"I don't wanna live without you, I don't wanna even breathe..."
Summer weddings in Adelaide can definitely be hot ones. This was no exception! Peacock Farm’s hosts, David and Julie, had put in an exceptional effort to keep guests comfortable and well hydrated. Renee and Justin had made some tasteful and elegant floral and design choices which suited Peacock Farm’s al fresco dining area perfectly. All was well, and nicely set up for a fantastic wedding and reception.
Justin arrived early and added some finishing touches before settling himself and preparing to receive his bride. As Pachelbel’s Canon played, there were touching scenes when Justin’s daughter, Poppy, entered as bridesmaid, followed by the bride, Renee.
After the ceremony, we played summer-y and slow-jam pool-side tunes with a soulful lean. Justin’s brief for us was for lots of soul and funk (his words being: “There are only two types of music…”) interwoven with modern vocal house and nu-disco vibes. Renee’s request was for some 90s classics and a range of songs for guests to enjoy on the dance floor later in the evening.
Some of the early tunes we played, included:
“Breezin’” by George Benson (a quintessential summer, breezy tune)
“There’s Nothing Like This” by Omar
“Redbone” by Childish Gambino
Something that we keep in mind when selecting tunes at a wedding, is the tone and theme of the lyrics. Case in point: "Ain’t No Sunshine" by Bill Withers - an incredible soul song, but being about heartbreak and love lost, it’s not really the vibe we’re after for a celebratory occasion! There are much more suitable songs of Bill’s e.g. "Lean on me", "Kissing my love". So, it’s not just about playing great, or well known songs, but songs that are cohesive in their message of love, celebration, and togetherness.
After Renee and Justin joined their guests for dinner, we began to slowly lift the energy of the music, aiming to gradually build the mood for dancing later on. We were mindful of the music not interrupting guests’ dinner conversations, so we moved inconspicuously about the venue to test the sound levels and adjust accordingly. A handful of tunes we’re really digging at the moment which fit this moment perfectly were: "Let Love Flow On" by Sonya Spence, "Outstanding" by Gap Band, "Let Me Love You" by Claussel, "This Girl" by Cookin' on 3 Burners, "So in love with you" by Jill Scott, "Spooky" by Dusty Springfield, "Love on a Summer Night" by The McCrary’s, "Ain’t No Stopping Us Now" by Risco Connection. We also made sure to chuck on plenty of Al Green, Marvin Gaye and Barry White as these soul men had provided the soundtrack to Renee and Justin’s early courtship.
Following a musical pause for some heartfelt speeches and cutting of the wedding cake, Renee and Justin took to the dance floor for their first dance. After they had sashayed around in each other’s arms, guests were invited to join them. Our musical selections covered a broad spectrum of genres and eras, striving to offer a memorable auditory moment for each guest and returning often to the soulful lane as requested by the groom. James Brown implored guests to Get Up Offa that thing. David Bowie invited them to dance. Chic advised everybody to dance and clap their hands. Ray Charles instructed them to Shake their Tailfeather. Fittingly, we ended the night on a slow burner from Al Green - “Sha-La-La (Make Me Happy)”.
Thanks Renee and Justin for having us as your wedding DJs.
Renee said: "We both feel so lucky to have had you DJ and MC for our wedding. Your vibe was perfect and exactly what we wanted and we loved your song selection. Justin was absolutely thrilled. You have been so professional, easy to work with and had a great sense of humour. You listened to what we wanted and our story and used your creative flair to design something that was uniquely ours. We still listen to your play list all the time! It is now our go to for easy listening and when we are entertaining. We absolutely love it!"
We're available for hire as wedding DJs in Adelaide if you think we're the right fit for your wedding or special event.
Renee and Justin's wedding was photographed by Evan Bailey.