Captain Corelli’s Mandolin by Louis Bernieres

This was introduced to me by Julie & Chris Trevas last month who used this at their ceremony at the HFM; I love it and have been meaning to share it with all of you...'what's left over when being in love has burned away' ...how many of us have relationships that qualify that?
I'm so blessed to say I have many.

"Love is a temporary madness,it erupts like volcanoes and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part.
Because this is what love is.
Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement,
it is not the promulgation of eternal passion.
That is just being “in love” which any fool can do.
Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away,
and this is both an art and a fortunate accident.
Those that truly love, have roots that grow towards each other underground, and when all the pretty blossom have fallen from their branches, they find that they are one tree and not two."

oh bruce... I feel your pain!

Oh poor Bruce Springsteen; even Lester Holt was talking about it on the national news tonight. If you didn't catch the "oops" from Friday's show at the Palace he welcomed the crowd with a "Hello Ohio"! click here for the news story
Feeling the need to support a fellow front man, I'm at the Mirage 11 years ago doing the "Hi I'm Mary Ann and welcome..." and I say "welcome to Penna's." I am continually reminded of this every single solitary time I work with Jim from Elite Photographic who was shooting. I thought he was screwing with me until a guest called me out on it later in the evening; I wanted to crawl under my rig for the rest of the night.
I'm proud to say that after 20 years it's one of my biggest slip ups. Guess with everything that could get messed up on a wedding day, I've been unusually blessed.

tuesday tip...music lists

I think this "job" is the best work you get to complete for your event! I highly recommend that you work hard to "help" your Disc Jockey know what you love! More important than the must play list is the "Do Not Play List". Tunes have powerful memories attached to them; I always ask my couples the week of the wedding to think about that old boyfriend/girlfriend song or the my sister got divorced and this is her wedding song. I'll never forget the drunk Groom screaming at me in front of 250 guests on his packed dance floor because he forgot to tell me that Clapton's Wonderful Tonight was not to be played. On a positive note; we all have that song that goes way back to a special friend or memory; make sure to include it on your list! There is nothing worse than having your pal from 5th grade tell me about your days in the basement singing with hairbrushes to..... and because it's random, I don't always have it.
Finally, do not program your night; that's my job :) You've hired someone with 20 years of experience; let me earn my money. In a perfect world having 10 dance floor "must plays" is about right. More than that prevents me from keeping tabs on where you are in the room when I'm playing your fav's...and keep up the great work with cocktail and dinner sets! My clients are really taking the time to create great off the wall play lists; gone are the KennyG for dinner days...thank goodness ma

tuesday tip...vendor meals

It's not every day I get this placed in front of me at work. Many thanks to the most fab Iroquois Club!
I decided to begin "Tuesday Tips" with a question that comes up a lot.
Do we have to feed you?
No, you don't HAVE to feed me but I'm truly grateful when you do :)
What to feed the vendors?
Many of your reception sites will suggest the vendor meal. This has been everything from a cold plate of lunch meat & cheese; a bar burger (thanks Courtney & the Birmingham CC) or a brown bag lunch with a sandwich full of onions, bag of chips and a bottle of water. I can't eat a sandwich with onions and take your guest's requests all night!
I believe that many of your venues will recommend the vendor meal and that you don't know any better so you say yes. We all appreciate a hot meal. Tell your venue to cut you a deal because we're not drinking and ask your vendors, just like you ask your guests, if they have any dietary restrictions; many of your vendors are vegetarians...I know; I sit next to them every weekend at work :)
Where to feed the vendors?
Venues will also suggest that you put your vendors in another room to eat. We are grateful for a hot meal that is served in the same room. Things happen during dinner! Do not remove your vendors from a room that could have something happen during dinner; it always does! I can't sit down the hall from my rig and just assume the computer is handling my job. I think this idea comes from the "hired help sitting with the guests" in a pretentious way...I think that's silly.
Put us together at a table if your room can handle it or slide us into seats if it's easier when you do your table arranging.
One of the greatest compliment I get is when my B&G say "Oh MA we put you with "so & so" for dinner, you'll love them!"
I've had only one family in 20 years tell me they "couldn't" feed me; that was an exception. I believe that almost everyone that I work for thinks that their vendors should be fed well:)
Thanks to everyone who has thought about this. With everything to think about on a wedding day I know this can be something you miss.
Hope this helps! ma

funny FOB's!

Best weekend with great Daddy's! Your friends are a given for me at midnight but when the Father of the Bride is rocking the dance floor I know I've done my job well.

Dan Holka and his girl Michele from Friday at Penna's. I love this crazy Holka family. DJ'd Carrie and Dan's wedding last October so I knew what to expect; tons of fun and Emily was there again to shoot all the craziness!
Saturday I was at the Birmingham Country Club with Courtney and Andrew. Had the BEST bar burger n fries for my vendor meal and yummy baklava off the dessert table; I so wanted to crawl under my rig and take a nap after dinner. Courtney's Dad Pete grabbed the broom sticks and asked for his Beatles tune....can't type anything else just watch and learn how to have fun on your daughter's wedding day; so glad I was there!

glee!

This is my favorite new show of the season! I'm so glad I was a H.S. drama dork; a little less pressure because I was at an all girlie HS...never had a slushy thrown in my face :)
Have loved every episode and wish it was more "appropriate" for my 8yr old to watch; Sara would love this show. Here's one of my fav's
For everyone who's using this for bouquet toss; I'm thinking of this clip!

katy+mike+cookies+ Andrew WK?

Blogger is giving me grief today; had couple of cool shots of the very yummy cookie table that K&M put out after dinner but Abby will have her always excellent shots up soon. It's a Pittsburgh tradition that the Bride's family bakes cookies for the guests to depart with; I decided on the Chocolate Macadamia Nut fudgie, gooey one...ok I had more than one.
Katy worked hard on the music list; never got off my floor; no one had a better time at Katy's party than Katy
Mike... get's credit for introducing me to Andrew WK
It continues to amaze me to watch my dance floor erupt with a tune and artist I've never heard of after 20 years. Katy gave us 'permission' to play two tracks. Video of "She is Beautiful is below; funny stuff and really shows what the floor looked like most of the night. Thinking I'm going to need to get myself a real video camera if I want to start posting video; you'll get the idea; a good time was had by all!

wes+rebecca=calling me out!

My concerns came true on FB last night. I don't post every wedding here because I forget my camera, or your photographers take forever to post, or I'm just so busy with life and Sara's extracurricular activities!
Wes calls me out assuming his wedding was not as "cool" as the Trevas's and their Star Wars cake!
NOT TRUE!
Rebecca (don't ya love that shot) and Wes had a great wedding day; along with many other couples who I am privileged to party with every weekend. Here's Jess & Nate's blog post of their wedding day
Wes actually get's credit for the coolest dinner set in forever! I had one of the staff at the HFM pass by me w/a tray of food commenting on the fact that he never heard Nirvana during dinner.
Reminding all of you that your dinner and cocktail selections are a very important part of your reception. It's the perfect time to play those tunes that some consider "non danceable" Keep in mind that YOU will probably not hear your cocktail set because you'll be off shooting w/your photographer...unless you agree to see each other before the ceremony; then you'll get to party early with your buds! (I highly recommend this!)

Every couple who I've had the honor of DJing their wedding needs to know that I think you're "cool" too. I don't work for just anyone after 20 years:) and at the risk of sounding pretentious my client base considers their DJ to be one of the most important parts of their wedding day..Thank God for that; I continue to be amazed and flattered that you put such an incredibly important job in my humble hands. ma

star wars update

Jess n Nate of Mod4 posted their most fab photos of Julie and Chris Trevas's wedding last week at the Henry Ford Museum ; had to share their blog post! I so love Julie and the Stormtroopers shot. Julie's been posting her Hawaii honeymoon antics on FB all week; I'm so jealous. If you don't have your photos booked this is where you're supposed to click on the link and check them out.
Made contact w/Courtney from Cake Nouveau who did this amazing cake. She put up w/my star struck 'please let me take your picture because my daughter and I LOVE Food Network and think you're way cooler than Star Wars' (although I heard that Chris is quite the celebrity in the Star Wars world :)) Courtney is as sweet as her confections!

I work with amazing vendors who I'm proud and confident to recommend for your wedding day.
Yeah team!

way cool cake!

Kristin and Chris's classic rock dinner set was a HUGE hit Friday night. Please start putting more thought into your dinner music; your guests just love when we do something "different"!
Great night with tons of HS band geeks; I LOVE band geeks; they always dance:) Thanks for making me look so good.

Luke Skywalker and intestine's! Star War's rock star Chris Trevas and his Bride Julie threw a bash at the HFM on Saturday. Storm Troopers escorted them into the room! I tried all night to get Jess & Nate to take a shot of them w/me but too busy. Will link their blog photos as soon as it's up!



Cakes were done by Courtney Clark of Cake Nouveau in AA. She's the rock star in my house (we're big Food Network Challenge dorks). Sara, my 8yr old was pretty impressed with Chris's job but when I tell her that I got to meet Courtney I will score extra cool points. Her cakes, in addition to being beautiful were the BEST I have ever tasted...even the fondant was done to perfection.

Another perfect weekend. I can't believe that next Saturday marks 20 years of getting to do something I so love.

random song requests can be a good thing!

Hi to Kristen and Derek

and Amber and Ryan!

Great weekend at the Royal Park and Pine Knob Mansion with two incredible couples who had wonderful wedding days! Both nights I had that random, always happens after 11pm request from a guest who thinks it would be a good idea to play a song that "typically" would NEVER work...yes this person is "typically" drinking too :) and my floor is packed so I'm hesitant.
(If you are a blog follower this happened last month with Danielle and Joe at Meadowbrook with their goofy Ghostbusters pals.)
Friday, Kristen and Derek's groomsman Matt asks for Jukebox Hero way early in the night; I put it off for as long as possible because it "typically" would not work; WRONG! craziness I say; should have played it an hour before I did.
Tonight I was smart enough to grab my Blackberry to catch the "can you play Midnight Train to Georgia?" request. I was in the middle of this old bootie Humpty, It's Tricky set.
Once again proven wrong.
Advice of the day...Request your Spice Girls, Back Street Boys, Toto Africa requests
they can bring the house down!

facebook+twitter+website+blog=TMI

The in-house computer engineer (That's my soon to graduate Kettering son Dave) has decided my blog needs to move to Wordpress. I do love the way WP looks and know it's been needing a little tweaking. I've been working on the MAP fan page for FB and deciding if I must Tweet too!
I can't put any more technology on my already very full plate and am missing the days when I came home from my gigs, poured a jumbo glass of wine, checked emails and caught up on my Tivo shows!

Look for the new and improved info soon
ma

melissa+dave+grandma pitcher :)

It was all good at St. John's Atrium Saturday! Melissa and Alex had an amazing night dancing and drinking with their friends and FAMILY!

This is G&G Pitcher. My first run in w/Grandpa Pitcher was during dinner asking me where he could get his Manhattan because the bar was closed :) ( I got the bartender to send him one) I should have known he was married to this crazy never got off my dance floor lady. I just love them and am so pleased with myself when your G&G are on my floor at 11pm. When I grow up I'm going to be just like Grandma Pitcher.

yeah for me that's Melissa's Dad...hee hee!
Dionne shot with me...again :) so photos will be great and Christopher's Personal Touch did the beautiful flowers.

Fun dance shot with M and her girls! Music was awesome. M&A's first dance was to Marc Broussard's "Beauty of Who You Are" a first for me and I loved it! Alex was into latin & Brazilian and we did this very cool set for dinner. I am loving that my couples are really putting more thought into their cocktail and dinner music.

Another great night with another great couple...some people must think I make some of this stuff up every weekend saying that every gig is great...but they are! Thanks to all my great couples like Melissa and Alex who allow me to share in their wedding days.

behind...again

It's 3am and I'm behind again on blog posts :(
Just left the "Max"...a.k.a. Orchestra Hall with Courtney and Dave
The acoustics, as you could imagine, were simply amazing and this party was just WOW!
Funny of the night?...Some 20 something hip and with it guy wants to know what my "DJ Name" is...I say, "Do I LOOK like I have a DJ Name?" he comes back later with one..."DJ Proper"
Yup that's me...proper and proud of it!
I have the very best job with the very best clients; truly no one get's to do what I do every weekend!
You want to be me, really you do.
ma

a very cherry day!

Jennett and David Cherry at Oakhurst on an amazing day with an amazing couple and the BEST friends a B&G could ask for. Oakhurst is a beautiful golf club out in Clarkston and does a great job; nice spot for outdoor ceremony too.
Photos were shot by Brian of BMac Photography. Brian has been around forever like me! Here's some shots he took of the day.


This one's my fav! crazy fun friends who had a blast.

Video was shot by Mike Miller with Star Productions. Mike's another fantastic vendor who I wish I could work with more often. Video seems to be one area you guys are cutting out because of budget. Here's where I tell you to call Mike because he is not that expensive and does great work. His contact number is 586.749.8880 tell him I sent you.

k+c=PEACE!

How great to be punched out by 5pm on a Friday! Thanks to Kristina and Chris who had their wedding day last Friday morning out at Addison Oaks what a killer weather day and an even sweeter couple.
Worked with Lisa Adams for the first time; she did great work and sent some shots for me to post.


Here I am telling you again that if you haven't booked your venue and need an outdoor ceremony on site this is where I love to be!
Kristina and Chris had a great day with family & friends who loved to dance even at 1pm with the sun pouring into the room. Thank you both for a great day and a rare weekend night off! Wish I could tell you I did something exciting after work but it was just great to be home in my sweats with a glass of wine at 8pm.

mr n mrs blackledge

From across the pond came Jenna and Laurence! Jenna grew up in Rochester and met Laurence in London. We had a blast with tons of family who flew into the Royal Park for the celebration last Sunday night. You know how I love my RP! Janet and her staff have one of the best places I love to work at...and it's extra nice to be five blocks from home at the end of the night too. Gal pal and photo great Dionne from The Shooting Gallery will send much better photos soon!


Yummy yummy cake from Militello's I don't usually have cake because it's not always great and figure why put it on your butt if it's not worth it :) this was! Jenna had beautiful tea cups as favors and Sara is loving drinking out of mine; thanks Louise for making sure I had one to take home.

Dancing was a riot. Slow start with a small intimate group on a Sunday so Laurence's Dad wonders what's wrong with us American's? He said he paid lots of money to get here for this party and planned on having fun; they did! Amazed at the amount of Queen the Brit's asked for (you know I love my Queen) and couldn't believe that Dorry Laurence's sis had never heard of Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" It's funny how different their taste in music was. Funniest dance of the night was the Superman; some line dance J&L saw on a late night BBC show; hilarious.

Biggest news of the night?...(at least my 8 year old thought so) The JoBros were staying at the hotel. I wondered when I arrived for set up why there were groups of girls stalking the parking lot then found three huge tour bus's parked out back in the secure area of the hotel. I have to admit that I was secretly hoping they'd crash our party after their gig at the Palace; their loss I say, we had a wonderful night!

nancy+jeff

Crazy dancing machine Nancy and Jeff Lee had a blast at the Marriott Saturday night! I am really impressed with the job this venue does. It's truly so great for your guests to stumble upstairs instead of getting in their car at the end of the night. Food is great and the service from the staff was terrific!

My pal Robert Bruce who promises his photos soon! Another wonderful photographer you should call immediately if you're still photo shopping.
Video was shot by Alan Lockwood who busted his butt and got this clip for me by the time we packed up. He's another great vendor I love working with. check it out!

Nancy should teach the "how to have fun on your wedding day"class! OMG! she dragged anyone around her up on the floor and had the best time doing her Napoleon Dynamite dance number which she introduced at her sister Cindy's wedding which I DJ'd a few years back. Nancy asked me to only put a few seconds on the blog but since I have no idea how to edit from my Blackberry you get to see it all. Humor her and only watch it for 60 seconds :) click here to learn how to have fun on your wedding day!

sarah+eddie the rock star!

Finally get to tell you about Sarah and Eddie's great night at the Gem last month! I've been waiting for the video of Eddie's surprise song to Sarah that night. It's so great; I just adore how he loves her; it's just this cool, understated, so glad he's got her in his life look. Hope all of you have an Eddie who loves you like that. So without further adieu...here's the YouTube link . I'm way in the background so now I can say I'm on YouTube! Best part of the night for me?...Sarah and Eddie chose Queen's "Somebody To Love" for their wedding song; I've been waiting 20 years for someone to use this!
Here's a few shots Patrick Abel of Special Moments Patrick has been on my circuit for forever and is and is so great to work with; you'll love him.



What else to say..another wonderful night at work. Sara and Eddie had it all; a great venue with yummy food, exceptional atmosphere and a group of family and friends who danced their butts off. A vendor team who truly wanted nothing but the best for them. It was an awesome night; so glad I was there to share it.

riverbirch is too cool and so r sarah n alex

Hi to the new Perez-Berquist's! Sara and Alex were married at the much talked about on my circuit RiverBirch in Hartland. Can you imagine living in a house and leaving for the weekend because you rent it out for weddings? That's just what Laura and her so proud hubby who's name I can't remember at this moment do! I decided to put my camera away after a few shots because I could never do this place justice. It's amazing! Sleeps 20 and u can have it for 48 hrs.

Katherine's in AA did the food...yum. You know what a foodie I am; roasted tomato soup w/grilled cheese was one of many yummy things on the strolling menu. They must think I'm nuts walking around shooting their food for my blog :)
Abby was the real reason I put my camera away; I knew she'd have great shots of the day; here is her blog post; another wonderful vendor and someone you should call if you are looking for a fantastic photographer! Abby mentioned their great minister who's card I took because he was so great with a rope binding ceremony AND showed up with this own microphone hookup's. I could go on & on about officiants who "ASSume" that I will have them all covered...even though they charge YOU money for their services...ok I'm done :)
Here is Rev Ronald Heilner's website and I'm so pleased to send him out to you! He was on top of his game and you should call him if you want someone who does his j.o.b. very well!

Just had to throw the slushy machine shot in because it's the first and was a huge hit at the bar!

Sara & Alex were the BEST! Even when I kicked out my sound system twice because I was having so much fun dancing around with all the great tunes they helped select. (I was tucked extra tight in a corner and had my power plug right behind me) Their postcard from St. John's that showed up today from their honeymoon said it best..."people felt like they were at a party, not a wedding reception".
great night!

mona+daniel+gem+mod4=all good!

Here's Mona and Daniel who celebrated their wedding day today at the Gem. Feel's like home here; I adore Nicole and Dawn who run the Gem & their fantastic staff! There in no room in the area you should even consider if you have 100 people for your event. FYI...they have more room downstairs and also run the beautiful Colony Club around the corner should you need more room.

Dawn and Nicole. Everyone should have these two looking out for you on your wedding day!

I love this bar! it's right next to my dance floor; food is incredible and you won't find many people like Dawn, Nicole, Steve, Eric and the staff who will take care of your guests like every couple should expect on their wedding day.

Here's Mona and her Mommy shaking it on my floor at 11pm; yeah me when your parents are dancing at the end of the night. Mona and Daniel have great taste in music...okay, they like what I do which always make for a better night for all of us :) These two LOVE to dance; check out the turbo hustle shot Jess and Nate shot on Mod4's blog link below.

Can't wait to post Jess and Nate's blog with "real" photos from the day. Mod4 Photographic will make my pictures look crummy. I love these two just like you will! Had the honor of DJing their wedding a few years ago. They just shot my daughter Sara's first photo shoot and we all had such a blast. You should get off my site and call them if you are looking for a great photographer for your wedding day.
...OMG it's 1:40am and I haven't gotten into bed before 3am this weekend. Going to scrub my face and lay down thanking God for another incredible weekend of work; it's good to be me.

cindy+rick@henry ford estate

Say hi to Cindy and Rick. After 10 years of dating they finally had their night at the Ford Estate in Dearborn. Weather was unusually cool which is so great for this venue because they don't have air. It was still hot but we ended up dancing out on the patio which I so love :) They chose the Estate because the family said it made them feel like they were partying in their Grandma's house.
I didn't take too many shots because my gal pal Dionne from The Shooting Gallery was still there shooting at 11:40! will post her blog when it's up; love her! I actually had to go get Cindy and Rick for last dance; they were still outside shooting! Chris and Trish from Personal Touch Productions were there until the end too! Can't wait to see their trailer; one of my Grandma's had all her grand kids dancing all night with her (think of a Grandma surrounded by ten 20 somethings dancing to Usher "Yeah"...I'm smiling :) I love working with PT, every time I look at Trish she's singing along to whatever I'm playing :)
Keeping it all together was Kate from Purple Clover Events I've been waiting for forever to work with her; she's a doll and totally on top of her game. If you are looking for coordination give her a call!

Just had to throw this cute photo of Cindy and her sis dancing tonight; it describes perfectly how much fun we had on the dance floor. Still getting extra MJ requests and did a couple of fun swing stuff too! Yeah for me I love my job!

blame it on the bota

I am 10 weddings behind; I don't even know where to start... I've had Polish Dancers, Shutterbooth's, Slurpee machines, a Michael Jackson impersonator, Jay Towers introducing my B&G and Eddie the Groom who wrote and sang the BEST song to his Sarah in the past month. Instead of blogging I am BOTA boxing.
My wine guy John at Papa Joe's recommended this to me months ago; said it's all the rage in Europe. I wonder how many European's are in Betty Fords because of this? Having a wine faucet in your home is probably not a good thing :)
I worry my girls think they didn't get on the blog so to Kalyn, Renee, Lindsey, Hayley, Sarah, Danielle, Elizabeth, Devon, Sara and Laura...thank you all for letting me share your wedding day with you! I'm waiting for some of your photographer's to send over some shots of your day.

michael jackson R.I.P + ghostbusters?

I've been a bad, bad blogger! June is crazy and I've had the most amazing couples. Forgot my camera a few nights so I'm waiting for my photo pals to post my fab gigs!
Last night I was in Meadowbrook Hall's tent with Danielle and Joe who had the best group of pals I have seen in forever. Michael Jackson was already on the list but I played more than the usual Billie Jean, PYT and Don't Stop Till You Get Enough.....This request came in the last hour...these types of requests ALWAYS come in the last hour (after your pals drink enough to think it's funny) I always wonder if it's just funny to one or two guests or the dance floor will go with it; as you can see I was pleasantly surprised :)

Duff Jr.

My crazy daughter is addicted to Food Network Challenge and Ace of Cakes! She was so impressed when I told her I was pals with Detroit's own Michelle Bommarito and wants to know when she can meet her! Last Saturday her pals celebrated their 9th "B" day and Sara insisted on not only baking the cakes but she made me video tape her in true "Food Network Challenge" style; we had a blast and I must admit the cakes came out so great.
She's been bugging me since Sunday to post the blog. Sara I'm so proud of you!

stephanie+mike@wabeek

Love these smiles; especially when you're waiting to set up outside gear for cocktails and the sky is green! I do pray every week for you guys to have great weather; I'm so blessed and "almost" ALWAYS, it turns out to be a beautiful cocktail hour on the green at Wabeek! I'm only going to throw up a few of my crummy DJ photos because I've included Amy's post which again goes to show why she's the photographer and I'm the DJ!

Here's Andrew, Mike's pal who couldn't make it in from Hawaii..although I think he had as much fun as any guy in the room!

Mike's little nephew who fired up the room with his lead on the YMCA. I know he slept well that night!

My fav gal pal Kristyn Smyth from Castle Video. I love you girlie! Major amounts of girl power that night. Here's Stephanie and Mike's photographer Amy Carroll's beautiful photos of the night. First night working with her; she was great; hope we work together again.

Stephanie and Mike had a wedding day filled with so much love & laughter. Mike's brother Jeff gave one of the best BM speeches I've heard in 20 years; the Daddy's had more fun than ANYONE! (I so am doing my j.o.b. when your parents are shaking their groove things like you and your buds)! and the tip of the day. If you have a friend who can't get to your reception; get one of these cut outs; This is the second time I've seen this go down and everyone in the room has the best time with it!

Queen!

Brian and Eileen's Video
My friend Rod Burnette from MusicBox Productions threw this up on FB tonight and I had to share. I LOVE Queen and it made me smile; it's one of my fav Queen songs and maybe a new Grand Entrance idea.

"old mcdonald had a farm".....

Told Kelly's Dad that in 20 years I've never worked with barn animals :) Out at Cobblestone Farms Saturday night; what an amazing place to throw a wedding. Bonus... An incredible, fun loving, thoughtful couple like Kelly & Dave!

A few shots from cocktail hour. They had iced tea and lemonade and a fun photo booth with props for the guests to get silly with.

Then we come into the barn and get linen and chair covers and amazing wine and yummy food. (loved the smoked salmon presentation & wish I took a shot of my yummy dinner)

Kelly and Dave didn't plan on the Hora but their guests suggested it would be "fun". Kelly said yes and I believe she was glad we did it....Her face bounced between "please don't drop me" and "I am having so much fun" If you're reading this I hope I didn't put you on the spot when I asked if this was ok; I made sure they chose the guys in the room who had fewer glasses of wine with dinner :) I'm proud to say I've never lost a Bride in 20 years!

On to the vendor team! I've never been more excited to see Ryan's video. We always have so much fun together. When the cupcakes were going fast (Kelly promised me one) Ryan gave me the heads up. He left one on my table and I ate it on my ride home...yummy! Keeping us all in line was Tracie Morris. Here's Tracie's blog from the day. I can't believe I DJ'd her wedding 12
year's ago. She got the planning bug after her wedding day and has built a successful business! Photo's were done by Kristen Taylor; who promised me some professional shots as soon as she post. I love my job; Thank you K&D for including me in all your fun!

"Cheer Cheer for old Notre Dame"

So much to cheer about last Saturday at Cherry Creek! The lovely Laurel and her great Navy engineering guy Russell had friends and family from 38 states in to party with them; party they did!

How much do you love this?

or these? This is what you get when you hire Prem and Cheridy of Arising Images to shoot your wedding. Great photographer's and fantastic people I so love working with.

Can't even believe I'm going to put my crummy photos next to P&C's but when I played Journey the dance floor just went nuts.

Included these because I rarely saw these two apart all night; not always the case. Dr. Laurel (who was so humble with the "Dr." thing) had this smile on all night and Russell never took his eyes off her. I hope every girl who is reading this has a guy who looks at you like Russell looked at Laurel that night. Special thanks to Tomi and Maria who told their big sis she "had" to have me DJ her wedding. I can't wait for you two to find worthy guys and call me in a few years; it was such a great night!

hilarious!

Just got home from a great night with Denise and Will at St. John's. One of their little guests (she is 7) took me up on my offer to put in requests for the night...She changed her mind on the Kelly Clarkson song because of the bad word in it; good thing she was gone when we played Buck Cherry! When I asked her if she wanted any Miley or Joe Bro's she just looked at me like..ah no.
I so love this.

McCain+McGregor+McFUN!

Happy Wedding Day to Lori and Joe McCain!

Put "Mc" in front of your last name and your bar will look like this all night...

Your dance floor will look like this...unless you have your pals in the photo booth...

Nolan's team from Shutterbooth This is such a hoot! Best new "fad" to add to your night. Every guest takes home their photo strip and the Shutterbooth team puts an additional copy into a guest book/album for you to sign for the B&G!

I DJ'd Stacy and Jack Charette's wedding 13 years ago! I have them to thank for this gig along with 8 others including...

Rachel and Matt (2006) who got to dance to their wedding song before they left to get the kids from Grandma. After 20 years I almost always have a past couple in my room; my record is eight! Thankfully I have a great memory and have kept track of first dance songs so I LOVE just throwing them into the slow sets and have them look at me like they can't believe I'm playing this for them. Don't you wish you had my job? I have always said no one has it better than I do when it comes to paying my bills. It's 2:45am and I have to be on the soccer field in 6 hours; Denise and Will tomorrow and Lorenzo's First Holy Communion on Sunday. Good night!

girls in white dresses+richard n sparty!

The BEST 20 hour day I've had in forever. Up at 7am to get two Ross girls ready for Sara's First Holy Communion. She was chosen to welcome the church! Got right up on the altar and did her thing..a couple behind us asks who the public speaker is in the family :) I was so proud.

Headed to BDub's for lunch...decided since I had to go to work we needed something quick, close...and cheap. Fed 37 for under $500! (even w/my friends who always take advantage of drinking on a Saturday afternoon) We're Tuesday night regulars in Rochester. If you get there ask for Adam. He's our fav!

Off to San Marino to celebrate with Jackie, Richard & Sparty! He was a surprise for Richard; hilarious. Brought him in to the fight song then threw on the cupid shuffle and had him help me lead it. He stayed for an hour posing for photos, jumping on my stage and bringing up the ladies during a slow set. I hear he's around $300-5 for a visit. Call the alumni office at MSU for info.

J&R found me at Heidi and Eric's wedding in 2003 (who found me at Bob and Jennifer's 1999)
so good to see them all again along with M&D Losey. Jackie had the best bridal attendants. They made sure her day was perfect for her and let her party till the end while they spent the last half hour packing up; thanks girls!


Did yummy cupcakes for dessert and they doubled for the centerpiece; I like it.

One of many fun dance shots. Worked with Emily from EJ photography She'll have way better photos than mine; will post some when she gets her blog up. I poured myself into bed at 2:45am thanking God for another great day...it's so good to be me!

jen+kenny "K"

So glad I forgot my camera last night at St. John's. Instead I get to steal Abby's post of Jen and Ken's wedding day. Abby sent me the most amazing clients this year and Jen & Ken were the best! Ryan from Epic Motion doing his thing; I crack up watching him running around during the bridal set; he's totally focused on his job and produces the best Detroit has to offer in video service. Bonus...you will L.O.V.E him like I do! Here's Ryan's trailer of the night.When it comes to photo and video you better love who's shooting; they will spend a ton of time with you on your wedding day! Abby's work speaks for itself; why would you want to see my try to DJ and take photos with my crappy little camera when you can see her work?
http://abbyroseblog.com/wedding/jen-ken-married.html

working hard....ok really not too hard :)

So much love in this room for J&K. I knew the second I met them that this would be a special night. They had a huge group of pals who had me playing everything! Did a ton of old school 80's and 90's. Run DMC "It's Tricky" has been my "go to" for the past year; it works every time!

megan+jay=rockin their "chucks"

Megan and Jay were blessed with an outdoor ceremony today at Tina's; hundreds of yellow pansy's and no rain until we left at 11pm! Megan is number three of four beautiful girls belonging to the Ribant family.

Can't believe it was 9 years ago that I worked Kate & Jeff's wedding; they welcomed little Colin into the world 6 months ago; he was so good! hung long enough to let his M&D dance to their wedding song.

Annie (Ribant) & Joe 2005

Therese Ribant with Jared the dancing machine. I'll have to wait awhile for my last Ribant wedding. Need to get Therese through high school, college and find someone worthy...although her Dad and I both noticed a certain someone always with her on the dance floor tonight...hmmm!

First pair of pink Chuck's...they were great but not as cute as...

I think this is the best photo I've ever shot at a gig. I'm feeling like my photo buds!

MY Ribant girls! To have them introduce me to a guest as "their" DJ is the ultimate compliment. I so love all of you!

grace+tom@iroquois club=glad to be back!

Tonight was just the best way to kick off the 2009 wedding season! Tom, Grace and 80 of their friends and family celebrated at the Iroquois Club . 17 of their guests were between the ages of 3 & 14 so I got to mix in some Joe Bro's and Miley right into Brass Monkey & Tom's 80's requests!

This fine young man in his bow tie comes up and asks me if I could play something more "current" How flipping cute is he? I ask him what specifically he would like and he tells me his mom sent him up to ask :) Great table for the kids to play at.

The girls waiting for dessert; sure wish I had a piece of cake right now...

How excited am I to have this dropped in front of me; yummy. Here's where I tell you to go see Kelly and her staff. First time for me at this venue; it was just beautiful. Food was great & all the staff were on top of their game. Sits under 200 so I know that it won't fit for many of you but remember them for your shower. I hope I get back soon!

Keeping it all under control was Laura Davis and her staff. Laura has been around my circuit for years and does a wonderful job. If you are looking for someone who's as type "A" s I am and will make your day stress free call her now!

Tom and Grace said their families would dance and they were right! They were dancing during cocktails...to everything! When you have that many kids in the room you have to take care of them too. It was great to work in their songs AND have the grownups stay on the floor.

A good time was had by all. I'm so lucky to have this job. Thank you to everyone who has ever chosen me to celebrate with them on their wedding day! After almost 20 years I can't think of anything I would rather do to pay my bills.

looking for a great video?

My video pal Lee Thomas just posted this on his blog. He's one of the best here in Michigan and I'm glad to pass along the info to anyone looking for an amazing video! The Bridal "Stimulus Package" Giveaway !!

We all know the economy hasn't been the greatest - especially here in Michigan. No matter where you turn, it's hitting someone hard. So, we decided to do our share to try to help out a little. It's our version of a "stimulus package", if you will... What are we giving away? One lucky couple will win your choice of either; 2 extra hours of coverage on your wedding day, or... 1 extra hour of coverage and 2nd camera coverage at your reception. Choose what works best for you! That's over $800 worth of savings. Sound cool? Good, here are the rules... 1. Your wedding must take place in 2009. 2. Your wedding must take place in Michigan. 3. You must book at least 8 hours of coverage. 4. You must book by April 30, 2009. That's it... then just sit back and see if you're the winner! I will be announcing the winner on May 1st on my blog. So, if you haven't booked yet, now is not the time to hide under a paper bag! Wait are you waiting for...?

MY American Girl!

I told you that no one wants to get married in Michigan in the winter so I'm back to..."show the clients a little about yourself"
My American Girl Sara modeled in the fashion show last Saturday at the Townsend; very excited that she was selected to be "Ruthie" one of her fav's! I want all you girls who are getting married to remember what a big deal these stupid American Girl's are...someday if you are a mommy you will wish you had come up with this money making concept; these dumb dolls have a better wardrobe than I do!



How much do you love a big brother (and Stephanie) who puts on his suit and supports his little sis? I have great kids

Had to post the yummy little Townsend petit four tray from the table; my nine year old niece Erin just plowed through everything! "What's that Aunt Mary Ann?....Watercress and Smoked Salmon"...and she eats it! just LOVE her!

Booked Chris and Kristina (Addison Oaks) John and Lauren (Meadowbrook Hall) and Erica and Dan in addition to a yummy St. Patrick's Day Corned Beef & Cabbage dinner with my buds today; It's good to be me.

love my mercy girls!

Had a blast last Saturday at the Rattlesnake with Anne Marie and Brent! Amy and her crew did an amazing job; first time for me there, I hope I get back!

yum yum that was dinner!

how great is the back of that dress? Thank you Vera Wang.

two fab Mercy Girls...Kristen (Kristen & Matt Jan 2006) was the first of my girls that wore a bright colored shoe under her dress.

Anne Marie did too!

Enough of my crummy photos...Harold got these done super quick so I could show you what a real photographer can do for you on your wedding day; I just love love him and you will too.

ohh la la!

Kate and Mike are posted on the Little Black Book
Here's my post from back in June when I had the honor of participating in an incredible day for Kate & Mike out at Pine Knob. This was a night that was just flawless. A team of vendors that every couple should have and a couple every vendor wishes for. The french macaroons from Chicago were almost as fab as Kate's dress! Stay tuned, they're going to be featured in the Spring issue of the Knot. Here is Kate and Mike's highlight reel from Ryan at Epic!

6.17.2008

kate+mike=spectacular!

There is no better venue on a perfect weather day than the Pine Knob Mansion. Add the “Dream Team of Vendors” (Kate’s quote) and you are in for a spectacular wedding day. First, it’s a killer weather day so we get to dance outside on the patio until 11pm (can you believe that photo Jessica took) yeah! The dress…I mean what else do you say but spectacular! Kate looked amazing. Mike is this great, generous, guy; loves his 80’s and his wife. On to the “Dream Team”; Jessica Johnston & Nate; thanks for the amazing photos; so much better than the crummy, try to DJ and take pictures that I usually post; Ryan Koral and the guys from Epicmotion; this is not your typical wedding video company; check out his site and you’ll see what I mean. They are some of the best in my business in addition to being just wonderful people who are truly invested in your wedding day, not because you are paying them but because they want more than anything for your day to be perfect for you; like me! Trisha from a KnotSoOrdinaryEvent was there too to keep us all on schedule. As for the music; I loved Kate and Mike’s first dance song; Josh Kelley (Katherine Heigl’s hubby) Fallin in Love With You. We played some Motown and current hits (FloRida’s “Low” still packing the floor) and got into this fun 80’s set later in the night…I love playing the Outfield and Rick Astley! Many thanks to Mike the “guest” and his “posse” who danced to everything I played. I especially loved having your mom out there jumping around to House of Pain with you guys; you really helped make Kate and Mike’s day spectacular!

i love disney!

So if you haven't guessed by now, no one wants to get married in January & February (although you'd save a TON of money if you did because all of us vendors would give you great deals)! So instead of wedding stories you get to see my "what I did on my winter vacation" photos.

"ok Mom, I know YOU really want to go on It's a Small World so we'll go for you"....What's wrong with kid's today? My seven year old is sucking it up for her mom.....she'd rather be on...

the Aerosmith coaster; Everest at Animal Kingdom or Space Mountain...my little freak :)

Dave got pulled out of the audience to be an extra at Indiana Jones; this was way cool.

I love Goofy!

My Disney Tradition...Martini at the Rose & Crown watching the Firework's at Epcot...where else is an Irish/Scottish girl going to drink than at the pub! In 14 years Sara can join me.

Our last day. It was cold and wet and I was so glad Dave was there to ride Splash Mountain five times with her; I'm not that dedicated of a Mom when it's 60 out!

mulitated barbie

It's official! Sara has taken a pair of scissors to her Barbie's! my little girl is growing up. She had that "I can't believe you're letting me do this" look on her face...if she only knew how many dolls her Mommy chopped up :)
If you watched Tony Bourdain last Monday in Mexico and are thinking about the creepy dolls....me too.
No more weddings this month; although the phone is ringing which is great. If you do not have your vendors lined up this is the month to do it; before all the good ones get taken.

paula+joe@addison oaks

Finally back to posting another great night at "work" (really never feels like work) Paula and Joe had ceremony and reception at my fav Addison Oaks. I can tell you that every single time I work this venue they NEVER disappoint. Dan and Mike have run this place for forever and I know they care about your day as much as you do! Remember to get the pizza for late night snack. It's homemade; they pull it out of the oven as needed. Seems like a small detail but most places when they do pizza at the end of the night; it's pretty crummy. I could go on and on about Addison Oaks; the staff that works this house are some of the nicest I've met. I can count on one hand how many times someone comes and asks ME if I need a coffee...or brings ME a plate of pizza. It ALWAYS happens here.

Here's a shot of the dining room for ceremony. They flipped it in less than 30 minutes for dinner.
This is THE place to have your reception during the holidays.


Crazy night on the dance floor. Paula said her family is nuts; she was right. They were all there to wrap at 1am to American Pie. Loved their 80's especially Joe.....

That's his Michael Jackson Thriller imitation :)

The "Girls" who never left my floor; thanks!

The lovely Paula who looked like this all night. It's not a given that every Bride enjoys her day like this. If I could bottle her attitude and give it to every girl I have ever worked with I would! No one had more fun at her party than she did!

Here's one of my photo bud's; Dionne from The Shooting Gallery (w/her hubby Joe) Love this photo. without hesitation one of the busiest and best in my business. You'll love her like I do!

Christmas Card 2008

Make a Smilebox slideshow

psa 4 the day

This is the best $2.29 I've spent since I got that crummy everyone has it cold/chest thing the past couple of weeks! I'm all about saving some cash but I would pay double to blow my nose with these!

Hope everyone had a great Turkey weekend and they've fired up the snowblower to make sure it's going to work tomorrow.

i love jack bauer!

Pathetic but true :)
His cute friend who died for the kids and blew up the bad guy in the process is a close second...I've always been a sucker for a guy with an accent.
I curse the day T&N told me to watch this show; I'm sure in secret my friends think he's why I don't date... I have a problem.

madonna is...

Sitting at Bdub's enjoying our Tuesday wing tradition before religious ed & jazz class for Sara when the phone rings..."What are you doing tonight"? it takes 30 seconds of my explaining before, with a poignant pause, I remember who's in town...
"Father forgive me for I have sinned" (that's how you start confession for you non-Catholics)...how fast can I blow off my parental duties and find someone to babysit so I can sit 30 rows from the stage?...less than an hour:) I'm in my sweats with little makeup and dirty hair; treat yourself to B&B hair powder; this is THE situation for this product; amazing transformation. Side note....the getups in this building were..Oh I'm cracking up thinking about it; The Gloria Swanson 50ish woman with her Latoya Jackson headband dancing in the aisle...still has me giggling; people watching at it's finest.
The good, bad and ugly of the night...

Ford Field...They must not be used to handling a crowd due to our beloved Lions. Waited 50 minutes outside to get in. ONE bar with liquor? are you kidding me? After waiting 30 minutes to find a vodka I settled on a beer which I occasionally drink in the summer after playing in the yard (I put it on ice) We ordered two per person so we wouldn't have to get back in the line so my second one was nice and warm...yuck; I have felt like cr** all day. Stick with my drink clear liquor, no sugar theory...It's going to be a better morning :)

Madonna... the girl is large & in charge. How do you not respect that! She has worked her butt off for forever and continues to reinvent herself. The body makes you want to get your sorry, pathetic self to the gym. I know she has a trainer, a cook and her "job" is to look great, but anyone who has worked out knows what it would take to look like that...she's much prettier than I realized.

The Tunes... were good; I would have loved to hear more old stuff...but I'm old :) she rearranged most of her old tunes; the only one I truly loved was the Vogue/4 Minutes remix; it was great. The stage show was the best I have ever been at; I can't imagine how many people it took to pull it off.

Best part of the night... Hanging with my buds. No matter where we are, we're having fun. KO left the floor ten minutes early to drag the car out of the parking structure and met us girls on the service drive. Every Bride who is reading this should have a man who takes you and your girls to Madonna; leaves early, fires up your butt warmers in the car and is the DD; if you don't have this keep looking; he is not worthy of you!

ann+josh in dearborn

Ann and Josh were married on the 8th out at the Dearborn Inn. They had their ceremony in the same room as the reception; it's always a hoot watching the staff "flip" a room in 40 minutes; the transformation always amazes me, Dearborn Inn is a great venue.

Josh and Ann met at work; they had plenty of their work buds there and two great families partying with them all night!

Josh leading the hustle

finally together on the floor later in the night; I wish the shot was better; Ann has a great smile and I believe they both enjoyed their night!

Ann and Josh are a great laid back couple. Here's Ann's email to me two days before the wedding..."Saturday is going to be great. I have not even thought twice about anything that you are doing. All the confidence in the world. Once less thing to worry about:-)"
I get this a lot the week of the wedding. I'm the one usually calling the week of looking for paperwork because we haven't talked since you booked me. It's the ultimate compliment; thank you for putting your trust in me!

jessica+kevin=indianwood fun!

This is how Jess and Kev were all night

...and like this :)

Here's Kev's Dad who never left my floor; yeah me!

Jessica and Kevin live in Chicago. I so love the shot Harold took at their engagement session; I've included a few more to show you his work; he's one of the best here in Detroit!


Father Daughter Dance. Jessica chose Edelweiss from Sound of Music because her Dad used to sing it to her...UGH it's tough to keep it together and get on the mic when I'm crying; an awesome choice; I grew up on that movie.

Best idea to steal for your wedding day! Jessica provided flip-flops for her guests! She had this basket next to the dance floor with various sizes (all marked on the bottom) for her girls; I think this is fab!

lasagna+ sunday=yummy

Does comfort food get any better on a Sunday crummy weather day than lasagna (did you have hail too)? My wonderful Winter family (Kristen & Matt 2006) held true to their promise of dinner. Kristen asked her Mom if she would host their rehearsal dinner and cook her famous lasagna; I needed to get home to Sara that night but was promised that they would have me over another day.

Every Irish kid, if they were smart, found a friend who had a Mom who was Italian.! Not to slam my Mom; she's a great cook, but we had Ragu at our house...and Stew and Corn Beef and Cabbage! If you think about Irish/Scottish cuisine; that's about it...except for the one time she had some awful lamb pie thing that blew up in the oven; I swear I can still smell it :)

Homemade noodles cranked out that morning & wild mushroom bruschetta. Tiramisu for dessert that Sara had two plates of...Ahhh to be young and not worry about what your butt looks like if you have two servings of dessert :)

To Kristen, Matt and MA & Pete...I know you check in on the blog so I'm here to say Thank You for an amazing afternoon. I dropped Sara into dance rehearsal and went out to the car where I passed out cold until she came and knocked on the car door to wake me up! Thanks again for a wonderful day, love you tons and bunches.

HSM3 and I am a dork

2 days...4 hours and 46 minutes until HSM3 hits our house! I could blame it on Sara but truly I am as excited as she is to see the movie Friday night (no I did not take the night off) We went to Target and bought the soundtrack today to get ready. Before you girls who have me booked start freaking out I also watched a GREAT biography on Freddie Mercury of Queen last night; this is one band I really regret not ever seeing live. I don't know why I don't play Queen at work; I know people LOVE them... So I got to thinking about all the shows I've seen over the years and the ones I hope to still get to.

• HS for me is AC/DC, Journey and J Geils at Pine Knob...Pine Knob in the day when you bought the teeshirt for $8 and brought in your food and "drinks". We'll say drinks because my Mom reads my blog :)
• Frank, Sammy and Liza when they opened the FOX. (that would be Sinatra, Davis Jr. and Minnelli; Liza blew the guys away)
• Earth Wind and Fire. (one of my all time fav's)
  
• Aerosmith
• Madonna
• Sade
• Sting
• Prince@ Pine Knob (that was an amazing show)
  
• Hanna Montana (ok that WAS for Sara and I was supermom of the year for scoring those seats)
• Stevie Wonder
• KC & The Sunshine Band (if I told you this was last summer would you still book me?)
  
• Lenny Kravitz (another great artist I don't get around to playing at work)

As to who I'd like to see...

• Kid Rock (I know I'm a loser; every time he's here I can't seem to get to Pine Knob)
• The Rolling Stones (catch the Martin Scorsese piece on UVerse this month; it was great)
• Bare Naked Ladies (I hear it's a great show)
• Neil Diamond (see above)
• Jimmy Buffett (see above)
• Michael Jackson (I'm not sure what I'm supposed to type here but putting all craziness aside, if he was on top of his game, this would be THE show I'd see)

Musical thoughts on a Tuesday night; would LOVE to hear who YOU'VE seen and LOVED!
The heat just kicked on.......I can't believe it's going to get cold soon :(