My 2014 wedding season is underway! Last night was my first reception of the year, at the Stonebridge Golf and Country Club, southeast of Utica. Because Lindsey and John got married a few weeks earlier in Jamaica, this was their reception for their friends and family "back home" here in Central New York. (And it was my first chance to try out a few new "toys" that I added to my setup during the off-season!)
Because Lindsey and John live out-of-state, we never met face-to-face until they walked into the reception hall. All of the planning was handled via email, though phone calls and Skype videoconferencing are also offered to all out-of-town customers. When Lindsey and John booked me, I sent them the "planning form" that I use to make sure we cover just about every possible detail for a reception. They filled it out and emailed it back. I had a couple of questions to clarify the details, just to make sure we were all on the same page... and everything went off without a hitch.
As always, to provide possible inspiration for future customers, here's what Lindsey and John selected for their key dances:
- Bride and Groom Entrance: Andy Grammer / Fine By Me
- First Dance: Train / Marry Me
- Bride / Father Dance: Tim McGraw / My Little Girl
- Groom / Mother Dance: Happy Traveler’s Orchestra / Two Mary’s Oberek
- Bride / Mother Dance: Cyndi Lauper / Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
- Cake Cutting: Chris Brown / With You
- Last Dance of the Night for Everyone: Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat / Lucky
At times, it was a challenge to keep people dancing as, just a few feet away, sports fans were glued to a TV over the bar, watching the Syracuse University men's basketball team play what would become their final game in this year's NCAA tournament. But, as you'll see from the photos below, we had plenty of guests who favored dancing over basketball! Click any photo to view full-size. Or click the blue "Facebook" button below to see all these photos on Facebook, where you can tag yourself and your friends, and share on your wall!
If you liked these photos, you'll love the photos taken by the official wedding photographer, Laura (and her much better camera) from AJ's Photography. Before the reception was over, a "preview" of 35 photos was already posted on the AJ's Photography Facebook Page -- so check it out!