I met Bertha and Hector at a food tasting put on by their venue, The Calamigos Equestrian Center. I’ll never forget out first meeting after that. When I made a comment about how we should get to know each other so they can see if they like me before they hire me, Hector said “We already know we like you…that’s why we wanted to meet with you.” We hit it off immediately and I couldn’t wait until their June wedding.
Calamigos Weddings are always a beautiful affair, and Bertha and Hector made sure to take full advantage of this. Their coordinator, Steven, who works exclusively at Calamigos, worked tirelessly to ensure every detail was executed with precision and perfection. During the hour long Catholic Ceremony, I saw him, phone in hand, texting the Mariachi Band, who needed help finding the venue. We were a little worried they might be late, but as soon as Bertha and Hector were pronounced Man and Wife, I heard them begin to play in the Breezeway for the cocktail hour. For the Grand Entrance, we brought in each couple to a different song, pumping the crowd up each time. When Bertha and Hector took to the dance floor for their first dance, Steven quickly ran out and handed Hector his cowboy hat, which he donned for almost the entire song. (Until Bertha took it from him and put it on her own head.)
After a delicious meal, it was time to party. Bertha and Hector did not want too many formalities so they could have a nice, long dance party. I had so much fun mixing between English and Spanish songs all evening, impressing the crowd that this white boy knew his way around Cumbias, Merengues, Salsas, Rancheras, and Banda music, but could also mix it into plenty of 80s Flashback, Old School Hip-Hop, and Top-40. (I was even able to throw some Debbi Deb in for the break-dancers!) The party lasted until the wee hours of the morning. (Ok, 1:30am…but that’s pretty late for a California wedding!) It was a long day, but I went to bed, satisfied knowing that I had helped, in some small way, another couple achieve the wedding of their dreams. (Or I at least made Bertha’s wedding when she screamed “Dave, You Rock!!” at me as she was leaving.)
Dave’s recommended vendors for this wedding are:
- As always, I highly recommend Calamigos Equestrian Center in Burbank. One of the premier venues in Southern California. calamigosequestrian.com
- Rudy Loza Photography (and Photo Booth) – WeddingPhotographyOrangeCounty.com
- Mariachi Zapopan – 818-447-4731