Greta Carlson & Tom Beard

When: Saturday, November 21st, 2009
Where: Ramada Inn, Grand Forks, ND
1st Dance Song: "Me and You" by Kenny Chesney

The decorations tonight were above and beyond. Below left, see the chandelier they put in over the cake table. Yes. That morning they put it up. Along with callo lilly centerpieces and a backdrop for the head table.



Tom and Greta asked me to repeat a game (they read about it on an earlier blog post). Its basically a elimination version of scavenger hunt. When I got to my last three and asked for an out of state driver's license, one contestant stole the father-of-the groom's wallet. Touche. Then I asked for something there was only two of. I meant the bride and groom. He thought I meant their rings and stole them too. He won.

Tom had preselected six volunteers for the game. Two were missing. Turns out they were absent but showed up for the dance. Their mistake. Originally I was supposed to get Greta's brother, Matt, to sing "You Are My Sunshine." He had to do it for Junior hockey. Instead, we tricked our missing men onto the floor and made them sing it, with Matt (6'5", 225lbs) standing behind them. They were good sports and learned the importance of punctuality.

My last memorable moment was a groomsman carrying Tom's mom, Carol, out onto the dance floor for.... "the Humpty Dance."

Courtney Arens & Tim Boyle

When: Friday, November 20th, 2009
Where: Ramada Inn, Grand Forks, ND
1st Dance Song: "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton

"Thank you so much for all you did to make Courtney & Tim's wedding a truly memorable event. You went above and beyond."
- from Nate & Renee Arens (parents)

This evening was both a ceremony and reception. They didn't actually hire me for the ceremony, but when I heard what was planned (a CD player), I volunteered. It was simply playing the music, but my speakers instead of a little CD player can make a big difference.

For the reception, champagne for all the guests for toasts. To the left, their cake. Jokes aside, it really didn't seem to fit Tim (he was an enthusiastic participant). When the guests clinked their glasses, I called out a year. Any couple married that year had to stand and offer an example kiss for Courtney and Tim to emulate. Watching Tim's retired Marine dad try the Cha Cha Slide made my evening. No bouquet toss, no garter, just the dollar dance. Only one song, their first, to start, and we added the wedding party halfway through. The only song request was "Free Bird" in memory of Tim's best friend.

Tim loves heavy metal ("...the heavier, the better.") and Courtney loves country. We compromised by playing what Courtney liked. Sorry, guys, that's the way it works. Especially when your choice of music is more angry, less fun.