Michelle and Joe’s Oxon Hill Wedding
I was lucky enough to DJ Michelle and Joe’s Wedding. I say “lucky” because a day that began with strangers ended with a sense that I knew these people, I really felt all of the love that their family and friends were bringing to the day. The wedding took place at Oxon Hill Manor which is a beautiful estate that sits atop a hill overlooking the Potomac River. The air had that perfect crisp fall breeze that was mellowed by strong afternoon sun rays.
We arrived at the Manor and connected with the folks from Impact Collective (the wedding coordinator), who made sure to introduce themselves. Eddie Fam and his assistant ran a tight ship and it was clear they were busy behind the scenes to make sure the guests walked into a celebration that was ready to welcome them. Michelle was getting ready with her bridesmaids and some family up in the bride’s room and Joe was hosting his buddies in the groom’s room on the main floor. (I was impressed to see Joe running around making sure everything was as it should be and everyone was taken care of, he even offered my assistant and I coffee and bagels!) The photographer was Ashley Boylan, of Ashley Boylan Photography. As you’ll see here, Ashley has a knack for capturing people in their true expression.
Joe, the bridesmaids, and the groomsmen walked down the aisle to “You’re So Cool” by Hans Zimmer. Playing one continuous song for everyone added a nice touch of continuity and helped build the anticipation for Michelle’s entrance. Michelle, escorted by her father, walked down the aisle to “I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You” by Laura Silverstein. The ceremony was a beautiful mix of blessings from the officiant and family members. Some of Joe’s family had flown internationally to be there! I’m not sure how many times their families had met, but they were welcoming each other with warmth and hospitality. After the ceremony, Michelle and Joe made their exit to the classic Wedding March – as soon as I hit play, the guests knew their cue and cheered for the newly weds!
After the cocktail hour the guests settled into their tables in the wedding tent, decorated with hanging chandeliers and white and maroon themed table settings. The bridal party and groomsmen made their special entrance to David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance”, followed by Stephen Bennett‘s cover of “Something” as the first dance of the newlyweds. Michelle and her father danced to “My Wish” by the Rascal Flatts, and Joe and his mother chose the Nat King Cole classic, “Unforgettable”. A couple of the guest’s favorites included “La Vida Es Un Carnival” by Celia Cruz, “Suavemente” by Elvis Crespo, “Let’s Get Loud” by Jennifer Lopez, “Mi Gente” (Ft. Beyonce) by J Balvin & Willy William and “Don’t Stop ‘Till You Get Enough” by Michael Jackson.
As you can tell from the pictures, Michelle and Joe know a move or two and as soon as they hit the dance floor, friends and family followed. In the end, it was a wonderful evening filled with music, family, friends and love. Wishing the happy couple the very best in their new life as a married couple.
