On their own, weddings are already amazing spectacles of celebration. But when you add in a groom from New Orleans to the mix, a normal Grand Entrance just won’t cut it. Paul & Danielle’s Grand Entrance featured a live New Orleans brass band leading the way as Mardi Gras beads were tossed to their guests. Talk about setting the tone for the rest of the night.
Random Fact: For about two years, Danielle and I actually went to the same college, the University of Puget Sound, yet never met, despite an enrollment of approximately 2,700 students. Regardless, as I got to know her and Paul during our planning meetings, I had a great feeling about them and their reception, which was held at Tacoma’s Chambers Bay. They couldn’t have picked a better day to get married – the weather was beautiful and the views around the bay and of the golf course were stunning.
One of the things I like most about wedding receptions are the small personal touches, as well as the inclusion of guests into the special formalities. One such example: after Paul & Danielle cut their cake, we invited one of the guests, Melanie, up to the cake table as a surprise to her. The reason why? In honor of her birthday, which was on Paul & Danielle’s wedding day, she got to cut the second slice of the wedding cake as the entire guest list sang her “Happy Birthday”. That’s creating a memory she’ll never forget.
Of course, when that big ol’ orange ball finally sank into the water, and the Chambers Bay tent transformed via the hot pink glow from my uplights, the party really got started! The dance floor was constantly filled with guests celebrating with Danielle and Paul – both of them loved to dance, especially to Michael Jackson and Britney Spears! – up until it was time to send them off with a Sparkler Exit. What a fantastic celebration – much better than the ones you find on Bourbon Street!
Musical Selections
Cocktail Hour:Â Soft Classic Crooners, Soft Contemporary, Soft Country, Classic Love Songs, Yacht Rock
Grand Entrance:Â Live Mardi Gras Brass Band
Dinner: Mid-Tempo Classic Crooners, Mid-Tempo Contemporary, Mid-Tempo Country, Yacht Rock
Formal Selections
- Cake Cutting:Â Coldplay – “Til Kingdom Come”
- First Dance:Â Etta James – “At Last”
- Mother/Son Dance:Â Rascal Flatts – “My Wish”
- Father/Daughter Dance:Â Iz – “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”
- Last Dance:Â Edwin McCain – “I’ll Be”
Dancing: Motown, Crooners, Disco, Rock & Roll, 80s, 00s, Top 40, Hip-Hop, Oldies, Country, R&B
Photo Courtesy: Crozier Photography