Ashley Skavlem & Jon Champagne

When: Saturday, July 24th, 2010

Where: Bestwestern Townhouse, Grand Forks, ND
1st Dance Song: "All About Loving You" by Bon Jovi

"We were really impressed with the quality and performance from Robert Benda. We got married almost three weeks ago and we are still receiving compliments on how good of a job that Robert did. I would recommend him to anyone!! He knows how to keep things going and how to have a good time!! Thank you very much Robert for making our reception unforgettable!!!" - Ashley Champagne

I got to mix things up a little and we did their first dance song when they arrived, and cut the cake as a lead into the dollar dance.

I delivered a 2 Liter of Dr. Pepper for Jon. It's his favorite. And nothing says classy and romantic at a wedding like placing a giant 2 liter at the head table. He enjoyed it, though.

Unfortunately, Jon is a big Boston Red Sox fan. While we all can't be perfect, Ashely indulged him by having a few Red Sox items put into her bustle. That was sweet.

Tass Malsam & Joe Wood

When: Saturday, July 17th, 2010

Where: Hilton Garden Inn, Grand Forks, ND
1st Dance Song: "My Best Friend" by Tim McGraw

They stopped by the Eagles Crest for pictures at the golf course. Tass' heels sank right into the green. The limo broke down (that seems to happen a lot). Neither the broken one, or the replacement had air conditioning. It's 80 degrees today and very humid. They were very drained when they arrived at the Hilton. I got Tass a damp wash cloth for her neck, got them into the cool ballroom, and things got much better.

Tass and Joe are using the same cake knife Tass' parents used. Already engraved with the parents' wedding day, they'll add their own engraving and start a family tradition

A larger, single tiered cake for pictures. Slips of paper out gave guests a chance to offer congratulations or advice.

No bouquet toss (no single friends) or garter tonight. Just a few requests and the dollar dance. Even the first dance was a bit different. I cut out almost two minutes (the first verse and chorus), and we also invited guests halfway through to start things quickly.

Kate Priebe & Seth Sorenson

When: Sunday, July 11th, 2010

Where: Under a tent, Outside Thompson, ND
1st Dance Song: "Come Rain, Come Shine" by Ray Charles

Only my third Sunday wedding in 12 years, and my only under a tent this year. The day couldn't be better, partly cloudy and temps in the upper 70's. Their guest book was (were?) fabric swatches for each guest to sign. Kate and Seth took a picture on the tree swing and kicked off our evening with a big introduction set to 'Crazy in Love' by Beyonce.

Seth's mom put together a nice slide show on Power Point. Multiple pictures up at the same time and the entire thing was only about five minutes. Very nice. I took care of the projector and screen, though it was tough with the sun peeking through the sides of the tent.

You can NOT do enough about mosquitos at these evenings. Once sundown comes, and they're everywhere, I don't care how much you sprayed your yard this week. If it wasn't an hour ago it won't matter. Oh, and bug zappers attract bugs. I ended up bug spraying (that's a verb, right?) guests, using my own stash.

The highlight was a two year old's request, a song called "Buzz's Jig."

The night capped off with Seth and Kate lighting two 'Wish Lanterns.' These are paper lanterns with a special candle at the bottom. The effect is the same of a hot air balloon. They each lighted the candles and sent them floating into the night sky. A proper send off and good night.

Brandie Cink & Eric Burckhard

When: Saturday, July 10th, 2010

Where: Hilton Garden Inn, Grand Forks, ND
1st Dance Song: "Someone Like You" by Van Morrison

Today started earlier than usual. I was hired to videotape the ceremony. Brandie wanted video, but not to spend a fortune, and was OK with what I called "uncle" quality. My gal and I brought in a pair of cameras, recorded audio off the Hopper Danley sound system for a good quality (I hope, I haven't heard it yet).

Hey, look at that, the photographers are West Fargo's Milestone Photography, another fine vendor from Freshwed.com. My, what professionals! (Too much? Well, they were great to work with...)

Poured champagne was served by the Hilton for the speeches, except that everyone kind of forgot to do a toast with their speech. That left me. Don't worry, not my first time. I will say, it was the first time I saw a (clean) diaper used as a speech prop. Kudos to Jenica for that one.