Shaka & Kiersten Wedding Recap

Kiersten was cruising the Atlanta section of the cult message board called Reddit, aka “the front page of the internet,” looking for a way out of the overwhelming task of finding wedding vendors that were cool, did quality work, and didn’t break the bank. I’d just launched my business and friends on the site tossed out my name. Shortly into the phone call it was clear that not only was I the DJ she was looking for but they were the kind of couple I love playing for. 

We met at a local bar a few months later to talk about the wedding. It felt like we were old friends catching up. In the hour we spent talking about everything BUT the wedding, we finally hashed out the important details. I told them they really ought to check out my friend Dave for video. Back then I had just persuaded my old bandmate to make the move from home video hobbyist to professional videographer. He was new, hungry, eager to impress, and incredibly talented. 

The wedding took place at Terminus 330. The groomsmen and bridesmaids built them a beautiful chuppah and everyone entered to different indie hits covered by Vitamin String Quartet. What really melted my heart was the couple walking the aisle to Outkast’s SpottieOttieDopalicious. If you don’t know the song it’s hands down the coolest recessional ever requested. 

The dance floor was one of my favorites. Their “do not play” list was basically Top 40 Pop, so I got to play lots of cool stuff from Kanye to Father John Misty. At the very end I got all of their friends to encircle them as they danced to Leon Bridge’s River, one of the best finales I’ve witnessed in 100+ weddings. Best of all, Dave created a world class video that gives me goosebumps every time I watch it.

NOPAYNE MEDIA | www.nopaynemedia.com

Congratulations Kiersten and Shaka!

Venue: Terminus 330

Wedding Planner: Stephanie Lorraine at For You I Do Events
Photographer: Kevin Lowery Photography
Videographer: David Payne at No Payne Media
Reception Music: Jordan Jeffares at Ballroom Blitz Events
Florist: Le Jardin Francais
 

Just Add Disco

This week's playlist brings us to the genre of Disco.  We've got a pretty big spot in our hearts for the genre that keeps on giving decade after decade.  While most people think of disco as novelty that is strictly 70's, Saturday Night Fever, bellbottoms, and butterfly collars... in reality the genre had much greater depth and reach.  Disco has roots going back to the mid 60's and thrived until mainstream backlash in the early 80's.  However, despite being shunned by the mainstream, Disco went back underground and evolved into House and Techno.  Later, it would be sampled and reinvented countless times by everyone from Hip-Hop to EDM artists.  Frankly, Disco is a genre that just won't die... and we're totally fine with that.  

Mary Ellen & Frank's Wedding Recap

Here's a short recap video from a beautiful Sunday wedding we recently did at The Solarium in Decatur, Georgia.  Be sure to check out the full length video from the incredibly talented Dave Payne at www.nopaynemedia.com.

The Great Cover-Up

Ten Of Our Favorite Cover Songs

We here at Ballroom Blitz love a good cover. Covers have the ability to refresh an old favorite or transform something lackluster into something sublime. In this, our first of a series of playlists, we dive into some of our favorite covers that we like for dinners, processionals, first dances, and dance floors.    

Jess + Rene Recap

Proof That A Reception Doesn't Have To Be Extravagant To Be Beautiful And Fun.

We've known Jess and Rene for a long time. Rene has DJ'd with us at some of our favorite nights and places for a decade and we've been dancing next to Jess for just as long. When they chose to celebrate their marriage with a dance party at Highland Ballroom, where their relationship started years ago, we were eager to jump in and help make it happen. We brought out sound, set up up lighting to match their color palette, played music side by side with Rene, and danced all night long. Dave from No Payne Media was also on hand to shoot and edit video for the recap. Congratulations Jess + Rene!