Joseph and Crystal Wedding

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    DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

Wedding Confidential: Industry Secrets

A professional Wedding DJ associate sent me an email about how outraged she was that ABC’s “20/20” did an expose called “Wedding Confidential: Industry Secrets” with Elizabeth Vargas. As what many of the high end professional Rhode Island Wedding DJ company call a ‘Lone Wolf’, meaning I run a one-person company myself, I immediately felt a wave of panic go through my body. I am a small Rhode Island Wedding DJ that makes my full-time income from my business and feared the expose may shed a bad light on the wedding industry. This might in turn effect my personal income. Like everybody else who loves their work, I too need to earn a living.

 

I watched the video of the expose tonight and was surprised that wedding industry professionals are offended by what was presented, most of it is true! There are may great wedding professionals who really care about the Brides and Grooms we work with, but I am sorry to say, we are the minority. They often speak about how easy it is to manipulate a young Brides vulnerability and wedding fantasy to making more money off her. Not all of the wedding industry works this way but there are enough of them for it to have merit. Please be careful when spending yours or your parents life savings away on your wedding. Check with your gut to see if this feels right for you. Your gut won’t lie, your fantasy of the dream wedding night may.

Bride and Groom Celebrate Wedding with Friends and Family with Rhode Island DJ

 

If you don’t feel right about a certain wedding vendor, follow your instincts and choose somebody else to work with.

The truth is that one of the aspects that Elizabeth Vargas touched on, needs further exploration. She seemed disturbed that event industry professionals like Wedding DJs, photographers, florists and videographers charge ore for wedding than for other events. Well, DUH! The amount of work that goes into a wedding compared to a birthday party, sweet sixteen, anniversary or graduation party are immense differences. I typically invest anywhere from three to ten hours preparation for wedding. A wedding involves meeting with the Bride and Groom, many email exchanges and phone calls, creating a playlist, coordinating Bridal Party Introductions, First Dance, Father-Daughter Dance, Mother-Son Dance,  Cake Cutting, Toasts, Blessings and oh yeah, producing great music and energy for friends and family to dance all night and have tons of fun! That is not even including probably the most important aspect, supporting and helping dissipate the Bride and Groom’s stress and concerns. A good Wedding DJ knows how to calm and guide a Bride and Groom towards their wedding,while making sure everything is planned to a “T”. As I say to my Brides and Grooms all the time, “We do not get a redo of your wedding. If we screw it up, we don’t get to do it again and provide a make-good”.

A Simple Mistake Like Pronouncing a Name Wrong Can Put a Damper on Your Wedding

I love being a Wedding DJ. That does not mean there is not a lot of effort and focus involved with making your day just as you want it. A party that is not a wedding, typically requires just a few hours of prep and minimal, if not no stress and intensity the night of the party. Weddings take a total commitment. An exceptional Wedding DJ cannot just show-up, we need to be totally prepared for whatever twists and turns your wedding may produce; rain, power failures, plane delays, ill family members, birth of babies and who knows what else may transpire? The exceptional Wedding DJ needs to be the one that pulls it all together when the rain comes out of nowhere at an outdoor wedding. The exceptional Wedding DJ needs to have a back-up portable PA that operates off battery if the power fails suddenly. We must be ready with extra cables and microphones if the Bride and Groom forgot to tell me that they are having a family member sing songs on my DJ equipment during dinner.

I hide nothing and want you to know how much more I will dedicate to your wedding compared to a birthday party.

I have no problem charging more money for weddings compared to other parties. In fact, I list the rates of mypackages both on the same page for all to see. I hide nothing and want you to know how much more I will dedicate to your wedding compared to a birthday party. It should be that way.

 

I invite you to watch the video of “Wedding Confidential: Industry Secrets” below. Let me know what you think!

Wedding Confidential: Industry Secrets

 

 

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

Weddings, Weddings, Weddings!

It may appear obvious to most folks, but I am caught off-guard by the shear volume of contacts I receive from Brides and Grooms about their Weddings every winter at this time. I love it! There is something so exciting for me to answer a phone call or email from a Bride or Groom wanting information and guidance for their future Wedding. I feel totally of use as a professional Wedding DJ. My experience, knowledge and expertise are on full display and each Bride and Groom can feel the energy I create from the initial contact. I think that is one of the reasons I get hired for so many Rhode Island Weddings. Authenticity is a treasured commodity for planning a Rhode Island Wedding for a Bride or Groom. The Wedding industry is filled with ‘salespeople’ and ‘marketing pros’ that are smooth as silk in their presentation.

Fun Groom Partying with Rhode Island Wedding DJ

I think many Brides and Grooms today are looking for Wedding Professionals that are more authentic and offer simple and elegant Weddings for a fair price for the Bride and Groom and the Wedding Professional. It is my experience that you really do want to pay your Wedding DJ or Wedding Photographer what we are worth. As long as you are not being taken advantage of along the way. These days Brides get a bad rap in the media about being cheap and price-shoppers, without an eye for quality and taste. My Brides and Grooms are real people that want outstanding service and a very personal touch without acting like we are your brothers or sister; just an authentic professional co-creating an exceptional and unique Wedding with you. You want an experienced Wedding DJ that is fun, professional and authentic.

Beautiful Outdoor Wedding with Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Wedding Industry Con Artists

There is a video clip floating around the Internet about an ‘expose’ on Wedding Vendors conning Brides and Grooms. I saw a small clip of it and it broke my heart that this happens. Even if it is exaggerated grossly, the fact that this happens at all repulses me. How can somebody in clear conscious steal from a Bride and Groom trying to begin the next chapter of their life together? I will write more on this later in the week.

Bride Dancing with Fun Rhode Island Wedding DJ

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & Boston DJ

Wedding DJ Father-Daughter Dance Songs

As we continue to explore the different possibilities for Wedding DJ Dance Songs, along with The Bridal Party Introduction Songs, First Dance Songs, Mother-Son Dance Songs, Bouquet Toss Songs, Garter Toss Songs, Cake Cutting Songs and Last Dance Songs, it seemed time to list the most popular Father Daughter Dance Songs.

I have included two separate lists of Father-Daughter Dance Songs for Wedding DJs below. The first list of Father-Daughter Dance Songs is taken from WeDj.com, a resource I use and am an active member. This list of Father-Daughter Dance Songs is more traditional and based on popularity. The secod list of Father-Daughter Dance Songs is taken from various wedding forums of Briddes conversations abouttheir upcoming weddings. They are alittle more off the beaten path and represent the non-traditonal Father-Daughter Dance Songs, Brides and Fathers. The non-traditional Father-Daughter Dance Songs also have a music player for you to listen to the Father-Daughter Dance Songs. There is some overlap but I wanted to keep the lists intact as they were for you.

Wedding DJ Alternative Father-Daughter Dance Songs at Jersey Shore

Top 100 Wedding Father/Daughter Dance Songs

The following list represents the most popular wedding dance songs for father and daughter. It has been compiled from thousands of wedding requests, dynamically created by Gigbuilder, the most popular web-based event management system in the world.

Rank Song Title Song Artist Year Genre
1 The Way You Look Tonight Frank Sinatra 1964 Ballad
2 Wonderful Tonight Eric Clapton 1978 Ballad
3 My Girl the temptations 1965 Oldies
4 What A Wonderful World Louis Armstrong 1967 Ballad
5 Old Time Rock & Roll Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band 1978 Rock
6 When You Say Nothing At All Alison Krauss 1995 Country
7 How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) James Taylor 1975 Popular
8 Unforgettable Nat King Cole & Natalie Cole 1991 Ballad
9 My Wish Rascal Flatts 2006 Ballad
10 I Loved Her First Heartland 2006 Country
11 Stand By Me Ben E. King 1961 Oldies
12 I Hope You Dance Lee Ann Womack 2000 Ballad
13 Isn’t She Lovely Stevie Wonder 1976 Country
14 In My Life Beatles 1965 Oldies
15 My Little Girl Tim McGraw 2006 Country
16 Have I Told You Lately Rod Stewart 1993 Alternative
17 Tiny Dancer Elton John 1972 Oldies
18 Because You Loved Me Celine Dion 1996 Popular
19 Butterfly Kisses Bob Carlisle 1997 Alternative
20 Just The Way You Are Billy Joel 1978 Ballad
21 Over The Rainbow Israel Kamakawiwo’ole “Iz” 2003 Popular
22 Can You Feel The Love Tonight Elton John 1994 Ballad
23 You Are So Beautiful Joe Cocker 1975 Ballad
24 Could I Have This Dance Anne Murray 1980 Ballad
25 Make You Feel My Love Adele 2011 Popular
26 Love Me Tender Elvis Presley 1956 Ballad
27 I Will Always Love You Whitney Houston 1992 Popular
28 The Keeper Of The Stars Tracy Byrd 1995 Country
29 God Only Knows Beach Boys 1966 Oldies
30 You’re The Inspiration Chicago 1984 Oldies
31 Forever Young Rod Stewart 1988 Alternative
32 Daughters John Mayer 2004 Ballad
33 Unforgettable Nat King Cole 1943 Ballad
34 Landslide Fleetwood Mac 1975 Oldies
35 Through The Years Kenny Rogers 1982 Ballad
36 Wind Beneath My Wings Bette Midler 1989 Ballad
37 You’ve Got A Friend James Taylor 1971 Oldies
38 I Do (Cherish You) 98 Degrees 1999 Popular
39 My Cherie Amour Stevie Wonder 1969 Oldies
40 Colour My World Chicago 1971 Oldies
41 In My Daughter’s Eyes Martina McBride 2003 Ballad
42 Tupelo Honey Van Morrison 1972 Oldies
43 Thank You For Loving Me Bon Jovi 2000 Ballad
44 Moonlight Serenade Glenn Miller Orchestra 1940 Ballad
45 You Raise Me Up Josh Groban 2003 Popular
46 A Whole New World (Aladdin’s Theme) Peabo Bryson & Regina Belle 1992 Popular
47 The Way You Look Tonight Steve Tyrell 1999 Ballad
48 There You’ll Be Faith Hill 2001 Ballad
49 You Look So Good In Love George Strait 1983 Country
50 God Must Have Spent A Little More Time On You N Sync 1998 Ballad
51 Memories are Made of This Dean Martin 1962 Oldies
52 Just Fishin’ Trace Adkins 2011 Country
53 You’ll Be In My Heart Phil Collins 1999 Popular
54 I Do (Cherish You) Mark Wills 1998 Country
55 Fire And Rain James Taylor 1970 Oldies
56 My Funny Valentine Frank Sinatra 1955 Ballad
57 I Turn To You Christina Aguilera 2000 Ballad
58 Dance With My Father Luther Vandross 2003 Ballad
59 Hero Mariah Carey 1994 Alternative
60 Father And Daughter Paul Simon 2002 Alternative
61 A New Day Has Come Celine Dion 2002 Club
62 Love Without End, Amen George Strait 1990 Country
63 There Goes My Life Kenny Chesney 2003 Ballad
64 He Didn’t Have to Be Brad Paisley 1999 Ballad
65 Tuxedo Junction Glenn Miller 1944 Ballad
66 Longer Dan Fogelberg 1980 Oldies
67 I Wish You Love Dean Martin 1959 Ballad
68 Then They Do Trace Adkins 2003 Country
69 The Blower’s Daughter Damien Rice 2003 Ballad
70 Over The Rainbow Eve Cassidy 1998 Ballad
71 Wild World Cat Stevens 1970 Oldies
72 Shower The People James Taylor 1976 Oldies
73 My Angel) Lullabye (Goodnight Billy Joel 1994 Popular
74 Drive (For Daddy Gene) Alan Jackson 2002 Country
75 Cinderella Steven Curtis Chapman 2012 Popular
76 Daddy’s Hands Holly Dunn 1986 Country
77 Daddy’s Little Girl Al Martino 1967 Ballad
78 Shining Star Manhattans 1980 Popular
79 Surfer Girl Beach Boys 1963 Oldies
80 True Love Ways Buddy Holly 1958 Oldies
81 Memories Elvis Presley 1984 Ballad
82 Angels Among Us Alabama 1994 Country
83 She Elvis Costello 1999 Ballad
84 You Belong To Me Duprees 1960 Oldies
85 You Decorated My Life Kenny Rogers 1979 Country
86 I’m Your Angel R. Kelly & Celine Dion 1998 Alternative
87 Loving You Elvis Presley 1957 Ballad
88 Not Yet A Woman I’m Not A Girl Britney Spears 2002 Ballad
89 You Can’t Hide Beautiful Aaron Lines 2002 Ballad
90 Kind & Generous Natalie Merchant 1998 Alternative
91 Love Of My Life Brian McKnight 2001 Ballad
92 The Most Beautiful Girl Charlie Rich 1973 Country
93 Times Of Your Life Paul Anka 1976 Country
94 Daddy Beyonce 2003 R&B
95 Stealing Cinderella Chuck Wicks 2008 Country
96 Little Miss Magic Jimmy Buffett 1981 Ballad
97 That’s My Job Conway Twitty 1987 Country
98 Daughter Loudon Wainwright III 2012 Popular
99 The Wedding Song Captain & Tennille 1977 Ballad
100 Blessed Elton John 1995 Popular

Classic Rock Ballads and Hard Rock for The Rockin’ Dads and Brides Father-Daughter Dance Songs:

Wedding DJ Alternative Father-Daughter Dance Songs

  • Led Zepplin’s “Thank You” (hear it)
  • Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man” (hear it)
  • Rolling Stones’ “She’s a Rainbow” (hear it)
  • The Cars’ “Just What I Needed” (hear it)
  • Warrant’s “Heaven” (hear it)
  • Neil Young’s “Here for You” (hear it)
  • Bruce Springsteen’s “When You Need Me” (hear it)
  • Queen’s “You’re My Best Friend” (hear it)
  • Guns and Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine” (hear it)
  • Staind’s “Zoe Jane” (hear it)
  • Tom Petty’s “American Girl” (hear it)

Contemporary Sentimental, but Not Overdone Father-Daughter Dance Songs:

Wedding DJ Alternative Father-Daughter Dance Songs

  • Loudon Wainwright’s “Daughter” (hear it)
  • Five for Fighting’s “100 Years” (hear it)
  • World Party’s “She’s the One” (hear it)
  • 10,000 Maniacs’ “How You’ve Grown” (hear it)
  • Natalie Merchant’s “Kind And Generous” (hear it)
  • The Cary Brothers’ “Blue Eyes” (hear it)
  • Wilco’s “My Darling” (hear it)
  • Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole’s “Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World” (hear it)
  • Amos Lee’s “Sweet Pea” (hear it)
  • Eva Cassidy’s “True Colors” (hear it)

Softer Rock Classics Father-Daughter Dance Songs:

Wedding DJ Alternative Father-Daughter Dance Songs

  • Tom Petty’s “Wildflowers” (hear it)
  • Bad English’s “When I See You Smile” (hear it)
  • Journey’s “Lights” (hear it)
  • Billy Joel’s “Just the Way You Are” (hear it)
  • Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows” (hear it)
  • Carol King’s “Child of Mine” (hear it)
  • The Byrds’ “Turn, Turn, Turn” (hear it)
  • Paul Simon’s “Father and Daughter” (hear it) or “You Can Call Me Al” (hear it)
  • Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely” (hear it)
  • James Taylor’s “You’ve Got A Friend” (hear it)
  • Joe Cocker’s “Darling Be Home Soon” (hear it)
  • Fleetwood Mac’s “Songbird” (hear it) or “Landslide” (hear it)
  • The Beatles’ “Across the Universe” (hear it) or Rufus Wainwright’s version
    (hear it)
  • Another Beatles selection, “In My Life” (hear it)
  • Lulu’s “To Sir With Love” (hear it)
  • Gram Parsons’ “A Song for You” (hear it)
  • Bread’s “Daughter” (hear it)
  • Jimmy Buffett’s “Little Miss Magic” (hear it)
  • Spiral Staircase’s “I Love You More Today Than Yesterday” (hear it)
  • Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time” (hear it)

Classics from The ’40s and ’50s Father-Daughter Dance Songs:

  • Ray Charles’ “Ain’t That Love” (hear it)
  • The Rays’ “Silhouettes” (hear it)
  • Frankie Avalon’s “Bobby Sox to Stockings” (hear it)
  • Elvis’ “The Wonder of You” (hear it)
  • Sam Cooke’s “Nothing Can Change This Love” (hear it)

Crazy and Funky Father-Daughter Dance Songs:

  • Steppenwolf’s “Born to be Wild” (hear it)
  • Voltaire’s “Goodnight Demonslayer” (hear it)
  • Any version of “You Are My Sunshine,” particularly the Johnny Cash version (hear it)
  • “Time Warp” from The Rocky Horror Picture Show (hear it)
  • LOTS from The Vitamin String Quartet. Try Sweet Child O’ Mine (hear it) or “Don’t Stop Believing” (hear it)
  • Kermit’s “The Rainbow Connection” (hear it)

Country Dads and Brides at Heart Father-Daughter Dance Songs:

Wedding DJ Alternative Father-Daughter Dance Songs

  • The Bellamy Brothers’ “Let Your Love Flow” (hear it)
  • Kenny Chesney’s “There Goes My Life” (hear it)
  • John Fogerty’s “I Will Walk With You” (hear it)
  • The Judds’ “Love is Alive” (hear it)
  • Rascal Flatts’ “My Wish” (hear it)
  • Dixie Chicks’ “Lullaby” (hear it)

Alternative Dads and Brides Father-Daughter Dance Songs:

David Bowie Wedding DJ Alternative Father-Daughter Dance Songs

  • Yo La Tengo’s “You Can Have It All” (hear it)
  • David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance” (hear it)
  • “Standing” from the Buffy the Vampire Slayer musical, sung by Tony Head
    (hear it)
  • The Dropkick Murphy’s “Forever” (hear it)

And the Strangest (but cool) Suggestions Father-Daughter Dance Songs:

  • Randy Newman’s “Short People” (hear it)
  • Jonathan Coulton’s “Re: Your Brains” (hear it)
  • Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five’s “Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens”

Many great Father-Daughter Dance Songs to choose from! What are your favorites or you used at your Wedding?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Ask about my Rhode Island Wedding DJ & Rhode Island Party DJ Guarantee!

Top 50 DJ Wedding Last Dance Songs

The Wedding Last Dance Songs are not as popular as The Bridal Party Introduction Songs, First Dance Songs, Father-Daughter Dance Songs, Mother-Son Dance Songs or Cake Cutting Songs but they are still an essential component of many Weddings.  The Wedding Last Dance Song can be that moment when The Bride and Groom acknowledge what has just taken place and maybe even what is next for them.

 

The Weding Last Dance Song can be fast, slow or a combination fo fast ands slow like Donna Summer – Last Dance or Billy Medley & Jennifer Warnes – (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life, which both start slow and become uptempo songs along the way. It can also be a Party Song for your Wedding Last Dance like Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’, Green Day – Time Of Your Life (Good Riddance), Garth Brooks – Friends In Low Places or Neil Diamond – Sweet Caroline that all your friends and family can join in celebrating the moment with you.  Some Brides and Grooms prefer a nice quiet, still Wedding Last Dance Songs like Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight, Norah Jones – Come Away With Me or Lonestar – Amazed. One of my favorite Wedding Last Dance Songs is Jack Johnson – Better Together. I think it has such a nice vibe and feeling to end your special night!

Top 50 Wedding Last Dance Songs - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

The following are the Top 50 Most Requested Wedding Last Dance Songs for 2011 as compiled by DJ Intelligence

  1. Michael Buble – Save The Last Dance For Me
  2. Billy Medley & Jennifer Warnes – (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life
  3. Donna Summer – Last Dance
  4. Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’
  5. Semisonic – Closing Time
  6. Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight
  7. Taylor Swift – Today Was A Fairytale
  8. Etta James – At Last
  9. Green Day – Time Of Your Life (Good Riddance)
  10. Billy Joel – Piano Man
  11. Frank Sinatra – New York, New York
  12. Louis Armstrong – (What A) Wonderful World
  13. Neil Diamond – Sweet Caroline
  14. Marvin Gaye – Let’s Get It On
  15. Sister Sledge – We Are Family
  16. Norah Jones – Come Away With Me
  17. Ray Lamontagne – You Are The Best Thing
  18. AC/DC – You Shook Me All Night Long
  19. Eddie Money – Take Me Home Tonight
  20. Brad Paisley – Then
  21. Black Eyed Peas – I Gotta Feeling
  22. Garth Brooks – Friends In Low Places
  23. Aerosmith – I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing
  24. Chris Brown – Forever
  25. Spaniels – Goodnight Sweetheart
  26. Daft Punk – One More Time
  27. Dave Matthews Band – You And Me
  28. Don McLean – American Pie
  29. Big & Rich – Lost In This Moment
  30. Natalie Cole – This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)
  31. Iz – Over The Rainbow
  32. Jason Mraz – I’m Yours
  33. Shania Twain – From This Moment On
  34. Bon Jovi – Livin’ On A Prayer
  35. Sarah Brightman & Andrea Bocelli – Time To Say Goodbye
  36. Journey – Faithfully
  37. Rascal Flatts – Bless The Broken Road
  38. Frank Sinatra – The Way You Look Tonight
  39. George Strait – I Cross My Heart
  40. Ray Charles – Hit The Road Jack
  41. Rusted Root – Send Me On My Way
  42. Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes – I’ve Had The Time Of My Life
  43. Jay-Z ft Mr. Hudson – Young Forever
  44. Beatles – All You Need Is Love
  45. Cascada – Evacuate The Dance Floor
  46. Edwin Mccain – I Could Not Ask For More
  47. Rihanna – Don’t Stop The Music
  48. Michael Franti & Spearhead – Say Hey (I Love You)
  49. Jack Johnson – Better Together
  50. Lonestar – Amazed

Which are your favorite Wedding Last Dance Songs and which surprised that were not added to the list by DJ Intelligence?

The Bride and Groom Wedding Last Dance Song at The Mill on Jersey Shore

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ 

Ask about my Rhode Island Wedding DJ & Rhode Island Party DJ Guarantee!

Snow and Gorgeous Fun Wedding at Highlawn Pavilion

It was a gorgeous Saturday Night closing out 2012 with a Fun Wedding and a great Bride and Groom. When I had first met with the Bride and Groom, the Bride smiled sheepishly and said, “Michael, I would be so happy if somehow it snowed really big flakes the morning of our Wedding, but not so much that it makes my friends and family not be able to attend our Fun Wedding. I think it would be so beautiful here at The Highlawn Pavilion to have thr grounds covered in snow!”

 

I laughed at the time at what seemed like a peculiar request. On the morning of their Fun Wedding, it snowed huge flakes and she was correct, it looked stunning at The Highlawn Pavilion in West Orange, New Jersey. When I drove in through the twisting road into Eagle Rock Reservation, where Highlawn Pavilion is nestled, I smiled from ear to ear as I approached the lights and snow-drifts. It looked like something out of a magazine. The New York City skyline in the background only added to the magical Winter landscape. I knew we were in for a special night, and I was correct this time.

 Simple and Elegant Fun Weddings are My Favorite

Everything went perfect, as they typically do in well-managed venues like The Highlawn Pavilion in West Orange. Of course, the Bride looked amazing and so did the Groom! I am still a fool when it comes to simple and elegant Weddings. I know it is trendy to go over-the-top with Weddings these days, but for me, simple and elegant Fun Wedding are the my favorite.

 

From their First Dance at Fun Wedding:

Gorgeous Fun Wedding First Dance at Highlawn Pavilion with Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Friends having fun at Fun Wedding:

Man Having Fun Dancing at Gorgeous Fun Wedding at Highlawn Pavilion with Rhode Island Wedding DJ

The Groom getting down with an old friend at Fun Wedding:

Groom and Friend Dancing at Gorgeous Fun Wedding at Highlawn Pavilion

The Bride Partying with Friends and Family too at Fun Wedding:

Bride and Friends Dancing at Gorgeous Fun Wedding at Highlawn Pavilion

The Bride and Groom were not the only romance going on that night at Fun Wedding:

Beautiful Man and Woman Dancing at Gorgeous Fun Wedding at Highlawn Pavilion

And the young couples were not the only ones enjoying the gorgeous Wedding Night at Fun Wedding:

Man and Woman Dancing at Gorgeous Fun Wedding at Highlawn Pavilion

And the partying at the Gorgeous Wedding went till they asked us to shut-down at Fun Wedding:

Dancing at Gorgeous Fun Wedding at Highlawn Pavilion

Finally, the joy and celebration expanded with Friends and Family sharing the gorgeous Fun Wedding Night together:

Friends and Family Dancing at Gorgeous Fun Wedding at Highlawn Pavilion

But they asked for one more song to dance at the gorgeous Fun Wedding, so we honored their request:

Friends and Family Dancing at Gorgeous Fun Wedding at Highlawn Pavilion

What a beautiful and gorgeous Fun Wedding Night!

About Highlawn Pavilion, a Fun Wedding Venue:

Situated at the top of Eagle Rock Reservation, the building today known as Highlawn Pavilion, and the property around it, has a storied past.

“In 1909, an open masonry shelter affixed with a series of arches dubbed “the casino” was built on the crest of the Reservation and to this day serves as the bones of the structure that is Highlawn Pavilion.

The term “casino” refers to an Italian style county dwelling or summer house. As the Reservation became a popular spot where week-enders congregated the Italian term proved to be an accurate description.

Automobile enthusiasts of that period held races up the cobblestone roadway of Eagle Rock Avenue with the finish line in Eagle Rock Park, near where Highlawn is situated today.

After years of neglect, the casino was acquired by the Knowles family whose extensive renovation resulted in the creation of the restaurant known today as Highlawn.”

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Top 50 Wedding Cake Cutting Songs

The following are the Top 50 Most Requested Cake Cutting Songs for 2011 as compiled by DJ Intelligence. Cake Cutting is a fun and honored tradition at most Western Weddings.

Wedding Cake Cutting Songs with Rhode Island Wedding DJ

The wedding cake is often a multi-tiered layer cake that is elaborately decorated with white frosting. Some couples have a smaller display cake, which is supplemented by sheet cake.

The groom’s cake is a tradition observed mainly in the southern United States. In the Colonial and Victorian eras, the white-iced bride’s cake was considered “too light” for male tastes, and a second cake choice—usually a dark, liquor-soaked fruitcake—was also offered. Today, chocolate is popular, although the groom’s cake may be in any flavor and is usually shaped or decorated as something significant to the groom, such as a favorite hobby or sport.

If a full meal is served, the wedding cake is usually served after the meal. Otherwise, the cake may be served as soon as the family has received all of the guests.

Commonly, the couple ceremonially cut the first piece of the cake, and in a nod to an ancient Roman wedding rite, may feed a bite to one another and perhaps sip a glass of wine or other drink with linked arms. Then the cake is served to the guests. Like being asked to pour tea at a formal tea party, being asked to serve the cake is generally considered an honor

Wedding Cake Cutting Songs with Rhode Island Wedding DJ

Top 50 Wedding Cake Cutting Songs

  1. Archies – Sugar, Sugar
  2. James Taylor – How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)
  3. Def Leppard – Pour Some Sugar On Me
  4. U2 – Sweetest Thing
  5. Jason Mraz – I’m Yours
  6. Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat – Lucky
  7. Jack Johnson – Better Together
  8. Four Tops – I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)
  9. Beatles – When I’m Sixty-Four
  10. Nat King Cole – L-O-V-E
  11. Plain White T’s – 1,2,3,4 (I Love You)
  12. Average White Band – Cut The Cake
  13. Queen – You’re My Best Friend
  14. Pat Benatar – Hit Me With Your Best Shot
  15. Frank Sinatra – Love And Marriage
  16. Cake – Love You Madly
  17. Unkle Kracker – Smile
  18. Natalie Cole – This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)
  19. Beatles – All You Need Is Love
  20. Dean Martin – That’s Amore
  21. Iz – Over The Rainbow
  22. Michael Buble – How Sweet It Is
  23. Michael Buble – Everything
  24. Ingrid Michaelson – The Way I Am
  25. Turtles – Happy Together
  26. Sarah McLaughlin – Ice Cream
  27. Sonny & Cher – I Got You Babe
  28. Etta James – At Last
  29. Christina Aguilera – Candyman
  30. Big & Rich – Lost In This Moment
  31. Foundations – Build Me Up Buttercup
  32. Counting Crows – Accidentally In Love
  33. Ray Lamontagne – You Are The Best Thing
  34. Elvis Presley – Can’t Help Falling In Love
  35. Louis Armstrong – (What A) Wonderful World
  36. Harry Connick, Jr. – Recipe For Love
  37. Lonestar – Amazed
  38. Bob Marley – Is This Love?
  39. Michael Franti & Spearhead – Say Hey (I Love You)
  40. Tim McGraw – My Best Friend
  41. Taylor Swift – Today Was A Fairytale
  42. K-Ci & Jojo – All My Life
  43. Taylor Swift – Love Story
  44. U2 – Beautiful Day
  45. Kelly Clarkson – A Moment Like This
  46. Harry Connick, Jr. – It Had To Be You
  47. Adam Sandler – Grow Old With You
  48. Aerosmith – I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing
  49. Dave Matthews Band – You And Me
  50. Dixie Cups – Chapel Of Love

Top 50 Wedding Cake Cutting Songs - Rhode Island Wedding DJ

I noticed that The Beatles “In My Life” is not on the list for 2011 Cake Cutting Songs, but I am pretty sure it was for 2012. It is a beautiful song and becoming very popular again as a Cake Cutting Song. It is always interesting to me as a professional Wedding DJ when old songs get a second life, years later for what seems out of the blue.

Wedding Cake Cutting Song for Bride and Groom with DJ Mystical Michael

Here are other blog posts that may be helpful to you Top 50 DJ Wedding Last Dance SongsPopular Garter Toss Songs, Wedding DJ Father-Daughter Dance Songs, DJ Wedding Mother-Son Dance Songs, Popular Bridal Party Introduction Songs for Wedding DJs and Popular Bouquet Toss Songs.

What is your favorite Wedding Cake Cutting Song?

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

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Garter Toss, Still OK at Weddings?

I remember in my twenties, how the Garter Toss and subsequent putting the Garter onto the woman who caught the Bouquet Toss was such a fun and exciting moment at Weddings. As young guys, anything that involved competition, better yet, competition for a single woman, was totally a blast. Half the fun was laughing at each other while diving for a little garter from the leg of the woman a friend had just married added to the goofiness of the event. I doubt very much any of us knew the tradition behind the Bouquet Toss and Garter Toss.

 

It used to be believed that the woman who caught the Bouquet Toss at Weddings would be the next single woman to get married. BUT, did you know the same was true of the man who caught the Garter Toss as well? It’s true, the man who caught the Garter Toss was also believed to be the next single man to marry. I am sure that if we knew this tradition back then, none of us would have put in as much effort to catch the Garter Toss. Another Garter Toss tradition includes the Garter being raffled off after being removed from the Bride to help offset the financial burdens that the young couple would now endure. This is instead of having the Garter Toss placed on another woman. Of course today, couples get married older and often are financially solid already at the time of their wedding.

Fun Bouquet Toss at Wedding before Garter Toss with DJ Mystical Michael

Is the Garter Toss & placement on leg of the woman who catching the Bouquet still OK?

Let’s take a closer look at The Garter Toss based on experience as a professional Wedding DJ in the New Jersey, New York and Philly area and some social shifts that may have made the Garter Toss a little behind the times. I am not going to explore issues related to how this may or may not devalue women, that is a different topic than what is being reviewed in this piece.

Groom Takes Garter Off Bride At Wedding before Garter Toss with DJ Mystical Michael

When men and women were typcially only single till their early to mid-twenties, the man and woman that would be the participants in the man placing the Garter  Toss on the woman’s leg would be of similar age and ‘readiness’ to get married next. It was fun, playful, sexy and represented a set of values at the time. Today, we have many men that are single due to divorce and lifestyle choices in middle age. This creates a unique situation when the female that catches the Bouquet is possibly in her late teens or early twenties and the man who will be putting his hands and the Garter Toss up her leg in middle age. It can feel and be somewhat yucky, and maybe even creepy to watch.

 A Possible Solution To The Garter Toss Problem

As a professional Wedding DJ, I have a found a solution to those Brides and Grooms that still want to have the option of the Garter Toss being placed on the woman. If this kind of situation occurs, we have a predetermined, non-verbal hand signal that we give to each other to acknowledge and agree if it is good to go ahead or not, depending on how things worked out. I know this sounds funny but it works!

Beautiful Woman on Dance Floor at Wedding  with DJ Mystical Michael before Garter Toss

I have experienced this a few times and the Bride and Groom were both so grateful we had come up with a plan in advance, to save everyone. This is especially true for the young woman, and an uncomfortable situation. In fact, I had a wedding this past Spring that the man and woman that caught the Bouquet Toss ad Garter Toss were a couple that just broke up recently and both were at the wedding with other dates! We all laughed later on after the Reception but at that moment, it was such a relief to have a system already in place.

 

Each Bride and Groom must make your own decision whether to include the Garter Toss and/or Garter Placement but I invite you to create a system you and your Wedding DJ agree on, in case something goes in a direction that you do not want at your wedding.

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Boyz II Men A Song For Mama

Very few musical artists can take over the Billboard Charts and demonstrate talent like on Boyz II Men A Song For Mama. Often we as consumers have to choose between the two.  It was amazing watching these young men truly grow up before our eyes while producing some great jams. Professional DJs utilize Boyz II Men A Song For Mama in many events and weddings.

 

I remember the first time I heard Boyz II Men A Song For Mama, I was like “Wow!”. This was how I felt about my mother in words and emotion.  I missed her when I was living in The Midwest. On her birthday and Mother’s Day, I would play Boyz II Men A Song For Mama to feel closer to her when the phone wasn’t enough. I still miss her.

Dancing Woman at Beach Sunset Boyz II Men A Song For Mama

Boyz II Men A Song For Mama  Music Video

Boyz II Men A Song For Mama  Lyrics

You taught me everything
Everything you’ve given me
I’ll always keep it inside
You’re the driving force in my life, yeahThere isn’t anything
Or anyone that I could be
And it just wouldn’t feel right
If I didn’t have you by my sideYou were there for me to love and care for me
When skies were gray
Whenever I was down
You were always there to comfort me

And no one else can be
What you have been to me you will always be
You will always be the girl
In my life for all times

Mama, Mama you know I love you
Mama, Mama you’re the queen of my heart
Your love is like tears from the stars
Mama I just want you to know lovin’ you is like food to my soul
Yes it is, yes it is, oh, yes it is, yes it is, yes it is oh

You’re always there for me
Have always been around for me even when I was bad
You showed me right from my wrong
Yes you did

And you took up for me
When everyone was downin’ me

You always did understand
You gave me strength to go on

There was so many times
Looking back when I was so afraid
And then you come to me and say to me
I can face anything

And no one else can do
What you have done for me
You’ll always be, you will always be
The girl in my life, ooh oh

Mama, Mama you know I love you
Mama, Mama you’re the queen of my heart
Your love is like tears from the stars
Mama I just want you to know lovin’ you is like food to my soul

Never gonna go a day without you
Fills me up just thinkin’ about you
I’ll never go a day
Without my mama

Mama, Mama you know I love you
Mama, Mama you’re the queen of my heart
Your love is like tears from the stars
Mama I just want you to know lovin’ you is like food to my soul

Lovin’ you is like food to my soul, oh yeah
You are the food to my soul, yes you are

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ

Bridal Party Flash Mob Dance at Wedding

The Bride’s Uncle approached me while I was setting-up my BOSE L1 Audio System up an hour before his niece’s Wedding.  He was one of three Uncles that helped raise her after her father died as a young child. Each man represented a different aspect of her life and she wanted to have a “Father’Daughter Dance” with each one. Together we selected songs that would accurately fit the meaning they had for her.  She was ecstatic with the songs and knew they were perfect. Uncle Jon and I were talking and he asked me if I had a CD player in my system for something for The Bridal Party. I do and I asked why he wanted to know?

Bridal Party Flash Mob Dance at Wedding surprising Bride and Groom with Rhode Island  Wedding DJ

“Well, me and the Bridal Party got together and rehearsed a Bridal Party Flash Mob Dance that is a surprise to Nikki and Jon. It is based on “Gangnam Style” but we did a voice over of their names and call it “Jon and Nikki Style”. It is really fun and The Bridal Party and I  put a lot of work into. If you can’t do it on CD, I have also put the file on a USB stick drive too.”

 

“Wow! That sounds like so much fun! We can do it either way but CD would be better. This is such a sweet thing for all of you to do and she will love it”

 

We proceeded to download the song and discuss the specifics including when and how we would pull it off without her knowing with the whole Bridal Party present later tonight night after dinner. When we both felt like our plan was set, we returned to our respective tasks to prepare for the Wedding Cocktail Hour and Reception.

Bridal Party Flash Mob Dance at Wedding surprising Bride and Groom with Rhode Island  Wedding DJ

At around 8:30, we connected again to make sure everything was ready and he had communicated with all the Bridal Party and they were all present and prepared. We went over the visual cue I would give him so he can then offer the Bridal Party another cue. We both walked away from our conversation with big, silly grins on our faces.

 The Bridal Party Is Ready!

I could barely contain my excitement as I gave him the nod of my head and eye contact and cued the song. I pressed play and all twelve members of the Bridal Party came from all different directions meeting on the dance floor and to do their choreographed dance. It was fantastic and I had to hold back the tears of laughter and joy. What a beautiful gift to the Bride and Groom! Everybody had so much fun and the smiles and laughs filled the room. Jon and Nikki were the happiest. She came up to me with tears in her eyes  and a big hug and asked how I put this together with The Bridal Party. I explained that her Uncle was the man, not me. She didn’t believe me.

Bridal Party Flash Mob Dance at Wedding surprising Bride and Groom with DJ Mystical Michael

DJ Mystical Michael Rhode Island DJ & NY DJ