Lindsey Belcher & Derrick Duray

When: Saturday, October 23rd, 2010

Where: Masonic Center, Grand Forks, ND
1st Dance Song: "I Need You" by Tim McGraw & Faith Hill

"Hey Robert! We wanted to say thank you for everything, you did an awesome job at our wedding reception! You were so nice to cater to all of our needs, plus we had a blast with you! If we come across anyone with DJ needs we will recommend you in a second! Thanks again, and congrats to you and your wife on your new baby!! PS Sorry about Andy!!! ;)" -Lindsey and Derrick

Their ceremony was at the Japanese Gardens (behind Altru Hospital) which is where I proposed to my wife. I'm here three days after my son was born but so far I haven't been distracted. Just after the bride and groom arrived, I noticed a red, lollipop+child related spot on Lindsey's dress. Fortunately I carry Shout! Wipes and took care of it very easily.

There are several couples here as guests that I worked for. Even the caterers. Since I was dismissing tables for the buffet, I helped out one couple by holding their beautiful two week old daughter, Stella, so they could hit the buffet line.

I edited both of the parent dances down to two minute versions of "My Wish" by Rascal Flatts and a slow version of "Forever Young" by Rod Stewart. This meant each Lindsey and Derrick got a moment with a parent, but without it taking up 10 minutes of the start of the dance.

We have an early start today, but already, before 8pm, they've requested I go until 12:30am. This is going to be a five and a half hour dance.

Bridesmaid Paige was promoted to Best Man after former Best Man Andy dissappeared a second time (right before the toasts and again before the dollar dance, even though I had told him to sit tight).

Never has there been a better reason to have the husband rather than the winner of the garter, take the garter off the bride's leg. Lindsey's dad won the raffle.

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Our New Son, Jeb

When: Wednesday, October 20th, 2010

I'll be a little extra busy for the next little bit. This morning our son was born (7lbs15oz). Everyone is doing pretty well. I have a wedding Saturday and will try resume a somewhat regular work schedule next week.

His full name is Jebediah Edward Benda. We'll just call him Jeb.

Laura Gaddie & Derek Wentz

When: Saturday, October 16th, 2010

Where: Ramada Inn, Grand Forks, ND
1st Dance Song: "This Year's Love" by David Gray

The first things I noticed when I walked into the Ramada today were the beautiful chocolate colored chair covers, the paper lanterns hanging, and their favors: candyed apples. Which they made themselves. Apples are from her mom's backyard. Laura unwrapped all the caramels herself. 200 candy apples in 4 hours. I think they're nuts.

The wedding party was ready to go when they arrived so we really had fun with the introductions into the ballroom. The issue is, they were also late, so we had to (rather awkwardly) move straight into the prayer for dinner.

I finally got to work with Darrel Deutz again. First time in over a year. He's in my top five favorite photographers (Shawna Noel, Katie Lewis, Brian's Photographry, and Milestone are the other four).

Only about 12 songs on the request list. Most interestingly, Lady Gaga.... for Derek's brother and Dad. Hmm.

They had a Catholic wedding, which are always early. They added extra 75 minutes so the dance could go til 12:30.

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Amy Holm & Casey Lundquist

When: Friday, October 1st, 2010

Where: Alerus Center, Grand Forks, ND
1st Dance Song: "Smile" by Uncle Kracker

"You did a great job at the reception/dance! We've heard so
many great compliments from people that said they had such a
great time! I will definitely continue to recommend you to
other couples! Thanks again!" -Amy Lindquist

Amy is the daughter of Brian Holm, of Brian's Photography (notable enough a man to have a store front on 32nd Ave ever since I started DJ'ing in 1998). Casey is her CaseyBear (sorry, Casey, I had to).

A late start to the evening meant an hor d'eourves buffet instead of proper dinner. Amy and Casey's head table was actually three rounds together in the center of the room. I really liked their display of pictures as you came in. Lots of individual pics in frames scattered across the table.

Amy had a nice list of requests for me to work with. Some younger boys (about seven) kept running over to request songs on behalf of some older guests at a table. Makes it tough to work with since the kids don't really understand what they're asking for.

My favorite moment had to be Amy's dad's toast. The entire thing is too long to repeat here, but he did everything right: he used an old memory of he and Amy when she was little to tell something about her as a person; it was sweet; and it was funny.

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