I wanted to name this post “Beautiful Wedding @ Lindley Scott House” because it was indeed beautiful in every way. (Photographs by Michelle Johnson Photography.) But there was a surprise at this wedding that took everyone… well, by surprise!
Over the years I have found that it’s not how much you spend that determines a great event but what happens (at a wedding or party) that makes it a great event. Southern California is home to some very creative event professionals. They have a magic; everything they do looks easy but this comes from experience. I have known Wedding Coordinator Paula Klein for years and was particularly excited when she called me about being the DJ for her daughter Emily’s wedding.
For all its glitz and glamor a wedding is a family event. Family members want to participate and contribute. In addition to my conducting the festivities as DJ and Master of Ceremonies Uncle Bill served as the MC during family introductions. A Serbian band of family members performed traditional dances during the cocktail hour and were featured during the wedding reception. These guys were great! Instrumentation included: two guitars, mandolin, string bass, accordion and everyone sang!
Wedding First Dance
Because music is an integral part of a wedding I make it a point to talk with everyone I can and get music requests. Requests are then organized against the itinerary for optimum effect.
In talking with Paula about music for her daughter’s wedding she said that Emily and Christian had chosen “Amazed” by Lone Star as their first dance. However in talking with Emily I found out she had a surprise for her Mom and indeed for everyone at the wedding. Emily and Christian had been secretly taking dance lessons with the intention of choreographing something special for their first dance. 
Emily and Christian had chosen Glenn Miller’s “In The Mood” for their real first dance. This iconic up-tempo swing dance song requires a keen sense of rhythm and coordination between dance partners and I am sure they worked on choreography for a long time; lots of practice.
Surprise First Dance
Now a “surprise first dance” is a great idea. I love surprises and can keep a secret, but you can’t swing dance (really swing dance) in a wedding gown! And how do you change out of your gown into a more comfortable (if not athletic outfit) for your grand entrance and first dance without your mother (who is a professional wedding coordinator and your wedding coordinator) knowing about it? So while the bridal party was getting lined up for the grand entrance Emily and Christian unbeknownst to everyone disappeared and did a quick change.
All the hard work paid off. You could hear the effect this had on their unsuspecting audience. They were delighted and yes “Amazed” and got everyone “In the Mood”! And her wedding coordinator mother was “Blown Away”!
Congratulations Emily and Christian!
Everyone had a great time at your wedding!
Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann
Elegant Music 323-270-3650