Here is just a taste of our awesome party life from the top DJs in Maryland, DC, and Virginia
Callie & Daniel planned to wed in Baltimore, but COVID changed their plans. Check out their beautiful seaside wedding on Kent Island instead!
A private seaside residence on a perfect May day with a small group of family and friends? Sounds like a pretty pleasant way to get married.
While this wasn’t Callie and Daniel’s original plan, they—like so many other couples over the past year—had to be flexible. They had to change venues several times, as their planned locations cancelled all events due to the pandemic. In the end, the couple booked a lovely Airbnb on Kent Island where they could hoist a tent and have the waterfront wedding they wanted. Adaptability is key!
This gorgeous event at a private residence in Stevensville, Maryland was personal and intimate, with about 30 family members and close friends in attendance. Just the wedding party, their dates, and the couple’s immediate family were there to celebrate with Callie and Daniel. One of the benefits of a limited guest list is that it opens up so many venue opportunities, and makes sweet backyard weddings a possibility.
We’ve worked with a lot of wedding photographers over the years, and they each bring their own unique talents and vision to the way they see a wedding. Baltimore-based photographer Hannah Mink’s special gift has to be lighting. Her photos from Callie and Daniel’s wedding make it look like the whole day was aglow, and they’re truly wedding mag-worthy.
Stevensville wedding DJ Steve knew that the ceremony music for this wedding would be string covers of some famous pop songs. So he decided to go with that same theme for the pre-ceremony music. Highlights included string covers of some songs by Dr. Dre which set a fun mood without being distracting.
The bridal party entered the ceremony site to a cover of Stand By My by the Stringspace Orchestra. If you’re looking for string covers for your wedding, Stringspace has lots of great ones! Callie then made her grand entrance to another cover, this time of Ed Sheeran’s Perfect by Brooklyn Duo. And after the vows were said and the tears were shed, the couple’s recessional song was to the upbeat guitar of I Will Always Find a Way by Sheffield.
For cocktail hour, some couples have very specific requests, and some just go for DJ’s choice. Callie and Daniel were somewhere in the middle. They requested music “along the lines of The Lumineers, Mumford & Sons, [and] John Mayer” to keep the mood folksy and relaxed. This gave DJ Steve plenty of info to work with to make sure the vibe was right.
After cocktail hour, Callie and Daniel entered the reception tent to Hooked on a Feeling by Blue Swede. Then they had their first dance as husband and wife to Make You Feel My Love by Adele. After that, the party was off! This may have been a small group, but they sure didn’t lack energy or enthusiasm for the dance floor.
For the last song of the night, they went with the ol’ classic Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond. Good times never felt so good (so good, so good, so good)!
We are currently booking weddings for the 2022 wedding season, and we’d love to be at yours! Fill out our online form to check about date availability and start planning the soundtrack to your big day.
All photos by Hannah Mink Photography
Here are some tips to help you choose pre-ceremony music that fits in with the rest of your big day. Choose live, pre-recorded, classical, or contemporary.
Couples often spend a lot of time thinking about their wedding ceremony music. Processional and recessional songs are high on the list of musical priorities. But pre-ceremony music often gets short shrift in the long list of decisions to be made. We encourage you not to settle for any old thing, but instead to make intentional choices to set the tone for your special day.
Here are some ideas that you can use for inspiration when choosing your own pre-ceremony music.
Many couples default to the string quartet, either live or pre-recorded. We love a string quartet! But there are other instrumental choices that you can make that will still be classic, and will also be more unexpected.
How about an acoustic guitar duet? Or a single harp? Get swingy with a small jazz trio. You could also go big with a full orchestra. (If it's pre-recorded, we mean. No one expects you to hire the local philharmonic to trudge up a hill to your ceremony site.)
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Brett & Maggie’s Wedding at Chesapeake Bay Beach Club
Also keep in mind—there's no rule that says you have to go "unplugged" pre-ceremony. An instrumental rock band could also be an excellent and intriguing choice. Or, just pick some of your favorite songs and ask your wedding DJ to play music in a similar style!
Going with a classic string quartet or even a solo piano doesn't mean you have to choose classical music. You certainly can if you like—there's a reason classical music is, well, classic.
Recently, a bride we're working with was inspired by the series "Bridgerton" on Netflix for her pre-ceremony music. The show plays string covers of contemporary Top 40 hits, which is a great way to give current audiences some context for the music of the era. After all, the Regency ballroom was basically the dance club of its time! Our bride wanted to do something similar for her pre-ceremony tunes, and we were happy to comply.
This is a really fun way to keep the music classy but not classical. You can pick instrumental covers from a single artist with an extensive catalogue like the Beatles or Beyonce, or just choose a selection of assorted contemporary hits.
This advice holds true for your ceremony music, too!
When choosing your wedding prelude songs, think about the transition into your wedding party processional. There should be a clear, but not jarring, transition from pre-ceremony music to processional music.
A good way to transition smoothly is to choose music from a similar genre, or with similar orchestration. If your processional song is piano and guitar, your pre-ceremony music could be piano and violin, or simply guitar.
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Brett & Maggie’s Wedding at Chesapeake Bay Beach Club
Whatever you choose, make sure you choose something! No one wants to arrive at an event and sit in silence for 20 minutes. If you don't have a DJ playing music for your ceremony, you can still put together an awesome playlist to provide a little entertainment. Plan for at least 30 minutes of music, but 45 would be even better in case you get started a few minutes late.
If you need help selecting fun or romantic songs for your pre-ceremony time, we can help! Our team are pros at choosing wedding songs for all parts of your big day.
Header Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Allie and Pete said their vows looking across northern Virginia’s wine country. Get the details about this stunning barn wedding and Pete’s surprising talent...
We are officially knee-deep in 2020 wedding reschedule season! We know that last year was hard on our couples, having to postpone after all of their hard work and planning. But we’re so glad that those weddings are finally starting to come to fruition.
One of those reschedules was Allie and Pete’s wedding at Shadow Creek in Purcellville, Virginia. This barn venue sits on over 200 acres of rolling farmland in Loudoun County. From their vantage point, you can see for miles across northern Virginia’s famous wine country.
The weather was touch and go for a bit on Allie and Pete’s big day. Fortunately, they had Stephanie from SRS Events coordinating their wedding. She kept a close eye on the forecast, and made the call to start the ceremony a bit early. And it’s a good thing. Just as it was ending, the rain started to fall.
The photographer for the day was Jennifer Bosak of Jennifer Bosak Photography. Just like us, she’s fitting two wedding seasons into one this year, but she has handled the workload with grace!
The bridal party’s processional took place to The Piano Guys’ cover of A Thousand Years. Then Allie’s grand entrance began. For her song, they chose Yoke Lore’s banjo folk cover of Truly Madly Deeply by Savage Garden, which is just gorgeous.
This song choice is a great example of just how specific you can be with which parts of your song you choose to play and when. Allie and Pete wanted Allie to be walking during the chorus of the song. So they asked for the doors to be opened when the vocals start 17 seconds in. Then, they told DJ Steve to get through the chorus and fade out. A good DJ can follow this kind of specific direction to make sure you hear just the right parts of a song.
The reception for Allie and Pete’s wedding was inside the venue’s stunning 300-seat barn. With all that wood, barn venues can be a bit dark inside. No risk of that at Shadow Creek. Their huge open barn is not only lined with windows all around to let the light in, but they also painted two of the walls and the roof behind the raw beams a bright white, which keeps the space feeling airy and luminous.
For the bridal party’s celebratory reception entrance, Allie and Pete chose Kygo’s cover of Higher Love. Then the couple had their first dance to Always Remember Us This Way by Lady Gaga from “A Star is Born.” For the parent dances, they chose the classic What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong.
How often does the groom do a live performance at a wedding? When the groom is a Souncloud rapper, then the answer is always. Pete (aka Texas Pete) performed his song Tesla for at the reception and got everyone hyped. At the end of the night, Allie and Pete were sent off in a cascade of sparklers. It was a fitting end to a glowing day.
If you’re planning your wedding for 2022, we can help! Not only can we provide pre-ceremony, ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception music, but we can help you select your music as well. Plus, we offer custom event lighting and photo booth packages. Fill out our online form to reserve your date!
All photos by Jennifer Bosak Photography
Happy couple Steve & Erica said “I do” among the roses at Antrim 1844. Learn about their song choices and the surprising special guest at their Maryland wedding.
It’s hard to say what month is prettiest at Maryland wedding venue Antrim 1844, but May is certainly a contender. The roses are blooming and the temperatures are still comfortable. At Erica and Steve’s Friday wedding in mid-May, the high was in the low 70s—perfect wedding weather!
Antrim 1844’s Katie Coon made sure everything ran without a hitch. She’s the Special Events Manager at the venue, and she keeps all of the details organized so the couple can just enjoy their special day. Samantha of Samantha Jean Photography was also on hand to capture the picture-perfect day. With these two pros on the team, along with videographer Josh Goodman and Maryland wedding DJ Steve Hartka on the scene, this wedding was in good hands.
For Erica’s entrance to Antrim 1844’s lush Rose Garden, she and Steve chose Can’t Help Falling in Love by Haley Reinhart. Is it sacrilege to say we like this version better than Elvis’ version? Maybe, but we’ll risk it. After the ceremony, things got upbeat with Marry You by Bruno Mars.
When cocktail hour out in the garden was over, the party moved to the reception area—a beautiful white tent out on the grounds. The couple made their grand entrance to Hall & Oates’ You Make My Dreams Come True, which never fails to get big smiles (and major The Wedding Singer vibes.)
For their special dances, Erica and Steve chose a really nice combo of songs. Their first dance was to I Am Yours by Andy Grammer. Then Erica and her mother danced to You Say by Lauren Daigle. The lyrics are all about being seen and supported even when you don’t think you can measure up, and it beautifully reflects the unconditional love a parent has for their child. Steve and his mom finished out the formal dances to Humble and Kind by Tim McGraw.
For the bouquet toss, Erica went with some pure 90s female empowerment by the legendary Shania Twain, with Man I Feel Like a Woman.
Fun fact: did you know that the video for Man I Feel Like a Woman is a parody of Robert Palmer’s 1985 video for Addicted to Love? People got upset about Palmer’s video in the 80s because the “band” is made up of nearly identical women in matching outfits with dead expressions on their faces—and it was a bit objectifying. Twain played with a little role reversal by having her (all male) backup band dress in matching outfits and express the same blank faces. Checkmate, Palmer.
Steve and Erica are clearly a fun-loving couple. Not only did they have their pups involved in their day, festooned with garlands of greenery, but they also invited a special guest to their reception—Slapshot, the mascot for the Washington Capitals hockey team.
After a sparkler exit at 10:30pm, Steve and Erica disappeared into the night, to start their married life as husband and wife.
We love weddings at Antrim 1844, and we have plenty more planned over the summer! If you’re getting married at this classic venue—or anywhere else in Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC, or the surrounding area—we’d love to be there to spin the tunes and provide fun facts about them. What can we say? We’re music nerds.
Fill out our super quick online form to get started with your Maryland wedding DJ!
All photos by Samantha Jean Photography
See the stunning views at Denissa and Conner’s Rochelle VA hilltop wedding! DJ Ryan got to groove to the couple’s unique music choices and everyone had a blast.
The panoramic views from the ceremony site at Denissa and Conner’s May wedding were un.be.lievable. This beautiful couple said their vows atop a hill at Renback Fall at Falk Farm in Rochelle, VA, in front of a sweeping vista of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was like something out of a fairy tale. Or a movie. Or a fairy tale movie.
Renback Barn is a 27-acre property located within the larger Falk Farms’ 300-acre expanse. It has a huge lawn for all your guests, plus a massive rustic barn where you can hold a reception for up to 200 people.
Denissa and Conner’s big day wasn’t quite that size, with COVID still on their minds. Instead, they gathered with closer to 50 friends and family, and had a spectacular time.
Hannah Schones of Hannah Dawn Photography was on hand to commemorate the day with her beautiful pictures. They definitely did justice to the fantastic scenery!
Rochelle wedding DJ Ryan provided the music for both the hilltop ceremony and the barn reception. Some of the song choices for this event were ones we’d never heard before, which is always fun!
The bridal party made their entrance to a piano cover of Oasis’ Champagne Supernova by Juniper Hanson, which we loved! Then Denissa made her entrance to a piece called Almost Idyllic by Sleeping at Last. It’s from the soundtrack of the film “Many Beautiful Things,” so it’s sweeping and cinematic, and fit the stunning landscape perfectly.
After the ceremony was over, Conner and Denissa sauntered off the hill to class rock geniuses The Who and Baba O’Riley. We obviously know this classic, but we don’t hear it often during wedding ceremonies, so we were quite pleased.
After cocktail hour outside taking in those gorgeous views, the guests moved into the air conditioned barn for food and fiesta. The newly married pair made their grand entrance to Oh Honey by Delegation. If you’re not familiar with this funk and soul ballad from 1975, we recommend you check it out.
For their first dance, the couple went back to a piano cover. This time, it was Pure Imagination (from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory) played by Wesley Keys. Then Denissa and her dad danced to The Way We Were/Try to Remember by Gladys Knight & the Pips. Her father made a slideshow to play along with their dance. DJ Ryan said it was the highlight of the night. After the slideshow, Conner and his mom danced to a cover of Landslide by Molly Parden & Hollow Hum.
There were a few more excellent song choices for the night. For the money dance, they chose Grover Washington Jr.’s Just the Two of Us. When it came time to cut the cake, they were accompanied by a cover of Dancing in the Moonlight by Toploader.
And when it was time to say goodbye, they went big (band) with It’s Been a Long, Long Time by Harry James & His Orchestra. All of the music choices for this gorgeous, fun wedding prove that you don’t have to choose a single genre or stick to traditional “wedding music.” You can choose tunes you like from all genres to make your special day feel deeply personal!
Whether you know exactly what you want or need a little help with the tunes for your wedding, we can help. Give us a shout and let us know when we can play you down the aisle!
All photos by Hannah Dawn Photography
Learn about this historic Elkridge wedding venue, and why this beautiful wooded spot on the Patapsco River is a must-see for Maryland couples.
If you:
then you really need to check out the Elkridge Furnace Inn & Manor House in Elkridge, Maryland.
The buildings on this property are old. One even dates back to pre-Revolutionary War! The Tavern (1744), Manor House (1810), and Brick House (1830) were actually in danger of being demolished until The Department of Natural Resources purchased the property to save it! Donna Wecker and her family provided the vision for the restoration and help run things day to day on this gorgeous property.
Since 1992, they’ve been feeding the Elkridge community, first as caterers, then as an onsite restaurant, and finally as a wedding venue. It’s a truly family-run business, with Donna running the sales and management, husband Chef Dan handling the food, daughter Genelle providing the pastries, and son Matthias helping out behind the scenes.
We asked owner Donna Wecker to share some of her thoughts with us about what makes Elkridge Furnace Inn special, and some of the wildest things she’s seen in her years at weddings.
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
We have been making wedding memories for 27 years at the Manor, which is uniquely apportioned for weddings. Chef Dan's famous cuisine is one of the highlights — couples come back and say their guests are still talking about it! With our location right on the Patapsco River, most of our couples choose to share an outdoor ceremony with us. Our couples appreciate the way we personalize and customize their day.
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
When our couples arrive, they are greeted and taken to either the Celebration Lounge or Celebration Suite for changing, sharing some bubbly, laughing and taking photos. Then with our main Ceremony Point just above the banks of the Patapsco River, couples and their loved ones are enveloped within wild and tamed natural spaces for the nuptials. The front yard and Manor House are gracious spaces for Cocktail Hour. When guests are invited into the Celebration Tent, we line up the bridal party for announcements while excitement mounts. After first dances and formalities are completed over a carefully chosen menu by Chef Dan, it’s time for uplights and a bit of unrestrained revelry on the dance floor. (Note — this is Maryland’s DJ’s time to shine!)
The large side yard allows guests to spill out to enjoy the chef's Kitchen Garden and other fruit trees and berries grown on this Farm to Table venue. There is a unique space for every aspect of Wedding Day and a team of professionals ready to make memories happen.
Photo by Winnie Dora Photography
We've had wedding rings delivered by a hawk and a dog ring bearer...who "misplaced" the ring. It was finally found after many intense minutes.
That's a toss up between the adult-sized white bouncy castle or the wedding cake stand that hung from our tent rafters.
Of course, we love our blended families and love them being part of the ceremonies. But honestly, seeing the Flower Grannies meticulously tossing their petals before the grand entrance of a bride was priceless.
Just how much time and coordination it takes to pull off with staff who is mostly part-time!
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Photo by Winnie Dora Photography
Photo by Winnie Dora Photography
Photo by Winnie Dora Photography
Photo by Winnie Dora Photography
Photo by Winnie Dora Photography
Photo by Winnie Dora Photography
Thanks so much to Donna for sharing your gorgeous Elkridge wedding venue with us! If you’re getting married at Elkridge Furnace Inn, we can help you cut loose. Fill out our quick online form to secure your date.
Header Photo by Winnie Dora Photography
Pasadena, MD wedding DJ Steve brought pop and country tunes together for Allayne & Stephen’s big celebration. It was a beautiful day for a beautiful couple.
Allayne and Stephen’s wedding by the sea was a perfect way to spend a lovely day in April. The venue was the stunning Celebrations at the Bay in Pasadena, MD. It seems like no matter how many weddings we DJ in Maryland, Washington DC, and Virginia, we never get close to seeing all of the amazing waterfront venues!
Celebrations at the Bay has three different ceremony and reception locations. Our couple chose the Tented Vista Ballroom, which includes a half-domed arbor on the waterfront for the ceremony. Draped with flowers and garland, it feels like a place where real life royalty would say their vows.
The photographer for the day was Emily of EEG Photography. She caught all the fun of this happy day, from the “I do’s” to the dance floor shenanigans.
Pasadena wedding DJ Steven was on site to make sure everything went smoothly. He had a personal stake in this wedding—he went to the same high school as the groom, and played football with the groom’s younger brother. It’s a small world!
The bridal party entered the ceremony site to Speechless by Dan + Shay, and then Allayne made her entrance to the same song. They lightened things up for the recessional, with the song Love and Marriage by Frank Sinatra.
Note: Can you hear this song and not immediately think of Married With Children? I can’t, but I may just be showing my age.
After the ceremony, the 50-or-so guests at this intimate wedding headed over to the Tented Vista Ballroom. This pretty reception site has an outdoor feel, but the tile floor and temperature control keeps it comfortable for dancing in all weather.
The music choices for the evening were a combination of pop and country, starting with the grand entrances. The bridal party partied their way in (see what I did there?) to P!nk’s Raise Your Glass. But then things went country with Allayne and Stephen’s big entrance to Fire by Brett Eldredge.
For the couple’s first dance, they chose My Best Friend by Tim McGraw. Then Allayne and her father danced to I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack, and Stephen and his mom chose You’ll Be In My Heart by Phil Collins. There was one more special dance on the agenda—Allayne and her grandfather danced to Hero by Mariah Carey, which was a lovely tribute to a special man.
After that, we were all over the place! The Must Play list had a great blend of pop, funk, and country from a number of decades. A few of the choices that Pasadena wedding DJ Steve made sure to play were:
The last song of the night was Forever After All by Luke Combs, which made a fitting end to this country-loving wedding day.
But the weekend wasn’t over yet! The next morning, there was a big brunch for everyone at another one of our favorite venues, Elkridge Furnace Inn in Elkridge, MD. This is one of the many benefits to having a more intimate wedding! You can have a nice brunch or next day get-together with the whole crew.
Whether your wedding music choices are country and pop, funk and soul, hip hop and R&B, or swing and showtunes, we can help put together the right soundtrack. Contact us today to tell us about your big day and let’s start planning!
All photos by EEG Photography
Meet Winnie Dora, talented Maryland wedding photographer and all-around awesome human. Learn what she thinks about weddings—and the one odd place she was asked to go.
Maryland wedding photographer Winnie Dora Nham’s path to the industry was a bit different than most!
She wasn’t a photographer’s assistant, a coordinator, or a designer. She was a musician!
As a long-time violinist, Winnie spent seven years as a member of a string quartet that played at weddings across Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. As a wedding musician, she and her group played ceremony and cocktail hour music, so she got a behind-the-scenes look at how weddings were run.
Outside of her quartet, she was (and still is) also an avid traveler, which led to her capturing her trips through photography.
Now, she’s the mastermind behind Winnie Dora Photography where she combines her love of weddings with her passion for photography. Winnie and her team shoot engagements, elopements, portraits, and wedding days. Her photo philosophy centers around a lifestyle approach, capturing candid and genuine scenes from life’s big moments.
Another wonderful thing about Winnie—she’s always willing to help. Whether that’s stepping in when another photographer becomes unavailable, or helping a bride-to-be decide what to wear for an engagement shoot, she takes her dedication to service to the next level. And that’s something that makes her stand out.
We asked this talented Maryland wedding photographer to share her thoughts on weddings and the local venue scene. Here’s what she had to say!
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
I gravitate towards venues with a lot of historic and architectural interest. There are so many gorgeous venues to choose from in the DMV, but DAR Constitution Hall and Meridian House are among my favorites.
Meridian House. Photo by Winnie Dora Photography.
Wedding days are one of the most joyous, emotional days of a person's life. That happiness manifests itself in different ways at different little moments for every couple, and it is so touching to see my couples realize how surrounded with love they are as their visions come to life on a wedding day. Being there to witness that joy and capture it is an honor I don't take lightly.
Photo by Winnie Dora Photography
I once had a bride whose mother asked me to follow her EVERYWHERE. Everywhere, including...*drumroll* the bathroom. That was an interesting day!
Well, there may or may not have been a pool at the resort of a wedding I was at. The entire wedding party decided to jump in at the end of the night (including the bride and groom in full attire!). Does it count if I was part of said wedding party!? Haha.
Literally, the little kids. I love when they run onto the dance floor and start dancing like nobody's watching (usually, everyone is). It cracks me up because sometimes they're dancing on their own before the festivities start, sometimes it's during an important moment like speeches or first dances...but it is always adorable.
Photo by Winnie Dora Photography
The amount of time and energy that goes into shooting a wedding—both the lead into, the day of, and post processing after the wedding day. I think there's a common misconception that we simply show up, press a few buttons, and call it a day, but there's an incredible amount of planning that goes into a timeline, thinking about lighting and locations, and capturing couples in a way that is authentic to them as individuals.
It can also be backbreaking work since you're running around on your feet with heavy gear, contorting your body to get “the perfect shot.” I spend at least an hour before and after each wedding stretching, foam rolling, and doing yoga to help counteract the physical toll it takes on my body! At the end of the day, it's all worth it for the couples we serve.
Photo by Winnie Dora Photography
I've heard so many speeches at this point that it's hard to remember specifics, but usually when someone starts crying I'm a total sucker and tear up as well. I also love speeches that don't go on forever, especially before dinner is served because everyone is hungry.
(Can you tell I'm a wedding vendor? Haha!)
Bridesmaids! Such a solid laugh, every time.
After the wedding is over, it can be so easy to get caught up in the day to day practicalities (and annoyances) of existing together and life in general. Use your vows as a compass to steer you back to who you want to be as a couple when things go amiss.
Photo by Winnie Dora Photography
That is some world-class advice from a world-class wedding pro!
To work with Winnie or see more of her beautiful photos, visit her website. And to reserve your wedding date with Maryland’s DJ, reach out today! We’re booking for 2021 and 2022, and we’d love to save the date for you!
Central Maryland wedding DJ Steve brought the Latin spice to Juan & Jessica’s wedding! Held at historic Antrim 1844, this special day was classy and caliente.
It was impossible not to get into the spirit of things at Jessica and Juan’s Latin-filled wedding day. With a ceremony out in the English Tea Rose Garden of lovely Antrim 1844 and a reception inside the historic mansion’s glass-enclosed pavilion, this April wedding took advantage of both the indoor and outdoor spaces in one of our favorite venues.
Antrim 1844 is a Greek revival home that looks right out of another time—because it is. It was built in 1844 (hence the name), and has been lovingly restored by the owners who turned it into a stunning central Maryland wedding venue. DJ Steve always appreciates a chance to bring music to such a beautiful space!
Our happy couple on this beautiful April day was Jessica and Juan, two Latin-music enthusiasts who brought plenty of their favorite genre to the reception.
But first, the ceremony.
For the intro music out in the classic rose garden, the couple went with lovely, simple violin covers of a couple modern pop love songs. For the bridal party’s entrance, they chose Perfect by Ed Sheerhan. And for the bride’s processional, they selected All of Me by John Legend. Both covers were by the super talented violinist, pianist, guitarist, and who-knows-what-else-ist Daniel Jang.
Winnie of Winnie Dora Photography took all the photos on Juan and Jessica’s big day, from the classy ceremony to the epic salsa party after! The groom’s parents set the tone for the reception with their entrance to Colombia Tierra Querida by Juan Carlos Coronel.
In a reception space draped in mauve, white, gold, and pastel pink, Central Maryland wedding DJ Steve made the room glow with custom uplighting. After a lovely meal, toasts, blessings, and love all around, it was time to dance!
And of course, their Must Play list included lots of Latin music! Here are a few of the highlights:
(Incidentally, those last four are on our list of Top 12 Wedding Salsa Songs...see what else we chose!)
But it wasn’t all Latin. They also chose a couple wedding classics like September by Earth, Wind, and Fire, and the Y.M.C.A. by the Village People.
We had a great time at Juan and Jessica’s wedding. And it’s been amazing over the past few weeks to start celebrating with bigger crowds again.
Whether you’re planning a rescheduled 2020 wedding, or you just got engaged this year, we can help. The team at Maryland’s DJ can help you choose just the perfect songs for your perfect day.
Contact us to check our availability and get a demo of what we can do!
All photos by Winnie Dora Photography
Darian has nearly 10 years of experience at weddings, birthday parties, fundraisers, engagement parties, boat parties, proms, homecomings, and more!
Time to celebrate, folks. There’s a new DJ on the team! Darian Granger, aka DJ V-las, has joined Maryland’s DJ and we are pleased as punch to have him.
Darian has been sharing vibes since before he even started DJing! He began by sharing his own mix tapes with friends (back when people still made mix tapes) that he called D-Mixes, so his buddies always had good tunes to listen to. When he got a bit older and started going to parties, he was always responsible for the music, picking each song on his iPod.
Soon it was time to take things to the next level, and he sought out a professional DJ to teach him the real deal. He spent some time as a roadie, and eventually started taking on his own events. DJ V-las has almost 10 years of experience, and he’s both DJ’ed and MC’ed hundreds of events including birthday parties, weddings, fundraisers, engagement parties, boat parties, proms, and homecomings, plus working at bars and clubs.
Darian says, “I truly enjoy and play ALL types of music so I'm always prepared for any type of event. I strongly believe that it's about what the client and crowd want to enjoy, not the DJ.”
Darian can do it all, from disco to country, classic rock to EDM, top 40 to house music, and more. And if you need something custom, talk to him about a remix or mashup of a couple of your favorite tunes.
Outside of DJing, Darien is a fitness buff, and he’s a pretty big Marvel and DC fan as well.
We asked Darian to share some of his thoughts on weddings, the art of DJing, and the songs he thinks are a bit overplayed. (But don’t worry, he’ll still play them for you!)
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
I pride myself in my knowledge of all types of music and combining different eras of music through transitions and mixing. I also love interacting with people during events.
For DJ V-las, it’s more about a wedding venue type than one specific venue. He says, “I always enjoy a barn wedding venue. They seem to have a more laid back feel for both DJ and patrons.”
Photo by Valerie Michelle Photography
*A couple of our favorite barn wedding venues include Stone Ridge Hollow (pictured above), Rosewood Farms, and Pond View Farm.
Always dance time. It’s the time in the evening all the guests come together and enjoy themselves.
My first dance song if I were to get married would be Elton John’s Can You Feel The Love Tonight.
The craziest thing I ever saw was a falcon that flew through the hall to deliver the best man's speech.
I love seeing the little kids do the dances like they do on TikTok.
GDFR by Flo Rida. 😳
All line dances.
Not all DJs will deliver the same quality service. You always get what you pay for!
I love hip hop, pop, R&B and all music from the 2000s.
To get started working with Darian or one of our other awesome DJs on your must-play tunes, get in touch! All clients at Maryland’s DJ get unlimited planning sessions with their DJs, so you can ask all the questions and get everything set up just right.
If you grew up in the 1900s, you may want to harken back to your youth on your wedding dance floor. Here are some tunes you’ll want on your 90s music playlist.
Okay, 90s kids, it’s your time to shine.
This is the music many of today’s engaged couples grew up with. Millennials are between 25 and 40 as of 2021, which puts them at that average age for marriage. We know that when we start up a Backstreet Boys or TLC track, we’re going to be playing the bridal party and friends’ jams.
As mostly Millennials ourselves here on the Maryland’s DJ team, it was tough to pick just a few songs each to add to this 90s playlist. But we persevered. So here are 12 of our favorites from this formative decade.
Eat your millennial heart out.
Cher’s dance-pop jam Believe introduced autotune to the masses. We’re not sure whether we should thank her for that, but the song is still awesome.
P.S. Lenny Kravitz co-wrote this particular hit.
It became legendary through Saturday Night Live and A Night at the Roxbury, but What Is Love was already a hit five years before the movie. It’s incessantly catchy and we love it.
This Eurodance song includes exactly two lyrics: “Do you think you’re better off alone” and “Talk to me.” So it’s not going to win any lyric awards.
But that synth melody and drum machine are so bouncy it does. not. matter.
It’s not all synth and drum machines and dance music. Sublime combined reggae, rock, and hip-hop into something completely different. That first guitar riff on Santeria will get all the 90s kids hyped.
The one. The only. The Notorious. Even people who aren’t into 90s hip-hop know and love Hypnotize.
This song was Montell Jordan’s introductory release. It sold a million copies, went platinum, and won Jordan a Grammy for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
Not too shabby for your first single. And it will get your dance floor fired up.
You can’t talk about the 90s without boy bands. Backstreet Boys took the boy band genre and exploded it into a mania that we wouldn’t recover from for over a decade.
Actually…(checks BTS’ record sales)...maybe we still haven’t recovered.
The ladies at the wedding will lose their minds when No Scrubs starts. We’ve seen it. Never fails.
Jordan wasn’t satisfied with just one Backstreet Boys song. He needed a second installment, so he went with a little tune called Backstreet’s Back (Everybody). It’s pretty obscure. You’ve probably never heard of it.
Inevitably, there will be someone on the dance floor who's been through a rough patch. Return of the Mack will help them get their groove back.
The earliest release on our list, Wreckz-N-Effects Rump Shaker holds over a bit of that late 80s hip-hop sound. 1992 was definitely the year of booty-themed songs—Baby Got Back came out that same year.
Another night, another dance-pop hit. This jam by Real McCoy is one that you may not recognize by the name, but everyone will know it when the music starts.
Working on a 90s music playlist for your wedding or event? The Maryland’s DJ team can help you pick all the hits in all the genres. Fill out our online form to check availability and start planning!
All photos by Glenn Clevenger III of I Live Art
See more photos from Mic & Corie’s wedding!
Want to get the crowd riled up? The 80s were full of danceable songs and memorable hooks that will get your dance floor grooving.
With synths and drum machines on one end, and stadium-worthy guitars on the other, the 80s were one of our favorite decades for music. Huge hits were coming from the U.S. and U.K., both from bands that would have long-established careers and some very memorable one-hit-wonders.
We asked some members of our team to share three favorite songs of the 80s that they think you should request at your wedding!
We’re starting out on a high note. Everyone—and we do mean everyone—-loves Prince. And this particularly awesome 80s dance song is the party jam of party jams. Modern party anthem wannabes can only aspire to this level of greatness.
So it’s technically a breakup song, but we all just love to sing “Don’t you want me, baby?” loudly and badly. Also, you do you girl. Don’t stay in a relationship that you’ve outgrown. That guy just wants power over you.
Another synth-jam, Just Can’t Get Enough is an iconic version of that new 80s dance sound and launched Depeche Mode into stardom. Plus, it’s a love song, so it’s totally wedding-appropriate.
It’s hard to put your finger on what makes this 80s song so great, but it just grooves, you know? The melody is super catchy, and even though most people mumble their way through the lyrics, everyone knows at least part of the chorus.
One of the most famous and catchy smashes of the 1980s is Come On Eileen. Everything from the riffs to the lyrics to the legendary video (not available on YouTube, unfortunately!) have been stuck in our collective unconscious since the song’s release nearly 40 years ago. Play this one at your wedding and everyone will get into it.
Lionel Ritchie’s Caribbean-inspired vacation song All Night Long (All Night) is a chill-type of party anthem. It’s less “drink until you’re sick” and more “hey cool cats, let’s sip a mai thai and enjoy these sweet jams all night long.” We’re all about it.
We have unilaterally decided that no wedding is complete until this all-time favorite 1980s wedding song has played. There will be no send-off, no sparklers, and no decoration removal until we hear from the Queen of the Night, thankyouverymuch.
When the DJ needs to give the crowd a breather but doesn’t want to play a super slow song, he can start-up Shout by Tears for Fears. Everyone knows the chorus and they can sing along in between swigs of something refreshing.
By the mid-80s, the hair bands had a firm grip on the decade’s music scene. Bon Jovi was a little less “glam” and a little more “rock” than some of their contemporaries, which may be why they’re the only band of the genre that is still topping charts.
One of their biggest hits was Livin’ on a Prayer, which will get the entire dance floor sing-screaming “Whooaaaaa, we’re halfway there…”
Also, someone needs to tell Jon Bon Jovi that he’s 59 years old and has no business looking as good as he does.
At the start of the 80s, funk and disco were still riding the wave of popularity. Get Down On It has such a simple chorus that everyone can sing along.
It’s clear that DJ Ryan has a soft spot for 80s dance songs that hold over some of that 70s sound. You Dropped a Bomb On Me combines funk with the up-and-coming 80s synth sound for one of their biggest hits.
Fun fact! The Gap Band was created by three brothers, and they named it for three streets in their hometown of Tulsa—Greenwood, Archer, and Pine.
Combining pop synth and rock guitar, this song is a jam even with lyrics that are a bit...odd. Does anyone know what this song is actually about? Regardless, the video won the first ever Video of the Year Juno award in Canada, so check it out!
Need more 80s jams on your dance floor? There are SO many good ones from this synth-heavy decade. Get in touch and start planning your wedding with Maryland’s DJ!
Photos by Emily Chastain
See more of Brock and Theresa’s wedding!
Disco, soul, yacht rock, funk — the sounds of the 70s run the gamut. We’ve picked some of our top tunes from this funky decade to get your dance floor hustling.
The 1970s were a decade of soul, disco, yacht rock, and funk. The platform shoes were tall. The skirts were short. And the tunes were grooving.
We love the music from this era for its funky bass lines, plus the diversity of popular genres! Compare the jangly disco of ABBA with the smoooooooth hits of The Doobie Brothers with the upbeat funk of Earth Wind and Fire, and you get a feel for the sounds of the 70s.
Here are some of the Maryland’s DJ crew’s favorite songs from this happening decade!
Boz Scaggs’ voice was one of the coolest in the game back in the 70s. His funk hit Lowdown always gets shoulders shimmying.
Kool & the Gang loved to boogie, and this song (with the ultra-famous intro that was sampled by DJ Kool for Let Me Clear My Throat in 1996) brings the funk.
This jam by The Doobie Brothers was one of the few non-disco songs to top the charts in 1979. Michael McDonald’s voice is as smooth as Crisco and sweet as sugar.
Breakup songs aren’t always considered the “right” choice at a wedding or celebration, but this ode to female empowerment is an exception.
From the second that “sitar-guitar” starts playing the descending scale in the beginning of this song, you know there’s good stuff coming.
This tune makes its way onto tons of wedding playlists, and it’s one that we never grow tired of. And if your wedding happens to fall on the 21st night of September, it deserves a special place in your big day.
There aren’t many better songs to play at events with all your family and friends than Sister Sledge’s We Are Family — especially if there’s a close group of sisters or bridesmaids in the crowd.
Tina Turner didn’t write this tune — that distinction goes to John Fogerty. But when many of us think of it, we think of the icon Tina. She sloooooows down over “Rolling on a rivverrrr…” and then
BAM.
The sax starts, the energy picks up, and it’s time to hitch a ride on the riverboat queen. Classic.
It says it right there in the title. When this tune comes on, we’re all diggin’ the Dancing Queen.
Le Freak is an ode to Studio 54’s heyday and the glitz and grime of 1970s New York. It’s so firmly 70s disco that it’s practically polyester.
Soul was alive and well in the 70s, as evidenced by The Spinners’ I’ll Be Around. And as a wedding song, it’s a hit. It’s got a mellower energy than some of the other tunes on this list, and gives the couple a chance to remind each other that, “Whenever you want me, I’ll be around.”
If you took a poll asking people to pick a song that encapsulates the 1970s, we bet quite a few would choose the Bee Gees’ Stayin’ Alive. All you have to do is strut when this jam comes on to feel like a million bucks.
Need to bring a little boogie to your party? The team at Maryland’s DJ can help. Fill out our online form to get your date booked and start planning!
Photos by George Street Photo & Video
See more of Matt & Christine’s wedding day!
We dig the dance songs of the 60s for the slick vocals and major nostalgia. Add a couple of these crowd-pleasers to your wedding’s must-play list!
There’s no two ways about it—the 1960s had some fantastic dance songs. Music from the 60s makes an awesome, crowd-pleasing addition to your wedding playlist. The songs are danceable and upbeat, they’re clean and family-friendly (for the most part), and pretty much everyone in the crowd from kids to grandparents will know them.
We asked our DJs to pick a few of their favorite dance songs of the 1960s. Choose a few to add to your “must play” list, or just tell your wedding DJ that you like upbeat tunes from this great decade for music and let them take it from there.
From the second that jangly xylophone starts chiming, you know you’re in for a treat. Just dare your guests not to belt out “Ain’t no mountain highhhhh enough!” when it gets to the chorus.
This earlier Stevie Wonder tune sometimes gets forgotten in the wake of his 1970s mega-hits like Superstition and Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours). But this upbeat song with its happy lyrics is totally danceable.
Could these guys be any smoother? This song is a wedding hit on the dance floor, plus it makes a sweet father/daughter dance choice.
Marvin Gaye’s recording of I Heard It Through the Grapevine wasn’t the first version of this classic, but it’s DJ Brian’s favorite and it’s one of the best-known.
I Want You Back may be an odd song to be recorded by a 10-year-old lead vocalist, but that didn’t stop Michael Jackson and his 4 older brothers from creating a massive hit.
Fun fact time! Ever wonder why John Lennon’s voice sounds so different on this famous recording? Almost like he’s struggling to get the notes out? That’s because he was. This track was made after 12 solid hours of recording by The Beatles, and Lennon’s voice was practically gone. They knocked out a single take, and that’s the version we all know and love.
No self-respecting list of 1960s bangers would leave out the Queen of Soul. And honestly, a wedding isn’t a bad time to remind the people in your life of the kind of treatment you deserve.
It’s been proven by science that it’s impossible to have a bad day after listening to this ultra-happy dance song of the 1960s. From the tambourine to the sax to Jackie Wilson’s falsetto, everyone will be singing this tune to their “one in a million girl.”
This song is an absolute toe-tapper. And after hundreds of weddings, we can guarantee that it will get the crowd more animated than the stiff, mannequin-like people in this video. It’s like they directed the audience to look as bored as possible. Weird.
Covered by everyone from The Supremes to Dolly Parton to La Toya Jackson, nothing can top the original!
Upbeat, romantic, and totally danceable, This Old Heart of Mine is everything we love about tunes from the 1960s.
The Temptations get a second entry on this list (and they could have several more) with Ain’t Too Proud to Beg. Begging never sounded so good.
Start with these tunes, and if you need more help with a bopping 1960s dance floor playlist, we can help! Maryland’s DJ offers its couple unlimited planning sessions, so we can answer all your questions and make sure your playlist is packed with danceable songs of the 60s and more. Contact us today to get on our schedule and start planning.
Photos by Love and Adventure Photography
See more pictures from Melissa and Nicholas’s Wedding!
Trying to put that wedding budget together? Start here to get a ballpark price for a high-quality wedding DJ, and learn what that rate will get you!
Pricing out a wedding is a tough job! There are vendors to hire, rental fees to consider, food and drinks to choose, decor and clothing to buy...it seems to go on and on!
When you start planning, it can help to have a ballpark budget in mind for each of your different expense categories. To help you get an idea of what you may expect to spend on a DJ, we’ve put together some info on wedding DJ prices. Start here so you know what’s reasonable and what you should look for when you hire this ultra-important vendor!
Photo by Bradley Images
Final pricing will depend on a lot of factors. In larger cities with pricier markets, you can expect to spend more on your DJ. For a longer reception, you may also have to pay more than you would for a “standard” wedding length. And of course, there are add-ons like a photo booth or uplighting.
With all that being said, you can probably expect to spend between $1,500 and $3,000 on your wedding DJ for their standard package.
Some DJs may also offer smaller packages for a lower rate. For example, a minimony or micro wedding will probably be shorter and require less equipment, so this type of package may be more affordable. You can still bring the same level of professionalism that a great wedding DJ provides without breaking the bank.
Photo by Photography By Brea
Contract terms will vary from DJ to DJ. Many DJs include the following in their standard package, but make sure to check the details before you sign!
For extras like an afterparty or lighting, DJs will charge an additional fee.
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Pro tip: if you’re not sure what to ask a potential DJ when you’re comparing your options, start with these Top 10 Questions to Ask a Wedding DJ.
You may be able to find a “budget” DJ for a suspiciously low rate. Ever heard the saying, “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is?”
DJs that charge just a few hundred dollars don’t have the skills, the experience, or the equipment necessary to provide a good experience for you or your guests. They usually don’t have a backup DJ in case of an emergency, and they don’t have backup equipment if something gets broken. (At Maryland’s DJ, we always have both!)
And it’s not only about getting your dance floor moving. How would you feel if it was your grand entrance moment, and the DJ played wildly inappropriate music? That’s what happened to this poor bride, who had to stop her processional.
Or what about a DJ that’s so unorganized that they leave you and your new spouse standing awkwardly on the dance floor for over a minute while they look for your first dance music? One couple learned how it felt first hand. When the DJ couldn’t find the song, they started playing something else...only to start it over when they finally did find the right track. Warning: this wedding DJ fail is super cringey.
A DJ who doesn’t pay attention to detail can majorly mess up your all-important wedding milestones, from the ceremony to the first dance to the cake cutting. They can also ruin the vibe of your day, drinking on the job, looking unkempt, making inappropriate comments — there are dozens of ways a “cheap” DJ can wreck your wedding.
To make sure you’re talking to someone with experience, check their reviews on sites like The Knot and WeddingWire, plus Google and Facebook. Look at the quantity of reviews as well as the star rating. A dozen good reviews are nice, but a couple hundred are better!
We know that you have a lot on your plate during your wedding season. At Maryland’s DJ, we work hard to be a fun and easy vendor for you to work with. All of our couples get unlimited planning sessions with their wedding DJ, so they can ask all the questions and get expert advice on song choices and timeline.
To get your wedding date on our calendar, fill out our super quick online form and we’ll get back to you ASAP!
Header photo by Glenn Clevenger III of I Live Art
If you’ve never hired a DJ before, you may not know what to look for. Start with these 10 questions to ask a wedding DJ before you sign that contract!
Hiring a DJ for the first time? If you’ve never worked with wedding vendors before, you don’t know what you don’t know!
We want you to feel educated and empowered when DJ-shopping, so we’ve put together a list of 10 questions to ask when you’re vetting your options. Plus, we’re giving you an idea of the answers you should expect from a top-notch DJ service.
This is your wedding we’re talking about. It’s kind of a big deal. You don’t want some wet-behind-the-ears amateur in charge of the entertainment! Ask any potential wedding DJ how many weddings they’ve worked to make sure they have the experience to wow the crowd.
At Maryland’s DJ, our crew has to have major experience before they’re allowed anywhere near a DJ booth.
Find someone who loves DJ-ing as much as Jordan. Brett and Maggie’s wedding, photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Different DJ contracts will have different terms. Some will be for three hours, others may be for five hours. Some may include travel within a certain radius, and others may require an additional fee for an out-of-town wedding.
When assessing pricing, make sure you’re doing an apples-to-apples comparison by digging into the details and understanding exactly what you’re getting for your money.
Some DJs offer extra services that can really spruce things up at your wedding. A photo booth lets your guests create a digital keepsake from the night, and lighting packages can completely transform the vibe of a space.
If you’re interested in these services, look for a DJ that can provide them so you don’t need to hunt for another vendor.
Hannah & Chris’s wedding with uplighting by Maryland’s DJ — photo by Whole Heart Studios
Putting the DJ in charge of ceremony music will give you extra peace of mind on your wedding day. Instead of relying on your coordinator or a member of the venue staff to get things started, you’ll have a music pro handling cues and fading the song out at the right moment. Most DJs can do this, but make sure before you sign that contract.
Jake & Stephanie’s wedding, photo by Pearly Kate Photography
A true professional will always be happy to help! Experienced DJs have been to more weddings than nearly anyone else, and they can make suggestions you might not have thought of. Instrumental covers, unique pop songs, movie soundtracks...even video games can be a great source of wedding music.
At Maryland’s DJ, you’ll get unlimited planning sessions with your DJ so you can nail down the details.
Your wedding venue contract lets your team into the space at a specific time, and they’ll have to be out at a certain time as well. Ask your DJ how much time they need for set up and breakdown to make sure there’s enough padding built into the event schedule. If vendors leave late, you may have to pay a fee!
Christine & Jordan’s wedding, photo by Lovefusion Photography
Wedding vendors take their commitments to couples very seriously. But unfortunately, emergencies do sometimes happen. What is the backup plan if the DJ can’t make it for some reason?
Make sure your DJ has someone lined up to step in if something goes wrong.
Wedding song requests can be tricky! A great DJ has to balance three things:
What will the DJ do if a guest requests a very cool song from Hamilton — that’s impossible to dance to? What if your cheeky teen cousin asks for a song that will send poor Nana into apoplexy?
If the DJ’s approach is “anything goes,” that might not be one you want to trust with your party. At Maryland’s DJ, we’ll always take wedding song requests into account, but we’ll never sacrifice your vibe for a song.
Jen & Joe’s wedding, photos by Dani Leigh Photography
Along the same lines, make sure your DJ lets you create a “Do not play” list. This will let you blacklist songs you don’t want to hear, whether they’re inappropriate, cheesy, or you just don’t like them.
As we all saw in March of 2020...nothing is certain. Sometimes, things beyond our control can put a wrench in our plans. Illnesses, venue closures, unexpected moves — these things can all change your wedding plans.
Thomas & Stephanie’s wedding, photo by Hamilton Photography
Make sure you know about any fines for cancellations or date changes, so you’re not caught off guard.
Start the dialogue with a potential DJ with these 10 questions, and feel confident that you’re finding the right vendor. And to ask us these questions (plus any others you may have), contact us today!
Header photo by Dani Leigh Photography
The choice between a wedding band and a wedding DJ is a big one! Consider factors like cost, versatility, and getting the right sound on your big day.
When planning your wedding entertainment, you'll probably ask yourself if a band or DJ is the better choice.
There are certainly benefits to both! A live band can bring a unique energy to your wedding, but they also come with some challenges. Here are some important facts to know when you're considering the great wedding band vs. DJ debate.
It's not always the case, but usually, a wedding band will be more expensive than a DJ. Bands have more members and more equipment, and their pricing will reflect that. A wedding DJ is a team of one, with a possible helper for set up. Instead of half a dozen instruments, amplifiers, speakers, and a PA system, a DJ only needs speakers, a turntable, and a controller to mix it all together.
Weddings can be pricey, and choosing a DJ instead of a band can help you to save costs and stay within your wedding budget.
Got a favorite song in mind for your first dance? Hoping to hear several musical styles during the night? Want your guests to make song requests from the dance floor?
A DJ is probably your best bet. DJs have huge catalogs of songs that they can play in a wide variety of genres. Even the most well-prepared, practiced band can't bring the same number of options to your wedding reception.
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
DJs can also do triple-duty, providing music for your wedding ceremony, for cocktail hour and dinner, and for the dancing after. If you hire a band, you'll still have to arrange for music during the quieter parts of the wedding day.
At some venues, the logistics of bringing in a band can be a major stumbling block. Space restrictions may put that 8-piece band out of reach. They may also need a large electrical power supply and several outlets to keep amps and a PA system running. Not all venues have the electrical capacity for a band.
A DJ, on the other hand, can be tucked into a corner without much difficulty. With much smaller space allowances, DJs can be a better choice for more intimate spaces. And their equipment draws less power than a large band, which is great for outdoor or historic venues.
We love live music, don't get us wrong! But no matter what, that local wedding band is never going to sound quite like your favorite artist — especially if your special song has different instrumentation or unique sound effects.
If you want your first dance song to bring back a shared memory, you may want to stick with the original!
Photo by Savannah Brown
Some couples are happy to share the spotlight on their wedding day. But for others, transferring the focus to a stage isn't what they're aiming for. No matter how you look at it, a live wedding band is putting on a performance, and they will become the focal point of the reception.
A DJ enhances the party, without distracting from it. They can make introductions and help keep to the timeline, but the guest focus remains on the event itself, rather than the band on stage.
Photo by Guill Photo
Some couples find that the best way to get that live entertainment component without breaking the bank is to hire a small group — like a string quartet or a solo guitar player — to provide ceremony and/or cocktail hour music, and bring in a DJ for the reception.
This option lets you take advantage of the DJ's versatility, while still letting your wedding guests enjoy some live music.
If you have questions about working with a DJ, we can help! Contact us today to learn more about working with Maryland's DJ and how we can make your wedding unforgettable.
Header photo by Pearly Kate Photography
We had a fun time being a part of Sara & Michael's Rosewood Farms wedding! DJ Steve Hartka brought the party and the guests brought the moves. Check it out!
Aren’t springtime weddings awesome? Temperatures are warming up, everyone’s shaking off the winter blues, and love is in the air. This year in particular (spring 2021) we have a lot to celebrate, as COVID loosens its grip on our lives and our celebrations.
Sara and Michael tied the knot at Rosewood Farms, one of our favorite Maryland wedding venues in Elkton. This modern barn space is classic and timeless. The Rustic Barn ceremony site manages to feel both like the barn that it is but also like a cathedral or chapel. It’s just stunning.
The photographer for the day was Sara Vars Photography, who captured this happy couple’s day from beginning to end!
The bridal party’s entrance was to Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, followed by Sara’s entrance to Noah Reid’s cover of Simply the Best. If you’re not sure why you know that name, Noah Reid played Patrick on Schitt’s Creek. And let’s be honest...this scene is where we all officially fell in love with him, right?
After the ceremony, the newly married pair were all smiles. And they had reason to be — this was a seriously happy crowd! And stylish. I mean — look at these poses!
Elkton wedding DJ Steve welcomed the bridal party into the reception to the tune of Come and Get Your Love by Redbone. Then there was nothing left to do but introduce Michael and Sara to Good to Be Alive (Hallelujah) by Andy Grammer. This song is such a celebration! The couple then enjoyed their first dance to Van Morrison’s Crazy Love.
Quick side note — often, couples like to have a relative or friend give a short speech or offer a blessing before dinner. During the planning process, we ask couples to fill out some information, including the best way to find the people that will be giving this speech. Sara and Michael decided to give their own. So under “best way to find this person,” they wrote, “We’ll be the ones that just got married.” It gave us a chuckle, and we just thought you should know about it.
This wedding was a multicultural mashup. Sara is Irish and Michael is Brazilian, and it all came together into an epic dance party! This crew was on the dance floor for three hours straight. They enjoyed disco, hip hop, pop, rock, a little salsa…it was all over the place and it was a blast!
A few of the hits:
It was a seriously happy playlist. For the last song, they kept the good vibes going with Lizzo’s Good as Hell, and it really was.
We want to bring an equally awesome playlist to your wedding! Let us know when the happy event is taking place, and we’ll get to work on making your wedding dance floor as epic as Sara and Michael’s.
All photos by Sara Vars Photography
Frederick wedding DJ Steve was happy to comply with this gaming couple's unique and lovely music requests in this Ceresville Mansion wedding!
Here at Maryland’s DJ, we love when couples bring their everyday interests into their wedding, whether that’s a devotion to a particular sports team or a passion for stories about a certain underaged wizard.
For Elisabeth and Aaron, their shared love of video games made its way into their ceremony at Ceresville Mansion. With ceremony music from their favorite game series, they were able to bring their hobby into their big day, and share it with their family and friends at this January wedding.
Ceresville Mansion is easily one of our favorite wedding venues in Frederick. This elegant historic mansion on 25 manicured acres of greenery and gardens is as classy as they come. It has a covered pavilion overlooking a reflecting pond, and plenty of trees where the couple can get “lost” for a few minutes of alone time during their big day.
Elisabeth and Aaron held their ceremony and reception inside the mansion’s Grand Ballroom. It was January, after all, and while it was a beautiful day, it would have been a bit cool for an outdoor ceremony. Photographer Rebecca Mitchell of Rebecca Mitchell Photography was on hand to capture the magic!
Not just any music would do for this gaming couple’s wedding ceremony. They tied in their love of the Final Fantasy game franchise with music from three of their favorite games. If you haven’t played a video game since the original Super Mario, you might be surprised — this isn’t the jangly arcade-style music of olden days. Written by Japanese musician and composer Nobuo Uematsu, the music in this series is well-known for beautiful scores and orchestration.
For the parents and grandparents entrance, they chose Dear Friends from Final Fantasy V. Then the bridal party entered to a piece called To Zanarkand from Final Fantasy X. Finally, Elisabeth made her grand entrance to Final Fantasy VIII’s Fabula Nova Chrystallis. If you’re not familiar, we recommend you click through and give these pieces a listen — they’re truly lovely.
After the ceremony, the party moved to the foyer and front rooms of the house for cocktail hour. The couple asked Frederick wedding DJ Steve to go a bit more traditional with some jazz instrumental tunes.
Then it was time to welcome the bridal party! They chose the upbeat Pop/Stars by K/DA, a virtual female K-Pop group. Then, for Elisabeth and Aaron’s entrance, they couldn’t pick just one song — so they picked four. The Best of 2012 Mashup by Anthem Lights includes:
No gaming music for the big dances. Instead, Elisabeth and Aaron’s first dance was to Tenerife Sea by Ed Sheeran. Then, Elisabeth and her father danced to I Loved Her First by Heartland.
The couple included a few fun add-ons during the reception, including a photo booth to let their guests create an instant keepsake, and a custom monogram with the couple’s names and wedding date.
All-in-all, this was a great wedding with a great couple! We loved to see how they incorporated their passion for video games into their day. It made the wedding that much more personal and unique.
If you’re looking for a Frederick wedding DJ, we can help. We travel all over Maryland, northern Virginia, and Washington, DC, bringing the party with us. Contact us today to reserve your wedding date in 2020 or 2021!
Tina and John didn’t let a little thing like weather get in the way of their perfect beach wedding. When things don’t go exactly how you imagined, just pivot and enjoy!
A little drizzle couldn’t stop John and Tina’s picture perfect wedding from going off without a hitch. This October celebration at the beautiful Chesapeake Bay Beach Club on Kent Island was supposed to be held outside, but the weather wasn’t too cooperative. Not to worry! The team at the resort had it all under control. They moved the ceremony indoors to the Beach House Ballroom, so everyone could stay dry and still enjoy views of the bay in the background.
Even with the change, John and Tina were all smiles. And during breaks in the weather, they were able to get outside for a few private moments with brilliant photographer Dani Leigh. A rainy day may not have been ideal for the ceremony, but it sure made for good photo lighting!
Maryland wedding DJ Jordan got the ceremony started with the bridal party entrance, accompanied by covers of All You Need is Love and With a Little Help From My Friends covered by the Guitar Tribute Players. Then Tina made her grand entrance to A Thousand Years by The Piano Guys. After the ceremony, the newly minted Mr. and Mrs. left the ballroom under a chorus of cheers and Homecoming by Josh Ritter.
During cocktail hour, the staff flipped the ballroom to prepare for the reception, while the guests enjoyed snacks and sipped cocktails. DJ Jordan kept the vibe chill but upbeat, with music by Zac Brown Band, The Beatles, various Motown artists, and the Beach Boys.
When it was time to welcome the bridal party into the reception, the mood was set with Marry You by Bruno Mars. And for the bride and groom’s big entrance, they chose Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake.
The happy couple danced their first to I Am Yours by Andy Grammer. There were definitely a few tears among the guests during this part…
I was free falling through the open sky
'Til you smiled at me and you saved my life and I
Knew I was put here to love you
You got the universe swimming in your eyes
I’m an open book when you look in mine
You'll find that I was put here to love you
Then it was time for the parent dances. Tina and her father danced to I Loved Her First by Heartland. Then John and his mother danced to It’s Your World Now by the Eagles. This is a great parent dance choice, and we don’t hear it too often!
When DJ Jordan opened up the dance floor, he got to play with quite a few musical genres! The couple had added songs by The Beatles, Calvin Harris, Frank Sinatra, Neil Diamond, The Supremes, and more to their list. The party was a great blend of country, pop, soul, and oldies that kept the crowd dancing all night.
For the last song, the couple chose Old Crow Medicine Show’s Wagon Wheel for a feel-good dose of Americana to round out the night.
John and Tina’s Chesapeake Bay Beach Club wedding was a blast, and we were so thrilled to bring the party to their big day! Here’s what Tina had to say about her experience with DJ Jordan:
“He read the crowd perfectly and got everyone dancing, even those that don’t normally dance. His website and process for making song recommendations prior to the wedding is seamless - with just a few recommendations from us as well as crowd sourced requests from our guests, Jordan created a playlist that was spot on from the cocktail hour through the reception. He helped make the day run smoothly and provided a lot of great advice leading up to the day. He was so proactive, fun and friendly with us during the wedding; we had guests asking if we knew him beforehand. We will be listening to the Spotify playlist he created for us for years to come! Thank you Jordan!!”
Thank YOU Tina and John!
If you’re looking for a Maryland wedding DJ, we’re ready to go! Fill out our online form so we can reserve your date and bring the boogie to your special day!
All photos courtesy of Dani Leigh Photography
Learn why the Maryland’s DJ team loves weddings at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay! It’s not 100% about the views...but it’s a lot about the views.
Situated on the Choptank River just off Chesapeake Bay, the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa & Marina is a stunning Maryland wedding venue. Nestled into 342 lush acres, this waterfront resort brings sunset views, full-service wedding packages, and resort-style accommodations to weddings of all sizes.
Who should get married here? Couples looking for a fun, exciting experience that their guests will never forget!
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay has a variety of gorgeous spaces for ceremonies and receptions. What we love about these ceremony sites is that while they’re stunning on their own, they also leave plenty of room for couples to make them fit their vision.
Manor Lawn is the most popular site at the hotel for ceremonies, with room for up to 500 guests. With its expansive view of the bay, it’s a classic, timeless spot for couples to say their vows.
The Breakwater Pavilion may be the most unique ceremony site. Located at the end of the pier, this all white pavilion lets couples hold their ceremonies surrounded by sparkling blue water on all sides. How about a bridal entrance by sea?
The Regatta Pavilion is another sensational location for ceremony or reception. This covered pavilion is open on all sides, with sweeping white drapery to create a beachy enclosure for you and up to 300 guests.
The venue also has an infinity pool site, ideal for receptions with river views. And at the Grand Fireplace, the stone fireplace makes a lovely backdrop for the ceremony, with the Choptank River flowing right behind.
Inside the hotel, there are two grand ballrooms where weather and temperature can be held at bay. Both spaces have lovely chandeliers, and they can become a blank canvas for your custom wedding vision with drapery and uplighting.
Beyond the locations and services offered for weddings, this space is also a full-service resort. The wedding party and their guests can play 18 holes of golf, spend a day getting pampered at the spa, and enjoy Eastern Shore seafood at the on-site restaurant. Plus, they’re dog friendly! So everyone is invited to join in the fun at a Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort wedding.
We asked Brianna Guzman, event coordinator at the resort, to share some of her favorite wedding experiences with us, and she did not disappoint! Brianna and the whole Hyatt team love to help couples make their dreams come true on their special day. There’s no request too big!
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
The most unexpected experience I’ve had is when I was literally opening the doors for a bride to walk down the aisle with her father...she turns to me and says, “I forgot the ring!”
I can’t think of the wildest things because when I get wild and unique ideas, I get so excited and want to find any way possible to say yes! Elephants, helicopters, entrance or exit by boat, hawks delivering wedding rings, or impromptu surprise videos from multiple famous NFL players congratulating the couple — just to name a few!
Probably when my bride and groom got a surprise video projected on the reception screens from their two favorite NFL players saying congratulations!
That when you’re in this industry, usually that means your heart is in a place of love, compassion, and enjoyment in other people’s happiness. So when I tell you everything will be okay, trust me, we will figure it out! I do this for a living, it will all be okay.
Getting married at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay? Can we come?? We all love providing the musical ambiance at this gorgeous venue — but especially DJ Mebaa. It’s his favorite place to spin weddings!
To book your wedding date with the wedding experts at Maryland’s DJ, contact us today!
Photos courtesy of Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay
Annapolis wedding DJ Brian Doane kept this intimate party of 25 on the dance floor all night! Though it was a small group, they had the energy of a huge crowd.
Everyone was all smiles at Melissa and Nicholas’ September Annapolis wedding! And there was a lot to smile about — this wedding took place at not one, but two lovely Annapolis wedding venues — Annapolis Waterfront Hotel and The Chart House.
The ultra-talented Kathy from Love and Adventure Photography took the photos for the day. Our favorite picture from the day is this shot of Melissa and Nicholas in front of the Wisteria Wall on Fleet Street in Annapolis. This sweet mural is the perfect place for a pre-ceremony smooch, just up the street from the Annapolis Waterfront Hotel.
And that just happens to be where these two held their nuptials during this lovely afternoon event. Melissa and Nicholas said their vows in front of an intimate group of just 25 guests to keep things COVID-friendly. The bridal party entered to Pieces by Amanda Cook. Then for Melissa’s entrance, they switched to some classical with Pachelbel’s Canon in D. And for the post-ceremony recessional, they kept the genre cohesive with Beethoven’s classic Ode to Joy!
After cocktail hour at the hotel, the whole party made the jaunt across Spa Creek to The Chart House for dinner and dancing. This waterfront restaurant has gorgeous views of the Annapolis Historic District and the Maryland State House. By time everyone arrived, the classical portion of the day was over. This was made apparent by the song the couple chose for their entrance — Enter Sandman by Metallica. We don’t get to play enough Metallica at weddings!
For the couple’s first dance, they chose Blessings by Florida Georgia Line.
A little house on a little land
A little creek, a little Jeep
Same old moon everybody sees
It sure ain't hard to count your blessings
The rest of the night was a fun musical combo of many genres, but country was the backbone. Even though there were only 25 of them, this group came ready to party! Annapolis wedding DJ Brian Doane satisfied both the couple’s wish list and kept up the energy of the crowd with songs like:
There was also a special song dedicated to the maid of honor — Lean on Me by Michael Bolton. For the cake cutting, they went with the always-popular I Think I Wanna Marry You by Bruno Mars. And the last song of the night was I Belong to You by Jacob Lee.
Melissa and Nicholas had a gorgeous Annapolis wedding with this small group for friends and family. Our DJ team was proud and honored to be a part of it!
Planning a wedding for 2021 or 2022? We can help! Fill out our quick on
line form and let’s get that date reserved!
Matt & Christine’s Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay wedding had everything a seaside wedding needs — an ocean breeze, killer Eastern Shore DJ, and lots of love.
Do you think we ever get tired of seaside weddings?
Nope.
Christine and Matt’s October wedding at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay in Cambridge, Maryland was a sunny, beachy, dreamy day and we loved being a part of it. Planned to perfection by Ocean City’s Belle of the Ball Events, this wedding was both beautiful and perfectly organized.
Photographer George Street Photo caught all the special moments, and Eastern Shore wedding DJ Jordan made sure the music cues were just right.
Christine and Matt’s ceremony took place inside the resort’s Regatta Pavilion. We love this pavilion — it’s cathedral-like, while still being outside. Tall white pillars hold up a vaulted wooden ceiling, and a brick chimney at one end feels like an altar. White curtains around the perimeter blow in the breeze and let the sounds of the bay come through.
The bridal party entered to a cello and violin cover of John Legend’s All of Me by Brooklyn Duo. Then Christine made her appearance to another cover — Jack Jezzro’s instrumental guitar version of Can You Feel the Love Tonight from The Lion King.
After the vows were said and the tears were shed, the newly married couple perked things up with a fun recessional choice...we’re not sure if we’ve ever heard I’ll Be There For You by The Rembrandts as a wedding recessional before, but we loved it!
The reception took place in the resort’s Chesapeake Ballroom, wrapped in white draping for a neutral palate. This let us change the feel of the room from moment to moment with multi-colored uplighting!
This wedding was a hip hop/country combo — hip hip to get everyone riled up, and country for the softer moments. The bridal party made their entrance to Forever by Drake, Kanya, Lil Wayne, and Eminem. Then the new Mr. and Mrs. were introduced to Bring ‘Em Out by T.I.
Things quieted down for the special dances, with the room bathed in a pink glow from Maryland’s DJ uplighting for Matt and Christine’s first dance. They swayed and dipped to Then by Brad Paisley. Then Matt danced with his mother to Tim McGraw’s Humble and Kind, and Christine danced to Daughters by John Mayer with her mother. For her dance with her father, they chose Nothing Else Matters by Metallica.
This wedding also had something unexpected — a celebrity cameo! No, not in person, unfortunately. The bride is a huge Baltimore Ravens fan, and they got Ray Lewis to do to a video cameo wishing them well.
When the dance floor opened up, expert wedding DJ Jordan got the party started! The couple only had a few must-plays on their list, which he happily provided. These ranged from Usher’s Yeah! To Elton John’s Your Song to Morgan Wallen’s Cover Me Up. Jordan took it from there, crafting a dance mix that kept this party moving.
The couple wanted to end on a high, so they requested Shout by The Isley Brothers for their last song. This party was a blast from start to finish!
Planning your own seaside wedding bash on the Eastern Shore? We’re in. Contact us ASAP to get on the schedule and start planning your big day with Maryland’s DJ!
All photography by George Street Photo & Video
Get to know Maryland wedding DJ Ryan Carr! This pro has been bringing the party to clubs all over Maryland, and he’s ready to bring it to your wedding, too.
It’s an exciting time at Maryland’s DJ — we’re adding a new member to the crew! DJ Ryan Carr is a Maryland native with some serious chops behind the booth, and we’re thrilled to have him on the team.
Music has been part of this Westminster native’s life for as long as he can remember. When he was a baby and his dad was working nights, his mom would use music to soothe her cranky baby. Michael Jackson videos in particular could always get baby Ryan to laugh!
As he grew up, Ryan added education and basketball for his passions, and dreamed of becoming a history teacher and basketball coach. After getting a Master’s Degree in Special Education from McDaniel College, Ryan taught and coached for three years.
But music remained part of his life. A co-worker’s husband was a local DJ, and Ryan began to help out. He found himself in love with it and took pride in the fact that a great DJ can make or break someone’s event.
Ryan has now been DJing for 10 years. He's got an extensive resume featuring places like Wayward Smokehouse and Mother’s Grille in Federal Hill. He started up Wild Wednesdays at Westminster’s The Greene Turtle where he attracted big crowds. And he held a residency at Rodos Bar in Fells Point.
Outside of Maryland weddings, Ryan’s favorite type of event to DJ is bar crawls. The crowd is always in a great mood! And when he’s not behind the booth, he’s on the golf course or giving a million pets to his Schnauzer, Kali.
We asked Ryan to share some of his thoughts on weddings, music, and DJing. So let’s get to know the newest member of the Maryland’s DJ family.
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
Musical knowledge, transitions, and timing are everything!
Walkers Overlook in Walkersville, MD. I love how spacious it is! They also have a really cool gazebo often used as a cigar bar, which a great concept.
Walker’s Overlook, photo by Photography By Brea
*Their sister venue, Dulaney’s Overlook, is one of our favorite venues in Frederick, MD!
Weddings are so joyous! Everyone is always in a great mood when love is in the air!
Face The Sun by Miguel!
After announcing the Father of the Bride, his pants fell completely down to his ankles in the middle of the dance floor!
I saw a stepmom pick her stepson up and dance with him, and he started crying. (It was beautiful.)
Frank Ocean’s cover of Moon River.
Don’t Stop Believing by Journey (eye roll).
*Disclaimer: Maryland’s DJ takes no responsibility for Ryan’s erroneous opinion about this absolute classic. 😉
I carefully pick EACH song and analyze if it’s the right time to play it. I never show up to any event with a playlist!
Miguel is my all-time favorite artist. But I’m listening to Jersey club music 90% of the time.
To work with Ryan or any of the other rock star Maryland wedding DJs on our roster, contact us today!
Maryland’s DJ was thrilled to provide the entertainment at Steve & Renuka’s October micro wedding! Read about this sweet, intimate wedding on a Gaithersburg farm.
It’s no secret that we love a farm wedding. A day out in the country celebrating a love story and uniting two families? That’s basically our perfect day.
So an October micro wedding on the lovely Tusculum Farm just outside Gaithersburg, MD, was a real treat. This place has it all — a traditional red barn, manicured gardens, stunning views of the countryside, and a charming stone farmhouse. It was the picture-perfect location for Steve and Renuka’s happy day — as captured by the expert photographer Mike Buscher of Buscher Photography.
With just 18 people in attendance and a strict “mask up” policy, this happy event was both fun and safe. The day was cool but sunny, so bride Renuka kept warm with a white fur wrap over her sparkling wedding dress. With a bouquet of pale pink roses in hand, she made her grand entrance to the Ode to Joy from Beethoven’s Symphony #9. If that doesn’t set a good precedent for the rest of a marriage, we don’t know what does!
After the ceremony and cocktail hour, the small party moved indoors for dinner. Gaithersburg wedding DJ Brian kept things fun with a Motown playlist, as requested by the bride and groom. Then it was time for the cake cutting, which was accompanied by Short Skirt Long Jacket by...Cake! This was a fun and cheeky choice, and we loved it.
Next up — the happy couple’s first dance. They chose Sharon Arasu’s cover of Top of the World, originally by The Carpenters. After that, DJ Brian opened up the dance floor. As this was such a small gathering, it was more of an intimate dinner party than a wild dance party. And that made it feel all the more special.
The bride and groom requested some of their favorites from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, like:
For the bouquet toss, Renuka chose Beyonce’s Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It). Do you think Queen Bey and her writing crew knew they were writing the bouquet toss anthem of the next decade? I’d like to think they did.
When the party was over, the small group swayed to Save the Last Dance For Me by Michael Bublé, before everyone wished Steve and Renuka a good night.
We were so pleased to help this lovely couple celebrate their wedding, along with 18 of their closest friends and family. This past year has been a great reminder that a small, intimate wedding can be just as beautiful and memorable as a huge party. We’re looking forward to more weddings of ALL sizes in 2021!
To start the planning process with your own Gaithersburg wedding DJ, contact us today! We’re currently booking weddings, micro wedddings, and minimonies for spring, summer, and fall 2021 and 2022.
All photos by Buscher Photography
What do Baltimore wedding DJs listen to in their off time? From rock to pop to rap to sleep music, the team at Maryland’s DJ has a wide variety of musical tastes!
Wedding DJs spend most of their working hours playing the music that other people want to hear. And they have a great time doing it! But when they’re off the clock, they’re not usually in a rush to listen to the same music that they play on the dance floor every weekend.
With so many Spotify recaps being shared over the past month, we were curious about what’s on the Maryland’s DJ crew’s current playlists. So we asked some of the Baltimore wedding DJs on our team to share their Spotify music recaps for 2020 to answer the question — what do DJs listen to in their downtime?
Here’s what we found.
Baltimore wedding DJ, founder of Maryland’s DJ, and new dad(!) Jordan Solender has had an ear for a variety of styles in 2020.
From folk rock like Mumford & Sons to pop singer-songwriter George Ezra to some upbeat Tiësto remixes, Jordan has been enjoying a good mix of tunes.
While rock might be his most listened to genre with Mumford and Sons and The Beatles at the top of the list, his most-played songs of the year skew toward pop. Top song RITMO by J Balvin and the Black Eyed Peas has a reggaeton vibe. And the Tiësto remixes of This Town by Niall Horan and You Should Be Sad by Halsey give these tunes a dance flavor.
2020 release Funny Thing by Thundercat was another top listen this year, with its updated-yet-vintage vibe and fantastic bass line. Check out the video.
While Jordan’s list crossed genres, Baltimore wedding DJ Ebi stayed firmly in the rap scene this year. We often play rap at our events throughout the year, but Ebi’s favorite young artists are less mainstream, like Caskey, Russ, and Phora.
Top songs in Ebi’s year included Khaled Siddiq’s Still On Deen and Caskey’s Thought I Told Ya — pretty impressive, since Thought I Told Ya was only released in September of 2020.
DJ Brian isn’t a huge Spotify user, with just under 1,400 minutes of playtime this year. When he is using the app, he’s listening to rappers like Cam’Ron, Drake, and Kanye West.
As for the individual songs? Daft Punk’s Get Lucky tops the list, which isn’t a surprise since even 7 years later that song is catchy AF. Then there’s How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You). We suppose Brian just doesn’t get enough of this one at weddings?
Hey Ma by Cam’ron and Like a Pimp by David Banner bring the songs back into 2009 hip hop territory.
Baltimore wedding DJ Steven Hartka tops out the “minutes listened” among the team at just over 123,000 minutes. That’s over 2,000 hours of music on Spotify alone!
But in fact, Steven doesn’t listen to much music on Spotify. He prefers to buy music, and only use Spotify to access some rare jazz and play music for sleeping. That’s why you’ll see top artists like Marconi Union and Rest You Sleeping Giant on the list. These musicians experiment with sound to make soothing, chill music that helps Steven rest.
Marconi Union’s song Weightless, which you’ll see in top song slots 1 - 3, was actually written in conjunction with neuroscientists to help reduce stress and lower heart rate, hoping to help people sleep. Want to see if it works? Here it is on a 10 hour loop.
So when he’s not hunting for jazz or playing ambient sleep music, what does Steven listen to? This year, it’s been strong female vocalists like Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny, Megan Thee Stallion, and Ariana Grande.
What were your top songs for 2020? The year may have been tough, but there’s always music to get us through it!
If you’d like to chat with Maryland’s DJ about your wedding in Baltimore, Annapolis, Washington DC, or the rest of the DMV area, fill out our online form or call us at 301-968-0965.
Brock and Theresa’s Springfield Manor wedding took advantage of the fall foliage at this Maryland winery and distillery. Just the best Frederick wedding DJs killin it!
Early November saw cooler weather and a winery wedding fit for Maryland royalty at Springfield Manor. This winery, distillery, brewery, and event venue is one of our favorite wedding locations in the Frederick area. From the classic stone house to the fields of lavender in spring to the valley views, this venue never disappoints! (The homemade wine, beer, and whiskey sure don’t hurt, either.)
Our couple on this beautiful November day were Brock and Theresa, a classic pair that looked right at home in this rustic and elegant setting. The photographer at this Springfield Manor wedding was Emily Chastain, an ultra-talented photographer in Washington DC and the greater DMV area.
The ceremony was held outside under Springfield Manor’s trellis, with the rolling hills in the distance. There is nothing better then the backdrop for a wedding in the Frederick area. The changing leaves created a fiery red and orange background for this intimate event. Seated among the guests? Dani Leigh, one of Maryland’s DJ’s favorite photographers! She’s related to the bride, so it was great to see her off duty.
The bridal party entered the ceremony to a cover of Rewrite the Stars by The Piano Guys, originally from The Greatest Showman soundtrack. Then Theresa made her grand entrance, looking gorgeous in a lace gown. She chose an instrumental arrangement of Ave Maria for her music. We loved the combination of an ultra-traditional piece of music with a slightly more modern arrangement in this informal setting.
After a short and sweet ceremony, the couple’s recessional was to Johnny and June by Heidi Newfield. This was a choice we don’t hear often, and it was a great way to reflect the couple’s tastes and personalities.
After cocktail hour outside on the winery patio, everyone moved into the sophisticated ballroom for dinner and dancing. DJ Jordan introduced the bridal party to Whitney Houston’s I Wanna Dance With Somebody, which is a surefire way to get a party started. Then the couple were introduced to another Greatest Showman pick, The Greatest Show. We have a slight suspicion that they may be fans of the movie.
DJ Jordan set the mood with blush pink uplighting at the couple’s request, and they took to the dance floor for their first spin as husband and wife. Their song was Blessings by Florida Georgia Line.
For the parent dances, Theresa and her father chose Walk With You by Edwin McCain, followed by Brock and his mom’s dance to My Wish by Rascall Flats. The matron of honor gave her toast, followed by the best man, who unfortunately couldn’t be in attendance. But he recorded a speech in advance to play during the reception, which was a clever way to keep him present.
Then Jordan opened up the dance floor and the photo booth for party time! The uplighting around the room pulsed in blues, pinks, and purples to keep the crowd moving! The music for the evening had a definite country twang, with songs like Garth Brooks’ Friends in Low Places and Darius Rucker’s Wagon Wheel on the “must play” list. But there were a few unexpected choices too, like The Best by Tina Turner and Post Malone by Sam Feldt feat. RANI.
For the last song of the night, the couple chose Precious Love by James Morrison. Then they headed out under a shower of balloons and an arch of LED-lit wands.
This was the last wedding of the year for DJ Jordan, who is expecting a new addition to the family pretttttty soon. But while he adjusts to new fatherhood, the rest of the Maryland’s DJ team will be here, sharing love stories and electrifying dance floors through the winter and into the new year!
Planning a wedding in 2021 or 2022? Planning a wedding in Frederick, MD? We’d love to help. Fill out our online form to secure your date and start planning with our team!
All photos by Emily Chastain Photography
Baltimore wedding DJ Jordan Solender helped Stephanie & Matthew to say “I do” in style at the historic Belvedere Hotel. Learn about this classy winter wedding!
A chilly winter’s night, a beautiful historic Baltimore wedding venue, and some outstanding music choices — that’s our idea of a good time!
Maryland’s DJ couple Stephanie & Matthew’s February wedding at The Belvedere in downtown Baltimore was one for the books. This 1902 Beaux Arts beauty with its glittering ballrooms and stately staircase is one of the best wedding venues in Baltimore.
On-hand to capture the magic was photographer Bradley of Bradley Images. His pictures highlight the love between Stephanie and Matthew, and the joy of their family and friends.
The ceremony took place up on the venue’s 12th floor in the Grand Ballroom with its high ceilings, white columns, and sparkling chandeliers. The couple chose some gorgeous classical pieces for their ceremony, starting with the Adagio from Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto in A Major for the bridal party entrance. Then for the bride’s processional, they chose Edward Elgar’s Salut D’amour, Op. 12, as played by cello virtuoso Yo Yo Ma.
After the beautiful ceremony, they switched over to more modern music, with George Harrison’s
What is Life for the party’s recessional. Everyone moved over to the Platinum Ballroom for cocktail hour, giving the hotel team time to flip the Grand Ballroom for the reception to come. The couple asked their Baltimore wedding DJ to stick to Rat Pack tunes for a mid-century swing during cocktails.
When the Grand Ballroom was ready, the bridal party made their reception entrance to Redbone’s Come and Get Your Love. Then the happily married couple were introduced to the fun Hooked on a Feeling by Blue Swede.
Stephanie and Matthew requested soft purple & blue uplighting around the ballroom during the evening, which we were happy to provide. Uplighting is a great way to give a ballroom a different look, which is especially helpful when the ceremony and reception are in the same space. With white table linens, tall arrangements of white roses, and the blue and purple glow, the Grand Ballroom looked completely different for the reception!
For their first dance, Stephanie and Matthew chose famous doo-wop group The Harptones’ Life is But a Dream. Then Stephanie and her father danced to Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles, followed by Matthew and his mom’s dance to Forever Young by Rod Stewart.
When it was time to open the dance floor, we learned how much fun this crowd was. This group came ready to party, and the bride and groom’s song choices certainly didn’t hurt. The “must play” list included some great funk, soul, and pop tunes like:
But there were some choices from the late aughts as well, like Juvenile’s Back That Ass Up and Danza Kuduro by Don Omar fest. Lucenzo.
When the festivities ended at midnight, the whole crew had partied hard. Tired and happy, they sent the bride and groom off with all their love and well wishes.
We know how much time and energy you put into your wedding day, so let us take care of the music and lighting for you! As your premiere Baltimore wedding DJs, we’ll make sure every song suits the style and personality of your wedding day. Have some questions or ready to get started? Contact us online or call us at 301-968–0965.
We were really impressed with how Stephanie and Matthew were able to put together a day that was classic and elegant but still a ton of fun! Their entrance song was Blue Swede which was the perfect way to get everyone in the right mindset for an awesome party. It’s so fun for us at Maryland’s DJ to find the right mix of music that will honor and celebrate the love the couple shares and get an awesome party started! We loved every aspect of Stephanie and Matthew’s wedding day and are so happy for the beautiful couple!
We know how much time and energy you put into your wedding day, let us take care of the music and lighting for you! At Maryland’s DJ, we’ll make sure every song fits the style and personality of your wedding day perfectly. Have some questions or ready to get started? Contact us at www.marylandsdj.comor call 301 -968–0965
Vendor roll call: Photos: Bradley Images | Venue: The Belvedere Hotel Baltimore| DJ : Jordan Solender, Maryland’s DJ
Maryland’s DJ has been recognized as one of the best Baltimore, Washington, DC, and Annapolis wedding DJ services. Thank you to all of our wonderful couples!
15th Annual Best of Weddings Awards Honor the Top Wedding Vendors Across America
Maryland’s DJ is pleased to announce that we have been selected as a 2021 winner of The Knot Best of Weddings, an accolade representing the highest- and most-rated wedding professionals as reviewed by real couples, their families and wedding guests on The Knot, a leading wedding planning and registry brand and app. This is the second consecutive year that Maryland’s DJ has been named a winner of The Knot Best of Weddings awards.
We’re honored to be named one of the best wedding DJs in Baltimore!
Despite COVID-19 interrupting many 2020 weddings and social events, Maryland’s DJ has continued to support to-be-weds throughout their wedding planning journeys. From adjusting future schedules to make way for postponed weddings, to helping couples host socially distanced weddings following state and local guidelines and restrictions with an increased focus on health and safety, wedding pros—and the industry as a whole—rallied together in 2020, ultimately helping couples continue to celebrate life and love. The Knot 2021 Best of Weddings recognition honors the vendors who went above and beyond to help to-be-weds navigate the global pandemic.
As Baltimore, Washington DC, and Annapolis wedding DJs, it’s been important to us to continue to support the couples in our community as they’ve had to change their plans.
In 2021, five percent of hundreds of thousands of local wedding professionals listed on The Knot received this distinguished award. In its fifteenth annual year, The Knot continues its long-standing tradition of supporting local wedding vendors with The Knot Best of Weddings 2021, an annual by-couples, for-couples guide to the top wedding professionals across the country. This comes as the industry prepares for an increase in upcoming celebrations due to postponed events throughout 2020.
To determine the winners, The Knot analyzed its millions of user reviews across various vendor categories—including venues, musicians, florists, photographers, caterers and more—to find the highest rated vendors of the year. These winners represent the best of the best wedding professionals that engaged couples should consider booking for their own unique weddings.
With a team hailing from Maryland, the Baltimore and Annapolis wedding DJs on our roster are dedicated to supporting the couples in our local community.
The Knot has inspired 25 million couples (and counting!) to plan a wedding that’s uniquely theirs. With a rich history of providing high-quality content and inspiration, The Knot makes it easy for couples to connect with and book the right wedding professionals (like Maryland and wedding DJs in Washington DC) to create their perfect wedding day. On The Knot Marketplace, couples can connect with any of the hundreds of thousands of local wedding professionals across the country. The Knot Best of Weddings gives couples the confidence to find and book the best local vendors to bring their wedding visions to life. In combination with years of trusted content, The Knot’s innovative technology simplifies wedding planning, inspiring couples to plan a wedding unique to their love story and personalities.
Wedding professionals who win The Knot Best of Weddings are members of WeddingPro, the leading B2B wedding brand. As the largest marketplace and community for wedding professionals, WeddingPro connects businesses with more than 13 million unique monthly visitors who are planning weddings on The Knot and WeddingWire, as well as with hundreds of thousands of pros in the industry. Through its online marketplaces, educational programs and community-building events, WeddingPro is dedicated to helping wedding professionals build relationships with couples and pros that grow their businesses.
For more information about The Knot Best of Weddings and this year’s winners, please visit https://www.theknot.com/vendors/best-of-weddings.
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About Maryland’s DJ
The team at Maryland’s DJ has been bringing the party to corporate events, fundraisers, and weddings to DMV weddings since 2018. Our Baltimore wedding DJs travel to wherever the celebration is happening to bring professionalism and good times to our clients all over the area.
We are a team of:
ready to bring your event to the next level!
About The Knot
The Knot is one of the nation’s leading multiplatform wedding resources offering a seamless, all-in-one planning experience—from finding inspiration and local vendors to creating and managing all guest experiences, wedding registries and more. The trusted brand reaches a majority of engaged couples in the US through the #1 iOS and Android mobile app The Knot Wedding Planner, the #1 wedding planning website TheKnot.com, The Knot national and local wedding magazines, and The Knot book series. Since its inception, The Knot has inspired approximately 25 million couples to plan a wedding that’s uniquely them. Visit The Knot online at Facebook.com/TheKnot and @TheKnot on Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.
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Zephan and Mollye’s Historic London Town wedding was a joy from start to finish, and their Annapolis wedding DJ kept the crowd moving all night long!
Zephan and Mollye shared a beautiful wedding ceremony in May 2019, and we got to be a part of it! This sweet couple, so full of love and laughter, said their vows at the Historic London Town and Gardens near Annapolis, Maryland. The venue, the day, and every single detail was absolutely perfect for this outdoor summer wedding. We loved getting to work with Mollye and Zephan and be part of their special day.
The ultra-talented Sarah Price of Sarah Price Photography was on-hand to capture all the magic of the day in her moody signature style. Based out of Baltimore, her photos are always Instagram-perfect!
For the ceremony’s musical choices, the couple went with some lovely pop covers. The bridal party entered to A Thousand Years by The Piano Guys, which is a popular choice. Then the bride’s procession was to Tyler Ward & Boyce Avenue’s acoustic cover of Coldplay’s Fix You, which we loved!
The ceremony was held on the banks of the South River in Annapolis. With a bit of mist rolling in off the river and fresh eucalyptus hanging from the chuppah, it was a picturesque place to say their vows and break the glass.
Another lovely cover accompanied the recessional. This time it was Daniel Jang’s piano and violin cover of Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran.
While many couples just ask for a general “vibe” during cocktail hour, Zephan and Mollye had some specific requests that their Annapolis wedding DJ was happy to honor! Among their choices were Rhythm of Love by Plain White T’s and When the Sun Goes Down by Kenny Chesney.
The reception was held in Historic London Town & Garden’s glass pavilion, which is lined on three sides by glass doors and windows to let light stream in. The bridal party intro got everyone fired up to the tune of Bring Em Out by TI, followed by the happy couple’s first introduction to Walk the Moon’s Shut Up and Dance.
For the first dance, Mollye and Zephan picked Yours by Russell Dickerson. Then, Mollye and her father danced to Just the Way You Are by Billy Joel, which we’re actually surprised we don’t see more in parent dances at weddings! Then for another delightfully unexpected choice, Zephan and his mom danced to Boyce Avenue’s cover of Green Day’s Good Riddance.
We loved Mollye and Zephan’s use of covers at their wedding. By choosing covers of famous pop songs, they were able to use recognizable tunes in an unexpected way, and keep the guest’s guessing.
After dinner, the couple handed the reins over to their Annapolis wedding DJ to electrify the dance floor! With white and amber uplighting and a thorough list of “must-play” and “do not play” songs, Maryland’s DJ had a solid idea of what the couple would like. While the “official” music choices swung country, their dance floor preferences included more pop and hip hop.
Some of the highlights:
The dance floor got so intense, the groom almost had a mishap during the Hora! But Mollye had a good grip on him, and the groomsmen held him aloft.
When it was all over, we had a joyful couple and some worn out (but happy) guests.
As your Annapolis wedding DJ, we’ll work closely with you to ensure we bring this kind of energy and atmosphere to your event. From music to uplighting and photo booths, we’ll take care of everything so you can focus on getting married!
Schedule a free consultation to get started working with the best wedding DJs in Annapolis!
At Maryland’s DJ, we’ll work closely with you to ensure we bring the energy and atmosphere you envisioned for your event. From music to uplighting and photo booths, we’ll take care of everything so you can focus on getting married!
Schedule a free consultation to get started working with the best DJ’s in Maryland!
We were honored to be Emily & Toby’s Washington DC wedding DJ! Great music choices, a stunning venue on the Potomac, and the nicest couple you could hope to meet!
Lately, we’ve been thinking back to some of our favorite weddings from the days when masks were limited to Halloween and guest lists of 200 or more were standard. One of our favorites from that long-ago time was Emily and Toby’s wedding at The Wharf Intercontinental in Washington, DC in November 2018.
The photographer for the day was Kir Tuben Photography, who we always love to see at weddings. She was friends with the couple, so it was a personal day for her as well.
If it wasn’t obvious by the fact that they chose Jordan as their Washington DC wedding DJ, this pair has excellent taste. Not only was the wedding day itself absolutely gorgeous, but their song choices were superb.
After a first look on the outdoor balcony looking over the Potomac, Emily and Toby said their vows in the venue’s Waterside Ballroom under a chuppah decorated with cherry blossoms. The bridal party’s entrance was to Peter Gabriel’s lovely version of Book of Love. Then Emily entered to Glaciers by Lights & Motion. If you’re not familiar, Lights & Motion is an instrumental rock band that makes cinematic, sweeping music. It’s perfect for big moments like wedding entrances! Even with no lyrics, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
The ceremony also featured a personal performance. Toby’s mom played the guitar and sang to the couple as part of the program. As music fanatics, we love when there’s a personal, live music element to a wedding ceremony.
After the vows, we got everyone into a dancing mood with Signed, Sealed, Delivered by Stevie Wonder for the recessional.
During the cocktail hour in the hotel’s Potomac Hall, the couple let their DC wedding DJ take the reigns. They asked for Rat Pack-style music to keep the vibe classy, but the specifics were all up to Jordan.
Emily and Toby added uplighting to their DJ services at their Washington DC wedding. So Jordan washed the reception ballroom in neutral orange and white light. This kept the vibe relaxed during their first dance to Tupelo Honey by Van Morrison — another excellent choice!
When it was time to open up the dance floor, this crowd really let loose. With tunes like 1999 by Prince and You Make My Dreams by Hall & Oates on the must-play list, Jordan kept the dance floor moving. He switched up the lighting too, adding vibrant purples and greens to build a party vibe.
At one point, Emily was a little concerned that the crowd was dancing too much, and were going to wear out before the night was over. But Jordan paid close attention. He switched things up with a slow jam right when the guests needed a break, and let them take a breather.
For the last dance of the night, Emily and Toby chose that most beloved of bar closers, Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond.
After the event, Emily wrote some incredibly kind words about the DJ at her Washington DC wedding.
“Jordan and the Maryland’s DJ team delivered the dance party of the century! Our friends are still talking about how much fun they had at our wedding a few weeks ago! Not only did Jordan know exactly what we wanted, what to play and when, and how to mix songs, but he did the music for our entire event — from pre-ceremony, ceremony, and cocktail hour, all the way through the reception dance floor that lasted over 3 hours! ...The entire experience with Jordan was amazing from start to finish. He asked a lot of questions, gave us a lot of information, and helped us curate an amazing party for our family and friends. Our only regret was that we can’t do it every weekend — we even jokingly talked about annulling the marriage just so we would have to do it all over again. We decided that was too drastic, but we will definitely figure out an excuse to hire Jordan again… and you should too! You won’t regret it :)”
If you need a Washington DC wedding DJ, we’re here to help. Fill out our online form and let us know when and where to bring the party!
All photos by Kir2ben
Jordan and the Maryland’s DJ team delivered the dance party of the century! Our friends are still talking about how much fun they had at our wedding a few weeks ago! Not only did Jordan know exactly what we wanted, what to play and when, and how to mix songs, but he did the music for our entire event — from pre-ceremony, ceremony, and cocktail hour, all the way through the reception dance floor that lasted over 3 hours! After a few hours of dancing I started getting nervous that people were going to get worn out, but Jordan knew exactly what to do — he threw on a slow jam, which got people up to dance with their date, and then they were refreshed and stayed on the dance floor for the rest of the night! The entire experience with Jordan was amazing from start to finish. He asked a lot of questions, gave us a lot of information, and helped us curate an amazing party for our family and friends. Our only regret was that we can’t do it every weekend — we even jokingly talked about annulling the marriage just so we would have to do it all over again. We decided that was too drastic, but we will definitely figure out an excuse to hire Jordan again… and you should too! You won’t regret it :)
Vendor roll call: Photos: Kir2Ben | Venue: Intercontinental, Washington DC| DJ : Jordan Solender, Maryland’s DJ
A sunny summer day on the Chesapeake Bay? It doesn’t get any better. Learn about Natalie & Shawn’s Annapolis Maritime Museum wedding with Maryland’s DJ!
Looking for inspiration in going with the flow and making lemonade out of lemons?
Look no further than couple Natalie and Shawn, whose August 2020 wedding was moved no fewer than THREE times! COVID-19 tried to throw this sweet couple for a loop, but they pivoted and rearranged and ended up with a beautiful Annapolis Maritime Museum wedding this summer.
As one of our favorite Annapolis wedding venues, we always love coming out to the Maritime Museum. The Bay views are unparalleled, and the interior ceremony spaces are a perfect blend of rustic and elegant.
Photographer Joey of Trans4mation Photography snapped the pics at this seaside wedding. Joey has been a photographer for almost 10 years, and he brings skill and professionalism to every event.
With 50 guests in attendance, Natalie and Shawn said their vows on the museum’s waterfront dock, with views of the Chesapeake Bay in the background. Bridesmaids all in navy blue suited the venue’s nautical theme to a T!
Natalie and Shawn chose to have their event earlier in the day. The ceremony began at 2:00 pm, which left plenty of daylight left for photos, dinner, and dancing! For the bride’s processional, the couple chose Over the Rainbow/Simple Gifts by The Piano Guys. And after it was over, they went with the classic All You Need is Love by The Beatles.
After the ceremony and cocktail hour, the guests moved into the museum’s newly renovated Exhibit Gallery for the reception. This 2,000 square foot space left plenty of room for the 50 guests to spread out.
DJ Steve Hartka queued up the first dance, which was The Wonder of You by Elvis Presley. There was also a dedication played to some older relatives who had passed on, to the tune of The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra.
While the happy couple may have chosen classics for their special dances, they weren’t afraid to bring the dance floor tunes into the 80s, 90s, and today. On their “must play” list:
In between dances, the guests took fun pictures with a touchless photo booth from Maryland’s DJ. They chose one of our most popular backdrops — a dark wood background with festive string lights. It fit in perfectly with the nautical museum.
We had a great time at Natalie and Shawn’s bay side wedding at the Annapolis Maritime Museum. While the wedding season may be winding down for 2020, we’re looking forward to winter weddings and a big summer spring and season next year!
If you’re planning a 2021 or 2022 wedding, let us know! We’ll pair you up with one of our dedicated DJs to help you start planning the soundtrack to your perfect day.
All photos by Trans4mation Photography
Mike and Dang’s wedding venue changed not once but twice. Fortunately, this adaptable couple’s Swan Harbor Farm wedding was a smashing success.
If we’ve learned anything this year, it’s the importance of adaptability. Working from home, distance learning, letting hair grow into something that can only be described as a ‘Rona mullet — these are the changes that we’ve had to accept in our new landscape.
For couples with 2020 weddings, the need to adapt has been even more pronounced. Happy pair Mike and Dang had originally planned to celebrate their wedding at the Frederick Douglass Maritime Museum. Due to COVID their plans changed not once, but twice.
After all the shuffling, the final result was a stunning Swan Harbor Farm wedding in Havre de Grace, MD. This lovely venue sits on 531 acres of waterfront land. The historic home on the property was built in the 1740s, and was later owned by a close friend of Thomas Jefferson. In fact, Jefferson planted cuttings from the Swan Harbor vineyards at Monticello.
The site has stunning landscaped gardens and an expansive lawn, with views of the Chesapeake Bay. This lawn is one of the primary ceremony sites on the property, and it’s where Mike and Dang said the vows that they wrote themselves. (DJ Steven Hartka confessed that he had to hold back his tears.)
The property also has a 50’ x 70’ vaulted tent where guests can celebrate in the shade. The tent was beautifully styled, because this Swan Harbor Farm wedding was designed by the ultra-talented Drew Vanlandingham of Vanlandingham Design Studio.
Drew dolled up the white drapery with blue linens, gold chiavari chairs, and tall, overflowing vases of white roses, hydrangeas, and fresh greenery. One of his tricks of the trade is to bring height to the dining tables at weddings. With tall, thin vases, he’s able to make big dramatic flower arrangements above the guests’ sightlines. That way people can still talk to each other without a huge bouquet in the way.
Photographer Bradley Zisow of Bradley Images was on hand to document all the love on display at Mike and Dang’s wedding. The grooms were all smiles all day!
DJ Steven introduced the grooms to the reception to Barry Manilow’s version of The Look of Love — a great choice for this classy duo. For their first dance, they chose If Love is Overrated by Gregory Porter.
Mike and Dang invited their parents to enjoy the dance with them. Mike’s parents have been married for 61 years, and Dang’s parents have been married for 56 years! That’s quite a reputation to live up to.
Then the dance floor opened up, and the party began — masks on. We must say, we had no idea masks could be so glamorous! No blue hospital paper here!
Music highlights included some vintage classics like:
Plus, there was a healthy amount of Lady Gaga.
This was such a fun event, and we were so thrilled to be a part of it.
If we can help you plan (or re-plan) your wedding, please let us know! We’re working with couples to make sure they get the wedding of their dreams — COVID or no COVID!
All photos by Bradley Images
Beautiful views and amazing tunes were the order of the day at Mic & Corie’s Wisp Resort wedding. Learn about their special day at this gorgeous venue!
Ever imagined yourself getting married on a mountaintop? That’s where happy couple Mic and Corie tied the knot in their beautiful September wedding.
At Wisp Resort in McHenry, Maryland, couples can say their vows on top of the world, with panoramic views of the resort and Deep Creek Lake below. Fortunately, there’s a ski lift, so DJ Ebi didn’t have to schlep the ceremony equipment up the mountain on his back.
The bridal party walked down the aisle atop the mountain to Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s Somewhere Over the Rainbow — very fitting, considering the location! When it was time for Corie to make her entrance, the music went live with a friend playing the guitar.
Cocktail hour and the reception were held in the valley down below, in the Mountain Mist Tent. This white draped tent with sparkly chandeliers provided a clean slate for us to upgrade with our uplighting. Bright reds, greens, and blues gave the tent a party vibe once it was time to open the dance floor.
One of the best parts of this Wisp Resort wedding was the music! Mic and Corie picked some fantastic songs for their special moments.
The bridal party entered the reception to My Type by Saint Motel, which is one we don’t get to play very often! For the couple’s first dance, they chose Dontchange by Musiq Soulchild. With lyrics like this, we’re actually surprised isn’t chosen more often for first dances:
I was meant for you and you were meant for me, yeah
And I'll make sure that I'll be everything you need, yeah
Girl the way we are is how it’s gonna be
Just as long as your love don't change
Corie and her father then danced to This Dance by Scott Thomas Laughridge, and Mic and his mom danced to A Song for Mama by Boyz 2 Men.
This was a fun-loving crowd, which became apparent when DJ Ebi opened the dance floor. The guests danced hard — easy to do with so many great music choices by the couple. Their musical tastes ranged from reggaeton to hip hop to R&B to soul to pop. On the must play list:
We also brought one of our touchless photo booths to Mic and Corie’s reception, so their guests could take plenty of hands-free portraits. The backdrop was custom designed by our own Jordan Solender!
This Wisp Resort wedding was photographed by Glenn Clevenger III of I Live Art. Glenn does both “traditional” wedding photos and unique compositions that play with color and layout. This was our first time working with Glenn, and we love how his pictures capture the movement of the dance floor!
We had a blast with this fun crowd, and DJ Ebi was thrilled to spin such a lively mix of classic dance songs and original choices.
If we can help you to curate a fantastic musical mix, let us know! We’re currently booking weddings for the rest of 2020 and for the 2021 wedding season.
All photos by Glenn Clevenger III of I Live Art
Jordan and Christine’s Springfield Manor Wedding was a beautiful celebration of love — just what we needed in this crazy season!
This July, we got the chance to visit one of our favorite Frederick wedding venues to celebrate with Jordan and Christine. This special wedding at Springfield Manor was one of our first forays back into events, and it was delightful — masks and all.
Springfield Manor is a working winery, distillery, and brewery just outside of Frederick. With its classic stone farmhouse, fields of purple lavender, rustic barn or chic ballroom, and stunning views across the foothills of the Catoctin Mountains, this venue is an idyllic country escape.
The wedding ceremony took place at the outdoor pergola, with views of the hills in the background. The bridesmaids and groomsmen proceeded to the ceremony site to a piano and cello cover of A Thousand Years by The Piano Guys. Then Christine made her grand entrance to Haley Reinhart’s Can’t Help Falling in Love.
Photo by Lovefusion Photography
After cocktail hour outside on the patio, the party headed into the classic ballroom for the reception. DJ Ebi made the intros, with the bridal party entering to SexyBack by Justin Timberlake. Then it was time to introduce the newly married couple!
Jordan and Christine’s first dance was to Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You by Lauryn Hill. Then, Christine split her first dance into two halves, first with her mom, and then with her dad. This was a lovely way to make sure the mother of the bride was included. They danced to Because You Loved Me by Celine Dion.
Photo by Lovefusion Photography
Jordan then danced with his mom to Sparks by Coldplay, which just goes to show there are no rules when it comes to picking wedding music — just go with what you like!
After speeches and dinner, it was time for the party! The guest list for the wedding was on the smaller side, and many guests wore masks throughout the evening for safety.
Photo by Lovefusion Photography
DJ Ebi kept things moving with the bride and groom’s “must play” list, which included tunes like:
Then there was a surprise — a performance of the dabke, which is a traditional Arab dance with variations performed in Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and more. The dancers also broke out drums for a live drum circle, giving the dance floor an interactive element.
Photo by Lovefusion Photography
When the party had ended, Jordan swept Christine into his arms and carried her off under the showers of sparklers.
We loved visiting Springfield Manor again and celebrating with Jordan and Christine. It was a great way to spend a summer evening, and get back into the swing of weddings.
Photo by Lovefusion Photography
If you’re scheduling your 2021 wedding, now is the time! We expect it to be a busy wedding season, as 2020 couples have had to reschedule for next year. Reach out today to book your date with Maryland’s DJ!
Ever wonder what the DJs are digging? We got Maryland’s DJ team to share their favorite songs to play at weddings in this crazy year!
Photo by Photography By Brea
It’s been a weird year for music (along with everything else!)
Many major releases have been delayed, because the associated tours are obviously not an option right now. And music festivals like Coachella and SXSW have been cancelled.
So where does that leave the year’s best new wedding songs? Fortunately, we’re still getting some new tunes, like a surprise album from Taylor Swift and a new visual release form Beyoncé.
The Maryland’s DJ team has each selected their top wedding song for 2020, whether it’s a brand new release or a holdover from 2019. Add these jams to the “must play” list for your wedding!
DJ Jesse Baker chose Yung Bae’s 2019 release Bad Boy as his favorite dance song of 2020. He likes to play it just before opening the floor because “...it says ‘get your ass to the dance floor’...and people listen!”
This tune blends disco, pop, and hip hop into an infectious dance floor hit.
Owner and DJ Jordan Solender is really feeling Dua Lipa’s Don’t Start Now this year. As the lead single for her 2020 album Future Nostalgia, this song combines 1980s synth and a funk bassline.
It has a more mature vibe than some of her previous releases, but it’s still a pop hit
DJ Mebaa says, “Maroon 5 just don't miss. The melody, video and touch of social commentary perfectly match the times while still being a vibrant, funky summer anthem!”
The “touch of commentary” he’s referring to is a message at the end of the video is about decriminalizing marijuana — a law which is enforced disproportionately against Black and brown people.
DJ Steven Hartka chose last year’s sultry Señorita, since it still keeps the dance floor moving in 2020.
“It’s pretty tough to pick a song from 2020 since most major acts shelved their releases,” Steven said. “That being said, I loved playing Señorita when it first came out in 2019 and still drop it into sets if it fits in with the crowd and atmosphere. I’m a sucker for a good guitar riff, and also love tracks with both a guy and girl doing vocals!”
Social media manager Syd chose Gregory Porter’s Everything You Touch is Butter for her favorite wedding song of 2020.
“This song is straight butter,” she said. “It’s a perfect first dance song and feels like watching a sunset.”
Everything you touch is gold
That’s why my soul is shinin’
Feel just like I’m just ten years old
Everything is new and surprisin’
Content writer Kate (who, yes, is writing this about herself in the third person) is loving Harry Styles’ post-One-Direction-direction.
Clever songwriting? Check.
1970s-inspired pop-rock jams? Check.
Bowie-esque androgyny? Double check.
Adore You is an ode to loving someone so much that you’d do anything for them, but it’s upbeat enough to keep people on the dance floor.
DJ Brian’s favorite 2020 song so far is the remix of What’s Love Got to do With It by Kygo and Tina Turner.
Brian says, “Just about everyone knows the lyrics to the original song and likes to sing along to it. Plus, Kygo added a nice mid tempo deep house beat to it which compliments the fun retro vibe of the song. I’ve enjoyed playing this for bridal party entrances and on the dance floor.”
2019’s Dance Monkey by Australian newcomer Tones and I combines a catchy minimalist backing track with Toni Watson’s unique voice. It’s DJ Ebi’s choice as the song that gets the dance floor moving!
And if you haven’t watched it yet, enjoy the delightfully offbeat video below.
Planning the playlist for your 2002 wedding? Let us help!
Rebekka & John’s Idiom Brewing wedding was a beer-filled bash to remember! Beautiful photos by Frederick photographer Brittany Defrehn!
Why do winery weddings get all the love? If you ask us, it’s high time that brewery weddings get some much needed attention.
Maryland couple Rebekka and John had their July micro wedding at Idiom Brewing Company in Frederick. This beautiful brick brewery in Carroll Creek Linear Park was the perfect spot for a sunny summer wedding — and the brews certainly didn’t hurt. Located right on Carroll Creek, the space has a riverwalk vibe that takes advantage of the historic architecture and waterside views.
After a church service nearby, the party arrived at the brewery for their celebration, where Frederick photographer Brittany Defrehn caught the magic of Rebekka and John’s day.
Photo by Brittany Defrehn Photography
Each bridal party “couple” was introduced to their own individual song, which was a fun way to show off their personalities. Intro songs included Sexy and I Know It, Bring ‘Em Out, and Raise Your Glass.
Then it was time to introduce the newly married couple! They entered the brewery to Beyoncé’s Crazy in Love, and then slowed things down for their first dance to Dan + Shay’s My Side of the Fence.
Rebekka and John went with a timeline that scheduled the “formal” reception events early. The benefit to this type of schedule is that once the events are complete, the party is free to continue with few interruptions for speeches or dances.
So after the couple’s first dance, they went right into the parent dances. Rebekka and her father danced to I Loved Her First by Heartland, and John and his mom danced to My Wish by Rascal Flatts.
After the speeches, it was time to open up the evening to dinner, dancing, photo booth, and beer! The event was lovely but low key, with guests getting food from the on-site food truck, and washing it down with the brewery’s pilsners, IPAs, and sours.
Photo by Brittany Defrehn Photography
Rebekka and John rented a touchless photo booth from Maryland’s DJ, which lets guests take fun photos without contact. Guests could download their photos right to their phones by scanning the QR code on the photo booth itself.
Later in the evening, Rebekka and John played The Shoe Game. The couple sits in chairs placed back to back, and each holds their shoe in one hand and their spouse’s shoe in the other. Then they get asked questions like, “Who is the pickier eater?” or “Who has the crazier family?” Each person lifts up the shoe of the person they think best fits the question. It’s a fun way to see if the couple is on the same page!
When the night came to a close, Rebekka and John enjoyed a final dance to This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) by Natalie Cole, before their send off under sparklers and streamers.
Photo by Brittany Defrehn Photography
We had a great time being part of Rebekka and John’s Idiom Brewing wedding. It was a much-needed reminder that even during these crazy times, there are celebrations to be had!
If you’re planning a Frederick wedding, we can make your day extra special with music, uplighting, photo booth, and more! Contact us today to start planning!
This Bleues on the Water wedding was close to our hearts — the groom’s brother was our own Steven Hartka! Check out the color-coordinated masks!
The coronavirus pandemic has affected more than just our ability to DJ weddings. It’s hit pretty close to home, too.
Our own Steven Hartka, DJ extraordinaire and musical pantomath (look it up), had to see his brother and future sister-in-law postpone their original wedding date. But good things come to those who wait! This couple’s September 5th wedding was everything we could have hoped for.
The big day took place at Bleues on the Water in Glen Burnie. This beautiful waterfront venue has a spectacular ceremony site overlooking Big Burley Cove. There are four shimmering fountains just past the wedding arch that make rainbows in the sun.
The whole day was saved for posterity by Hamilton Photography, an award-winning photography team based in Annapolis.
Photo by Hamilton Photography
The bridal party came down the aisle to All of Me by John Legend. Then the bride’s procession followed, accompanied by the classic Canon in D by Pachelbel. After the vows were said and the tears were dried, Beyonce’s Love on Top was the signal to everyone that the party had begun!
A waterfront cocktail hour gave everyone a chance to enjoy a drink, and then it was time for the reception.
Having a DJ in the family is nice, but Steven had urgent things to do on his brother’s wedding day. So the DJ booth was manned by Brian Doane and Ebi Amir instead.
Inside one of Bleues on the Water’s ballrooms, the party got started. The bridal party entered the ballroom to Redbone’s Come and Get Your Love, which always gets people moving. Then Stephanie and Thomas had their first dance. Their song was Real Love Baby by Father John Misty, who we think doesn’t get enough wedding play!
Photo by Hamilton Photography
After dinner, the Maid of Honor and Best Man did their toasts, and then it was time for parent dances. Stephanie and her dad danced to Dance with My Daughter by Jason Blaine, and Thomas danced with his mom to Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole.
Then it was time to open the dance floor! With a reduced guest list for this Bleues on the Water wedding, the group was able to keep their distance. But when they all got together, they had color-coordinated masks to rely on.
Photo by Hamilton Photography
There were some fun tunes keeping the dance floor moving! Must play songs included:
When the night was over, the happy bride and groom were sent off to Bruno Mars’ Marry You.
We were so happy to celebrate with Thomas and Stephanie, and to show Steven our support on his brother’s big day!
If you’re planning an upcoming wedding, minimony, or microwedding, we want to hear from you! Contact our team and let us know how we can help make your wedding day perfect.
For our first wedding back after COVID-19, we celebrated with Jake & Stephanie at Antrim 1844. See how it went! (Spoiler - it was awesome.)
Jake and Stephanie’s June 26th wedding was our first wedding since the coronavirus pandemic hit the US. And it was so great to get back behind the booth!
The gardens at Antrim 1844 were in full bloom for Jake and Stephanie’s big day. In fact, it was a floral-filled event from start to finish, from Stephanie and the bridal party’s floral “getting ready” robes to the floral garlands that served as a backdrop to the ceremony.
Rather than choosing the arbor as their ceremony spot, Jake and Stephanie said their vows under the shade of a massive elm tree in the “Secret Garden.” The leaves and grass were so vibrant green, it looked like a filter was over the whole site. Hanging strands of oversized ivory flowers dangled from a bending bough of the elm, to create a backdrop that fit in with the natural setting.
Photo by Pearly Kate Photography
The bridal party entered the site to a piano and violin version of A Thousand Years by Sophie Moser and Katja Huhn. Then Stephanie made her entrance to a touching cover of How Long Will I Love You by Samantha Harvey. But after the ceremony, they let loose and had some fun — the recessional song was Bruno Mars’ Marry You.
Before the reception, Frederick, MD photographer Kate Palker with Pearly Kate Photography took advantage of the lush gardens and snapped a stunning series of bride and groom portraits. Antrim is always a gorgeous venue, but this summer it really outdid itself.
Photo by Pearly Kate Photography
Cocktail hour in the garden was next, followed by the reception in the air-conditioned Glass Enclosed Pavilion.
Then it was time for introductions. The couples’ parents entered to I Choose You by Sara Bareilles. Then for quite the shift in tone, we brought out the bridal party to Bring ‘Em Out by T.I. (See what we did there?)
And finally, we introduced the newly minted Mr. and Mrs. Jake G., accompanied by Michael Jackson’s The Way You Make Me Feel — always a classic.
But although the intros covered a variety of genres, the traditional dances were all country. The couple enjoyed their first dance to a Shania Twain medley — From This Moment On/You’re Still the One, by real-life married couple Caleb and Kelsey. Then Stephanie and her father danced to It Won’t Be Like This for Long by Darius Rucker. This is such a great father/daughter dance song, and one we don’t hear as often!
Photo by Pearly Kate Photography
To wrap up the formal dances, Jake and his mom danced to My Wish by Rascal Flatts. Then we opened up the dance floor!
Photo by Pearly Kate Photography
Photo by Pearly Kate Photography
Jordan was psyched to be back. Photo by Pearly Kate Photography
Although the guest list was a trim 85, this partying crowd made it feel like a packed house. They danced the night away. And finally, they sent the happy couple off in a shower of sparklers.
We couldn’t have picked a better wedding or a lovelier couple to celebrate the return to weddings. If you’re planning a wedding, micro wedding, or minimony through 2020 or in 2021, we’re ready to bring the party — whatever the size!
Contact us to reserve your date.
A Chesapeake Bay Beach Club wedding on a gorgeous September day? Sign us up! Brett and Maggie’s big day was full of sun and smiles, and we loved being part of it.
Couple Brett and Maggie were all smiles at their Chesapeake Bay Beach Club wedding in September, and so were we. This classy venue on Maryland’s Kent Island has several chic ballrooms with views of the bay, plus beautiful classic East Coast architecture all through the grounds. It’s one of our favorite waterfront venues.
Brett and Maggie’s wedding day on September 12th was picture-perfect — clear skies, a light breeze, and temperatures in the mid-70s. It doesn’t get any better!
Photographer Dani Leigh was on the scene, to capture the wedding day from start to finish. We love working with Dani! She’s gifted at making everyone look their best all day long.
The ceremony was held on the enclosed rooftop deck above the Sunset Ballroom. Painted in seaside-appropriate navy and beige, the room’s huge windows bring the views of the bay right into the site. The ceremony music was performed live by a string trio.
After the ceremony, the party moved out to the covered tent on the lawn for cocktail hour, where they could enjoy the early evening weather. Then they headed back inside for dinner in the Sunset Ballroom with expansive views of the bay. The bride and groom requested Rat Pack-style tunes for ambiance, which is always a classy choice.
The party got started back outside in the tent, in the cool evening air. This is where we did the “formal introductions” of the bridal party to Forever by Chris Brown. Then the newly minted bride and groom were introduced to Jason Derulo’s Want to Want Me, which was a fun and unique choice!
Brett and Maggie’s first dance was to Die a Happy Man by Thomas Rhett. Then Maggie and her father danced to You’ve Got a Friend in Me by Randy Newman, which must have made every 90s kid crazy nostalgic. Finally, Brett and his mom took to the dance floor, to Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World.
Then the guests were free to dance the night away! We also brought our touchless photo booth — always a big hit, and COVID-safe!
After the party was over, we all wished Brett and Maggie well. Their last song was Good Riddance (Time of Your Life), by Green Day, and then we all said goodbye (but not good riddance.)
Making our couples happy is the only thing we really care about here at Maryland’s DJ. That’s why we were so pleased to read some kind words from Brett after the wedding, letting us know we’d hit the mark.
“Having Jordan as our wedding DJ was an absolute delight. The first time we ever spoke to Jordan, it was for close to an hour as he laid out his experience as a DJ, particularly with weddings, and answered all of our questions…
“At the wedding itself, Jordan was terrific. He arrived early. He coordinated with our other vendors and the staff at the venue to set up his equipment so that we weren't disturbed. He made introductions, provided announcements, and, of course, kept the dance floor grooving for the entire night.
“[Jordan] made our lives a little less hectic while planning a wedding in the midst of the ongoing pandemic: no small feat. Maryland's DJ has a strong recommendation from us, and a tremendous thank you, Jordan, for all your hard work!”
Joy has been a bit hard to come by this year, but celebrating with this crew was a truly joyful experience.
If we can help make your life a “little less hectic while planning a wedding in the midst of an ongoing pandemic…” we’d love to hear from you. Contact us to reserve your date!
All photos by Dani Leigh Photography
Josh and Becky’s summer wedding at Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort almost made it feel like life was back to normal. Check out this seaside celebration!
Josh and Becky’s seaside wedding at the Chesapeake Beach Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort was a summertime dream. Everyone (including Maryland’s DJ) enjoyed blue skies, sea air, and a lot of laughs.
After postponing their original wedding date by several months, the couple decided to go forward with their Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort wedding — with a reduced guest count.
Rod ‘N’ Reel may sound like a casual fish and chip shack, but this gorgeous resort is no such thing. With two marinas, a full-service spa, and a high-end seafood restaurant, this is a relaxing and luxurious retreat.
Josh and Becky held their ceremony outside overlooking the marina and sea beyond. The venue has a white columned “wedding dome” that makes a beautiful ceremony site. Becky entered to a violin and piano cover of Ed Sheeran’s Perfect featuring Pachelbel’s Canon in D.
Photos by Photography by Brea
The whole day was captured by two of our favorite local photographers, Brea and Tommy of Photography by Brea. Unfortunately, Brea learned about the dangers of shooting an outdoor wedding. Sorry Brea.
Photo by Photography by Brea
After the ceremony, the guests enjoyed cocktail hour on the deck of the Boardwalk Cafe, with its beachy, tropical vibes. Then it was off to the wedding tent for the reception. Josh is a bit of an EDM nut, so the bridal party entered to Bangarang by Skrillex. And of course, the DJ team held the bride and groom’s intro until the beat dropped at 2:45.
The wedding tent is right on the docks, with beautiful views of the sea all around. Since the guest list was reduced, it was easy to keep the tables at a safe social distance.
The couple’s first dance was another EDM pick — Dave Audé’s remix of Maren Morris’ The Bones. PS: take a look at what some clever uplighting can do to a simple white tent!
First dance — during the day when you can’t see the uplighting
Check out that pink glow! Photos by Photography by Brea
After dinner, the guests hit the dance floor. There were more EDM songs to come, like Would You Ever by Skrillex & Poo Bear and Tell Me You Love Me by Galantis & Throttle. They also had some more mainstream tunes, including Higher Love by Kygo and Whitney Houston, and Sugar, We’re Going Down by Fall Out Boy.
Giant glow sticks helped to create a rave-y vibe, and this close group of friends and family danced all night. When they needed a break, they took pictures at our contactless photo booth!
When all was over, Becky and Josh got a send-off under the glow sticks, bringing this perfect day to an end.
Photos by Photography by Brea
Even with a much smaller guest list, weddings like Josh and Becky’s make us feel like things are (almost) back to normal. We’re looking forward to more weddings in the fall!
To schedule a DJ for your wedding or minimony, fill out our online info form. We’re available for weddings in Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC, and more.
Matthew and Allison’s July Rosewood Farms wedding took advantage of this venue’s gorgeous views and chic modern barns.
If it weren’t for the face masks, Matthew and Allison’s sunny July wedding at Rosewood Farms would have felt like a pre-pandemic celebration.
It was our first time at this modern barn venue in Elkton, MD, but we’re already looking forward to going back. And it’s a good thing — we have 10 more weddings booked there over the next 10 months!
Rosewood was a winery and chicken farm when the Biddle family snapped it up in 2017. Now, it has a modern pastoral vibe, with chic barn spaces in cool, soothing colors and updated farmhouse decor. Complete with a pond and plenty of greenery, Rosewood Farms is equally suited to an elegant black-tie wedding or an indie bohemian fete.
Although most summer weddings opt for outdoor ceremonies, Matthew and Allison held theirs inside the stunning (and climate controlled!) Rustic Barn. A cool grey on the outside, the barn opens up to reveal a huge, bright space with whitewashed walls and vaulted ceilings. Tons of windows and two rows of matching chandeliers keep the room feeling light and airy.
Photo by Right Start Photography
Photo by Right Start Photography
Allison entered the ceremony to the classic Canon in D by Pachelbel, captured by the team at Right Start Photography. After the couple exchanged their vows, the party enjoyed happy hour on the patio outside, taking in the views. Then, everyone moved to the other barn on the property — The Rose Barn — for dinner and reception.
Photo by Right Start Photography
The Rose Barn is over 6,000 square feet of reception space. Painted a lovely blue-grey on the outside, the ballroom inside boasts an 8 foot chandelier and grand stone fireplace. Painted a crisp white with rustic beams on the 20 foot ceilings, this air-conditioned space let Allison and Matthew’s guests enjoy the night in comfort and style.
Photo by Right Start Photography
The bride and groom made their entrance to Can’t Stop the Feeling! by Justin Timberlake — a wedding favorite. For their first dance, Allison and Matthew chose From the Ground Up by Dan + Shay. It’s one of our top country wedding songs! Then, Allison and her father danced to Daddy’s Angel by T Carter, a wedding focused songwriter and producer.
After dinner, the dance floor opened up with tunes like:
While the party continued, the Right Start team snuck the couple away for some stunning photos in front of a fiery sunset.
Photo by Right Start Photography
After the last song — Closing Time by Semisonic — the happy couple said their goodbyes under a sparkler send-off.
Photo by Right Start Photography
We were so thrilled to be part of Matthew and Allison’s big day, and to visit Rosewood Farms for the first time. We’re looking forward to many events there in the future!
Maryland’s DJ is working with wedding parties of all sizes to help them create the perfect event during these unusual times. Whether you’re holding a minimony, micro wedding, or larger event, we’d love to talk about how to make your day special.
Fill out our online form to get in touch with one of our DJs!
Header photo by Right Start Photography
A Glenview Mansion wedding let's couples take advantage of one of the loveliest historic sites in Rockville. After a formal ceremony, get ready to party!
A visit to Rockville, Maryland’s Glenview Mansion is like stepping back in time. This unique 1926 building sits on 28 acres of mature grounds, hidden away inside the 153-acre Rockville Civic Center Park.
Its Neo-Classical Revival architecture features a white, columned portico flanked by two symmetrical stone wings. The combination of the crisp white central facade with the rugged brown stone is both stately and unexpected.
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
This property was originally the home of Richard Johns Bowie, local judge and farmer. It was purchased in 1917 by wealthy couple Irene and William Smith, who hired high-end architects from Washington, DC to turn it into a country estate. Bowie's original farmhouse was actually incorporated into the center of the new mansion!
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
In 1936, the owners had a “small” playhouse built for their daughter, Betsy. It’s since been converted to The Cottage, complete with sunroom and stone fireplace. Some playhouse!
The venue is now the property of the City of Rockville, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.
Glenview Mansion is one of our favorite venues in Rockville. Both the indoor and outdoor spaces are simply stunning, from the formal gardens to the marble-floored conservatory.
Ceremonies can be held in the Front Mall, Bowling Green, or level 2 of the Formal Gardens. The Mall and Bowling Green can each seat up to 200 guests, while the Formal Gardens can seat 150. The Formal Gardens is our favorite space, shaded by mature trees and ringed by lovely stone walls.
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Photo by Photography By Brea
Couples can also have smaller wedding ceremonies inside the mansion’s Conservatory. The Conservatory features a blue/green marble floor and huge windows, and can seat up to 75 guests.
For receptions, the Front Mall can be tented to fit up to 200 guests for dinner. Some couples have also split up their reception, holding dinner in the tent and dancing inside the Conservatory where it’s cooler.
Photo by Photography By Brea
The mansion’s dining room is another dining option for more intimate weddings. The room has floor-to-ceiling arched windows and handsome paneled walls for a reception of up to 50 people.
During the reception, the 2nd floor Glenview Mansion Art Gallery will be open to your guests. They can wander about and enjoy the exhibits when they need a few minutes to cool down from the dance party below.
Although this historic venue seems like it would be buttoned up, it’s actually pretty welcoming to the party crowd — event contracts can go all the way until 1:00 AM! So make sure to hire a long-haul DJ for your wedding at Glenview Mansion. You don’t want the music to flag before you’re ready!
Contact us today to talk about our availability for your Glenview Mansion wedding!
Header photo by Photography By Brea
Gorgeous scenery, space to wander, and some of the best photo ops can be found at an American Visionary Art Museum Wedding!
Baltimore’s American Visionary Art Museum has to be one of the most fun and exciting wedding venues we’ve ever seen. This eclectic space on the south side of the Inner Harbor highlights the work of self-taught artists, providing a place where their work can be enjoyed and appreciated by art novices and enthusiasts alike.
Listed in Travel + Leisure Magazine’s “10 Best Places to See Before You’re 10,” the museum is a delight to young and old. And located within easy reach of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor hotels, it’s a convenient place to gather out of town guests.
Plus, it’s reachable by water taxi...can you say send-off by sea?
The museum has three primary ceremony and reception locations for parties of 40 to 400. Learn a bit more about each — and stick around until the end, when we’ll hear some stories from the venue managers.
The most intimate spot for an American Visionary Art Museum wedding is Cielo Verde, the museum’s 3rd floor café. This space can seat up to 65 seated, or 100 for cocktails and appetizers.
The covered “whirligig” terrace is a beautiful space for ceremonies, with views of Federal Hill and the rest of the museum. Or take advantage of the dramatic spiral staircase as a ceremony site instead.
Photo by Artful Weddings by Sachs Photography
The restaurant features a one-of-a-kind copper bar and back bar, and it’s decorated with lush green plant life. Guests can wander the rest of the 3rd floor to enjoy the exhibits during the evening.
Photo by Irena Stein
The Sculpture Barn & Garden is a larger space than Cielo Verde, with room for up to 130 seated guests plus dancing. A covered patio looks out over the flower garden and outdoor artworks, and can be used as a ceremony location for smaller groups.
Photo by Robin Shotola Photography
Inside the sculpture barn, you’ll find three-story exposed brick walls and a black-and-white painted cement floor. The ceiling height makes this space feel light and airy. Large arched doors can be left open to let the breeze drift in from the adjoining patio.
Photo by Photography By Brea
The largest rental location is the banquet hall on the third floor of the Jim Rouse Visionary Center. Featuring exposed brick walls, maple flooring, and an industrial scaffold ceiling, this space is a unique blend of textures and materials. Windows on three sides flood the space with light and provide views of Baltimore and the Inner Harbor.
Photo by Photography By Brea
The space is wide open, and can seat up to 400 guests while still leaving room for a dance floor. Tables, chairs, and a stage are included with your rental. Best of all — the first floor exhibit space will be open during the wedding. Guests can wander the hall and take in the art for a truly unique wedding experience. You can also have your ceremony in the exhibit hall, under the glow of the electric hot air balloon.
Photo ops abound at this unique museum, so be prepared for your photographer to whisk you away more than once for “just one more!”
Photo by Photography By Brea
Photo by Photography By Brea
Photo by Photography By Brea
Photo by Photography By Brea
AVAM is currently offering micro wedding packages, so you can gather with a small, intimate group for safety.
We asked the wedding team over at AVAM to share a few thoughts about weddings with us, and they kindly obliged!
Answers are lightly edited for clarity.
We've had a groom ride in on an elephant! (Can’t do that in a hotel ballroom!)
We had a wedding in 2017 that featured a huge balloon drop after their ceremony in the Sculpture Barn. We typically don't allow balloons in our spaces, but since these would not float away and a professional vendor was taking care of the setup and clean up, we had to allow for this wild and dramatic moment to celebrate the newlyweds!
At one wedding, one of the flower girls was waiting for the ceremony to begin, and spied the wedding cake already on display across the room. Before anyone could stop her, she had her finger deep in that frosting! Fortunately, the couple's caterer had some extra icing on hand and fixed it up right away with some creative frosting and movement of the fresh flower decorations.
Having weddings and events at a museum is a delicate balance between wanting to assist your couples and make their wedding day dreams come true, while also preserving the mission of the museum and keeping the space in great shape for future visitors and couples! While we wish that there were no decorating rules and set up and clean up time could be unlimited, we have to keep these things in mind so that all museum patrons and rental clients are happy!
If you’re planning an American Visionary Art Museum wedding, we’d love to be there! Fill out our online form and let us know all about it.
Westminster is awash in rolling countryside and rustic barns! Here are a few of our favorite Westminster wedding venues for fans of farms.
Surrounded by nature and farmland, it’s no surprise that the wedding venues in and around Westminster, MD tend to be charmingly rustic. Barns, meadows, and stables all make scenic backdrops to Westminster weddings.
We’ve collected a few of our favorite venues to share, but there’s no shortage of beautiful farms in the area to delight the country couple!
Photo by Sarah Wockenfuss Photography
Clocking in at a whopping 193 years old, the Christian Royer House may be one of the oldest properties we’ve ever featured! The house itself is clad in red brick with classic green shutters, which makes it a lovely focal point. There’s also a historic cabin on the property, which can be used as another backdrop.
For ceremonies, most couples choose to say their vows under the shade of a massive tree on the banks of the property’s pond. And at reception time, there’s a fully-walled white tent — complete with solid flooring — where the party can go on in comfort.
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Photo by Sarah Wockenfuss Photography
Photo by Sarah Wockenfuss Photography
Photo by Sarah Wockenfuss Photography
Photo by Sarah Wockenfuss Photography
With a farming history like the one around Westminster, there’s no shortage of barn venues. Montagu Meadows has turned their 1800s barn on a former horse farm into a gorgeous wedding location.
Ceremonies can be held in the orchard under the branches of mature trees. Or they can take place overlooking the property’s pond and stream. In the event of rain, there’s also an on-site tent where couples can say their vows, safe from inclement weather.
For the reception, head into the huge barn, lit with shimmering crystal chandeliers. There’s an adjoining 2,000 sq ft patio space that can serve as a dance floor, or simply provide a place for guests to get some fresh air during the evening.
Photo by Sarah Wockenfuss Photography
Photo by Sarah Wockenfuss Photography
Photo by Sarah Wockenfuss Photography
Photo by Sarah Wockenfuss Photography
Photo by Sarah Wockenfuss Photography
Another barn venue?
Yes, another barn venue!
The Carroll County Farm Museum is dedicated to the local area’s farming history. But it’s also a beautiful spot for a wedding! Their main reception barn at the museum has a capacity of 80, which makes it a perfect venue for more intimate family groups.
For ceremonies, the garden and gazebo make a lovely natural setting. There are also two covered pavilions where guests can sit sheltered from the sun or rain.
Make sure to stop by the covered bridge for photos!
Photo by Sarah Wockenfuss Photography
Photo by Sarah Wockenfuss Photography
Photo by Sarah Wockenfuss Photography
Photo by Sarah Wockenfuss Photography
Photo by Lauren C Photography
There’s not much “riding” happening these days at the Westminster Riding Club. But there is plenty of swimming, and there are plenty of weddings.
Ceremonies can be held inside or outside in the courtyard area. The showstopper of this venue is the banquet hall, featuring a soaring cathedral ceiling clad in horizontal planking, creating a one-of-a-kind feature.
The club has its own exclusive caterer, KC Elite Hospitality, which can make you a custom menu to delight your guests.
Photo by Lauren C Photography
Photo by Kemp Collective
Photo by Kemp Collective
If you’re getting married in Westminster or the surrounding area, we’ll bring the party to you! Contact us today to reserve your date.
Goodbye wedding season, hello minimony season! Hannah & Justin’s exclusive yet welcoming minimony showed us how beautiful a small wedding can be.
Couple Hannah and Justin are the perfect example of a couple that rolls with the punches — and don’t let a little thing like a global pandemic spoil their joy.
This sweet couple has been together for 10 years. Like so many others, they decided to postpone their original April wedding date, and they re-booked Maryland’s DJ for 2021.
But why wait another whole year when they could tie the knot in style with a small party of family and friends? And when they learned that we were offering minimony packages, that sealed the deal.
Photo by Costola Photography
Hannah and Justin just didn’t want to wait any longer. And after a decade together, who can blame them? A July minimony was the solution, with a full-blown wedding on the books for next year.
Although we’ve been confident in the minimony model, this was the first one that we’ve attended in person. So we were excited to see how it would play out. And we couldn’t have been more pleased. Hannah and Justin’s Antrim 1844 wedding proved that the smaller scale of a minimony can still be just as special as a big event.
Photo by Costola Photography
Antrim’s in-house wedding coordinator, Katie Coon, ensured that the day went well from start to finish.
The ceremony took place outdoors in the English Rose Garden under the white wedding arch. Hannah entered the ceremony site to a piano cover of Scotty McCreery’s This is It. Since this venue usually has a capacity of several hundred, there was plenty of room in the lawn for the couple’s 25 guests to stay safely distanced from each other.
Photo by Costola Photography
After the ceremony, the party moved inside to escape the July humidity. Katie left plenty of space between each table, so there was room for guests to move around without getting too close.
Photo by Costola Photography
Hannah and Justin enjoyed their first dance together in the venue’s glass enclosed pavilion, followed by the traditional father/daughter and mother/son dances. After cocktails and cake, the couple went back outside with photographers Andie and Tony from Costola Photography for lots of pictures on Antrim 1844’s beautiful grounds.
Photo by Costola Photography
While this wasn’t the wedding Hannah and Justin had originally planned, it was a beautiful summer day and a joyful celebration of love. After seeing how gorgeous it was, we’re more confident than ever that a minimony is a great solution for 2020 couples. Hannah and Justin will always remember their intimate summer afternoon at Antrim 1844, and they’ll still be able to have a big party when it’s safe for everyone to get together again.
If you’re on the fence about a 2020 micro wedding or minimony, we’d love to hear from you. We offer DJ packages for these smaller ceremonies, and we can also customize them to fit your vision. Fill out our online form to get started.
Weddings sure look different from this time last year! But we aren’t letting a virus get us down. Learn what’s new and what’s stayed the same in COVID-19 weddings.
The wedding industry has slowed — but not halted — during the COVID-19 pandemic. And for those who still want to celebrate, there can be a lot of confusion about the details of a coronavirus wedding.
We’ve been able to provide the tunes for a couple weddings this summer, and we’re here to tell you what’s different about them — and what’s stayed the same.
Meeting with vendors and dress shopping is a bit more complicated in the coronavirus world. But it can still be done!
To start, most of your initial consultations can be done by video chat. Here at Maryland’s DJ, we’re doing virtual consults with our clients to talk about music preferences and order of ceremonies.
And for most other vendors, you’ll just need to make an appointment in advance instead of dropping by florists or gown boutiques. As long as you do a little planning ahead, you can still meet with most of the vendors and visit venues. Just don’t forget your mask.
Clearly, the greatest change to the COVID-19 wedding is its size. With venue capacities and group numbers restricted by both local and state authorities, wedding sizes have gone micro.
Photo by Kir TuBen Photography
Minimonies (around 10 people) and micro weddings (fewer than 50 people) are the name of the game for most weddings in 2020. These intimate weddings let couples say their vows and celebrate with a few close friends this year. Then they can have their “sequel wedding” with the full guest list when things get back to normal.
Even with fewer guests in attendance, social distancing among non-related people still needs to be considered. For the ceremony, leave space between a few small groups of chairs. Let family members sit together, but give them some breathing room between clusters.
If you’re serving dinner, keep the same idea for tables. Leave enough room between each table so guests can get up and walk between them without getting too close to each other.
Another fun idea — lay out blankets and turn your wedding reception into an old school backyard picnic!
Photo by Photography By Brea
Catering can still be an option for a COVID-19 wedding. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions. How are they changing their policies? What are their sanitation procedures? What kind of masks will employees be wearing? Are they still doing buffets? If so, what protections are they taking?
Good caterers will have all these answers at the ready to make you feel at ease.
It’s no surprise that some states have been faring better than others with new cases of the virus. While you want to trust that your guests have been doing the safe thing in the weeks leading up to your wedding, you can’t know for sure.
So couples in less at-risk areas are often choosing to only invite local guests and immediate family, rather than including guests from hotbed states. This is purely a matter of personal preference that each couple has to decide on for themselves.
For guests who can’t attend, you always have the option of live-streaming your vows, so you can share them with the people who can’t be there in person.
Listen — we’re DJs. So there’s nothing we love more than a packed dance floor.
But we also want you and your guests to be safe and healthy. So we understand that most couples are skipping the “official” dance floor right now. The ceremonial dances are still on the table — the first dance, father/daughter, and mother/son.
And guests can still shake their booties. It’s just safer to get your groove on tableside, rather than up in Aunt Millie’s face.
Photo by Photography By Brea
If you’re throwing a minimony or micro wedding, we have special packages aimed at providing a safe and easy musical experience. We will bring the music to your ceremony and reception with a small speaker set up and a DJ to manage it all.
Learn more about our minimony and micro wedding packages.
Header photo by Photography By Brea
Looking for a stylish wedding venue in Frederick, MD? These sophisticated options have charm and class in spades.
Every small town thinks it’s the best small town. But Frederick may have the other small towns beat.
Where else can you:
Frederick has historic sites and scenic views to suit every classy couple. We picked a few of our favorite Frederick wedding venues to share with you, to try to lure you to this pretty town!
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
With two beautiful ceremony sites, Dulany’s Outlook just west of Frederick offers two different takes on the outdoor wedding. Couples can opt for a whimsical forest ceremony among the trees, under a rustic wood arbor. Or say your vows on the sprawling green lawn under a white arbor, next to the property’s rose garden.
Make sure to take plenty of pictures outside the impressive red brick house. Then head over to the restored red barn for dinner and dancing. This barn has a surprise — huge sliding doors on both sides of the open wide to let the breeze in and allow you take in the views.
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Photo by Kir2Ben Photography
Photo by Kir2Ben Photography
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Photo by Lauren C Photography
If we had to pick one word to describe Ceresville Mansion, it would be elegant. This stately white mansion was built in 1888 as a private residence. But now it’s been opened up to lucky couples looking to say their vows in style.
Get married outside under the mature trees, and enjoy the reception on the covered pavilion. Or hold the reception inside the mansion’s Grand Ballroom.
Sneak away during the evening for pictures under the pergola or in front of the serene reflecting pond. Dreamy.
Photo by Lauren C Photography
Photo by Lauren C Photography
Photo by Lauren C Photography
Photo by Lauren C Photography
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Sitting on 300 acres east of Frederick, Morningside Inn is a serene, countryside wedding venue complete with all the nature you could want. Rolling fields, surrounding woodlands, and three ponds on the property make this little “inn” feel more like a luxe country club.
Ceremonies can be held outdoors on the red brick patio, or inside the reception room with views of the country. Dinner is served in a cozy dining room with wood floors and soaring beams. And after, the party will move downstairs to the reception room for dancing and fun.
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Located just 15 minutes outside Frederick, Springfield Manor’s rolling hills make a beautiful wedding backdrop. It’s even better if you’re lucky enough to get married during lavender season!
In addition to a wedding venue, Springfield Manor is also a working winery, distillery, and brewery. And while you don’t have to source your alcohol from them...why wouldn’t you?
Celebrate your wedding with a reception inside the rustic barn, or in the ballroom with seating for up to 300 guests. With an inn on site as an accommodation option for the couple and the wedding party, this venue is as convenient as it is beautiful.
To learn more about a real wedding at Springfield Manor, check out our recap of Jen and Joe’s wedding.
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
If you’re getting married in Frederick, MD, we’d love to be there! Fill out our online form to reserve your date.
A photo booth keeps guests entertained and engaged. To keep everyone safe, try a touchless photo booth rental from Maryland’s DJ.
A fun-filled, beautiful wedding is still possible in the COVID-19 world. All we have to do is put our thinking caps on and come up with some small shifts that will ensure a safe environment for everyone.
One of the primary adjustments we all need to make is avoiding high-touch areas, like microphones, countertops, and photo booths.
That’s why we have a 100% touchless photo booth rental for your Maryland-area wedding! You and your guests can take all the goofy pictures you want, and your fingers will never make contact with the equipment.
So let’s talk about why a photo booth rental is still a good choice, and how they work.
We understand that during this pandemic, some couples may not feel comfortable with a dance floor. That’s why a photo booth makes a great addition to your wedding day.
A touchless photo booth gives guests something fun to do, and provides them with a digital memento of the day. Pictures are sent straight to their phones, so guests can upload them directly to their social media.
Photo booths are appropriate for all ages, and you can provide props to let people be as silly as they want.
A photo booth also ensures that more of the guests will have their pictures taken, which will let the couple use those pictures as a digital guest book. You could lay them all out in a collage, or print out hard copies. You could also print out a favorite to mail to your guests in their thank you cards.
A photo booth rental from Maryland’s DJ is a high-end piece of equipment with a small footprint. Meant to be unobtrusive, the photo station can be tucked into a corner, well out of the way.
When guests walk up to the screen, the photo booth’s advanced recognition software will spring to life. All they have to do is pose, and the booth will take care of the rest. Then, they can use their phones to scan a custom QR code, downloading the pictures to their phones instantly.
It doesn’t just have to be a pic, either! This booth can also take Boomerangs, gifs, and videos. So there are multiple ways for guests to play.
They can also apply filers, like sepia and black and white. And with a custom backdrop option, you can make the background of the pictures match the rest of the decor.
As for props, we won’t be providing props to use during weddings for the foreseeable future. But couples are welcome to provide props for their guests to use.
A photo booth rental is an easy addition to your wedding, micro wedding, or minimony. We’re looking forward to all the wild pictures you and your guests will take!
To start planning your wedding day, or if you need help pivoting from a larger wedding to a smaller ceremony, let us know.
A wedding at Baltimore’s George Peabody Library means chic, old-world glamour. See why this is considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.
For your wedding venue, how about one of the most famous libraries in the world?
Baltimore’s George Peabody Library is a one-of-a-kind, you-have-to-see-it-to-believe-it space that has been dazzling visitors for nearly 150 years.
The library was a gift to the city from financier and philanthropist George Peabody, who moved to Baltimore in 1816 and wanted to give something back. This wasn’t Peabody’s only generous gift — he also established the Peabody Trust, which is still providing housing and community programs in London. He founded museums, schools, and funds for the poor.
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
In fact, Peabody’s generosity resulted in the honorific, the “father of modern philanthropy.” He influenced rich industrialists like Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, and Bill Gates to follow in his footsteps when it came to the disposal of their own fortunes.
Designed by architect Edmund G. Lind, the library opened in 1878, and it’s been a jewel in the fabric of Baltimore ever since.
A George Peabody Library wedding takes place in the famous Reading Room, lined by 300,000 volumes of books. Intricate wrought-iron railings sparkle with gold leaf as they stretch between six stories of cast-iron columns. A skylight spans the width of the atrium, flooding the room with light during the day.
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
The open space can be draped with string lights for weddings, giving the room a romantic glow. After the ceremony, you and your guests can adjourn to the adjoining Exhibit Gallery for cocktail hour while the Reading Room is turned over for the reception. The Exhibit Gallery features rotating collections throughout the year, and it can be set up with cocktail tables for easy snacking on appetizers.
The Exhibit Gallery stays open throughout the evening, so guests can sneak away for a quiet moment. But no red wine allowed in here! Guests will just have to switch to champagne when they move to the Exhibit Gallery. This is also a great place to tuck the cake table or the guest book to keep it out of the way.
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Back in the Reading Room for the reception, there’s space to seat 200 guests with no dance floor, or 170 with a dance floor. As the sun creeps away from the massive skylight, the string lights and wall sconces will catch the gold leaf in the railings, making the entire room glow.
A George Peabody Library wedding rental includes tables and chairs, a venue manager, and a security guard to protect this historic venue!
The library has a limited list of exclusive caterers to choose from: Charles Levine Caterers, The Classic Catering People, and Occasions Caterers. These are three of the top-rated caterers in Baltimore, so you can trust that they’ll all serve your guests well.
And if you’re planning a Peabody Library wedding, or if you’re getting married at any of our other favorite Baltimore wedding venues, we’d love to chat. We’re booking micro weddings, minimonies, and full-sized weddings for the upcoming season.
Header photo by Dani Leigh Photography
So 2020 hasn’t quite gone to plan. But we’re here to help you pivot. Learn if a minimony may be right for you, and how Maryland’s DJ can help.
So you’ve heard the term “micro wedding” and you have a pretty good grasp on it. But what the heck is a minimony?
The “mini” in minimony refers to the size of the wedding itself — not to the size of the love between the couple.
Although the minimony is not a product of the COVID-19 world, it has seen increased popularity in the past few months. As couples try to pivot their plans in a safe way that still lets them celebrate, these intimate wedding ceremonies can be just the ticket.
A minimony is a wedding ceremony that includes the bride, groom, and just a few guests — usually under 10. This keeps guest counts under the 10-person-or-less gathering guidelines currently in place in many states.
The minimony will usually include the ceremony and a short reception. Although the small guest count tends to make minimonies feel less formal, we still think you should enjoy all the trappings of your ceremony.
Have a processional to a favorite song, recite your custom vows, and let the tears flow.
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
After the ceremony, some couples choose to serve a full meal. Others limit their reception to appetizers and cocktails.
With so few guests, a dance floor would be a bit sparse. Instead, olay some great mood music and treat it like an intimate party it is with your closest family.
With COVID-19 making large gatherings impossible, a minimony on your original wedding date achieves a few goals.
First, it lets couples have a celebration and way to honor their relationship now, instead of making them wait until 2021 or beyond. It provides a way to keep the same anniversary date, in case their preferred date is unavailable in the future.
And it ensures that on your original wedding date, you and your fiance will still have something to look forward to. This is a crazy season, but weddings can still give us all something to be joyful about.
First of all, you can fit 10 people anywhere. So you have lots of minimony venue options. Many opt to have them in a backyard with a nice garden. But if you don’t have flowers of your own, use a public park instead.
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography — Venue: Antrim 1844
You could also rent out a private room in a restaurant or cafe — they’d love to have you during these trying times.
We know one couple who had their minimony on a bridge overlooking a river in a major city. Think of it as a pop-up event, and throw it wherever you like.
Next, don’t forego the photographer! Just because this event will be small doesn't mean you won’t want to preserve those memories. This is a wild time — pictures of your guests with masks on will be a detail you won’t want to forget.
And finally, even though this will be a smaller affair, you want to create the atmosphere. Ceremony music is still important to make sure your wedding feels like...well...a wedding. And after the ceremony, some of your favorite tunes will keep your guests mingling and chatting.
So we’ve set up a minimony package to help couples celebrate in (small) style. One of our DJs will run your ceremony music, plus provide a hand-picked music mix for 1.5 hours after the ceremony. We’ll also bring wireless mics for the ceremony and speeches — all to be used hands-free.
This is an unusual season, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate. Get in touch with us today to schedule your micro wedding or minimony!
Header photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Looking for the top Leesburg Wedding Venues? It was a tough job, but we pulled four of our favorites to share with you!
Lovely Leesburg!
It has a historic, picturesque downtown, beautiful views of the Potomac River, and easy access to Washington, D.C.
It also has dozens of charming wedding venues, ranging from historic mansions to wineries to farms to resorts.
A Leesburg wedding gives your guests a chance to explore the town’s Historic District, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. They can also enjoy the outdoors with golf, parks, and hiking trails.
We waded through our archives to select some of the best wedding venues in Leesburg, VA to share. Although it was hard to narrow it down, here are four of our picks.
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
Gorgeous historic mansion? Check.
Manicured gardens and sprawling grounds? Check.
Rave reviews? Double check.
Rust Manor House has it all. Spread over 68 acres, this property has shady walks and scenic hideaways galore.
Inside the manor, the elegant parlor, dining room, and library are at your disposal for getting ready before the ceremony begins. When the music starts, a flagstone patio leads you straight from the front door of the mansion to to the altar, with stately trees overhead.
And when it’s time to party, a fully-quipped 200-person tent is ready to receive you, with A/C in the summer and heaters in the winter.
See? Everything you need!
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
Photo by Photography By Brea
Couples looking for a resort wedding should look no further than Lansdowne Resort & Spa. Rolling hills, views of the Potomac River, and spa luxury make this the perfect place to feel pampered over your wedding weekend.
Outdoor ceremonies take place on the Potomac Terrace, overlooking the river valley. Extensive grounds allow for plenty of secluded spots for photos.
For the reception, choose from three indoor ballrooms for country club style, modern elegance, or a bright, airy terrace room.
Photo by Photography By Brea
Photo by Photography By Brea
Photo by Photography By Brea
Photo by Kir2Ben
Most wedding venues have a couple ceremony sites. But Stone Tower Winery has four, and each is special.
For outdoor sites, choose from the Hillside or the Pond locations. The Hillside has a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside, and the Pond is backed by a rustic Port Wine Grotto.
If you prefer an indoor ceremony, you could choose the Tank Room to highlight the romance of a working winery. This unique space is lined by both stainless and oak barrels, full of delicious wine. Or for a more formal ceremony, the Ballroom is the perfect spot. A full wall of windows lets couples say their vows in while taking in the views
Photo by Casey Crow Taylor
Photo by Casey Crow Taylor
Photo by Casey Crow Taylor
Photo by Kir2Ben
Photo by Casey Crow Taylor
Riverside on the Potomac has the rustic charm of a barn venue — without the inconvenience of sweltering temperatures! Although you can see sunlight streaming in from chinks between the antique wood siding, the building is discreetly wrapped in plexiglass. So the sun can get in — but the heat stays out.
The Waterfall Terrace and Patio right on the banks of the Potomac makes a scenic spot for the ceremony or cocktail hour. Say your vows accompanied by the gentle sounds of the waterfall. Dreamy.
Check out our Wedding Recap of Hanna & Brandon’s beautiful wedding at Riverside on the Potomac in Leesburg, VA!
Photo by Casey Crow Taylor
Photo by Casey Crow Taylor
Photo by Casey Crow Taylor
Photo by Casey Crow Taylor
Getting married at a wedding venue in Leesburg? We’ll cross state lines to celebrate with you. Fill out our online form to get started.
This November wedding had it all — gorgeous couple, family and friends, and a dance party that lasted all night. Check out Becky & Matt’s 1840s Plaza wedding!
Since the spring wedding season was just a bit disrupted this year, we’re taking a look back at some of our favorite weddings from the fall 2019 wedding season.
One of the best was Becky and Matt’s November wedding at the 1840s Plaza, located inside the historic Fava Building, a Baltimore City landmark.
This magnificent building has an unusual history. The red facade of the building is made from cast iron, and was originally the front of the G. Fava Fruit Company building, built in 1869. When the building was condemned to make way for the new Convention Center in the 1970s, the city pledged to re-use the cast iron front elsewhere.
True to their word, the Fava facade was repurposed in this building, which served as the Blaustein City Life Exhibition Center until its closure in 1997. Purchased a few years later by B&B operator Anne Polykala, the building now holds the 1840s Plaza!
After a beautiful outdoor ceremony, Becky and Matt’s guests moved up to the City Lites room on the 2nd floor for cocktail hour. This romantic room features large corner windows, and dramatic draping of white and peach from the ceiling.
Then, it was up to the 1840s Ballroom on the 4th floor for the reception. The ballroom glitters with crystal chandeliers and murals of old Baltimore.
The space was particularly gorgeous on this evening, thanks to the work of planner-extraordinaire Drew Vanlandingham. Becky was obviously delighted with the results!
(Peep our own Jordan Solender lurking in the background…)
As he often does, Drew wowed everyone with his attention to detail at this 1840s Plaza wedding. Greenery dangled from the ceiling, and votive candles seemed to float in mid-air from their perches inside suspended glass orbs.
Learn more about Drew in his Vendor Spotlight!
We provided uplighting for the ballroom, highlighting some of the space’s features like decorative curtains and pillars. Uplighting helps to define the space and provides visual interest. A well-lit room can eliminate dark corners that make a room feel smaller.
The bridal party and the bride & groom’s parents arrived first to hype up the crowd. They entered the ballroom to DJ Kool’s Let Me Clear My Throat. Each pair had a minute to own the dance floor and have a little fun.
Then it was time for Becky and Matt’s introduction to the reception. Their intro song was to Beyoncé’s Crazy in Love, followed by their first dance to Ray Charles’ Come Rain or Come Shine.
Once the dance floor opened to the rest of the group, it was party time. The guests got down to wedding favorites like Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, We Are Family, and I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me).
While the celebration raged on, Becky and Matt snuck away for a quiet moment in the secluded courtyard at 1840s Plaza.
We were thrilled to be part of this lovely couple’s wedding day, and we wish them all the best in their marriage and their future!
If you need a DJ for your wedding, engagement party, or anniversary celebration, reach out to Maryland’s DJ!
One of our favorite Frederick wedding photographers is Kate Palker of Pearly Kate Photography. Check out her story and why her clients love her!
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Some little kids dream of being a model or an actor. But photographer Kate Palker always knew that she wanted to be behind the camera, not in front of it. An independent photographer — that was the life Kate dreamed of!
The first step to making that dream come true was training. It was during her apprenticeship that she assisted on her first wedding and fell in love! Kate began helping and second shooting for other photographers to gain as much wedding experience as she could.
Finally, in 2014, with the encouragement of her husband Ben, she opened her own studio in downtown Frederick, MD. Pearly Kate was born! Within the first year of owning her own business, she began booking and shooting her own weddings.
Most wedding photographers don’t have their own physical studio these days. After all, wedding photography takes place on-site, and editing can be done from home. But by having a studio space, Kate and her team have a professionally lit location for portraits and headshots — two additional services they provide.
An important part of the photographer/client relationship is getting to know each other. So before any contracts are signed, Kate has an initial phone call with the clients, and then an in-person (or virtual) “Coffee with Kate” session.
In this initial meeting, Kate helps couples to work through their wedding day timeline, and shows samples of her work. By setting this foundation, she ensures that she and her couples are on the same page when it comes to the engagement and wedding photos.
After the big day, Kate can send clients framed art and heirloom-quality photo albums, so they’ll have ready-made keepsakes.
Pearly Kate Photography has a team of three — including a dedicated studio manager to wrangle emails and finances. That leaves the two photographers free to focus their attention on making couples and families feel and look their best.
We chatted with Kate about why she loves weddings, the most unusual thing she’s seen at a wedding, and the one request she always says “no” to.
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
Antrim 1844 is such a beautiful and versatile venue. They have beautiful gardens and grounds and the rooms and building are all so unique and full of a historic charm. Their wedding coordinators and staff are great and if you haven't visited The Smokehouse Restaurant, you absolutely need to!
PS: Check out our Venue Spotlight of Antrim 1844!
I love building relationships and investing time to get to know my clients. I am such a people person! I love learning about each couple's unique love story and being able to capture this exciting season in their lives.
I love capturing surprising moments at weddings and seeing either the couple’s or guest’s reactions! One couple went above and beyond and hired Andrew Ripp, the artist who wrote their song and had him perform at their wedding!
People ask to use my camera often. I say no, but with a smile!
There are so many! Kids are adorable at weddings in their tiny formal wear, especially when they are dancing!
I love planning for the wedding in advance! I work with the couple from day one to prepare the wedding timeline and family lists. This ensures that by the time the wedding day comes, everything is set up.
Even if there are small hiccups on the big day, I am able to remain calm and be flexible to ensure the photography experience is the best for the couple!
Bridesmaids! Does it need an explanation? This movie never fails to make me laugh.
Remember that each day is a new day! Marriage takes the ability to focus on the good in yourself and your spouse, every day.
If you’d like Kate and her team to shoot your wedding, reach out to her on her website. And if you’re looking for a DJ for your big day, let us know!
Planning a wedding in Eastern Shore? These five wedding venues offer some of the best views and reception sites in eastern Maryland!
Jutting out between the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic, Maryland’s Eastern Shore is the ideal spot for a quintessential East Coast wedding.
Venues take advantage of waterfront real estate and warm summers by highlighting their outdoor space. Even if a ballroom is an option, why would you want to shuttle your guests inside with so much beauty around you?
We chose five of our favorite Eastern Shore wedding venues to give you a taste of this gorgeous area. Enjoy!
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Calling this stately stone building an “inn” doesn’t quite do it justice. With 92 guest rooms in this downtown Easton venue, the wedding party and most of the guests may be able to stay right on site!
Lush intimate gardens are the perfect place for the happy couple to sneak away for some photos, and the brick patio with climbing roses makes a charming ceremony site.
Your guests will also love exploring Easton. As the “Cultural Capital of the Eastern Shore,” this lovely town has art galleries, studios, and upscale boutique shopping all within walking distance of the Tidewater Inn.
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Photo by Lauren C Photography
On the eastern edge of the Eastern Shore, Sunset Marina in Ocean City is the place to go for that coastal feel and stunning sunsets.
This is a functioning marina, with dock upon dock full of boats of every size. After a ceremony offsite, head to the marina for photos with the whole wedding party in front of boats and the pink sky.
For the reception, the Sunset Grille on the marina serves fresh seafood and has waterfront views.
Photo by Lauren C Photography
Photo by Lauren C Photography
Photo by Lauren C Photography
Photo by Lauren C Photography
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
Another luxurious space with an unassuming name, The Inn at Perry Cabin is a fully decked out resort, complete with spa, golf course, tennis courts, and boating.
There are three primary wedding locations at this St. Michaels venue. Couples can say their vows on the waterfront, in the mature floral gardens, or in the Commodore ballroom. Receptions can continue outdoors or in. And with 26 acres of property at your disposal, there’s plenty of space for every aspect of your wedding day.
They even have a 55 foot yacht if you prefer to hold your wedding on the sea!
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
Photo by Sarah Wockenfuss
The Oaks is a dreamy escape in St. Michaels, Maryland. Located in front of the serene Oak Creek, this Eastern Shore wedding venue is reserved entirely for the wedding party. No strangers will be stumbling into your celebration!
After a creekside ceremony on the lawn or the covered dock, guests will return to the inn’s Grand Ballroom for dinner catered by The Oaks. And after the festivities are over, the wedding party can relax in 14 beautifully furnished rooms right there at the Inn.
Photo by Sarah Wockenfuss
Photo by Sarah Wockenfuss
Photo by Sarah Wockenfuss
Photo by Sarah Wockenfuss
Photo by Sarah Wockenfuss
Osprey Point Inn in Rock Hall combines rustic charm with modern elegance. With accommodations in three different historic buildings, there’s room here for friends and family alike.
Ceremonies can be held in the white gazebo, or on the waterfront lawn. For the reception, a 3-point tent will keep your guests sheltered from sun or drizzle. Smaller weddings can be held in the onsite restaurant as well.
Take photos on the dock jutting into the Chesapeake Bay, or in front of the barn painted with a huge American flag.
Photo by Sarah Wockenfuss
Photo by Sarah Wockenfuss
Photo by Sarah Wockenfuss
Photo by Sarah Wockenfuss
Photo by Sarah Wockenfuss
Can we help create the soundtrack to your Eastern Shore wedding? Fill out our online form to start talking about dates!
Header Photo by Lauren C Photography
Want to add a little extra character to your event space? Try uplighting! Here’s what you should know about this lighting tool and Maryland’s DJ can help.
Have you ever seen the transformation of an event space from ho hum to holy cow? There are many elements that go into a well-designed space, but uplighting is one of the best ways to turn a standard ballroom into a show-stopping masterpiece.
Today, we’re chatting about uplighting: what it is, how it works, and how you can use it at your wedding or corporate event.
Uplighting involves placing light fixtures on the floor and aiming them up at the walls and ceiling. The effect is to provide a glow and ambience around the perimeter of the event space.
These lights often come in multiple color options, letting you create a variety of moods in the same room. White or blue uplighting, for example, can turn a neutral space into an elegant, chic one. Red or purple can create a dramatic vibe. And a multi-colored lighting plan can make the room fun and playful.
Uplighting is often used at weddings and events to bring a little extra personality to a ballroom or conference room. Different colored lights may be used to make the room coordinate with the wedding colors or brand logo.
Because the lights are all on the same system, you could also do multiple effects at one event. For example, you could use white uplighting during the dinner and wedding speeches, and then change to a red effect once the DJ opens the dance floor.
Here’s the lovely dining room at Charlie Palmer Steak in Washington, DC, with no uplighting:
Now here it is with some gentle blue uplighting to coordinate with event decor:
And here it is with a richer blue:
And now with a fiery red!
See how the different colors can create a completely different feel — in the same room, with the same furniture and layout?
Uplighting can be used to define a space like a wedding ceremony site, DJ booth, head table, or the processional aisle. It can also create drama by playing on the room’s features, like alcoves or columns, or by adding texture and dimension to a blank canvas, like a tent or draped walls. Check out how we used a green light to highlight the huge fireplace at this Harry Potter-themed wedding!
Photo by Photography By Brea
Uplighting also improves the visibility of your event space for photos, without relying on harsh overhead lighting that kills the vibe.
Your specific lighting plan will depend on the room to be lit and the feel you’re going for. We’ll work with you to determine how many lights we’ll need to create the right ambiance for your event space.
What makes the uplighting from Maryland’s DJ different? We use 100% wireless lighting, so there will be no clumsy wires taped around the room, causing a trip hazard and eyesore. Our lighting can also be remote-controlled, so we can create a lighting plan that changes throughout the evening.
And finally, we use much wider lights than the “industry standard” to create a bright, vibrant wash of color all the way up the wall. This prevents that weak “spotlight” look that is produced by so many uplighting companies. Instead, you get walls and ceilings full of color, making the whole room glow.
The cost of uplighting will vary depending on how many lights are needed and the size of the space. Contact us today so we can start designing your lighting plan!
Looking for the best wedding venues in Annapolis? We’ve picked five of our favorites in this historical and vibrant city on the bay!
Annapolis has been the site of some of the most important events in American history, like the ratification of the Treaty of Paris which ended the Revolutionary War.
The colonial architecture of the city makes it a beautiful site for weddings and celebrations, and there is no shortage of scenic venues! Mature gardens, red brick walls, and historic buildings abound in this city by the bay.
We’ve selected five of our favorite Annapolis wedding venues for you to consider when planning your Maryland wedding!
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Just a short jaunt across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge from Annapolis sits tiny Kent Island. This breezy island in the middle of the bay is home to the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, one of the area’s premiere beach wedding venues.
If you’re looking for a beachfront ceremony, this is one of the best places to see. And for the reception, there are four classic Atlantic-style ballrooms to choose from, depending on the size of your guest list.
To learn a bit more about this beautiful space, check out our Venue Spotlight!
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
Annapolis is home to the prestigious US Naval Academy and its stunning chapel. This 1908 landmark with its iconic dome is decorated with wood carvings, stone statues, stained glass windows, and a glowing skylight overhead.
After the ceremony, couples can take pictures in the beautiful grounds of the Buchanan House Garden next door.
This ceremony site is not available to all, though — at least one member of the couple must be an alum of the academy, a staff member, or active-duty military on assignment in the area.
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
Photo by Photography By Brea
Couples with a love of all things nautical can tie the knot at the Annapolis Maritime Museum, surrounded by the area’s natural beauty and long sea-faring history.
This venue has lovely views of the Chesapeake Bay, providing a perfect backdrop to the ceremony and photos. After, there are several reception areas including the 2,000 square foot Bay Room and a tented Waterfront Deck with 180 degree views.
When the party is over, how about making your getaway by boat? The museum pier sits in 6’ of water, so your vessel can pick you up and take you away on the open water under the stars.
Photo by Photography By Brea
Photo by Photography By Brea
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
Photo by Lauren C. Photography
The beauties of the William Paca House are hard to overstate. This Georgian mansion was built in the 1760s by William Paca, signer of the Declaration of Independence and 3rd governor of Maryland.
Fully restored in the 1900s, the house and grounds provide ample photoshoot locations, from the freshwater pond to the lush gardens. Receptions are held on the tented terrace for a full day of outdoor celebration.
Photo by Lauren C. Photography
Photo by Photography By Brea
Photo by Photography By Brea
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
Also located on the US Naval Academy campus, Ogle Hall’s stately red brick house stands out against the surrounding greenery.
Many couples choose to have their receptions here after their ceremonies at the nearby US Naval Academy chapel. The pretty red brick patio can be tented for a reception protected by the weather. And guests can step into the house to check out the charmingly restored colonial decor.
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
We’d love to DJ your Annapolis wedding! Just fill out our online form to get started with one of our world-class DJs.
The foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains feature rolling hills and lush valleys. These are some of the best wedding venues in Northern Virginia!
The wedding venues in Northern Virginia are all about the views. Rolling green hills and row after row of wine grapes make this part of the country the “Napa Valley” of the East Coast.
So it’s no surprise that couples in this part of the world are looking for outdoor wedding venues that take advantage of the great outdoors.
We’ve picked four of the loveliest wedding venues in Northern Virginia where couples can tie the knot — and have a great glass of wine at the same time!
Photo by Photography By Brea
Located in Centreville, the Winery at Bull Run is a rustic and charming working winery with beautiful views and scenery.
The venue has five different rental spaces that make beautiful backdrops for wedding ceremonies and receptions. Many couples choose to have their ceremonies at the “Hillwood Ruins,” a stone wall and chimney that looks out over the vineyard.
Inside spaces include the Barrel Room and Production Barn, where your guests can dine and dance under the supervision of the wine as it ferments and ages.
The Hillwood Ruins - Photo by Lauren C. Photography
Photo by Lauren C. Photography
Photo by Photography By Brea
Photo by Valerie Michelle Photography
The Production Barn - Photo by Photography By Brea
Stone Garden - Photo by Photography By Brea
Evergreen Country Club in Haymarket, VA is a high-end wedding venue with full service accommodations. The club can provide just about everything you need for your wedding, from seating to staff to food to the open bar. And it’s all in a truly stunning location.
The club’s historic manor house was built in the 1820s, and features classical colonial architecture that makes a lovely photo backdrop.
For the ceremony, most couples choose the Stone Garden where a historic stone wall looks out over the rolling hills beyond. And the reception ballroom is neutral and classic, ready for couples to put their own spin on the space.
Photo by Photography By Brea
Inn at Evergreen - Photo by Photography By Brea
Photo by Photography By Brea
Photo by Photography By Brea
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
The Vineyards & Winery at Lost Creek has weddings in its DNA — the owners first fell in love with wine on their own honeymoon to France over 20 years ago. Now, they make sustainable wine from 100% Loudoun County grapes, and open up their remarkable property to couples for their weddings.
There are ample places here for photos, from the rows of vines to fields of wildflowers to overlooking the pastures. Enjoy the house wine during your reception in the 175-person capacity Harvest House on site.
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
Photo by Procopio Photography
All of these venues have jaw-dropping scenery. But we’ve saved the best for last. Bluemont Vineyard in Bluemont, VA may just have the best vistas of the Loudoun Valley of any wedding venue in Northern Virginia.
After an outdoor ceremony (because you’re not going to want an indoor ceremony here) the party can head to The Stable, a climate-controlled barn large enough for 200 seated guests. One lovely bonus — couples who book this venue will become members of their Wedding Wine Club and will receive member-only perks and a discount on food and wine at the vineyard!
For a little more about this Northern Virginia wedding venue, check our recap of Paul and Candice’s wedding!
Photo by Procopio Photography
Photo by Procopio Photography
Photo by Procopio Photography
Photo by Procopio Photography
If you’re planning a wedding at a Northern Virginia venue, contact us. We’re happy to cross state lines to bring the party to your big day!
Looking for outdoor space, classical architecture, or a modern vibe? We’ve got it in the capital. Here are a few of the best wedding venues in Washington, DC!
Our nation’s capital has no shortage of gorgeous wedding venues within its borders. With so many historic venues and monuments, areas of natural beauty, and smatterings of modern architecture, there’s a venue here to suit every couple.
Although we’re based in Maryland, we love to DJ weddings in Washington, DC! It’s just a short drive down the road for us, and has a unique energy you don’t find anywhere else.
It was hard to narrow down our favorites, but we struggled through it and chose a few of the best wedding venues in Washington, DC to highlight for you.
Photo by Kemp Collective
A wedding at a winery gives you the chance to reduce your number of vendors, making your day easier and less stressful. The venue will provide a full menu of delicious food, staff to take care of the details, and of course, all the wine your party can drink.
District Winery is a stunning modern winery with clean lines and lovely views of the Anacostia River. Couples can take advantage of the barrel room for unique photos, or go for a stroll outside on the riverfront.
When the sun goes down, the city lights glow across the water, providing a dazzling backdrop to the evening’s festivities.
To learn more about District Winery, check out our Venue Spotlight!
Photo by Kemp Collective
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
Photo by Photography By Brea
Toolbox is a flex-space that serves as an art gallery, pilates studio, and event venue all in one.
Located in DuPont Circle, this eclectic venue combines both traditional and modern elements.
Warm wood floors and brick walls highlight the historical features of the space, but the bright artwork on the walls and glossy red doors help to modernize it.
The great location gives you plenty of options for pictures! Take a walk down the street for photos in front of the iconic DuPont Circle Fountain. Or head a few blocks northwest to take pictures in front of the quieter Spanish Steps.
Photo by Photography By Brea
Photo by Photography By Brea
Photo by Photography By Brea
The Spanish Steps — Photo by Photography By Brea
Photo by Photography By Brea
The DC War Memorial highlights the neoclassical architecture that Washington, DC is famous for. Built in the early 1930s, this round open-air temple on the National Mall commemorates the 499 district residents who died in service during World War I.
The structure is surrounded by lush greenery and mature trees. But the classical simplicity of the white Vermont marble temple is what makes it such a lovely spot for weddings.
There are no facilities here, so it’s strictly a ceremony venue. But with such a central location, your party will be just a scant distance from dozens of reception venue options.
Photo by Photography By Brea
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
Photo by Carly Fuller Photography
Photo by Procopio Photography
Union Market’s Dock 5 is an industrial warehouse space in a bustling foodie neighborhood. This large venue is a blank canvas, allowing you to put your own personal touch on the exposed steel beams and ductwork.
One whole wall of the space features functioning garage doors, providing a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor. And with 12,000 square feet and a max capacity of 700 guests, you can invite everyone on your list to celebrate with you.
Photo by Procopio Photography
Photo by Procopio Photography
Photo by Procopio Photography
Photo by Procopio Photography
Getting married in the district? Let us know so we can put together the perfect party playlist for your nuptials in the capital.
Meta Description: Looking for outdoor space, classical architecture, or a modern vibe? We’ve got it in the capital. Here are a few of the best wedding venues in Washington, DC!
Want to guarantee a full dance floor? The solution is salsa. Here are our top 12 wedding salsa songs to get the crowd moving!
We’re music people here at Maryland’s DJ. And if we had to pick one genre of music that perked up a dance floor the most, it would probably be salsa. Even if your guests are more familiar with the kind that goes on chips than the dance steps, no one can hear that clave beat and not move their bums.
We’ve picked 12 of our client’s favorite salsa songs that never fail to heat up the reception. Warning — listening to these songs may result in spontaneous fits of hip-swinging.
The Justin Bieber version may be the most popular incarnation of this song, but this salsa version swaps Biebs out for horns, bongos, and a salsa swing.
Marc Anthony’s ode to living in the moment is a dance floor winner. Even English speakers who don’t know the words will be swept away by the joy of the tune.
A low budget music video and some leather pants couldn’t stop this song’s 98 week run in the top 10 on the Latin Albums chart. Even people who don’t know what this song is called will know it when they hear it.
This pop-salsa hit by duo Gente De Zona and the wonder Marc Anthony has over a billion views on YouTube.
Prince Royce isn’t very well known by American audiences, and that’s a real shame. Play this slower salsa tune to catch a breather at your wedding.
The original version of this song has a more reggaeton beat, but the salsa version has that distinct clave that makes salsa so danceable.
It might surprise you to know that one of the biggest Latin songs of 1998 was by a 73-year-old artist, but it’s true! The legendary Celia Cruz had a career that spanned over 50 years and included both music and television appearances.
Prince Royal’s salsa version of this famous song is just as wedding-appropriate as the Ben E. King original.
The English translation of this title is “You Make Me Feel Good,” and that’s certainly the sentiment we want at a wedding, right?
We honestly could have filled this entire list with Marc Anthony songs. But we’ll stop at three. Well, three and a half if we count #5. Fun fact: this song has a lyric that goes “Como dice Celia (As Celia says) ‘My English is not very good looking.’” It’s a quote from #8’s Celia Cruz!
Another song with a reggaeton beat that was also released as a salsa, this was one of the hottest Spanish-language releases of 2016.
Starting with an accordion riff, this song’s sultry salsa will heat up the dance floor. The lyrics are a bit steamy, but it’s salsa! It’s all steamy.
If you want some salsa heat on your wedding dance floor, we can make it happen. We’ll work with you to pick the perfect salsa or Latin playlist for your big day!
Header photo by Procopio Photography
Need some help getting started in your venue search? Start with this list of the best wedding venues in Baltimore by Maryland’s DJ!
At Maryland’s DJ, we believe that the perfect wedding venue is out there for every couple. And even though we’re in the business of providing the party vibe for your special day, we feel like we’d be remiss if we didn’t share some of our insider knowledge about the local wedding scene.
Newly engaged couples may be overwhelmed by all the gorgeous venue choices in the area. So we’ve selected a few of our favorites, from rustic to luxurious to industrial.
This list is certainly not ALL of the good wedding venues in Baltimore — that would require several times more ink! But they’re all 100% beautiful and 100% Baltimore.
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Glittering by day and dramatic by night, the George Peabody Library has to be one of the most stunning venues in Baltimore. If every library looked like this, I bet we’d all read a lot more!
In a central atrium surrounded by stacks of books, wrought iron railings, and 6 stories of columns that culminate in a massive skylight, couples can celebrate both their ceremonies and receptions.
This one-of-a-kind venue is a regular honoree on “most beautiful libraries in the world” lists, and it’s ready to host you and up to 200 guests for a seated dinner.
Photo by Photography By Brea
Photo by Photography By Brea
Photo by Photography By Brea
Photo by Photography By Brea
Photo by Photography By Brea
Just a few minutes from bustling downtown Baltimore is the historic Mt. Washington Mill Dye House. One of the oldest venues in the area, the Dye House is over 200 years old and has a history as interesting as the city itself!
This rustic venue has both interior and exterior space for wedding events and photo shoots. The exposed brick, distressed plaster walls, and exposed beams make this both an elegant and unfussy wedding venue for classy couples.
For more info about this wedding venue, check out our Venue Spotlight for the Dye House.
Photo by Lauren C Photography
Photo by Photography By Brea
Photo by Photography By Brea
Photo by Photography By Brea
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
The Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park is in one of the oldest waterfront industrial buildings in the city. It honors the legacies of abolitionist Frederick Douglass and trade unionist Isaac Myers, plus recognizes the first African-American established shipyard built right here on Baltimore Harbor.
This National Heritage Site is both an important part of Baltimore’s history and a beautiful place for a wedding! Couples can have their ceremony on a pier that juts straight out into the harbor, with the city as their backdrop.
For the reception, the party can gather under a tent outside on the docks, or retreat into the industrial-style banquet room. Leave the brick walls exposed to enjoy their natural patina, or drape them in linens for a softer look.
Photo by Photography By Brea
Photo by Photography By Brea
Photo by Photography By Brea
Photo by Photography By Brea
Majestic Fox Court at BMA - Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
There are several spaces available for weddings at the Baltimore Museum of Art, but none is more jaw-dropping than the well-named Majestic Fox Court.
This massive space is all the more impressive for its simplicity. Smooth-sided ionic columns line the room and hold a coffered ceiling with sidelights to let in natural light during the day. And at night, the space is illuminated by a sheet of hanging bulbs that evoke star constellations.
Ceremonies can be held inside the building, or outside with the grand museum facade as a backdrop.
Photo by Photography By Brea
Photo by Photography By Brea
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
For more of our favorite wedding venues in Baltimore and beyond, check out our Venue Spotlights. And if you’re looking for someone to bring the soundtrack and uplighting to one of these gorgeous venues, get in touch!
Maryland’s DJ team member Jesse Baker shares how he got started in the wedding biz and how weekend worship led to event expertise!
Like most of our DJs, Jesse got involved in music at a young age. But his path into the event world was a bit different from most of our team.
Instead of getting a start at college parties or the wedding industry, Jesse’s musical and technical education began at church in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Growing up, he played guitar, bass, and keyboard, which he put to use during the weekly Sunday service. Playing on the worship team (also known as worship band), he developed his musical ear — which would come in handy later in his DJ career.
Jesse also learned sound, lighting, and event production at church, which he was then able to translate into paid work in the secular world. Jesse spent five years working in the Lancaster wedding scene, providing sound and lighting. Spending time around DJs while doing event production allowed him to pick up the skills of the trade. And when he was ready, he started to bring his own DJ and hosting skills to weddings as well.
After five years of doing weddings in Lancaster, we brought him on the team at Maryland’s DJ in 2019. Jesse is great at reading people, which means he can steer the party in the right direction. Watching reactions and tweaking the music to fit is the sign of a great DJ, and it’s a skill that Jesse certainly brings to the table.
We asked Jesse what he loves about weddings, what song he thinks is overplayed, and the best wedding venue around.
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
Reading the crowd and knowing where the party needs to go, and how to get it there. There are regular signs that will clue you in to how people are feeling and a great DJ is ready with tools/tricks to adjust.
Potomac View Terrace in downtown Washington, DC. The view of the city and the airplanes landing is awesome.
Note - check out Cito and Kelly’s wedding at Potomac View Terrace!
Photo by Procopio Photography
Weddings are one of the few times we bring our friends and families together for a party. They are an awesome human moment in an otherwise digital world!
Consider Me by Allen Stone
Mother of the Groom dancing. I can't describe what she was doing, but it was wild!
Kids getting into the Hummer limo when their parents weren't around.
Uptown Funk. But if everyone's into it, let it rip.
We're watching your guests closely and setting up the energy for each moment. You don't notice a great party vibe when it's there...but you definitely notice when it's not!
A lot of club music and 90's hip hop to be ready for when I am working. But my three favorites artists are Kanye West, Major Lazer, and Mark Ronson.
To hire Jesse or any of our other talented DJs, let us know a bit about your event by filling out our online form. Talk to you soon!
Your wedding ceremony music will set the tone for your special day. Here are the types of music you may need, and some ideas to get you started!
Choosing the music for your wedding ceremony is one of the more fun parts of the planning process. The ceremony is the main event, after all, and selecting the right music will give the event the ambiance that you want when you say your vows.
There is more to consider, though, than the main processional song. Ceremony music starts when the guests begin to arrive and doesn’t end until they’ve moved on to the next wedding event.
So keep these factors in mind when selecting the music for your wedding ceremony.
First thing’s first: what’s your wedding style? This will inform your music choices. A traditional cathedral wedding will require classic music. But a ceremony full of pop culture references and a hot pink wedding dress may call for more eclectic choices.
If you’re somewhere in the middle of these two styles — which most weddings are — you have a lot of choices. Many couples want instrumental versions of their favorite songs. For example, The Piano Guys do a beautiful cover of A Thousand Years. And Vitamin String Quartet does lots of great covers. Here’s one of our favorites.
Live music is great, but there are some things to remember. First, there’s the cost. You’ll pay a premium for live musicians — in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Next, you’ll need to keep your space in mind. If your ceremony is outside, for example, you’re looking at a keyboard, not a rich grand piano.
Sound disperses outside, so a solo harp or violin will get lost among the chatter of the guests. You’ll need more musicians outdoors than in, which will also increase the cost of your ceremony music.
And remember that the musicians have to learn the music you’ve selected. Make sure they have ample time for this, so they can perform at their best on your wedding day.
There are four main types of ceremony music. Here, we explain what each is and provide some options that you could use for each. But these are just suggestions. There are no right or wrong answers here, folks. Your wedding music is completely personal and can be whatever makes your hearts happy.
Prelude music is ambient music played while your guests are arriving, mingling, and finding their seats before the ceremony begins. It helps to set the tone for the event, so it should fit in with the overall vibe of the rest of your ceremony.
Some popular choices that may have the right feel:
This is the music that will accompany the wedding party as they walk down the aisle. This could include flower girls, ring bearers, attendants, parents of the couple, and finally the bride(s) — if there is one.
When making your choice, keep in mind the number of attendants and the distance they have to walk. If it’s a long aisle and a big wedding party, you’ll need a piece of music that’s long enough to match. If it’s only a few people and a short walk, make sure that your favorite part of the song is cued up so it will match up with the procession.
Processional music is often slow, but it doesn’t have to be. You can make an upbeat selection if you prefer to start the ceremony on a joyful note.
Here are some common (and uncommon) favorites:
Not all weddings call for interlude music. Some couples choose to have a musical moment as a feature of the ceremony. This is especially nice if a friend or family member can perform the song live.
Photo by Valerie Michelle Photography
Interlude music can also be used as a backdrop for ceremony events, like lighting a unity candle or doing a sand ceremony.
Here are a few tunes we love:
After the ceremony is over, the happy couple turn to leave the site. They’re usually accompanied by something upbeat to send them off on a high note.
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
The recessional song marks the transition from the more serious tone of the ceremony to the celebratory feel of the reception. So it’s nice to pick an upbeat tune like one of these:
Need help selecting your wedding ceremony music? Our expert DJs can help narrow down your choices to create the ambiance you want for your big day!
Header image by Photography By Brea
Maryland’s DJ founder Jordan Solender tells us about how he got started in the business and what he loves about being a Maryland wedding DJ!
Every team of world-class DJs must have a leader. A guiding star. The Rufio to our Lost Boys. The Captain America to our Avengers, if you will.
Here at Maryland’s DJ, we have Jordan Solender. (And no, Jordan is not writing this, so he didn’t just call himself Captain America.)
As a young teen in Baltimore, Jordan started helping a local DJ in the way many teens get their start — lugging his speakers around and hoping to learn the ropes through osmosis. For Jordan, it worked. He observed how the DJ was able to use the mix and lights to hold the crowd in the palm of his hand, creating the perfect atmosphere. He wanted to learn how to do it too.
Jordan got behind the booth himself in 2006, DJing for mitzvahs, bars, and nightclubs. But he shifted gears in 2009 to focus exclusively on weddings, and he’s DJed for thousands of couples since then.
Running Maryland’s DJ isn’t a learning exercise for Jordan. It’s actually his third DJ company, so he’s a pro at juggling both the administrative and creative sides of the business. And he still DJs weddings as often as possible!
Jordan thinks of himself as a “hold the cheese” DJ. He’s all about those special moments, but they need to be genuine, not schmaltzy. “Anyone can play music,” he says. “Only a few can read a crowd.” That’s what he and his small DJ ninja army do best.
Jordan lives in Rockville Maryland with his wife and their two pups, Harvey and Rocko. He has a slight Marvel obsession and can’t get enough of “The Greatest Showman” remixes. Hugh Jackman is a gift!
We asked our fearless leader about his favorite wedding moments, his favorite wedding venue (it’s a personal one!), and what he listens to when he’s off the clock.
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
Energy. As a DJ, the party starts with you, and your energy should radiate from the booth. I'm into almost every song I play and every transition of genre I take. People connect with your energy and as a DJ it needs to always be up and on while playing a gig.
This is really tough....but I gotta go with the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay in Cambridge where I got married. Views for days, outdoor ceremonies on the water, ballrooms that make your head spin. Plus, your whole family can stay there as it's a resort as well.
That moment where you see people go, "OMG I haven't heard this song in forever!” Then fist pumping ensues.
The One by Kodaline.
You’re gonna have to come in for a demo for this question...I can't even give you 1-5 haha.
I was the DJ for photographer Valerie Michelle’s wedding, and she said it best.... her daughter mooning the whole ceremony was a classic lol.
Check out Valerie Michelle’s Vendor Spotlight!
This piano cover of Strobe by Deadmau5. The groom was a huge EDM-head and the bride chose this to walk down the aisle to, and he lost it. It was at Antrim 1844 in the garden. It was awesome.
Check out our Antrim 1844 Venue Spotlight and learn about Katie Coon, their events manager.!
I hate line dances...especially the Cha Cha Slide.
If you don't like a song, we don't take offense. Everyone has different tastes and every couple and party is unique. Our job is to find the right combo of "OMG, I love this song!!!" and "This was my favorite highschool jam" for you and your friends and family.
This is tough. Just follow me on Spotify.
If you’d like Jordan or any of our other DJ ninjas to bring the fun to your wedding, just let us know.
So many good pop songs to choose from, so little time. Here are the top 20 most-requested wedding pop songs at Maryland’s DJ!
While pretty much anyone who was young in the 90s and noughties has a soft spot for that era’s pop music, hopefully no one will be upset when we say pop music is having a moment. What used to be bubblegum and maaaaybe a bit on the generic side has become so much more interesting in the past few years.
Pop singer/songwriters like Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift write introspective, thoughtful lyrics to upbeat tunes. Pop country has become downright fun.
Plus. we now have Lizzo.
So many good pop songs, so little time. To help you out, here are the 20 most requested pop songs from our clients at Maryland’s DJ!
It’s catchy and sultry, but it’s not for the faint of heart. Only play this Bruno Mars & Cardi B song if your friends and family are pretty open-minded!
Considering this song is about people who don’t want to be at a party and don’t want to be all dressed up, it’s a bit odd that this one has been such a smash at weddings lately. Fortunately people don’t take it too literally and still enjoy it, even with lyrics like, “I hate everyone here, I don’t like nobody but you.”
The brothers are seriously feeling themselves in this laid back song about how awesome they are. It would come off as narcissistic if they didn’t have such a good sense of humor about themselves.
Dan + Shay have been all over weddings lately, from processionals to first dances to receptions. They’re the kings of country-pop love songs right now, and this ode to their (and Justin Bieber’s) wives is crazy sweet.
TayTay gets hate sometimes for writing “too many” songs about her ex-boyfriends, whatever that means. But this song shows a comfortable coziness with a long-term love, and it’s a great wedding reception choice.
Like Cool, Taylor and Brendon aren’t afraid to share how much they’re feeling themselves. There seems to be an overall trend in pop music these days of unabashed self-love, and it’s pretty refreshing.
The Steve Winwood original was great, and this cover featuring previously unreleased Whitney Houston vocals is delightful. As a bonus, check out the 80s-inspired video. There’s even a Flashdance-style chair dance.
This tune was a collab with British duo Disclosure, and something about it does have a UK vibe. It’s crispy and synth-y in all the best ways.
This steamy Latin pop song by real-life couple (at least at the time) Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello gets the dance floor moving.
Ok stay with me. In 1992, a white Canadian reggae artist named Snowreleased a song called Informer that was a huge hit. In 2019, Daddy Yankee, the Puerto Rican King of Reggaeton, remade the song in Spanish — including some newly recorded vocals by Snow himself.
And then there was a remix of the remake, featuring Katy Perry. So we’ve got a Reggaeton song, nearly 30 years in the making, by a Canadian, a Puerto Rican, and an American. What a time to be alive.
This second Dan + Shay song is a bit more on the pop side of the pop country spectrum. It’s fast enough to dance to but slow enough that a couple could have a quiet moment on the side of the dance floor.
If you’d told us 10 years ago that Panic! at the Disco would have TWO songs on this list in 2020, we wouldn’t have believed you. That’s no disrespect — the songs are bangers and Brendon Urie has a great voice. But honestly, who thought he had the power for this kind of pop trajectory as a solo project after the mid-aughts emo/pop punk beginnings? Call us pleasantly surprised.
This tune is definitely on the country side of the pop spectrum, but so much country is pop-ified these days that it’s hard to distinguish where one genre ends and the other begins. But this pleasant tune is fun and catchy, and that’s all that matters.
Ariana in love is great. But Ariana out of love is sublime. This ode to money, excess, and the girls will make the bridal party go bananas.
This is Lizzo’s world, and we’re all just living in it. She’s the loving, body-positive, real-as-hell woman we all need in our lives.
This country line dance with a bit of hip hop production lets guests do a choreographed dance that they’re not sick-to-death of.
I just took a DNA test, turns out literally everyone is in love with Lizzo.
Remember what we said about Panic! At the Disco? That goes triple for the Jonas Brothers. Once the domain of tweens, they’ve grown up, married absolute bombshells, and put out crazy catchy songs like this.
Yes, that’s THREE entries for Lizzo on this list. And this isn’t just because we have a slight Lizzo-obsession. These are the most-requested songs. So you’re the ones who are obsessed, thank you very much.
Nothing against country music, but it tends to be a little serious. That’s why the current spate of fun pop-country songs is so refreshing. Lil Nas X’s huge hit has been a breath of fresh air for the country scene, and we hope there will be more in the future!
Want to add some of these tunes to your must-play wedding playlist? Hit us up at Maryland’s DJ for your very own client portal.
Header photo from By Brea Photography
Meet Mebaa Braha, the trilingual DJ who’s rocked festivals, nightclubs, and weddings all over Maryland.
Here at Maryland’s DJ, we like to talk about some of the great vendors that we get to work with, from photographers to designers to wedding planners. But we don’t get to brag as often as we’d like about our own crew of hard-working DJs.
So we wanted to introduce you to our roster of spinning wizards so you could meet the talent behind the booth.
Today, we’re chatting with Mebaa Braha, aka MebaaWorldPeace. Mebaa is a local from Ellicott City, Maryland, just west of Baltimore.
He first got bit by the DJ bug in college. While studying Public Relations at University of Maryland, Mebaa performed his first gig at a fraternity tailgate and had a blast. He continued to DJ frat parties for the rest of his college career.
After graduating, Mebaa started DJing clubs and bars up and down the East Coast. In 2012, he worked his first wedding and was hooked on the joy of bringing friends and family together to celebrate.
In addition to weddings and corporate events, Mebaa has DJed some major sporting events. He’s DJed for several Baltimore Ravens games, and he even did the MLS All-Star game in 2019!
After honing his skills for over 10 years, Mebaa joined us here at Maryland’s DJ to bring his expertise to more weddings and celebrations all over Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC.
Mebaa is a multi-talented guy — in addition to being a killer DJ, he does some acting and can speak three languages! We’re thrilled to have him on the Maryland’s DJ roster. He brings an unparalleled ability to read a room and weave all genres of music together to keep a dance floor packed all night long.
We asked Mebaa to share some of his thoughts about the DJ and wedding businesses. He opened up about his favorite wedding venue, what he loves about weddings, and what he listens to when he’s off the clock.
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
Chesapeake Bay Beach Club. That place is magical.
I do all kinds of events from corporate galas to employee recognition events to fundraisers, and any other event you can imagine.
But nothing tops the energy of a wedding. The love you feel in the room is truly irreplaceable. I also really love watching the interactions of families and friends that are meeting for the first time.
Best Part by Daniel Caesar (feat. H.E.R.)
I did a wedding a couple years back where the groom's son was a budding break dancer and took over the dance floor all night doing every type of dance move imaginable. He had to be carried out after, he was so tired!
Sirius by Alan Parsons Project. This was the theme song for the Chicago Bulls in the mid-90s, Super random, but my god did it get the crowd hyped!
Tough question because I genuinely love most wedding songs that are "overplayed." But I would have to say Ho Hey by The Lumineers.
Though it all looks like fun and games and the equipment looks like a fun toy, DJs are actually working! When I'm in the middle of a packed dance floor, I am actively scanning the room and planning several songs ahead, overseeing a timeline, and coordinating with the other vendors to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible!
I am genuinely all over the spectrum. My most recent playlist has everything from Florence and the Machine to DJ Snake to Taking Back Sunday!
If you think Mebaa seems like a good fit for your wedding, let us know! We’re taking wedding bookings for 2020 and 2021.
Maryland’s DJ team member Brian Doane isn’t just an expert wedding DJ — he’s an event guru from sales to planning to coordination.
A great DJs knows all about music, mixing, and working the crowd. But most aren’t experts in all the moving parts of events, from the sales process to the full event coordination. Maryland’s DJ team member Brian Doane is a wedding and event ace who knows it all and has done it all!
Brian grew up in Severna Park, Maryland, about 30 minutes south of Baltimore. He studied communications at Salisbury University on the Eastern Shore, but even then he knew he had a future in events. So Brian took a track in event management where he learned the basics about planning and servicing events like weddings and corporate functions.
After college, Brian hopped straight into event life, doing sales and event management. He enjoyed that work, but wanted to try something more. Soon, he was learning the art of the DJ from Ocean City DJ Sean Rox in an event planning internship. After some practice at local house parties, he landed his first gig at Banditos in Federal Hill.
While working on his DJ skills at night, Brian continued to work in the coordination side of events as a Cruise Coordinator and then Sales/Event Coordinator for Marriott Hotels. This education and work experience makes Brian one of the most well-rounded DJs you’ll ever meet. Not only does he know exactly what’s happening on the dance floor, but he also knows what’s going on behind the scenes at any given moment.
Brian’s next step was to gain a little international flavor, which he did over 15 months DJing on two Royal Caribbean cruise ships. He traveled throughout the Caribbean and Northern Europe, learning about music from all over the world and playing for crowds from dozens of different countries — all on the same dance floor. This is where Brian mastered reading a crowd and creating a set that would keep everyone happy.
Back on dry land, Brian has earned his local stripes. He DJs at some of the most popular clubs in Baltimore including Bond Street Social, The Horse You Came In On Saloon, Raw and Refined, The Rockwell, Wayward, and Banditos. He still does event sales for Hyatt Regency. And of course, he DJs weddings all over Maryland with Maryland’s DJ.
After 8 years of study and practice, there’s not another person on the team that eats, breathes, and sleeps events like Brian. He loves to work weddings and corporate parties — preferably by the water.
In the rare moments when Brian isn’t working on events, he records his annual summer mixtape. This 30-60 minute mix showcases all of his favorite songs of the moment, beat matched and blended together.
We asked this water-loving event expert what he likes most about weddings, what his first dance song would be at his wedding, and what his favorite wedding venue is. (Hint — it’s by the water!)
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
Reading the crowd, song selection, and mixing skills.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation. My sister got married there and it’s a great beach venue.
Bridal party intros! I’m always excited to see what the bridal party will do for their introduction. There is usually at least one couple that will always go for the laugh which is my favorite. The whole room gets super excited when you finally announce the Bride and Groom and play a killer song for them to walk out to.
Thinkin Bout You by Frank Ocean
A flash mob to September by Earth Wind and Fire.
A violin cover of Kids by MGMT.
The Cupid Shuffle!
It makes for amazing people watching.
Reggae, rock, deep house, and 90s hip hop.
She raised you from a wee babe to a strapping young man. The least you can do is give her a dance. Here’s our list of the top mother/son dance songs.
Not every groom chooses to do a mother/son dance, and that’s a real shame! Why should the fathers and daughters get all the love on the big day? We personally think all the parents should take a spin on the dance floor with their son or daughter at their wedding.
Choosing a mother/son song can be a bit tough. While there are a ton of great love songs out there, some of them are a bit too romantic for the parent and child relationship. But there are still great options, if you know where to look.
We put together a list of 20 of our top mother/son dance songs to help you out. And if you’re looking for a father-daughter song, check out this list!
My Wish by Rascal Flatts sums up just about every parent’s hopes for their children, which makes it an ideal mother/son dance song.
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this is my wish
Louis Armstrong’s 1967 classic has been a wedding staple for decades. There have been many other versions, but this is the best. (#14 doesn’t count — it’s a mash up!)
This song is a list of the lessons a parent would want to teach their child, from saying please to staying humble and kind. It would work well for a father/daughter dance too!
Don't expect a free ride from no one
Don't hold a grudge or a chip and here's why
Bitterness keeps you from flying
Always stay humble and kind
The perfect pick for the mother and son who love classic southern rock, this song is beautiful without being cheesy.
Be a simple kind of man
Oh, be something you love and understand
Baby be a simple kind of man
Oh, won't you do this for me, son, if you can
Most mother/son dance songs are from the parent to the child. So it’s nice to switch it up with a song from a loving son to his mama.
You were there for me to love and care for me
When skies were gray
Whenever I was down
You were always there to comfort me
This a song many of us heard for the first time as kids, since it was on the Tarzan soundtrack. Play up the nostalgia by choosing it for your mother/son dance.
This country tune by Lee Ann Womack has been played at plenty of weddings, graduations, and going away parties over the past 20 years, and it will be played at plenty more.
In My Life is a chameleon of a song that could honestly be used just about anywhere in a wedding — father/daughter dance, mother/son dance, even the couple’s first dance. That’s why it’s a wedding classic.
This song is all about the best days in your life, and your wedding day sure qualifies!
Because You Loved Me describes the effect a person’s support can have on another. Although it was originally written as a love song, it’s a great fit for a parent/child dance at a wedding.
You gave me wings and made me fly
You touched my hand, I could touch the sky
I lost my faith, you gave it back to me
You said no star was out of reach
You stood by me and I stood tall
I had your love I had it all
This is a more uptempo song than many on this list, but it still has a lovely message, sending a young person on their way into the world.
Ben E. King’s 1961 soul song has been recorded by John Lennon, Tracy Chapman, Florence and the Machine, and more. But no one does it like Mr. King.
Is there a parent who doesn’t sit back on their son’s wedding day and wonder, “How did he grow up so fast??” This song is about that feeling of life moving so quickly that you’re afraid you’ll miss it.
Nearly every song on this list is from a major name in music, like The Beatles or Phil Collins. But IZ never achieved major fame outside of Hawaii beyond this song, which is a real shame. He had a gorgeous crooner voice that could compete with the best of the Rat Pack.
This endearing song about our place in the universe will be a tearjerker for your mother/son wedding dance.
Oh, my beautiful mother
She told me, son in life you're gonna go far
If you do it right you'll love where you are
Just know
Wherever you go
You can always come home
In this song, a father thinks of all the things his young son will do as he grows up, and how bittersweet it will be.
You're gonna drive and kiss
And throw a punch
And grow up way too fast
You're gonna drop the ball
Hit the wall
And break some hearts like glass
I know you will, 'cause you're a part of me
And a part of you will always be my boy
Stevie Nicks said this song was written about the fear of losing everything and not knowing how you’re going to hold it together. But fortunately, the lyrics are vague enough that it won’t bum out your wedding guests — and it’s beautiful.
Josh Groban has a big voice, so this is a big song for some big wedding feelings. It was actually originally written as an instrumental piece, and lyrics were later added by an Irish novelist and songwriter.
You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up... To more than I can be.
This is another tune that describes a parent’s wishes for their child. This one is sung by Hillary Scott from Lady Antebellum, which gives it more of a motherly vibe.
I'll be in every beat of your heart
When you face the unknown
Wherever you fly
This isn't goodbye
My love will follow you, stay with you
Baby, you're never alone
This song by the absolute legend Elton John is another that could work for any part of the wedding reception. It’s a bit on the romantic side, but it’s such a classic that it can still work for a mother/son dance song. And it has that classic line:
I hope you don’t mind that I put down in words
How wonderful life is now you’re in the world.
If we can help you with your song choices, just let us know! Fill out our online form and let us know when your event is.
Wunderkind DJ Steven Hartka can be seen at major clubs, heard on the radio, or spotted at YOUR wedding. Learn all about this local legend!
Here at Maryland’s DJ, we love to keep things local. We think Maryland has the best wedding venues, the best scenery, and some of the best talent. So we’re always keeping an eye out for great local DJs to add to our roster.
And when we found Steven Hartka, we knew we had to snap him up.
Steven is a born-and-raised Baltimore boy and a DJing legend. He essentially grew up in the wedding business — his mother used to do wedding photography. In fact, she’s the reason he got into weddings in the first place. (Thanks mom!)
Steven started his musical career with piano lessons as a kid, and later taught himself to play bass, guitar, and drums. He started to produce music in high school, and his mom suggested that DJing might be a good fit. After shadowing DJs at a few events, he was sold!
As he worked his way through his Associate’s degree and later his Bachelor’s Degree, Steven started to DJ at both private and public venues around Maryland. And he continued to produce his own original music as well.
Steven has had a ton of success for such a young guy. He’s the youngest DJ to get a residency at Italian Disco in Baltimore's Harbor East, where he specializes in throwbacks and disco music. He’s also the youngest DJ to perform at Ouzo Bay and Ouzo Beach in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. His music has played on Rinse FM, and he’s had records signed to several labels. Snoop Dogg even shared one of his original songs!
It sometimes feels like Steven has an encyclopedic knowledge of music. His record collection consists of over 1,000 records. He’s like a walking liner note, and we love that about him.
After completing his Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Baltimore, Steven started working with Maryland’s DJ and we’re so pumped to have him!
Want to learn more? Read on for his favorite wedding venue, what he listens to when he’s off the clock, and his favorite thing about weddings.
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
The ability to read a room AND listen to clients/guests at the same time.
The Peabody Library. It’s beautiful, and I enjoy reading.
Photo by Photography By Brea
Making people happy and getting them to dance! Instant gratification at its finest.
"I Wanna Be Your Lover" by Prince
The Maryland Terrapins and Baltimore Orioles mascots have both made appearances!
Music from the Bill Murray movie Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.
I like the hits, but I don't like the Chicken Dance!
How much time I spend listening to music and buying music. How much time I spend practicing! I put my heart into what I do.
Soul, funk, jazz, disco, house, rock, and blues — for the most part!
If you’d like to talk to Steven or one of our other talented DJs about your wedding, fill out our online form! We’ll be in touch ASAP.
What are the most electrifying, invigorating, and move-inducing tunes for a dance floor? Find out with this list of must-play wedding songs from Maryland’s DJ.
When you hire a DJ, they’ll need to know all your choices for ceremony music, entrance songs, and first dances. But they’ll also need to know what you want to hear on that dance floor once the party starts.
At Maryland’s DJ, we’ll ask you to share your “do not play” list and your “maybe” playlist, depending on crowd responses. We’ll also ask for your “Must play” wedding songs for the evening. These can be whatever you like — but we have some suggestions!
Here are 20 of our choices for must-play wedding songs that we think you should consider.
So there won’t be any originality points for playing this tune...but is it even a wedding if we don’t hear it?
Would you believe that songwriter William King’s wife, Shirley Hanna-King was the one who wrote this song? She adapted the phrase “built like a brick s***house” to “she’s a brick house” for the chorus. Thanks Shirley! Your phrasing is much more flattering to the ladies.
The moment that synth riff starts, everyone is going to get pumped. This feel-good jam is a favorite, whether people know it from their teenage years or from seeing The Wedding Singer one too many times.
This is what the day is all about, right? No one better than The Beatles to remind us all that after the dinner and the drinks and the dancing, All You Need is Love.
There are a lot of Michael Jackson tunes that could make this list. Beat It, Billie Jean, Smooth Criminal...but The Way You Make Me Feel should definitely have a spot on the playlist, no matter what!
As a YouTube commenter once said, “This song can make a pair of empty shoes start dancing.”
Not sweet. Not romantic. Not wedding-y in any way. But it’s one heck of a hype song.
Bride, bridesmaids, sisters, cousins, nieces, aunts, moms, and grandmas will all hit the dance floor for this song that’s as joyful now as it was in 1983.
This must-play wedding song will let people slow down a bit and take a breather. There’s a Linda Ronstadt version that’s great too.
This former boy bander has become so much fun to watch as he explores his solo career. This particular song has a bit of 70s funk mixed with modern pop that makes it super danceable.
The slow dramatic beginning of this classic makes way to an almost manic pace that will get people moving.
Proof that every generation hates the music of the next generation. Oh well!
Call me a relic, call me what you will
Say I'm old-fashioned, say I'm over the hill
Today' music ain't got the same soul
I like that old time rock 'n' roll
This song probably won’t be well-known by all, but it won’t matter. Once that clapping before the chorus starts, everyone will get into it. If you haven’t seen the video, check it out.
Fun fact: Twist and Shout was the last track recorded on The Beatles first album, Please Please Me. The band had been recording for 13 hours, and by the end Lennon’s voice was shot. That’s why he sounds so hoarse and gravelly — he had no voice left! They recorded the song in one take and the result was legendary.
I don’t want to get all “kids today” on you, but this song has crushed for the past 35 years. I gotta ask — how many songs that come out this year are still going to rock in 2055?
We haven’t proven this conclusively, but we have a strong suspicion that it’s physically possible not to dance to this 80s hit. Long live Loggins.
It’s never a bad idea for the newly married couple to remind each other of what they deserve — a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T.
This dance hit was everywhere in 2013, but since it’s fallen off the airwaves. Play it at your wedding for a dose of last-decade girl power.
This must-play wedding song is just sexy enough for a raucous dance floor without being too explicit for grandma. Only Prince could pull that off!
This wonderful song sounds like the end to every rom-com ever — upbeat, positive, and final. Roll credits!
Want to talk to us about your wedding playlist? We’d love to hear from you!
With so many great country love songs, how are you to narrow it down? We’re here to help with our list of the top country wedding songs.
Country lovin’ brides and grooms are lucky — there are so many romantic country wedding songs! You’re spoiled for choice when planning the bride’s entrance, first dance, father/daughter dance, and reception music.
Feeling overwhelmed with all those choices? We’re here to help. We’ve put together a list of 20 top country wedding songs. Sprinkle these into your wedding and you’ll have a country-tastic day.
Upbeat and cheerful, this love song will get people dancing! It’s been a top country wedding song since it was released back in 2002.
This famous song was written by Bob Dylan in 1997 and gained new notoriety when it was performed by Adele in 2008. But just after its initial release, there was this great version by Garth Brooks in 1998.
I give my hand to you with all my heart
I can't wait to live my life with you, I can't wait to start
You and I will never be apart
My dreams came true because of you
If you like a country twang instead of a soulful growl, Reba’s version of Sunday Kind of Love is a great choice for a sweet love song.
The perfect song for the strong, silent type, these lyrics are all about expressing love without words. There are other versions of this song, but we like this one best.
A song about escaping the world with the one person you want to be with most? Oh it sounds good to me...
Dan + Shay have a whole list of top country wedding songs on their roster. This sweet tune is all about building a life together. Perfect wedding theme!
And we'll build this love from the ground up
Now 'til forever it's all of me, all of you
Just take my hand
And I'll be the man your dad hoped that I'd be
Kacey Musgraves’ poppy country sound is a fresh take, and will add a little country flavor without too much twang.
Blake Shelton could honestly have a dozen songs on this list, but we limited it to one — the sweet as pie Honeybee.
You'll be my sunny day
I'll be your shade tree
You'll be my honeysuckle
I'll be your honey bee
This tune is upbeat and fun, and it’s super wedding appropriate — all about getting married and joining names.
A declaration of eternal love, no matter what the world throws at you. Sung the way only Dolly can.
Darling, I won't promise you
That we'll be happy all the time
But forever I am yours, say forever you'll be mine
This song reminisces about the first time a couple danced together, and it’s perfect for a wedding first dance.
This song has been a wedding favorite since it was first released back in 1987. Your parents might have danced to it at their wedding!
Country music has some of the best lyrics about starting life out together — so full of optimism and excitement for the future. Miranda Lambert’s Makin’ Plans fits right in.
Cause I know you like the back of my hand
Got a heart of gold and a piece of land
I'm your girl and you're my man
And we're makin' plans
As if this song weren’t sweet enough, the video featuring Thomas Rhett and his real wife just makes it that much sweeter.
And I know that I can't ever tell you enough
That all I need in this life is your crazy love
If I never get to see the Northern lights
Or if I never get to see the Eiffel Tower at night
Oh if all I got is your hand in my hand
Baby I could die a happy man
How many grooms don’t think they’re the “dancing type?” This is the perfect wedding song for them.
The slow vibe of this love song makes it a top country wedding song for the first dance. And the lyrics sure don’t hurt.
You make it easy
Lovin' up on you
Make it easy
With every little thing you do
You're my sunshine in the darkest days
My better half, my saving grace
You make me who I wanna be
You make it easy
Shania is the only person to get two entries on this list, because she’s the GOAT.
Looks like we made it
Look how far we've come my baby
We mighta took the long way
We knew we'd get there someday
This country rock tune will keep with the overall theme. But the upbeat tempo and rock vibe will keep things feeling fresh on the dance floor.
This release was The Knot’s 2016 Top New Wedding Song of the Year, and it’s easy to see why. Sweet lyrics and a great vocal performance make this a wedding standout.
I came to life when I first kissed you
the best me has his arms around you
you make me better than I was before
Thank God I'm YOURS
For help with your wedding’s music choices, reach out to us at Maryland’s DJ. We know all the top country wedding songs, and we can help you pick the perfect playlist!
The songs you don’t want to hear on your wedding day are almost as important as the songs you do. Here’s how to make your wedding “do not play” list!
The ceremony is over and the reception is in full swing. From the venue to the decor to the food, your wedding is a perfect reflection of you and your fiance’s style. An old friend of your grandmother’s comes up to you to tell you what a lovely, classy wedding this is.
Then, that one cousin requests that the DJ play R. Kelly’s Bump n’ Grind.
Mortifying.
Now, a good DJ will know that song is probably not appropriate for a wedding reception, and will decline to play it. But to avoid the possibility of a song you hate ruining the mood of your big day, couples can put together a wedding “do not play” list to avoid this problem.
Here are some tips for the types of songs you may want to add to yours, along with some examples of each.
A wedding is a family event. Even if it’s an adults-only wedding, there will be elderly family members there. So you may want to avoid some of the more...explicit songs, even if you know they’d get your old college friends dancing.
Do you really want Great Aunt Ethel to watch every young family member sing along to “I Touch Myself” by the Divinyls?
Other songs you may want to avoid:
Choreographed dance songs can be a bit controversial at weddings. Some couples love them, and others would rather go skydiving with no parachute rather than participate in a group dance. Ultimately, it’s your wedding and your choice.
If you do want to play dance songs, you may want to avoid the sillier ones. No one looks good doing the Chicken Dance!
Other group dance songs to avoid:
A wedding is a happy occasion! And the easiest way to put a damper on the fun is to play a real bummer of a song. Slow songs can be tricky — they seem romantic at first, but when you give the lyrics a listen, they’re anything but.
There are plenty of slow songs that have positive messages of love. Stick to those, and leave these songs about death, drug abuse, and inappropriate relationships on the Do Not Play list.
Country music is particularly guilty of pairing upbeat music with bummer lyrics. Songs like Carrie Underwood’s Before He Cheats and The Dixie Chicks’ Goodbye Earl may sound fun, but they don’t have the kind of lyrics that bring the joy to a wedding dance floor.
Other songs to avoid:
Ultimately, your wedding “do not play” list will be up to you. So remember, just because a song is popular, that doesn’t mean you need to play it! I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) by Whitney Houston may be our #1 most requested wedding song, but if it bugs you, skip it.
If you’d like some advice about must-plays or songs to avoid, let us know! We’re always happy to help couples navigate the do’s and don’ts of wedding music.
A DJ does much more than push “play” on a playlist! To find one you can trust with your big day, follow these five steps when you choose your wedding DJ.
Unless you’re in event planning for a living, chances are you’ve never hired a DJ before. So you may not know where to start!
First thing’s first: make sure you know what a wedding DJ does. Then you can start figuring out who you want to select for the job. Here’s a _ step checklist that you should go through to make sure you’re picking the right DJ for your wedding.
Just like with the rest of your wedding vendors, you’ll want to set a budget for your music expenses. You don’t want to fall in love with a DJ you can’t afford. And you also don’t want to get a mediocre DJ because you didn’t prioritize the expense.
You want to find a wedding DJ that you can trust with your party. So start looking at wedding review sites like The Knot and WeddingWire where you’ll find in-depth reviews from real couples.
Happy clients have no problem raving about their wedding DJ after the fact, so be very cautious if you find a wedding DJ with only a few reviews. It may mean that they’re inexperienced.
Once you’ve found a well-reviewed DJ that’s in your price range, it’s time to start the vetting process. Here are some questions you could (and should) ask before you choose your wedding DJ:
What additional services do you need, and can your DJ help with any of those? If you wanted a photo booth at your wedding, you may want to look for a DJ that can offer one. They should also be able to bring their own DJ booth.
And bonus if they can provide uplighting design to make your dance floor shine!
Once you’ve gone through an initial Q&A session and like what you’ve found, it’s time to meet your DJ! Spend a little time asking additional questions. This person will be introducing you to the world as a married couple for the first time, so make sure you feel comfortable with them.
You should also ask for a demonstration of their DJ-abilities. Make sure they look confident behind a DJ booth and can manage their equipment with ease.
After you’ve completed all five steps, you’re ready to hire your wedding DJ! Start communicating early about what kind of music you like, and make sure to provide your must-play songs!
If you’d like to chat with Maryland’s DJ about your upcoming wedding, we’d love to hear from you! Fill out our online form and we’ll be in touch ASAP.
Curious about the most-requested wedding songs at Maryland’s DJ? Here’s our top 20, chosen by couples like you.
Top 20 Most Requested Wedding Songs
Most couples spend hours deciding on the perfect music for their wedding moments, from the bride’s entrance to the final song of the night. But when it comes time for the dancing, there are some tried-and-true tunes that always get the dance floor jumping and people singing along. These are the most-requested wedding songs, the music that everyone knows and loves.
A wedding dance floor isn’t the place for avant-garde niche favorites. It’s an opportunity to unite people across different ages and backgrounds with the biggest crowd-pleasers.
Spanning over 50 years of pop music, some of these tunes will be as familiar to nana as they are to your 7-year-old nephew. And they’ll be sure to get everyone moving.
So here they are — our countdown of the top 20 most requested wedding songs!
This 2017 pop song is the only ballad to make our list. It’s a great chance for overheated guests to take a breather, and for the bride and groom to take a moment to themselves.
The oldest song on our list, Van Morrison’s 1967 rock song will have everyone singing along during the Sha la la la la la la la la la la te da part.
The average age of marriage is 29 for men, 27 for women. So it’s a little surprising that this 24-year-old pop hit is still so high on our most-requested wedding songs list. Maybe today’s kids listened along with their older siblings, and the song brings back family memories?
Everyone’s gonna “shake it like a Polaroid picture” to this crowd-pleaser.
The youngest song on our list, 2019’s reggaeton smash hit is wildly popular on the wedding dance floor.
The tune to this song is so enjoyable that no one will notice how silly the lyrics are. That was the 90s for ya!
Any song that gets people pumped up for the night ahead is going to work well on a wedding dance floor. And 2009’s I Gotta Feeling lives up to its lyrics.
The Macarena and the Electric Slide have given way to newer choreographed dance hits like 2000’s Cha Cha Slide and #9 on our list…
The Killers’ first big hit, Mr. Brightside is one of those songs that fans don’t sing — they shout. It’s as much fun today as it was in 2003.
Does anyone not know the chorus to this song? Bon Jovi’s 1986 rock jam is a must-play.
There are only two disco hits on our list, and one is this classic by ABBA. Even though it’s called Dancing Queen, it’s actually a bit on the slow side. Follow it up with Waterloo to get hearts pumping again!
Cupid Shuffle is the only other choreographed dance on our list. And it’s so easy to do that all ages can participate.
This Usher song is a bit raunchy, but fortunately the lyrics are fast enough that most people won’t catch them.
This cheerful, catchy song has been a wedding staple since it was released in 2016.
Earth, Wind, and Fire’s 1978 disco smash has nonsensical lyrics like “ba de ya” that don’t mean anything. But as songwriter Allee Willis said, “never let the lyric get in the way of the groove.”
2014’s Shut Up and Dance by one-hit wonders Walk the Moon was a smash that people still love 6 years later.
As soon as that piano starts, the crowd will just know — it’s time to hit the dance floor. Journey’s iconic song has been beloved since 1981, and it’s not going anywhere.
The anthem of sporting events, Boston bars, and group sing-a-longs everywhere, Sweet Caroline will get the older generations back out on the dance floor with the youngsters.
Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson are in esteemed company here in the top three. Their 2014 pop funk song is bound to put a smile on your guest’s faces.
The number one most requested wedding song at Maryland’s DJ is, unsurprisingly, by the Queen of the Night herself. What better way to get the crowd moving than an uptempo pop hit about dancing with someone who loves you?
Want to hear these tunes at your wedding? Add them to your “must play” list on your Maryland’s DJ wedding portal!
A misty day at Bluemont Vineyards turned a September wedding into a dreamy vision. Check out all the photos by the talented Savannah Brown.
Most couples wish for a perfectly sunny wedding. But the dreamy mist that hung around Bluemont Vineyards at Candice & Paul’s September wedding certainly makes a case for overcast wedding days!
Bluemont Vineyard is a family-owned and operated farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Perched over 900 feet above sea level, this venue has a stunning view of the Loudoun Valley. The vineyard grows over 45 acres of grapes like Vidal Blanc, Petit Mansent, and Chambourcin. These grapes do well in the mountainous terrain of Northern Virginia.
Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or wouldn’t know malbec from muscat, the views from the vineyard are enough of a draw. That’s why Paul & Candice had their lovely wedding at this rustic venue, less than an hour from Washington, DC.
Paul & Candice had their ceremony on the stone patio overlooking a gorgeous vista of the Loudoun Valley. The day was misty, which cast the whole valley in an ethereal haze that was captured by expert wedding photographer Savannah Brown.
Savannah is a Washington, DC wedding photographer who focuses on the candid moments of the wedding day. Each wedding is unique, and she wants to catch what it is about a couple and their loved ones that makes them special.
The bridal party entered the ceremony site to Speechless by Dan + Shay, and then Candice walked down the aisle to 1,000 Times by Sara Bareilles. Dry eyes were hard to find when the bride made her entrance at this Bluemont Vineyards wedding.
After the ceremony, the party moved to The Stable, the indoor receptions area. The Stable is a rustic barn decorated with twinkly string lights wrapped around exposed wooden beams. Candice and Paul chose to add white draping along the ceiling, making it the room feel like a tent.
After the wedding party burst in to the tune of We Found Love by Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris, the evening took a country turn for all the special dances. Paul and Candice chose When I Said I Do by Clint Black for their first dance.
Then Candice and her father danced to You Are My Sunshine by Johnny Cash, and Paul and his mom chose Humble and Kind by Tim McGraw.
After dinner and first dances, the dance floor was opened up and the party could begin. The guests traded in wine for White Claw, and everyone got in on the action. Steve Hartka with Maryland’s DJ made sure that the party didn’t stop until the event was over!
The couple chose an eclectic blend of music for the dance party, and Steve filled in the blanks based on how the crowd responded to each tune. Some of the couple’s “must play” songs:
The night came to a close when Steve played John Denver’s Take Me Home, Country Roads — a fitting end to any Virginia wedding.
Candice and Paul’s gorgeous day just goes to show that perfect weather is not required to have the perfect wedding.
To put together a wedding day soundtrack that reflects all of your musical loves, reach out to us at Maryland’s DJ!
Jen & Joe’s Springfield Manor wedding in Frederick, MD was one for the books — hilarious parents, wild dancing, and a gorgeous venue!
Every wedding is a happy occasion. But Jen and Joe’s June wedding at Springfield Manor exuded joy. From the couple to the parents to the bridal party to all the guests, it was clear that this was a group that just couldn’t be happier that Jen and Joe had found each other.
Springfield Manor is a gorgeous wedding venue in Frederick, Maryland. The space has both a ballroom and barn available as reception spaces. So couples can go glamorous or rustic, depending on their taste.
Springfield Manor is also a working farm. Spread across 130 acres, this farm produces grapes, lavender, and corn. And what do they do with all that produce?
The grapes become wine at their on-site winery. The corn becomes bourbon and whiskey at their on-site distillery. And the lavender is used in their lavender gin and vodka. But before it’s harvested, it sure makes a lovely photo spot. Jen and Joe were lucky enough to have their Springfield Manor wedding in peak lavender season!
This beautiful June day was memorialized by one of our favorite photographers, Dani Leigh. Dani catches all those little moments that others might not think of, like this amazing picture of the mother of the bride...it’s her daughter’s wedding day, but she won’t be caught unprepared. Bug spray, anyone?
Dani also shot this wonderful series of Jen’s first look with her father. You can tell that Jen’s dad didn’t just turn — he jumped to see his daughter as a bride.
Springfield Manor has indoor and outdoor ceremony sites. Since it was a summer wedding, outdoor was the way to go. This ceremony site in the grass has a gorgeous backdrop of vibrant green trees. The white-framed gable that serves as a wedding arch mirrors a similar architectural feature on the entrance to the venue’s ballroom.
After the ceremony, the bridal party entered the ballroom to a song that perfectly reflected the theme of the day: Happy by Pharrell Williams. Then, the bride and groom were then introduced for the first time to Can’t Stop the Feeling by Justin Timberlake. This was just a happy group.
Jen and Joe’s first dance was to Just the Way You Are by Billy Joel. Then Jen and her father danced to My Little Girl by Tim McGraw.
After dinner and cake cutting (which led to an unfortunate event involving the groom and a broken cake knife — ouch!) the dance floor opened up and things got wild. Jen and Joe picked some great tunes that were sure to get the party started, and it worked.
Bruno Mars, Queen, Usher, Outkast, and Beastie Boys kept the whole party moving and shaking all night long.
For the last dance, they returned to Billy Joel for Piano Man and the inevitable swaying that always comes with it.
The team at Maryland’s DJ can bring this kind of energy to your wedding, too! Just fill out our online form, and we’ll be in touch soon.
A wedding venue is only as good as its events manager. And Katie Coon at Antrim 1844 is one of the best. Learn her thoughts on weddings and what she loves about Antrim!
When it comes to wedding venues, it’s the space itself that gets all the attention. What about the hard-working people who manage that space and help couples to create their perfect day?
People like Katie Coon, Special Events Manager at Antrim 1844.
Antrim is a historic wedding and event venue in Taneytown, Maryland. The property includes a beautiful 17,000 square foot mansion, as well as 11 separate outbuildings and cottages that have been turned into charming accommodations. It’s all situated on 24-acres of manicured rose gardens and greenery, which make the perfect backdrop for wedding photos.
Running everything behind the scenes at this stunning property is event manager Katie Coon.
Although Katie is originally from California, she grew up in Frederick, MD, about 30 minutes from Taneytown, with her seven siblings. Most of her big family still lives in the area — including her sister, who will be having her own Antrim 1844 wedding in November!
Katie has a background in sales and account management. So when she was ready for a change, she was already equipped with the skills she needed to excel in event management. Looking for an industry that would provide a more personal connection, she made her way to Antrim and started making wedding magic.
While weddings certainly involve creativity and fun, they also have a lot of moving parts that need to be carefully coordinated. And when you’re looking at a summer full of weddings and events, keeping all the details organized is key.
Katie loves to find solutions to challenges and keep the day stress-free for the couple. This means being clear about the couple’s expectations before the wedding, and also checking on them regularly during the big day. It’s important for everyone to know that the event manager is taking care of the details.
And those details can vary wildly from event to event. During her time at Antrim 1844, she’s had an Alice in Wonderland wedding, a Halloween themed wedding, a bridal party that entered on scooters, and even alpacas on the property!
For anyone who is considering getting into the event management business, Katie has some advice: “Be patient and go with the flow! There are going to be several hiccups in any given event so you need to keep a level head and deal with them the best you can! A lot of it comes down to problem solving and keeping the couple removed from any issues.”
In such capable hands as Katie’s, the couple can relax and enjoy, just the way they’re meant to.
We asked Katie a few more questions about the event industry and what she wishes people knew about working at weddings. Enjoy!
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
Isn't it obvious? Antrim 1844! Not only are the formal gardens and manicured lawns stunning (which they are) but the passion for our guest's experience is unparalleled.
When the couple sees each other for the first time! It is such a special moment that they will never forget. I also love seeing the bride right before she walks down the aisle : )
Requesting that I dress as a Disney Princess : )
You have be just a little zany to work in this industry : ) The one thing I have noticed about great vendors is their ability to stay calm and go with the flow. Weddings never go completely as planned — nor should they!
The Wedding Singer because Robbie was such a better fit for Julia than Glenn! And the music, obviously!
Not marriage advice but wedding advice: Plan your day around you and your fiance's style — not others. It is your day! Oh — and eat dinner!
To learn more about Antrim 1844, visit their website. And make sure to fill out our contact form if you need a DJ or uplighting for your Antrim 1844 wedding!
What does a wedding designer do? We chatted with designer-to-the-stars Drew Vanlandingham about weddings, marriage, and showing your vendors some love.
A lot of people make transitions in their careers. They may start out working in restaurants before transitioning to human resources. They could grow from social media management to full scale marketing and promotions. They could transition from a major corporation to a more fulfilling nonprofit organization.
But how many people make the transition from successful international singer to “event designer to the stars?”
Drew Vanlandingham of Vanlandingham Design Studio managed to do just that.
Drew performed as a classical soloist both nationally and internationally in musical theater and opera productions. After conquering that field, he returned to his first love of event design and founded Vanlandingham Design Studio.
Based out of Baltimore, the studio designs events in Maryland, Washington, DC, and New York. He’s created events for designer Steve Madden and members of the Baltimore Ravens. He’s also been featured in Engaged Magazine, Baltimore Bride, and The Baltimore Sun. Plus, he’s been seen on Say Yes to the Dress and Curvy Brides on TLC!
Drew and his team offer a range of options. They can do partial wedding planning or full service planning, taking care of every aspect of the event from start to finish. They also offer “day of” coordination, making sure all vendors, party members, and guests know are in the right place at the right time.
And they can provide design consultation services to help a couple create the look and feel of their wedding day. Wedding design includes aesthetic decisions like floor plans, flowers, furniture, linens, and lighting design. The team will take your general ideas and preferences and turn them into a masterpiece with their professional design skills.
Drew is a highly sought after industry expert. He’s been a speaker at events for the National Associate for Catering and Events (NACE) National Design Experience, the Association of Bridal Consultants, and Virginia Bridal Consultants. Plus, he was the 2009 Unforgettable Weddings Event Planner of the Year!
We asked Drew to share some of his thoughts about the wedding industry. Don’t miss the impressive way a groomsman repurposed a 4-foot tall glass vase...
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
I began as a designer in a local floral shop. After traveling for years in a different career as a professional singer, I came back to my design roots and began planning and designing all different types of events.
The Grand in Baltimore. I would say that would be my favorite, as that is where I was once married and experienced the best day of my life. I love a venue that is workable without having to experience weather. As a planner, you always think of "Plan B." There are not many venues that are connected to a hotel. Most hotels are truly just a hotel. The Grand is a classic venue where your guests may walk across the hall to also have a hotel experience.
I love that it is the beginning of a chapter for not just the bride and groom or bride/bride or groom/groom. It is also one for all families involved. Every journey is a teaching moment for all parties. I think we learn and grow from all our life experiences and I think weddings begin a lot of those times.
Fireworks with their name in the fireworks.
Pick up the centerpiece — a LARGE vase — and drink beer in the hallway with a keg line out of the vase. The vase was 4 feet tall and made of glass.
When the flower girl stepped in on the first dance and danced with the groom.
A good vendor always finds a solution for the situation. They should always be applauded when they work hard to make sure all parties are happy with the hand they are dealt.
The Wedding Planner...Because the level of stress and production she puts into a wedding truly shows how it happens.
Falling in love is the easy and fun part...being in love is the hard but enjoyable part. When you gat past the falling in love part, take joy in being in love because that is the love that will last forever and create a journey of memories that will last a lifetime.
If you’d like to talk to Drew and his team at Vanlandingham Design Studio about bringing their expertise to your event, fill out their online form.
And if you’d like to create the perfect soundtrack to go with their perfect design, we’d love to hear from you!
How can a bunch of DJs give back during the COVID-19 crisis? By spreading a little joy at LifeBridge Health’s Sinai Hospital.
While this is a tough time for all of us, perhaps no one has felt the effects more than the doctors, nurses, and healthcare administrators who are on the front lines of the current pandemic. They interact daily with the sick, trying to manage the increase in hospitalizations due to COVID-19. Plus, they still have to take care of all their “normal” patients, from heart attack sufferers to accident victims.
And at the same time, they’ve faced the same toilet paper, cleaning supply, and grocery shortages as the rest of us. Talk about stressful.
So what could we do to help at Maryland’s DJ? None of us can sew masks, and you definitely don’t want us cooking.
That’s why we were so pleased when we received a message from LifeBridge Health in Baltimore, asking if we’d like to provide a little morale boost to the frontline healthcare workers at Sinai Hospital in the only way we know how — through music.
We jumped at the chance, and chose Maryland’s DJ Steve Hartka as the man for the job.
Steve went out to LifeBridge Health on Monday, May 11th and Friday, May 15th to DJ both the morning and evening shift changes. The idea is to provide a little cheer in what is otherwise an incredibly difficult job. We wanted the hard working hospital staff to experience a few moments of encouragement as they start their day, and a quick celebration as they finish a hard shift.
We asked Steve how he approached the project. “I am playing mostly softer upbeat music,” Steve said. “Not exactly dance stuff. So think soul music, soft rock. The response has been great! It’s been a hit.”
Some of the most popular songs? Fantasy by Earth, Wind & Fire and Grazing in the Grass by The Friends of Distinction. Not only great tunes, but positive, encouraging lyrics too:
Our voices will ring together until the twelfth of never,
We all, will live forever, as one
Do we think that hearing some great soul tunes on the way in or out of the hospital is making this situation easy on healthcare workers?
No.
But research has indicated that upbeat music can help people to feel more optimistic and relieve stress. Even if the effect only lasts a few minutes, it’s a small bright spot in an otherwise weary day.
We’re looking forward to the time we can celebrate with you all again. Weddings and parties are what we love, and we’re going to have a lot to celebrate when we can get back together.
But in the meantime, we’ll be looking for other ways to give back to the community in the only way we can — through our favorite music
Swehland Productions is a top-tier Maryland and DC wedding videography team. We chatted with founder Shawn Wehland about all things matrimony!
Unlike photography, video is one of those services that some couples choose to forego on their wedding day.
But once you see some of the wedding videos from the team at Swehland Productions, this “optional” service may just become a “must have.”
Founded by Shawn Wehland, this Maryland and Washington, DC videography team captures a series of moments and seamlessly edits them together into a story. It could be a love story told at a wedding. It could be the story of a graduating class. It could be the story of what a nonprofit organization is bringing to the local community.
But we think where they shine brightest is in their wedding videos.
Shawn, his wife Kacie, and their teammate Tony work together to capture all the big wedding moments, from the ceremony to the couple’s big entrance, dances, speeches, and more. But they get all the little goodies too — the mother of the bride buttoning the gown, the groom reading a letter and trying not to cry, the flower girl twirling in her dress. These are the small details that tie the memories together and turn a series of events into a day full of love and laughter.
It seems that wedding clients have found the perfect word to describe how wonderful Swehland Productions is…
“Shawn was absolutely amazing!” - Nicole
“Swehland productions is amazing.” - Sheena
“Our highlight video is everything I wanted and more. I never dreamed it would be as amazing as it is!” - Carly
“Shawn and Kacie were absolutely amazing to work with throughout the entire wedding process.” - Jessica
“After watching and sharing our video with our families we knew our decision to have Shawn film our wedding was a good one. Our video was amazing and we couldn't have asked for anything more.” - Brittany
“Thank you to Shawn for his patience and his amazing eye for catching every important moment.” - Katy
Ok folks, we get the picture. Everyone should have a cheering section this enthusiastic!
Outside of weddings, the Swehland Productions team does a huge variety of work. They’ve done a series of “Dear Future Me” videos, where young people get to write a letter to their future selves. They’ve also done work for drug prevention and community outreach to gain visibility for treatment programs. Plus commercials, movie trailers, promotional films...if it can be filmed, the Swehland team is on it.
We asked Shawn to tell us a bit about how he fell into wedding videography and what he loves about his work!
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
I filmed my cousin's wedding in 2014 and fell in love with it right away. After leaving that wedding, I knew I wanted to make this my career.
I truly don't have one. Each venue has its own unique character, and it's my job to capture the essence of it.
This is a hard one, but I think it's the in-between moments of the day. Moments like the dad seeing his daughter in her dress for the first time, the groom's reaction to seeing his wife, the mom helping her daughter get dressed, grandparents during the anniversary dance. So many of these moments capture such raw and pure emotion. Most people only get to witness that once if they are lucky, we get to see it almost every weekend. I will never take that for granted.
See full wedding video here
Jump off a roof of a building into a swimming pool...while drunk.
It's not as stressful as people think. After a while, you get into a routine. You truly get to enjoy the day just as much as the family/guests do.
It's always the father of the bride speech that gets me emotional. There are sooo many but if I had to pick one I think it would be Megan and Brock's wedding.
Maryland’s DJ Note: grab a hankie before you push play.
She is ALWAYS right.
To inquire about hiring Shawn and his team as your wedding videographers, fill out their online form. And keep up with them online on Facebook or Instagram.
And make sure to let us know if we can help with your DJ or lighting needs!
We caught up with local wedding photographer Valerie Michelle to chat about love, marriage, and her favorite local DJ! Plus, the wildest thing she’s seen at a wedding.
After choosing a DJ...wink wink...choosing a photographer is one of the most important decisions a couple can make for their wedding day. You’re trusting this person to memorialize moments that can never be recaptured, so you’re putting a huge amount of faith in their skill and know-how.
And one of the best in the business is Valerie Astlin of Valerie Michelle Photography.
Based just outside of Baltimore where she lives with her husband and little daughter, Valerie shoots in Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and is even available for destinations.
What makes Valerie so special is the relationship she establishes with her clients. Each couple is much more than just “another wedding.” Just check out her blog posts — detailed stories about who the couples are, where they met, how they got together...you can tell that Valerie takes the time to get to know each and every client she works with.
Part of the way she gets to know her couples is with an engagement shoot, included in each of her three wedding photography packages. This lets everyone get to know each other and get comfortable in front of the camera before the main event.
That’s how she’s able to capture so many lovely, intimate moments. From the sweet and touching to the wild and silly, she is front and center for every part of the wedding day.
We feel especially close to Valerie because we were honored to DJ her gorgeous wedding last June at Murray Hill Farm! It was so special to us, being able to participate in Valerie and Richie’s big day. The local wedding industry is a tight-knit group, and we all love the opportunity to share our gifts with each other. After working together for so long, we loved the opportunity to bring big wedding energy to the dance floor for a friend and colleague!
Valerie’s clients have nothing but the best things to say about her. Common feedback? Valerie makes couples so comfortable that they can’t help looking great in their wedding photos. Valerie catches it all, and makes brides look as gorgeous in photos as they do in person.
In addition to wedding photos, Valerie does engagement, newborn, maternity, family, and other lifestyle photos. She’s a featured vendor at Borrowed & Blue and The Wed Clique. She’s also been selected as a Couples’ Choice vendor by WeddingWire.
We asked Valerie to share some of her wedding experiences with us to find out what she loves about this crazy business!
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
I studied photography and graphic design at Stevenson University, and then interned with the lovely Brea Shaw. Through that internship I knew wedding photography is what I was meant for.
Note — check out our vendor spotlight of Brea Shaw here!
I have way too many favorites. But I'd have to go with Glen Ellen Farm. The grounds are so beautiful and have so many options for photos.
It sounds cheesy, but my favorite thing is to capture the raw emotion and pure love that radiates during the day.
I don't think my couples per se have asked for anything wild, but I have definitely been witness to/captured a few crazy groomsmen bloopers.
This has to be the time a groomsman whipped out his 'junk' during a celebratory bridal party photo…
Is it cheating if I use my own wedding for this one? Our daughter (2.5 at the time) peed herself just moments before we walked down the aisle. Our awesome DJ (Maryland's DJ, of course) had to stall during the middle of the procession until she was cleaned up. Fast forward (my husband had no idea she now had no underwear on), after recessing my husband picked her up and lifted her into the air and she mooned all of the guests. Whoops!
Photography isn't just about operating the camera. Photographers, as well as other vendors, tend to wear many hats. It is SO rewarding — but each wedding day is bound to exhaust the vendors mentally and sometimes emotionally just as much as it does physically.
I love any speech that has the whole room (and myself) laughing. It is always fun to learn new and funny things about my couples (:
I'm not a huge movie person. (I know, I know — crazy.) But Bridesmaids is for sure a classic.
Focus on your love for each other. Life is going to throw curve balls and you’ll be tempted to let everyday stress clutter your mind. But don't forget to show your significant other the affection you have for them before the end of the day....the smallest notion of your love can make a huge difference.
Want more Valerie? Follow Valerie Michelle Photography on Facebook or Instagram. Or send her a message on her website about working with her for your wedding, engagement, or family shoot!
Choosing a father/daughter dance song is tough! We put together a list of 20 of our favorites, plus a few tips to help you make your final decision.
Choosing a song for your father/daughter dance is one of the harder wedding music decisions to make. There are hundreds of thousands of songs out there about romantic love, but not nearly as many about parent and child love.
So to help you out, we put together a list of 20 of our favorite father/daughter dance songs that may help lead you in the right direction.
Pretty much all fathers have probably sung this song to their little girls at some point in time. So it’s a perfect choice for a cheerful father/daughter dance.
I've got sunshine on a cloudy day
When it's cold outside I've got the month of May
Well I guess you'd say
What can make me feel this way?
My girl
The soothing gravel of Louis Armstrong’s voice is such a classic. This slow but cheerful song is all about seeing the good in everything. Bride Cory chose this song for her dance with her father at her Harry Potter wedding.
I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom, for me and you
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Although it wasn’t written with families in mind, this sweet song speaks to the unending love that parents have for their children. The song was unusual even in the 1960s when it was released, and it’s sure to delight your guests.
I may not always love you
But long as there are stars above you
You never need to doubt it
I’ll make you so sure about it.
God only knows what I’d be without you.
Stevie Wonder wrote this song about his newborn daughter Aisha in 1975. At over 6-minutes long, the song was never supposed to be released as a single. But it was so popular that a shorter version was released, and it hit number 23 on the Adult Contemporary charts in 1977!
Isn't she lovely?
Isn't she wonderful?
Isn't she precious?
Less than one minute old
This is a newer song, so your guests will be less likely to have heard it at other weddings. Bride Kelly chose this song for her father/daughter dance at her Potomac View Terrace wedding.
...I'm always gonna lift you up
And I'm never gonna let you down
No matter what you do
I'm forever proud of you
Neil Young dedicated this song to his daughter. It’s a great choice about letting your kids grow up and experiencing the world on their own.
Yes I miss you
But I never want to hold you down
You might say I'm here for you
Photo by By Brea Photography
Billy Joel is more famous for his upbeat piano, but he also wrote this lovely song for his daughter, Alexa Ray Joel. Although the song is geared more towards a very young child, we’ll always be babies in the eyes of our parents!
Goodnight my angel, now it's time to dream
And dream how wonderful your life will be
Someday your child may cry, and if you sing this lullaby
Then in your heart there will always be a part of me
“My Wish” is about all the hopes and plans that parents have for their children. But it’s not about getting straight A’s or becoming a doctor. It’s about being there to support your kids, wherever life takes them. Good message for a wedding day.
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this is my wish.
Although this song was written by Carole King, both she and James Taylor released their versions in 1971, and they’re both classics. It was actually inspired by one of James Taylor’s lyrics from “Fire and Rain” — “I’ve seen lonely times when I could not find a friend.”
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you have to do is call
And I'll be there
You've got a friend
Most father/daughter dance songs are approached from the dad’s perspective. But there’s no reason it can’t be from the daughter’s perspective instead. This song was written as a tribute to Nancy’s father, Frank Sinatra.
I want you to know that when It's said and done
He's one of the best friends I ever had... I ever had
This song's not for you folks
It's for my dad
No matter all the friends and lovers and wonderful things I’ve met in my life, I love you more than any of them. That’s a pretty solid message for a father to give to his daughter on her wedding day. Bride Hannah chose this song for her father/daughter dance at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay.
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life, I'll love you more
Photo by By Brea Photography
This song is not about fathers and daughters specifically...in fact, a friend of Marley’s said it was actually about real live birds that he used to see near his home. But it’s a sweet, comforting song, and it is sure to make everyone smile.
Rise up this mornin'
Smiled with the risin' sun
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin' sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true
Sayin', this is my message to you
Singin' don't worry about a thing,
'Cause every little thing gonna be alright
Although this song was written about Stevie Wonder’s wife at the time Syreeta Wright, it works just as well for a father/daughter dance.
You are the sunshine of my life
That's why I'll always stay around
You are the apple of my eye
Forever you'll stay in my heart
This is a sweet, simple song that’s not too slow (great for dancing) and not too long (so poor dad doesn’t get worn out.) With terms of endearment like “sweet pea” and “apple of my eye,” it sounds appropriate for a father and daughter, even if that wasn’t why it was written.
Sweet pea
Apple of my eye
Don't know when and I don't know why
You're the only reason I keep on coming home
With a bluegrass feel, this song has a medium tempo that will let the father and daughter do more than just sway back and forth. It’s written with a little girl in mind, and dad will probably cry his eyes out.
I will walk with you
Even when the sun don't shine
The rain it may come down
And Fate may be unkind
If you get a scrape
I'll brush away the tears
Come what may I will walk with you
This pretty song is all about letting someone you love go to explore the world and live their life. It’s a lovely send off to a daughter from her father.
You belong among the wildflowers
You belong in a boat out at sea
You belong with your love on your arm
You belong somewhere you feel free
Here’s another song about being there for someone you love when they need you. It’s a nice message for a father/daughter dance — parents don’t stop being there for their kids just because they got married!
When you need me call my name
'Cause without you my life just wouldn't be the same
If you want me come sunny skies or rain
When you need me just call my name
Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Here’s another upbeat option for the father and daughter that want to show off their moves on the dance floor. It’s a bluesy R&B song that will be fun for the dancers and the audience.
If you ever
Ever need a friend
I'll be with you
Yes, until the end
Now, ain't that love
(ain't that love)
This is such a lovely cheerful song. Although it was written by John Deacon for his wife, it feels more about finding someone you’re comfortable with that makes you feel happy to come home. So it works great for a father/daughter dance.
Oh, you're the best friend that I ever had
I've been with you such a long time
You're my sunshine and I want you to know
That my feelings are true
I really love you
Another song about support for a loved one, no matter what! Even though Michael Jackson was only 11 when he recorded this song, it’s timeless and works for all ages. And since the singer is so young, it keeps the “romantic” lyrics from sounding inappropriate in a father/daughter dance.
Let me fill your heart with joy and laughter
Togetherness, well that's all I'm after
Whenever you need me, I'll be there
Still not sure what to pick? Think outside the box! If there’s a song you both love, but the lyrics aren’t quite right for the occasion, is there an instrumental version you could use instead? Check out Vitamin String Quartet for dozens of string arrangements of pop songs.
Plus, if there’s a song that means a lot to you and your dad, don’t worry too much about what the song actually says. It’s a special moment for the two of you. If you and dad love to sing your hearts out to Toto’s Africa, go for it.
Header Photo by Dani Leigh Photography
Meet Rachel Hoffberger, wedding coordinator and director of Plan It Perfect Events! She shares her favorite thing about weddings and what happened when one guest lost their pants
Many couples go into planning their wedding thinking it will be no sweat. We’re organized, they think. We’ve got this covered.
But planning a big event takes masterful, ninja levels of coordinating prowess that we just don’t all have! Luckily, there are wedding planning experts to take the reins and lead the way, like the geniuses at Plan it Perfect Events.
Founded in 2004 by Cate Paris, Plan It Perfect’s five-person team has got. it. covered. Cate has over fifteen years of experience in the events business, including catering, event planning, and venue management.
After Cate shifted her focus to the catering side of the business, she brought on Rachel Hoffberger to direct Plan It Perfect. A previous career in construction management turned Rachel into a pro at managing projects with lots of moving parts. (Seriously, you’ve never seen a spreadsheet until you’ve seen a construction spreadsheet.)
Rachel and her team have done it all, from Katie & Andrew’s rainbow backyard wedding — complete with bounce house — to Cheryl and Mu’s stunning wedding at the Peabody Library.
After a free initial consultation with potential clients, the Plan It Perfect wedding coordinators help couples to figure out exactly what they need for their event. They can do wedding day coordination, which includes reviewing vendor contracts, developing the day’s itinerary, and working through ceremony logistics. Plus, they’ll be on site from set up to tear down, keeping everything on track.
They can also do full planning. They’ll meet with the couple and their vendors as many times as necessary to work through the details. And they can coordinate and design the look and flow of whole wedding day.
Plan It Perfect also has their “Plan It Green” service, which helps clients to create an ecologically responsible event. They can lead clients to eco-friendly vendors that will create a low-impact wedding without sacrificing style or class. Ideal for the couple that’s focused on sustainability!
The Plan It Perfect ladies have been the recipients of dozens of industry awards, including five distinct honors from the National Association for Catering and Events (NACE). They’ve had a Plan It Perfect wedding featured in Premier Bride, and they’re a 2020 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice vendor.
Whether you need a coordinator or not, you should check out their handy blog with tips and tricks for wedding planning. Get advice for tipping vendors, prepare for an enjoyable tasting experience with your caterer, and learn about including (or excluding) kids at weddings.
And read on to learn a little more about Rachel with Plan It Perfect — her background, her favorite wedding venue, and what she thinks all couples should keep in mind.
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
I spent several years working as a construction manager. I loved the Project Management aspect of my job, but I was missing a creative outlet. I had planned some formal events in college, and I saw how translatable my management skills would be in the event industry. So I took the plunge and got as much experience as I could with weddings so I could start my own business.
My favorite venue is the American Visionary Art Museum. I love how versatile AVAM is, with indoor and outdoor spaces, and it's a blank palette that can be transformed in any way.
I love when a couple shows who they are through their event. The personalization of a wedding is what excites me. I love to hear the guests say, "This wedding is so 'them.'"
A father of the bride wanted everything at his daughter's wedding to be a show. He asked if the signature cocktail could be on fire! So he wanted dozens of drinks to be passed around while inflamed. We couldn't grant him that request, unfortunately.
The best man had a talent for chugging beer, so he worked it into his toast. A 20-ounce stein was devoured in about 10 seconds!
A beach-front wedding resulted in the ring bearer (about 3 years old) taking off his clothes from the waist down and going into the water during cocktail hour. He was going to be included in the introductions of the wedding party before dinner, so I said something I never thought I'd have to say at a wedding before: "Can we get some pants on Ben, please?"
It is glamorized a lot on TV and in the movies, but it's not for the faint of heart. The whole planning process, as well as the day itself, can be challenging to pull off, and it takes a special skill set to do it well.
I love The Wedding Singer, mostly because of the amazing soundtrack. That movie had no reason to be set in the '80's, but I'm convinced it was written that way purely for the music.
Be prepared to pivot with every stage of life. Your lives together when you get married will not be the same a few years later, or once you have kids, or when jobs change. Many relationships function differently in the winter than they do in the summer. Go with the flow, and expect lots of adjustments.
Cito and Kelly’s Potomac View Terrace wedding overlooking Washington D.C.’s National Mall was a sight to see. Breathtaking photos by Procopio Photography!
Cito and Kelly’s Washington D.C. wedding was the type of elegant, classy affair you’d expect in our nation’s capital — until the lights went low. Then it was an all out bacchanal in honor of the happy couple!
The wedding took place on the Potomac View Terrace at the American Pharmacists Association headquarters. A medical HQ may not seem like an appropriate place for a wedding. But these pharmacists knew what they were doing when they chose this site back in the 1930s. As the only private venue on the National Mall, Potomac View Terrace’s 6th floor vantage point has stunning views of the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, U.S. Capitol, and Potomac River.
Back on the ground, the bride and her father ascended the ceremony site steps to the tune of Speechless by Dan + Shay ft. Tori Kelly. The stunning white neoclassical facade and stately iron doors make a one-of-a-kind ceremony site that reminds visitors of D.C.’s Grecian-inspired architectural roots.
After the ceremony, the whole wedding party headed up to the sixth floor. The terrace has a roof to provide shelter from the sun or rain. Plus, it has three open sides to let a breeze flow through while everyone takes in the views of the National Mall.
Petal’s Edge Floral Design provided flowers for the event, including table decor, boutonnieres, and the bridal bouquet. Arrangements in soft blue, ivory, and blue-green eucalyptus dotted every table. And Maryland’s DJ provided blue uplighting throughout the space to keep with the color scheme.
Since this wedding took place on September 21st, the couple had to enter to Earth, Wind, and Fire’s "September." If you’re not familiar, the song starts with, “Do you remember the 21st night of September?” We’re pretty sure Cito and Kelly will remember the 21st night of September for the rest of their lives!
Amazing husband-and-wife shutterbug duo, Cicely and Jason Procopio of Procopio Photography, captured the ceremony and reception. The pair caught plenty of still life shots to memorialize the details, plus candids to memorialize all the fun and love on display.
After dinner and toasts, the couple enjoyed their first dance to “Lover” by Taylor Swift. Then Kelly and her father danced to "Forever Now" by Michael Bublé. (By the way, if you’re not familiar with that song, click the link to watch the video and try not to cry. I dare you!) Cito and his mother then danced to an acoustic version of “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack.
After that, there was dancing, cake cutting, more dancing, and this. I told you it got rowdy — this crew came to party!
We loved creating a soundtrack for this bash. The couple and their guests rocked the dance floor all night long, looking out on the city below!
Getting married in Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, D.C.? Let us know! We can help you create an event as memorable and wild as Cito and Kelly’s Potomac View Terrace wedding!
Maryland wedding photographer Breanna Shaw of Photography By Brea dished on what she loves about weddings and what she wishes people knew about her job!
Many photographers have their own signature style — that one thing they’re known for that differentiates them from the others.
For Maryland photographer Breanna Shaw of Photography By Brea, it’s all about capturing the moments as they happen. Of course, Brea (“like the cheese,” she says) can take lovely portraits and posed photographs. But she shines brightest in her ability to snap all the special details that make up a wedding day. Even something as simple as climbing stairs becomes a moment to remember in Brea’s capable lens.
Brea focuses on the candid moments that show the connection between the couple, the families, and the friends, all celebrating the same special event. That could include a quiet moment between the bride and groom, wet eyes from the best man, or the impromptu shenanigans on the dance floor. Rather than asking a group to pose or look at the camera, she’ll snap the group as-is — candid and real. Her photos are vibrant, exciting, and full of life!
Brea photographs weddings all over Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, New York, and more. She’s worked at stunning venues like the Baltimore Museum of Industry, Mt. Washington Mill Dye House, George Peabody Library, and The Belvedere — one of her favorites.
Brea’s work has been recognized by WeddingWire, World’s Best Wedding Photos, and Fearless Photographers — like this one-of-a-kind shot.
Although she loves weddings, Brea also does engagement shoots, family photography, and boudoir sessions! She has tons of photos on her website, which we encourage you to check out. (No boudoir photos online though — too steamy for public consumption.)
We asked Brea some questions about how she got her start and what she loves about shooting weddings. Read on to learn a little more about this mega-talented Maryland photographer.
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
Mostly by accident! I started off as a family photographer in 2009. Most of my friends were older than me and once they started having kids, I became the de facto photographer for the friend group. Then it snowballed to taking photos for friends of friends, then strangers. By 2010, I had a full-fledged business!
It was another two years before I photographed my first wedding. I turned the couple down initially, telling them they were better off choosing a professional WEDDING photographer, not a professional family photographer. They had their heart set on me anyway, and after doing a ton of preparation and research (shadowing a good friend and wedding photographer on a few weddings), I photographed my first solo wedding in June 2012 and LOVED IT. In 2012, I ended up photographing four other weddings. I had 27 in 2013, and 35 or more every year since.
This accidental business is the best thing that's ever happened to me.
Honestly, I LOVE The Belvedere. It's gorgeous, it's classic, it requires lighting skills that play to my strengths and my interests technically. But also our couples that get married there are always the kind of people who want to live in the present moment and trust us to capture it all.
But truthfully, it's hard to pick a favorite. Baltimore has tons of amazing venues inside city limits, and we have gorgeous wineries, waterfront venues, and farms on the outskirts. We've basically got it all.
The fact that it's the one time in your life everyone you love is in the same room. Weddings aren't about chair covers and centerpieces. They're about people. It gives me an opportunity to show you not only how loved you are by your future spouse, but by everyone in your life. That's pretty damn magical.
This is a tough question because I LOVE and encourage all things weird. We've done engagement sessions at Dave and Buster's, had mid-wedding day pit stops at bars and arcades, done pictures inside of a clock tower...but that's the stuff that makes this job fun!
[Redacted] I'm going to choose not to answer this one to protect the not-so-innocent ;)
SO MANY! Kids are so weird. It's the best! And we have photos to back all of these up: playing with a toy truck on uncle's face, stealing microphone from dad during speeches, falling asleep in the middle of a crowded dance floor, so many!
It's a very physical job. A lot of people think that being a wedding photographer is just clicking a button casually all day. Our gear is heavy, we're on our feet all day, and when you are a photojournalist with your camera glued to your face for 8-12 hours, it's incredibly difficult on your body. It is SO much fun and I wouldn't trade it for the world, but it's nowhere near as easy as you'd think physically.
The two days after I photographed that first wedding in 2012, I felt like I was hungover even though I hadn't had a drop of alcohol. Those of us in the wedding industry refer to it as "wedding hangover" and it is very, very real.
There are so many good ones. My favorites are a mix of funny and heartfelt and usually move me to tears.
Wedding Crashers. Crab cakes and football! That's what Maryland DOES!
Always respect your marriage and your partner. If you maintain that mutual respect you can make it through anything.
For a classic Baltimore wedding, look no further than the historic Belvedere. Gilded ballrooms and stunning views make this venue a site to see. Photography By Brea is a master at capturing moments and freezing memories here!
The Belvedere is one of those rare Baltimore event venues that can suit the timeless ballroom wedding, the modern urban wedding, and the laid back, pub-style wedding — all in the same building. This Beaux Arts landmark was completed in 1903 and served as a high-end hotel for elite visitors. Presidents Woodrow Wilson, Theodore Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy all stayed there, as well as actor Clark Gable and scandalous socialite Wallis Simpson.
In the early 1990s, the hotel was converted to condominiums, but the grand and elaborate ballrooms still remain and are available for your Baltimore wedding!
This downtown Baltimore event venue can beautifully accommodate your ceremony and reception. But its central location also puts it near plenty of churches, temples, and cathedrals for those who prefer to get married in a house of worship. Sarah and Chris said their vows at the stunning classical Baltimore Basilica, just a few minutes away.
Events at the Belvedere are expertly managed by in-house event and catering company, Belvedere & Co. Local photographer Breanna Shaw says, “The Belvedere is one of my all-time favorite wedding venues as a wedding photographer in Baltimore. With several gorgeous ballrooms to choose from, a fantastic in-house catering staff, and an incredible team of coordinators, it’s got everything you could possibly want. I especially love being able to make stunning portraits for our couples with the iconic Belvedere sign lit up at night.” Just look at Katie and Jamel’s old-Hollywood style portraits in front of the sign!
The “Timeless” wedding packages at the Belvedere make use of the building’s four luxurious ballrooms for ceremonies, cocktail hours, and receptions.
The Charles Experience starts with a ceremony in the Charles Ballroom, with floor to ceiling windows, gold-detailed coffered ceilings, and black marble pillars. Then, guests cross the lobby for cocktail hour in the John Eager Howard Ballroom. This one-of-a-kind room has walls covered with a hand-painted mural from the 1930s surrounding an intricately carved fireplace and mantelpiece.
Then it’s back to the Charles Ballroom for dinner and dancing. Jess and Raymond’s Charles Experience was caught in all its glory by Breanna, with some of the best dance floor photos we’ve ever seen!
Couples can also choose The Grand Experience, performing the ceremony in The Grand Ballroom. With 36’ arched ceilings and glistening chandeliers, this space will make everyone feel like royalty for the day. Cocktail hour is in the Platinum Ballroom, with 1903 hardwoods and oversized mirrors. Rachel and Joe held their winter wedding in the Grand Ballroom, and brought along plenty of hysterical props to keep their ballroom wedding fun and festive.
For a “modern” Maryland wedding at the Belvedere, couples have to see The 13th Floor. After a ceremony and cocktail hour in the Platinum Ballroom, guests will ascend one floor to a chic, contemporary space with stunning views of Baltimore’s skyline. The ceiling of this room is a series of square and round hanging frames that provide both light and a unique work of art.
Finally, there’s the “casual” Baltimore wedding option at the Belvedere’s Owl Bar. After a ceremony in the John Eager Howard Ballroom and cocktail hour in the Palm Ballroom, guests will adjourn to this Prohibition-style speakeasy, with original tile floors and exposed brick walls that make you feel like you’ve taken a step back in time. Whimsical gilded owl wallpaper and a stained glass nursery rhyme behind the bar make this a playful place for a vintage-inspired Baltimore wedding!
Planning your Maryland wedding at the Belvedere? We’d love to hear from you! Fill out our online form to get more information about Maryland’s DJ!
We interviewed Maryland wedding planner Megan Frizzell of Inexpressible Moments Weddings & Events to get her take on weddings, venues, and more!
At some point in the wedding planning process, every couple realizes that weddings are hard work! There are so many little details to consider, vendors to coordinate, and decisions to make. And unless you’re a full-time event planner for a living, you may feel like you’ve been thrown in the deep end.
That’s where a great wedding planner comes in.
Megan Frizzell of Inexpressible Moments Weddings & Events thrives on the chaos of the wedding day. She takes on all the stress of throwing a huge party for your friends and family, leaving you free to relax and enjoy your day.
Megan offers a variety of packages for different budgets, from lighter “day-of” coordination to full planning services. She can help couples to develop a clear wedding vision, settling on big picture details like venue, colors, and timeline. She can help to select vendors and manage those complicated payment timelines. She can attend the rehearsal, making sure unruly groomsmen and impatient flower girls are all where they need to be.
And of course, she’ll be there on the wedding day, taking care of the wedding party, keeping vendors organized, and putting out any little fires that may pop up from time to time.
A wedding planner you can trust is a huge asset to have on your wedding day. As most married couples will tell you, something always goes wrong! So a dedicated planner that always has your back is key to maintaining a stress-free day for the bride, groom, and their loved ones.
Here at Maryland’s DJ, we’ve had the pleasure of working with Megan in the past. For example, she coordinated Lindsay & Zach’s gorgeous wedding at the Baltimore Museum of Industry in mid-2019, which went off without a hitch.
Brides she’s worked with have described her as “a life changer,” “phenomenal,” and “super detail-oriented.” Those are some happy brides!
We caught up with Megan to learn her thoughts about wild weddings, favorite venues, and why red wine is no substitute for champagne. Enjoy!
Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.
I always knew I had a heart for planning, but it took me planning my own wedding to really feel it was right for me! After I planned my wedding, friends asked me to help plan theirs. Then I had friends of friends reaching out to me about planning and that’s when I knew it was time to take the leap and dive into the wedding and event planning industry!
Man, that’s a hard one! I love many venues, but the venue that sticks out the most to me is Pond View Farm in White Hall, MD. I’ve always been a rustic wedding venue fan! I feel there are so many different ways to spruce them up! Pond View is one of my favorites because it has everything to offer!
The ceremony spot is perfect — under a beautiful willow tree with a pond and water fountain in the background! If it rains, couples can tie the knot on the outside patio under the awning, which still allows the view of the pond and willow tree in the background. Inside, the barn has a gorgeous light wood look with side sliding doors to allow a beautiful breeze and view in the evening! There are also perfect living quarters on the grounds for the bridal party to get ready in. It’s a one stop shop! What more could a couple ask for?
The first dance for sure! This is always a tear jerker for me. Whether slow and intimate or fast and fun, it’s always memorable!
At one wedding, the bridal party thought it would be a good idea to shake a bottle of red wine as if it were champagne — all over the couple and guests on the dance floor.
As much as we’d like to have a drink or three, you can’t get the wedding planner trashed!
It started with “Even though she was my girl first, you’re still my best friend and I’m glad I know she will be taken care of!”
The Wedding Singer, of course! Perfect storyline and ending! How can it not be anyone's favorite? Adam Sandler is the man!
Communicate daily and love. Love as long and as hard as you possibly can. Not every day is a fairytale. Marriage is work. Don’t give up!
For more information about Inexpressible Moments Weddings & Events and Megan’s wedding planning services, visit her website. And to chat with Maryland’s DJ about DJ services for your wedding, fill out our information form!
We talked to local photographer Valerie Michelle about what makes a Stone Ridge Hollow wedding so special. Learn about this lovely barn venue in Harford County!
Stone Ridge Hollow is the perfect wedding venue for the couple that loves the countryside. With rolling green fields, two ponds, and a beautiful barn for dancing the night away, this bucolic event space shows off rustic elegance at every turn.
Located just an hour from Baltimore, an hour and a half from Philadelphia, and under two hours from Washington DC, a Stone Ridge Hollow wedding is an ideal country getaway for friends and family from all over the Mid Atlantic.
Photographer Valerie Michelle is in love with love. She’s made an art out of snapping the most tender and touching of moments at weddings, like these heart-warming pictures of Sidney and Zach at Stone Ridge Hollow.
“Stone Ridge Hollow is truly an amazing venue,” Valerie says. “I absolutely love that they have two ponds on-site for the ceremony backdrop and portraits. And if you catch them in the right season, they have a field of Black-Eyed Susans! They have a beautiful house on the property as well — big enough for both the bride and groom to get ready in — filled with fun vintage decor and a huge reception barn newly renovated and perfect for a reception of any size. The team that runs wedding days at Stone Ridge Hollow makes the day seamless and easy, allowing every couple to relax and enjoy every second of their big day.”
Stone Ridge Hollow’s venue space is a 3,250 square foot barn. The barn interior is almost entirely open, giving you plenty of options for setup and layout. The reception can be held in the barn after a pond-side ceremony, or the whole event can take place inside the barn in cold or rainy weather.
The entire space is clad in light wood, from floor to ceiling. Massive beams hold up the lofted roof, and the space is flooded with light from large windows and glass-paned doors. At night, rustic chandeliers and string lights suffuse the space with a warm glow, lighting up the dance floor for a wild party.
There’s also a separate 1,300 square foot “bonus area” with a custom granite bar top and saloon-style swivel stools.
But the highlight of this Harford County wedding venue is the land. Situated on a 125-acre farm in Forest Hill, Maryland, the barn is surrounded by lush grassland, trees, and two ponds that make for excellent photo backdrops. Valerie Michelle clients Lauren and Thomas took advantage of the unseasonably warm weather at their September wedding to get plenty of photos in front of the natural vista.
Guests can enjoy the views from a covered stone patio up at the barn, while the bridal party gets ready in the 3-bedroom farmhouse on site.
A Stone Ridge Hollow wedding is elegant but unfussy, classic but warm. No wonder it’s a 2020 WeddingWire Couple’s Choice Award venue.
There are a few extras at this venue, too, like a day-of coordinator to herd vendors and keep everyone on schedule. Plus they have a “Vintage Shoppe” where couples can add rustic touches like arches and arbors, wine barrels, and other antique furnishings to the space for their special day.
If you’re having a Stone Ridge Hollow wedding, we’d love to hear from you! Fill out our information form and let us know how we can help make your wedding day perfect.
We love every event, but DJing an old friend’s wedding was a special treat. See how Connor and Raquel’s made their wedding at The Suburban Club unique!
What do you do when you’re on the eve of a global pandemic and the bride is a nurse? If you’re like couple Connor and Raquel, you pass out some face masks, stock up on hand sanitizer, and throw one heck of a party.
Connor and Raquel’s Pi Day wedding (3/14) was the last event for Maryland’s DJ before the pandemic put a temporary halt on group celebrations. Since the bride is an old friend of DJ Jordan, it thrilled us that the wedding could take place before the shutdown.
Connor and Raquel were married at The Suburban Club in Pikesville, Maryland. The festivities were captured by the brilliant photographer Marc Summerfield at Guill Photo.
The night started out with a cocktail hour accompanied by classic tunes by Nat King Cole and Nina Simone. Then it was off to sign the Ketubah — the Jewish marriage contract. Once the guests had warmed up with a drink or two, the ceremony began in the Suburban Club’s sunroom.
The bridal party entered to Love Me for Real by Omar Adam (אוהבת אותי אמיתי). And the bride herself entered to a piano cover of Bereishit Olam by Shlomi Shabat. After a beautiful ceremony, there was nothing standing between the guests and the party!
The bride and groom chose the beats of Take It by Dom Dolla for their introduction to the ballroom. Then they went straight into their first dance to Always Remember Us This Way by Lady Gaga (from A Star is Born).
After a welcome toast by the bride’s parents and a blessing by Raquel’s grandfather, it was time to eat!
Raquel and Connor chose to “front load” all the activities at their reception, so they wouldn’t have to interrupt the dance floor for any reason. So after Raquel and her father danced to Butterfly Kisses, it was right into the horah and cake cutting — and then plenty of dancing!
This Baltimore wedding took place before social distancing measures were put into effect, so it could still go on. But with Raquel working on the front lines as a nurse, she still wanted to take some precautions. So Pi Day face masks were provided by this fun-loving couple.
And since the bride is such an old friend, she got to take a little spin behind the DJ booth!
We were so happy to be part of Connor and Raquel’s Baltimore wedding at The Suburban Club. We know these two are going to have a beautiful life together, and we wish them all the best!
To chat with us about your wedding in Maryland, northern Virginia, or Washington D.C., get in touch!
Chesapeake Bay Beach Club is one of the premier waterfront wedding venues in Maryland. We asked photographer Carly fuller why this is one of her favorites and she came back with these amazing shots. Learn why it’s so special and see if it’s right for your big day!
When you’re looking for a waterfront wedding venue in Maryland, it’s all about that view. That’s why Chesapeake Bay Beach Club in on Kent Island is one of the most sought after spots for a beach wedding in Maryland.
Less than an hour outside of Baltimore and Washington, D.C., you could have a beachside ceremony with the glittering Chesapeake Bay as your backdrop. And with such a stunning locale, you need a photographer who can capture it in all its glory. We love photographer Carly Fuller for her ability to grab the colors of the sunset and the sparkle coming off the water. Just look at the light from the sunset photos at Katherine and Sean’s waterside photoshoot!
This stunning waterfront wedding venue in Maryland has four different ballrooms available for your reception, depending on the size and style of your celebration.
The Beach House Ballroom’s big windows let your guests take in the views of the Chesapeake Bay while they dine. It also includes a formal garden right on the water. There are few lovelier wedding backdrops than a bay view. Just ask Lisa and Kyle!
The largest reception space at the venue is the Sunset Ballroom, which seats 220 guests with a dance floor. This beautiful space has huge windows and French doors, letting the natural light flood in. It also has an enclosed roof deck available for indoor ceremonies. Just look at Jacquelyn and Tyler’s ceremony on the beachy grey and blue room.
If you’d like an open-air deck where your guests can take in the view of the sunset across the bay, you have to see the Tavern Ballroom. This classic reception room with a wood vaulted ceiling is topped with an Ipe wood deck, complete with a fireplace to keep warm in the cool breeze off the water.
Finally, for a more intimate event, there’s the Inn Ballroom. This sophisticated space features exposed beams and a stone fireplace, plus a private garden terrace. It can seat 75 with a dance floor, or you can move the dancing out to the covered terrace and seat 100 inside for your Chesapeake Bay Beach Club wedding.
A beach wedding in Maryland isn’t only desirable to the locals. That’s why Chesapeake Bay Beach Club has 72 luxurious guest rooms and suites on the property. It’s perfect for a destination wedding. Couple Lauren and Matt came to Maryland all the way from Arizona for their big day.
And since the bridal party and family can stay on the property, why not offer a little pampering during their visit? This high-end inn has a full-service spa and salon. You can get massages, facials, and manicures/pedicures. Plus, they have bridal services like wedding hair and makeup for the bride-to-be and her friends.
There’s also a farm-to-table restaurant on site, plus a grab-and-go eatery with sandwiches, salads, quiches, and more. Your guests will never go hungry.
This luxury wedding venue has to be seen to be believed. The beach club offers an open house every Saturday morning, so you can take a tour to see if it’s the right place for you.
If your Maryland waterfront wedding is being held at Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, let us know! We’d love to take a short drive to the bay and provide the perfect soundtrack for your special day.
A wedding at The Cloisters is like a wedding in another world. Check out photos by Sarah Wockenfuss to get a feel for this historic Baltimore venue.
How would you like to get married in a medieval-style castle — right here in Maryland?
At The Cloisters, you can.
Decorated with real medieval artifacts, this Gothic manor house was built in the early 1930s by a pair of devoted history lovers, Sumner and Drudea Parker. Meticulously planned down to every detail, The Cloisters is a work of art on its own.
A wedding at The Cloisters is the place to go full Lord of the Rings, full Harry Potter, full Disney, full YOU!
Photographer Sarah Wockenfuss is no stranger to this historic Baltimore wedding venue. She’s shot plenty of weddings there, exploring all the nooks and crannies of this unique space.
"Cloisters Castle is a one of a kind venue in Baltimore,” she says. “I love that the castle is tucked away in the woods, but yet only minutes from Baltimore City! The architecture makes for extremely unique photos. My favorite part of the castle is the spiral staircase that climbs from the basement all the way to the top floor! Other beautiful areas to be noted are the windmill, courtyard and library. The castle truly is a playground for photographers. If you want a venue that will be sure to ‘wow’ your guests, look no further. The staff are also extremely supportive in making your wedding day dreams come true!"
Sarah brings the bride and groom’s fairytale to life with her dreamy photography. She’s been a WeddingWire Couples’ Choice photographer for the past four years!
This Baltimore wedding venue is the perfect place to put your special stamp on your special day. Nothing is out of place here, whether you want a traditional affair or an excuse to declare your love for your particular fandom.
Is Disney your thing? Lean into it. At Jayne and Nathan’s wedding, the red-haired bride was like a gorgeous tattooed Princess Ariel (after getting legs). The golden woods around the castle made a stunning backdrop for their wedding photos by Sarah.
Katie and Joey’s wedding had Harry Potter elements, a romantic handmade chuppah, and lanterns in place of bouquets. Every picture is full of love and beaming smiles. And Vicki and Matt’s big day was for the birds. Actual birds. There was a hawk involved!
Weddings at The Cloisters can accommodate up to 150 guests. There’s a romantic ceremony location outside in the cloistered garden. And wedding parties should definitely take advantage of the grounds for the many photo ops. The surrounding woods, wild gardens, and the house itself all make dramatic backdrops for portraits and group photos.
Inside, there’s a reception room with traditional gothic arches for a little historical realism. And make sure to get a few pictures in that one-of-a-kind spiral staircase.
A visit to The Cloisters is like stepping into another time — even though it’s located in Lutherville, just 20 minutes northwest of downtown Baltimore.
If you’re planning your fairytale wedding at The Cloisters, let us know! There’s plenty of room for a DJ booth inside.
Antrim 1844 is one of the loveliest wedding venues in Maryland! Rose gardens, bronze fountains, and a stately mansion set the stage for a day of romance. Brought to you by Dani Leigh with words of wisdom and killer shots!
With so many beautiful historic buildings in the area, it’s no wonder there’s a wealth of wonderful wedding venues in Maryland.
At the base of the Catoctin Mountains, Antrim 1844 is a Maryland wedding mansion on a lush 24-acre estate, complete with manicured lawns and rose gardens. The main building is in the Greek revival style, with its symmetrical facade and signature columns. At 17,000 square feet, there’s plenty of room here for the whole wedding party!
Local photographer Dani Leigh loves to shoot weddings here at Antrim 1844. She calls the grounds at Antrim “photographer heaven.” It’s easy to see how much she loves this venue, from how lovingly she captures the special moments that take place here. Just look at the dreamy photos from Hailey and Matt’s Antrim 1844 wedding! Their floral arch was a work of art, and the rainy sendoff was magical.
Couple Suzy and Matt took advantage of the many different photo ops throughout Antrim’s beautiful gardens. They took pictures in the private Secret Garden, under the branches of an ancient elm tree. And the whole wedding party joined in for photos by the sparkling pool.
Antrim 1844 is one of the best wedding venues in Maryland with its fresh greenery and bronze fountains. Ceremonies can be held in the formal English Tea Rose Garden under an arch draped with flowers. Or they could take place in the bright, sunny glass pavilion, comfortable in all weather conditions. It was perfect for Susie and Arri’s rainy Sunday wedding!
A cocktail hour could be held in the mansion’s classic drawing rooms with 14-foot ceilings. Or if the weather is nice, it could take place in the formal gardens just outside the mansion. For dinner and dancing, the glass pavilion provides shelter and plenty of space for tables and a dance floor.
This Maryland garden wedding venue also specializes in more private weddings. On weekdays, you can book an Intimate Wedding package, for just family and close friends. That’s what Crystal and Jacob did, complete with a sitdown dinner inside the mansion.
They also offer “Just for Two” wedding packages, so you can have an intimate ceremony in private. Perfect for a romantic elopement!
Each wedding package at Antrim comes with overnight accommodations for the bride and groom. And with a total of 40 guest rooms both in the mansion and in the surrounding outbuildings, there’s space for everyone who needs to be nearby on the big day.
There’s plenty to do at this beautiful property, too. Guests can lounge by the pool, or take a day trip to Gettysburg for sightseeing. It’s only a 20-minute drive from this Maryland wedding mansion.
And of course, there’s the Smokehouse Restaurant. This award-winning fine dining restaurant serves contemporary American cuisine in a six-course prix fixe menu. It was recently named the Best Historic Restaurant in America!
Whether you’re getting married at Antrim or another wedding venue in Maryland, we’d love to talk with you about your music and lighting needs. Contact us today!
Modern and elegant, District Winery is one of the chicest wedding venues in Washington DC. Great wine, great views, and great friends - what else do you need?
Some winery venues play up the old-world vineyard vibe, with lots of distressed wood, old stone, and natural scenery. But Washington DC’s District Winery goes the opposite direction with a modern take on the urban wine experience. With simple clean lines and understated elegance, this space is chic and sophisticated.
Located just blocks away from the capitol building and the National Mall, this stunning Washington DC wedding venue on the banks of the Anacostia River will have your guests ooh-ing and aah-ing all night long.
We’re not the only ones who love a District Winery wedding. The husband and wife photography team at Kemp Collective, Jonathan and Erin, have only good things to say about this unique wedding venue.
“District Winery is one of the most romantic places to get married in the city. The indoor space is unique with its geometric wood detailing, giving your wedding a timeless backdrop. DW is right on the water, so you have a gorgeous spot for portraits. There is also a lovely wrap-around rooftop terrace complete with fire pits to give your reception a cozy feel. And of course, let’s not forget a lot of wine to be had while you party the night away!”
We love the photos that this duo takes. They suffuse every image with a warm, romantic glow. We don’t know how they do that, but it looks amazing.
There are three spaces to choose from for a District Winery wedding. The main indoor space has modern, minimalist appeal with black walls and a black slatted ceiling. But the room is warmed up with a light wood floor and natural wood beams. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the room with natural light during the day, and provide city views at night.
Couple Christine and Brad added a minimalist wedding arch decorated with sprays of roses to silhouette their ceremony against the backdrop of the river. (For more details about Christine and Brad’s District Winery wedding, click here!)
For cocktail hour, guests can visit the mezzanine level overlooking the barrel room below. There’s also an outdoor terrace where couples can hold their ceremony or mingle for cocktails in nice weather. Fire pits keep the space cozy on cool evenings.
Located right on the river in the Navy Yard, there are ample opportunities for waterfront photos. Couple Sara and Jackson were taking advantage of the space when they met an unexpected visitor going for his daily walk…
With in-house catering, high-end walnut furniture, marble-topped bars, and some tabletop decor all right there at the venue, a District Winery wedding is not only gorgeous — it’s convenient. Service is available either family-style or plated, overseen by Executive Chef Benjamin Lambert. Add signature cocktails or a raw bar to further personalize your reception.
District Winery is a classy and elegant Washington DC wedding venue, and we know you’ll love it. Fill out our information form to get the ball rolling on the entertainment for your wedding day!
Thinking about postponing your wedding because of COVID-19? Here are the team's thoughts and concerns around it. We are here for you if you have any questions and we can't wait to party with you when it's all over.
First, let us just say how sorry we are. We know you’ve been looking forward to this for months or even years. The wedding industry is all about bringing people together, and it’s hard on everyone to have these celebrations taken from us.
Your vendors want to help you the best that we can in this tough time. So here is some advice from all of us at Maryland’s DJ about postponing your wedding.
No stress.... we just pickup your date and move it to a date of your choosing inside of 12 calendar months from the scheduled event date. No fees, no mess, no hair pulling. Due to this falling under the "Force Majure" (acts of God) clause in our agreement we don't even require you to make your final payment until 30 days out from your new date. We are here to help and will be as responsive as possible!
Unfortunately, it’s probably time to postpone your wedding. Many states have stay-at-home orders in place until mid-May, and it’s looking like those orders could be extended.
We encourage you to focus on rescheduling rather than a cancellation. Most deposits are non-refundable, so you will lose that money if you cancel altogether. Rescheduling will usually allow you to reapply your deposit to the new date. Double-check your vendor contract.
Start talking to your vendors to get an idea for next year’s availability. Can you put a tentative hold on a date next year in case you have to reschedule?
We hope that things will get back to normal sooner rather than later. We want to celebrate your wedding ASAP! But we just don’t know. If you wait too long to talk to your vendors, 2021 dates may fill up as venues and vendors try to pack two spring/summer wedding seasons into one.
Honestly, we don’t know. It’s probably best to have a “wait and see approach” on fall weddings.
In the meantime, reach out to your wedding vendors to get some idea of the process. Do any of them have postponement deadlines or rescheduling fees that they’ll ask you to pay if you reschedule after a certain date?
We can only imagine how hard this is for couples eager to tie the knot with their friends and families around them. And not getting an immediate response from your vendors may be frustrating.
But keep in mind that vendors are trying to reschedule dozens or even hundreds of events. So be patient with them, and follow up if you don’t hear back within a couple of days.
Also, some vendors may not be available on your new date. All good wedding industry services will do their utmost to be accommodating, but you may have to make some changes to your vendor list. If one of your vendors isn’t available for your new date, ask them to refer you to a colleague you trust. Or, you may need to consider a weekday or Sunday wedding instead of your preferred Saturday event. There are only so many Saturdays in a year, and they’re going to fill up fast.
If you postpone, let your guests know as early as possible so they can cancel any travel arrangements. Cutesy “postponement announcements” are nice, but an email will be quicker — especially if your wedding is soon.
Deposits, final payments, and re-booking fees are, of course, subject to your contract with each vendor.
Generally, vendors will apply your deposit to the new date. And final payments are usually due a specified number of days before the event. So your payment schedule should change to reflect the new wedding date.
Some vendors may charge a rebooking fee for moving your wedding. The idea is to avoid a June wedding being rebooked at the last minute — too late for the vendor to find a replacement event during prime wedding season. But vendors understand that this is an unprecedented situation. So be prepared to do a little negotiating with your vendors to come to a fair agreement.
Yes! With so many weddings being pushed back a year, it will be a very busy wedding season. So you should try to get your events booked ASAP.
Just make sure you know exactly what each vendor’s policy is on rescheduling. No one knows how long this will last. You should also consider hiring a wedding planner if you hadn’t already. A planner will help you navigate any issues with postponements if it comes to that.
To talk to us about rescheduling your event, call us at (301) 968-0965. And let us know if you’d like to book an event for 2021!
Hannah and Chris’ perfect fall wedding at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay was a blast! Beautiful venue, sweet couple, crazy dance party - they had it all!
Hannah & Chris’ October wedding at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay was perfect from start to finish. Hannah looked stunning in a classic lace wedding gown with cathedral-length veil for added drama.
The temperatures stayed in the balmy 70s all afternoon, so everyone was comfortable whether they were in dresses or suits. The clouds even coordinated with the bridal party’s navy blue color scheme. The sky itself seemed to want to cooperate on Hannah and Chris’ big day!
This Maryland resort is right on the water, which provided a stunning backdrop for the ceremony. The whole event was caught by the photography and videography wizards over at Whole Heart Studios. Check out their wedding video!
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay is a dog-friendly resort — and that was a must for this couple, whose pup was an integral part of their day. After being walked down the aisle by an accommodating junior bridesmaid, their sweet labrador helped the couple with their sand ceremony.
After two very confident “I do’s” and a recessional to the tune of Marry You by Bruno Mars, it was time for the party!
Cocktail hour was held outside on the patio and lawn, where the guests could continue to enjoy the views of Chesapeake Bay. Then it was time for the reception, held inside one of the Maryland resort’s ballrooms. With the walls all draped in white, uplighting from Maryland’s DJ turned the room into a bright jewel box all night long.
The bride and groom had fun with their grand entrance accompanied by DJ Khalid’s All I Do is Win. But they stuck with the classics for the big moments. For their first dance, Hannah and Chris chose Michael Bublé’s version of Can’t Help Falling in Love. Hannah and her father danced to In My Life (I Love You More) by The Beatles for their father/daughter dance. Then Chris and his mom got into the swing of things, dancing to The Way You Look Tonight by old blue eyes himself, Frank Sinatra.
Hannah and Chris’ wedding even tied in a few Jewish traditions. Chris broke the glass after the ceremony, and of course, they did the hora at the reception.
After that, the whole party hit the dance floor. Seriously, this was a hard-dancing crowd. Even the Labrador made another appearance!
Hannah and Chris also brought along some crazy props for the dance floor, like over sized plush animal heads. Guests put on the heads to turn into creatures like a sloth, unicorn, and panda bear. That was something we hadn’t seen before!
We were so thrilled to be part of Hannah and Chris’ celebration at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay. These two were so full of joy, and their happiness was infectious. We wish them all the best in their new life together!
Planning your wedding? Let’s talk about DJ and lighting services with Maryland’s DJ!
An industrial museum wedding? Why not? Get hitched among the exhibits for a retro-cool event at this Baltimore, MD wedding venue! Photography By Brea brings you her thoughts and amazing snaps around this venue!
If you’re looking for a Baltimore, MD wedding venue that’s different from your average hotel ballroom, look no further.
The Baltimore Museum of Industry is totally unique, totally eclectic, and totally local. Inside an 1860s oyster cannery, this incredible space is dedicated to Baltimore’s industrial history. Your guests can wander the galleries during the event, visiting the Machine Shop and Cannery or the Garment Loft for a completely immersive experience.
Photographer Breanna Shaw says, “The Baltimore Museum of Industry is one of our top favorite wedding venues as a Baltimore Wedding Photographer. With multiple ceremony options (indoor and outdoor) and reception options you can really make the wedding whatever you’d like.”
We love working with Breanna. She’s one of the most versatile wedding photographers we know. Just look at how she captured all the sweet intimate moments, raucous laughter, and sweet dance moves at Amanda and Matt’s museum wedding!
Located on 5-acres of waterfront property, the views outside are even more spectacular than inside. You’ll be able to take in the whole Inner Harbor from the brick terrace just outside the museum. You can even choose to have your ceremony here, with the harbor in view.
“We’ve had couples embrace all of the color and quirk that the BMI has to offer,” says Breanna. “And others focus more on the water views and city lights, essentially having a waterfront barn wedding in the farmer’s market pavilion. It’s one of the most quintessential Baltimore locations you could choose — and the couples we always get there are the best!”
One couple that took advantage of the “color and quirk” that Breanna mentioned was Jen and Paul. These two let the exhibits shine at their museum wedding. They took pictures all over, like in the “movie theater” and in front of the 1906 Steam Tug Baltimore permanently moored n the harbor.
There are also vintage cars, a “Garment Loft,” and over 1,000,000 other artifacts on display here! Exhibits change, so check with the venue to see what will be on offer on your date.
If you’re more interested in the views than the history, your entire event can be outside at this unique Baltimore wedding venue. Have your ceremony on the brick terrace with the harbor and skyline behind you.
And enjoy your reception in the farmer’s market open-air pavilion, like Julie and Kevin! Clear sides can be lowered during bad weather to protect your guests. This option can create the feel of a barn wedding, even while you’re in an industrial, urban neighborhood.
The Baltimore Museum of Industry can seat 300 guests inside, or 250 with a dance floor. If you’re skipping the formal dinner, the space can accommodate up to 500 people for a cocktail reception.
At this unique Baltimore wedding venue, extra decor can be kept at a minimum. Let the industrial design and exhibits shine, like Lindsay and Zach. This couple was able to kick back and relax their big day, culminating in an epic dance party with a soundtrack by your favorite Maryland DJs.
With its location near downtown Baltimore, there are plenty of hotels and vacation rentals for your out of town guests. And there’s free onsite parking at the museum, so getting around will be easy!
If you’d like your wedding to have a legendary dance party, contact us! We’ll work with you at any Baltimore, MD wedding venue, but this is one of our favorites!
Looking for a unique wedding venue in Maryland? Baltimore’s historic Mt. Washington Mill Dye House is rich in character and rustic charm. Check out some awesome notes and shots from Lauren C!
The Mt. Washington Mill Dye House is one of the most unique wedding venues in Maryland. Built in 1810, the Dye House was only the third water-powered cotton mill in America! It was later sold to the Maryland Nut and Bolt Company, which operated in the mill for over 60 years. And now, its original exposed beams and brick provide a rustic and chic backdrop to any celebration.
Brilliant local photographer Lauren C says, “I'm always excited to work at Mt. Washington Mill Dye House because it has an incredible staff and amazing architectural details that I can play around with for photos. The exposed brick, wood beam ceiling, industrial style lighting, and different textures everywhere give it a vibe, unlike any other venue.”
Lauren has a gift for capturing the special moments on a wedding day. Just look at all the dance floor shenanigans she saved at Becca and Erwin’s fun-filled wedding reception!
With 5,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space near downtown Baltimore, this venue is ideal for both local guests and out-of-towners. On-site ceremonies can take place outside in the courtyard in front of well-worn brick and stone. Or it can be held in the industrial-chic interior, as Kasey and Bill chose to do.
Two indoor rooms can seat up to 200 guests, with space for a dance floor. Or you can have a standing cocktail reception for as many as 400 people in this rustic Maryland wedding venue! Skylights, big windows, and vaulted ceilings keep the inside feeling light and airy, in spite of all the brick and concrete.
Centrally located along Jones Falls, the Dye House is perfectly situated for a multi-site Baltimore wedding. Sarah and Patrick, for instance, did their first look at Mount Vernon. Then they hopped over to the Loyola University Alumni Chapel for the ceremony, only 3.5 miles away. Finally, they whisked over to the Dye House — an 8-minute drive — for the festivities.
Couples don’t have to add much to this rustic Maryland wedding venue for it to shine. Simple table decorations let the antique walls and industrial lighting remain the focal point.
In fact, all three of the Dye House weddings on Lauren’s website went this route, to great effect. Linens are in simple colors and flower arrangements are small. When you have such a character-rich space, it’s best to let it be what it is.
This unique wedding venue in central Maryland is one of our favorites. Its links to the past make it the perfect place for couples to step into their future.
If you’re getting married at the Dye House, let us know! We can help you to create the perfect soundtrack for your special day.
Evergreen Museum & Library is a premier Baltimore wedding venue. This historic home is the perfect place for your classic, timeless wedding.
In Central Maryland, we’re lucky to have so many stunning wedding venues to choose from. And one of our favorites at Maryland’s DJ is Evergreen Museum & Library.
Evergreen is a Baltimore wedding venue with a pedigree. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this Italianate mansion on 26 gorgeous acres has old-world glamour in spades.
And no one is better at capturing all that beauty than one of our favorite local photographers, Dani Leigh.
“I love photographing weddings at Evergreen,” says Dani. “I love the sprawling green lawn, the beautiful archways, the light behind you when you walk down the aisle. There are endless picture taking spots and even more I haven't had a chance to get to yet.”
With so much space at Evergreen, you have several location choices for your Baltimore wedding. There are both indoor and outdoor sites for your ceremony, like in front of the stone fountain or in the rustic Carriage House. There is also limited availability for tented events out in the gardens.
The paved terrace in the shadow of the mansion and overlooking the grounds is perfect for cocktail hour. Wrought iron railings and original Tiffany glass will make you and your guests feel like they’ve stepped into another time.
The Carriage House is an ideal location for your post-ceremony reception. The tented patio highlights the rich green doors and the building’s rustic stone. It has room for 170 of your nearest and dearest to sit down to dinner. And inside, there’s plenty of air-conditioned space for dancing the night away to tunes from the best local DJs. ;-)
If you choose Evergreen as your Maryland wedding venue, you’ll be in good company! This historic spot was the home of the Garrett family who made their fortune as merchants and railroad investors in the 1800s.
It’s hosted famous names like:
Not many Maryland wedding venues can claim so many visitors who’ve left their stamp on the American past!
You have to see Evergreen to believe it. A great way to do that is to check out some of Dani’s photography! She has a gift for capturing a couple’s energy. For example, you can just tell that Christine and Alan’s are a fun-loving pair that laugh together all the time.
Check out this gorgeous Sri Lankan wedding that included three different outfit changes for the bride!
And for a classic wedding that fits the historic setting to a T, check out Megan and Philip’s big day. Megan’s elegant gown and Philip’s dapper 3-piece suit are in perfect harmony with Evergreen’s charm and character.
Evergreen is one of the best Maryland wedding venues for your big day. We love DJing weddings at this unique property!
Contact us today to talk about what we can do for your wedding!
A couple’s first dance song is a deeply personal choice. Those few minutes may be your first quiet moments together since you said “I do,” and you’ll always remember them. So you’ll want to pick the perfect song that represents you as a couple.
But how?
There are literally millions of options to choose from for your first dance. So don’t expect to make the decision in an afternoon. Leave yourself plenty of time to weigh each option as it comes to you.
Make a list of songs you’d like to consider, and ask your fiance to do the same. Then bring your lists together and compare.
Are there any songs that you both wrote down? Any options on his list that are a hard no for you? Look for common themes between your two lists, like musical genres, tempos, or male vs. female singers. If she picked all country, and he picked all jazz, is there somewhere you could meet in the middle? Some blues songs, for example, toe the line between genres. That may be a great place to look for options that will please you both.
Don’t let the word “wedding” limit your options. This is your day, so you should pick something that fits in with your personal style. Whether you’re having an old-school traditional wedding or a nerdtastic Lord of the Rings costumed affair, there’s a perfect tune out there for your first dance as a married couple.
Many couples choose to pick a classic first dance song. This could be great for a more traditional wedding, or for a couple that loves old jazz standards.
Maryland’s DJ couple Stephanie & Matthew, for example, danced to “Life is But a Dream” by the Harptones for their timeless wedding at Baltimore’s Belvedere Hotel.
Other great options include:
Some couples may prefer songs that they can boogie to for their first dance, rather than doing a slow sway.
But don’t think an upbeat song is limited to an informal wedding. After all, Prince Harry and Megan Markle selected Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” for their royal wedding.
More upbeat options:
Some couples want a song that reflects their own individual personalities — a song you won’t hear at another wedding next year. A great place to look for these songs is in your regular Spotify playlists. What songs do you keep coming back to over and over again?
Christine & Brad danced to Lately by Poliça, and that was definitely a choice we hadn’t heard before at Maryland’s DJ!
Also, think outside of pop music. Movie scores, for example, can be a great place to find sweeping, cinematic music that will make you feel like you’re in your very own film scene.
Or, choose an unconventional arrangement of a well-known song. A live performance or an a cappella version of a famous tune can inject a bit of your own personality into a first dance favorite.
If you’re having a hard time selecting a song, our DJs can help! Schedule a free consultation with our team. Personal planning sessions are included in your wedding package, so you’ll be able to get ideas for the perfect first dance song from our musical pros!
Plan the best wedding reception ever with these tips from Maryland’s DJ.
You love every kind of music, so how do you narrow down what kind of music you’ll want played at your wedding reception? The options are endless, and it may feel like you don’t even know where to begin. The good news is that there is no reason for you to know exactly what you want because a good DJ will be able to decide for you. Here are a few things to think about when discussing your likes and dislikes with your wedding DJ.
Consider your Style
What bands do you absolutely love? Try to think of your go-to playlists when you’re in a really good mood. It’s impossible to think of every single song or artist that you like, but if you can give your DJ a few examples, they should be able to get a feel for your personality and what type of music you like best. Don’t worry about what’s typical or traditional wedding reception music, this is your day, and your music should be what you and your partner like above everything else.
If there is a certain style or artist you prefer, you should let your DJ know. In the same vein, if there is something you just absolutely hate, make sure to tell us! It’s our job to ensure you have a reception that is true to your personality and style, so there won’t be any T Swift playing if you just can’t stand the girl. But if you just absolutely love Queen (who doesn’t?!), we can definitely work with that!
Consider your guests' style
Your guests’ taste in music should only be considered after your own. But if your grandma is offended by ‘dirty’ songs, we will definitely keep that in mind when making our selections, and only play Get Low once she’s gone to bed. If country music just gets your out of town cousin a little too excited, then Boot Scootin’ Boogie is off the table this time! Your DJ will help you to think through your guest list and the type of people they are overall and will have no problem keeping them engaged, excited and dancing all night long.
Start with the Big Events:
Think through the events that are going to happen at your reception:
Most couples have a song in mind for some of these events, if that's the case for you, be sure to let us know ahead of time, especially if there is a specific version you prefer. There is a huge difference between the original No Diggity and the acoustic version, for example. If you can’t think of anything specific, your DJ will be able to make suggestions based on your conversations. For example, some brides feel like Beyonce’s Single Ladies is overplayed for the Bouquet toss, but don’t know what to go with instead, your DJ will share a few fun ideas with you. And, as always, be sure to mention any songs that you want to be excluded.
Book the right DJ
There are so many options when it comes to choosing music for your reception. As long as you remember your own personal styles, anything to note about your guests, and any songs you have in mind for the reception events, you won’t have anything to worry about. At Maryland’s DJ, we work with some of the best DJ’s in the area. After your initial consultation, we’ll match you with a DJ you are sure to vibe with. From there, you’ll schedule a demo so that you’ll feel confident knowing your DJ gets your personality and understands your vision. You can count on us to make sure you have the time of your life at your wedding. Schedule your free consultation today to get started planning the best wedding reception ever.
