Rebecca and Jeffrey
Their Story
So, this couple has a bit of an interesting meet cute story. Rebecca and Jeffrey met when they were eleven. Meeting that young, it’s not too surprising that Jeffrey is Rebecca’s best friend’s older brother. If you’re still with me, about 2 years ago, a group of friends went out after Jeffrey’s Grandfather’s 90th birthday party and some older woman was attempting to get Jeffrey to dance with her. Jeffrey then used a lifeline and mouthed to Rebecca “Save Me!” So, she did! Then they danced to Brett Young’s In Case You Didn’t Know; along with Jeffrey serenading Rebecca. (Hopefully he can sing better than I can). From what Rebecca said, from there, everything “fell into place”.
The Scene
Us never having been to The Sadie Jane before, I had no idea what to expect. I did know however that it has been only a year since its construction. The Sadie Jane is a beautiful venue from floor to ceiling, inside to outside. Curtains lined the columns that stretched from the floor to just shy of the large chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Jeffrey and Rebecca had us line the room with a combination of dusty blue and royal blue uplighting.
The Ceremony
The ceremony took place just outside the rear of the venue. Although the temperature was nice it was quite cool with the breeze. To start the processional the parents and grandparents walked out to The O’Neill Brothers - Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring which was a perfect way to set the mood. The lovely bridesmaids were wearing variations of a dusty blue dress, however I know they were chilly as they proceeded down the aisle with the groomsmen to The O’Neill Brothers again, but this time to their version of Canon in D. The ring bearer seem to be a little overwhelmed, but he managed his way down the aisle with some help. Rebecca made her way elegantly down the aisle to one of my favorite tracks, A Thousand Years by the Piano Guys. I don't recall the exact moment of the ceremony, but a flock of birds made a flying V fly-by directly over everyone. I'm not sure if anyone even noticed, but I thought it was the coolest thing. After the I do’s and the pronouncement, Jeffrey and Rebecca exited the ceremony to Yours in the style of Russel Dickerson (instrumental).
The Reception
For starters, the hors d'oeuvres smelled so great Allie nearly had the scent carry her off like a cartoon character. Aside from that, we were setting a positive upbeat vibe with some vocal jazz from the greats, such as Nat King Cole and Louis Armstrong. We maintained that vibe until it was time for Rebecca and Jeffery to make their grand entrance to the reception area and into their first dance as husband and wife. Rebecca told me they were torn between two songs for their first dance She’s Every Woman - Garth Brooks and Yours - Russel Dickerson however they eventually decided to go with Yours by Russel Dickerson. They just loved the poetic meanings behind it, so their first dance had to be that song. Rebecca then danced with her grandfather and brothers to I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack, followed by Jeffery’s dance with his mother to Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd.
“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”
During dinner, Allie and I wanted to keep it lively, upbeat and familiar so we played a mixture of funk and pop. Such as Before I Let Go - Frankie Beverly and Maze and P.Y.T. by Michael Jackson. We knew early on that this was going to be a fun and energetic crowd (Obviously a DJs favorite). They were big on singing along, so…. Who wouldn’t sing a long to Jessie’s Girl. Rebecca came up to us and very excitedly requested Backstreet Boys… "‘I Want It That Way"‘ which to no surprise filled the floor, followed by Return of The Mack by Mark Morrison.
As 8:45 rolled around, it was time for the bouquet toss. All Single Ladies flocked to the dance floor for Beyonce and their chance to catch the brides bouquet. Jeffrey, decided to retrieve the garter and give all single gentlemen the opportunity to catch it while dancing and/or listening to Ginuwine’s Pony.
They were now primed for dancing. We had a lot of music we wanted to play, but running low on time, we did what any DJ would do….mix & splice. We played Low, Baby Got Back, Wobble etc. All leading up to the NOLA traditional Second Line. Do you remember that other song Rebecca and Jeffery were torn over? Well, it was now time to play it. It was so very nice to see the two of them get to have two “first dances”; as the last romantic and intimate song before the final song of the night…Earlier on Rebecca's brother asked us to dedicate the Last Song, Last Dance by Donna Summer., to their mother. Which we happily obliged.
Looking back, it was a great night, great people and great venue. All of us vendors worked seamlessly together to provide Jeffery and Rebecca with lasting memories. Allie and I hope everyone had as good of a time as we did. We appreciate Rebecca & Jeffery allowing us to share is such a special day. We wish you both a long and happy marriage.
Apple Music Playlist of Jeffrey and Rebecca’s Wedding