Terrific Ceremony, and Some Fun

Lauren & Andrew Whetzel Wedding: 10/17/10

Lauren & Andrew's Last Dance and Wedding Celebration Finale: Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'"

Lauren and Andrew's Recessional

On Sunday, October 17, Lauren Howard married Andrew Whetzel at The Creek Club at I’On in Mt. Pleasant, SC. The weather was beautiful, temperature in the 60s and not a cloud in the sky, which was perfect for their outdoor ceremony overlooking the creek. During the Island Music pre-processional, as the guests started gathering, I noticed this stylish-looking young fellow who seemed to know many of the attendees. Something about him gave me the impression he might be the Officiant, but I was reticent to ask him, though it wouldn’t have been forward or anything, seeing I’d be wiring him with a lapel mic if he was. (He was.) Very friendly guy with a real positive vibe, and his delivery was especially refreshing—enthusiastic, original, and very natural, which contributed well to making this wedding ceremony terrific. Noteworthy is the music Lauren selected for the parent’s processional: “A Day Without Rain” by Aoibheann, and for the the Officiant, Groom, Groomsmen and Bridesmaids: “Clair de Lune” by the APM Orchestra. Really pretty! For her entrance, she came up with: “Love and Some Verses” by Iron and Wine. Very nice. Somehow, they got their unity candle lit, happy to say, very little wind! (There have been occasions where attempting to light a unity candle outdoors is a futile proposition.) Their recessional was: “The First Day of My Life” by Bright Eyes. The music for this ceremony was good stuff. (No need to say, “in my opinion.”)

College Buddies Carrying On, on the Dance Floor

One really cool thing stands out in my DJ head. During our second open dancing segment, a bunch of Andrew’s college buddies and young female guests and members of the wedding party were carrying on on the dance floor to some up tempo, current selections. Andrew came over to me and asked if I had  ”Jump Around” by House of Pain. Sure I did. Would I Play it? Sure I would. He was happy about this and again went outside the party room to the bar (segmented venue). Towards the end of the series of up tempo, dance music, I went over and alerted him that we were ready for “Jump Around” and he should come in. As he entered, I made everyone aware over the microphone that Andrew has just happily joined us, and simultaneously segued into his song. The song’s unique introduction along with Andrew’s welcome presence elicited an elated and excited mass response of wild jumping—a hysterical contrast to the style of dancing that had been going on for the last ten minutes or so.

Here’s their reception agenda:

3:00 p.m. Cocktail Time (Guests gather and enjoy refreshments)
Light Jazz

4:45 p.m. Welcome (Guests are welcomed to Lauren & Andrew’ Wedding Reception)

Parents’ Introduction
“Before we bring in our wedding party, I’d like to take this opportunity to recognize some individuals who have played a significant role in the lives of Lauren & Andrew. When I call their names would they please rise so we can show them our appreciation.”

Lauren’s Mother: Pam Hall
Lauren’s Father: Layne Howard
Andrew’s Mother: Denise Whetzel
Andrew’s Father: Wade Whetzel & his wife Carole

Grand Entrance
Tonight is Forever” Acid House Kings
• Elyse Myers & Andrew’s oldest brother: Jeff Whetzel
• Rachel Cooper & Andrew’s older brother: Paul Whetzel
• Marianne Motes & Lauren’s brother Ben Howard
• Ashley & Brian McLeod
• Whitney Eden & Sean Morris
• Casey Stephenson & Randy Beach

• Lauren & Andrew Whetzel

First Dance (Lauren & Andrew share their first dance as husband and wife.)
“Inside Your Heaven” Carrie Underwood (Fade out around 2’30 in)

Father-Daughter Dance (Lauren dances with her father: Layne Howard)
“I Loved her First”  Heartland  (Fade out around 1’30 in)

Mother & Son Dance (Andrew dances with his mother: Denise Whetzel)
“Mama” Boyz to Men

Blessing Colin Kerr

4:00 p.m. Meal (Several Self Service Stations)
Variety of Easy Listening featuring selections from Play List

4:45 p.m. Toasts
1) “One of Lauren’s very best friends,she’s also one of our bridesmaids, let’s make her feel right at home: Ashley McLeod”
2) “He’s one of Andrew’s oldest friends, he’s also one of our groomsmen, Let’s give it up for: Sean Morris”
3) “I’d like to introduce an individual who is one of Lauren’s oldest and dearest friends, join me in welcoming: Andre Hinds”
4) (Lauren & Andrew)

4:50 p.m. Open Dancing Begins (Dance music is played in accordance with Lauren and Andrew’s Must Play List and the wishes of those in attendance.)
“I Gotta Feelin’” Blackeyed Peas

6:15 p.m. Cake Cutting (Lauren is given a microphone to address the guests regarding her cousin’s birthday)
“Happy Birthday” Stevie Wonder
“Something’s Coming Over”  O.A.R.

6:20 p.m. Charleston Shuffle (Instruction is provided for those interested)
“Plastic Dreams” Jaydee

Open Dancing Resumes (in accordance with Lauren and Andrew’s Must Play List and the wishes of those in attendance.)

7:15 p.m. Couples Dance (All couples are invited to the Dance Floor and while dancing it is determined who has been together the longest)
“This Years Love”  David Gray

7:20 p.m. Hokey Pokey
“In the light that Lauren is from VA Tech country, in honor of the VA Tech Hokey’s, she would like everyone to please make a circle and participate in the this entertaining moment.”

Open Dancing Resumes (in accordance with Lauren and Andrew’s Must Play List and the wishes of those in attendance.)

(Cue in Lauren & Andrew to stand near DJ while their spouse tosses the garter and bouquet in order to i.d. who does the catching.)

8:15 p.m. Garter Removal (Andrew sits Lauren in a chair with all bridesmaids and groomsmen standing behind, and proceeds to remove her garter)
“P.Y.T.” Michael Jackson

8:20 p.m. Garter Toss (All the single men gather on the dance floor and Andrew “shoots” Lauren’s garter in their direction for them to catch.)
“Jump” Van Halen

8:25 p.m. Bouquet Toss (All the single ladies replace the gentleman and Lauren tosses her bouquet for one of them to catch.)
“Give A Little Love” Rilo Kiley

8:30 p.m. Garter Placement (The gentleman who caught the garter places it on the leg of the lady who caught the bouquet.)
“Legs” ZZ Topp

8:35 p.m. Open Dancing Resumes (in accordance with Lauren and Andrew’s Must Play List and the wishes of those in attendance.)

8:55 p.m Last Dance (Guests are invited to join Andrew and Lauren on the dance floor)
“Don’t Stop Believin’” Journey