The 2015 wedding season is now officially underway... and I don't think I could have asked for a better way to get started! Loreley and Ben hosted their wedding ceremony and reception at the beautiful, historic Oneida Community Mansion House in Oneida. It was not just the first wedding of the 2015 season, but the first where I used two separate sound systems together -- thanks to the addition of a brand new sound system over the winter.
Why is having a second sound system such a big deal? In the past, if a ceremony and reception were at the same venue, but in two areas that were too far apart to cover with a single sound system, I would need to actually break-down the system right after the ceremony, move it into the reception space and set it up again. This "down time" could last anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes depending on how far I needed to move, and whether I brought along an assistant. Now, with two systems, it's seamless. As soon as the ceremony is over, music can begin immediately in the reception space.
New secondary sound system for the ceremony.
For Loreley and Ben's wedding, the ceremony took place in the Big Hall on the second level, while the reception would take place in The Lounge on the ground level. My set-up started with bringing the new, secondary sound system upstairs to the Big Hall.
Primary set-up for sound and lights on the dance floor.
Nearly identical to the primary sound system (so it can double as a back-up in case the primary ever fails), the secondary sound system includes everything needed to provide music and wireless microphones for the ceremony. The primary sound system and lights were set-up downstairs, adjacent to the dance floor.
I am pleased to report everything worked as planned -- as soon as the ceremony recessional music started, I was able to quietly slip out of the room, head downstairs and get the cocktail hour music started so it was already going by the time the guests had started to make their way into the space.
More photos below, but first, here are the songs Loreley and Ben selected for the key moments of their wedding day:
- Ceremony Processional: Pachelbel / Canon in D.
- Ceremony Bridal Entrance: Celine Dion / Ave Maria.
- Ceremony Recessional: Mendelssohn / Wedding March.
- Wedding Party Intros: DJ's choice. I looped the instrumental intro of "No Limit" by 2 Unlimited.
- Bride and Groom Entrance: DJ's choice. I selected "Crazy in Love" by Beyonce.
- First Dance: Pearl Jam / Parachutes.
- Bride / Father Dance: Robbie Williams / Angels.
- Groom / Mother Dance: Beatles / In My Life.
- Cake Cutting: U2 / Sweetest Thing.
- Bouquet Toss: Beyonce / Single Ladies.
- Garter Toss: Ini Kamoze / Here Comes the Hotstepper.
- Toss Winners replaced the garter to: Nelly / Hot in Herre.
In addition to the above, Loreley and Ben had several special requests that they expected would be hits with their guests--and they were right! The guests enjoyed the music so much, the newlyweds decided to keep the momentum going by extending the party by 30 minutes! Check out these photos from the day:
Click on any photo for a larger version.
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- Personalized favors
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- Wide view of the lounge after set-up was complete but before guests arrived
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- Secondary sound system from the DJ's point of view.
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- New secondary sound system for the ceremony.
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- The Big Hall, prior to the ceremony
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- During the ceremony. A wireless handheld mic on a stand was provided for the readers.
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- A wireless lapel mic, worn by the officiant, also picked up the vows from the bride and groom.
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- Centerpieces
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- Wedding cake
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- Primary set-up for sound and lights on the dance floor.
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- First dance
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- First dance
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- Best Man's toast
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- Maid of Honor's toast
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- The Father of the Groom provided a bilingual toast
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- Rev. Anthony Tosti offers his blessing before the meal
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- Bride / father dance
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- Groom / mother dance
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- Groom / mother dance
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- The bride dances with her brother
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- The bride dances with her brother
In addition to my photos, I'm looking forward to more (both quality and quantity) from Burton-Sage Photography and Video... Ron Burton and his crew were a pleasure to work with and did an excellent job covering every angle of the day. Last but not least, it was a pleasure to sit down and chat for a bit with Loreley and Ben's officiant, The Rev. Anthony Tosti... it was the first time Father Tony and I have been at the same wedding since he officiated my own wedding!
Update 5/29/15: Here's the 5-star review Loreley posted for me on WeddingWire:
I highly recommend Peter for your wedding! We started communicating with him six months before our wedding. Peter met with my husband and I to discuss all aspects of the ceremony and reception. This was extremely helpful, as he brought up points and events I hadn't even thought of! He allowed us to choose the music we wanted for both the reception and the ceremony. I was concerned because I was born and raised in Argentina, and I really wanted to include some Argentinean music for my guests to dance to. I gave Peter a very specific list, and hoped for the best. He did not disappoint! He played a lot of Argentinean music throughout the reception, and seeing that ALL guests were enjoying it, he kept it going! I was so happy to hear my music at my wedding reception, even in another country. Towards the end of our reception, people were having such a great time, and we asked Peter if we could add an extra half an hour. He kept the party going, and we couldn't be more thankful!
I highly recommend Peter for your wedding. He is extremely professional, approachable, and reachable! He made our big day so special 🙂
Loreley, thanks so much! Reviews like this one always make my day. I had a great time helping you, Ben and your families celebrate your wedding and I wish you both all the best!
