Allison and Randy's Wedding reception - June 12th 2015 - Regions Tower Rooftop Terrace

Wow! What an incredible night! I had been looking forward to Allison and Randy's wedding ever since they booked me in December, for a couple of reasons. First, they were so darn nice and fun to talk to, secondly because their reception was going to be held at a venue I was anxious to work at - Regions Tower Rooftop Terrace! This is such a cool venue with two equally amazing spaces. Inside, the venue is rich and beautiful from corner to corner with a great view of the city - then step outside to the huge rooftop terrace that is breath-taking! From the hanging bistro lights to the fire-pits and lounge seating, this space begs for a party! If you are considering a downtown wedding you have to check this place out! The evening had high winds and strong storms in the forecast; I really did not think that dancing was going to be possible outside. The backup plan was to have the dancing on the large marble floor inside which would have been great too, but the dark clouds blew away and after dinner we all headed outside for a fantastic celebration! Although it was very warm, there is a nice breeze on the terrace and I didn't even break a sweat. I look forward to a return visit for another reception next month! I want to thank Oasis Events owner and Regions tower event manager, Patti Stowers, who is a wonder woman and was able to be in 12 places at once. Not sure how she does it.

Video below photo.

New Up Lighting from Grapevine (Ritz Charles)!

This past weekend I took our new up lighting system to a wedding reception held at the Ritz Charles Garden Pavilion in Carmel Indiana. The L.E.D. cool touch lights are all wireless and can be remotely controlled using a DMX controller. The lights were first set to match the wedding colors of Coral and Purple. The lights then changed to Pink for the Father Daughter dance and then to Blue for the Mother Son dance. The new lighting can also "dance" with the music or slowly fade in and out of any color or colors you like. Colors can include: Amber, White, Pink, Purple, Red, Orange, Green, Yellow, Gold, Blue, Turquoise - You can even adjust the shade of each color - Here is a chart that shows just some of the possibilities.

 

Emily and Mo - March 21st 2015 - Crowne Plaza Union Station Indianapolis

Here are a couple of videos (Professional from Loves Reel and my $200 camera) from a wedding ceremony and reception earlier this year at Union Station. There have been so many fantastic weddings this year. I can't wait to see what happens next!

 
EMILY + MO from Love's Reel on Vimeo.


Introduction songs - Run the world - Beyonce - It's raining men - Sirius (Bulls theme)
Cake cutting - Marry you - Bruno Mars
First dance - Thing out loud - Ed Sheeran
Father Daughter dance - The house that built me - Miranda Lambert
Mother Son dance - My wish - Rascal flatts
Last dance - I want crazy - Hunter Hayes

Chelsea and Justin - May 16th 2015 - Embassy Theater Fort Wayne Wedding Reception

Wedding Reception Embassy Theater Fort Wayne - Chelsea and Justin from Mark Beecher on Vimeo.

The PEOPLE at this wedding were so much fun!

Another wedding this year where the bride and groom did not want all the bells and whistles like dance or up lighting lighting, gobos, photobooth or even many of the formalities - They just wanted a great party! This was also another wedding where they wanted mostly music from the 50's to the 70's  but with a few top 40 and classic songs from the 80's and 90's sprinkled in as well. Their wedding reception will be remembered by friends and family for years to come I'm sure, and it was an honor to be a part of it.

Introduction of wedding party - Signed, sealed, delivered - Stevie Wonder
First dance - I going to be (500 miles)- Sleeping at last
Father Daughter dance - Unforgettable - Nat King Cole
Mother Son dance - A Mother's song - T. Carter Music
Cake cutting - You make my dreams come true - Hall & Oates
Last dance - At Last - Etta James

Colby and Lance - May 2nd 2015 - Indiana Landmark Center Wedding

This was such a fun wedding for me - I play mostly newer music for weddings which is great. I'm happy to play whatever music makes people dance, but Colby and Lance wanted mostly older music like Motown and 60's, 70's & 80's - I was more than happy to oblige! What surprised me was that the music was enjoyed by the younger guests as well as the older guests. I received very few requests for new music. Colby and Lance were very laid back and easy going (there were just 2 songs on their play-list). They wanted their reception to be simple, elegant and fun (with great food by MBP catering) and that is just what they achieved. I got to work with Caitlin Poe the managing director at the remarkable Indiana Landmark Center who I have known since she was a teenager and with one of my favorite photographers Anne Buskirk. I will add some of her photos when they are ready. In the mean time, here is a little video I shot.

Finally, here is the WeddingWire review I received 2 days after the wedding : )

"Excellent DJ! Would have given him 6 stars if I could! Goes above and beyond with having information and resources for scheduling key wedding moments. Great personality with lots of experience. He knew how to keep the guests dancing until closing. Surprised us with a 7 minute video capturing some great moments at our reception. Would recommend him for any wedding."

Laurel Hall "Antique" radios - Multi room sound for a wedding reception

Laurel Hall is a spectacular venue for a wedding ceremony and reception - But with so many rooms and the beautiful and inviting terrace in the back, there's the challenge of having music and announcements in all those locations; especially if you want the same music throughout. Grapevine overcame that problem using a F.M transmitter in conjunction with a wireless microphone system, reproduction "antique" radios and a couple of extra Bose speakers to provide music to all areas.

Here is some not so great cell phone video, but you get the idea.

Meghan and Dan - April 18th 2015 - Athenaeum Theater

Meghan and Dan were a pleasure to meet and work with! They were a creative couple looking to throw more of a party than a "reception" for their friends and family.

Both the wedding ceremony and party were held at the The Athenaeum Theater located on the 2nd floor of the Athenaeum Building - Same building as The Rathskeller.

The first dance was my favorite party of the evening  -  Meghan and Dan had me create a 2 minute edit of the T.V. theme to Growing Pains! Another highlight was the alternative to the bouquet and garter toss - a T-Shirt toss! I didn't take any pictures, but I hope you enjoy the video.