Tag Archives: You’re gonna need a bigger dance floor!

The Barn of Chapel Hill Bridal Bash Open House

We were invited to come out for the first time and be a part of an amazing night at The Barn of Chapel Hill and it was so much fun! We were invited out by the pros at Magnolia Grove Weddings and Events who threw a wonderful open house Bridal Bash and really nailed it with all of the small details.  We joined a stellar wedding vendor team and treated the brides and grooms to be to a fun night of music, food, champagne, great lighting and even a little dancing!  The Barn of Chapel Hill is one gorgeous and unique wedding venue.  If you have not had the chance to visit yet then you need to make it out for a tour.

The good folks running the show let us have a little fun and show off our uplighting which we were very happy to do.  Take a look below to see how we painted the outside and inside of the barn in multiple different colors to wow the guests pulling up.

Check out the vendor team that helped make it special!

Venue: The Barn of Chapel Hill

Coordinator: Magnolia Grove Weddings and Events

Photographer: Six Foot Photography

Caterer: Scarborough Fare Catering

Sorbet Dessert: Sweet Water Ices

Specialty Gifts: Shelby Dillon

Photo Booth: Snap It Photo Booth

Lighting Design: All Around Raleigh DJ


 

 

Tessa & David’s Wedding at The Cookery in Durham, NC

TD-349Tessa & David were married and had their reception at The Cookery in Durham, NC.  This wedding had a very classic feel yet was a ton of  fun for all of their guests and all of us wedding vendors too.  Most of the guests came in from out of town and were treated to an absolutely amazing evening of celebrating with the newlyweds.  We could immediately tell that everyone was old friends and this was going to be a special night … and it was!  This crew had some very unique song choices (which makes it fun for us)  and everyone packed the dance floor all night.  Tessa and David absolutely did not want any group dances like the Electric Slide or Cupid Shuffle.  You can scroll down to see some of Tessa & David’s fun music choices and some of the great photos of the evening.

See this wedding published and featured on The Knot “Real Weddings”

Visit the wedding vendors that helped make Tessa & David’s wedding amazing!

 Venue:  The Cookery is full of that exposed brick and classic touches that a lot of couples are looking for.  Throw in great drinks and great people and you have an amazing wedding venue.

Catering:  Sage & Swift Gourmet Catering treated everyone to a perfect meal and even put out late night snacks!

Month of Coordination:  Knots ‘N Such was the perfect planner for Tessa & David.  Amy was easy to work with and she made sure that the bride and groom had a fun and relaxed wedding day from start to finish.

Photography:  Jessica Arden Photography provided the spectacular photos that you see below.  Great job of creating lifelong memories Jessi!

Rentals:  American Party Rentals set up the ceremony tent.  They are great to work with and we can always count on them to take care of our clients.

Linens:  CE Rental took care of the flair and provided beautiful table linens.  CE Rental is the area’s go-to linen rental company!

Tessa & David’s Wedding Planner

The Cookery, Durham, NC

6:15 pm – DJ set up and playing prelude music with lapel mic and mic on stand

6:45 pm – Ceremony Begins

  • Pre-Processional Song is ‘North’ by Phoenix (cut short as needed)
  • Processional song is ‘Here, There and Everywhere’ by The Beatles
  • Brides’ entrance song is ‘Canon in D’ by Pachebel
  • Recessional song is ‘Rather Be’ by Clean Bandit

7:15 – 8:00 – Cocktail Hour

  • 80’s and 90’s music and music from request list

8:15 – Toasts During Plated Salad

  • Janice and Pat, Pat , David’s Dad Steve , Maid of Honor Kate, Best Man Ryan

8:30 – Dinner Begins

9:30 – First Dance

  • Song is ‘Wild Horses’ by The Rolling Stones

9:35 – Father/Daughter and Mother/Son Dances

  • Song is ‘Isn’t She Lovely’ by Stevie Wonder (~2 min of song)

9:45 pm – Grand Entrance right on to the dance floor

  • Song is ‘Mr Brightside’ by The Killers
  • Tessa’s Grandparents Aline and Gerald (might stay at their table)
  • Tessa’s Grandparents and John
  • David’s Parents Todd and Steve
  • Tessa’s Parents Janine and Patrick
  • Jr Bridesmaids David’s Nieces Katy and Elsie
  • Tessa’s Sister Sophie escorted by Sean
  • Tessa’s Sister Alisha escorted by Leo
  • David’s Sister Annie escorted by Josh
  • Maid of Honor Kate escorted by Best Man Ryan
  • David and Tessa!!

9:50 – Party Time!!

11:25 – Expected end of Tessa and David’s Wedding Spectacular

  • Last Dance at 11:20

Tessa & David’s Favorite Music

Robyn – “Dancing on my Own”
Eddie Money – “Take me Home Tonight”
Peter Cetera – “Glory of Love”
Ginuwine – “Pony”
Mumford and Sons – “I Will Wait”
Eve 6 – “Here’s to the Night”
Yellowcard – “Everywhere”
Backstreet Boys – “I Want it that Way”
Real Life – “Send me an Angel”
Sum41 – “Fatlip”
Joe Esposito – “You’re the Best Around”
Blink 182 – “Dammit”
Lit – “My Own Worst Enemy”
Alien Ant Farm – “Smooth Criminal”
Green Day – “When I come around”
Foo Fighters – “Everlong”
N Sync – “Tearin up my Heart”
Justin Timberlake – “Cry me a River”

 

Tessa and David

Tessa & David’s Wedding at The Cookery by www.jessica-arden.com All Around Raleigh Wedding DJ

 

 

 

 

25 Best Shag and Beach Music Songs for your Wedding Reception Party

Katrina & Kalep by Sarah Morrel Photography at The Cloth Mill at Eno River

Katrina & Kalep by Sarah Morrel Photography at The Cloth Mill at Eno River

Let’s admit it, not everyone at the wedding is going to want hip-hop so here is a list of great shag and beach music songs specifically for your 2018 wedding reception but they are good anytime!  We should know because this area is known for the best shag/beach songs in the country.  Beach music is a lot of fun and some really good dancing music!

The All Around Raleigh DJ Company is based in Raleigh, NC and specializes in DJ’ing for weddings, private parties, corporate events, bar mitzvahs and bat mitzvahs, pool parties and any other event where you need great music!

1. Carolina Girls – General Johnson

2. With this Ring – Platters

3. I Love Beach Music – Embers

4. My Girl – Temptations

5. Sixty Minute Man – Billy Ward

6. Under the Boardwalk – Drifters

7. Miss Grace – Tymes

8. Summertime is Calling Me – Catalinas

9. Myrtle Beach Days – Fantastic Shakers

10. What You Do To Me – Embers

11. Shama Lama Ding Dong – Otis Day and the Knights

12. 39-21-46 – Showmen

13. Stay – Maurice Williams

14. Cool Me Out – LaMont Dozier

15. Lady Soul – Temptations

16.  Dancin’, Shaggin’ on the Boulevard – Alabama

17.  Ocean Boulevard – Band of Oz

18.  My Guy – Mary Wells

19.  You’re More Than a Number in My Little Red Book – Drifters

20. Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy – Tams

21. Just a Gigolo – Louis Prima

22. She Used to be my Girl – O’Jays

23. Build Me Up Buttercup – Foundations

24. Girl Watcher – O’Kaysions

25. Some Kind of Wonderful – The Band of Oz

Wedding Ceremony Playlist Ideas

Wedding Ceremony Music Playlist

 

Do you still have a few blank spots on your wedding ceremony playlist? All Around Raleigh DJ is here to help! There are so many wonderful songs and wonderful covers of those songs both classical and contemporary. We hope you enjoy these songs and they inspire your wedding ceremony song list!

 

Stephanie & Daniel’s Train Station Wedding at 305 Trackside in Southern Pines, NC


We’re back with another amazing wedding that we got to DJ for!  It was all smiles at Stephanie & Daniel’s wedding at 305 Trackside and we’re so glad to have been able to provide the music for their day.  We’re too excited to share some of our favorite images of their wedding by Jennifer B Photography!

The night opened up with some light acoustic music for the cocktail hour which allowed everyone to catch up and have a few drinks as the newlyweds took photos with their bridal party and family.  We brought everyone in to the reception area and then introduced the parents and bridal party to “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder but changed it up to, one of our favorites, “Come and Get Your Love” by Redbone to introduce the Bride & Groom. Stephanie’s Dad said a very nice welcome speech then Daniel’s Dad said a blessing to open up dinner. Dinner was served with Motown, oldies, light, upbeat, classic soul and jazz gave the occasion a timeless touch, allowing guests to share memories and enjoy the delicious cuisine from 39 West Catering.

After beautiful toasts from the Bride’s brother and then the Best Man, the newlyweds took the dance floor to share their first dance as a married couple to “Baby, I Need Your Loving” by The Four Tops.  Stephanie and her Dad then danced their Father/Daughter Dance to an instrumental version of “Perfect” by Ed Sheehan followed by the Mother/Son Dance to “Wonder of You” by Elvis . We opened up the dance floor with the Anniversary Dance and it was immediately clear that Stephanie and Daniel’s guests came to celebrate!  We happily obliged and had a really great night of dancing and celebrating this amazing couple.

Stephanie and Daniel designed their timeline to maximize time spent on the dance floor, and I’m really glad they did! Their friends and family kept dancing the entire time, all the way up to the last song of the evening, “Hooked on a Feeling” by Blue Swede. It was a fitting song to capture the mood of pure joy and celebration of this wonderful couple’s wedding. The night ended with a very fun sparkler exit. Congratulations and best wishes, Stephanie and Daniel!

Here is Stephanie & Daniel’s Amazing Wedding Vendor Team!

Venue:  305 Trackside

Photographer: Jennifer B. Photography

Coordinator: A Lovely Affair Weddings

Caterer: 39 West Catering

Wedding Cake Baker: C Cups Cupcakes 

Ceremony Musician: Winifred G Harpest 

Rentals: Ward Productions 

Florist: Specialties Events

Makeup: Sunshine Artistry

 

 

 

30 Great Father Daughter Wedding Dance Songs

We’ve put together a this list of 30 father/daughter slow dance songs for your wedding. Some of these are very unique and I’ve never actually seen used while some are obvious but you’ll hear why when you listen to them.  

 

1.  I Loved Her First – Heartland

2.  Daughters – John Mayer

3.  Keeper of the Stars – Tracy Byrd

4.  How Sweet It Is – James Taylor (Marvin Gaye too)

5.  Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle

6.  Father and Daughter – Paul Simon

7.  Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion

8.  My Girl – Temptations

9.  In My Daughter’s Eyes – Martina McBride

10.  Unforgettable – Natalie & Nat King Cole

11.  Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder

12.  I Hope You Dance – Lee Ann Womack

13.  You Are So Beautiful – Joe Cocker

14.  Landslide – Fleetwood Mac

15.  Pretty Woman – Roy Orbison

16.  Lullabye – Billy Joel

17.  In My Life – John Lennon

18.  All You Need Is Love – Beatles

19.  Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World – Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

20.  Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch – Temptations

21.  Sweet Child of Mine – Guns n Roses

22.  You’re My Best Friend – Queen

23.  Stand By Me – Ben E. King

24.  Through the Years – Kenny Rogers

25.  Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper

26.  My Little Girl – Tim McGraw 

27.  Darius Rucker – It Won’t Be Like This For Long 

28.  Butterfly Kisses – Bob Carlisle 

29.  My Wish – Rascal Flatt

30.  Cinderella – Steven Curtis Chapman