Sunday, January 3, 2010

Kristen Vanek & Justin Carlson

Kristen Vanek & Justin Carlson

When: Saturday, January 2nd, 2010Kristin Vanek & Justin Carlson
Where: Ralph Englestad Arena, Thief River Falls, MN
1st Dance Song: "Making Memories of Us" by Keith Urban

"Justin and I wanted to send a big thank you for going above and beyond for us on our wedding day. You did a wonderful job and we could not have asked for a better reception. We have heard countless times from our guests about how great of a job you did and how your work and personality made the evening so enjoyable. Also thank you for making all of our requests happen! No chicken dance!! ;) We are VERY pleased with how it all turned out! Thanks again!" -Justin and Kristen Carlson


First off, it was -33F at the start of this day. The good news, it didn't seem to affect the Carlsons or their guests because we hit 95% of the guest count for the reception. That excellent photo to the right is courtesy photographer Megan Sugden, http://www.meganphoto.com/.

The introductions into the room were simple. Kristen and Justin first, then he called out each group (guys and ladies) to their themes (Who Let the Dogs Out, and Single Ladies by Beyonce, respectively).


We drew numbers for which table went up to the buffet. That was fine. The real issue was only two lines for 400 people. It took about 70 minutes to serve everyone. Not the worst, but folks were getting cranky after a bit. Remember kids, 1 buffet line per 100 people or so keeps things moving along. One table offered me $5 to pick them next. Hmmm.... nope.

Their cake had charms baked in. The bridesmaids each pulled one out via its ribbon, each charm representing something in their future.

Very different was the beginning of the dance and video. I'm a big proponent of 'your video is too long.' Kristen solved that by combining the first three dances with the video. She and her uncle danced while her pictures appeared behind them, then Justin and his mom during his pics, finally Justin and Kristen during their couple pics. It worked perfectly.


For the garter, we sold raffle tickets. The drawing brought up a couple of guys who then competed. I called out something, they went out into the room and brought it back.

Lots of requests, but one stuck out. Johnny Prine's "In Spite of Ourselves." No, I didn't know it either. All the groomsmen do. They sing it when out hunting (which seems like it would scare away the deer, but what do I know).

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