Over the years, there has been a shortlist of venues I have wanted to perform at. The Top of the Town room at the Historic Sorrento Hotel in Seattle was one of those rooms on that list. It has the classic, retro feel that reminds me of the Rat Pack era. Thanks to Nathan and Rosanna choosing it as their venue for their wedding ceremony and reception, I can now cross it off my list.
From the moment I met Nathan and Rosanna at the Starbucks on Interurban Ave in Tukwila, I knew we were the perfect match. Referred to me by Mark & Tracy, who had an awesome outdoor wedding at The Majestic Inn in Anacortes, Nathan and Rosanna were planning an intimate wedding reception, with approximately 100 of their closest family and friends in attendance. Their style was formal and classy, but not stuffy. The most important priority was that they wanted each and every guest to have fun.
I can honestly say, from Processional to Last Dance, they nailed it.
One of my favorite officiants, Annemarie Juhlian, led yet another amazing ceremony. Honestly, she is the best: her writing, her presentation, and her passion is second to none. And the best part? She made the ceremony come to life with Nathan & Rosanna’s personalities and style! It is always fun to watch her perform.
As for the reception, there were so many fun presentations and moments that guests will remember fondly. The RSVP Spotlight was a nice touch, as was the advice given by the Longest Married Couple to our newlyweds. And how could one forget Angela’s Matron of Honor toast, complete with cue cards? One of the most genuine, creative, and humorous toasts I have seen in a while.
And then, there was the dancing! Intimate weddings require more pinpoint song selection, and it didn’t take long to dial in the precise genres that registered with Nathan & Rosanna’s guests. 80s hits were huge – and I had a hunch going in it would be as Rosanna provided me with four pages of songs she liked ;). And of course, you can’t conclude a great 80s DJ set without choosing the pinnacle 80s sing-a-long for the final song of the night: Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing”.
Nathan & Rosanna, thank you for selecting me as your Host & DJ. I wish you both a lifetime of luck and happiness!
Nathan & Rosanna’s Five-Star Review
My husband and I never quite realized the level of detail and work involved in planning a wedding, we had been guests of many but this was a new experience for us (as it is with all newlyweds), but what we had heard from close friends is that the DJ is really important. This leads me to Tony. We had heard about how great he was because he was actually hired as the DJ for my husbands step sisters wedding. From the first moment we met Tony he was incredibly professional and you could see the passion he has for what he does. We received a binder with everything you could imagine that we would need to know or details he needed from us to help create the perfect evening! He explained to us he is not a DJ but a master of ceremonies, well we can definitely attest to that! Tony did an absolutely incredible job and exceeded every expectation we had and more. There was not one single moment that the dance floor was empty, he had it packed the entire time! Our friends and family had an incredible time and kept coming up to us during the reception with compliments of Tony and the music! From the very start of the planning process, Tony was always available to help walk us through the process and answer any questions. He consistently put me at ease if I felt overwhelmed about the timing of the evening with dinner, introductions, toasts, first dance…so many things to think about but Tony would always remind me, “I will take care of everything” and he did just that! He really did an awesome job and we would highly recommend him, not as a DJ, but an master of ceremonies! Thank you so very much Tony!!!
Musical Selections
Prelude:Â Soft Piano Instrumentals
Ceremony Selections
- Family & Wedding Party: Piano Instrumental – “Somewhere In Time”
- Bridal Procesion:Â Rachmaninoff – “Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini”
- Recessional:Â Modern English – “I Melt With You”
Cocktail Hour:Â Live Pianist
Grand Entrance:Â Chris Malinchak – “So Good To Me”
Dinner:Â Upbeat Crooners
Formal Selections
- First Dance:Â Al Green – “Let’s Stay Together”
- Mother/Daughter Dance:Â Stevie Wonder – “Isn’t She Lovely”
- Mother/Son Dance:Â James Taylor – “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)”
- Longest Married Couple Dance: Frank Sinatra – “Young At Heart” & Ben E. King – “Stand By Me”
- Cutting of the Wedding Pies: Don MacLean – “American Pie”
- Bouquet Toss:Â Kool & The Gang – “Ladies Night”
- Garter Toss:Â Robin Thicke – “Blurred Lines”
- Last Dance:Â Journey – “Don’t Stop Believin'”
Dancing:Â Motown, Disco, Rock & Roll, 80s, Top 40, Funk, Hip-Hop
Photo Courtesy:Â Nate Watters