Introducing: DJ Blake
Tell us about an event where you went above & beyond.
Several years ago, back in South Carolina, I had a wedding at a historic location that was a pretty spread out property. It consisted of a 3 story house, an immaculate garden and a courtyard with a fountain. The fountain area was beautiful, and the bride had requested to have the ceremony area there. The problem, however, was that the weather wasn’t wanting to cooperate that day. Rain had been pouring since I arrived to load in, and as we got closer to the ceremony, the weather radar kept showing consistent clouds overhead. At first I had everything set up under a tent outside, ready for the ceremony, but as the rain poured on I was told the ceremony was moving indoors and I had to run everything back inside through the rain. I set up a ceremony system inside, ready to go, but I knew the bride really wanted the ceremony to happen outside because the alternative was going to have to be inside the house (which would have made for a cramped space).
15 minutes prior to the ceremony, the planner says we are moving the ceremony back outside. I threw on my raincoat and grabbed my tent. I ran outside in the pouring rain, set up the tent again so I had some covering, ran power, got speakers and mics all checked and was ready to go. My suit was soaked, my hair disheveled, my glasses all fogged up and dress shoes were soggy, but like magic the ceremony time came and it was go-time. As the the planner quickly lined up the bridal party, I helped dry off the ceremony seats and get guests seated. The ceremony began while the rain was still coming down, but all of us were out there, friends and family and vendors alike - all making it happen. Finally, the bridal march came, and as it did the rain let up and the sun lit up the whole fountain area as the bride walked down the aisle. For 15 minutes in the ceremony, the clouds had parted. As soon as the ceremony ended, the rain started up again, so I quickly ran everything back inside. Luckily the reception was held indoors, but my clothes were beyond soaked for the rest of the wedding. The bride took notice though and wrote me a thoughtful note afterward, saying she really appreciated my ability to go beyond the call of duty to make sure her day went as smooth as it could be. I still remember that wedding to this day, and I take that commitment to satisfying clients with me at each event I do.
Dance floor surprises!
I’ve had many dance floor surprises over the years because I tend to create unique mashups and mixes of songs, especially when a Bride or Groom want a custom mix they are choreographing a dance to. One of my favorites this year has been a mother/son dance beginning with Boyz II Men’s “A Song For Mama” and when it gets to the words “you” transitioning into Soulja Boy’s “Crank That” when it goes “YOUUUU”
I’ve also made a fully choreographed dance medley for a father and daughter and custom slow dance edits as well.
In terms of biggest dance floor surprises, EDM has ruled weddings and has topped throwback hits this year. One of my biggest dance floor surprises combines both genres (EDM and throwbacks) - Cascada’s “Everytime We Touch,” which ALWAYS goes over well.
Venue: Justine’s Secret House
What is one of your recent favorite moments from one your events?
One of my recent favorite moments from a wedding involved a tradition I had never seen before - a “Thunderstruck” drinking game. A groom and his buddies brought their college tradition to the wedding where they stand in a circle on the dance floor and take turns drinking every time the word “Thunder” is said during the song. They can’t stop drinking their drink until the next person starts. I knew that as soon as this game ended, EVERYONE would be ready to turn it up a notch !
Venue: South Congress Hotel
What is your favorite part of weddings in general?
My favorite part of weddings actually take place before the weddings even begin. Months before the big day, during my meetings with couples is where I really get to know them and find out how I can make the wedding special for them. When it comes down to it, I really love providing a soundtrack that resonates with the couple on a major level - one where when friends and family are in attendance and hear the music they say to themselves “this is so THEM!”
Venue: Vista West Ranch
To make that magic happen, I really invest time into the coupIe. I love getting to meet new people, and the process of really getting to know them and their music tastes is fascinating to me. Even after our first call, I take their stress level way down and leave them assured that their music is in good hands. It helps that talking to me is MUCH more fun than picking out the color of table linens :-) Moments like that are my favorite!
