Lindsay & Justin Shulz

When: Saturday, February 6th, 2010

Where: A Touch of Magic, EGF, MN
1st Dance Song: "Only You Can Love Me This Way" by Keith Urban

Lindsay & Justin were actually married on January 11th, in Jamaica. Today was a reception only, but they dressed up. Bad weather was a concern, but they still had most of their guests arrive on time.

I'll admit, though, I wasn't happy with myself. There wasn't much dancing at all. I know the guests were still enjoying themselves but I always feel I can do better if there isn't a packed floor (and I mean packed). In this case we weren't even close. I also had a container with some party and emergency supplies go missing. Nothing too vital (backup toss bouquet, garter, etc), but it meant our plans to embarras the groomsmen weren't gonna happen. We did manage an air guitar contest, though.

Fun for me were two past clients, Katie & Ryer Stark (August 1st, 2009) and Greta & Tom Beard (November 21, 2009).

We skipped several traditions... no speeches, no dollar dance, no bouquet. They hired me to put together a short video, combining pictures and video from the wedding ceremony. We also raffled the garter off.

Bizzy Slavens & Tyler Burslie

When: Saturday, January 23rd, 2010

Where: Valley Clubhouse, EGF, MN
1st Dance Song: "The Nearness of You" by Norah Jones

The life threatening cold temperatures are gone, and replaced with rain that will surely freeze and create streets of ice tonight, when I'm trying to drive the 30 miles home. More importantly, this limited guests who were largely from MacIntosh and so that an already relatively small reception (125) shrank down to almost half size. Fortunately, weather isn't enough to stop a good time.


The ceremony was earlier, 1pm, to allow pictures and a field trip afterwards. Bizzy and Tyler met when they both worked at Sam's Club so long ago and made a stop there today. The first song Bizzy and Tyler ever danced to was Taylor Swift's "Love Story," which is unfortunate (it references Romeo & Juliet, which, I'd point out, is a tragedy, not a love song). Bizzy chose Norah Jones because, well, it wasn't Ella Fitzgerald. See, she was at a wedding a year ago with that song by Ella. She loved the song but didn't want to copy the other couple. Subtle.
The guest book was a custom book of photos from Shutterfly.com. Favors were cute little buttons with their name and date on them. Cake was a single top tier with cupcakes for the rest. Wine and champagne was made available for everyone.

Katelyn Hurley & Josh Salwey

When: Friday, January 8th, 2010

Where: Ramada Inn, Grand Forks, ND
1st Dance Song: "First Day of My Life" by Bright Eyes

Another freezing day in North Dakota. The evening high was -18F. Ugh. This is cold enough to take hot or boiling water, throw it in the air, and it instantly turns to snow. Go ahead, google it. It's pretty cool. Fortunately, I had another great couple to celebrate with, my friends, the photographers Shawna Noel and Kory Wallen. Even my mom, Kathy Benda, provided the chair covers. Decorations (table runners, candles, and flowers) by Just Add Water (Miss Brooke Roche).
Katelyn wanted them introduced into the room to Hall and Oates' "Make My Dreams Come True." You might recognize it if you ever watched the movie "The Weddingsinger."


Another good set of speeches. Best of all was the grooms. As a surprise, his band, Yellow Stripe, played the music for the slide show. We kept this from everyone until we brought out the instruments. Not bad considering we had no time for a proper sound check or even a proper setup for live music on my part. I had to rent a mixer to handle all the instruments and extra microphones.

We tossed the bouquet and garter at the same time, and then segued into a dance for the groom. Once, many years ago, he did the dance for NSYNC's "Bye, Bye, Bye" on a bus trip to Washington, D.C. Katelyn has never forgotten it and had me play it for him again. Enjoy.

Kristen Vanek & Justin Carlson

Kristen Vanek & Justin Carlson

When: Saturday, January 2nd, 2010
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).

Tera Bahl & Greg Paulson

When: Thursday, December 31st, 2009
Where: Alerus Center, Grand Forks, ND
1st Dance Song: "Then" by Brad Paisley

Happy New Years! Whoot!

Tonight was noticeably different from normal, at least for me. I was roommates with the groom back in college. Or, rather, back when I was supposed to be in college (sorry, mom). I knew all kinds of fun info on Tonka (Greg's nickname). More fun was what I learned. Like their first date was at Sam's Club. Hmm. I couldn't resist (see the video). I also got to be at the ceremony and brought my gal with.

Scored some Bavarian Almonds from concessions. They were open because First Night had events down the hall. Sweet.

To the left, our best man had his Halloween costume along (from the movie Dumb & Dumber). Sadly (or wisely) he did not wear it over to the church. Greg, meanwhile, is on his second tuxedo here. His first, from the rental company, was completely the wrong size... way too big in the coat and the pants were three inches too short.

Most importantly, we got to do the new year countdown before we wrapped it up. Always nice with 200 friends and family (nice for them, though I was with my gal).

Lisa Isaksson & Matthew Albright

When: Saturday, December 19th, 2009
Where: Marriot Hotel, Moorhead, MN
1st Dance Song: "Fade Into You" by Mazzy Star

Matt met Lisa when she was a foreign exchange student nine years ago. The couple was married a five months ago in Sweden, Lisa's home country. No wedding ceremony today. And, yes, I managed to avoid bad jokes invoking Volvo, IKEA, or certain beloved muppet chef.


Six people got up to toast the new couple, including Matt, his dad, Lisa's dad, two friends, and Matt's sister. All were excellent and well prepared. One included chopping a tie off Matt's dad.

Pictures from the ceremony displayed on a screen during the social and dinner. No dollar dance, bouquet toss, or garter.

One nice aside. Matt hates Peter Cetera (of Chicago). Specifically his faux falcetto singing (I agree). Several people know this, so he chose Chicago's "You're the Inspiration" for the parent dance as a joke, then sang a bit for us. Thank you, Matt.

Fun, off-the-beaten-path songs I got to play: "Obsession" by Animotion; "The Look" by Roxette; "Blister in the Sun" by Violent Femmes; and Matt's favorite, "Massive Nights" by the Hold Steady.

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.

Tiffany Holmes & Travis Boespflug

When: Saturday, September 26th, 2009
Where: Ralph Englestad Arena, Thief River Falls, MN
1st Dance Song: "True Companion" by Marc Cohn

For this Ralph, guests entered on the main arena entance, then took the stairs or elevator down to the dressing room level where a kitchen and ballroom for up to 350 guests wait. I got to drive down to unload my gear, which was pretty sweet.

Something I've brought up but never done before.... we saved the cake until 30 minutes into the dance. The cake cutting was immediately followed by the dollar dance, which also gave guests a chance to serve themselves. I'm a fan because it means waiting to enjoy your dessert instead of while you're full.

The picture of me with all the purses... well, when the wedding party arrives, we introduce them into the room. This means someone has to get all the stuff they're carrying in so they don't have to during their grand entrance. That's five purses and a breast pump and it all weighed a ton.

Also on the list of duties, shortening their special dances. They wanted three: a first dance, her dance with her dad, and Travis' dance with his mom. Rather than that totaling 12 minutes of music, I digitally shortened each to about two minutes each. Those who have stood out there for a dance, just the two of you, understand that two minutes is long enough. The songs were intact, each got their moment, and we kept things moving as best we could.


Another new one, I inserted Travis and Tiffany's heads (a photo from the reception) into a disco dancing video, played it at the end of the garter giveaway. No one expected it. It wasn't planned. I figured out I could do it during the dinner thanks to the magic of WiFi and the internet. The site is called JibJab.com and while you can make some of the videos free, to actually download or post them to YouTube, you have to pay.

Kiley English & Jason Cossette

When: Saturday, September 19th, 2009
Where: Avalon Events Center, Fargo, ND
1st Dance Song: "I Don't Know Much" by Aaron Neville & Linda Ronstadt

I got to put their slide show together and its was my favorite in years (see video below). As soon as I saw the pictures Kiley sent me I knew exactly what to do. The final result is to the right and, at only 3 minutes, it clips along nicely and even includes Kiley singing when she was, at most, two years old.

Kiley's dad put together a fun little quiz for the guests in lieu of a speech (How many times has Kiley seen New Kids on the Block Live? Three.). Both our Best Man Jon and Maid of Honor Hillary did very nice speeches, but Jason's was excellent. His was a great example to other grooms.

Apparently "for the night" means something different to the photographer, when asked how late he'd be here. If you're gonna pack up after the first dance, just say so. Otherwise I'm be looking all over trying to find you so you can get pics of the bride's brother performing his guitar live. At least I got the video and recorded the audio straight off the mixer (to download his song, right click this link and 'save link as' or 'save target as'). I also got CD recordings of her brother and dad in a band covering "One" by U2.