Nicole Manias & Tyler Barrett
My last wedding of the year, then a long (and not unappreciated) break til my next one in two months.  I'll be working to get new ideas out to my clients, and, possibly putting together a bridal showcase with other Grand Forks area wedding vendors.  On to Nicole and Tyler...

More often than not, I introduce the wedding party by couple, leading up to the bride and groom, and usually to something fun.  Usually the couple don't have a preference of music, so, out in the hall, while I organize everyone, I'll always ask the group for song suggestions - just in case someone has a good idea.  Today's answer came back a little unexpected: "Fergalicious." 

For guests to get Nicole and Tyler to kiss, they had to answer a question about the couple.  Nothing that requires complex math or anything, and the tougher ones ("Where did Tyler take Nicole on their first date?") were multiple choice.  I like this, a lot, because of the personal nature.  It's a great way to drop in little facts about the bride and groom.

Today's unexpected, but very welcome, moment came from Nicole's dad.  He had prepared an excellent speech, quoting a love letter his grandfather had written to his grandmother in the 1930's.  I'm disappointed I didn't get video of it to share, because it is a great example of a simple idea that can build to something wonderful (honest, sincere emotion in a toast is very effective).

Also in the toasts was Tyler's off the cuff remark that drew big laughs: "Thank you, Nicole.  You were the best girlfriend; you are the best fiance; and you are the best wife...hopefully."  He didn't say it with any actual doubt, just added the 'hopefully' at the end because, as he said it, he realized he was talking present tense, even though they'd only been married three hours.

Guests really appreciate appetizers when they arrive to the reception, especially if dinner isn't for a little bit.

Unusual request I played, that I've never played before: "Kiss me, I'm sh*#tfaced" by DropKick Murphy.  Yes.  It's a naughty song, and I played it much, much later in the night when all the kids had gone.

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Elizabeth Elton & Scott Schumacher

Liz and Scott were definetely open to any ideas I could come up with.  While we weren't able to work everything in (still working on how to do the garter removal in silhouette), but most ideas did work, and worked well.  Everyone had a great time in the gorgrous ballroom.

For the second week in a row, we tried to make things personal with the 'getting the bride and groom to kiss' part of the night.  Clink your glass and I'll come over and ask you about Liz or Scott.  Answer correctly and they kiss.  Get it wrong and you kiss someone.  Did you know Scott watches "Keeping Up with the Kardashians?"  No, not because Liz makes him.

Anyone know why I'm getting requests for Eminem's "Shake That" every week, all of a sudden?

Elizabeth, Scott, many of their friends all graduated from Concordia College.  Their mascot is corn.  Or, rather, a cob of corn.  Go Cobbers!

No unusual requests (though Scott is a closet Lady Gaga fan), but my favorite was from Elizabeth and Scott's request sheet: "Everlasting Love" by Carl Carlton (skip to the 1:42 for the most recognizable part), which I used for their send-off song: everyone in a circle around them, Liz and Scott dancing a bit, and off they go!  Well... almost.  They made a stop to let Scott put Elizabeth's shoes back on.  They were wrap around the ankle strappy things, and it took a few minutes.

We ended at 11:30.  If that sounds early, Elizabeth and Scott had decided on that time weeks ago because it gave us three hours for the dance, was early enough that they hoped more of the guests would still be there at the end, and rather than things slowly dying down, we could end with a bang.  They were right.  And while I don't know if the next part went as planned, they thought if they were still going strong, they and their friends would move to an after party.

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Janessa Masloski & Tyler Narloch

487 people for dinner.  That's something.  Crazier is, it's still only my second largest reception this year.  A bit of a long delay between the guests' arrival and dinner, but there were appetizers. 

To get Janessa and Tyler to kiss, guests asked a questions.  So, if they knew Tyler, they asked Janessa about him.  One example: How old was Janessa the first time she snuck out her bedroom window?  (12)  It's all a good excuse to sneak in some personal history.

Since there were so many guests, there was no space for me to setup near the dance floor (which was full of tables, itself).  So I setup off in the loading dock corner and moved after dinner/speeches.  Not my favorite thing to do, but it all worked out.  The only real issue is no choice but to adjust the audio on the fly.  In this instance, the bass was too high in the room.  It's not a big deal, but I got feedback over the microphone twice before I got it worked out.

All the usuals, dollar dance, bouquet, garter.  One odd request/dedication: Train's "Soul Sister."  Not because of the song, but for the reason it was requested.  The bride's sister was welcoming Tyler as an honorary 'Soul Sister.' 

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Kimberly Haught & Jeremy Busch
We made some changes to the typical schedule: their first dance song right away, then, later, we held the cake cutting back until during the dollar dance.  I thought this worked, but I'm interested to hear from guests to see what they thought.  The staff didn't hate me for it, though toasts ran a little longer than usual, which delayed the start of things.

Speaking of the toasts, our Best Man and Matron of Honor both did very good speeches.  Very good.  I did get some video, but the audio was... not good.  Lots of crying kids in the background.  Too bad, I was hoping to use them as examples of 'what to do' for future wedding party members.

One of the Best Man's themes was that Kimberly and Jeremy's first dance song should have been Paula Abdul's "Opposites Attract."  Naturally, I played it during the dance.  Forgetting that, perhaps, it would be appropriate to let the bride and groom dance together, one guest (who may have been slightly inebriated) practically pushed Jeremy out of the way so she could dance with Kimberly.  Classy.

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Mandy Berg & Nate Bazey

Out of the ordinary but certainly in my wheel house:  I took care of the music at the ceremony (Hopper-Danley, UND Campus).

I must admit, my ego was bruised when Mandy called this morning 'just to make sure I was going to show up today.'  We talked on the phone two days ago, emailed back and forth I don't know how many times before that.  Have a little faith, Mandy.  I only missed one wedding ever, and it was because of two blizzards.  And I still got a replacement (who I trained and has 10 years experience).

We were supposed to have a video slide show tonight, but the DVD they gave me was blank.  Then, the Mac they made it on ran out of battery before it could make another copy.  It's a shame, but it's exactly why I always try to get a copy a few days in advance, so I can double check everything.

New rule change since the Holiday Inn became the Clarion that became the Howard Johnson: the dance must be done by midnight.

Things got behind schedule (no, it wasn't my fault, I swear), so we're skipping the dollar dance (it got added back in later on, about 11pm).  A pretty energetic start to the dance, considering all the delays the guests endured (guests arrive at 5pm, dinner was at 7pm, dance at 8:45).  The special dances at the beginning were my patented short versions.  "Stand By Me" is already brief (2:40), and I made two minute versions of her dance with her dad (Loudain Wainright's "Daughter") and his dance with his mom ("My Wish" by Rascal Flatts).

One special moment was entirely spontaneous.  A young man named Lee, Mandy's cousin, came up and asked to sing "Folsom Prison Blues."  He wanted the karaoke version if I could.  I could.  He was pretty good.  I used it fill the dance floor again after the dollar dance.

Tonight's random items I came up for various guests and the bride because no one else had them: matches, AA batteries, and safety pins.

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Get Hitched Bridal Showcase is Sunday, October 23rd, from 5 to 8pm

Spread the word: if you or someone you know is getting married, head over to the Plains Art Museum to talk with some of the best vendors in the Red River Valley.  Tickets can be purchased in advance here, or visit the offical Get Hitched website.

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Lacey Winther & Ryan Bucholz

"Robert, thank you, again, for providing your wonderful talents and making our reception so wonderful!  Love Ryan & Lacey."

The first noticeable change: I introduced the wedding party into the ballroom, with Lacey and Ryan doing their first dance right away.

Britta, who made the video slide show, was pretty concerned about it going off without a hitch.  I reassured her, I had already watched it all the way through twice before guests arrive, everything will be fine.  It's why I get a copy in advance and use my screen and projector: no problems.

For some reason, anytime I mean to play "Barefoot Blue Jean Night," which I actually like, I think of "Dirt Road Anthem," which I don't particularly care for.  I almost did play the wrong one, tonight.  Not sure why that happens, other than I bought them at the same time.

Nice to see photographer Brian Holm.  They even had a real videographer: Travis Jensen, Frame of Mind, out of Fargo.

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Melanie Olderbak & Robert Sauter

This was a late addition to my calendar.  They originally didn't know if they'd have a dance because, well, they had a baby 10 weeks ago.  Little Emily was very adorable, and only fussed once when it was inconvenient: during her daddy's toast.  I held her for Megan so a bottle could be fixed.

Unusual request I wouldn't usually play: "Living Next Door to Alice."  Simply because, it's a little obscure, but also, it's a bit naughty (lyric:  "Alice?  Alice?  Who the **** is Alice?")

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Stephanie Tollefson & Ben Hendricks

"Thank you so much for making our special day so much fun.  You are a wonderful DJ and very fun, professional person to work with!  We are so lucky to have you!  I appreciate you meeting with me on the phone and putting me at ease with the planning.  You rock!  Thanks again."  - Stephanie and Ben

Same as last week, tonights photo booth was from the wedding photographer, Shawna Noel. 

Loved the backdrop behind the head table.  Simple white fabric, then picture frames with their initials.  You can see it in the photo above.  Ambient lighting was provided by me.  Called 'uplighting,' the idea is to splash color (in this case, pink) on the walls around the room.  It lets you lower the lights and provide a whole new atmosphere.  Pictures of that are coming, courtesy of people who are not only capable of taking good pictures (that's a dig at myself - I'm a terrible photographer), but who are fantastic at it, Shawna and her assistant Kory.

Once again I made shorter versions of their special songs, which Stephanie was very impressed by.  I actually made two different short versions of their first dance song, and she chose her favorite.  If you're wondering why I do it, the second song she danced with her dad to "I Loved Her First" by Heartland, usually more than five minutes long.  We used a version I made that is two minutes long.  Perfect for the two of them to share a moment, but not so long that it drags out.

One brief moment of panic: I provided the music for the slide show Stephanie made (also my projector, and I got a copy of the video in advance and set everything up, but hey...).  With 90 seconds left, the song just stopped playing.  Fortunately, I already had the next song ready to go and it was four seconds of silence, but I have no idea what happened.  When I looked, the player was paused.  I'm assuming it was either ninjas or ghosts (not sure if they were pirate ghosts) because no one else was nearby.

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Rachel Hoistad & Zack Jones

"Thank you so much for working your DJ magic at Rachel & Zack's wedding reception last night!  We all had a great time, and you kept the reception moving and people on the dance floor all night long!  My family was very impressed with you, and they say they're looking forward to seeing you again next year!  Can't wait to see your DJ magic in action at our wedding!"  - Allie Hoistad, bride's sister, and engaged to be married October 2012.

Tonights photo booth was from the wedding photographer, Shawna Noel.  Rather than the enclosed booth style, it was open with a large backdrop.  They also did rapid fire pictures to get some stop-motion style video.

No dollar dance and no garter tonight.  They weren't big fans.

Got a request for Rachel's mom.  Apparently, when she was pregnant with Rachel, working at Brady's Accounting (now Brady-Martz, I believe), she used to dance to "Walk Like an Egyptian."  Fantastic.  I also dug up an Alpha Chi Omega (Rachel's sorority) song by some random DJ.  Not easy to find, especially at 10pm with no advanced warning.

I've mentioned before how I can shorten songs.  Tonight is a great reason why.  Rachel and Zack had their first dance song, then she danced with her dad, then him with his mom, then, because they never got a wedding dance when they were married, Rachel's parents got a song (surprise!  It was their 28th wedding anniversary that night).  I made versions of each special song that were under three minutes.  All these songs together would have been over 17 minutes long, with my new cuts, it was about 12.  Usually, when I shorten a song, I cut out an extra chorus, or an instrumental.  Sometimes a verse.  Always with the couple's approval and it's done so you'd never notice something is gone from the song.

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Missy Griffin & Chris Hennum

For the longest time, the DJ wasn't allowed to be there for the entire reception (A Touch of Magic house rules - they claimed it "interferes with the show"), but, for the first time in 10 years I was able to and that meant I could help in all my usual ways, mostly by keeping things moving along.  My favorite being, I announced for all the guests to sit for dinner and the best man steps up and lets me know he wants to do the toasts now.  Sorry, but dinner is ready to go and the toasts will have to wait, rather than 300 guests waiting for what will be very dry food if they keep holding it in the kitchen.

My favorite line from the best man's toast (he was the groom's brother), about the way they grew up: "our mother took us to our one room school house by boat (referring to spring flooding), 18 miles.  We took a shotgun to get the mail, snag a couple of grouse while we're out."

No one thought to bring a cake knife (for pictures), and the kitchen didn't have one.  You know who did?  Go ahead, guess.  Of all the people at a reception to have a cake serving set it was the DJ.

The photo booth was provided by Backspin Productions.  I must say, I wasn't terribly impressed.  Yes, everyone had fun, but they didn't setup until after 8pm for a 9pm start, and no album or CD of pictures for the bride and groom (unless they pay some $400 more).

Random request I haven't played in 10 years or so: "Strokin'" by Clarence Carter.  Wow.  Did not expect that.  And I definetely didn't expect how well everyone reacted.  Lots of dancing to it.  'An old family tradition' the requester said.  What else did your parents teach you? I asked.

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Erin Cardone & Jeff Fallgator
I have two wireless microphones that run on separate frequencies to avoid this, but for the first time ever I had trouble with both picking up 'noise' from another source.  It forced me to switch to my backup corded microphone, and I've since ordered a new selectable frequency mic on Monday to ensure it never happens again.  The good news?  No one, except me, seemed to notice or care.

Jeff's brother is a singer/songwriter in Nashville (go check out his band, KingBilly, on iTunes or Amazon).  They asked him to play a couple of songs for the dance, so I set him and another groomsman up (sorry for the sound quality, but you can see them in the video).  They played for an anniversary dance (a special dance for all married couples where we recognize those who have been married for a long time).  Then they provided the music for the dollar dance.

Jeff and Erin have a newborn son, Wyatt.  As I dismissed tables for the buffet, I noticed his mom holding Wyatt.  I went ahead and held him so she could get herself dinner.  Easy for me, since I have stayed home with my two young ones, including my 11 month old son.  Wyatt and I got along just fine.  At least until his mom came and got him.

Later in the night, I setup the black light song to their big request, "Party Rock Anthem." (also in the video).  I handed out 20 or 30 pairs of white gloves and turned off the dimmed house lights.  They were having so much fun, we ended up doing three songs with just the black lighting.

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Kirci Phillips & Sam Wagner

Request from the bride I don't play too often: "Never Gonna Give You Up" by Rick Astley.  Yes, she asked me to RickRoll her wedding dance.

The Eagles club presents two unique challenges: 1) a huge hardwood floor that, with my dress shoes, makes me sound like a horse going out for a trot.  It's probably the only time you'll ever see me wearing black sneakers with my suit.  2) Dinner is in a whole other area.  I setup two sound systems.  One in the ballroom for the dance.  A second system behind the head table for background music, and toasts.

And speaking of toasts, Sam's was adorable.  He promised several things to Kirci, one of which was to always return her Yoshi (It's a videogame thing).

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Jenna Leingang & Jacob Elgin

"We just want to thank you for everything you did on our wedding day Sept. 3rd, 2011! From keeping everyone organized, to rounding up troops to help with moving tables, the great music and air guitar contest.. it all was great! We will definitely recommend your services to others! :) Thanks again!" Jake and Jenna Elgin

I made sure to arrive early enough to be done setting up an hour before the ceremony since it was also at Rustic Oaks.  I did help a little with the ceremony, though mostly I was early so I wasn't moving gear as guests arrived.  The dance area is on the second floor of a converted barn (hooray, new, lighter speakers!).  Dinner was to be outside on the lawn, but high winds forced us to move all the tables upstairs so they'd be inside.

Since the tables were now on the dance floor, it also delayed the start of the dance.  We had thought we'd start the dance at 8, and Jenna and Jake would have to add an hour to get to midnight.  Instead, we didn't start until almost 9, and I went to midnight anyway, no extra time needed (they saved money).  For either potential, or existing clients, if you wonder why part of my quote is for "at least a three hour dance," instead of saying "8pm to 11pm" or some such, this is one of the reasons why.

One choice that is not for every group, but definetely was the right one for these guys: we gave the garter away via an air guitar contest.  The two finalists were a groomsman and his dad, Lloyd.  Sadly, I took no video, but just because it's funny that it's a real thing: footage from the 3 finalists at the 2011 Air Guitar Championships (*warning* for the benefit of the very prudish, I'm pretty sure the second contestant isn't wearing any pants, even though I didn't notice... um... anything).

Gwen Feist & Alex Thompson

No wedding on the 20th because of a cancellation three weeks again.  Don't worry, they already got married in Wisconsin.  This was supposed to be a reception for their friends in Grand Forks.  I'm not upset.   It will be one of two Saturdays off between April and October for me, and the other one was for my wife's family reunion.  So... what do people do for fun on a Saturday night?

Rachel Cota & Derek Gagner

Decorative up lighting again tonight.  Purely as decoration, though.  There are no floruscents to contend with at the Ramada. 

The only rough spot for Kristen and Jared today was at the church.  The unairconditioned church.  The pastors sped the service up slightly to make sure everyone was OK.  One choice that seems down right genius now is the groomsmen had no suit jackets.

Their request list was four songs, all line/group dances.  Otherwise, it was about 10 songs on the 'do not play.'  Easy to work with, but, I do actually prefer a bit more direction than that.  For example, I learned, during social hour conversation, that Kristen's favorite movie of all time is "Girls Just Want to Have Fun."  It's a thoroughly 80's movie.  That's something I can work with.  Play the namesake song, and suddenly a lull in the dance turns into 20 ladies dancing in a circle around the bride.

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Elva Perez & Brandon Frank

"Robert was a very fun guy to work with he made our wedding a little less stressful and everyone loved his work!"

Things are looking up.  Temperatures have returned to relative normal and this community center has AC.  I also setup decorative up lighting.  This room has those giant floruscent lights every school gym has, which means, with the lights, it's either all or nothing.  With the up lighting around the room, we were able to leave the floruscents off. 

I've never seen a staff serve so many people so quickly in a buffet.  150 guests in some 12 minutes.

Photobooth tonigh was provided by Black Tie Photobooth.  If you are looking for one, he's easily the first and only I'd recommend.  Not only was his equipment top notch (HQ photo prints in about 12 seconds), he seems to do everything the right way, but he is as cheap or cheaper than anyone else I've seen.

A slight change in tradition.  Elva danced with her dad first, who handed her off to Brandon.  From there we quickly added the wedding party, all married couples for an anniversary dance (48 years was our longest marriage).

A rare moment tonight, the Chicken Train (by groom's request).  A big circle forms, one person in the middle has a broom as a dance partner, and everyone gets a turn.  It's silly but who cares.

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Kasey Swiers & Nolan Klinkhammer

Today's temperature got up to 162*F.  Or at least very close to it.  Thankfully the city hall here in Bejou is air conditioned  Oh, wait.  It's not.  Nuts.  That's fine when it's just me setting up but once 150 people pile in here and start moving, sweet mollases, it's hot.  We were dying by 9pm, but couldn't open up the doors until after sunset, or we'd be trading intense heat for swarms of mosquitos.

I'm only here for the dance.  Nolan and Kasey had their dinner at the church in Mentor, where they were married.  She didn't bring a toss bouquet, so I supplied one of mine (what?  You don't keep a few spare toss bouquets in your van?).

These guys were definitely ready to dance.  It would have taken a pretty bad DJ to clear these folks off the floor.  I got to play almost anything you can think of.

To the left is the result of a concrete floor and spilled drinks on a wedding dress. 

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Gina & Josh Wagner

"We loved that Robert Benda's website was so diverse. He had a wealth of information regarding qualities to look for in a DJ even if we were to peruse other options, not to mention information on everything else weddings! He's practically the Martha Stewart of DJs =). He encouraged us to meet with him so he could get to know us a and what we wanted for our big day.

We enjoyed that he basically MC'd the whole reception and kept things rolling the way we wanted! We would recommend him in a heartbeat. He was great to work with!"

Today's ceremony was also at the Avalon, and I took care of sound for that, too.  This meant a mic for the pastor, reader, singer, and inputs for a cellist and guitarist.  It didn't go the way I had planned but went well and that is all that matters.

Our singer (Andi Thoreson who also sang at her sister's wedding two years ago), the cellist and guitarist also performed the first dance song for us.

Some interesting touches tonight.  The guest book was plates (china) guests signed with a silver pen.  This will let Lacie mount these on the wall later.  The Avalon held two receptions tonight.  To make sure guests knew they were in the right spot, a front door, painted with chalkboard paint, had Lacie and Casey's names on it.  I also received a request list made by guests who listed songs on their RSVPs.

Or only real issue was that it appears Lacie and Casey were both struck with food poisoning from something they ate during pictures.  They ducked out about 11pm, a little over an hour early.

As usual, more great work by wedding photographers Shawna Noel and Kory Wallen.   Well, I guess I don't actually know that... we haven't seen the pictures yet, but history suggests it will be more outstanding work on their part.(no, these aren't their pictures.  Their pictures are good)

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Katie Jo Johnson & Carlos Ballinas

"Hi Robert!  I'm so sorry it took so long to get back to you.  I think things were more crazy after the wedding than before:)  Again thank you for everything you did for our wedding reception!  I don't think it could have gone any better than it did.  If you need any recommendations just let us know!"

Katie and Carlos were actually married January in Mexico, and again yesterday, in Minneapolis.  Today is a reception only at her parents' lake house.

I stole a baby (OK, babysat) during dinner when I sent her mom and family up to the buffet.  Her name is Laney, she is 4 months old and she giggles when you hold her up so she flies like Superman.

Since Carlos and his family are from Mexico, we used a translator during the prayer, and during some of the event explanations.  Their first dance song is in Spanish (somehow I can't find the Spanish title, though).

Turns out, at weddings in Mexico there is a tradition of carrying the groom in and tossing him in the air, all set to the Funeral March.  Fantastic.  We followed that with "A La Vibora De La Mar," which is, as best as I can describe it, a cross of a conga line, circle dance, and limbo.  No footage for that one because, no one told me about the song in advance, so I bought it, downloaded and was playing it from my smart phone, which I had been using to catch some of these moments.  Maybe I'll be able to get some footage from the videographer.

One other very random request:  "Achy Breaky Heart" by Billy Ray Cyrus.  Apparently they line dance to a Spanish version in Mexico.  That's a first time playing it for me.  I also got to play a bunch of salsa music.

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Brooke Melicher & Tim Hanson

A night opposite from last, this one with about 140 guests, in much more modest ballroom (the Holiday Inn is great, it's just not the size of a football field).  Brooke, Tim, and the wedding party arrived via clydesdale drawn hay ride (and I missed pics).


To involve the guests quickly (and give the photographers a better background), we brought up all the guests to form a circle around Brooke and Tim for their first dance song.  Not an issue since the song is only 90 seconds long.  The second song, Brooke and her dad, Paul, danced to a minute long version of "You Never Can Tell" by Chuck Berry (most recognizable these days from Pulp Fiction).

No dollar dance, bouquet, or garter tonight.  The only interuption to the dance was when a young lady, Destiny, asked to sing "The Way I Am."

One amusing moment: a guest from the wedding next door came over to request a song... for next door.  Turns out that DJ didn't have "Into the Mytic" by Van Morrison, so I got it for him on an mp3 player I use for backup.

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Ericka Erdmann & Garret Kollin

The reception hall was set for more than 500 people.  The room was as long as a football field.  Quality sound for that size room with that many people is tough, but if you do it right, everyone can easily hear the speeches, the room is full of sound, but not too loud, except on the dance floor which is loud enough (and that is one heckuva run-on sentence).

While Ericka and Garret wanted to recognize their mom and dad (respectively) with a dance each, she did let me shorten them.  I created digital edits of their first dance song, her dance with her dad, and his with his mom so that all three songs lasted about eight minutes instead of the full twelve.  The songs still sound intact instead of the old, awkward fade down halfway in.  Instead of another slow song for the weddng party, Ericka had me play "Dynamite" by Taio Cruz.  Something upbeat and fun can work, just warn your wedding party in advance and get them onboard.  In our case, it was also after 9pm and a bit easier to get people going.

No dollar dance, but we did toss the bouquet, and a scavenger hunt to give away the garter.  Out of left field, Ericka asked if I could do something I haven't in a couple of years, and even then it was at a Christmas party: the frozen t-shirt contest.  Five guys race to put on t-shirts that have been soaked and frozen.  Fantastic for it's silliness, definetely something you do late, in our case, 11pm.

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Yingxi (Rona) Shi & Jeff Kuntz

This was actually an outdoor ceremony and indoor reception.  The couple met as students in the UND meteorology department.  There was a brief panic in the morning when lightning knocked out the area's power, but the park runs on propane, not the electrical grid, so my mad scramble for a generator on Memorial Day Monday was unnecesary.  There was some misting rain as we all arrived for the ceremony, but in all, the day was quite beautiful.  The ceremony went off without a hitch, though the pastor's mic was on mute, his voice carried fine.  The reception, however, was perfect til about 9:30pm, when tornados were spotted around Grand Forks, sending many of our meteorologists on their way, and the rest of us to safety.  Which wasn't too bad, since we had to be done at 10pm (per park rules) anyway.

I'm very used to pronouncing difficult names, but that's usually Polish or Norwegian.  This is Chinese, a whole new set of phoenetics.  If you're wondering, Rona's name is pronounced like 'Ing-She'.  That's the easy one.  Have fun trying to pronounce Shaoyue or Zhe.

The reception was pretty traditional.  Rona's parents flew in from China for this, and her dad wanted to do a speech, done with a translator (her cousin), who learned just how hard that is to do well.  Not everything in Chinese translates easily into English very well, or at least, not literally, but he did a pretty good job.

Rona and Jeff choreographed their first dance song, all five minutes of it, making a great impression on the guests.  For those who can, 12 lessons or so is all it takes to put something together that will get noticed.

Erin Lowder & Derek Hoffert

"Robert was a fantastic DJ. He made everyone (wedding party included) very comfortable. We had numerous compliments from various guests. I would highly recommend him for any event." - Derek Hoffert

Derek's family and I go way back.  I DJ'ed both his older sisters' weddings in 1999 and 2000.  Tonight, they decorated the Guesthouse pretty well.  Real evergreen trees behind the head table, candle-lit lanterns on a bed of grass (yes, as in lawn) for centerpieces.  Their flower/decorator Georgina Smith had containers of grass growing from seed for the last eight weeks, just begging for sunny days.

Erin wasn't crazy about the garter removal, so we turned things around.  Once Derek got out to the floor and dropped to one knee, she grabbed him, put him in the chair, and took the garter off his leg (already under his pant leg).

Random song I've never played before, and probably won't again, but that did great here: "Stop" by the Spice Girls.

Amy Strand & Charles Getsman

Don't worry, Chuck, I won't repeat your wife's nickname for you here, though it was revealed (playfully) to the guests.  The same can't be said for your buddies, though, or the youth soccer team you coach.
 
Instead of the traditional garter giveaway, Chuck decided to have the guys compete over it, via an air guitar contest.  Sadly, there is no footage of this because, while silly, it was still fun.

Danielle Grandbois & Daniel Danielson

Just go ahead and try and say their married name outloud.  It's all about the emphasis and second syllable in Danielle to make sure you don't sound like Daniel is marrying Daniel.

 Danielle is a big karaoke fan, so we included that throughout the night.  Something like 12 songs scattered over a four hour dance.  Only one singer was bad... she yelled more than sang her song.

Danielle did make a video slide show of pictures, but had me play it on a loop during the entire social and dinner.  Guests could watch if they wanted, when they wanted.  This is key if your video exceeds ten minutes or so.

Aleesha Ruff & Andy Nicholson

"Robert Benda did an amazing job at my husband and I's wedding reception in Grand Forks North Dakota at the Woodland Lodge in Turtle River State park. He played a variety of music from many different eras and keep the mood, lighting, and party running smoothly. He incorporated 2 songs for the father daughter dance which was important to me! I loved the question games he played on how well the bride and groom know each other and the competition he made for giving the garder away. He iis definetly worth the price and I would recomend him to anyone in his traveling area. Thanks Again Robert!"

Alee and Andy were married on a Tuesday.  They both just graduated, he's now commissioned in the U.S. Army, so it was a now or never thing for them if they wanted their friends there before everyone scattered to the winds.  They did end up competing with a Tim McGraw concert, but it didn't seem to be a problem.

The Woodland Lodge is a bit small (space for 100 or so indoors) but is actually pretty nice: full kitchen and central air.  There is also a patio area if the weather is nice.

To get Alee and Andy to kiss, guests asked them questions.  So a guest who knew Andy well asked Alee about him.  Because of this we learned that Andy is into power kites.  I'm not sure what that means, but one is 13 meters long.  That's enormous and I now feel bad because I still have trouble getting the regular little ones off the ground.

One last note, I would have never expected a bunch of ROTC/military guys to be so into Rebecca Black's "Friday."  Curious.

Megan Sellie & Aaron Elgin

Where: Radisson Hotel, Fargo, ND
1st Dance Song: "I'll Be" by Edwin McCain

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When: Saturday, February 5th, 2011

Where: Ramada Inn, Grand Forks, ND
1st Dance Song: "To Make You Feel My Love" by Adele

"Robert, thank you so much for doing such an amazing job at our wedding!  We had so much fun :)  We had many people comment on what a great DJ we had - we will for sure be recommending you to many people in the future.  You made everything flow together - It was the perfect night!  Thanks again!"

No pictures, no video from this wedding.  I'll leave that to the people who are good at those things.  Every vendor was from FreshWed.  Photographers Shawna Noel and Kory Wallen; Videographer Corey of Sub-Zero Productions (glad to finally  meet him); flowers and decorations by Just Add Water, Brooke Roche.  Oh, and me.  You just can't go wrong by hiring all of us.  In fact, maybe we should make some sort of package deal.  Hmm....

I must say, it was nice to see the videographer at the reception.  A lot of couples don't hire one, or only have them at the ceremony.  I usually use my camera to make sure key moments like the toasts and their first dance are captured.  Tonight, I didn't worry.

During dinner we learned that Zach, when he was less than one year old, managed to lift himself out of his crib, and broke his arm in the process.  And I was scared of what my two year old could do...

A few random things I took care of:  I had Diana's slippers for the reception; I'm the one who washed out and got the box for their brand new, beautiful crystal champagne glasses; and I'm the one who knew where the circuit breaker for their decorative lights was.

Zach and Diana's wedding was at 3pm, at Sacred Heart (yes, Catholic).  Dinner wasn't until 6:30, which meant a lot of time for guests to kill.  We did our best to have something happen every so often: the bridal party's arrival; shoe game; video; speeches.  If the guests were bored from the large gap from ceremony to dinner, they didn't show it.  When the dance started, they were right there, ready to go, too. 

To give away the garter, we did a raffle.  The drawing got us seven or eight contestants to compete.  I asked for things, they went and fetched them.  Each time they came back, we elimated some.  Very simple.  Very funny.  One groomsmen didn't quite make the chair.  Twice.  The Best Man thought we had solved the last item, yelled it out, but forgot to actually go and get it.  Someone else won.  Poor Beau.

We also did a broom dance.  No, they aren't common.  Everyone in a circle, someone in the middle with a broom dances for a bit, then passes it, and the new holder dances.  It's exactly how it sounds, but if everyone is into it, it can be a blast.  Especially when a grandma gets wheeled out in her chair to dance.

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OK, so the secret is, it's actually not that big a deal.  WeddingWire says it's for the "top 5%" but they gave it to three of us in our area, out of eight listed on their site.  I still appreciate it, though.

For more information on the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.  

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When: Saturday, January 1st, 2011

Where: Hilton Garden Inns, Grand Forks, ND
1st Dance Song: "A Walk in the Forest" by Brian Crain

First thing you'd notice when arrivng at the reception was an appetizer buffet with two trays being butlered by staff.  Very unusual for this area, but very lovely.

The weather interfered with the guest list a bit, but the room was still almost full.  Unfortunately, Kirby's two older brothers missed out, getting stuck between Minneapolis and Fargo.  Her younger brother, Isaac, stepped up to give their toast instead.  Another side story to the storm travel was two cars of guests having a run in with a horse on the highway.  Don't worry, everyone made it out okay.

Kirby and Jake took dances lessons, which led them to choose a waltz for their first dance.  The results are there in the video.

Champagne toasts were nothing compared to Jake's dad.  He brought out an old family tradition.  Everyone got a small shot of Redeye.  Normally, they would have had a bottomless glass, but the Hilton's liquor license won't allow for that.  Free wine and keg beer were substituted instead.

We did a challenge to win the garter.  Guys had to fetch items in the room and make it back to their chairs first.  A few were racing back just as I pulled their chairs away.  Splat, to the floor they went.

Most interesting, I thought, were some storm stories.  The bartender, Kelly, had been stuck at the hotel since 5:30am the previous morning, thanks to the blizzard.  She was on shift til the end of our wedding dance.  The photographers, Shawna and Kory, had spent the entire day trying to get to Grand Forks from Bismarck, since the highway was closed the last 80 miles, they took county roads, and made it just in time to shoot the ceremony.  That was after taking a train from Fargo to Minot, then hitching a ride to Bismarck to shoot the wedding the day before.  By the end of today, they all just wanted so desperately to get home and get some sleep.