You may be the sister of the bride or a close friend ever since the bride-to-be helped you clean up the milk that you spilled in kindergarten. You may be a bridesmaid — or even the maid or matron of honor. One thing, though, is for sure. You care deeply about the bride-to-be and you want to help make her wedding — and the entire wedding planning process — a fun, meaningful and special time.
Tips for how to be a bride’s best friend throughout her wedding planning (and always!):
Consider the qualities of a best friend and then display those traits whenever you and the bride-to-be are together, and even when you’re not. Whether you will be a bridesmaid, a maid or matron of honor, or just a caring, supportive friend to the bride during the wedding planning and during the ceremony and reception, the bride will appreciate a great friend.
Be loyal, supportive and caring: You want the best for the bride-to-be and that means no behind-her-back criticizing of choices that she’s made for the wedding, or griping about how she sometimes gets emotional during the wedding planning process.
Planning and participating in a wedding can be a very stressful time (that’s not to say it has to be, but it often is). So what’re some ways you can help reduce that stress? Good news is: that’s not a rhetorical question! There are ways that you can be the best bridesmaid/Maid of Honor/Groomsman around (yes, these tips apply to everyone, bride’s and groom’s side!)
We’ve been to a lot of venues in Greenville. We’ve even been to a lot of venues in South Carolina. But after we went to The Huguenot Mill & Loft we knew we had to write our next blog about it. And due to all our traveling, you can believe us when we say: this one was worth writing about. Greenville has quickly become one of our favorite cities in SC. That Upstate aesthetic really can’t be beat. And, truth be told, we have kind of a soft spot for Greenville in general.
When we first showed up at Huguenot Loft, we knew immediately it was gonna be a good night. The way everything came together was absolutely a sight to see.
With origins going back to 1882, The Huguenot Mill is a venue with history. And, much like weddings, often tradition combined with more modern flavor makes for the best experiences. And this mill was definitely a combination of modern and historic. With wooden trusses and exposed brick, this is a venue with aesthetic.
It’s hard to overstate just how many different venues and receptions we’ve seen and hosted. As traveling wedding DJs, it’s our job to create custom celebrations all over the Carolinas. There was something unique about this one though.
With views looking out over the river, this was a uniquely Greenville venue. We learned that this part of South Carolina has a long history of mills and textile production. So we thought it was very cool that this venue was able to incorporate some of that history. Upon walking in you can feel the combination of modern and historic with the elegant modern hardwood floor/historic brick supports combo.
The more I worked with them in planning our wedding, the more I enjoyed them! They were responsive, flexible, and helpful at every turn, even as our plans evolved... Our DJ, Freddie, was assigned based on our music preferences, and was wonderful from start to finish. He picked great music that clearly aligned with our preferences and was great at moving our guests throughout the evening! Would recommend them to anyone.
A Truly Greenville Wedding
There are many factors that go into creating a unique wedding. And in our travels through South Carolina, we’ve seen too many great weddings to count. But what really makes any Greenville wedding great is the vibe.
And as professional wedding DJs, cultivating the vibe is our specialty.
While we always appreciate a good venue aesthetic, our true love is the music. We are DJs, after all. And we've seen time and time again that the music selections are what really set weddings apart. When a couple chooses music that's spot-on, it's something everyone in attendance can feel.
Sarah and Kevin definitely had some awesome tastes.
We had a dance party featuring everything from The BeeGees to Maroon 5 and A Truly Greenville Wedding. And as DJs, that’s always something we appreciate.
Our skillset is in music in general. Occasionally folks ask us if we can do a particular kind of music or genre, and our answer is always a resounding yes. If it’s the music our couple wants, then it’s the music they’ll get.
And it’s always the best when that translates onto the dance floor. What makes for the best reception throw-downs is a wide variety of music. That’s also what keeps the dancing crowd on their toes.
We could go on and on about Sarah and Kevin and their celebration at Huguenot Loft in Greenville, SC. But for now we’ll just stick to saying that we had an amazing time. We’re always grateful to be able to be a part of anyone’s big day. That’s why we got into this business. Being able to craft custom Upstate SC celebrations is something we’ll never get tired of. We can’t wait to come back to Greenville!
Vendor Team
Entertainment
Dow Oak Events
dowoakevents.com
booking@dowoakevents.com
Venue
The Huguenot Mill
privateevents.peacecenter.org/
Final Thoughts
And as a final note, we just need to say… We absolutely love what we do. Being a part of the unique and personal ways couples celebrate is why we do it. And we loved being a part of this celebration. It’s always awesome to see how couples choose to celebrate.
In conclusion, we’ve learned that being a wedding DJ isn’t just about playing the music. So we take our role seriously. Facilitating such a big day is a serious job! That’s why we always give every wedding or event our all.
And the Questions You’re Forgetting to Ask Your Wedding DJ!
If you’ve never booked a wedding DJ before, how do you know what questions to ask them? Luckily, there is a simple answer: It all comes down to communication.
The Easy Wedding DJ Questions
In terms of wedding DJs, having the right questions may seem top priority. But it’s best to start with just the basics. It’s important to know what you’d be signing up for, after all. So before doing any consultations with potential DJs, have in mind what you want. What kind of vibe will this hypothetical DJ create on your big day? Before even thinking of song choices or playlists or special dance song selections, what do you want the feel to be? And bearing that in mind, the following questions are a good way to start to get a feel for what your potential wedding DJ is all about.
Are you available on my date?
This should be the first question you ask any wedding vendor, and the DJ is no exception. Often, couples start looking into booking vendors 12–18 months before their date. So it’s crucial to know that the DJ will be available on the date you’ve chosen. A good follow-up question on availability would also be if they have any other weddings/events on your date that they’re DJing before or after. You don’t want a burnt out DJ or ones who’s got one foot out the door thinking about their next gig. You want to be the DJs main focus, and a weekend warrior who’s booked 4 weddings in a single weekend probably won’t be able to provide that.
What kind of DJ are you and do you DJ full-time?
A good starting point is knowing what kind of DJ you’re talking to in general. Do they specialize in weddings (ie, present themselves as a “wedding DJ”)? For wedding ceremonies and receptions it’s generally recommended to go with a true “wedding DJ.” A club DJ who occasionally does weddings on the side may shine on the dance floor. But also may not be accustomed to working with wedding vendors and interacting with your guests.
That’s not to say that experience in clubs, corporate, or nightlife in general should be a disqualifier. Often, having experience with these different atmospheres can help create a well-rounded DJ who can bring more to the table in terms of popular music and crowd engagement.
Just saying they’re primarily a wedding DJ doesn’t necessarily mean that the experience is there either, though. Is this their full-time job? Will you be their top priority, or are you vying with their day job? To get the DJs full attention, it’s generally best to go with one who DJs weddings full time.
Tell me about your experience with weddings.
The answer to this short statement can often say more than the answer to any other question. Have the DJ just talk about a normal wedding but pay attention to how they describe the day.
How do they talk about the couple? Or the other vendors? Or moments other than the dance party? Is the description all about the DJ, or how the DJ worked with the couple to create the day the couple wanted? Did they DJ bad-mouth other vendors or the couple?
Another important and telling fact to know is how many weddings the DJ has under their belt. Are they just getting started or are they a well-established name in the industry?
Asking the DJ for a sample timeline from a past wedding can also be enlightening. See how the DJ manages the reception timeframe. Is it too dance heavy with not much focus on the things that make a reception a reception and not just a party? Or is there virtually no dance party at all? These types of questions can make sure how the DJ envisions a typical reception lines up with your own vision.
Deeper Wedding DJ Questions: Turning It Up A Notch
First impressions are important. After you’ve communicated with your potential DJ a little, gotten a feel of their vibe, and decided you were impressed, it’s time for phase 2: Turning It Up A Notch. Now is the time for some more in-depth questions specific to your wedding.
What is your style of DJing?
This is where deciding on the vibe you want beforehand comes in handy. Does the thought of a cheeseball DJ with props, line dances, and wedding games repulse you to your core? Or maybe you want someone who will crank it up once the older aunts and uncles leave, turning the reception into a full-blown rave? Or even just someone to blend into the wallpaper?
No matter your preference, it’s important the DJ match them. So with the vibe you want in mind, ask your potential DJ about their personal style, and make sure it lines up with the experience you want to create.
How open are you to working with us on song selection/timelines/anything else?
Your potential DJ should want your wedding to be how you want it to be. If they’re not open to collaboration, it may be time to move on. The day is about you!
Many DJs are great at talking. But are they willing to listen?
How involved are we with song selection for the dance part of the night?
The answer should generally be: as involved as you want to be. If you have a very specific vision, or are particular about your music, it’s a good idea for the DJ to be aware of that. A professional will generally ask for a list of must plays and do not plays. If your potential DJ is unwilling to work with you on song selections, this is a bad sign. Ego is something to avoid; it’s not about them, keep the focus on you!
Can we see you perform?
Hopefully the answer is no. Professional DJs and DJ companies generally value the privacy of their clients and the specialness of their day. So they won’t often be too keen on bringing strangers to someone else’s wedding so they can take notes.
A good alternative to this is to ask if they have any videos or sample mixes. Videos from actual receptions can help you develop a clear mental picture of what your potential DJ would be like at your reception.
Logistics
Everything so far so good? Is your potential DJ answering all your questions with a style and bravado that has you thinking “I can see him/her MCing my wedding”? Then it’s time to dig a little deeper. Really getting into the logistics of what working with a specific DJ would be like is a crucial (and oft overlooked) part of the deal.
You don’t just want someone who’s great at answering questions. When working with a wedding DJ, you need a partner and collaborator. Also, you want to know what you’re getting into money-wise. With this in mind, the following questions can help you gage if your interviewee is The One.
Are there any extra fees for your services?
Many DJ companies offer more than a “one size fits all” wedding and reception package. If your potential DJ is promising the world in terms of extra lighting, overtime, or custom-made songs, it’s time to ask “at what cost?” They should be ready and willing to provide exact pricing details for all of their services. Is dance floor lighting included? Or will you find out 3 weeks before your date that was an addon you needed to pay for, and you now need to shell out more money to have your wedding match the way you saw it in your head?
How available are you for planning help leading up to the wedding?
This is where you’d want an answer along the lines of “you can absolutely email/call/text me with any questions you have and I’ll get back to you as quickly as I can.” You should feel free to contact your future DJ with wedding planning questions, and you deserve a timely response. Maybe even asking them how quickly they usually get back to clients or when would be good hours to call if something comes up.
Response time is important. Maybe they’re the best wedding DJ in the world, but if you can’t get them to respond to you, how will you know you’re on the same page when it comes to your wedding day? Or if you have a question that only they can answer?
Collaboration openness?
Asking how open they are to collaboration on song selection can also be important. For some couples, it’s more about the day and the people than the music. If music choice is very important to you, then you absolutely want your DJ so at the very least have the capability to accommodate. It doesn’t matter what kind of music they personally like, it’s about the mood that you want to set for your wedding. So if they’re unable or unwilling to work with you on dance playlists… it’s time to move on.
Do you have backup plans?
For an occasion like a wedding there’s a lot of room for mistakes. Ideally, nothing will go wrong and the day goes perfectly. But what about unforeseeable circumstances? Does your potential DJ have a plan to deal with any hiccups that may arise so the reception doesn’t come to a grinding halt? How have they dealt with things not going according to plan in the past? Are they capable of helping other vendors if issues arise?
It’s reassuring to know there are contingency plans in place. For no reason should a ceremony or reception just stop mid-way through. Ask your potential DJ how they would deal with situations like a flat tire, tuberculosis, or a power outage.
And if all their answers thus far check out, it’s time to move on to…
The Nitty Gritty
If your potential DJ has checked all your mental boxes thus far (professionalism, experience, and flexibility), the hour is upon you to move into the final phase: the Nitty Gritty. Which really boils down to two main wedding DJ questions:
What do you need from us?
Whether it’s deposits to reserve your date, info on what addons you want to add so they can compile a contract, or details about your venue to plan the set-up, this is a two-way street. What information does your DJ need from you to make sure everything goes perfectly?
And what do we need to do for next steps?
Now is the time to ask about their booking process. It’s standard to sign a contract and put down a deposit to fully reserve a DJ’s services. This is also when other financials should come up.
While price range is obviously important, it shouldn’t be the only deciding factor when looking into wedding DJs. If you like one better than the other but they’re a little more expensive, why risk not having the reception you want with the DJ you felt most comfortable with? Many DJ services have different rates for time of year, or offer free addons to couples who book within specific timeframes. The end would be the time to ask questions like this
What You’re Forgetting: More Wedding DJ Questions
How do you deal with requests?
While every DJ has their own way of saying “no” if an unruly guest approaches them, this is an important hypothetical. You want a DJ who is open to requests to please the crowd, but not one who takes every single request at the expense of the vibe or dance floor life. A good question for your wedding DJ is if they’re open to getting a do not play list from you. That way, they can make sure they don’t take any requests that you don’t want to hear.
How do you handle reception transitions (ceremony to reception, intros to dinner…)?
It’s important that there be a natural flow to the day. Successfully creating an organic flow between ceremony and reception events is like art: it’s hard to define. But also like art, you know it when you see it. So asking for some examples of how they’ve created a flow to the day in the past can help you form a mental picture of how the day in it’s entirety will go. Not just the individual events, but how they fit together into a cohesive whole.
Tell me about your microphones.
Microphones are arguably the most crucial and most overlooked part of a wedding DJs arsenal. How will they direct the day if no one can hear what they’re saying?
Scenario: the DJ has amazing, top-of-the-line speakers and music mixing equipment. But cheaps out on the mics. Which will people remember, how crisp the dinner music was, or how the officiant’s mic kept cutting out mid-ceremony? Or how the mic just went kaput when Uncle Jeff was giving his toast?
Any DJ worth their salt is happy to talk about their gear. But don’t get carried away with technical questions! Just making sure their gear is up to snuff and not some bedroom mixing gear is enough to ensure you’re dealing with a professional, not a weekend hobbyist.
Do you network with other vendors in the area?
Often the wedding vendor community is a small one. And many of the players know and have worked with each other. So if you need recommendations or suggestions, a good place to start is with vendors you’ve already booked.
Further, if your potential DJ is unknown among the wedding vendor community, this may be a bad sign. A reputable DJ with many successful weddings under their belt will have made an impression on the local vendor scene. There’s no way around that fact.
And from another angle, if your potential DJ has many connections with the vendor community, they may be able to save the day if (heaven forbid) something does go very very wrong. Say a photographer has to drop out at the last minute. But your trusty DJ, with their many networking connections, is able to hit up other photographers they know in the area and save the day.
While not having a local networking presence is by no means a deal-breaker, having a well-connected vendor can have many, many benefits. And is a good question for your wedding DJ!
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of suggestions floating around online about what types of questions you should ask your future wedding DJ. But all the questions really come down to three main factors: professionalism, experience, and flexibility.
Vendor Professionalism
Noticing how they present themselves to you initially, the vibe they put off, and the way they speak (remember, this will be the voice on the other end of the microphone). Asking how they would behave in different social situations (unruly guests, no one dancing, being offered alcohol) and listening to their responses. Do they seem like a professional? Or someone who’s just now looking to get into weddings? Do they offer you a contract? Do they have reviews on industry-recognized sites?
These are questions that help you determine if you’re dealing with a professional.
Wedding Experience
Questions like how many weddings have they done in the last 6 months? The last year? Asking them to describe a typical wedding, or break down a well-planned timeline. Finding out about their relationships with previous couples or other vendors.
Straightforward answers to all the questions in this category show that they’re someone familiar with weddings and have experience in successfully directing a wedding and reception.
And finally
DJ Flexibility
How willing are they to work with you? How involved are you in the music planning process? Are they open to must play and do not playlists? Do they realize it’s about you?
Remember whom the day really is about! It’s your vision, and the DJs role should be as a collaborator to help you achieve it. So you want someone who’s willing to be as flexible as you need them to be on the parts that make your wedding your wedding, and not just a wedding.
With these questions and tips in mind, we have one final suggestion: don’t entirely go by any “questions to ask your DJ” list.
Think of your vision. How you want your day to be. Then how the DJ you’re speaking with can help you achieve that vision. And with those factors in mind, tailor the questions you have to your vision.
If the dance part isn’t as important to you as the feel of the dinner music, or the energy level of the bridal party introductions, then focus on those things! Your DJ will be able to tell which aspects are most important to you, and they can work on making them exactly how you picture them.
Sadly, there is no secret “ask these 5 questions for your wedding DJ and immediately know they’re The One 100% guarantee!” But taking into account your wants and musts, there are questions you can ask to narrow down your wedding DJ selections.
In the end what it really comes down to is you. Consider what you want for your day, as well as the feeling you get when talking with the wedding DJ, and ask questions that will give you a feel for those things. And take it from there!
The day of your wedding can be a whirlwind. With emotions and nerves running high and family and friends running around, it can be difficult to keep your thoughts straight let alone your things. We have put together a wedding day checklist for you so nothing can be left to memory or chance.
Before we get started with the items to remember, we want to make a few suggestions.
Take pictures before the ceremony so you don’t miss your own reception running around the city. If you don’t want to see each other before the ceremony, at least get the family photos out of the way. Creating a list of all of the family photos will help make the process go smoothly.
There’s always a ton going on on any wedding day. The most common report I get from couples is that it all went by too fast. Sooo if you want a little unsolicited advice, reading this may help
As mobile wedding DJs, we've been to a lot of venues. From the coasts of North Carolina to the midlands of South Carolina, we've made the rounds. And after hosting 300+ weddings last year, we've learned a few things about what makes a successful wedding.
That's not to say there's only one factor. The best weddings combine many fantastic elements. Things like vendor cohesion, good food, and nice weather definitely impact the result. But there's one other factor that can make or break a great wedding almost single-handedly (and no, this time it's not about the DJ). We're talking about the venue itself.
Imagine you spent months (and in some cases, years) getting everything right. Sampling dozens of caterers, interviewing DJ after DJ, and following countless photographers online. But then on the big day, the venue is just too small. Half the guests are left to wander around outside and miss the first dance. People leave disappointed they weren't able to celebrate with you.
Luckily, that doesn't have to be the case. In our travels throughout SC, we've seen many venues. So we thought we could help out the searching couple and compile a little list. Before we get started, we wanted to say that this list is in no way all-encompassing. These aren't the only great venues near Columbia. But they are some that we've really enjoyed visiting.
So without further ado, and in no particular order, our favorite wedding venues near Columbia, South Carolina:
1. Stone River
West Columbia is definitely a very cool area. We've been to a lot of venues near West Columbia, but Stone River was one that stuck out to us immediately. Apparently it once housed a New Orleans themed restaurant, but has since been converted into one of the nicest venues in the area. You can definitely see the remnants of that NOLa architecture though.
Situated on the Congaree River, Stone River boasts some of the best riverfront views in Columbia. And with good reason. Standing on the river-walk and looking out at downtown is definitely a feel that can't be imitated.
And as DJs, we have to say: this venue is great for parties. From wedding receptions to rehearsal dinners, this is without a doubt a great spot. One thing that separates the good venues from the great venues is versatility. Being able to have a more serious ceremony and then a rager for a reception. Or to be able to have an intimate affair for all parts of the day. Being able to accommodate a variety of vibes is a quality all the best venues share. And it's also something that isn't lacking at Stone River.
2. 701 Whaley
Talk about a venue with style. 701 Whaley is definitely one of Columbia's most popular venues for good reason (and apparently even Southern Living agrees). One of the first things you notice is the venue is absolutely full of art. From a full-fledged gallery to art hanging in all the halls, there's absolutely an air sophistication to the whole space.
Also of note is the transformative nature of the venue. The decor transitions from indoor to outdoor, from hardwood to polished stone, and from quaint to expansive. And having all of those qualities while keeping the encompassing style consistent is very impressive.
In terms of reception spaces, this is one of the coolest and most unique we've seen. And you can trust us on that; we've seen a lot of venues. Any reception space can hold guests attention for a couple of hours. But we've seen guests enthralled by all of the sights at 701 Whaley for hours and hours. And that's not something every venue can claim.
All-in-all, there's definitely a reason 701 Whaley is one of Columbia's most popular venues.
3. The River Road and Jasmine Houses and Gardens
Situated on the shores of Lake Murray, The River Road and Jasmine Houses and Gardens is another great Columbia wedding venue. Made up of two separate buildings, there's a lot to write home about with this one.
The restored turn-of-the-century décor definitely creates that air of elegance many other venues strive for. They expertly balance the historical architecture with a more modern aesthetic. And those two factors combine to create a truly unique venue combining southern charm and contemporary style.
We would be remiss if we didn't at least mention the gardens. The palms and ivy and all the other foliage all create a color palette we haven't seen since.
The truly unique venues are the ones that can seamlessly combine styles and aesthetics. Ones that can mix the old and the new and create something memorable. And that is absolutely the case here. We're already looking forward to our next Columbia trip so we can pop by!
4. The Millstone at Adams Pond
Every so often, we encounter venues that are perfect fits for their locations. With the Spanish moss, brickwork, and venue décor, the Millstone at Adams Pond is a uniquely South Carolina venue.
A refurbished estate dating back to the 1700s, the Millstone at Adams Pond is definitely a venue with some history. It's also rooted in its geography. It's not just a venue situated inside some woods. Its a venue that utilizes its geography, weaving the woods and natural setting into the ambiance of the venue as a whole. And you can trust us when we say: that's not a quality shared by every venue.
Right near the house, through all the Spanish moss, one can also find a pecan orchard. This area, combined with the moss and the pond itself, makes for some of the best wedding photos we've seen.
The Millstone at Adams Pond is one of those unforgettable venues. Where everything completely works together; the geography, the staff, the décor, the food... it all combines to make a truly unforgettable venue.
5. The Lace House
There are a lot of historic venues in Columbia. It's a city with a lot of history, after all. But one historic venue we couldn't get out of our heads was the Lace House at Arsenal Hill. It has all of the gardens and nature you'd expect to find in a country-side venue. Yet it's comfortably situated in downtown Columbia.
The antebellum home was originally part of the governor's mansion complex, and eventually came to house the governor's overnight guests. But this beautiful space couldn't stay hidden for long. Eventually it was opened up to the general public for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and many other functions. The gardens themselves also underwent a renovation to "enhance their natural beauty."
So if you're looking for a venue that has that rustic, country feel, but is also where the people are, it may be worth looking into The Lace House. It's definitely a venue we won't forget, and the next time we make our rounds to Columbia, we'll be dropping by ourselves!
A cool perk of being in this business is the ability to travel around and be a part of celebrations all over. And we’re out and about so much, sometimes it’s easy to forget there are great venues right down the road! Though we love traveling, we have a soft spot for all Greensboro weddings.
We love Greensboro weddings not only because they’re where we got our start, but because we legitimately believe them to be some of the best in the state. And Double Oaks Bed and Breakfast is definitely on our favorite venues list.
When you have an awesome venue, it feels like everything else just falls into place. And when everything is running smoothly, you know it’s gonna be a good wedding.
We absolutely had a blast here. We were in charge of cocktail hour and reception, and it can safely be said it went off without a hitch. And the song selection for reception moments from the bride and groom were a big reason for this. When couples choose songs that not only are awesome in their own right, but mean something to them, you can just tell. And that’s the story of the music that night.
We could see everyone quietly boogieing in their seats at dinner to the Rat Pack-style playlist, and that energy only grew throughout the night. And with Miles Davis and Louie Armstrong providing first dance music, everyone could feel the cool, jazzy vibes.
“WE LOVE DOW OAK EVENTS!!!!! People said they had the BEST time dancing and that meant the WORLD to us!”
Peak Energy
And once it was time to dance, the energy growth reached its zenith. Opening the dance floor with Santana and Flo Rida really got people in the mood to party. Then throughout the night we peppered in our own songs with hits chosen by the couple, from Lonely Island to the Backstreet Boys.
No dance party is ever the same. They all have their own individualized factors that make them unique. And that’s something that’s cool to witness as a wedding DJ. The ways that couples put their own spins on time-honored traditions is an amazing thing to be a part of. And it really comes out when the bride and groom request songs that are not only meaningful to them, but to their family and friends. Seeing everyone’s excitement when a song drops that they all used to get down to years ago is an unparalleled feeling.
Vendor Team
Venue Double Oaks Bed & Breakfast www.double-oaks.com stay@doubleoaks.com
Coordinator Jill McAllister with Honeybee Occasions honeybeeocc@gmail.com
Officiant Adam Gruchacz agruchaz@gmail.com
Photographer Justin and Beth Nixon with Nixon Studios www.nixonstudios.com hello@nixonstudios.com
Caterer Michael with Maria’s Catering mariasgourmetcatering@gmail.com
Entertainment Dow Oak Events www.dowoakevents.com booking@dowoakevents.com
Florist Clark with Plants and Answers (336) 274–8933
Final Thoughts
And as a final note, we just need to say… We absolutely love what we do. Being a part of the unique and personal ways couples celebrate is why we do it. And we loved being a part of this celebration. It’s always awesome to see how couples choose to celebrate.
In conclusion, we’ve learned that being a wedding DJ isn’t just about playing the music. So we take our role seriously. Facilitating such a big day is a serious job! That’s why we always give every wedding or event our all.
In today’s age of social media, it’s all too easy to lose sight of the fact that something as big as a marriage proposal use to be a simple, quaint, and private affair. But no longer, and let’s be clear: if you’re a fan of great love stories and rom-coms, this is truly excellent news.
That’s why we’ve compiled here the 20 recent marriage proposal stories so clever and heartwarming that they reinvigorated our belief in true love — from one man who purchased hundreds of balloons to recreate an iconic film scene to the couple that accidentally proposed to each other at the exact same time. So read on, and feel your heart aflutter!
Starbucks Love
Two travel photographers, Austin and Esther, had a well-established and totally cute ritual of leaving notes for each other in airport Starbucks locations from Los Angeles to Cambodia. But in July 2017, after six years of dating and note-leaving, Austin upped the ante in a Starbucks tucked away in the Amsterdam airport.
His note for Esther told her to ask at the counter for a drink he had supposedly pre-ordered for her. After reading the note, she turned toward the counter and saw a sweet surprise — Austin himself, down on one knee, with a ring.
The Family Heirloom
It took two years for Sonja to pull together her long-awaited surprise for Stefan: commissioning an exact replica of his long-lost family heirloom, the Dumas family signet ring. (Think “Dumas” as in Alexandre Dumas, author of The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo.) Finally, in 2016, in front of Prague’s picturesque Charles Bridge, Sonja revealed the ring and then, as if that wasn’t surprising enough, she got down on one knee — and Stefan said yes!
Soaring to New Heights
Just this month, professional pilot Nate Rigos took his long-term girlfriend, Nayia Leventis, for a romantic private flight. Once they were at cruising altitude, Nate pulled a ring from his pocket and asked Nayia to take a look out the window at the message he’d painstakingly drawn in block letters in the sand of the beach below: “Marry me, Nayia?”
As someone who’s literally at Starbucks every day, that first one is one I can appreciate. All of these are super cool, though. And who says romance is dead? It’s also cool to see the way people adapt traditions like the proposal, the wedding ceremony, and the reception to the modern day and add their own touches of flair. And this list is definitely a perfect example of people doing just that.
A woman in Texas is going viral after sharing the story behind her brother’s eye-popping, four-tiered weddingcake — which, despite its extravagant appearance, was cobbled together from two Costco sheet cakes and some Trader Joe’s flowers for under $50.
Jessica Hoyle-King, of San Antonio, tells Fox News that her brother and his new bride were hoping to save as much money as possible for their honeymoon in Rome.
Fearing they might go over budget, the two brought Hoyle-King in as a wedding consultant. And with the help of her mother, Hoyle-King took care of the decorations and centerpieces, sourcing many of the materials from around her own home, and borrowing Mason jars from her parents (who keep bees and make their own honey).
The rest of the family chipped in where they could, too. But when the bride and groom announced their intentions to bake and freeze cupcakes ahead of the wedding, Hoyle-King stepped in and offered another idea: Head to Costco instead.
On Hoyle-King’s advice, her brother and his bride-to-be picked up two sheet cakes at Costco (for $18.99 each) on the way to the couple’s rehearsal dinner. And later, with the help of the bride’s brother-in-law (a chef from England), they sliced up and rearranged the cakes, re-frosted them, and slapped approximately $10 worth of Trader Joe’s flowers on top and down the side.
There’s undeniably a huge uptick in all things DIY-wedding related. And that’s also undeniably something I tacitly support. Sidenote, if DIY is a must, things like this are great, but please don’t try and DIY the music!
“We knew Dow Oak was going to be great from the first time we talked to them. But the reception exceeded allll of our expectations. All the transitions were so seamless, and the photo booth was SUCH a hit! Everyone was showing us all the pictures they took. We would totally recommend Dow Oak to anyone looking for great djs. Five Stars!”
A Little Bit of Italy on Franklin St.
We travel all across the Tar Heel State. But it’s always interesting to be in the heart of Tar Heel country, Chapel Hill. Doubtless, there are many awesome wedding venues in Chapel Hill, from the Botanical Gardens to the Barn at Valhalla. But near the top of the list for awesome Chapel Hill venues is the Siena Hotel.
Providing East Franklin St with a little Italian flavor, the Siena is one of a kind. With a reputation for fine dining and a gorgeous Italian aesthetic, it’s absolutely a great place to celebrate.
And celebrate we did. Not only were we in charge of the music, but we also provided uplighting and our photo booth. We always bring the party, but we especially love being able to provide these extras.
We always say uplighting is the best way to completely control the ambiance of any venue. Often, we find people want a more formal feel for things like cocktail hour, ceremony, and dinner. But when it comes time for the dance party, they’re ready to switch gears. And we definitely approve of this method. So when it was time to party, we busted out the dance floor lighting. Combined with uplights, they get everyone in the mood to get down.
Perfect Ambiance
The photo booth was also a huge hit (not that we didn’t think it would be). We design our booth to be able to perfectly fit into any venue or space, and it fit here perfectly. Between tearin’ up the dance floor, everyone would take breaks to throw on some costume props and get their photos taken. Then more dancing, of course.
And there was definitely more dancing. One of our jobs is to get people moving, so we’ve got a lot of experience in populating the dance floor. But when we’re met with a crowd who wants to dance without any gentle prodding, we love it. Then we ca focus on what we’re best at: creating an awesome atmosphere for everyone to have a great time.
Things like uplights can help set the mood, but it’s really the DJs job to create the atmosphere. That’s something we’ve learned in our travels. And one of the reasons we’re so successful is it’s something we excel at. Being a DJ isn’t just about playing music. A cell phone can do that. It’s about setting the mood for the given situation through music. So when we’re able to work with things like uplighting and dance floor lights, we can really set the mood.
We really did have an awesome time at this reception. Jordan and Scotty were great, the venue was amazing, and the food was insanely good. We honestly can’t wait to make it back to Chapel Hill.
Vendor Team
Venue The Sienna Hotel www.sienahotel.com nfrederick@sienahotel.com
Photographer Philip Herndon with Herndon Weddings www.herndonweddings.com herndonweddings@gmail.com
Videographer Hannah and Jesse Tavers with JT Perceptions www.jtperceptions.com jtperceptions@gmail.com
Entertainment Dow Oak Events www.dowoakevents.com booking@dowoakevents.com
Florist Stephanie with Floral Dimensions (919) 439–1593
Transportation A Formal Affair, LLC
reservations@afalimo.com (919) 538–5151
Final Thoughts
And as a final note, we just need to say… We absolutely love what we do. Being a part of the unique and personal ways couples celebrate is why we do it. And we loved being a part of this celebration. It’s always awesome to see how couples choose to celebrate.
In conclusion, we’ve learned that being a wedding DJ isn’t just about playing the music. So we take our role seriously. Facilitating such a big day is a serious job! That’s why we always give every wedding or event our all.
If there’s one thing that all married couples can agree on its this, your wedding day goes by so fast. In fact, it's not at all unusual for the happy couple to “miss” the whole thing. In all the hustle there are things you’ll forget to do on your wedding day. No worries, we can help you remember!
You’ll be bouncing from place to place; photos, cocktails, speeches, mingling, dinner and then you’re running out, so trying to keep track of the little things, including paying attention to your needs, is going to be tough.
We spoke to some brides and grooms and asked them for advice. You’ll see their quotes sprinkled throughout this article.
10 — Remember Your New Bride/Groom
We don’t want to admit it, but this is something we all forget to do on your wedding day; pay attention to your new husband/wife. I mean, they are the reason this is all happening, right? Don’t forget about your new partner in crime.
9 — Bathrooms are Important
You won’t be near many mirrors and you’ll be flying around constantly. And the wedding venue you choose won’t have mirrors anywhere but the bathrooms. Be sure to check yourself out and make sure you are looking good. This is a priority for both of you. And bathrooms are important for other obvious reasons.
“TMI but hopefully someone can learn from this: Have a bathroom plan while you’re getting ready. I had a hotel room where all of us girls were getting ready with hair/makeup. What I didn’t take into account was that when I’m nervous, I have to use the restroom frequently and I wasn’t comfortable doing that while they were all just outside the door 🙁 So I ended up having to use the lobby restroom and all those people eating the hotel’s breakfast saw me with my hair in rolls like an old lady lol.” — BernThereDoneThat.
8 — Don’t Forget to Remind the Photographer What Pictures You Want
Even the photographer might forget some of these things. Remind the photographer what pictures you want by giving them a checklist in advance. It happens to often at every wedding that a specific picture is forgotten about and never taken.
7 — Overnight Bag
You will have so many more important things to worry about, right? Forgetting something simple like a phone charger adds an unnecessary amount of stress. But you’ll be texting and calling all day, so be sure to bring a charger.
Also, an overnight bag will have a change of clothes for the morning after the wedding, which is important. “I’ve heard a few cautionary tales about the couple forgetting to bring overnight bags, resulting in a hilarious wedding dress/suit “walk of shame” out of the hotel the next morning.” — Opuntialantana.
6 — Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue
Are you superstitious? Weddings will make even the most scientific person a superstitious wreck. This may be an old and outdated tradition, but if you forget to do this on your wedding day, you might be blaming every issue on your lack of foresight.
5 — Tip the Vendors
So, you’ve spent all the planning time playing close attention to the wedding budget, but like most people, you probably forgot about tips and gratuity. On the day that the chairs arrive are you going to tip the divers and loaders? How about the caterers and chefs? This is something common you’ll forget to do on your wedding day. Keep some cash in envelopes with the names of the recipients and use it to tip for great service.
There’s so much that’s so easy to forget when the big day finally does come around. One of the most common analyses I hear when I talk to couples at the end of the night is that “it all went by so fast!” Top piece of advice: take a few moments just to take everything in.
Weddings are all about history. From the histories of two families becoming a shared history to the bride and groom’s history as a couple, history is all over the place. So what better place to celebrate history than the oldest hotel in North Carolina? In terms of Winston-Salem weddings and venues, this was one of a kind.
The Historic Brookstown Inn has been around since 1837, hangin’ out right near Old Salem. And if it could tell it’s tales, it would definitely have something to say about this wedding.
Everything got kicked off with a gorgeous ceremony that definitely celebrated the aesthetic of this Winston-Salem venue.
When weddings start with Pachelbel, you know they’re going to be awesome.
One of the big things we’ve learned being in this industry is the importance of vendor cohesion. What makes a wedding great is when all the vendors are able to work together flawlessly. But a lesser known factor that can make a great wedding even better is vendors not only working together, but celebrating each other’s strengths. Which is without a doubt what was happening here.
The talents of every other vendor here came together and brought out the best in each of us. The food, the flowers, and even the music all fit the vibe of the venue perfectly for ceremony, cocktail hour, and dinner. But after dinner… that’s when it was time for us to really shine.
“Nothing but great things to say about Dow Oak Events! The Djs were on time, prepared and so friendly! Everything honestly went perfect. We were a little nervous that no one would want to dance… but so happy that everyone did. Thank you thank you thank you Dow Oak Events!”
Our Time to Shine
Speaking of shining, not only did we have our insanely cool dance floor lighting, we were also providing the uplighting. The pictures do it some justice, but when uplighting works, it works. And that’s something you have to be there to see. This gorgeous historic venue became the site for the party of the century. And what made that possible was the way the lighting, the music, and the guests all came together.
We were able to dip into our repertoire of the best reception dancing music, but we also had a ton of awesome requests from the bride and groom to mix in. And oh… we mixed.
From Copperhead Road and the Bikers Shuffle to AC/DC and Meat Loaf, it was nothing but hit after hit. And with a dancin’ crowd, that’s a key ingredient for a good time.
We were so pleased to have been invited to be a part of this celebration. It’s always a good time to be a part of history! We love Winston-Salem weddings and definitely had a great time with this one in particular. And also, our best to the Browns in continuing their history together!
Vendor Team
Venue The Historic Brookstown Inn www.brookstowninn.com rebecca@brookstowninn.com
Entertainment Dow Oak Events www.dowoakevents.com booking@dowoakevents.com
Videographer Dylan Harris with 3G Productions www.3gpro.org 3gproductionsdh@gmail.com
Final Thoughts
And as a final note, we just need to say… We absolutely love what we do. And meeting new people and being a part of the personal touches they add to their wedding celebrations is why we do it. We loved being invited to be a part of this celebration. It’s always awesome to see how couples choose to celebrate.
We’ve learned that being a wedding DJ isn’t just about playing music. So we take our role seriously. Facilitating such a big day is a serious job! That’s why we always give every wedding or event our all. From Winston-Salem weddings to weddings anywhere else in NC and beyond.
We’ve been to a lot of venues in Greenville. We’ve even been to a lot of venues in South Carolina. But after we went to The Huguenot Mill & Loft we knew we had to write our next blog about it. And due to all our traveling, you can believe us when we say: this one was worth writing about. Greenville has quickly become one of our favorite cities in SC. That Upstate aesthetic really can’t be beat. And, truth be told, we have kind of a soft spot for Greenville in general.
There are many factors that go into creating a unique wedding. And in our travels through South Carolina, we’ve seen too many great weddings to count. But what really makes any Greenville wedding great is the vibe.
West Columbia is definitely a very cool area. We've been to a lot of venues near West Columbia, but Stone River was one that stuck out to us immediately. Apparently it once housed a New Orleans themed restaurant, but has since been converted into one of the nicest venues in the area. You can definitely see the remnants of that NOLa architecture though.
Talk about a venue with style. 701 Whaley is definitely one of Columbia's most popular venues for good reason (and apparently even Southern Living agrees). One of the first things you notice is the venue is absolutely full of art. From a full-fledged gallery to art hanging in all the halls, there's absolutely an air sophistication to the whole space.
Situated on the shores of Lake Murray, The River Road and Jasmine Houses and Gardens is another great Columbia wedding venue. Made up of two separate buildings, there's a lot to write home about with this one.
Every so often, we encounter venues that are perfect fits for their locations. With the Spanish moss, brickwork, and venue décor, the Millstone at Adams Pond is a uniquely South Carolina venue.
There are a lot of historic venues in Columbia. It's a city with a lot of history, after all. But one historic venue we couldn't get out of our heads was the Lace House at Arsenal Hill. It has all of the gardens and nature you'd expect to find in a country-side venue. Yet it's comfortably situated in downtown Columbia.
