If you’ve seen the common wedding song lists and are looking for something unique for your reception, take a look at what some of my clients have used for their first dances in 2012 so far.

Indie
I had never heard these songs before my clients introduced me to them. There is a ton of great independent music, but you may have to do some searching to find it.

"We Found Each Other In The Dark" by City & Colour


"We Are Man And Wife" by Michelle Featherstone (featured in "One Tree Hill")


Country
Here are some unique country selections ranging from old to new.

“Waltz Across Texas" by Ernest Tubb


"Unchained Melody" by Willie Nelson


"Oh Tonight" by Josh Abbott Band


"Walk Me Down The Middle" by Band Perry


Most Popular
I only had a couple songs picked more than once for a first dance. Those songs are...

"I Won't Give Up" by Jason Mraz


"My Best Friend" by Tim McGraw


Medleys
These custom medleys that I created for my clients were a huge hit, taking everyone at the wedding by surprise!

"Just A Kiss / Our Kind Of Love" by Lady Antebellum

"God Gave Me You" into “Wobble” (VIC) “Jump On It” (Sir Mix-A-Lot) "Yeah" (Usher) "Baby Got Back" (Sir Mix-A-Lot)

Christian
If you are familiar with this song, you probably know the Blake Shelton version. The original was done by Dave Barnes, and it is equally great.

“God Gave Me You" by Dave Barnes


Soulful
Only a few of my 2012 clients selected R&B songs, but the ones they chose were definitely not the usual ballads.

"If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys or Maroon 5


"Stay With You" by John Legend


Jazzy
Nothing more romantic than these choices...

"The Nearness Of You" by Norah Jones


"Our Love Is Easy" by Melody Gardot


Is This Even A Love Song?
I don’t know, but it has quickly become one of my favorites. I can listen to this one on repeat (and frequently do).

"This Years Love" (Strings Remix) by David Gray


Bride's Name In The Title
This one is probably not going to work for you (unless your name is Carol). Technically, this isn’t a love song, either, but their guests were completely loving the choreographed dance that the couple had rehearsed.

“Oh Carol" by Neil Sedaka


Other songs (not necessarily unique)
Here are more songs that my 2012 clients selected as their first dance choices, just in case you need more ideas.
"Yellow" (Acoustic Version) by Coldplay
"When You Got A Good Thing" by Lady Antebellum
"The Way You Look Tonight" by Michael Buble
"What A Wonderful World" by IZ
"For Sentimental Reasons" by Nat King Cole
"Fly Me To The Moon" by Frank Sinatra
"Stand By Me" by Ben E. King
"(Everything I Do) I Do It For You" by Bryan Adams
"When You Say Nothing At All" by Alison Krauss
"Crazy Love" by Michael Buble
"Without You" by Keith Urban
"Let Me Down Easy" by Billy Currington
"Can't Help Falling In Love" by Harry Connick Jr.
"Love Your Love The Most" by Eric Church
"On My Way" by O.A.R.
"You" by Chris Young
"I Cross My Heart" by George Strait
"Lucky" by Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat
"Crazy Love" by Aaron Neville
"So This Is Love" by Steve Conway
"Everything" by Michael Buble
"Strangers In The Night" by Frank Sinatra
"That's What She Gets For Loving Me" by Brooks & Dunn
"It's Your Love" by Tim McGraw & Faith Hill
"As The World Falls Down" by David Bowie
"God Gave Me You" by Blake Shelton
"I Got You" by Thompson Square
"Shelter" by Ray LaMontagne

Tags: first dance songs, wedding songs

Here’s a great example of how a little creativity, humor, and the element of surprise can make for one great toast. Not only did these two bridesmaids have everyone laughing, but it’s one of the few times I’ve seen the audience give a standing ovation for a wedding toast.

Audio clip: Bridesmaids Toast

Tags: toasts, speeches, bridesmaids movie, maid of honor toast, matron of honor toast

The Venue: The Stoneleigh Hotel in Dallas

If you’re looking for a vintage spot for a medium-sized wedding, The Stoneleigh Hotel definitely fits the bill. It has tons of character, especially the 11th floor which includes the Penthouse Suite with a huge rooftop terrace overlooking downtown Dallas. David & Chelsea were not planning a sit-down dinner, so they only used the Grand Salon for their ceremony. (This room is often times used for a formal dinner.) Instead, they had plenty of passed hors d'oeuvres to keep their guests fed.

Since the rest of the 11th floor is pretty spread out, I placed speakers in both the hallway and the bar area (aka The Library), one of them wireless.

Everything was well organized and flowed smoothly thanks Chelsea’s awesome Dallas wedding planner, Kristin Mullen at Events By Kristin! I’ll link back to the photos and video as soon as they are available.

The Music

David, Chelsea, and the bridesmaids spent a great deal of time brainstorming their favorite songs for their reception. Although I usually indicate which songs were on the bride & groom’s playlist (to differentiate from the ones that I picked), I’ll avoid putting asterisks all over the blog post. I’d estimate about 90% of what I played was directly from their list. They knew exactly what they wanted to hear and what would keep their guests dancing. Open dancing started around 8:00 and didn’t end until midnight, and the floor was never empty!

Ceremony
Processional (bridesmaids entrance): Rolling Stones - She’s A Rainbow [1968]
Bridal entrance: Bryan Adams - Heaven (ceremony edit) [1985]
Recessional: Natalie Cole - This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) [1975]

Cocktails
Journey - Lights [1978]
Chicago - Colour My World [1971]
Foreigner - I Don't Want To Live Without You (single version) [1988]
Gerry Rafferty - Baker Street (promo single version) [1978]
Elton John - I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues [1984]
Fleetwood Mac - Hold Me [1982]
Hootie & The Blowfish - Hold My Hand [1995]
Ray LaMontagne - You Are The Best Thing [2008]
INXS - Never Tear Us Apart [1988]
Extreme - More Than Words (Remix) [1991]
Van Morrison - Moondance [1970]
Mr Big - To Be With You (promo single version) [1992]
John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Roads [1971]

Grand Entrance
Queen - You're My Best Friend [1976]

First Dance
Willie Nelson - Unchained Melody (first dance edit) [1978]

Father/Daughter
Beatles - In My Life (father-daughter edit) [1966]

Mother/Son
Jackson 5 - I'll Be There (mother-son edit) [1970]

Open Dancing
Cat Stevens - Wild World [1971]
Garth Brooks - Shameless [1991]
Abba - Take A Chance On Me (promo single version) [1979]
Four Seasons - December, 1963 (Oh, What A Night) (single version) [1976]
Michael Jackson - Rock With You (single version) [1980]
Elton John - Your Song [1971]
Righteous Brothers - You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin' (mono) [1965]
Wilson Pickett - Mustang Sally (mono) [1966]
Queen - Another One Bites The Dust [1980]
B-52's - Love Shack (single version) [1989]
Kenny Loggins - Footloose (LP version) [1984]
Chubby Checker - Let's Twist Again (mono) [1961]
Foundations - Build Me Up Buttercup (mono single version) [1969]
Isley Brothers - Shout (Parts 1 & 2) (w/o false ending) [1959]
George Strait - I Cross My Heart [1992]
Garth Brooks - Friends In Low Places [1990]
Pink - Raise Your Glass (Radio Edit) [2010]
Black Eyed Peas - I Gotta Feeling (Radio Edit) [2009]
Earth Wind & Fire - September [1979]
Salt-N-Pepa - Push It (Remix) [1987]
Run-DMC - It's Tricky (LP Version) [1987]
MC Hammer - U Can't Touch This [1990]
Michael Jackson - Billie Jean [1983]
Kool & The Gang - Celebration (single version) [1981]
Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble - Pride And Joy [1983]
Journey - Faithfully [1983]
Dixie Chicks - Landslide (Sheryl Crow Remix) [2003]

Cake Cutting
Barry Louis Polisar - All I Want Is You (from "Juno") [1977]

Alicia Keys - No One (first dance edit) [2007]
UB40 - Red Red Wine (LP version) [1988]
Black Eyed Peas - Pump It (Radio Edit) [2006]
Spice Girls - Wannabe (Single Edit) [1997]
Montell Jordan - This Is How We Do It (extended) [1995]
Usher f/Lil Jon & Ludacris - Yeah (Radio Mix) [2004]
Kesha - Tik Tok [2010]
Justin Timberlake - Like I Love You [2002]
Madonna - Vogue (Single Version) [1990]
Madonna - Music [2000]
Destiny's Child - Lose My Breath (Radio Edit) [2004]
69 Boyz - Tootsee Roll (Rap Version) [1994]
Cyndi Lauper - Girls Just Want To Have Fun [1984]
Rolling Stones - Start Me Up [1981]
Journey - Don't Stop Believin' [1981]
Bon Jovi - Livin' On A Prayer [1987]
Terror Squad - Lean Back (Clean) [2004]
Kanye West - Gold Digger (extended intro) [2005]
J-Kwon - Tipsy [2004]
Bob Seger - Old Time Rock & Roll [1978]
Beatles - Twist And Shout (mono) [1964]
Flo Rida f/T-Pain - Low (New Radio Mix) [2008]
Flo Rida - Good Feeling (extended) [2011]
LMFAO - Sexy And I Know It [2011]
Maroon 5 feat Christina Aguilera - Moves Like Jagger (extended) [2011]
Jennifer Lopez feat Pitbull - On The Floor (extended) [2011]
Destiny's Child - Jumpin, Jumpin [2000]
Jay-Z feat Amil & Ja Rule - Can I Get A (Clean Album Version) [1998]
Coolio - Gangsta's Paradise [1995]
Jay-Z - Dirt Off Your Shoulder (Mainstream Version) [2004]
Lou Bega - Mambo No 5 (Radio Edit) [1999]
Wham - Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go [1984]
Dexy's Midnight Runners Come On Eileen (promo single version) [1983]
Jennifer Lopez - Jenny From The Block (No Rap Version) [2002]
Ace Of Base - The Sign [1994]
Salt-N-Pepa - Shoop (Single Version) [1993]
Commodores - Brick House [1977]
Ben E King - Stand By Me (mono) [1961]
Frank Sinatra - The Way You Look Tonight [1964]
Dolly Parton - 9 To 5 [1981]
Van Morrison - Brown Eyed Girl [1967]
Nelly Furtado feat Timbaland - Promiscuous (Radio Edit) [2006]
Timbaland feat Nelly Furtado & Justin Timberlake - Give It To Me (Extra Clean) [2007]
Timbaland feat Keri Hilson - The Way I Are (extended) [2007]
50 Cent Candy Shop (Clean) [2005]
Beyonce feat Jay-Z - Crazy In Love [2003]
Jackson 5 - Never Can Say Goodbye (mono) [1971]
Semisonic - Closing Time (Radio Edit) [1998]

Tags: wedding dj playlist, the stoneleigh hotel, dulock productions, wireless speaker, dallas dj, events by kristin

Slideshows can add a nice touch to your wedding, and there are several unique ways to present your photos. Keep reading for ideas, tips, and advice to get you started.

Where should I show my slideshow?

On your wedding weekend, there will probably be a few different opportunities to share your favorite photos, such as:
- at the rehearsal dinner
- during the reception cocktail hour (looped)
- during dinner (played once)
- during your special dances

A few side notes: Showing it at the rehearsal dinner is nice; however, keep in mind that many restaurants may not have a screen and projector available (or sound equipment). Also, if you have a lot of pictures to show (more than 25-50), you will probably want to consider letting the slideshow play in the background while people are mingling and having cocktails. I’ll talk about this more later.

What about a slideshow to go with my first dance?

This is a great idea, and it also works for other special dances, too, like a father/daughter dance. What’s nice about these is that you only need 2-3 dozen pictures to accompany your song, and you don’t need to include the music with the slideshow. Your DJ can play the song from his sound system while the slideshow plays, which is much easier than trying to connect the video player to the sound system.

How long should my slideshow be?

Keep it short! If you’ve ever had to sit through a very long slideshow, I’m sure you found yourself getting bored after the first few minutes. As a guideline, try to go no longer than 3-5 minutes to keep people’s attention. If the slideshow will be playing in the background during cocktails or dinner, the length isn’t as important, since you aren’t trying to get everyone to watch it from start to finish.

How many pictures will I need?

On average, you’ll probably want to keep each picture on the screen for about five seconds, which means you can show 12 pictures each minute. Windows Movie Maker, for example, by default will display a photo for five seconds after dragging it onto your video timeline.

How do I create a slideshow?

If you don’t have someone creating it for you, I have posted links to some simple tutorials for both Windows and Mac users on this page.

Get started on yours today!

Slideshows can really add a lot to the enjoyment of your rehearsal dinner or reception, yet often times they are the last thing on the “to do” list. If you keep it simple and short (as you should), creating one shouldn’t be too difficult or time consuming. But don’t leave it until the very end, because I’ve often times seen them get “scrapped.”

Get started by making a folder on your computer labeled “Wedding Slideshow,” and start copying your special pictures into the folder today. In fact, you probably already have a bunch on your hard drive right now. Then when you are ready to put it together, your photos will all be in one place, making it easy and fast to create the perfect slideshow.

Tags: dallas wedding dj, screen & projector rental, slideshow tips, slideshow ideas

I really enjoy backyard weddings, so I was excited when I got the call from Cassie’s mom about her daughter’s wedding. I met with them about a month prior to look at the layout. The backyard was beautifully landscaped with a big yard, large stone patio, and a gorgeous in-ground swimming pool.

For the ceremony, there was an area of the yard separated by an iron fence. I set up a smaller sound system (separate from the main system) with a wireless mic for the officiant. The bride’s uncle also hooked up to the system to play the “Bridal Chorus” on his acoustic guitar.

For the reception, they decided to clear out the family room to use as a dance floor, which opened up to the patio via a set of double doors. I had speakers in the family room and on the patio outside, and I sent a wireless signal to the smaller sound system to cover the back of the yard. This allowed the music to be spread out but at a comfortable volume.

The Music

The playlist below is what was actually played with an asterisk* indicating a request. They also had some talented musicians and singers in the family who played a few songs throughout the night.

* from Jose & Cassie’s suggested playlist
** requested by one of their guests

Ceremony Recessional
Michael Franti & Spearhead - Say Hey (I Love You) (ceremony edit) [2009]*

Cocktails
Feist - 1234 (Radio Version) [2007]
Jack Johnson - Flake [2002]
John Mayer - Neon [2002]
Train - Drops Of Jupiter (Tell Me) [2001]

Bridesmaids Entrance

Beyonce - Single Ladies [2008]*

Groomsmen Entrance
Johnny Pearson - Heavy Action (Theme from Monday Night Football) [1978]*

Bride & Groom Entrance
Natalie Cole - This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) [1975]

Dinner
Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat - Lucky [2009]
George Strait - River Of Love [2009]*
Jason Mraz - I'm Yours [2008]
Michael Buble - Haven't Met You Yet [2010]
Garth Brooks - The River [1992]
Colbie Caillat - Bubbly (promo single version) [2007]
Sam Cooke - You Send Me (mono) [1957]**
John Mayer - Say [2008]*
James Taylor - How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) [1975]
Jack Johnson - Better Together [2005]*
Randy Travis - Forever And Ever, Amen [1987]
Frankie Valli - Can't Take My Eyes Off You (stereo) [1967]
Ray LaMontagne - You Are The Best Thing [2008]
Stevie Nicks & Don Henley - Leather And Lace (single version) [1981]
David Gray - This Years Love (Strings Remix) [2001]
Adele - To Make You Feel My Love [2008]
Frank Sinatra - Summer Wind [1966]
Van Morrison - Moondance [1970]
Dave Matthews Band - You And Me (Radio Edit) [2009]
Ingrid Michaelson - The Way I Am [2007]
Four Tops - I Can't Help Myself (mono) [1965]
Stevie Wonder - You Are The Sunshine Of My Life (single version) [1973]
Blake Shelton - Honey Bee [2011]
Roy Orbision - You Got It [1989]
Michael Jackson Rock With You (single version) [1980]
Train - Marry Me (first dance edit) [2011]*
Tim McGraw with Faith Hill - It's Your Love [1997]

First Dance
Loving You Tonight (live performance by cousin of the bride)

Father/Daughter Dances
Rod Stewart - Have I Told You Lately (custom edit) [1993]*
Mariah Carey - Hero (custom edit) [1993]*

Mother/Son Dance
Richard Clayderman - I Just Called To Say I Love You (custom edit) [2007]*

Open Dancing
George Strait - I Cross My Heart [1992]*
Wild Cherry - Play That Funky Music (single version) [1976]*
Michael Jackson - PYT (Pretty Young Thing) [1983]*
Pink - Raise Your Glass [2011]*
George Strait - Amarillo By Morning [1983]*
Ritchie Valens - La Bamba (mono) [1959]*
Gipsy Kings - Bamboleo [1988]*
Africando - Son Fo [2000]*
Benny Goodman - Sing Sing Sing (re-recording)
Cupid - Cupid Shuffle (extended) [2007]**
LMFAO - Party Rock Anthem (Updated Radio Edit) [2011]**
Enur f/Natasja - Calabria 2007 (Radio Edit) [2008]
Black Eyed Peas The Time (Dirty Bit) (Radio) [2011]**
Maroon 5 Feat. Christina Aguilera - Moves Like Jagger [2011]**
Bob Marley & The Wailers - Is This Love [1978]*
Michael Jackson - Thriller (promo single version) [1984]*
Live performance by bridesmaid: "At Last"
Randy Rogers Band - Steal You Away [2010]**
Gipsy Kings - Moorea [1988]*

Bouquet Toss

Rihanna - Only Girl (In The World) (bouquet version) [2010]*

Garter Removal
Henry Mancini - The Pink Panther Theme [1964]*

Garter Toss
Nelly - Hot In Herre (garter version) [2002]*

Lil' Wayne - Fireman (Radio Edit) [2006]*
Lenny Kravitz - American Woman (Single Version - No Distortion) [1999]*
Lenny Kravitz - Fly Away (Pop Single Edit) [1999]*
Usher f/Lil Jon & Ludacris - Yeah (Radio Mix) [2004]*
Queen - Another One Bites The Dust [1980]
Bee Gees - Night Fever [1978]
Flo Rida - Low (New Radio Mix) [2008]*
Sir Mix-A-Lot - Baby Got Back (extended intro) [1992]**
Los Roland's - La Yuca [1991]*
Kazzabe - Mi Tradicion [1998]*
Pitbull Feat. Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer - Give Me Everything [2011]
LMFAO - Sexy And I Know It [2011]**
Enrique Iglesias Feat. Pitbull - I Like It (With Rap) [2010]*
B-52's - Love Shack (single version) [1989]**
Isley Brothers - Shout (Parts 1 & 2) (stereo LP version) [1959]**

After Party
Michael Jackson - Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough (promo single version) [1979]
KC & The Sunshine Band - Boogie Shoes [1978]
Prince - Kiss (single version) [1986]
Banda Blanca - Sopa de Caracol [1991]**
Journey - Don't Stop Believin' [1981]*
Usher Feat. Pitbull - DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love [2010]*
Britney Spears - I Wanna Go [2011]**
Jimmy Buffett - Margaritaville (single version) [1977]
California Swag District - Teach Me How To Dougie [2010]**
ISA - Moving Like Berney [2011]**
Rej3ctz - Cat Daddy (Clean) [2011]**
New Boyz - You're A Jerk [2009]**
Unk - 2 Step [2007]**
V.I.C. - Wobble (Clean Version) [2008]**

Tags: backyard wedding, plano wedding dj, wireless speaker, ceremony, wedding dj playlist