I received an email from Erica asking if we knew of the "Love Story" and some other things. I responded that we did in fact offer the Love Story and would be happy to meet with her and her Fiance Aaron to discuss the details of their wedding/reception. We set up a meeting for later that week. When we got together I found out that Erica and Aaron had recently been to a wedding, and the DJ had really impressed them. They tried to book him but he was not available. This DJ happens to be our neighbor and in our opinion one of the best Wedding Entertainers in the world. No pressure there. We had a great meeting and they decided to book us. This wedding was going to pull out all the stops!! There was going to be an Exciting Grand Entrance, Moving Love Story, Dramatic Lighting and much much more.

We had our work cut out for us. There were many hours of preparation and communicating with our clients. I was beginning to notice as the time went by, that these two young people were more than clients. I really started to care about them, like my own children and wanted the best for them. This is happening more and more as I continue in this business. I no longer think of the people who hire me as just clients, I develop friendships and it helps me to provide better service to my brides and grooms. Erica was on the same page and for the final meeting invited us out to their place for dinner. They made chicken, veggies, cake for dessert and it was all very tasty. I brought some pasta salad and homemade cookies. There was no shortage of food.

Somewhere in all that munching we laid plans for a fantastic wedding reception. Aaron pulled out a video of the Chicago Bulls to show me how he wanted his grand entrance to be. I was going to imitate the Bulls announcer. We worked out the timeline, special songs, cues, special people. Took care of all the details. Now all I had to do was organize and practice, practice,practice!!!

All that organizing and practicing paid off! On 10-04-08 we arrived at St. Pats in Inver Grove Heights. It was a surprisingly warm and sunny day. That always lifts my spirits even if I am in a good mood already. We had a load in that had some distance but no stairs so not too bad. Inside the church, the banquet room was beautiful. There was a big brick wall with stained glass on either side that was right behind the head table. We positioned our monogram light on the brick wall and did uplighting on either side. The vaulted ceilings made the room seem bigger then it was. Still, there were over 300 people in attendance that day. We got all set up and planned where everything would take place. Then the guests arrived.

Every person that came into that room was in high spirits. They were so friendly and talkative with us. Karl and I both knew something good this way comes. Then the wedding party arrived. We had to wait for church to get out so we could do the Grand Entrance really loud. We had to wait about 15 minutes after they arrived and then the church goers were exiting the building. I lined everyone up and informed the videographers about times and locations. Karl and I were wired with Walkie Talkies and I let him know to cue the music and wait for my signal. We got everything organized and Karl had turned on the lights so he could dramatically turn them back off when it was time for the Entrance. So now the lights went back off, Karl turned on our spot lights, I began (speaking like the Chicago Bulls announcer) announcing the evenings starting lineup etc.. The audience cheered for every wedding party member like they were the Chicago Bulls themselves and when the Bride and Groom were introduced they stood up and screamed like Michael Jordan himself had just entered the room. It was so exciting, people kept coming up and telling us how much they liked it. The videographer came up and told me his heart was pounding, I was thrilled. Luckily we videotaped it. Some of the wedding party came up and complimented the grand entrance too. I was walking on clouds by then.

At that point, we introduced Erica's Dad. He welcomed everyone and then we had a blessing. Dinner was buffet so the head table went first, then I released the tables. There was a little mix up with the bar, they were suppose to cut it off for all guests during dinner but not for the wedding party. That had to be straightened out.

I had questions for the quests. If they clinked their glasses, they had to answer questions about the bride and groom to make them kiss, if they answered incorrectly the Erica & Aaron would not kiss. Aaron thought they had kissed enough for awhile and wanted to eat so we changed it to if they answered wrong they had to kiss each other. Then they just answered questions so their tables could be released for dinner. The guests were so much fun to work with. They all wanted a chance to answer questions. Nobody was shy. They were all laughing and joking and up for anything. Next, delicious multitiered wedding cake, made by Aaron's mom was cut up and served by the wedding party. A nice touch.

After cake was served the toasts began. Shortly after toasts we set up for the Love Story. We pulled out our tall directors chairs and placed them so all the guests could see them. I had a podium not far away. Everyone was seated the Bride and Groom were in their seats and we told the story of how Erica & Aaron met, fell in love, got engaged and how they all came to be there that day.

The guests were so receptive, oohed and aahed, they laughed and cried. The story was interesting and I really worked on my delivery. I had some help from 3 friends, Rebecca Ferrell, Jeff Richards and My own Karl Morgan. Their input was invaluable and helped to make that love story a great success!!

The first dance was next. They chose- She's My Kind Of Rain by Tim McGraw. I love that song. Then the parents dances, Butterfly Kisses and I Hope You Dance. Then, Wedding Party Snowball Woo Hoo. Wedding party started out dancing slow then i call "Snowball" and they all went out and brought people to the dance floor. Repeated as necessary and then when the dance floor was just about packed we went into the first open dance song "Celebration"! It never stopped from that moment on. There were lots of other little events but the dance floor remained constant. I feel so blessed that we were there and able to celebrate Aaron and Erica's special day with them!!! It was sooo much fun!!

At the end of the night I tried to video tape Erica and Aaron saying things about the reception but I did a bad job. I need professional training on the video camera. Too bad those other two video guys had already left. They said I could meet with them again if it doesn't work out to rerecord. We shall see. Jeff Richards showed up at the end of the show. His event finished a little early so he came over to see us and we went out for breakfast. We both had Love Stories that night so we compared our experiences. It was really nice to have help taking down all the extra lights and stuff. Tear down went pretty quickly. We had a good time at Perkins.

The following Monday, Erica & Aaron called to say thank you and tell us that they are sending us a video of the wedding as a gift. How amazingly thoughtful. I just love those two! They said a relative is getting married in North Dakota and wondered if we were available and willing to travel.

We are willing to travel and we shall see what develops. As for Erica and Aaron, we have plans to have dinner after Bow Hunting season and to stay in touch. I wish you all the best!!! Thank you for having us at your reception, we would work for you again in a heartbeat. Have a wonderful life together full of love and happiness.

Live, Laugh, Love!!!!
Carol & Karl
Carol Morgan
www.collsound.com

Tags: wedding, reception

We met Pam & Dan initially because Karl had worked with Dan before. When Dan & Pam became engaged they gave us a call. We met with them up at Caribou Coffee in Savage and really hit it off. My first impression was "what genuine and kind people". I knew right away that I wanted to work with them. Pam said the nicest thing to me and I will never forget it, she said "You know when you find the perfect wedding dress and fits perfectly, and you know it is the one, that is how I feel about you guys being our DJ's". One of the best compliments of all time. I really enjoyed their personalities. Pam & Dan had both been married before and as a result knew what they wanted for their reception. That was very helpful. There is an interesting story attached to their date and the venue that they chose. We were originally booked to do a wedding at Stonebrooke on this exact date but the bride had cancelled. About a month later, Pam and Dan call and it is for the same date and venue. What are the odds? I just thought it was meant to be.

Pam is a very creative and talented lady. She actually created her own photo montage for the reception and it was very impressive. Dan, creative as well, designed a nice surprise for Pam. Karl and Dan made the words to "Bless The Broken Road" by Selah, appear on the screen as the couple danced their first dance. They both contributed lots of time and energy to the planning of their wedding and reception and it certainly paid off. The day was incredible, full of fun and love.

Karl and I wanted it to be very special. We had 3 meetings to go over details and we wanted to view the video montage early because we were going to play the music and wanted to make sure we could operate everything and that it would all be compatible etc..

When 9-27-08 arrived we were ready. We showed up at Stonebrooke in Shakopee and we were greeted by friendly, familiar staff. We like working there because it is an easy drive, easy load in and the staff is so wonderful to us. I have never had a bad experience there. We set up and greeted guests when they arrived. Karl knew a bunch of people and I got the chance to meet some folks that Karl has known for a long time.

Then Pam and Dan arrived. They started with pictures out on the beautiful grounds. I hurried out and hugged and congratulated them. They were going to let me know when they were ready for the Grand Entrance. After photos they came in the front door and I lined everyone up. The wedding party consisted of Bride & Groom and their 3 children, Dan's daughter Hanna and Pam's sons Austin and Ryan. The reception was very family and children friendly.

Everyone looked so gorgeous. Hanna was walking out first and was a little nervous but she pulled it off glamorously to Fergies Glamorous. She looked beautiful and had fun with it. Next, the boys, Ryan & Austin came out to Star Wars well Ryan did anyway, I said something like from a galaxy far, far away and One of the boys came out fighting like a little Jedi and the other refused. So I apologized for the wait as Austin's galaxy must have been a little further away then Ryan's. It was sooo cute. Then the Fabulous Bride and Groom entered to "I Feel Good "by James Brown!! The guests loved it and cheered enthusiastically. Pam and Dan then took the Mic and thanked everyone for coming.

Pam's Dad gave a blessing and dinner was served. During dinner we played a little game called "Name That Tune". Oh My Gosh! Did they ever pick the right game for their reception.

If people clinked their glasses I would go over to them (sometimes they had to raise their hands if lots of clinking occurred), asked Karl to play a snippet of a song. If they got the title or artist right then Dan and Pam had to kiss. Well, these guests loved it and Dan's lips were getting tired. I asked if I should curb it but Pam said she loved the kisses so it continued all through dinner. This game was great because the kids could play too. We made it age appropriate for whoever was asking.

Then Dan's father gave a toast and we played the newlywed game. This was very funny and entertaining to the guests. All Brides and Grooms think they will answer all the questions the same but that usually isn't the case. That is what makes it funny! The best part was that the kids helped me read the questions and gave some commentary on the answers. Little Austin is sure to be an entertainer of some sort, when he grows up, if not sooner. He was very comfortable with the mic and he was good at motivating the audience. Definitely not a shy guy and I admired that. Hanna was very outgoing too and not afraid to talk on the mic. Austin was shy but did participate so I give him kudos for that.

Then we went into the First dance, the words projected on the screen were a nice touch. Next Pam danced with her sons to " I Could Not Ask For More" by Edwin McCain. Then open dancing. "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire packed the dance floor. The guests liked all kinds of music. Dan's dad was a Johnny Cash fan himself. One of the guests mom requested "We Are The Champions" by Queen and the kids went wild. That kid knew all the words and he couldn't have even been 4 years old. There was some karaoke at the end of the night and the kids had fun with that. Hanna sang big girls don't cry and Ryan sang Kryptonite.

I met some very nice people and felt so lucky to have celebrated Dan & Pam's special day with them.
I wish Pam, Dan , Hanna, Ryan & Austin all the best. I hope we keep in touch because they are a truly wonderful family.

Live, Laugh, Love
Carol Morgan
www.collsound.com

Tags: wedding, reception

I remember thinking while I was getting ready, that the whole day was starting kind of early and wondered if the guests would make it to Midnight. Lot's of things factor into that, if it's a friday if there is open bar etc... How early it all starts is one of the factors. I guess I knew it would  go to all the way to Midnight after the first guests arrived. Everyone that walked in was smiling and conversational. There was an energy about them. I swear I could walk up to any guest at this reception and they acted like they had known me my whole life. It was a wonderful experience for me. I knew they were all ready to have a good time too. Barb and Mark were there. These two are former Bride and Groom and the reason that we were there performing. Dan & Danielle were at Mark and Barbs reception and they hired us right after. 

Guests requested lots of songs even during the cocktail hour. They came out and danced during dinner. They were ready to party. Dan and Danielle are such a wonderful couple, people were so happy to be a part of their special day, me included.

When the wedding party arrived they went out and took some photos on the grounds and then came in for the Grand Entrance. The cool thing is they let me and Karl plan the whole Entrance. So Karl picked Radar Love and we practiced and timed it just right so Dan and Danielle would walk in right at the Crescendo of “We Got A Thing They Call Radar Love”, it just worked. They loved the song and the energy so they really hammed it up. I am not suggesting to any DJ's out there that this song will work for everyone. We knew this couple well and this song was a good fit. I loved their wedding party, they were so helpful and danced all night. 

Then dinner began after a very nice blessing by Dan's mother Sue.  I released the tables. This  was a great opportunity to speak with the guests. One guest said "How long have you been the hostess with the mostess?" to me. I cracked up. Then another lady said "you are the Food Lady too, what else do you do?" Someone else said I looked like Sara Palin. It is interesting to find out how other people view you. If they said something I didn't like I didn't let them eat. Just kidding.

Toasts followed a very good meal. There was no video during dinner but there was a video looping in the lobby/bar area. Danielle made it herself and it was awesome. She is very talented and creative. 

The first dance was I Cross My Heart by George Strait. Father/Daughter- I Loved Her First by Heartland and I cried. I don't always but once in awhile something turns the water works on. Mother/Son dance was Through The Years by Kenny Rogers. I still love that song. Then a cool thing, a surprise. We invited Dan & Danielle back to the dance floor and played a special song recorded by a band that they go and see regularly and the band was at the reception as guests. We played the song and they were  surprised about but loved the song and started dancing and then they realized it was their band covering the song and band members came up and made a circle around them and the groom started crying. Really, it was such a nice gesture and great surprise! The singing was so dead on,  you almost couldn't tell it was a cover. It even took the Bride & Groom a minute to figure it out. 

The band is SureBetty not sure how to spell it but they are local and will be releasing an album soon. I would recommend you check it out. The band members are adorable! We are planning to go their album release party.
Then we did the wedding party dance, Somewhere Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World by IZ. I chose this song because it was to be a snowball and there were tons of guests and this song is long and lovely. After getting the dance floor packed, which the photographer was happy with as well as us, we went into celebration. It just never stopped after that. These people knew how to have a good time and I had so much fun celebrating with them.
Dan & Danielle's parents were wonderful too. They were friendly and helpful and danced most the evening. I guess we know where they got their great personalities from.

We played a lot of fun music, but the guests also requested some great songs that we rarely get to play at events. They had a special dance for End Of The Line by the Traveling Wilburys.
 
People were really appreciative of everything Karl and I did. They seriously noticed every effort and were grateful. It is always nice to be appreciated and caught doing something nice. I loved how the dancers were clapping after most of the songs. Bands get that a lot but DJ's not as much. Dan & Danielle you are two wonderful people! Take care of each other, keep making each other laugh. I know you will have a Great marriage with many Great times to come!!!
Thanks for letting us be a part of your special day!

Carol & Karl 

Carol Morgan
www.collsound.com

Tags: wedding, reception

The Best Wedding Reception...Ever

Review
Peter Merry's ideas for creating fun wedding receptions are the best I have ever seen! --Tom Haibeck, author of "Wedding Toasts Made Easy" and "The Wedding MC"

Product Description
If you could only choose 3 words to describe your dream reception...WHAT 3 WORDS would you choose? If one of your top choices was...FUN...then this book was written just for you! For years the bridal magazines, wedding planning books, and wedding focused TV programs have explored every facet of wedding celebrations except for one...the FUN. Brides are being told to shop for "Music," and then when their wedding reception arrives, they suddenly realize what they really needed was talented and appropriate entertainment. In this ground breaking book, Peter Merry will shine a light on the subject of creating fun and entertaining wedding receptions. You will learn how to find the right vendors who know how to deliver unforgettably entertaining receptions. You will discover how to map out an agenda that will flow smoothly while encouraging guest involvement. You will also explore creative ideas for creating memorable moments that can be personalized to fit your style and unique sensibilities so your reception can truly be "The Best Wedding Reception...Ever!" *Personalizing the Wedding Party's Grand Entrance * Creative Ways to Liven Up the Dinner Hour * The True Value of Money Dance/Dollar Dance * Memorable Father/Daughter Dance Moments * Last Dance Endings: Forgettable vs. Unforgettable * Tips on Finding Your Perfect Reception Location * Regional Considerations for Your Timeline * The Value of Preparing a Good Plan "B" * Mapping Out a Realistic Budget for Your Needs * Simple Methods for Creating Guest Involvement

A new book by author and outstanding Wedding Entertainment Director Peter Merry. If you are planning a wedding reception then this book is a must have. Check out his website www.thebestweddingreceptionever.com, download the first few chapters, and then go to amazon.com and buy it.

We will be providing a copy of "The Best Wedding Reception...Ever!" to all of our new clients that book an event with us...

This is an easy and inexpensive way for you to show your guests that you care and want them to be comfortable. All of the upscale reception facilities provide a basket in the restroom which contains breath mints, tums, rolaids, deodorant, hair spray and other assorted niceties for their guests. You can even go so far as to stock them with nail polish, extra stockings, and other trial size products. Many of the area stores sell trial size products that would be perfect for this. If your venue does not provide these conveniences then it is an easy way for you to show everyone how classy you are.

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Instead of the traditional wedding cake you can use a cupcake stand and appropriately decorated cupcakes for your celebration. On the cake table you would have the cupcake stand and then a number of cupcakes surrounding it. It can look very nice and help cut costs (no cutting fees, no traditional cake). Collective Sound has one of these trees if you would like to borrow it for your day. Otherwise, they really aren't that expensive at Michael's or Sweet Celebrations.







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Photo booths provide an opportunity for your guests to have even more fun at your reception. Some of them are larger than you might imagine and can accommodate 8 to 10 people. The ability to make and/or save duplicates can allow you to capture some great shots too. For your convenience I did a little research and noted the following local Minneapolis area photo booth rental companies.

The Traveling Photo Booth | Mobile Photo Booth | Party Booths

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We have noticed recently that couples our having guests sign a picture frame instead of a guest book. This is a nice idea since the picture can be hung on the wall at home and remind them for years to come about the fun they had and the people that they shared that special day with. I wish that Carol and I had done something like this. I know target and Michael's sells them as well as some other companies.





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What about a guest book with a camera. Assign a friend or family member to take the pictures with the camera while the guests write something inspirational perhaps, give wedding advice or just sign their name. Another variation,  you can  make copies of the pictures and include them in the thank you cards after the wedding.

If a polaroid camera is used then you can have the guests sign the pictures.

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Just something to consider. Another opportunity for the Bride and Groom to meet, talk, and socialize with guests. Why not release the tables for the buffet line? Talk with aunt Sally and catch up a little with the cousins. Mingle

Another option would be to use friends that were not included in the wedding party so they can feel like they were helpful and important on your special day or instead have the DJ's release the table so they can mingle, get song suggestions and get to know your guests a little better.

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Provide an area and activities for kids if they will be attending the reception. Usually a table off to the side with coloring books, puzzles, and other activities. Hire one of your nieces or nephews to help if you are expecting many children. This will be a very nice break for mom and dad and the kids will enjoy it to.

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Toasts can be, well um, unusual sometimes. Stressful perhaps, sometimes even a little embarrassing. There are literally hundreds (maybe thousands) of internet sites, books, and services dedicated to helping people write speeches and toasts.

Typically started by the best man followed by the maid of honor. This is the norm for the majority of weddings. What follows though is entirely up to you. Sometimes the bride and/or groom will give a thank you to everyone. Maybe one of the parents will toast.

I have included some general guidelines that I hope you find useful.

1) Decide in advance who is toasting and in what order. If you like, have your DJ/emcee introduce them.

2) If you are toasting, use your own words and speak from the heart. Humor usually works very well here.

3) Keep it brief, usually less than 2 or 3 minutes

4) Be tactful, do not mention the bride or grooms previous relationships for example.

5) Prepare and practice your speech well in advance. Think about how you will stand. Hold that glass high when it's time. The photographer will thank you.

6) Relax and be yourself. Take your time and if you mess up you do not have to apologize. Most people know how difficult it can be to speak in public.


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Nobody wants the party to end so... After the last dance, someone should always start yelling one more song, one more song. Everyone will pick up on that and join in. A good DJ will already have the song picked out and ready to go. It's that simple.

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You broke those shoes in didn't you? When the photos are done and it's time to have some fun slip into something more comfortable. You will enjoy dancing even more and your feet will be happy. And it is OK if necessary to slip into something more comfortable if you want.

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Include Directions on How to Use Disposable Cameras: Disposable cameras at the tables can be a fun for everyone! However, some brides have been disappointed when only half of their pictures come out! The reason? People do not know how to use the flash. So, be sure to buy cameras that you only have to "arm the flash once" and, make sure you place directions at the table about how to use the camera and the flash.

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You've planned it for months down to every minute detail. You've provided your DJ with an outline of how the events should go, even suggesting times for each. Grand entrance at 6:15, dinner at 7:00 and so on. It doesn't always go according to plan when so many different people are involved.

Trust that your DJ and/or wedding coordinator (if you have one) will attempt to keep your schedule on track, communicating with you throughout the evening. Making sure the bridal party is available before the wedding party dance. Finding the parents and making sure they are aware of the upcoming father/daughter mother/son dances. Checking with the photographer in preparation of the cake cutting. There is a need for coordination behind the scenes and your vendors have worked at enough weddings to know how to handle it.

The important thing to remember is to have fun, go with the flow, and change it up on the fly if that's what you want. An experienced DJ is flexible enough to handle it.

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Lighting is a key (and often overlooked) factor in setting the mood at your reception. A low level soft light like the kind given off by candles will create a more relaxed atmosphere. Find out if your venue can dim the lights, provide candles, or string up twinkle lights.

Some of your guests will be more comfortable if the dance floor is as dark as possible to. The guests who may be a little shy about dancing in front of everyone will feel more relaxed if the lights are turned way down. If your DJ is providing a club type light show then that will look more spectacular and benefit from a darker dance floor too.

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