I really love when I receive new challenges, and this past weekend was one of those times. Although I have played the music for many wedding ceremonies, this one was definitely different.
The ceremony and reception were both at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Convention Center. Although the ceremony was much like any ceremony, it was different in that the Holiday Inn courtyard was the location of the ceremony. It is a beautiful setting with greenery and a waterfall to boot. The wedding party entered the ceremony from a room alongside the courtyard (Not much of a challenge), and the bride entered by coming down the glass elevator and walking to the platform (This was the challenge). The challenge was seeing when the bride was going to come down the elevator, but this was overcome by the professionalism of the Holiday Inn staff. With walky-talkies in hand, one staff member stayed with the bride and another stood with me. When everything was ready and the bride was set to come down the elevator, the staff let me know and everything went perfectly.
It was a beautiful ceremony, highlighted by the couple choosing contemporary songs that meant something to them instead of the traditional wedding songs. I really recommend this to the couples planning weddings somewhere other than a church (Churches don’t really get into the whole contemporary music thing). Each song was perfect for the situation and it really made it a memorable experience for me and everyone in atttendance.
Now for the soapbox speech…As I have stated before, it is important to feed the DJ! 
) The bride and groom had arranged for me to be fed and given drinks during the reception. After reminding the staff at least three separate times (and being assured they understood), I was still without food and drink after everyone else was nearly finished. At this point, as I usually do, I once again approached the staff and asked (nicely) for some food and a drink. I got a salad! After finishing the salad (Not very filling to a growing boy), I once again had to approach the staff, and finally, I got some real food…and very good food at that. I figured out where the tea was being stored, and as long as I went and got it myself there were no more problems with drinks either.
Now, I understand the staff did not think I was important enough to feed, but the bride and groom not only requested food and drink for me…they had to pay for it. So, for all practicle purposes, I was a dinner guest. In their defense, the staff of the Holiday Inn was very courteous and hard-working, and the “real” guests were very well taken care of.
On with the reception…it was a very nice reception, very traditional in every way. The bride and groom were happy and the event was a success on all fronts. The couple was a delight to work for and I was very happy to see a couple that was obviously in love (This isn’t always the case, although it often is).
Well, I know this blog has been a bit boring, but trust me…my next one will be great. On April 26th I will be at the L&N Depot in Bowling Green and it has all the makings of being a great time.
Until then…
Kenny and Betsy Fyhr