I had a great time playing at Peyton and Joshua’s wedding at Deer Park Manor here in Bloomington. Despite a few delays and distractions, we ended the night with a full dance floor and full hearts. Seeing the couple have a great time with their friends was a great reminder of why I love hosting wedding receptions.
Planning the Reception at Deer Park Manor
I met with Peyton and Joshua ahead of the wedding to discuss their timeline and music details, and texted with them to confirm a few final items. We discussed multiple setup options for the reception, and when cooler weather was forecast, we adjusted the plan to keep everything indoors for a smoother guest experience. I think that choice created a more cohesive experience for the guests, and they still got to enjoy the lovely outdoor space for the ceremony.
I arrived early to set up equipment inside Deer Park Manor’s reception space, then played their cocktail hour mix: easy listening love songs. Once Peyton and Joshua were ready, we kicked off the reception. They had planned a relatively simple timeline focused on their first dance, dinner, and a few toasts from friends and family. After dinner, however, we experienced a brief delay while the couple stepped away for additional photos with the photographer.
Opening the Dance Floor
Before long, we gathered everyone back for the toasts and then invited guests onto the dance floor for a group photo with the couple. After that, it was time to open the dance floor. I started with familiar classics to get guests comfortable on the dance floor, then transitioned into “Golden” and “Soda Pop” from K-Pop Demon Hunters to keep the younger guests engaged and build momentum early in the night.
I received a lot of requests early in the evening, so I selected those that fit Peyton and Joshua’s vision and worked them into the mix throughout the night. I built the set gradually with a blend of hip-hop, pop, and R&B, increasing the tempo and energy as more guests joined the dance floor and keeping the room engaged through each transition.
Mixing Crowd Favorites Throughout the Night
Peyton came over to ask if she had missed “Fire” by BTS, a song from their playlist. I told her I hadn’t played it yet but I could play it soon! She assured me that the music had been perfect and she trusted my judgement. I was grateful to hear that! I stuck with the plan to play it later with some other high-energy K-pop songs.
I waited for the right time to bring the energy down and then played their must-play slow dance, “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys and Usher. I invited everyone to join them for a dance, and I mixed in the Maroon 5 version of the song because they mentioned that it was the version they especially enjoyed listening to together.
Just before, a guest had requested “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and that felt like just the right sing-along vibe to follow the slow dance. After giving the couple one more shoutout, I played “Fire Burning” by Sean Kingston, a high-energy favorite from their playlist with an unforgettable intro.It was so much fun watching guests recognize the song and immediately get excited. I mixed right into some more high-energy pop and then transitioned into the k-pop set. We wrapped up the night with a few more sing-along favorites, some lower-energy requests, and a final slow dance to “Always” by Panic at the Disco, which the couple had chosen as their last song.
As I was packing up, Peyton and Joshua told me they had a great time and that everything went perfectly. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with couples like them. Their friends kept the dance floor packed throughout the night, and it was incredibly rewarding to create a mix that connected so well with the crowd.
Weddings like Peyton and Joshua’s are exactly why I love what I do. If you’re looking for a DJ who can balance great music, smooth pacing, and a packed dance floor, I’d love to connect.