Lacie Fogelson & Casey Hanson

When: Saturday, June25th, 2011

Where: Avalon Events Center, Fargo, ND
1st Dance Song: "You Make Me So Very Happy" played live

Today's ceremony was also at the Avalon, and I took care of sound for that, too.  This meant a mic for the pastor, reader, singer, and inputs for a cellist and guitarist.  It didn't go the way I had planned but went well and that is all that matters.

Our singer (Andi Thoreson who also sang at her sister's wedding two years ago), the cellist and guitarist also performed the first dance song for us.

Some interesting touches tonight.  The guest book was plates (china) guests signed with a silver pen.  This will let Lacie mount these on the wall later.  The Avalon held two receptions tonight.  To make sure guests knew they were in the right spot, a front door, painted with chalkboard paint, had Lacie and Casey's names on it.  I also received a request list made by guests who listed songs on their RSVPs.

Or only real issue was that it appears Lacie and Casey were both struck with food poisoning from something they ate during pictures.  They ducked out about 11pm, a little over an hour early.

As usual, more great work by wedding photographers Shawna Noel and Kory Wallen.   Well, I guess I don't actually know that... we haven't seen the pictures yet, but history suggests it will be more outstanding work on their part.(no, these aren't their pictures.  Their pictures are good)

Katie Jo Johnson & Carlos Ballinas

When: Saturday, June18th, 2011

Where: Under a tent, Battle Lake, MN
1st Dance Song: "As Time Goes By" by Buena Vista Social Club

"Hi Robert!  I'm so sorry it took so long to get back to you.  I think things were more crazy after the wedding than before:)  Again thank you for everything you did for our wedding reception!  I don't think it could have gone any better than it did.  If you need any recommendations just let us know!"

Katie and Carlos were actually married January in Mexico, and again yesterday, in Minneapolis.  Today is a reception only at her parents' lake house.

I stole a baby (OK, babysat) during dinner when I sent her mom and family up to the buffet.  Her name is Laney, she is 4 months old and she giggles when you hold her up so she flies like Superman.

Since Carlos and his family are from Mexico, we used a translator during the prayer, and during some of the event explanations.  Their first dance song is in Spanish (somehow I can't find the Spanish title, though).

Turns out, at weddings in Mexico there is a tradition of carrying the groom in and tossing him in the air, all set to the Funeral March.  Fantastic.  We followed that with "A La Vibora De La Mar," which is, as best as I can describe it, a cross of a conga line, circle dance, and limbo.  No footage for that one because, no one told me about the song in advance, so I bought it, downloaded and was playing it from my smart phone, which I had been using to catch some of these moments.  Maybe I'll be able to get some footage from the videographer.

One other very random request:  "Achy Breaky Heart" by Billy Ray Cyrus.  Apparently they line dance to a Spanish version in Mexico.  That's a first time playing it for me.  I also got to play a bunch of salsa music.

Brooke Melicher & Tim Hanson

When: Saturday, June11th, 2011

Where: Holiday Inn, Fargo, ND
1st Dance Song: "Grow Old With You" by Adam Sandler

A night opposite from last, this one with about 140 guests, in much more modest ballroom (the Holiday Inn is great, it's just not the size of a football field).  Brooke, Tim, and the wedding party arrived via clydesdale drawn hay ride (and I missed pics).


To involve the guests quickly (and give the photographers a better background), we brought up all the guests to form a circle around Brooke and Tim for their first dance song.  Not an issue since the song is only 90 seconds long.  The second song, Brooke and her dad, Paul, danced to a minute long version of "You Never Can Tell" by Chuck Berry (most recognizable these days from Pulp Fiction).

No dollar dance, bouquet, or garter tonight.  The only interuption to the dance was when a young lady, Destiny, asked to sing "The Way I Am."

One amusing moment: a guest from the wedding next door came over to request a song... for next door.  Turns out that DJ didn't have "Into the Mytic" by Van Morrison, so I got it for him on an mp3 player I use for backup.

Ericka Erdmann & Garret Kollin

When: Friday, June10th, 2011

Where: Shooting Star Casino, Mahnomen, MN
1st Dance Song: "Then" by Brad Paisley

The reception hall was set for more than 500 people.  The room was as long as a football field.  Quality sound for that size room with that many people is tough, but if you do it right, everyone can easily hear the speeches, the room is full of sound, but not too loud, except on the dance floor which is loud enough (and that is one heckuva run-on sentence).

While Ericka and Garret wanted to recognize their mom and dad (respectively) with a dance each, she did let me shorten them.  I created digital edits of their first dance song, her dance with her dad, and his with his mom so that all three songs lasted about eight minutes instead of the full twelve.  The songs still sound intact instead of the old, awkward fade down halfway in.  Instead of another slow song for the weddng party, Ericka had me play "Dynamite" by Taio Cruz.  Something upbeat and fun can work, just warn your wedding party in advance and get them onboard.  In our case, it was also after 9pm and a bit easier to get people going.

No dollar dance, but we did toss the bouquet, and a scavenger hunt to give away the garter.  Out of left field, Ericka asked if I could do something I haven't in a couple of years, and even then it was at a Christmas party: the frozen t-shirt contest.  Five guys race to put on t-shirts that have been soaked and frozen.  Fantastic for it's silliness, definitely something you do late, in our case, 11pm.