My final wedding of 2021 was originally supposed to be my first -- but the pandemic forced Ashley and Michael to postpone their celebration twice! I was so happy for them, when the third time was the charm at Canastota's historic and stunning Greystone Castle. Details and photos in today's blog post.
I've driven by Greystone Castle many times, but this was actually my first time inside! I've always wondered how or why someone would build such a unique-looking structure in the middle of this small village. That question was answered when I headed downstairs to set-up sound for the ceremony -- a plaque on the wall lists various people who were instrumental in the construction of what was originally a church. Pretty neat!
I was especially happy when I found out that Rev. Anthony Tosti would be officiating. He did the honors for my wife and I just a little over 10 years ago. We've crossed paths at several weddings since then, but this is the first time we've run into each other since before the pandemic.
How about some photos? Here's a few of the room and some of the decor before guests arrived. Keep on scrolling and reading for even more photos further down the page.
From a DJ standpoint, I have to admit, I've never been crazy about venues that place the DJ up on a "balcony" above the dance floor. I often feel "disconnected" from the crowd because the stairs, even a few, can limit people from making requests. It can also be tricky to get the right sound when the speakers so much higher over the dance floor than usual... so I often try to convince the couple and the venue to let me set-up on the floor.
At Greystone Castle, however, the balcony wasn't that bad! The way the building is laid-out, the balcony allowed my speakers to sit at a height that makes it possible to reach the dance floor below as well as the cocktail hour space which is actually another level higher. The way the room is shaped, the acoustics were just fine on the floor, too.
Thanks to the online request system I launched this year, guests could make requests right from their phones, rather than hiking up and down the stairs to make requests directly at the DJ booth.
Ashley and Michael's Key Song Choices
Ceremony
- Processional: Dan & Shay / From the Ground Up
- Grand Entrance: Piano Guys / A Thousand Years
- Recessional: Rascal Flatts / God Bless the Broken Road
Reception
- Wedding party intros: Aerosmith / Walk this Way
- Newlyweds' intros: Pitbull & Ke$ha / Timber
- First Dance: Aerosmith / Don’t Want to Miss a Thing
- Father / Bride Dance: Heartland / I Loved Her First
- Cake Cutting: Bruno Mars / Marry You
- Dance Floor Opened With: Dan & Shay / Speechless
- Last Dance of the Night: Journey / Faithfully
For future couples who are considering Greystone Castle, some bad news... I just went to verify something on their website and found this posted:
In case that image gets squished or cropped on your cell phone, basically, Greystone Castle has announced 2021 was its 26th and final year hosting wedding receptions. The website says they'll still host wedding ceremonies in the castle's lower level, though.
Greystone Castle Wedding DJ Photo Highlights
As always, this is just a select handful of my photos -- I have even more photos of Ashley and Michael's Greystone Castle wedding reception on my Facebook page! Scroll down for a direct link to the album.
Click any photo to see larger version
Thanks again to Ashley and Michael for choosing me as your DJ... and especially for keeping me on board through the date changes! Certainly a memorable one, hopefully things get better and the "era of COVID rescheduling" is over! I wish you both all the best for a long and happy marriage!
