Julia and Cody’s Day To Remember

 [Originally at A Wakefield Barn Wedding for Julia and Cody by Joe Bunn]

The middle of the summer heat still doesn’t stop me from being excited when I get to witness a wedding like Julia and Cody’s at the Historic Wakefield Barn. I had the pleasure of providing the happy couple with music throughout their entire day, so I got to witness the beautiful details from start to finish.

The cute couple got married in front of 150 of their close friends and family. The ceremony lasted about 20 minutes and then quickly led into cocktail hour at the Stables while photographer AJ Dunlap made sure to get these beautiful photos. Wink Hair & Makeupmade these already beautiful ladies look so amazing! I started off cocktail hour with some 80s classics ranging from Earth, Wind, and Fire to Fleetwood Mac. I introduced Julia and Cody and led them into their first dance to “Speechless” by Dan + Shay. Julia’s father joined her on the floor to dance to “Forever Young” while Cody’s mom danced with him to “Like Jesus Does”.

Read the rest at https://bunndjcompany.com/raleigh/a-wakefield-barn…r-julia-and-cody/ or read more awesome stuff at https://bunndjcompany.com/celebrations/ 

This wedding was so beautiful! It’s hard to beat a wedding on a perfect summer day, at a historic location. It truly was a day to remember!

Will and Kim’s Fantastic Wedding at The Cotton Room

 [Originally at A Cotton Room Wedding for Kim and Will by Randy Bennet]

I was back at the Cotton Room to DJ another wedding for the second day in a row, this time for Kim and Will on July 28th.  I LOVE The Cotton Room and was thrilled to be back.

Kim and Will’s ceremony was held along the far wall with floor to ceiling windows.  They had Reverend Ed Sansbury to officiate.  He always does such a wonderful job!  The Parents through their children walked down the aisle to “Arioso” by Bach.  Kim and her Father entered to “Canon In D”.  After a short service that included readings by all 4 of the children, they recessed to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”. Ed invited the 50 guests to the social hour in the back of the room and I started a mix of rock, county, standards and classic soul.

After pics were done by Photographer Megan Kime, the white linens opened to reveal the ballroom and I invited guests to their seats for dinner.  I introduced just Will and Kim to “On Top Of The World” by Imagine Dragons and they came in for their first dance to “Thinking Out Loud”. Her Father joined her on the floor for their dance to “What A Wonderful World”. Will escorted his Mother to the floor after that for their dance to “Like Jesus Does” by Eric Church.  His Uncle Mike blessed the meal and the family style southern dinner came out.  During dinner I played more soft rock, country, soul and standards.

Read the rest at https://bunndjcompany.com/durham/a-cotton-room-we…for-kim-and-will/ or read more awesome stuff at https://bunndjcompany.com/photo-booth/

The cotton room is one of my favorite venues. It’s such a beautiful open space. Having a beautiful venue never fails to leave the guests wowed. 

Anthony and Hailee’s Unforgettable Wedding at The Cotton Room

 [Originally at A Cotton Room Wedding for Hailee and Anthony by Randy Bennet]

I never met Hailee and Anthony until their wedding day, but I was thrilled to be their DJ at The Cotton Room in Durham, NC on July 27th just from our initial phone call.

Their ceremony was held in the middle of the room with the back and sides draped from ceiling to floor with white linens.  I provided a lapel mic for their officiant, Cam, as well as a wireless hand held mic for their singer Natalie. She sang 3 songs accompanied by her Mother Jennifer on piano, who also played the pre-ceremony music and recessional beautifully.  It was such a wonderful touch to have musicians from their church provide music!!

After a short service the 130 guests made their way to the back of the room for a social hour while the staff flipped the room for dinner. During the social hour I had a mix of soft rock, country, classic soul and standards playing.  After pics were taken by photographer Danielle from Blissmore photography and video by Stuck In Love Films, the white linens opened again and guests found their seats.  The tables looked beautiful with floral arrangements by Tre Bella.

I left music playing and lined the wedding party up for intros with help from planner Katharine with Katharine Mann Events. I introduced the Parents to “Celebration” and wedding party to “Bring Em Out”.  They lined up in front of me and Hailee and Anthony came in to “Hey Look Ma, I Made It”.  They had their first dance to “Eyes On You” by Chase Rice, Hailee’s Father welcomed everyone and Cam blessed the meal.  The buffet opened and I continued the same music mix.

After dinner we had the toasts and Cinda’s Cake cutting to “How Sweet It is” (I had the chocolate!! So good!!!). The Parents dances followed while the staff cut the cake and served it.  Hailee and her Father’s dance was to “I Loved Her First” and Anthony and his Mother’s to a Dean Martin cover of “Always”.  I LOVE that song, but had never heard it by Dean until they asked.

Read the rest at https://bunndjcompany.com/durham/a-cotton-room-we…ilee-and-anthony/ or read more awesome stuff at https://bunndjcompany.com/corporate/ 

2021 Weddings: How To Save and Plan

 

[Originally at Top tips for saving for a 2021 wedding by Kalila Sangster]

With many UK wedding cancelled or postponed in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, 2021 is set to be a busy year for UK marriages.

The average UK wedding costs couples £16,005 ($21,634), according to research by PurePhotoNI, and with COVID-19 hitting Britain’s finances hard, here are some top tips for saving on your big day.

With many UK weddings cancelled or postponed in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, 2021 is set to be a busy year for UK marriages.

The average UK wedding costs couples £16,005 ($21,634), according to research by PurePhotoNI, and with COVID-19 hitting Britain’s finances hard, here are some top tips for saving on your big day.

Prioritise must-have flowers

The cost of flowers for your big day can add up to a considerable amount.

Do some research into which flowers are in season at the time of year you’re planning to get married. If you’re having a summer wedding, choosing flowers that blossom in the winter will likely mean you’ll have to buy them from overseas — substantially increasing the cost.

Decide what flowers are your favourites and prioritise them. Picking just one or two flower variants for your bouquets will help you save cash, compared with including numerous variants.

When buying flowers in bulk, remember that the more blooms you include, the more this will add to your spending.

Rent vs buy

In a lot of cases, it is much more cost effective to rent your decorations rather than buying them.

Rental companies will deliver all your decorations to you and could even help set them up at the venue, saving you time as well as money.

Go digital and cut the cartridge

Rather than spending an unnecessary amount of money on printing invitations, consider sending them digitally instead. You could send them via email or via e-invitations or download printable templates that you can print out yourself rather than paying for them to be professionally printed.

Favour off-peak days and seasons

In order to avoid the premium prices that venues charge for peak days and times of the year, choose when your wedding date wisely.

Check out the rest of the wedding advice at https://sports.yahoo.com/top-tips-for-saving-for-a-2021-wedding-165402821.html or read other helpful tips at Bunn Raleigh Wedding DJs

It’s already looking like 2021 is going to be a busy year for weddings. We’re looking forward to all of our awesome weddings in the new year. Without a doubt, they’ll be some of the best we’ve seen.

A Wedding to Remember with Mary and Logan

 [Originally A Merrimon Wynne Wedding for Mary and Logan by Randy Bennet]

I met Mary and Logan almost a year ago and was excited to finally play for them on Friday, August 9th! They are both so nice and I was sure going to be a blast to DJ for, and it was!!

The ceremony was held in the lawn of Merrimon Wynneunder the huge tree at the end.  I was there to run a mic for their officiant, Paul and well as all the music. As the guests arrived I had a mix of classical music playing.  The wedding party entered to “Canon In D” and Mary and her Father to “The Bridal March”.  After a short service they recessed to “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” and were invited into the house for refreshments.

After pics were done by Danielle from Blissmore Photographythe 150 guests were invited to the carriage house by planner extraordinaire Sally Oakley where I was set up for dinner and dancing.  The room looked beautiful with floral arrangements by Fresh Affairs!!  I left music playing and went into the house to line the wedding party up with Sally. I introduced them to “I Gotta Feeling” and Mary and Logan had their first dance to “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran.  It was so sweet when they sang it to each other like they were alone in the kitchen!! His Father welcomed everyone and blessed the Rocky Top catered meal. During dinner I had a mix of jazz standards playing.

Read the rest at https://bunndjcompany.com/raleigh/a-merrimon-wynne…r-mary-and-logan/ or more awesome stuff at https://bunndjcompany.com/weddings/ 

As DJs music selection is very important to us. It’s always nice to see a couple pick songs that really mean something to them. 

Beautiful Wedding For Diana And Daniel

 [Originally at A Bay 7 Wedding For Diana And Daniel by Randy Bennet]

Bay 7 at The American Tobacco Historic District is always such a fun place for a wedding! Diana and Daniel’s Wedding Reception on August 3rd was no exception.

Their ceremony was held earlier at Duke Chapel.  I can’t wait to see photographer Cassie with FireRose Photography’s pics!! After the ceremony, the 160 guests made their way over to Bay 7 where I was.  As the 160 guests arrived the had a live pianist playing upstairs for the cocktail hour.  Toward the end of the cocktail hour I invited everyone to their seats downstairs and left some music playing while I lined the wedding party up for introductions. The tables looked beautiful with floral arrangements by The English Garden.

I introduced them to “Party Rock Anthem” and each couple had their own dance at the bottom of the stairs. Diana and Daniel were introduced to “Can’t Stop The Feeling” and had their first dance to “Extraordinary Magic” by Ben Rector.  They took their seats and her Father welcomed everyone followed by a blessing.  The salads and entrees came out and I played a mix of classical music during dinner. I also got to say hi to a past Bride (Ashley) who was a guest and I played for back in 2015.

Read the rest at https://bunndjcompany.com/durham/a-bay-7-wedding-…diana-and-daniel/ or read more awesome stuff at https://bunndjcompany.com/lighting/

Picking the a great songs for events such as bouquet toss and special dances is always important. It is a sure fire way to get your guests pumped up and ready to party. 

Katie and Kevin’s Market Hall Wedding

[Originally A Multi-Cultural Wedding for Katie and Kevin at Market Hall Randy Bennet]

When I originally Skyped with Katie’s Parents Penny and Alan in January and heard their vision of this very unique wedding at Market Hallon August 17th, I was instantly hooked and the wheels started turning.Catherine and Phillip’s Perfect Wedding

The ceremony was held inside the carriage house and I ran a mic for their friend and officiant  They had 215 guests coming from all over the world and wanted to incorporate Greek and Palestinian music into the dancing, as well as typical American music. Challenge accepted!!

The ceremony was held earlier at All Saints Antiochian Orthodox Church.  After the ceremony, the guests made their way over to Market Hall where I was set up and ready.  As they arrived I had a mix of soft rock, classic soul, standards and a few Greek and Arabic songs playing.  Guests enjoyed refreshments, passed hors d’oeuvres, The Bunn DJ Company Photo Booth, corn hole and a large Jenga set.  The wedding party and Katie and Kevin joined after pics and video were done at the church by Timo Andrews Visuals and John from Story Focused Media.

After the cocktail hour, I invited guests into the larger back room with help from planner extraordinaire Kathy from Sally Oakley Weddings & Eventsand Katie’s Parents welcomed everyone.  After the blessing, guests were invited to sample food from all over the world made by Market Hall Catering.  The tacos and salmon were amazing!!!  During dinner I continued the same mix as cocktails.

Read the rest at https://bunndjcompany.com/raleigh/a-multi-cultural-wedding-for-katie-and-kevin-at-market-hall/ or read more awesome stuff at https://bunndjcompany.com/about/

Wow this couple really had such a special wedding. It must have been so fun to mingle with everyone and listen to all that different music. Variety truly is the spice of life.

Kathleen and Brian’s Special Day at Bay 7

 

[Originally at A Bay 7 Wedding for Kathleen and Brian by Randy Bennet]

When I met Katie and Brian over a year ago I was already excited for their wedding at Bay 7on August 10th!

Their ceremony was held on the first floor and officiated by fav Reverend Barbara Lodge.  She always does such a wonderful job!!  The alter looked beautiful with floral arrangements by Embellished Blooms. I ran Barbara’s mic and they had a classical guitarist, Chris from Arioso Strings, handle the music.  He also was just fantastic.

After a short service, Barbara invited the 100 guests to the 2ndfloor for refreshments and passed hors d’oeuvres. During the cocktail hour they had a live pianist, Scott, provide music.  He, also, was wonderful! After pics were done by photographer Joe Payne (LOVE him!!) and the room was flipped for dinner, I invited guests downstairs to their seats.  I started some music and went back upstairs to line up the Parents and Katie & Brian for introductions with help from planner Nicole from Premier Party Planners.

I introduced them to ‘Forever” by Chris Brown and Katie and Brian to the remix of “Let’s Get Married” by Jagged Edge.  LOVE that song!!  They had their first dance to “She’s Got A Way” by Billy Joel and Katie’s Father welcomed everyone. The salads were already preset and the entrees came out soon.  During dinner I had a mix of rock, standards and classic soul playing.

Read the rest at https://bunndjcompany.com/durham/a-bay-7-wedding-for-kathleen-and-brian/ or read more awesome stuff at https://bunndjcompany.com/eastern-north-carolina/

Forever by Chris Brown is one of my favorite intro songs. It sets such a great mood for a high energy introduction that gets everyone pumped up for the rest of the wedding. 

Throwing the Best Virtual Wedding Reception: Tips, Tricks, and Advice

 [Originally at How to Throw a Virtual Wedding Reception Your Guests Will Remember by Raven McMillan]

If you're saying "I do" in virtual ceremony don't let your wedding day end after the first kiss. Instead, consider this: A virtual wedding reception to celebrate with guests following the live-streamed ceremony! This type of event is not your average wedding reception, so to help you plan a virtual party your guests will be talking about long after logging off, we’re taking a peek behind the screens with industry expert Jeff Stillwell, an event planner who has perfected the hybrid event.

Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to plan an immersive virtual reception your guests will love!

Virtual Reception Etiquette

Who Throws a Virtual Wedding Reception? 

Commonly, a combination of the couple’s parents will “co-host” the virtual reception. Stillwell says that in today’s world, however, many couples decide to throw the virtual wedding and celebration themselves.

How to Pay for a Wedding, According to a Wealth Management Advisor

When Do You Throw a Virtual Wedding Reception?

“Even the most traditional ‘non-virtual type couples’ are realizing how some type of a digital component makes sense right now,” Stillwell says. “I feel that the future for most weddings and events will be a combination of a part live/part virtual celebration as this may also be the perfect plan for a couple who never wanted a big (and expensive) wedding.”

Who Gets Invited to a Virtual Wedding Reception?

Since virtual wedding receptions are still novel, one of the benefits of this event type is having no hard and fast rules dictated by tradition. You can literally plan this wedding however you like and invite whomever you want! Many keep the in-person guest count low, consisting of close relatives and friends, with virtual invites going to distant relatives and work friends—no feelings hurt, no budget bloated.

Do You Need to Send Formal Invitations? 

Stillwell feels strongly that a virtual wedding reception should include an actual mailed invitation (not an evite), as he says it’s important to send virtual guests something tangible, especially for an event as important as a wedding.  

Should You Include a Dress Code? 

Having a dress code can help set the tone for this momentous occasion and create a sense of togetherness for all of the guests. Stillwell says “the more the virtual guests can be in line with the live guests, it simply makes for a better party!”  

Read the rest of this great article at https://www.brides.com/virtual-wedding-reception-5090651 or read other awesome stuff at Bunn DJs in Raleigh, NC

Brides.com always has great wedding planning resources. And as we move more and more toward virtual and hybrid receptions, it’s great to see more and more guides about how to make it work. We’ve seen a lot of our Raleigh couples moving towards partial-virtual models, and it’s definitely an exciting trend in weddings and events.

Catherine and Phillip’s Perfect Wedding

[Originally at A Merrimon Wynne wedding for Catherine and Phillip by Randy Bennet]

For my first of 3 weddings this weekend I was at downtown Raleigh’s Merrimon Wynne house for Catherine and Phil‘s wedding on August 23rd.

The ceremony was held inside the carriage house and I ran a mic for their friend and officiant Dominic, as well as one for Phil and their readers.  I also ran all the music for the ceremony. As the 150 guests arrived I had a mix of classical music playing.  The Grandparents, Parents and wedding party entered to “Air On A G String”. Catherine and her Father entered to “Canon In D’.  After a short service and a few readings, they recessed to “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”.  Planner Kathy from Sally Oakley Events invited guests inside the house for the cocktail hour while the staff from Rocky Top Catering flipped the room for dinner.

After the room was set and pics were taken by Adrienne from F8 Photo Studiosand videographer Andrew Kennedy, the guests were invited back into the carriage house for the reception.  I left music playing and went to get Catherine and Phil ready for their introduction.  They came in to L.O.V.E. by Nat King Coleand had their first dance to it. Her Father welcomed everyone and 91 year old Grandfather blessed the meal. During dinner I had a mix of rock, classic soul and standards playing.

Read the rest at https://bunndjcompany.com/raleigh/a-merrimon-wynne-wedding-for-catherine-and-phillip/ or read more awesome stuff at https://bunndjcompany.com/faq/ 

Seems like this couple really had an extra special day. All the vendors and those participating came together to make the day truly unforgettable. 

Lauren and Spencer’s Wedding at Wet Broadslab Distillery

[Originally at A Wet Broadslab Distillery Wedding for Lauren and Spencer by Randy Bennett]

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They say that rain on your wedding day is good luck. Laurena and Spencer will have good luck for the rest of their lives together!!

The ceremony was held at Neills Creek Baptist Churchon August 24th.  After the ceremony, the 200 guests made their way over to the Broadslab Distillery Barn in Benson NC where I was for the reception.  It’s a beautiful Barn with a huge covered front porch with rocking chairs, patio on the side, stage inside and a small balcony looking down onto the room.

As the guests arrived I had a mix of rock and country with a couple bluegrass songs for Spencer playing outside on the porch.  Guests enjoyed visiting with each other, listening to music and having refreshments before planner Shanna and her helpers opened the doors for the reception.  The room looked beautiful with floral arrangements by Dragonfly Florist.  The guests took their seats and it was time for the introductions.  I introduced the wedding party to “Can’t Stop The Feeling” and Lauren and Spencer from the balcony to “How Sweet It Is”. They came down stairs and had their first dance to “My Heaven” by Trace Adkins.The Parent s dances followed and Lauren and her Father danced to “My Little Girl”.  Spencer escorted his Mother to the floor for their dance to “Don’t Blink” by Kenny Chesney.  Her Father, Randall, welcomed everyone and Reverend Chris blessed the Ron’s Barncatered barbecue meal. It was sooo good!!!!!! During dinner I had more rock and country playing.

Read more at https://bunndjcompany.com/raleigh/a-wet-broadslab-distillery-wedding-for-lauren-and-spencer/ or read more awesome stuff at https://bunndjcompany.com/celebrations/

This Wedding sounded like it was so fun. The background music can be just as important as the music you play while people are dancing. It sets the mood and gets people ready to party!

Cecile and Eddie’s Great Umstead Wedding

 [Originally at An Umstead Wedding for Cecile and Eddie by Randy Bennet]

Cecile and Eddie chose Cary’s Umstead Hotelto welcome their 50 guests from all over the world on August 25th.

The ceremony was held on the back lawn overlooking the pond and officiated by their friend from South Africa, Pastor William.  After the ceremony, the guests made their way to the back patio for mocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres.  The Umstead covered the music.

After pics were taken by Rob and Amy Allen Photography, the doors to the small ballroom opened and guests found their seats with help from planner Elizabeth from A Southern Soiree.  The room looked beautiful with my uplights and floral arrangements by Preston Flowers Cary. I left music playing and went to line the wedding party up for introductions.  I introduce the Groomsmen to “Ice Ice Baby” and Bridesmaids to “Man, I Feel Like A Woman”. The Ladies were having a blast dancing to it, so I let it roll for a minute or so.  They took their seats and I introduced Cecile and Eddie to “Marry You” by Bruno Mars. They welcomed everyone and Pastor William blessed the 3-course meal.  The soup, salads and entrees came out and I played a mix of country & 80’s soft rock during dinner. 

Read the rest at https://bunndjcompany.com/raleigh/an-umstead-wedding-for-cecile-and-eddie/ or read more awesome stuff at https://bunndjcompany.com/school-dance/ 

Sounds like this couple truly had a night that reflected how much hard work they put into planning it. Planning can be stressful at times but it always pays off once the wedding kicks off. 

A Great Raleigh Wedding: Great Food, Great Music, Great Venue

One of Our Favorite Wedding Venues A Sutherland Reception We’ve been in the Raleigh wedding DJ business a long time. Though we’ve expanded, Raleigh is still in many ways our home base. It’ll always be where we really got our start and made a name for ourselves. On top of that, it has some of [...]

A Couple’s Perfect Wedding At Merrimon Wynne

 [Originally at A Merrimon Wynne Wedding for Kayla and Gabe by Randy Bennet]

When I met Gabe in October last year I just knew there was going to be an epic dance party for his wedding at Merrimon Wynneon August 31st!!

Their ceremony was held on the side lawn and officiated over by Gabe’s Brother Ben.  He did an amazing job, especially since this was his first wedding.  As the 150 guests arrived I had some light classical music playing.  The Grandparents thru the wedding party entered to an instrumental of “A Thousand Years”.  Kayla and her Father entered to Wagner’s “Here Comes The Bride”.  After a short service they recessed to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” and Ben invited everyone into the house for cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres by Donovan’s Dish.  During the cocktail hour they had a playlist Gabe had made playing.

Read the rest at https://bunndjcompany.com/raleigh/a-merrimon-wynne-wedding-for-kayla-and-gabe/ or read more awesome stuff at https://bunndjcompany.com/corporate/

Having a great DJ that can really gauge the crowd is the best. There is truly no better way to ensure that your guests have an amazing time than picking a DJ that really knows their stuff. 

Brooke’s Perfect Wedding Day

 [Originally a A Fun Wedding Weekend With Brooke and Ryan by Randy Bennett]

I didn’t realize until closer to the wedding (and neither did they) that both Ryan and his Mother had separately hired me from venue referrals for both the rehearsal dinner and wedding on September 6thand 7th.  I knew I didn’t want to duplicate anything from night to night for this wonderful couple & their guests. Challenge accepted!

Brooke and Ryan’s rehearsal dinner was held on Friday at The Angus Barn Pavilionfor 100 people.  As the guests arrived I had a mix of soft rock, classic soul, standards and a few country songs playing. They enjoyed visiting, cornhole on the back patio, passed hors d’oeuvres and the veggie and cheese display.  What do they do to that cheese to make it so good???

After the cocktail hour I invited them to take their seats for dinner.  His Father, Dave welcomed everyone and Pastor Nathan blessed the meal. The salads and entrees came out and I continued the same music mix as cocktails.  After dinner we had a shoe game and 6 toasts while guests enjoyed champagne and dessert.  Instead of opening the dance floor (that was holding over until Saturday) I played a mix of sing a long “Beachy/Yacht Rock” songs like “Build me Up Buttercup”, “Dancing In The Moonlight” and “Still The One” for guests to visit more before heading out.

Saturday- Wedding Day!!!!

I arrived at The Historic Wakefield Barnsuper early to set up for the ceremony and hang out with my fellow vendor friends. Shelley from Expressions Of Love Floristwas getting the ceremony site on the 2ndfloor ready. Photographer Nancy Raywas taking pics of Brooke, Ryan and wedding party separately around the property with videographers Chris & Toni from Heart Stone Filmsand Steph from Southern Oak Eventswas making sure everything was perfect.

As the 200 guests arrived for the ceremony they were treated to live music by a quartet from Arioso Strings. I ran a mic for Pastor Nathan as well as a hand held mic for a reader.  After the ceremony they were invited to the 1st floor barn stables for cocktails and more music by Arioso Strings while the staff flipped the 2nd floor for dinner and dancing.

Read the rest at https://bunndjcompany.com/about/ or read more awesome stuff at https://bunndjcompany.com/photo-booth/

 Playing games at a wedding can be one of the best ways to get guests involved. Anything that can get people out of their seats and involved in the wedding is a sure way to leave a lasting impression.