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DJ Steve Stowe - Marsh/Moyer Reception-February 13, 2010

2010-02-17T03:33:00Z

Over the past year or so, it seems that Holiday weddings are getting more and more popular. In previous posts you can see my Halloween and New Years Receptions, and now we add the Valentine’s Day Reception of Ainsley and Kurtis.

The Washington Duke Inn fit the Valentine’s theme with black and white table linens and red roses. The red uplighting on the walls really set a radiant and romantic mood in the President’s Ballroom. Beth Pendergrass is the event coordinator there and we always have a great time working together. Her staff is wonderful.

The evening began with cocktails just outside the ballroom with some classics from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Ella Fitzgerald and even some new classics from Michael Buble, Norah Jones, and Diana Krall. Once the doors were opened the guests found their seats and it was time to introduce the bridal party to Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours”. Then the couple took the dance floor and danced to Martina McBride’s “I Just Call You Mine”.

The Bride’s Father joined her on the dance floor for their special dance to the appropriate “I Loved Her First” by Heartland, just before he led a rousing and hilarious welcome to the guests.

After dinner, the Best Man and Maid of Honor toasted the couple followed by the cutting of the cake to How “Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)” by James Taylor. This crowd came to dance, and they enjoyed many different styles of music. Selections included shag music such as “Carolina Girls”, “I Can’t Help Myself”, and “Danglin’ on a String”. Then we vamped up the dancing to some Earth, Wind, and Fire with “September” and “Ain’t to Proud to Beg” by the Temptations. “Let’s Get Married” by Jagged Edge and “I Gotta Feeling” from Black Eyed Peas and an unusual request for “Mama’s Drinkin’ Liquor Again” by Jim Quick and the Coastline Band. The highlight of the evening was the Anniversary Dance. There were so many married couples at this Reception, I had to add a second song to get them all off the dance floor! We began with “Unforgettable” by Nat and Natalie Cole, and ended with “Lady Soul” by the Temptations. The longest married couple on the dance floor was 45 years, but it was special to know that the Bride’s grandparents have been married for a whopping 67 years! Congrats to Mr. and Mrs. Marsh!

The evening concluded, after staying an extra hour, with Brad Paisley’s “Then”. Ainsley and Kurtis are wonderful people and an even more wonderful couple. It was my pleasure to work with them and share their day. Jamie Ferguson recorded the event and I will post pictures as soon as I receive them.

DJ Joe Bunn-Fowler/Whitesell Reception-January 30th, 2010

2010-02-04T14:02:00Z

On a very wintry weekend, Jessica and Rod still pulled off an incredible reception no thanks to FOUR wedding vendors that cancelled on them day of (shame on you!). Their reception took place at Sheraton Capital Center and Susan there is a real treat to work with. From the intros to the end, this ran really well. I have to admit, I felt like I might be a little out of practice since I hadn’t done a wedding in over a month, but it’s like riding a bike baby! LOL. The intros were to the “Rocky Theme” and then the bride and groom came in to “Centerfield” by John Fogerty. He’s a baseball coach and huge baseball fan. The couple then went right into their first dance “Then” by Brad Paisley. Jessica then danced with her dad to “It Won’t Be Like This For Long” by Darrius Rucker. This was the first time I’ve played this one, but it’s awesome! Next, Rod got to dance with his mom to “You Are the Sunshine of My Life” by Stevie Wonder. The father of the bride gave an amazing welcome and blessing and then the seated dinner began. I actually got to eat at this reception and it was excellent and topped off with chocolate covered strawberries. The toasts followed dinner and then Jessica and Rod cut the cake to “Sugar Sugar” by the Archies. Finally, it was time to start the dancing! We had a slow start, but as soon as the lights came down, the alcohol kicked in, and I started my 80’s hair band rock set, it was BANANAS! These folks came to party and the reception even went an hour overtime! What a party! Terry with Carolina Mediastar provided the awesome images below. Check out our blue uplighting, sweet!

DJ Steve Stowe-Croom/Miglarese Reception-January 16th, 2010

2010-01-25T14:21:00Z

Although technically my second event of the new year, this is my first blog. I started 2010 off with the reception for a great young couple that are hopelessly in love and just great kids to work with. Bethany and Stephen’s Reception was held in the heart of Downtown Durham in Rigsbee Hall. This little known spot is very quaint but offers simplistic beauty in it’s brick walls and old warehouse styled floors.

The guests entered to the soft sounds of Frank Sinatra and one of my faves, Michael Buble. The introduction song was U2’s “Beautiful Day”, afterward the couple danced to a very non-traditional but beautiful “You Are Mine” by Mutemath.

After a welcome by the Bride’s Father and a blessing by the Pastor, the dinner stations were opened. Soon afterwards, the Bride danced with her Father to Michael Buble’s “The Way You Look Tonight”, followed by Stephen’s dance with his mother to “Fly Me To The Moon” by Frank Sinatra. The beautiful cake was cut to “Everything” by Michael Buble and everyone joined them on the dance floor to “I’ve Got Friends” by Manchester Orchestra.

The “Single Ladies” were in full force on the dance floor when Beyonce’ cracked off the bouquet toss, but the guys (as usual) were hesitant for the garter toss to “Sex on Fire” by Kings of Leon. The final dance of the evening was Michael Buble’s “Save The Last Dance for Me”.

These fantastic photos below were taken by Brett Arthur Weddings. Congrats Bethany and Stephen and thanks for kicking 2010 off to a great start!

Corporate Event Madness-January 12th-17th, 2010

2010-01-18T20:32:00Z

Wow, what a week, and in January no less. It all started on Tuesday night for Med-El’s annual holiday bash at The Angus Barn Pavilion. This company makes cochlear implants for the hearing impaired, very cool. And I gotta be honest, these folks know how to party! They started with an awesome dinner and had trivia hosted by one of the employees after they ordered. It was alot of fun. As soon as dinner was done, they turned it back over to me. I ran through all kinds of songs and got them out there dancing! What a great party! Thanks Med-El and especially Cara and Angela that hired me!

On Wednesday, I DJ’ed the biggest and largest production corporate event I’ve ever done at the new Raleigh Convention Center. The event was for BioMerieux Pharmaceutical and they go ALL OUT for their awards ceremony. This event looked like the MTV Video Music Awards. The Fantasy Band kicked off the entertainment portion of the night after the awards were handed out. They played an awesome 90 minute set and then turned it over to me. As soon as they hit their last note, I cranked “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas and the crowd went nuts! I played for another hour and a half and they were still wanting more. Awesome event! I have to thank Amy Cox from Deep South Entertainment and Stungun Productions.

Thursday took me to Prestonwood Country Club where I DJ’ed The Umstead Hotel & Spa’s holiday party for their employees. The guests entered and were treated to some amazing food and drinks for the first hour and then it was my turn to rock ‘em. From the first song to the last, it was a great crowd. It’s funny how service industry folks love to cut loose! I am already looking forward to DJ’ing this party again next year.

The last gig of the week was Sunday at Galloway Ridge for their employees. I’ve been doing this party for a few years and it is always a good time. After some background music, food, drinks, and door prizes, it was time to party! I started out with some Motown and 70’s and then worked in the standard line dances (Electric Slide, Cupid Shuffle, etc.) By the end of the night, we were rocking to some Top 40. The guests had a great time and I was home by 9:00…bonus!

What a week. I haven’t worked that many nights in a long, long time…

"Once in a Lifetime" Wedding Show-January 10th, 2010

2010-01-14T16:22:00Z

The Washington Duke Inn in Durham, NC hosted an amazing event yesterday. Now in its third year, the Once in a Lifetime show is really unique. Basically, brides, grooms, and their parents are treated to an amazing lunch and wedding education experience. The top vendors in the area participated, and this is unlike any bridal show you may have been to. Basically, lunch begins and then two vendors from each category (florists, decor, music, etc.) come up and answer questions moderated by Diane Tighe from the Washington Duke Inn and Ivy Robinson. I think that the couples learned alot in that session and then afterwards, they were treated to drinks and desserts on the large heated and tented patio. All of the participating vendors were out there with a small setup where we mixed and mingled with other vendors and the potential brides. It was a great show and I’m looking forward to next year’s! Scott Faber provided me with a great shot of our “booth”.

The Wedding Show-January 2nd & 3rd, 2009

2010-01-08T17:32:00Z

This past weekend was another great wedding show put on by Dom & Laura with Forever Bridal Productions. There were hundreds of great vendors there from florists to DJs, and even though it was cold outside, the brides still came out! We did a unique booth (as always) where we had spinning pictures of myself and DJ Randy Bennett. One one side, there was a formal shot of us. On the back side, there was a picture of us with a bride and groom whose wedding we had done earlier this year. We also did alot of uplighting and intelligent lighting which we are also now offering. The booth was capped off by candles and flowers provide by Lyn Graves with Fresh Affairs. Check out the great images below from Walters & Walters

DJ Joe Bunn-Wakefield New Year's Eve-December 31st, 2009

2010-01-04T17:58:00Z

I was hired by Wakefield Country Club many months ago to DJ their New Year’s Eve event. Jaclyn Parks did a great job of decking out the place to make it look like a club, they even had a VIP section. The rentals were provided by Flair of Triangle Catering and they were awesome. The night started out with food and cocktails, but I soon had ‘em dancing and we were on our way to midnight! Once the clock struck 12:00, we did the countdown, I played “Auld Lang Syne” and then my first song of 2010 was “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas. It was madness after that! What a great party and great way to start the new year! Thanks Wakefield!

DJ Joe Bunn-Reckleff/Gilbert Reception-December 20th, 2009

2009-12-21T18:06:00Z

The foul winter weather may have kept some guests from attending Jennifer and John’s Sunday reception, but I will tell you this…it didn’t dampen spirits! This was a crowd that came to get down! I’ll start from the beginning. Guests enjoyed cocktails and apps on one side of the ballroom before we lit up the main dining side of the room at the Washington Duke Inn in Durham, NC and invited the over. I then went out into the hall with Sam from Bliss by Sam who was working her magic as the “day of” wedding coordinator with her staff. She lined up the bridal party, I went over their names, and it was time for the grand entrance. The party came in to a song from “Final Fantasy” and then Jenni and John danced to “La Vie en Rose” by Louis Armstrong. It was a great start to the party. After a welcome by the father of the bride and some INCREDIBLE moving toasts from the groom, best man, and a bridesmaid, the buffet opened. At this wedding, I actually got to eat, and the food was outstanding. Great job WaDu chefs! Soon afterwards, the cake was cut as “L.O.V.E.” by Nat King Cole played softly in the background. Jennifer then danced with her dad to “Unforgettable” and the dance floor opened right afterwards! It took a couple of tunes to get folks to loosen up and leave their precious cake, but after that, it was ON! I rocked alot of 80’s rock and Top 40 and for 2 straight hours, the dance floor was rockin’! I gotta say, Duke folks know how to have a good time. This was a great wedding to end the year on, thanks to the new Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert for having me. I’m so excited about the amazing shots that Scott and Michelle from Scott Faber Photography got. I hope they didn’t get the one of me getting “misty” during the groom’s toast…Happy holidays everyone.

DJ Joe Bunn-Glaxo Holiday Party-December 17th, 2009

2009-12-21T17:58:00Z

Pam and David over at Glaxo Manufacturing have been hiring me for their employee party for many years at Bay 7 over at American Tobacco in Durham, NC. It is an awesome place to have a party! The party is very laid back, some cocktails, a few holiday tunes, some great food stations, and then dancing. Unfortunately David wasn’t able to attend and he is always quite the party motivator with his awesome wife. However, a few others stepped up and before you know it, we had a great dance floor response! There were several line dances played, but we also worked through some classic rock, Top 40 and even a few ballads for the folks wanting to dance with their significant others. I will have to say, the dancing gets better every single year. What a great time. Happy Holidays to Glaxo folks, and thanks for having me again!

DJ Joe Bunn-Patheon Holiday Party-December 12th, 2009

2009-12-15T17:05:00Z

Patheon had their holiday party in the smaller ballroom at Prestonwood Country Club. I will have to say, you never know how these corporate events will go. However, Charlotte and her party planning team did a great job with this one. They had amazing food from the chefs at Prestonwood which was available almost the whole party. That is a great idea to keep the event less “stuffy” and people can sit and eat when they want. During the early part of the party, I played some Christmas music by everyone from Michael Buble to Otis Redding and then started with some of my other cocktail/dinner picks that I use at weddings. After the CEO spoke, I went right into the dance set, and after about 3 songs, the guests finally started to make their way onto the dance floor! Nice! I was able to do a great dance set and take alot of requests. I remember that my last 3 songs were “What I Like About You” by The Romantics, “Hey Ya” by Outkast, and then “I Wanna Be Sedated” by the Ramones. Yeah, interesting, but it worked! Thanks Patheon for my first great holiday party of the season!

DJ Joe Bunn-Chatlani/Pause Reception-December 5th, 2009

2009-12-08T18:49:00Z

Vaneesha and Logan had an awesome reception Saturday at Chapel Hill’s famous Carolina Inn. The Old Well Room was the setting, what an amazing room. The black and white giant tiles on the floor make the room unforgettable. The ceremony took place outside, not great weather, but a great ceremony. Once they came inside, the guests were treated to cocktails and music choices from the bride and groom such as John Mayer, Coldplay, Ray Lamontagne and other acoustic artists. Also in the cocktail area was a photo booth from Shutterbooth. Neal is always great to work with. After getting the guests into the ballroom, I lined up the bridal party and introduced them to “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas. An awesome way to start the night! Then Vaneesha and Logan went right into their first dance “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray Lamontagne. One of my all time favorite songs, period.

After their dance, we went right into a nice seated dinner with soup, salad and entree. Dinner closed out with some great toasts and the cake cutting (a small cake on top for the bride and groom to cut, but cupcakes from The Cupcake Shoppe for the guests!). Next Vaneesha danced with her dad to “Over the Rainbow” by Brother Iz and Logan danced with his mom to “In My Life” by The Beatles. Next up-open dancing! This couple gave me no playlist! They said “do what you do”. I loved it and I started out with oldies, but quickly moved into the 70’s and 80’s and then top 40. I will have to say, this crowd was AWESOME and the bride and groom LOVED to dance. This reception was a great way to finish out the year. Thanks to the new Mr. and Mrs. Pause. I am looking forward to some photos from Kellie Kano. She’s always great to work with and what a photographer!

DJ Joe Bunn-Shah/Shah Reception-November 28th, 2009

2009-11-30T17:47:00Z

No, that’s not a typo above. This was the wedding of Parag and Shivani Shah (not related obviously). They are a great couple and had their ceremony and reception this past Saturday at Brier Creek Country Club. Kristie Taylor and the crew there do a fantastic job every weekend! I missed the ceremony, but was told it was a very traditional and beautiful Indian ceremony. I saw the guys loading out the rentals, and they looked amazing. Afterwards, the guests were ushered out of the main room to Palmer’s Cove where they enjoyed food and drinks for a couple of hours while the room was turned over. As they came back into the room, I was playing a cd that Parag’s mother gave me, Ravi Shankar. It was perfect for the setting! The tables were set with lovely floating orchids and beautiful wrapped gifts as favors. I went into the hall, went over the names one more time and got ready for the intros. They went great and I don’t think I butchered anyone’s name…bonus! Next came a welcome from the father of the groom, a hilarious slideshow roast by the sister of the groom (Mona) and brother of the bride (TJ). After that we did the cake cutting, their first dance, and a thank you from the father of the bride…all of this before dinner! The dinner was an amazing Indian cuisine buffet that everyone seemed to enjoy. As dinner ended, it was time for me to work my magic. I will have to say that Parag saved me on this gig. He provided me with 4 CDs with awesome Ballywood and Hindi music on them! I listened to them the week before so I was able to check their speed and figure out the other “secular” songs they would mix with. And you know what? I pulled it off! This crowd came to party and they had a ball, in fact, so did I! Challenging, but so worth it. Thanks Vinny (Parag) and Shivani!

DJ Steve Stowe - Notter/Wang Reception - November 14, 2009

2009-11-17T04:27:00Z

The beautiful fall Mums were blooming on each table at the Sheraton Capital Center in downtown Raleigh. Susan Blakesley and Martha Upchurch decorated the Ballroom and are always wonderful to work with, as I have been there many times before.

Michelle and Alvin’s reception began promptly at 5pm, with the couple entering to the JXL Remix of Elvis’ “A Little Less Conversation” followed by their first dance to “Such Great Heights” from the Garden State soundtrack. It shouldn’t surprise me that more and more couples are being introduced to movie soundtracks. This song was great and several bridesmaids and guests asked what the song was. Make no mistake, everyone knew the song and unmistakable voice of Louis Armstrong when the Bride and her Father danced to “What a Wonderful World”.

Dinner followed, then the heartfelt toasts from the Maid of Honor and Best Man. Michelle and Alvin picked two wedding cakes and cut them to “How Sweet It Is” from James Taylor, and the dance floor opened to Ray LaMontagne’s “You Are the Best Thing”. Another great song that the couple chose! Soon after Etta James’ “At Last” was the song for the Anniversary Dance, in lieu of a Bouquet Toss and Garter Toss. They chose to present the bouquet to the couple that was present at the reception that was married the longest. The “winning” couple were just shy of 30 years. Congratulations!

The highlight of the evening was when Kelly the photographer, who is a close friend of Michelle and Alvin’s requested a photo with all the NC State Graduates. Of course I couldn’t resist pulling out the NC State Fight Song for such an occasion! Thus resulting in the resounding college-esque hoots, hollers and singing! As unexpected as it was, I should have known this would take place. The guests loved it!

Thank you Michelle and Alvin! Your evening was a blast and I am very happy to have taken part in it!

DJ Joe Bunn-Nitz/Sexton Reception-November 14th, 2009

2009-11-16T17:29:00Z

I set a record this past Saturday! The longest reception I have ever DJ’ed! 7 hours straight and let me tell you, they would’ve kept going if I hadn’t pulled the plug. Let me start from the top, this reception took place at Starmount Forest Country Club in Greensboro, NC. I introduced the huge bridal party to the Stones’ “Start Me Up” and it really set the tone for the night. After the intros, Christine and Tyler went right into “Me and You” by Kenny Chesney. Next up was a dance for Christine and her dad to “My Little Girl” by Tim McGraw, and Tyler and his mom danced to “Music of my Heart” by Gloria Estefan and NSync. The cool part about the parent dances was that during both of them, slides played on a big screen of the bride and groom growing up. After the parent dances, there was about a 15 minute slideshow of some amazing photos of the bride, groom, their familes, and friends. Mr. Nitz, the father of the bride, then gave a warm welcome and blessing before the doors opened to the room with the food stations.

The guests enjoyed all types of great food and then we had some amazing toasts from several guests and family members. The cake was cut immediately following and then it was time to PARTY! The first couple of songs set the mood, and people got going soon afterwards. It was a full on dance party from then until the end. As I was wrapping up the night, Christine’s mom came up and said “Can you stay afterwards if people come back in after the glow stick departure?” I said I would, but was thinking there’s no way these folks can go another hour. Sure enough, after Tyler and Christine left, about 30 or more folks came back in and I cranked it back up! It was a hip hop old school/new school set and they loved it! I finally had to pull the plug after 7 hours…my ears were bleeding, lol. What a great reception, I loved it, and I hope that Tyler and Christine had as much fun as I did!

DJ Steve Stowe - Johnston/Barnhardt Reception - November 7, 2009

2009-11-10T19:59:00Z

Melinda and Keith’s reception was one of those that as a DJ, I wished would never end. Great atmosphere, wonderful guests, great music selections and greater requests. Their 27 member bridal party entered through Fearrington Barn’s doors to the Black Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling” and changing to The Beatles’ “All You Need is Love” when the couple made their way amid cheers to the dance floor to their first dance of “Stay With You” by John Legend.

The great Nat “King” Cole’s duet “Unforgettable”, sung with his daughter Natalie was the version that Mindy chose to dance with her Father. After the welcome and blessing, the tables were released to make their way through the buffet. Uncle Ken Bagwell made an entertaining and well thought out toast to the couple, followed by the Maid of Honor, Molly Jensen. Molly actually saw me DJ another reception a few months ago, and the couple were excited when they heard how much fun Molly had.

Fearrington’s new baker made an AMAZING cake that was cut to Ray Lamontagne’s “You Are The Best Thing”. The couple was then joined on the dance floor by the guests to “Build Me Up Buttercup” by the Foundations. The party was on, with a packed dance floor, which stayed that way until the end of the evening!

Mindy threw her bouquet to Beyonce’s “Single Ladies”, just before Keith removed and tossed the garter to “Wild Thing” by Tone Loc. Among their dance selections were Michael Franti & Spearhead’s “Say Hey (I Love You)”, Ryan Cabrera’s “True”, and Bon Jovi’s epic “Livin’ on a Prayer”. The couple allowed me to personally choose their last dance song, and I didn’t let them down with Michael Buble’s “Crazy Love” from his new album. What a great song to sum up Mindy and Keith’s new life together.

Thank you guys for being who you are, and allowing me to join you on your special night. Michael Moss, a newcomer to the area in photography recorded the event, check out his stuff below!