wedding Reception Highlights:
- Grand Entrance: Beyonce – Love on Top
- Cake Cutting: Blake Shelton – Honey Bee
- First Dance: John Legend – Stay With You
- Bride and Father Dance: Edwin McCain – Walk With You
- Groom and Mother Dance: Toby Keith – Heart to Heart
- Money Dance: Zac Brown Band – Whatever It Is, Frank Sinatra – The Way You Look Tonight, Stevie Wonder – Signed Sealed Delivered
- Bouquet Toss: Dusty Springfield – Wishing + Hoping
- Garter Toss: Indiana Jones Theme Song
- Last Dance: George Strait – Give it All We Got Tonight
With the great weather, guests had every reason to want to be outside to enjoy the evening, but there was a lot of energy with this group. They packed the dance floor at the first opportunity and never let up, getting their groove on to everything from the Beatles ‘Twist and Shout’ to ‘Party Rock Anthem’ from LMFAO.
Most members of the wedding all went to school together at Linfield College and played on the softball and football teams. At one point, I was informed that ‘Cat Ball’ (softball players) were showing up ‘Cat Dome’ (football players) on the dance floor. After announcing this, it was game on and I gave the guys a chance to get back in it with the current hot hit ‘Can’t Hold Us’ from Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. The place nearly exploded 🙂
There was a little bit of everything to move the masses, including some Country for Claire (she requested Luke Bryan’s ‘Country Girl (Shake It For Me)), a few oldies (Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ and ‘Kiss’ from Prince for the family members visiting from Minnesota) and plenty of the latest hits… ‘Gangnam Style’ and more.
Congratulations Claire and Travis! Your guests were a blast and it was a pleasure being a part of your big day. Thank you for choosing PRO DJs.
Post Event Satisfaction Survey:
“Rich did an amazing job. When we first met with him we told him we wanted people dancing all night. He chose songs that kept the partying going. We actually extended our time because nobody wanted to leave. I would highly recommend PRO DJs and Rich to anyone.” Â
-Travis and Claire Tocher
- Event Date: Saturday, June 8, 2013
- Event Type: Wedding & Reception
- Event Location: McMenamins Cornelius Pass Roadhouse – Hillsboro, Oregon
- 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
Salem Wedding DJ Performs At Grand Ballroom
Hilary and Brian were married and celebrated their reception at the Grand Ballroom in downtown Salem, Oregon on Sunday, May 18, 2013.
Salem Wedding DJ Ceremony Highlights:
- Parents/Family Entrance: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons – Winter, Movement #2
- Bridal Party Entrance: Bach – Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
- Bride Entrance: Jason Mraz – I Won’t Give Up (Instrumental Piano Version)
- Bride/Groom Exit: Coldplay – Strawberry Swing
The ceremony took place in the main ballroom, which also served as the dance floor later on. Cocktails were served and guests dined in a large adjacent to the ballroom. I had to turn up the music in the ballroom so it could be heard at background level in the dining area, but once the dancing started, it provided a nice refuge for some guests when they took a break.
Salem Wedding DJ Reception Highlights:
- Grand Entrance: Black Eyed Peas – I Gotta Feeling
- Cake Cutting: Hall and Oates – You Make My Dreams
- First Dance: Snow Patrol – Chasing Cars
- Bride and Father Dance: Sting – Fields of Gold
- Groom and Mother Dance: Beatles – In My Life
- Last Dance: Michael Bublé – The Way You Look Tonight
Guests danced to a little bit of everything from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s and the newlyweds requested songs from Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson, Queen, Will Smith and more. Sunday afternoon really got going though when I spun the big hits from the last few years… ‘Party Rock Anthem’, ‘Dynamite’ and ‘Gangham Style’, plus the hot track of the moment from Macklemore and Ryan Lewis ‘Can’t Hold Us Down.’
Hilary and Brian chose to finish their reception with Neil Diamond’s ‘Sweet Caroline’ and most of their guests joined them in a circle for a group dance.
Big thanks to the bride’s brother Philip for referring PRO DJs (we performed at his wedding in July 2010) and best wishes to Hilary and Brian.
Edgefield Wedding Shines Through The Rain
Blackberry Hall at McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale, Oregon will always hold a special place in my heart. 17 years ago next month, my wife and I celebrated our wedding reception in this unique venue and each time I return to DJ an event there, I get a great vibe.
On April 6, 2013, I was honored to be a part of Ashley and Graham’s Edgefield wedding and reception in Blackberry Hall and while it rained steadily outside, most guests paid no mind as this place provides a great diversion.
Edgefield Wedding Ceremony Highlights:
- Prelude: Irish Folk Music
- Bridal Party Entrance: Michael BublĂ© – Fever
- Bride Entrance: Norah Jones – Come Away With Me
- Bride/Groom Exit: Dave Matthews Band – You & Me
For the grand entrance to the reception, the newlyweds planned to take some photos outside then return to be announced, but the wet weather kept them inside. When Ashley and Graham were done with their photos, I asked them if they wanted to come back in through a different entrance. They declined, but then said they were ready at that moment. They proceeded to run outside, then right back in again. Good thing I had their music ready… it was good fun and I think most guests thought they had been away the entire time.
Edgefield Wedding Reception Highlights:
- Grand Entrance: David Guetta f/Usher – Without You
- Cake Cutting: James Taylor – How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)
- First Dance: Stevie Nicks & Don Henley – Leather & Lace
- Bride and Father Dance: Trace Adkins – You’re Gonna Miss This (Cut to Gangnam Style)
- Groom and Mother Dance: The Clash – Rock the Casbah
- Last Dance: Michael BublĂ© – The Way You Look Tonight
Not too many grooms choose ‘Rock the Casbah’ for a dance with their mom, but the guests loved it and this song added an extra layer of energy that got everyone on the dance floor in a hurry.
This group had a lot of fun dancing to everything from Michael Jackson to Justin Timberlake. Ashley requested the latest hits and Graham wanted more classics. In fact, he requested I play ‘Celebration’ twice… Ashley just rolled her eyes 🙂
The ‘Cupid Shuffle’ was a big hit and no one could resist ‘Party Rock Anthem’ and ‘Gangham Style’. The night was also rockin’ with a sprinkling of Def Leppard and Journey.
Ashley & Graham, it was a pleasure. I wish you the best and thank you for choosing PRO DJs.
Portland Wedding DJ At Postlewait’s In Canby
The first day of Spring in the Portland area felt more like winter hangin’ tough with unsettled weather and cold temperatures. With their wedding planned for two days later, Anna-Jo and Todd had to decide inside or outside at the picturesque Postlewait’s Country Weddings in Canby, Oregon on Saturday, March 23, 2013.
The safe bet was inside and who could blame them. It turned out to be a dry day and some guests took advantage with a stroll through the property, but they were also comfortable during the ceremony and reception held inside the main building.
Portland Wedding DJ Ceremony Highlights:
- Parents/Family Entrance: Peter Gabriel – Book Of Love
- Bridal Party Entrance: Academy of St. Martins In the Field Orchestra – Canon In D
- Bride Entrance: Elvis Costello – She
- Bride/Groom Exit: Aerosmith – I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing
Following the ceremony, Anna-Jo and Todd left briefly to sign their marriage certificate, then returned to greet their guests through a receiving line. During this time, I played a variety of background music selections from Fleetwood Mac, Tim McGraw, Jack Johnson and more.
Portland Wedding DJ Reception Highlights:
- Grand Entrance: Harry Connick Jr. – We Are In Love
- Cake Cutting: Adam Sandler – Grow Old With You
- First Dance: Staind – Tangled Up In You
- Bride and Father Dance: Jim Reeves – Have I Told You Lately That I Love You
Classic hit dance songs from the 50’s through 80’s, along with some Country, was the perfect mix for this particular group and they had a great time dancing to favorites from the Beatles, Glen Miller, Brooks and Dunn and others.
Congratulations and best wishes Anna-Jo and Todd and thank you for choosing PRO DJs.
Post Event Satisfaction Survey:
“Overall, Rich was amazing. He went above and beyond to make sure that our event moved well for the time we had and everyone felt comfortable with the music choices and progression of events. Even my dad was happy and remarked that the wedding DJ was fabulous (that is an AMAZING recommendation!!!). I wish the night could have lasted longer!” Â
-Anna-Jo & Todd De Bow
- Event Date: Saturday, March 23, 2013
- Event Type: Wedding & Reception
- Event Location: Postlewaits Country Weddings – Canby, Oregon
- Event Staff: Rich Ellis
- Quality of Customer Service via Telephone: Good
- Quality of Customer Service via Internet: Good
- 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: Good
- 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
Apocalyptic Mt Hood Wedding A Real Blast
The final PRO DJs Portland wedding of 2012 took place on what was suppose to be the last day of civilization. We have been hearing about it for years, the Mayan calendar predicted the world would end on December 21, 2012. For Deanna and Cory, this seemed like the perfect day to tie the knot and to take it one step further, why not get married halfway up the Oregon mountain most likely to erupt 🙂
For this Mt Hood wedding, they chose to rent out four cabins at the Cooper Spur Mountain Resort and the ceremony took place outside just after twilight with a light snow falling. With about 40 guests in attendance, friends and family formed a circle around the bride and groom and an Indian medicine woman who performed the ceremony, as the music of the Native Flute Ensemble ‘Deer Spirits Welcome the Dawn’ played in the background.
After they were official, Cory had requested Billy Idol’s ‘White Wedding’ followed by ‘It’s the End of the World As We Know It’ from R.E.M. and the Dave Matthews Band’s ‘End of the World’ and the celebration was officially under way.
Next, everyone took a short walk to the main lodge for a champagne toast before returning to the cabins for the reception. Each cabin hosted a different part of the reception, with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in one cabin, dinner in another, dessert in a third cabin and finally karaoke and dancing with me in the main cabin. This worked out perfectly and everyone had a great time going door-to-door for each event.
The karaoke portion of the evening got off to a rockin’ start with Deanna and several friends singing Pat Benatar’s ‘Hit Me With Your Best Shot’ followed by Cory with Matchbox 20’s ‘3 AM’. After that, the list of singers was long and diverse, they covered everthing from C.C.R. to Taylor Swift and about 15 women singing and dancing to Flo Rida’s ‘Low’ really brought the house down in Cabin #4.
After several hours of rockin’ the mic, the outdoor hot tubs beckoned and on a beautiful night, this Mt Hood wedding came to a perfect end. Best wishes Deanna and Cory. Your guests won’t soon forget this one.
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