The Fun DMC 2016 wedding season kicked off last weekend with a double-header. On Saturday, the band had the pleasure of celebrating the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Shane and Natalie Blackley at the historic Inn At 835. In spite of earlier forecasts that had predicted a rainy Memorial Day weekend, Saturday turned out to be picture perfect. Speaking of pictures, local photographer Matt DeBackere was also on site to capture the event. Matt has become a familiar face to the band now having worked several weddings together. Matt does great work, is personable, professional, and even joined the band on the dance floor during “Footloose.” You can find more of Matt’s work at his website. We are sure to see more of him this summer.

The staff at The Inn At 835 was equally a pleasure to work with. They kindly made arrangements for the band to have their own private dining room and coordinated with us to ensure that everything went as scheduled. We will be back at this location in two weeks and very much look forward to working with them again.

The band kicked off their live set with the latest addition to their song list, Justin Timberlake’s “CAN’T STOP THE FEELING!” As correctly predicted, this high energy dance floor magnet was a crowd favorite. Memorable moments included a dance circle during the “80s Medley,” the non-stop dancing of one of our favorite flower girls in recent memory, and a surprise bagpipe tribute to the bride and groom. It was definitely an occasion to remember.

With no rest for the weary, less than twelve hours after packing up the trailer, the band found themselves spending their Sunday afternoon at the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Dallas and Kandy Ashford at the recently built Erin’s Pavilion in South Wind Park. In addition to the reception, the band had been requested to provide audio support for the outdoor ceremony as well. The Sunday sky was vibrant blue and small tufts of clouds passed over the large crowd gathered to witness the couple say their vows. A light breeze moved across the lake and past the wedding party as words were spoken, rings were exchanged, and a single kiss joined two hearts.

The members of Fun DMC have dined at some of the finest receptions and this event was no exception. Catered by the legendary Hamilton’s, the guests of the Ashford wedding were treated to a lovely dinner. However, a word of advice to both future brides and grooms as well as their guests: allow the hosts to eat. All too often we hear stories (this author’s own wedding included) of newly married couples who are so eager to visit with their guests that they completely miss out on their chance to eat a dinner they have likely spent over a year planning. The professionals at Fun DMC always build in plenty of time for mingling with and congratulating the latest Mr. and Mrs. In short, let dinner time be just that.

The band kicked off around 7:30 p.m. and of course the dance floor was crowded almost instantly. That is until around 8:30 p.m. The location of Erin’s Pavilion and South Wind Park provide a stunning view of an Illinois sunset. One by one, guests began stepping outside for a photo op of the burning sky reflecting over the now very calm Lake South Wind. Not being able to compete with such beauty, the band eventually took a break and made their way outside to enjoy the last couple of minutes of sunlight before it disappeared into the horizon. And with that, Fun DMC and the rest of the guests of the Ashford wedding returned to close out the evening. The band ended their set with the recently added singalong, “Sweet Caroline” and by request, closed in the slow dance solo stylings of Dr. Albert Capati with the Bruno Mars tune, “When I Was Your Man.” A little over an hour later, the band packed the last of their equipment into the back of the trailer and brought to an end one crazy weekend of music.

We would like to congratulate Mr. & Mrs. Blackley and Mr. & Mrs. Ashford on two very distinct and successful events. We were honored to be a part of it.