Carolyn & Joe's Winter Wedding - LaMassaria at Bella Vista

Carolyn & Joe's Wedding Reception was my 17th Wedding at LaMassaria at Bella Vista in 2014, and was definitely one to remember! Sadly, I won't be back for a few months, but this year was filled with emotional Ceremonies, packed dance floors, and memories that will last for years shared with over 2,000 people! Roy, Alicia, Denise and the staff at LaMassaria always make me feel so welcome, and I ALWAYS look forward to future events there! 

The ballroom setup looked amazing for Carolyn & Joe's Winter Reception, with a simple color scheme including black, white, and a touch of silver. The decor, floral arrangements, and Chiavari chairs were provided by Scott from Flowers by Florabundance, and the cake was designed by The Master's Baker. I provided subtle white uplighting per Carolyn's request.  

Special songs from Carolyn & Joe's Reception: 

Bridal Party Introductions: "Bang Bang" - Jessie J ft. Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj
Bride & Groom Grand Entrance: "Somebody Loves You" - Betty Who
First Dance: "Everything" - Michael Buble
Bride & Father Dance: "Little Wonders" - Rob Thomas
Groom & Mother Dance: "My Valentine" - Martina McBride 

Congratulations Carolyn & Joe! 

Special thanks to Rick Blanco Photography for the awesome photo of Carolyn & Joe! 

Julia & Stephen's Wedding Reception at LaMassaria at Bella Vista

         Believe it or not, March 24th was the first Wedding of 2012 at LaMassaria at Bella Vista, and I had the honor of entertaining it! Julia & Stephen were an awesome couple, and everyone had a great time at their reception! Rick & Maria from Rick Blanco Photography captured all the special moments through out the day, and also provided me with a few stunning photos to share. Julia & Stephen wed at a church in nearby Schwenksville, and then made their way to LaMassaria in Gilbertsville, PA to celebrate along with their 125 guests consisting of family and friends. 

The room was decorated with bright flower arrangements from  Flowers by Florabundance , as well as "button" themed centerpieces created by Julia. An elegant cake from Dice's Creative Cakes was enjoyed by all. The evening began with an hour of cocktails and hors d'oeuvres on the first floor at LaMassaria, and then upstairs for dinner and dancing. 

Here's how Julia & Stephen's Reception Went:

5:30-6:30pm - Cocktail Hour 

6:43pm - Parent & Bridal Party Introductions

               "Lovely Day" - Bill Withers 

6:47pm - Julia & Stephen's Grand Entrance

6:48pm - First Dance

               "Make You Feel My Love" - Adele

6:51pm - Blessing

6:52pm - Maid of Honor & Best Man Toasts

6:56pm - First Course Served

7:16pm - Bride & Father Dance

               "I Loved Her First" - Heartland

7:20pm - Groom & Mother Dance

                "Have I Told You Lately" - Van Morrison 

7:34pm - Dinner Served

8:14pm - Centerpiece Giveaway

8:19pm - Dance Floor Opens

8:33pm - Cake Cutting

               "I'm Yours" - Jason Mraz

10:25pm - Last Dance of the Evening

               "Love Will Keep us Alive" - The Eagles 

Congratulations Julia & Stephen!!

Here's a few video clips from their reception:

Christina & Justin's Wedding Reception at LaMassaria at Bella Vista

After a VERY busy fall "wedding season", I'm finally getting back into the swing of things....I had the pleasure of entertaining Christina & Justin's Wedding Reception at one of my favorite venues, LaMassaria at Bella Vista. Christina & Justin's Reception was not the "typical" Reception that most have experienced. Instead of having a "formal" sit-down dinner, the guests enjoyed appetizer stations and passed hors d'oeuvres. This allowed extra time for dancing... and also gave me the chance to start the party almost immediately! I had the pleasure of again working with videographers Amy & Jim from Abominable Productions. Their work is amazing, & I can't wait to see some video highlights! Here's how Christina & Justin's Cocktail Reception went:

6:00pm - Guest Arrival

6:39pm - Bridal Party Introductions

                 "Country Girl(Shake it For Me) - Luke Bryan

                  "Teach Me How to Dougie" - Cal. Swag District

6:45pm - Christina & Justin's Grand Introduction

"Crazy Train" - Ozzy Osbourne

6:46pm - Christina & Justin's First Dance

"When You Say Nothing At All" - Allison Krauss

6:50pm - Maid of Honor & Best Man Toasts

6:59pm - Groom & Mother Dance

"All To You" - DJ Keo

7:03pm - Bride & Father Dance

"My Little Girl" - Tim McGraw

7:07pm - Dance Floor Open for Dancing

8:51pm - Cake Cutting

"Goin to the Chapel" - Dixie Cups

8:56pm - Bouquet & Garter Toss

"Baby Got Back" - Sir Mix A-lot

"Animals" - Nickelback

"Bad Boys" - Inner Circle

"Bottoms Up" - Trey Songz

9:03pm - Dollar Dance
10:56pm - Last Dance of The Evening

"This I Promise You" - N'Sync

Here's a short video clip from the dance floor:

Lee Ann & Frank's Wedding Day at LaMassaria at Bella Vista

On June 11th, 2011 Lee Ann & Frank shared their wedding day at LaMassaria at Bella Vista in Gilbertsvile, PA. Due to heavy thunderstorms in the near forecast, the wedding ceremony was moved indoors to the second floor ballroom. The beautiful natural stone walls of LaMassaria made for a breathtaking backdrop for Lee Ann & Frank's ceremony. During their ceremony, I provided music, microphones for scripture readings, and amplification for a singer (who did an amazing job singing Ave Maria!). After the ceremony, Lee Ann & Frank's guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres downstairs, while Brad and the staff at LaMassaria setup for the reception. Lee Ann & Frank had a photobooth setup in the lobby at LaMassaria, and the guests had a great time posing behind the curtain! Jim Indo from Zachary Gallery took photos of all Lee Ann & Frank's special moments, while TLJ Studios captured all the action in High-Definition.

Here's how Lee Ann & Frank's wedding day went:

4:00pm - Guests begin to arrive at LaMassaria

4:30pm - Ceremony

5:00pm - Cocktail Hour

5:58pm - Guests begin to enter the ballroom

6:18pm - Bridal Party Introductions

                "VooDoo Child" - Jimi Hendrix

6:23pm - Lee Ann & Frank's Grand Entrance

               "Black Betty" - Ram Jam

6:24pm - First Dance "Indian Moon" - State Radio

6:29pm - Blessing

6:30pm - Maid of Honor & Best Man Toast

6:34pm - Salads served

6:40pm - Centerpiece "giveaway"

6:42pm - Dinner Buffet

7:41pm - Bride & Father Dance "Free Fallin" - Tom Petty

7:45pm - Groom & Mother Dance "Simple Man" - Lynyrd Skynyrd

7:50pm - Cake Cutting

7:53pm - Open Dancing

8:27pm - Bouquet & Garter Toss

               "Single Ladies" - Beyonce

               "Let's Get it On" - Marvin Gaye

               "U Can't Touch This" - MC Hammer

8:57pm - Last Dance "What a Wonderful World" - Louie Armstrong

Congratulations Lee Ann & Frank!!

Monica & Kyle's Wedding Reception at LaMassaria at Bella Vista - April 2nd 2011

My first LaMassaria at Bella Vista wedding in 2011 turned out to be an amazing one! It was a pleasure meeting Monica & Kyle and I really enjoyed entertaining their families and friends. As always, walking into LaMassaria is always like a breath of fresh air for me. Brad and his staff are always so welcoming, and each and every reception is always a memorable one! Monica & Kyle's Victorian-style wedding decor blended great with the rustic yet elegant restored barn at LaMassaria. I had the opportunity to again work with Photographer Vida Carson after meeting her at a wedding this past October. Party Booths brought an awesome photobooth which was setup in the main vestibule.

Here's how Monica & Kyle's reception went:

5:00pm-6:00pm - Cocktail Hour in the 1st Floor Banquet area
5:50pm - Guests begin to enter the Ballroom
6:17pm - Bridal Party Introductions "VooDoo Child" - Jimi Hendrix
6:21pm - Introduction of Monica & Kyle
                    "Say Hey, I Love You" - Michael Franti
6:22pm - Monica & Kyle's First Dance -
                        "Me & You" -  Kenny Chesney
6:26pm - Matron of Honor & Best Man Toast
6:31pm - Blessing
6:33pm - Salads served
6:55pm - Bride & Father Dance "Walk With You" - Edwin McCain
6:59pm - Groom & Mother Song "A Mothers Song" - T.Carter Music

7:04pm - Dinner served

8:11pm - Cake Cutting "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" - Pat Benetar

8:14pm - Open Dacing

8:56pm - Bouquet Toss- "PYT" - Michael Jackson

              Garter Removal- "Danger Zone" - Top Gun Theme

              Garter Toss- "Sharp Dressed Man" - ZZ Top
9:56pm - Last Dance of the evening-"I'll Stand By You"-Carrie Underwood

              

Congratulations Monica & Kyle!.

Here's some footage from their reception:

Brianna's Sweet 16 Party - October 15th 2010

I normally skip blogging about Birthday Parties and School Dances....but decided I would share Brianna's Sweet 16 Party for anyone that thought I only did Wedding Receptions. Brianna & her friends partied downstairs at LaMassaria at Bella Vista in Gilbertsville, PA. The party started at 7 and the dance floor was packed from the minute Brianna's friends entered the doors. The party was supposed to end at 11pm........ let's just say there was a line of cars and sleepy parents in the parking lot outside until 11:30. Brianna was happy to compile a request list of her favorite songs which included Top 40 hits and hip-hop. Here's a few photos and a short video of some dance floor action: (The sound on the video is a little distorted thanks to my 18" Yorkville subwoofers)

.

Kasey & Scott's Wedding Reception - September 19th 2010

Kasey & Scott renewed their vowels and then celebrated with their family and friends on Sunday, September 19th 2010. Their reception was at La Massaria at Bella Vista in Gilbertsville, PA. This was my second visit to La Massaria in the same weekend, and it was nice to end the wedding weekend the same place I started. Kasey & Scott live in Florida, but came back home to Pennsylvania to share their special day with 90 of their guests. I also had the pleasure of again working with Anneliese from Photography by McDonough.

Here's the agenda from Kasey & Scott's Wedding:
4:00pm - Guest Arrival
4:30pm - Introduction of the Parents & Bridal Party
                 "I'm A Believer" - Smashmouth
4:35pm - Introduction of Kasey & Scott
                 "With This Ring" - The Platters
4:36pm - Kasey & Scott's First Dance
               "Don't Change" - Musiq Soulchild

4:41pm - Blessing

4:43pm - Dinner Buffet
5:15pm - Best Man Toast
5:47pm - Bride & Father Dance
                "Butterfly Kisses" - Bob Carlisle
5:53pm - Cake Cutting
                "How Sweet it Is" - James Taylor
5:57pm - Open Dancing
6:45pm - Bouquet & Garter Toss
6:50-7:55pm - Open Dancing
7:55pm - Last Song of the evening
               "Last Dance" - Donna Summer

Christy & Jordan's Wedding Reception - September 17th 2010

Christy & Jordan tied the knot on Friday, September 17th. They chose La Massaria at Bella Vista in Gilbertsville, PA for their reception site. This was the first time I've been back to La Massaria since my own wedding, and a great start to a busy September weekend. As always, Brad and his staff at La Massaria we're "on point" with every detail to honor Christy & Jordan's wishes. I had the pleasure of again working with Brian and his wife from the Stardust Photography Studio, and I can't wait to see some of their shots from Friday night. The energy level on the dance floor was high, and no one let a Friday night after a work week hold them down.

Here was the agenda from Christy & Jordan's wonderful reception:

5:30-6:30pm - Cocktail Hour

6:30pm - Introductions of the Parents & Bridal Party

                 "It Takes Two" - Rob Base
6:34pm - Christy & Jordan's entrance into their reception
                  "Get Up Off That Thing" - James Brown
6:35pm - Christy& Jordan's First Dance
6:39pm - Bride & Father Dance

                  "Dance with my Father" - Luther Vandross

6:43pm - Groom & Mother Dance

                  "My Wish" - Rascal Flatts

6:47pm - Bridal Party Dance

                   "My Best Friend" - Tim McGraw

6:51pm - Blessing

6:52pm - Best man Toast

6:54pm - "Station" style Dinner

7:59pm - Cake Cutting

                "Sugar Sugar" - The Archies

8:04pm - Open Dancing

8:45pm - Bouquet & Garter Toss

8:55-10:30 - Open Dancing

      

Congrats Christy & Jordan!!

Here's a video of some dance floor action at Christy & Jordan's Reception: