Kelsey and Michael’s Paris Inspired Wedding

Published July 31, 2011 | By Rich Ellis

My first indoor event in over a month took place Saturday, July 30th at Kelsey and Michael’s wedding and reception inside the Hotel Vintage Plaza in downtown Portland. It was a beautiful day outside and warm, but sometimes you can’t beat air conditioning, especially when setting up two sound systems on two different floors.

The ceremony was held in the basement wine cellar, a classy, intimate venue to exchange vows. The bride wanted the feel of Paris for her wedding and chose a mix of old French love songs for the prelude music and ‘La Mer’ from Charles Trénet for the processional. Kelsey selected ‘Dream A Little Dream of Me’ from Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald as her entrance song… a surprise selection for the groom. After being introduced by Pastor Aaron Couch, they exited to Ray LaMontagne’s ‘You Are The Best Thing.’

The guests made their way upstairs to the Tuscany Ballroom on the second floor of the hotel. I set-up my main sound system here earlier in the day and while everyone enjoyed cocktails and h’orderves, I played music from the crooner era, that included artists such as Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday and Nat King Cole. Kelsey and Michael arrived for the reception a short time later and I introduced them to Louis Armstrong’s ‘A Kiss To Build A Dream On.’ For dinner, I went with a setlist of Classic Jazz from Miles Davis, Stan Getz, Count Basie and others.

Champagne was served and the toast given by the Maid of Honor and Best Man. The Bride and Groom also spoke and thanked everyone for being a part of their big day. They then cut the cake to Dean Martin’s ‘Ain’t That A Kick In The Head.’ For their First Dance, Kelsey and Michael chose ‘Make Someone Happy’ from Bobby Darin and performed an old style routine to this uptempo classic. Next, the groom danced with his mother to ‘Moonglow’ from Benny Goodman. I then opened the dance floor to everyone. Maybe it was the multiple course dinner over 2+ hours, but guests were slow to participate initially on the dance floor. Eventually they got there though and most were out celebrating with the newlyweds to fun dance music that included current favorites and a run of late-80’s tracks popular with the bride and her friends, including ‘Never Gonna Give You Up’ from Rick Astley… haven’t played that one in awhile 🙂

Kelsey and Michael chose to end the evening with Tony Bennett’s ‘The Best Is Yet To Come.’ Congratulations! -Rich

Post Event Satisfaction Survey:

Event Date: Saturday, July 30, 2011
Event Type: Wedding
Event Location: Hotel Vintage Plaza/Portland, 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: 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

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Posted in Events, Wedding