Sebastian and Shana’s wedding at Twin Oaks Gardens in San Marcos

Sebastian and Shana’s wedding at Twin Oaks Gardens in San Marcos

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The couple chose Two Oaks Gardens in San Marcos, as their wedding location. The place is dreamy, to say the least. You get transported back to 1891. The place is surrounded by an amazing green landscape with beautiful trees and a feeling of intimacy. The place serves as an ideal wedding location but the spot is also a great choice for fine dining and dancing!

And speaking about dancing, let me tell you a little bit about the music selection for Sebastian and Shana’s wedding. The lovely couple chose Matt Samuel’s “Now that we found love” as their newlywed song.

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Another proof of that was the song Shana picked for the Bouquet toss moment. The epic “Wannabe” by the Spice girls. If you remember the 1990s, you remember how this song smashed the top list, spreading a message about “girl power” worldwide. The Spice Girls – more than a music group – was a movement that provided a female alternative to boy bands – which were huge at the time.

You recall them as crazy, goofy, and beautiful, but that image was not an accident, and in fact, the concept took a while to get defined. The lyrics of this famous son are about the value of friendship. By the way, the title “wannabe” has nothing to do with the song, but it was catchy! The line “friendship never ends” became the band’s motto, and also a credo for all groups of girls back then. As Shana and her friends took over the dance floor, there was no better companionship than this song. 

Fun fact about Sebastian and Shana’s wedding. Since this was a polish wedding, some polish songs made the request list, among them Balkanica by Piersi. I think it’s super cool when couples find a unique, fun way to honor their heritage, through the food, the décor, or in this case, the music. Now, originally, a polish wedding is a very long event, current wedding guides in Poland advise for a “standard wedding lasting 12 hours, and the bride and groom should serve between four or five hot entrees, as well as pastries, cake, and fruit!” can you imagine? 12 hours!

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Sebastian and Shana

Hi folks! Here’s another great wedding, and another great tale to tell. This time, we were honored to be part of Sebastian and Shana’s union. Let me tell you a little bit about it.

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For their cake-cutting ceremony, the selection was “2 Hearts” by Sam Felt. Now, the original meaning comes from the Dutch language and it doesn’t have an exact translation for English. The talented Sam Felt joined the UK duo Sigma and Gia Koka for this gold piece. The song starts with trumpets and gives the melody a triumphant tone.

The energy is palpable through the tone, and the tropical notes give the song unique happy vibes. And of course, this is a love song, “Two hearts are better than one…” is repeated throughout the song. Happy, vibrant tunes are always a great choice for cutting the cake; although some couples prefer something more solemn. 

But, right from the start, you could tell, that despite all the romantic details, Sebastian and Shana’s celebration was going to be all about the fun. About joyously celebrating life.

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FAVORITE MOMENTS AND DETAILS

As always, I like to highlight those details or moments that made this specific wedding special. Here is my take on Sebastian and Shana’s wedding:

  • The way Shana and Sebastian shared the dancefloor as they danced with their father and mother respectively. Seemed such an intimate, family moment!
  • When Shana’s friends gathered around a cell phone on the floor and started recording, what I imagine it’s going to be a video they will cherish for a long time.
  • The cake was simply beautiful and surrounded by all kinds of yummy tiny desserts and candles. Behind it was the wedding date and one simple but powerful word: “Endlessly”
  • The way color was present in every aspect of the wedding, the chairs, the flowers, the table cloths… it was amazing to watch. 
  • Last but not least, how Sebastian and Shana’s wedding morphed from being a solemn ceremony to a great, big party where friends and family seemed to have the time of their lives. 

Thank you Shana, and thank you, Sebastian, not only for having us during your special day, but to give us proof that true, everlasting love is as powerful, real, and present as ever!

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Jason And Erin’s wedding celebration at the Bali Hall

Jason And Erin’s wedding celebration at the Bali Hall

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The Ceremony and the reception were held at the Bali Hali. If you haven’t been here, this location has been an all-time favorite in San Diego for over sixty years. They have a friendly efficient staff; but truthfully, hardly anything would stain an event held in a such beautiful spot. Nothing compares to the mesmerizing view of San Diego Bay and the downtown skyline.

This place was the canvas where Jason and Erin painted their first brushes as husband and wife. And thankfully, we were invited to witness it and to set some great music.

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Jason and Erin – favorite moments

Every wedding has its memorable events and details. I loved, for example, the sign at the entrance that read “Welcome to our forever.” Those little details, that changes a normal, conventional phrase and turn it into something different make you smile.

The cake was also very cool, with different colors all over it!

But, if I had to pick, it was the vows.

Picture this: you have an amazing sunny day, the ocean and San Diego’s skyline behind it, and a gorgeous couple completely in love. Then the groom starts his vows by reading the lyrics of 500 miles by The Proclaimers, and everyone: bride, minister, and guests bursts into laughter.

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Jason and Erin

Sunny Cali shone in all of its splendor on Jason and Erin’s wedding day.

It was a day of good music, good food, amazing views, best friends, and a young couple commencing their journey as a family.

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Jason and Erin – the tunes, the beats, and the sounds

For the recessional song, Erin and Jason picked the classic “Signed, sealed and delivered” by superstar Stevie Wonder. The song speaks about getting back to your loved one and putting yourself to their mercy. A fun fact, there are four names under the song’s credits: Stevie, Lee Garret, and Syreeta Wright, and the fourth one is? Steve’s momma!

The famous song is featured in the films Crooklyn (1994), Now And Then (1996), You’ve Got Mail (1998), and Laws Of Attraction (2004).

The Mother and Son song was another great one. No matter how many times you hear “I’ll be there” by the Jackson Five, your heart still skips a beat when young Michael Jackson reaches those high final notes. The song is a statement of unconditional love, even if your loved one parts ways with you. What better example than a mother wishing all the happiness in the world to her son, as he gets married?

Can you believe Michael Jackson was only 11 years old when he recorded it? Of course, Mariah Carey’s version is also a great one. But the original version transmits that unique sentiment; innocent, pure, and truthful.

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The First Dance – Jason and Erin

I enjoyed this part so much, it deserves some lines.

The song Jason and Erin chose for this special moment was “Make you Feel my Love” by Adele. This is a cover, as the original one was recorded by Bob Dylan in 1997, and included in his album Time Out Of Mind. There’s a reason why the British singer decided to make her own version, in an interview she said: “I wrote 9 songs in a short space of time, I was really feeling in those songs, though.

I was bitterly upset and then my manager played me this Bob Dylan song ‘Make You Feel My Love.’ The lyrics are just amazing and summed up exactly what I’d been trying to say in my songs. It’s about regretting not being with someone, and it’s beautiful.”

And as beautiful as the melody and lyrics are, what was really emotional, was how the guests reacted to Jason and Erin dancing together. The couple, of course, were immersed in their own world, looking intently into each other’s eyes. But their friends and family couldn’t hide their happiness, as they all stare in awe. How could you not? With such a beautiful bride?

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Jason began with a powerful phrase, he said: “Erin, I know you and I love you.” Stating that he knew they were both going to be tearful by then, and decided to cheer his bride up. I just loved it!

Erin also moved everyone with her words, as she said that those 4.5 together had turned her into a better version of herself.

It was a fun, exciting, beautiful day, and we only wish this is only the first of many happy milestones in their lives as a couple. Enjoy your “forever”, Jason and Erin!

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Alex and Sam at the beautiful Pine Hill Twin Oaks

Alex and Sam at the beautiful Pine Hill Twin Oaks

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Here’s a small taste of what I’m talking about:

The location

The bride and groom chose beautiful Pine Hill Twin Oaks as their wedding location. The venue advertises itself as an experience that will transport you to late 1800! Like a page ripped off a storybook. The location is surrounded by tranquil waterfalls, bushy gardens, and a romantic vibe that gave the ceremony a touch of intimacy and charm.

This private mountaintop retreat is filled with the most amazing trees; there were some native California Live Oaks, Cedar Pines, and lovely Manzanitas.

The décor inside the venue matches that earthy feeling with wood everywhere and brown tones. It all felt really close to Mother Earth – but not in a rustic way, more like a fairy tale feeling.

Of course, such a setting provided the perfect spots for the photoshoot.

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The original meaning of the song, as lead signer Mattew Ramsey said was to talk about the importance of being in a band. How he cannot fathom experiencing his fame, and the crazy ride he’s living in all by himself. The band helps him celebrate his success but also get through life challenges.

And I can only imagine brides experience something similar. The wedding preparation, all the must be ready, and organized – it’s an overwhelming process. Including the big day! But having your family, your bridesmaids, and your friends by your side makes everything easier, and happier. I guess Alex and Sam feel their happiness is multiplied by sharing their joy with their “bands.”

The last song I want to mention about this wedding, (and continuing on the subject of thanking the guests for their presence), is the song Alex and Sam selected for the cutting the cake part, which is HOLY by Justin Bieber.

A controversial figure, no doubt, Bieber wrote this song reflecting on how he acknowledges he went off the rails for some years but rededicates his life to God. And this new way of feeling spiritual, Bieber attributes to the moment he got married.

The song was a lovely set for that wedding moment; a reminder that couples are reborn when they get married. And a new, spiritual bow, links them together.

Alex and Sam

Another day, another wedding. Even when the media is trying to engulf us in a wave of pessimistic news, here comes a great event, and a lovely couple to prove to us life is actually pretty good. I don’t know if it was the historical place, the views, the music, or the way Alex and Sam gazed at each other during their wedding, that uplifted my entire mood.

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Let’s talk some music…

I just love when the whole wedding vibe matches. The music selection was spotless for this one. For the 1st song, Alex and Same chose Latch by Disclosure & Sam Smith. Now, let me tell you I’m a big fan of Sam Smith. His “Dancing with a Stranger” is one of those songs that when it pops out, will inevitably make me sing, whether it is in the car or wherever. This song, however, was originally created by Disclosure, they wrote the song in a funky, very distinct beat from other dance tunes you hear out there.

The fantastic chill track features the warm, catchy vocals from Smith. The band had the track ready. In just one day, Sam Smith had the vocals ready. The singer recorded his own acoustic version, and his candid about it. He says the Disclosure version makes you so euphoric, that you just need to start dancing! And that’s exactly the effect that caused during Alex and Sam’s union – it was a euphoric moment when you know something amazing is about to start.

Now, moving on… when we talk about wedding songs, of course, the 1st dance comes to mind, the mother and father dance, those are your typical. But this couple was detailed enough to carefully select meaningful songs for every part of their wedding. For example, the Bride’s song was: One Man by Old Dominion.

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Favorite moments – Alex and Sam

A very fun fact I learned when I met them, was that Alex and Sam are big fans of Disney. So, it was no surprise when I entered the salon, and there were certain details and décor that resembled Disney’s unique princess effect. The honor table might as well have been featured in one of the princesses’ weddings!

At the top of the reception. The bride and groom gave it all by singing and dancing “Don’t stop me know” by Queen, and the crowd was on fire. Funny thing, in this reception I saw a lot of singing along; usually, guests limit themselves to dance, and a few cheers here and there. This group of people sang with all their strength. It was fun! Another moment was when all the ladies toasted on the dance floor, singing “I wanna dance with somebody” by the late Whitney Houston.

In all truthfulness, my very favorite moment of the day was during the ceremony. The Minister looked deeply into Sam and Alex’s eyes and gave a simple request: “Love each other the best you can, with all of your hearts.”

Wouldn’t the world be happier and better if we all did that? One thing I am sure, Alex and Sam started with the right foot. We wish you all the happiness in the world and thank you for making me part of your special day.

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Dylan & Maia wedding ceremony at the University Club Tower

Dylan & Maia wedding ceremony at the University Club Tower

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Dylan and Maia picked the Main Ballroom at the University Club as their wedding location. If you’re not familiarized with it, the University Club Tower is one of San Diego’s premier social and business spots. The tower is one of downtown’s tallest buildings (which paid off at the ceremony, but we will cover that further). The club proudly displays luxurious facilities, including private rooms business meetings areas. Still, nothing compares to the 360-degree view of beautiful San Diego at the top, making it perfect for weddings. 

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Such a heavenly view, You’re such a heavenly view

Every couple is different, and therefore, every wedding is also different. I like to remember and point out what makes each celebration memorable and unique. In Maia’s and Dylan’s union, what struck me was the intimacy. Everything seemed close, intimate, and cozy from the ceremony through the reception. And of course, that view!

I cannot think of a more stunning way to appreciate San Diego’s gorgeous view than from atop the building. The timing was also spot on. As groom and bride officially became Mr. and Mrs., the sunset accompanied them from a 360-view -spotless! And that same feeling of intimacy -even during the dance party, where the guests nailed those dance steps -permeated the event.

Dylan and Maia

Another weekend, another spectacular union! Dylan and Maia sealed their destinies together, and I was lucky enough to be a part of it.

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’Cause you’re a sky, ’cause you’re a sky full of stars

I’ve been to my share of weddings, both as a guest and as a deejay. And tons of them use Pachelbel’s Canon as the processional song. Along with “Here comes the bride” is the traditional choice. Nonetheless, the song has some interesting beginnings and history.  

The song starts with an 8-note bass line, with more instruments joining as the bass repeats (hence the word canon, which means music that repeats). This is why it is ideal for weddings because it can be timed to the length of the procession (no one wants to be speeding through the aisle). Pachelbel, a German composer wrote this song among many other pieces of church music.

Interestingly enough, the song was received by tepid critics and was not even considered for weddings. When and why, he decided to compose the song is still unknown. In 1980, the movie “Ordinary People,” starring Mary Tyler Moor, featured the music. If you remember, the film won tons of accolades, including Best Picture, but still, the song wasn’t that famous.

What made brides and grooms then fall in love with the piece? Ah! How we love royalty! Because when Prince Charles and late Princess Diana had their fairy-tale wedding, the royal couple used another baroque composition. Then, Pachelbel, and other baroque composers, received much-deserved attention. Of course, nowadays, people may choose Ed Sheeran or other modern artists, but Pachelbel’s Canon has a perennial charm. 

With these beautiful notes with no lyrics, Maia walked to the aisle to change her future into an even brighter one as she exchanged vows with Dylan. 

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I’m gonna give you my heart, oh

Let’s get back to the music a little bit. The couple opted for “Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay for the recessional song. The song has everything to get a crowd inspired, fantastic lyrics, and a catchy melody. This song was recorded during the sessions for Ghost Stories with Avicii. Chris Martin, Coldplay’s leading man, invited Swedish EDM talented artist Avicii to contribute to the song.

 If you follow Coldplay, you know that it is usually Martin himself who plays the piano, but in this case, he asked the Swedish artist to add his majesty to the piano contribution. Martin confessed he felt he was “cheating” on his band, but the result was worth it.

Chris Martin said: “What that song represents on Ghost Stories is the release after you’ve climbed the mountain – after you’ve done anything challenging. That’s why that song is so unashamedly happy and danceable: because that’s what it needed to be. I love singing it. I know we didn’t break the mold, but it’s just so fun to play.”

A touching piece of trivia here, this song was Joe Biden’s late son Beau’s favorite song. The music played after the acceptance speeches of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris following their victory in the US 2020 presidential election. Even more touching, Chris Martin and the band performed the song at Beau’s funeral back in 2015. 

With such a fantastic music selection, the party officially began. For their first dance, the couple chose Ed Sheeran’s and his unmistakable velvety voice. Dylan and Maia even did a little choreography during their first dance; it was very fairy-tale-like! 

Friends and family gathered at the floor, and they traveled the decades dancing and singing, from the Beatles’ Twist and Shout to the final song, “A thousand years” by Christina Perri. 

The bride looked beautiful; the view was stunning; the event was marvelous. Dylan and Maia, I hope the future is bright for you and your loved ones. Let us be grateful to witness such sunsets, such fun, and such love. 

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Chris And Vanessa wedding ceremony at the the Westgate Hotel Ballroom

Chris And Vanessa wedding ceremony at the the Westgate Hotel Ballroom

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Let me start by talking a bit about the location. You see? Christopher and Vanessa chose The Westgate Hotel -precisely the Versailles Ballroom -for their union. However, the ceremony took place outside of the premises. If you’ve lived enough in San Diego, you must know this place is a jewel lavished with mesmerizing crystal chandeliers and artwork that depicts valuable heritage, tradition, luxury, and elegance. Opening its doors for the first time more than 50 years ago, the event was called a “contribution to San Diego’s steps toward a metropolitan city.” 

Just as fun trivia, let me share that the building (considered ultra-modern back in the 70s) cost $14.5 million. The complex has many amenities, including Roll Royce limousine service back then). It is understandable why it was dubbed “America’s most beautiful hotel.”

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I feel at home when I’m around you.

You know how I’ve been mentioning the elegance and lavishing details about this wedding? Well, let’s add something to this note. Despite the luxurious location, the chandeliers, the roses, the interaction between groom and bride couldn’t be more natural, fluid, and charming. I love to witness that at weddings. There was no façade, no rehearsed movements; Christopher and Vanessa went with the flow, enjoying every single moment of their day, from the most solemn to the “leave-everything-in-the-dance-floor” part. 

For instance, during the cake ceremony, it turns out the cake was hard to cut! Which is not that uncommon. Instead of showing a worried face or stress about such a menial detail, Vanessa and Chris had tons of fun, laughing, and putting their whole bodies into it, until that stubborn first slice came out. 

Isn’t what weddings are supposed to look like? Two people who enjoy each other’s company so much want to share their happiness with their beloved ones. 

Christopher and Vanessa

And we’re on our way to glory.

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that no matter what, love always prevails. Through the peaks and valleys of our lives, our existence carries on. And with those thoughts in mind, I wrapped up Christopher and Vanessa’s magnificent wedding. What better way to start fresh this 2022 than being part of such a fun, charming event?

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With that preamble, you can imagine what kind of event was Vanessa and Chris’s wedding. The ceremony -held outside -featured rose petals everywhere, including the aisle where Vanessa walked looking stunning, but most of all, looking like a woman in love. And speaking about love, it was such a cute, fun moment, when Chris (as he was saying his vows) repeated the part of “I promise to love you.” The crowd laughed as the officiant pointed out how much he liked that part.

After the ceremony, Vanessa and Christopher were officially pronounced husband and wife; the crowd moved inside for the reception. 

There, the royalty-vibe continued, not only because the ballroom is stunning itself but also the tasteful decoration that adorned it. The sweetheart table was one of my favorite parts, with lots of white roses, candles, and breathtaking details. 

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Now there’s time for us to spend

Let’s talk music.

The newlyweds chose the song “Pluto Projector” by Rex Orange County for their first dance. In this song, the author confesses his love for his significant other. He also is hopeful these feelings will last forever. The second verse of the song actually talks about marriage because Rex -in his own words -said he imagined himself in wedlock with his partner.

He calls for an encore on this life again. He also does not shy away from admitting his mistakes and failures while admitting that he can be a ‘boy’ in his thoughts at times. The song reaffirms that where there is understanding, compromise, and communication, “forever” is possible. And with such amazing lyrics, Christopher and Vanessa swayed, looking into each other’s eyes. 

The father and daughter’s song was no less emotional. Vanessa and her father danced Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle. Carlisle, a contemporary Christian singer and author wrote this song for his daughter. He was looking at some family photos and suddenly realized his daughter Brooke was bound to leave the household in a few years. Bob Carlisle said the lyrics just “poured out” of him, and he immediately recorded the song. The melody and lyrics are not only about fatherhood but reflection and gratitude. Like when we look back and see we’ve done pretty good, despite all odds. It also triggers appreciation for time well spent. 

And if someone spent their time very well, were the guests at the wedding. Because once the lights were dimmed and the hip hop began, the dancefloor became a stage. 

A remarkable way to start my year. Christopher and Vanessa, I wish your journey together be as your wedding day did: filled with laughter, joy, and tons of love.

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