Category Archives: Blog

Amber & Clark’s Very fun and VERY Duke Wedding

June 23, 2023

Amber & Clark’s Wedding by indie Bird Photo and Video

Amber & Clark had their super fun wedding at Duke Gardens in Durham, NC on a BRISK spring day and we got to help make it a great day for them! Please check out the always impressive gallery from indie Bird Photo as well as the great wedding video by Twenty-One Films below.

You know you have cool clients when it rains cats and dogs on their wedding day and they only think positive and funny things like requesting ‘Ironic’ by Alanis Morissette!

We started off this amazing day with Amber & Clark’s wedding ceremony inside Duke Gardens surrounded by their closest friends and family. Our friends Emily & Rebecca with Events by Emily arranged everything perfectly and really helped make it beautiful both inside and out in the tent. Cocktail hour was outside under the clear top tent with amazing florals and decor. Amber & Clark decided to pretty much let us have control of the playlist so we went with a heavy dose of fun 90’s tunes for the cocktail hour and then a wide range of genres and styles for dinner from Country to Motwon to contemporary and even a little classic rock. It was very important to them that their wedding was a fun celebration so that’s exactly what we gave them. The Grand Entrance was, of course, fun and lively and led nicely into their First Dance. Jacob and the team from Snap Pea delivered an amazing dinner experience after some heartfelt (and funny!) speeches by the parents. Then it was party time so we helped move everyone inside and the party was an absolute blast! Check out the amazing scene in the video and photos below and you’ll agree that it was an all time party that everyone will remember forever.

Best wishes to Clark, Amber and everyone we got to celebrate with on this amazing night!

Here is Amber & Clark’s Amazing Wedding Vendor Team

Caterer: Snap Pea

Venue: Duke Gardens

Videographer: Twenty-One Films

Photographer: indie Bird

Hair and Makeup: Wedded Kiss

Wedding Planner: Events by Emily

Florist: Bower Bird Flowers & Apothecary

Rentals: Greenhouse Picker Sisters

Officiant: Reverend Todd Maberry

Lighting: Get Lit Event Lighting

Transportation: EcoStyle

Photo Booth: Zim Zoom

Amber & Clark’s

Wedding Day Timeline and Song Choices

5:30 – DJ Set Up for the Ceremony with lapel mic on Officiant and mic on stand for reader

Family and Bridal Party song is ‘All of Me’ by Stringspace
Amber’s song is ‘Here Comes the Sun’ by Stringspace
Recessional song is ‘This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole

7:40 – Grand Entrance

Song is ‘I’m a Believer’ from Smash Mouth
Bridal Party
Best Man and Maid of Honor
Mr and Mrs Clark and Amber!

7:45 – First Dance for Amber & Clark | ‘Loving You Easy’ by Zac Brown Band

7:50 – Dinner | Welcome and Blessing by Clark’s parents and Amber’s parents

8:50 – Toast | Maid of Honor

9:10 – Father/Daughter Dance | ‘My Little Girl’ by Tim McGraw

9:13 – Mother/Son Dance | ‘Landslide’ by Dixie Chicks

9:15 – Dancing!

12:00 – End of Amber & Clark’s Wedding

Amber & Clark’s Wedding by indie Bird Photo and Video

Olivia & Gerry’s Wedding at The Umstead

June 23, 2023

Olivia & Gerry’s Wedding at The Umstead by Joe Payne Photography

Olivia & Gerry’s wedding reception at The Umstead in Cary, N.C. was such a memorable night! The Umstead had the reception area looking beautiful and one of the first things you saw was their custom neon that said ‘To The Moon And Back’ which is such an awesome touch.

The Wedding Party entered the reception to “DJ Got Us Fallin In Love” by Usher and then our Olivia & Gerry entered to an energetic welcome to “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone just as the energy and tempo started to build. We played a wide variety of dinner music from Big Band to Motown and then it was on to the toasts which are always one of our favorite parts of the night! Olivia and Gerry’s first dance was next to “I Do” by Alloy Black (check it out if you don’t know it!) followed by the Father/Daughter Dance to “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole with Natalie Cole and then the Mother/Son Dance to “Humble & Kind” by Tim McGraw. The night moved smoothly into the Cake Cutting to the open dance floor with the first song being “Dancing In The Moonlight” by King Harvest. After some fun dancing, it was time to get all the married couples to the dance floor for the Anniversary Dance to “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran. The dance floor kept going to “Suavamente” by Elvis Crespo and the Last Song of the night was “Take Me Home Tonight” by Eddie Money which was a huge hit. As the guests lined up to send our bride and groom off, they danced down the line to “Shake Ya Tailfeather” by Nelly … what a great song to end the night!

Check out the photos below from one of best friends Joe Payne Photography. You’ll love the Scottish wedding touches, amazing decor and beautiful venue. What a fun night celebrating Olivia & Gerry and their friends and family!

Here is Olivia & Gerry’s Amazing Wedding Vendor Team!

Venue: The Umstead

Wedding Cake: Ashley Cakes

Photographer: Joe Payne Photography

Wedding Coordinator: A Southern Soiree

Hair and Makeup: Ashley Mooney Hair & Makeup

Florist: An Event To Remember

Ceremony Musicians: Duo Licht

Rentals: Curated Events

Lighting: Brite Creations

Olivia & Gerry’s

Wedding Timeline

6:00 – Introductions to “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love” by Usher

*Wedding Bridal Party is all coming in together

6:02 – Introduction of Bride and Groom to “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone-Start at build of song

6:05 – Welcome by Bride and Groom

6:07 – Dinner Music – Big Band then into Motown

7:00 – Toasts

*Parents of the Bride

*Best People come up together

*Jerry’s Best Men

7:20 – First Dance to “I Do” by Alloy Black and Lee Ann Rimes end at ~2 min

7:22 – Father/Daughter Dance – “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole and Natalie

7:25 – Mother/Son Dance to “Humble & Kind” by Tim McGraw end at ~2 min

7:37 – Cake Cutting to “Dancing In The Moonlight” by King Harvest

7:40 – Anniversary Dance- “Perfect by Ed Sheeran” then into “What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong

7:45 – Open Dance Floor with “Suavamente” by Elvis Crespo

8:50 – Bouquet Toss to “Voulez-Vous” by ABBA (For all ladies single & married)

9:55 – Last Song to “Take Me Home Tonight” by Eddie Money

10:00 – Bride & Groom Exit to “Shake Ya Tailfeather” by Nelly

Olivia & Gerry’s Wedding at The Umstead by Joe Payne Photography

Emily & Daniel’s Epic Wedding at Mim’s House in Holly Springs, NC

June 16, 2023

Emily & Daniel’s Wedding by Carolyn Scott Photography

What an amazing couple and wedding we got to be a part of at The Mims House in downtown Holly Springs, NC! Emily and Danielle were so much fun and had a really clear and fun vision for their wedding. Their photography team was Carolyn Scott Photography and they are always so much fun to work with. These photos are simply beautiful! There is so much color and crispness that is exactly what Emily and Daniel were looking for. This was truly a southern masterpiece wedding at a charming historical house venue built in 1840! The whole team of wedding professionals was amazing to work with and couldn’t have done a better job for the couple so make sure you check them out (and hire them!!). Enjoy the photos below and you can read Daniel’s review of our work on Google Maps reviews.

Emily & Daniel’s Wedding Vendor Team

Leslie-Alford Mims House – A unique relaxed and inviting atmosphere equipped to host both indoor and outdoor wedding ceremonies and receptions amongst a southern landscape with magnolia trees.

Carolyn Scott Photography – They’re serious about giving you stellar photographs that make your grandma cry, your mom proud and your friends jealous!

Orangerie Events – Annie was so amazing to work with! She did so much work and was so accommodating and thorough.

The English Garden – They truly make every wedding a masterpiece no matter the style or budget!

Sugar Euphoria – Luckily we get to work with Sugar Euphoria’s artistic cakes quite a bit! Their work will blow you away.

Belle’s Catering – They take pride in offering hand-designed menus that are not only unique to each individual client, but are also full of locally sourced ingredients, seasonal themes, and adventurous recipes.

Karen Michelle Clark Makeup Artist – They are so good at transforming an ordinary day into a stunning one!

Jennifer McDonald & Natalie Bowman Hair Stylists

Emily & Daniel’s Wedding by Carolyn Scott Photography

Emily & Daniel’s Wedding by Carolyn Scott Photography`

Emily & Daniel’s Wedding by Carolyn Scott Photography

Kailey & Kyle’s Wedding at The Meadows in Raleigh, NC

May 31, 2023

It was an honor to DJ for you Kailey & Kyle and best wishes!

Kailey & Kyle’s Wedding Vendor Team

Rentals: CE Rental

Videographer: Point200

Wedding Planner: Sweet SaraBell

Photographer: Sarah Joann Photography

Transportation: White Horse Transportation

Ceremony & Reception: The Meadows at Firefly Farm Preserve

Catering: Unforgettable Food Affairs

Florist: Specialties Florals & Events

Hair + Makeup: Jade Marion Hair

Bar Service: Brewmasters

Wedding Cake: Love Cake

Kailey & Kyle’s Wedding Timeline

At The Meadows at Firefly Farm Preserve

4:00 – Wedding Ceremony music begins in the woods

DJ set up and playing music for the wedding ceremony. Mic on officiant and mic on stand for musician
4:30PM- Song for the family members is ‘Oceans Where Feet May Fall’ by Hillsong United (violin)
Bride’s Entrance Song ‘Make You Feel My Love’ by Adele (original)
Recessional song is ‘I Choose You’ by Sara Barailles

5:35 – Grand Entrance in big garage

Song is ‘September’ by Earth, Wind and Fire
Bridal Party
Maid of Honor and Best Man
For the very first time, the bride and groom Mr. and Mrs. Kyle and Kailey!!

5:40 – First Dance

Song is ‘Marry Me’ by Train

5:45 – Dinner

6:35- Mother/Son

Song is ‘Better Together’ by Jack Johnson

6:40- Father/Daughter

Song is ‘Cinderella’ by Stephen Curtis Chapman

6:45 – Champagne Toast

Maid of Honor and Best Man and Kailey’s Dad

7:00 – Cake Cutting – DJ’s choice

7:10 – Party time!!

Bouquet Toss song is ‘Filthy’ by Justin Timberlake, Garter Toss song is ‘Eye of the Tiger’ by Survivor

10:00 – Expected End of Kailey and Kyle’s Wedding

Last song is ‘You Shook Me All Night Long’ by AC/DC

Kailey & Kyle’s Wedding at The Meadows at Firefly Fly Farm Preserve by Sarah Joann Photography

The Meadows at Firefly Farm Preserve Wedding for Dale & Jake

April 11, 2023

Like many of our clients, Dale & Jake live out of state so we planned everything electronically. We have so much experience with this now that the process is pretty well refined and everything went off without a hitch! Working with a wonderful planner like Amy at Knots ‘n Such always helps a ton too. Dale & Jake chose The Meadows at Firefly Farm Preserve for their wedding venue. This venue is BRAND NEW and STUNNING. This was only the second event their but you wouldn’t have guessed it because the whole amazing staff was prepared for everything and ready to help at a moment’s notice. The rain may have been relentless and cold but these clients and their guests were so good-spirited, fun and ready to celebrate that it didn’t even matter. They had a wonderful ceremony inside the larger wedding space and then everyone came next door to The Green Room to dance and celebrate the second half of the night. Check out the very impressive photos below from Kivus and Camera!

To start their reception, we brought the bridal party in to “Fire and the Flood” by Vance Joy. Their guests were excited, loud and clearly ready to rock! The amazing dinner by Fresh.Local.Good Food Group followed and then immediately after that we did the cake cutting and toasts. After toasts (really fun toasts btw!), we all watched as Dale & Jake had their first dance to “Ocean’s Away” by Arizona which was followed by “Stand by Me” by Ben E King for the Mother/Daughter Dance and the Mother/Son Dance to “She’s Always a Woman’ by Billy Joel.” Now, we should say that all wedding parent dances are special but the song Jake chose for his Mom’s dance was a surprise to her and she cried on her son’s shoulder for the whole dance….we had to look away! At first Dale and Jake were going to give us playlists for dancing but after some thought, they decided that wanted to give us complete freedom to choose the music. We do appreciate the trust y’all! Turns out that we got to throw this amazing couple one of the most amazing parties ever with a packed dance floor for two solid hours which was capped off with the very fun ‘Inspector Norse’ by Todd Terje. From Jake’s review on Google: “He helped take the reception from good, past memorable, and made it all the way to legendary occasion amongst our friends.” Thank you to Dale & Jake for reminding us why we love our job so much!

Here are Dale & Jake’s reviews of our DJ service:

“”When “Africa” by Toto started playing during the reception, I knew we had found the right D.J. Every song was perfect and perfectly timed, and Eric listened to all requests and read the room really well. He talked to everyone and was a great emcee for the toasts. We loved working with Eric and would recommend him wholeheartedly to anyone else who’s looking for a wedding D.J.!” – Dale (Read this review online)

“”I got this.” These were the words Eric gave us in an email the night before our wedding. Let me tell you, he wasn’t kidding. He was absolutely phenomenal in every way. He wasn’t just a part of the wedding, but a boon to the wedding. He he helped take the reception from good, past memorable, and made it all the way to legendary occasion amongst our friends. If you need a DJ for any situation, All Around Raleigh DJ will be the best you’ll get.” – Jake (Read this review online)

Check out Dale & Jake’s Wedding Vendors!

Venue: The Meadows at Firefly Farm Preserve

Coordinator and Florist: Knots ‘n Such

Photographer: Kivus and Camera

Caterer: Fresh.Local.Good Food Group

Linens: CE Rental

Wedding Cake and Desserts: Cuisine Lucette

Hair and Makeup: Parlor Blow Dry Bar

Transportation: White Horse Private Transportation

Hannah & Brandon’s Wedding at All Saints Chapel in Raleigh, NC

April 1, 2023

Hannah & Brandon got married at All Saints Chapel and it was an absolutely amazing event. We were honored to be their DJ and help make their day exactly what they imagined. A HUGE thank you goes out to Pose Photo Booth, Sweet SaraBell Wedding Coordination, Lotus Creative Studios, Diane from All Saints Chapel, Empire Eats, CE Rental and all of their awesome friends and family! All Around Raleigh DJ provided uplighting, ceremony music and Pose Photo Booth rental.

Hannah & Brandon’s Wedding Timeline

1:00 All Saints Chapel Rental Starts

1:00 Florist & Rentals arrive

2:00 Sweet SaraBell Staff Arrive

3:00 Photographer (Lotus) arrives

3:00 Groomsmen arrive to All Saints for Dressing

4:15 First look (across from the church)

4:30 Couple’s portraits

5:00 All Around Raleigh DJ Arrives

5:00 Caterer (Empire Eats) Arrives

6:00 Break from portraiture // Lotus takes detail photos

6:00 Ceremony Space Set and Ready for Guests

7:00 Ceremony

7:30 Ceremony concludes // Sign marriage license // Family photos

7:30 Rentals (CE Rentals) arrives with dancefloor, tables and linens

*Guest move downstairs for dinner while upstairs is flipped

7:35 Pose Photobooth Set Up Begins upstairs

8:00 Conclude family photos (family goes down to eat dinner)

8:30 Cake Cutting

8:45 Guests are asked to come upstairs for dancing

10:00 Bouquet/ Garter toss

10:55 Sparkler Exit

Hannah & Brandon DJ for Raleigh Wedding at All Saints Chapel Raleigh

Courtesy of Lotus Creative Studio

Hannah & Brandon DJ for Raleigh Wedding at All Saints Chapel Raleigh 6

Courtesy of Lotus Creative Studio

Hannah & Brandon DJ for Raleigh Wedding at All Saints Chapel Raleigh 5

Courtesy of Lotus Creative Studio

Hannah & Brandon DJ for Raleigh Wedding at All Saints Chapel Raleigh 4

Courtesy of Lotus Creative Studio

Hannah & Brandon DJ for Raleigh Wedding at All Saints Chapel Raleigh 3

Courtesy of Lotus Creative Studio

Hannah & Brandon DJ for Raleigh Wedding at All Saints Chapel Raleigh 8

Courtesy of Lotus Creative Studio

Hannah & Brandon DJ for Raleigh Wedding at All Saints Chapel Raleigh 7

Courtesy of Lotus Creative Studio

Hannah & Brandon DJ for Raleigh Wedding at All Saints Chapel Raleigh 10

Courtesy of Lotus Creative Studio

Hannah & Brandon DJ for Raleigh Wedding at All Saints Chapel Raleigh 2

Courtesy of Lotus Creative Studio

Hannah & Brandon DJ for Raleigh Wedding at All Saints Chapel Raleigh 9

Courtesy of Lotus Creative Studio

Alannah & Gabriel’s Hurricane Wedding at The Bradford

January 22, 2023

Alannah & Gabriel by Caroline Lima Photography

Alannah & Gabriel had a beautiful wedding ceremony and reception at The Bradford in New Hill on October 8th, 2016. Despite the not so wonderful weather caused by Hurricane Matthew, the couple and guests remained in high spirits. Our DJ took a positive spin from the hurricane and used “Rock You Like A Hurricane” by the Scorpions for the grand entrance of the Bridal Party into the reception. We worked with an incredible group of wedding vendors that made the day even more special for the newly married couple. Below, check out a review from Alannah as well as just a few of the fantastic photos by Caroline Lima Photography.

Wedding DJ: All Around Raleigh DJ Company – DJ Michael did a great job of working through the hurricane and helping where he could. Check out Alannah’s review of Michael: “Michael is something special! He was such a pleasure to work with leading up to the wedding, he has such great ideas and insights that he always presents in a very friendly and approachable way, he is so kind and wonderful to be around, and above all else he is great at his job! We got married during Hurricane Matthew and the schedule got a little delayed. Michael (and all of our other incredible vendors!) was kind enough to stay for an extra hour in order to ensure that we had a great party with tons of people on the dance floor. We are so grateful!” -Alannah

Wedding Venue: The Bradford – The Bradford is one of the newest and is quickly becoming one of the favorite wedding venues in the Triangle area. We are so lucky to be able to work with clients at this awesome venue!

Wedding Photographer: Caroline Lima Photography – Caroline is one of our favorite wedding photographers to work with. As you can see, she does an amazing job capturing photos even in the most difficult circumstances. Great Job Caroline!

Wedding Cake: Sugar Euphoria – We get to work with Sugar Euphoria at quite a few weddings. Everything always turns out great with them! They do an awesome job working with their clients, they will leave you very pleased.

Bride’s Hair Stylist: Wedding Hair by Liz – Liz is one of the most outgoing wedding professionals in the area. We love working with her and her team. Like Alannah says in her own review, “Liz is a consummate professional and an absolutely hilarious, wonderful person.”

Wedding Caterer: Donovan’s Dish – Thank you to everyone at Donovan’s Dish for your amazing work at this and every event that we get to work together! A truly amazing caterer.

Wedding Florist: Flowers on Broad Street – As you will see in the photos below, Flowers on Broad Street does some pretty amazing work! They are located in downtown Fuquay-Varina and we love their work!

Rentals: Greenhouse Picker Sisters – Holly and Amanda are fantastic! The Greenhouse Picker Sisters provides vintage rentals, decor, and event styling for weddings, styled shoots,
and more.

Event Coordinators: C and D Events – Courtney and Dana (CandD) and Bailey did they most amazing work with Hurricane Matthew bearing down on their wedding. Somehow they not only kept every single guest happy and safe but also made it easy for the wedding vendors. Great, great team!

Officiant: Randy Taylor – Randy was perfect! He always does a great job and makes sure that your ceremony honestly expresses who you are, the depth of your love, and your hopes for your future together

Gabrielle & Alannah’s Wedding Planner

The Bradford, New Hill, NC

4:15 – Wedding Ceremony Begins

Pre-Processional music is Vitamin String Quartet
Seating of the Mothers song is “Air on a G String”
Bridal Party song is “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”
Bride’s Entrance song is “Canon in D” by The O’Neill Brothers
Recessional song is “You’re my Best Friend” by Queen

5:15 – Cocktail Hour

6:25 – Grand Entrance

Song is “Rock You Like a Hurricane” by Scorpions

6:35 – First Dance

Song is “Your One and Only Man” by Otis Redding

6:40 – Dinner Begins

6:55 – Toasts after 1st Course

Best Man, Maid of Honor, Father of the Bride, Stepfather of the Bride

8:00 – Father/Daughter Dance

“Until the Real Thing Comes Along” by Sandy Denny

8:05 – Mother/Son Dance

“Forever Young” by Bob Dylan

8:10 – Stepfather/Daughter Dance

“The Girl You Think I Am” by Carrie Underwood

8:15 – Dancing!!

Start with “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by Whitney Houston

8:45 – Cake Cutting (Wedding Cake: Sugar Euphoria)

“The Best is Yet to Come” by Frank Sinatra

10:30 – Bouquet Toss to “Run the World (Girls)” by Beyonce

11:00 – Sparkler Exit

“Bye, Bye, Bye” by N’Sync

Alannah & Gabriel’s Wedding Photos by Caroline Lima Photography

Alannah & Gabriel by Caroline Lima Photography

Alannah & Gabriel by Caroline Lima Photography

Alannah & Gabriel by Caroline Lima Photography

Alannah & Gabriel by Caroline Lima Photography

Alannah & Gabriel by Caroline Lima Photography

Alannah & Gabriel by Caroline Lima Photography

Alannah & Gabriel by Caroline Lima Photography

Tiffany & Chris’s Superstar Wedding at Renaissance North Hills!

November 16, 2022

Tiffany & Chris were married at Jones Chapel at Meredith College and their reception was at Renaissance North Hills Hotel in Raleigh, NC on May 23rd, 2015 on an absolutely beautiful North Carolina day. Tiffany & Chris were amazing clients to get to know during our many ‘meetings’at Tyler’s Taproom at Seaboard Station. They wanted an absolute blow out party after all the formalities were done and that’s what they got! We had a packed dance floor from start to finish and snuck in some amazing old-school tracks that blew the top off the venue but the song of the night had to be ‘The Man’ by Aloe Blacc! Thanks for being such amazing clients.

Here are the amazing wedding vendors that we got to work with and who did such a great job for our couple:

Vesic Photography – Vesic Photography is simply the best photographer that I have ever worked with and you can see his amazing work below.

Ed Sansbury – Ed is a wonderful wedding officiant and I am lucky to have worked with him at many events. Always a pleasure to be around and always does a great job for his clients.

Fresh Affairs – The Fresh Affairs team is one of the best local wedding floral designers and is another one of our preferred vendors!

Sweet Memories Bakery – Sweet Memories is so wonderful to work with. I always hear the clients rave about how good the cake is and … isn’t that what it is all about?!

Tiffany Mentrak – Tiffany and her team are very talented professional hairstylist. We always see her great work but we just don’t get to see her enough!

Southern Video Design – John is so great to work with! We have worked with him multiple times and are amazed at how great his videos are but we never even know he’s there shooting such great footage!

Tiffany & Christopher

Wedding Planner

The Renaissance North Hills, 4100 Main at North Hills

5:00 pm – DJ Set up with wireless mic for Officiant at Jones Chapel at Meredith

7:15 pm – Cocktail Hour at The Renaissance

7:20 – Grande Entrance

Song is ‘GDFR’ by Flo Rida
- 1st couple
Song is ‘Bring ‘em Out’ by TI
- 2nd couple
Song is ‘Hypnotize’ by Notorious BIG
- 3rd Couple
Song is ‘Yeah’ by Usher
- 4th Couple
Song is ‘All I Do is Win’ by DJ Khaled
- 5th Couple
Song is ‘Party Up in Here’ by DMX
- Matron of Honor and Best Man
Song is ‘Turn Down for What’ by Lil Jon
- Mr. and Mrs. Christopher & Tiffany!!

7:25 – First Dance

Song is ‘Latch’ Acoustic version by Sam Smith

7:30 – Mother/Son and Father/Daughter

Song is ‘Stand by Me’ by Ben E. King

7:40 – Dinner Begins

Blessing/Welcome by Best Man

8:30 – Toasts by Best man and Matron of Honor

8:40 – Cake Cutting

Song is ‘Build me up Buttercup’ by Foundations

8:45 – Party Time!

Start with Anniversary Dance

11:15 – Expected end of Tiffany & Chris’s Wedding

Last Song is ‘Let’s Get it On’ by Marvin Gaye