Naples DJ: Jonathan and Heather 01.03.2015

TIPS FOR A GREAT RECEPTION:

1.) Have the bar in the same room as the reception. People tend to naturally gravitate to the bar, so keeping it in the room will keep them near the fun.

2.) DJ by the dance floor! Your DJ & the sound system needs to be at the edge of the dance floor. Do not make the mistake of having the DJ place the loud speakers a distance away from the dance floor. Playing music over & thru the guest tables can make for an uncomfortable experience.

3.) When arranging the seating chart, it's important to have your relatives seated close by. It's a great suggestion to not have Grandma and Grandpa sit in front of where the speakers may be placed.

4.) You are the party. When you dance, the dance floor will be full. Realize that if you spend your time visiting or outside, your guests will be wherever you are at. So dance all night!

5.) Arrange with the catering manager to have some hors d'oeuvres and your favorite drinks ready for you and the bridal party immediately after photos. You'll be glad you did.

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Jonathan and Heather 01.03.2015

The destination wedding of Jonathan and Heather took place at Laplaya Beach and Golf Resort in Naples, Florida on Saturday January 3rd, 2015! It was a beautifully warm day for their wedding. Especially enjoyable for their guests from out of state. ;-)

We got to know them thru our meetings on Skype as they live in North Carolina. It was great actually getting to meet them in person!

They make such a cute couple, and recognize the blessings they have together. They actually met after college as they worked at a mission trip in Guatemala. By happenstance, they were assigned seats next to each other on the trip there, and on the trip back. Friendship first, and the rest was natural.

The Ceremony started at 4:30pm. We (Naples DJ) provided the music, a wireless lav mic on the groom and a wireless microphone and stand for the two readings that were given. After they were married, the guests were asked to each take a shell provided by the newly wedded couple and head to the water and give a private prayer / blessing for Heather and Jonathan as they tossed the shell into the beautiful gulf waters.

Cocktail hour remained on the beach in the soft sand with the sound of steel drum music that we provided, which gave a truly tropical experience for their guests. After cocktails and the gorgeous sunset, everyone headed over to the Bayside Ballroom for the reception.

Jonathan and Heather brought to Naples their photographer:Colin Mukri (a friend) and chose Rick & Patty of Reel Treasures for their wedding video.

The Introduction songs were "We Are Family" Sister Sledge for the Parents and Bridal Attendants. Then, "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" Michael Buble for the newly married couple.

Heather and Jonathan provided us with a CD that contained a mix of three songs that they had taken lesssons to choreograph their First Dance (they nailed it!). Heather danced with her Dad to "God Made Girls" by RaeLynn. Jonathan danced with his Mom to "Find Your Wings" by Mark Harris (edited by Scott version) ;-)

A blessing was given and a buffet style dinner provided, followed by three Toasts. Next was the Open Dancing. Heather wanted to start things off by having us do the Anniversary Dance which acknowledged the longest married couple at the reception (57 years!). Later was the Cake Cutting.

Their guests had a blast. Smiles were on Heather & Jonathan's faces all night. What a great way to begin their lives together. We're wishing Jonathan and Heather happy honeymooning on their Sandals trip to St. Lucia!