Jackie and Jeff's Marina Village Conference Center Sunset Room Wedding

I met Jackie and Jeff for the first time at BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse in Mission Valley. I was referred to them by a fellow wedding vendor and I was excited to meet the two of them. I was told Jackie and Jeff were a really cool couple and very easy to get to know. My kind of people!  They were looking for an affordable, but fun, San Diego wedding DJ to help make their night special at Marina Village Conference Center. It was well worth meeting in person as I got to know about these two and how they met at McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon (R.I.P) when Jeff noticed Jackie from across the bar. I immediately knew I had some good party people in my presence.

Jeff and Jackie had chosen the beautiful Marina Village Conference Center Sunset Room for their cocktail hour and reception. Their ceremony was held right out side on the north lawn with the gorgeous marina and blue skies as their backdrop.  They had a touching ceremony full of laughs and tears. It was obvious how much they loved each other and how much they were looking forward to this day. I had the perfect song picked out for them to walk back down the aisle as husband and wife. Their faces filled with joy.

As protocol, I had cocktail hour all set up and ready to go as soon as the ceremony was over. Cocktail hour music is a particular type of music. I want guests mingling and talking but not quite tearing up the dance floor yet. During this time, our couple was outside getting photos with Bree Hulan of Parallell33 Photography.

After taking photos, Jeff and Jackie were ready to return to their guest for a lovely dinner. We welcomed our newly weds into the beautiful sunset room for their reception with a grand entrance. Their first dance followed. First dances are always beautiful to watch but I really enjoyed this one. Jeff and Jackie were out there laughing and being playful with each other. They were setting the mood for a fun, easy going dinner.

After dinner, we had the toasts. I had our speakers stand next to our bride and groom so everyone could clearly see them interacting with our couple and guests. Our last speech was made by our couple thanking everyone for coming and supporting them throughout their relationship.

After, i invited both Jackie’s father and Jeff’s mother onto the dance floor for the parent dances.

After the toasts and parent dances,  I set the mood for the dance party with my infamous dance off! This is always such a crowd pleaser. The couples are unknowingly chosen prior by the bride and groom which makes for some really interesting battles. As always, there’s a prize for our winners - and in this instance, it was an awesome bottle of liquor.

After the dance off we got the dance floor opened up. Friends and family were out there dancing to some funk, hip hop, classic rock, and party music. Halfway through our dancing, I stopped the music and began an old Philadelphia tradition - “Oh Dem Golden Slippers”- the Mummers parade theme song. For those who are unaware, the Mummers Parade is colorful New Year’s Day parade held in downtown Philadelphia with crazy costumes and choreographed skits. I highly suggest googling it! To keep the east coast theme alive, I then played - Fly Eagles Fly. Jeff’s side of the family erupted as what can only be described as party animals chanting for the Philadelphia Eagles.  Jackie’s side of the family sat down and reluctantly keep their cool. As soon as the song was over, it was time for a rebuttal! I began to play the New York Met’s Theme Song and her family stood up loud and proud. A fun back and forth as their forever disagreement will be Philly VS New York (Hint I am from NY, so you know my pick!)

Everyone was dancing until the very end of the wedding. During the last song, I put everyone together for a big group hug that I joined. I loved that Jeff and Jackie were right in the center surrounded with love from their guests. The wedding ended, but not our friendship. Thank you Jackie and Jeff for making me feel like part of the family.

Another special thanks to Bree Hulan of Parallell33 Photography for her beautiful photos of the event. To the staff of Marina Village, thank you for your support.