Courtney and Jeff had an amazing wedding at the Terrace Bay Inn shortly after Thanksgiving of this year. Courtney and Jeff had an amazing wedding at the Terrace Bay Inn shortly after Thanksgiving of this year. The wedding was beautifully decorated by Amanda from Ever After Decorating. It’s really nice to see brides and grooms pay tribute to the history of their family tree and I was glad to see Courtney and Jeff do this near the guestbook.

Courtney and Jeff opted to go with beautiful uplighting behind the head table and chose a red to accent the white and black elegant color choices. The bridal party introductions went very smoothly with Courtney and Jeff being introduced into the room to the song “Smile” by Uncle Kracker. Afterwards we moved to the Cake Cutting Ceremony with a gorgeous cake created by Cake Sera Sera. . Guests were invited to dinner in a very fun and creative way and after dinner guests also enjoyed a candy buffet as well.

Our full grand march happened after dinner with the bridal party entering to “Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me” and Courtney and Jeff introduced to “Love Is A Beautiful Thing” by Phil Vassar. From there we segued to their first dance to “History In The Making” by Darius Rucker, followed by Courtney and her father Dave’s dance to “I Loved Her First” by Heartland. Jeff and his Mom shared a dance to “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts and then the wedding party helped kick off the dancing.

The dance floor was hoppin’ all night, only stopping for a fun Garter and Bouquet segment featuring Jeff’s favorite NFL team…the CHICAGO BEARS! The reception ended on a wonderful note with a special twist to their last song “I Love This Bar” by Toby Keith…pleasantly surprising Courtney, Jeff and their guests. Congratulations Courtney and Jeff! Best wishes on married life together!

Courtney, Jeff and Mitch

I met Patty through a mutual friend, Bridget, whom I thank greatly for the referral. Upon meeting Patty I was touched by her and Ralph’s story and what they were looking to create for their wedding day. The setting was the Oak Crest Golf Club in Norway. Guests arrived to the sounds of Sinatra, Michael W Smith, Nat King Cole and Michael Buble. Introductions were fun and the bridal party was creative with their entrances. Patty and Ralph then gave a very sincere welcome to their guests followed up by a gift presentation of a big bell for Ralph to put on his dream boat and also use that night to ring in kisses for the newlyweds.

Patty and Ralph then shared their cake cutting ceremony with their guests to the song “Let It Be Me” by Everly Brothers. Toasts followed by a wonderful blessing by their good friend Pastor Jim.

Guests were invited to the buffet line by answering fun questions about Patty and Ralph while enjoying a beautiful slide show created by Patty’s friend Shelley. What followed after that was a very touching moment created for our military personnel in attendance. The attention was focused on them with a thunderous round of applause in appreciation for those past and present protecting our freedoms while “God Bless The USA” started playing in the background.

Patty and Ralph’s Love Story was then shared before they had their first dance as husband and wife to “Born Again” by Third Day. Patty and Ralph then presented bouquets to their mothers at the end of their dance. Patty’s three sons then shared a Mother Son dance with her that was very special to them with messages from each one to Patty during their dance with her. The song they chose was “I Will Be Here” by Stephen Curtis Chapman. From there the dancing was kicked off and the decor lighting we provided really made the room “pop” that night as well with Patty’s fall colors palette of orange and reds. Thank you Patty and Ralph for a wonderful night filled with memories to cherish.

Jacquelyn and Kyle and I met originally at a bridal show and shortly after we met again along with their parents over dinner at Applebee’s in Marinette. I could tell right away that this couple was a very special couple and one I would be privileged to work for. Their reception took place at the SC Grand in De Pere, Wisconsin and I must say that Angela, Kristen and the staff there are very much detail oriented as I am.

Upon entering the room I noticed how spacious it was and the beautiful cake table with the backdrop of a quilt with childhood photos of Jacqie and Kyle together with one of them dating in the center. Jacqie and Kyle also had a beautiful candy buffet table unveiled for guests at 7pm to enjoy and invited them to take a bag of candy home with them instead of favors for their guests.

Jacqie, Kyle and bridal party entered the room via personalized introductions and then Jacqie and Kyle shared their cake cutting ceremony with their guests. Best Man Jake and Maid of Honor Amy then gave their toasts and dinner was served. Jacqie and Kyle didn’t kiss via traditional glasses clinking, instead they encourage guests to come up and hula hoop in front of them to get them to kiss! It was a great way to liven up the dinner hour.

After dinner, we shared Jacqie and Kyle’s Love Story followed by their first dance as husband and wife to Jason Aldean and Bryan Adams version of Heaven. The Father Daughter and Mother Son dances were very meaningful to Jacqie and Kyle and we spent an evening together a while back with their families working on creating just the right moment. Kyle and Carol’s Mother Son dance was next, filled with joy and funny moments too “Oh, Kyle…you were an excellent driver!” was a comment that everyone thought was humorous.

Next came a parents tribute dance to Wayne and Nancy, Leonard and Carol followed by the bridal party dance with a unique spin of All My Life by K-Ci and Jo Jo into Ice Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice! From there the dance floor was open and we also had a Dollar Dance, Anniversary Dance (winning couple was 3 of them tied at 42 years of marriage!), and a Garter Bouquet Ceremony too. The end of the night was a beautiful moment for Jacqie and Kyle, very romantic surrounded by their friends and family and candlelight.

The best part about it….I feel as though Jacqie and Kyle aren’t just clients…but friends. That’s the way it’s supposed to be. Thank you again for an amazing reception Jacqie and Kyle. It was my privilege to perform for you, your families and friends on your wedding day.

Stephanie and Matt

WOW! What a wedding! Stephanie, Matt, Stephanie’s parents Laurie and Scott and I have been planning for this day since May 2008.

Pine Grove Welcomes

Matt and Stephanie originally met through Stephanie’s brother…and Matt is very thankful for him introducing them. They had a champagne fountain set up in the foyer area for guests to enjoy champagne and prepare a glass for toasting later.

Champagne Fountain with Ice Sculpture

The bridal party arrived ready to party and Gary and the staff at Pine Grove CC always do a great job in food prep and planning with their clients as well. Upon arrival the bridal party entered to “Power Of Love” by Huey Lewis & The News and Stephanie and Matt entered to “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” by Frankie Valli with a special twist courtesy of yours truly. Stephanie and Matt’s cake was gorgeous

Wedding cake accenting her bridal colors

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After our cake cutting ceremony, best man and maid of honor toasts, Stephanie’s father Scott gave a very heartfelt toast complete with performing a song on the piano in honor of his daughter. I had tear-filled eyes as I witnessed this beautiful moment between father and daughter. LOVE. Gary and the staff at Pine Grove again did an outstanding job and Pine Grove CC is DEFINITELY the premier venue in Dickinson County for a wedding reception, in my humble opinion.

Bridesmaids with Stephanie

After dinner, everyone gathered round for Stephanie and Matt’s Love Story followed by their first dance as husband and wife to “When You Say Nothing At All” by Ronan Keating from Notting Hill Soundtrack.

Laurie and Bridal Party engaged with Stephanie & Matt's First Dance

. Stephanie and Scott then shared a heartfelt moment for the Father Daughter dance

Stephanie and Scott

and Matt danced with his Mother Grace to “I Have A Dream” by Abba, a song with special meaning for them as they saw “Mamma Mia” together in London when Matt was studying abroad.

Matt and Grace

The bridal party helped kick off the dancing next to, wait for it……………………………………………………………..

You won’t believe this…………………………………………

“Jump For My Love” by the Pointer Sisters and the dance floor was non stop from then on. Keith Freeman of Freeman’s Photography once again did a phenomenal job of capturing the day, even providing a photo montage to show in the bar area for guests. The end of the night didn’t happen until midnight when a “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys sing a long broke out. The Backstreet Boys music had a hand in bringing these two together and it was a perfect ending for a fun party. Thanks Stephanie and Matt and families for a fun reception!

Stephanie and Matt's First Dance

Ashley and Mordi Reception Entrance

. I had the privilege of performing for Ashley and Mordi on their wedding day on June 13th at the Terrace Bay Inn. I used to work with Mordi a few years ago, and have actually used his charter fishing services as well, which I must say he is very talented at.

Elegant head table

The decorations were very elegant with a black and white theme. Being a fisherman, Mordi and Ashley were introduced to “Fishin’ In The Dark” by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and the full song played later to a dance floor filled with guests singin’ along!

Mordi and Ed cuttin' up during the Toast

Mordi and his Best Man Ed bear a striking resemblance and had a little fun with the audience during the toast. It was one of the most unique and fun toasts I have ever seen. Buffet dinner was provided by the outstanding staff at the Terrace, one of the best facilities and staff I have ever had the privilege to work with. Tables were dismissed via song titles, a fun way to liven up the party. Ashley’s friend Kristy provided a cool slideshow in tribute of Mordi and Ashley following cake being served.

Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You

Ashley and Mordi then shared their first dance with their guests to “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You by Frankie Valli, then Ashley shared a dance with her father John.

Ashley and her Father John

Mordi then danced with his Mom Sandra to “It’s Your Song” by Garth Brooks. The dance floor was hopping almost from the word go, with Mordi and Ed doing chest bumps with each other to “Old Time Rock N Roll!” We ended the night with three different encores as Mordi and Ashley’s guests didn’t want the night to end!

Ashley, Mordi and I after a fun night!

Terrace Bay sign for Kristy and Don

Kristy and Don’s wedding was as unique as they are. For those that may not know, Kristy is my sister in law and my son and daughter were even the flowergirl and ringbearer for the ceremony, with Don’s niece Maggie being the other flowergirl.  Upon entry into the room, Kristy and Don had a table with their guest book surrounded by photos from their parents and grandparents wedding photos, showing a long history of successful marriages in their family.   The tables were beautifully decorated and one of the unique ideas I gave Kristy and Don was to have a cake be the centerpiece of each table.  The tables looked beautiful and guests started to arrive.  Introductions were done and my wife served as the maid of honor an

d made her toast along with the best man Jamie.  Dinner started and tables were released via song titles, a fun way to do this at the Terrace.  After dinner, we

had a wonderful cake cutting ceremony that involved one special couple per table that simultaneously performed their own cake cutting ceremo

ny with Don and Kristy.  Later on, Don a

nd Kristy shared their first dance with their guests to the song Forever by Ben Harper, followed by the Father of the Bride Mike dancing

with Kristy for the Father/Daughter dance and Don dancing with his mom Theresa for the Mother/Son dance.    From there the party was on and everyone had a great time.  The last song of the night was “Livin’ On A Prayer” by Bon Jovi, with Don doing signature air guitar as well.  Thanks Don and Kristy for a great wedding!

Livin' On A Prayer ending

Janna and Tom first dance

What a busy weekend! Two weddings this past weekend for two amazing families. Janna and Tom had a very emotional, heartfelt reception at the Antoine Room in Iron Mountain and it was beautiful to watch their two families come together as one for them on their wedding day. We had a blast! The night started with the introductions of Janna and Tom’s bridal party where I’m sure Keith Freeman of Freeman’s Photography got some amazing reaction photos from Janna and Tom with their friends to a new and unique way to release tables (so FUN!) and then we moved on to their specialty dances. Janna and Tom have a beautiful love story and then we shared their first dance with their guests and very tender moments were shared between Rod and Janna and Diana and Tom for the father daughter and mother son dance. I even shed a tear during these moments…they were truly beautiful.

Dancin' The Night Away

From there we partied the rest of the night away including a “Shout” ending that had everyone up and on the floor. Great way to end the night for a truly beautiful couple and amazing families.

Last Dance Shout!

Kaitlyn and Mike share a moment together on the dance floor

Kaitlyn and Mike, along with their parents Karen and John and Marty and Michael, all put a lot of time and effort into creating a beautiful day for them. Their reception was held at the Four Seasons in Pembine, Wisconsin, a beautiful setting for a wedding. Their introductions of the bridal party were quite fun and I had the pleasure of working with Rachel again, an outstanding photographer from the Green Bay area. Then a wonderful sit down meal served by the Four Seasons staff and then we showed a photo montage that I helped create for Kaitlyn and Mike that everyone enjoyed. From there we moved on to the specialty dances.  Kaitlyn and her dad John had a fun Father Daughter dance to “Love Without End, Amen” by George Strait that had all of her friends and family clapping in rhythm to the beat of the song towards the end of their dance.  Marty and Mike then shared their Mother Son dance with everyone to “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong.  We then kicked off the dancing and the party was on!  It was a very pro 80′s crowd that Kaitlyn and Mike had in attendance and we played such favorites as “Don’t Stop Til You Get Enough” by Michael Jackson, “You Spin Me Round” by Dead or Alive and even “Give It To Me Baby” by Rick James!

Piano Man ending for Kaitlyn and Mike

The end of the night happened with a drunken group sing a long to “Piano Man” by Billy Joel and an encore of “We Are Family”.  Wonderful memories shared and a great weekend with four beautiful families.

Kaitlyn, Mike and Mitch

Rebecca and Travis First Dance

Saturday December 20th, 2008 I had the distinct pleasure of performing for Becca and Travis Steinbrecher. What a beautiful couple. The reception was held at the Kingsford Armory with a Christmas theme complete with tree bows as centerpieces on their tables.

Becca, Travis and I met approximately six weeks before their reception to plan all of the details and ensure we had enough time to put everything together during the holiday season. Cocktail hour began at 4:30pm with a mix of holiday music. Becca and Travis arrived off of the bus with their bridal party at which time we began our personalized introductions for the bridal party. My new way of performing this really provides for a nice photo opportunity for the photographer and guests that evening. Travis and Becca were introduced to the chorus of “Check Yes Or No” by George Strait as it fit them to a “T”.

After introductions we had our cake cutting ceremony followed by a moment of silence for an usher who was with us in spirit that night. Becca thanked all of their guests for coming and we were off to dinner. The second part of the evening kicked off with Becca and Travis’s Love Story…which I have to say was one of the most beautiful ones I have told to date. Becca and Travis then shared their first dance as husband and wife with their guests.

Karl and Rebecca Father Daughter Dance

What followed next was truly touching. Becca and I got together in Marquette in early December to make a custom recording for her dance with her father Karl. The song she selected for that moment was Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle. It was a beautifully created piece that I know they both enjoyed.

The rest of the evening was quite fun with everyone enjoying the night. We even created a fun send-off “on the fly” for Becca and Travis as they decided that night to leave the reception about 20 minutes early. All of their guests said goodbye as they ran through the middle of them and we ended their party on a high note. Thanks Becca and Travis for allowing me to be a part of your special day. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you both.

Mitch, Becca and Travis

Next up for me, OSF St. Francis Hospital and Medical Group Christmas Party and then a very elegant affair for Kristina Santini and Wayne Fredrickson in Iron Mountain. Stay tuned.

First, my brother in law and I shipped up to Boston (Cue Dropkick Murphys) for Labor Day weekend. We had so much fun. Our trip actually started on Thursday night as we travelled to Milwaukee for Harley Fest and saw Kid Rock, Sugarland and Lewis Black perform. Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland is one of my favorite singers….she is SO passionate and emotional, especially when she sings her song “Stay”. It’s beautiful to watch. Friday morning we drove back down to Milwaukee from Tim’s apartment in Manitowoc and flew to Boston. We got our convertible Mustang rental car, checked into our hotel and proceeded to one of baseball’s last great parks….Fenway. We ate at a couple of the local pubs just outside of Fenway before both games that we saw…one Friday night and one Sunday afternoon, both versus the Chicago White Sox. Just before the Sunday game we got to take a tour of Fenway Park, which was definitely one of the highlights of the trip. Can’t you tell I’m a big Boston Red Sox fan?! LOL.

Saturday Tim and I drove up the coast of Maine to meet up with a good friend of mine who does morning drive on the #1 country station in Portland, ME. Dave is a truly genuine person, very cool and actually lives on a farm! From there, we met up with a buddy of mine from high school who I hadn’t seen since his wedding and then we were traveling south to meet my parents in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire…some of my dad’s old stomping grounds where he grew up. We drove along the strip in Hampton Beach and took in the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean and afterwards went for a lobster dinner at a coastal restaurant.

The following weekend my parents flew out from Maine to visit our family here in the U.P. My kids love having their Nana and Bumpa from Maine come to visit. My dad, my son and I got to take a fishing charter on Saturday thanks to Morti Young from Big Bay De Noc Charters. I’ve known Morti for a few years now and he’s one of the best guys you will ever meet. I am privileged to be performing for his wedding upcoming in June of next year.

Friday September 12th it was back to work for two weddings over the weekend. First, I performed for Staci and James in Manistique followed by Dana and Jacob on Saturday at the Terrace in Escanaba. Staci and James had a few fun things planned for their guests such as putt putt for kissing and they even did an evolution of dance performance for their first dance. The following night, Dana and Jacob Maki had a beautiful wedding day, complete with gorgeous decoration courtesy of Amanda from Ever After Decorating and Rhonda from Flinn’s Flowers. Dana and Jake’s Love Story was beautiful and everyone had a good time.

Last night I had the pleasure of performing at the Wawonowin Country Club in Ishpeming, MI. I don’t get to Ishpeming often, but I have to say that Kevin and his staff do a phenomenal job. The Wawonowin was the perfect size for Rachel and Dave Riley’s wedding with 170 guests. We had just the right special touches added for their wedding day; they had a very touching Mother/Son dance (thanks Marianne!) and even a fun surprise for Dave’s brother who is “In The Navy”! The night concluded with a drunken group sing-a-long to “Friends In Low Places” followed by dancing and singing along to “Don’t Stop Believin’” and ended with Dave and Rachel’s first song they ever danced to together “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis. Everyone had a great time and they had a wonderful wedding day.

This weekend I am performing for Megan and Adam with what is sure to be a great time. I previously performed for Megan’s sister a few years ago and it’s a pleasure to be able to perform for her family again. We’ll have a surprise guest at the reception (approved my Megan of course) so stay tuned!