Leslie and James Wedding - 19 June 2010
Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010
Leslie and James’ wedding will be remembered by us for years to come. We became a little more than just contracted DJs when we were invited to teach Leslie and James how to swing dance along with both their parents. Leslie’s mom and dad were so gracious when we went to their home to teach them all how to dance on two separate occasions. James and Leslie were quick studies giving us some time to teach them some great moves for their first dance as husband and wife. We were very excited to see them dance at the reception.
When we arrived at the Pere Marquette Lodge it was a relief to see the wedding ceremony was taking place inside the lodge. With the heat index over 100 degrees and a thunderstorm looming, the family decided to change plans and move the ceremony indoors. After a nice sit-down dinner we felt like proud parents when Leslie and James hit the dance floor for their first dance. They looked so happy and did a wonderful job.
When all the formalities were complete, things “heated up” inside as the guests hit the floor and danced the night away. There was some concern from the family they may not have a dancing crowd, but this certainly was not a problem. Even though some of the guests had a long drive to make that evening, we had plenty of folks requesting songs and participating in the fun-filled five hour reception. They even got to see the spontaneous “dueling guitar solos” from Leslie and James to their favorite AC/DC song!
It was truly a pleasure to share this wonderful experience with James and Leslie and the entire family. Thank you so much for making us a part of it!
My first experience at the LaClaire Room in the Nelson Building in Edwardsville was a pleasant surprise. The banquet rooms is awesome, with vaulted, natural lit ceiling and a beautiful atrium. Kelci and the team from 
b with the decorations, which were unique. The centerpieces were complete with live goldfish and each guest had a keepsake at their place setting. The keepsake was a glass coaster with a photo of the happy couple. Family and friends partied and danced the full five hours, and made the evening a memorable one. The evening would not have been complete until the goldfish were brought safely to their new home at the lake! The interesting photo taken outside shows Jamie scooping up some goldfish that spilled out of their container, wedding dress and all. Jamie & Clinton thank you for letting Laura & I share in your special evening.
It was a little warm for the outdoor cocktail hour on the patio of the Sheraton 4 Points Conference Center, but the guests had a great view of the lake from the hallway of the indoor cocktail area. We set up a second set of speakers so the guest could enjoy music while having cocktails and appetizers before entering the main ballroom, which was decorated beautifully. Ashley and the staff at the Four Points really did an amazing job. The food, drinks and service were excellent, an we even had cake and ice cream for dessert!
Although the group of family and friends in attendance was just a little over 100 in number, I was pleasantly surprised when they kept us working for six entire hours. This group had some fantastic music requests and showed their appreciation by staying on the dance floor. Rachel and Anthony even enjoyed taking part in the Chicken Dance.
As the bridal party filed out of the bus at the Collinsville Knights of Columbus Hall I realized that I might need a second song to play while I introduced the wedding party. With eight pairs of bridesmaids and groomsmen, ushers, flower girls and a ring bearer, this was huge wedding party!
rowd during their favorite songs. Fortunately we got them settled down before anybody got hurt, and this group decided it would be much safer to just dance the night away and scream out the lyrics to their favorite songs until they had no energy left.
The weather was perfect; it was actually a little cool for May which made for beautiful weather. The wedding party arrived right on time, and I began to line up the bridesmaids in their beautiful red dresses. As I gave instructions on the entrance announcements, one of the groomsmen exclaimed “hurry up, that smell of fried chicken is killing me!”
Yes, Turner Hall in Columbia is famous for their fried chicken. They also have a new dance floor; it’s one of those big wooden dance floors that you’re happy to have when the guests want to polka! The guests made good use of that dance floor until we finally wore most of them out after six hours of music and dancing.
fifth year in a row I provided the entertainment for the Mascoutah prom and it was a rockin’ event as usual The staff the Sheraton Four Points always does a fantastic job - the facility, staff, and services are first class. After a fine meal and some photographers, the students were anxious and ready to make their music requests and hit the dance floor. Except for a short pause to announce the court and select the king and queen, the dance floor remained full and the students were excited by the music, lights, dancing and of course great camaraderie of their friends.
