Since I have been out on my own as a DJ, I have had the opportunity to do weddings at some of the most interesting places in Southern California. This Saturday, I added another unique venue to my collection: The Wattles Mansion in Hollywood. The wedding ceremony took place in the backyard. The guests sat on leveled tiers and looked up toward the beautiful fountain that was be the backdrop for Nicole and Gunder’s nuptials. As Nicole’s mom walked her up the aisle, a special surprise awaited. Kathie (Nicole’s mom) had written a song about how much this day and her daughter meant to her. It was set to music and beautifully sung live by Nicole’s Godfather, Jesse. At the conclusion of the ceremony, Jesse and a family friend, Corey, sang a soulful rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “As”. The guests were then excused to the front yard for cocktails.
The catering staff and coordinator quickly turned the backyard around into a reception area. The long rectangular tables were pieced in perfectly, and there was just enough room to walk from one end to the other. The bridal party, clad in colorful feather boas and plastic sunglasses, entered down the long aisle from the top of the stairs. When Nicole and Gunder made their entrance, they took the microphone and thanked their guests. Gunder then asked Nicole to dance, and right there where their sweetheart table would eventually be, they danced together for the first time as husband and wife. However, this was not without a little surprise from Nicole. She, at first, refused to dance with her husband until she could change out of her heels. She was given a box containing a brand new pair of Converse sneakers. Once she put them on, she allowed Gunder to dance with her; however, Gunder got his turn to surprise Nicole. After the first dance, Gunder confessed that he, working for a talent agent, often gets teased about his own special talents. He told Nicole that he had choreographed a special dance for this occasion and was handed ribbons by the flower girl. He then put on a show, twirling the ribbons around while “Hotel California” by the Gypsy Kings played. Eventually, this song mixed into “Shut Up And Dance” and he and Nicole shared another, more energetic second dance.
After the nice meal prepared by a family friend, some heartfelt speeches, and the traditional cake cutting, it was time to take the party inside to the “dance room,” where we had an additional sound system set up. The guests were anxious to dance, and we only paused for a bit to take care of the parent dances and bouquet/garter toss. Aside from the fun playlist Nicole and Gunder typed up for me prior to the wedding, I was getting all kinds of requests. This was the type of crowd I would classify as “playful,” and everything I played (requested or not) they loved and danced to. The legal cut off time for the mansion (and its respective neighbors) came way too quickly, but everyone left happy, singing, and tired from dancing. That equals success in my book any day!
Dave’s recommended vendors for this wedding are:
- The Wattles Mansion – A unique historic home nestled at the base of the Hollywood Hills – laparks.org/dos/historic/wattlesmansion.htm