Megasound's Most Memorable Moments of 2008

With so many great weddings in 2008, it would hardly be fair to give labels like “best,” “favorite,” or “most awesome.” In some areas of wedding traditions it was very difficult to “pick” a wedding that was the most outstanding in terms of memories. I guess that means that a lot of our 2008 couples were really tremendous. Now that makes me happy! A big “thank you” to all of our 2008 brides and grooms. We wish you a wonderful New Year!!

And the winners are…

Most Memorable Ceremony:
This distinction most certainly goes to Jessica and Bill (married September 27th at the Foellinger Theater in Fort Wayne). This was truly a fun couple to work with to perform their wedding ceremony. Being on that huge stage with a fall-themed wedding was just the start. Not only was the ceremony truly a production, the recessional included sunglasses, dancing, and “I Feel Good” by James Brown rolling out of the theater speakers. Certainly a ceremony to remember!

Hottest Ceremony:
If you enjoyed warm temperatures last summer, then you would have been right at home during Samantha and Nicholas’ (married July 18th in Fort Wayne) wedding ceremony at the Botanical. Between formal attire and the humidity, we surely glistened at temperatures hitting almost 100 degrees. We restrained ourselves from taking a break under the waterfall for relief.

The Introduction was Unforgettable:
We have seen some interesting introductions in 2008, but I would say that Amanda and Ben’s (married August 23rd in Fort Wayne) was truly unforgettable. Amanda and Ben really love 80’s hair bands and Ben wore the wig to prove it during their introduction. His best man donned a mullet wig for the occasion as well. You talk about being fans...

Most Interesting Toast:

Melanie and Edwin (married October 25th in Auburn) traveled from North Carolina for their wedding. Their best man could not make the trip, so we were given a recorded toast to play for Melanie and Edwin. Not only was it a bit of a tear jerker, it was also followed up with Melanie and Edwin raising their glasses…um, I mean giant brandy snifters full of champagne for the event. Who can forget that one? In addition to their toast, their wedding was also memorable in the fact that they held a breaking of a pinata during their bouquet and garter toss tradition. Edwin was blindfolded, given a long stick, and instructed to hit the pinata with it!

Let Them Eat Cake:
With so many interesting “cake” moments in 2008, this category was a bit rough. With challengers like a Rice Krispies cake, cheesecakes, chocolate cake smiles, and even one groom licking the cake knife, who would have thought that picking only one would be so difficult. For most memorable though, we picked Sara and Logan’s (married May 24th in Hoagland) wedding with their adorable bride and groom life-like cakes. They were so endearing, it was a shame to even cut them let alone eat them.

First Dance:
Melissa and Jon’s (married September 20th in Huntertown) first dance was even more memorable because of the guests. We announced to clear the dance floor (as there were so many children playing) and have the kids take a seat around the outside of the dance floor. It was truly amazing to see all of the younger guests seated in front of the head table in awe watching Melissa and Jon’s special dance together. Almost brought a tear to this MC’s eye.

Parents Dance:
Hands down, Katy and Tom’s (married April 26th in Fort Wayne) wedding took center stage for the Father/Bride Dance. Katy’s parents came into the office the week before the wedding to record some special songs that we then in turn sampled into the Father/Bride song request. When Katy and her father were on the dance floor, everyone was amazed to “hear” Lewis’ voice singing “Army Lullabies.” We didn’t have a dry eye in the ballroom.

A Grand Exit:
Many couples leave their reception in a limousine. Cassie and Jason (married June 20th in Fort Wayne) concluded their reception with an awesome "balloon and sparklers" send off as they made their way to their limousine departure. So much celebration and revelry made this a wonderful conclusion to a great reception.

Twists on Tradition:
We had a tie for most memorable in this category.

Not only did Tricia and Justin (married May 10th in Fort Wayne) have beautiful wedding colors and awesome flowers and decorations, they had the neatest and most adorable table decor. They shared starts from an aloe plant with their guests. The symbolism in itself is very wedding-related as you must nurture and care for a plant as you must grow and tend to your marriage. Even seven months later, my assistants still talk about how big their aloe plant has gotten and how much Tricia and Justin cared for their guests.

Angie and Dennis' (married August 16th in Fort Wayne) wedding reception was about beauty, love, and celebration. Dennis called us about a week before their wedding to let us know that he would be “singing” right after the garter removal and toss to surprise Angie. I think that Dennis did more than surprise Angie, I think that everyone was awe-struck with his rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” This was an awesome that Dennis shared with Angie, all of their guests, and us.

It is truly wonderful being a part of a bride and grooms' special day. These couples, along with so many others, over the last twenty-plus years have added so much joy to our lives at Megasound. So many of our 2008 couples had very creative ways to personalize their wedding day. It has been such an honor working with inspiring people. It just makes all of us at Megasound look forward to 2009 and the magic that we help create in the wonderful world of weddings. Happy 2008! And here is to a fantastic 2009!!

Did Your Favorite Song Make the List? I Sure Hope Not!

With the end of 2008 quickly approaching, the tidal wave of “lists” ooze out of the woodwork. As a DJ/MC, music is a lifeblood for weddings and parties. So, when I stumbled across the Blender’s “Top 50 Worst Songs Ever” list, I had to examine it closely.

I am happy to announce that in 2008, I only had to play seven of the top 50 worst songs. I guess 14% makes me feel better considering how many songs I have to play a year for weddings. At least the number one worst song (“We Built this City”) has not been on a single one of our client's play lists in the last twenty years.

Maybe what was more interesting about this article was the reader's input section. Readers sure shared their ideas of which songs they thought should have made this horror of musical horrors list. Wedding “staples” in some people's mind, songs like the “Macarena,” “Cha-Cha Slide,” and the “Electric Slide," made the readers worst choice list.

The article was a riot to read and sure gives me reassurance that some songs won’t be requested any time soon at weddings.

Merry Christmas!!

Songs can hardly convey the true spirit of the Christmas holiday. Whether the lyrics are about the "Silent Night" or "Away in the Manger" the songs are a true celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Of course, we love to sing about our old friends like Frosty, Rudolph, and Santa. I could go on for hours about the significance of this song and the meaning of that song.

Truly, I hope that all take a moment to count blessings, spread a little cheer to those less fortunate, and share the gifts that we are given every day. The celebration of this great birthday is one hardly to forget.

So thank you to those who keep us safe, who take care of us, and look out for us when we need it. Let the spirit of the season bring our voices together to rejoice and celebrate even if it is by candlelight and a little cold outside. We all need the gifts that this special birthday celebration brings to us.

Merry Christmas to all family and friends; both near and far; and to those who can not be with us!!

Red Carpet and All

I spent my Saturday surrounded by two of my favorite things: Christmas music and brides planning their weddings. I had the honor of being the MC/DJ and all-around good hostess during the Wedding Place's 9th semi-annual View and Headpiece Extravaganza. The rooms were filled with Christmas music from all genres (tropical, classic, salsa, and contemporary). With Megasound, we have so many different options for music that it was very interesting to play only one type of music for the whole day. Now of course, I did explain to a few moms that we do play a wide variety of music at wedding ceremonies and receptions (normally what the bride and groom ask for their wedding).

The rooms were also filled with brides in various stages of their wedding planning. Many had already ordered their dress and were ready to accessorize their wedding ensemble with a beautiful veil, headpiece, and jewelry. So many options were available as the Wedding Place had gotten in many “never-before-seen” veils specifically for the event.

Some brides arrived alone and many were joined by their entourage (MOB, MOG, BM, and more). In addition to all of my instruction on what they needed to do, the brides were treated to sweets from Don Hall’s Takes the Cake. They also received a complimentary hair up-do and mini-makeover by Angela and her staff from Bellus Hair Design.

When the girls finished picking out their accessories, they had photo questions answered by Brooke of Ashley Beige Photography. I saw a few tears as brides and their moms watched previous brides' videos and checked out photos. One of the most colorful parts of the day for all was the beautiful flowers on display from One of a Kind Events. Many brides took the opportunity to check out the hottest floral trends and colors and talk with Linda about their wedding plans.

All and all, it was a very full day. The unique layout for the event transformed the Wedding Place into a palace of bling and beauty…red carpet and all.

It's War...No "Bride Wars"!!

“Bride Wars” is coming to the big screen. I am so excited on the upcoming movie with Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway.

To make things even more exiting in Fort Wayne, we (Megasound, The Wedding Place, One of a Kind Events, and many others) are hosting a premiere party on January 9, 2009 for the opening night. Details are being worked out and as soon as they are finalized I will share. Check out the website to see the trailer for “Bride Wars” as it proves to be a riot of a movie.