It’s amazing what can happen in just three months! Back in April, when I first met Megan and Cooper at a coffee shop in Glendale, they had just booked their venue, set their date, and started shopping for vendors. This adorable couple that sat in front of me regaled me with stories. From performing music and dance routines to a fateful night they stayed up playing Mario Kart 64 (and falling love shortly thereafter), I knew these two could do anything they set their minds to. And planning a wedding in just three months wasn’t going to stress these two out.
That brings us to Saturday night. In the Santa Monica Mountains of Malibu, there sits Saddlerock Ranch. However, Megan and Cooper (and their amazing timing) got to host their wedding at the brand new Hilltop Estate. In the backyard corner overlooking the entire valley, Megan and Cooper’s friends and family gathered to watch them say “I Do.” Their musician friend TJ coordinated the pre-ceremony music as well as most of the ceremony cues, switching back and forth between piano, guitar, vocals, and even performing duets with violinist Albert Chang, they set the tone with a fun blend of contemporary songs. The scene was perfectly set by Hannah from Details Darling who coordinated a whole team of caterers, rentals, and decorators. After the guests watched these two amazing individuals become one family, everyone was ready to celebrate. Some guests even got to “become Megan and Cooper” in the photo booth. (Creepy!)
Upon entering the reception, Megan and Cooper took to the dance floor. Cooper said how much he loves “when worlds collide” at wedding by sharing his feelings and thanks to their families who really made this day happen. This was one of those weddings where every moment…from the first dance, to the parent dances, to the toasts, even through the delicious dinner buffet was magical. It was as if the guests had always been right there by their sides. This just shows what a wonderful support system this new family has.
Of course, being performers, Megan, Cooper, and their guests were no strangers to getting a party started. Once we started the dancing, nothing was going to stop these guests from making the most of every moment. Every request I played was met with cheers. (Some of them quite off the wall!) I even saw my first “crowd surfing” guest on a dance floor! It was a non-stop party…even when the marine layer fog that had been hanging out between the mountains decided to roll in. The temperature dropped, but the heat from this party crowd never went out!
When we finally wrapped up the dancing, I invited the guests out to the front of the house for a “grand send off.” Megan and Cooper hired a Rolls Royce car to drive them off to the first leg of their honeymoon. Everyone cheered, hi-fived, and sent them off into the night. As we were saying our goodbyes to the last of the party-goers, a guest said to me “Thank you for helping to bring our two families together.” It’s what I do…it’s just what I do.
Dave’s recommended vendors for this wedding are:
- Details Darling – Hannah Koennecke – www.detailsdarling.com
- TJ Brown – Music – tjbrownmusic@gmail.com
- Photo Booth by VOX DJs – www.voxdjs.com/photobooths
- Saddlerock Ranch – www.saddlerock-ranch.com