On November 7th, 2020 Michelle and Chris made their relationship official as Mr & Mrs McDowell. This was a very special day not only for the couple but for me as well.
I was honored to not only be their DJ but I also played a major role on their day, I was also officiating for the very first time. Our relationship blossomed through the planning phase and they both were confident and comfortable having me as their officiant. What an honor!
The wedding location was in Perry, IA, a small town 45 minutes outside of Des Moines. Perry, a town designated as one of Iowa's "Great Places" has a lot of history.
The venue: La Poste, once a post office built in 1914. Renovated to a beautiful, natural, and unique event space in 2012. La Poste is a beautiful and charming space with character. The main gallery space has original hardwood and marble floors and floor to ceiling windows. The cellar is in the lower level and has a speakeasy feel.
The night before the wedding I was present for the rehearsal. I brought all of my equipment and got it all set up. I then helped the wedding party with the details of the ceremony steps. I also had a chance to meet all of the family members and even stuck around to have dinner with them. What a welcoming and fun bunch! We are going to have some fun!
My wife, Bonnie was my assistant for the Ceremony since I was officiating. She did an awesome job with the Ceremony music. I think we make a great team!
The festivities kicked off with a fun grand entrance of the wedding party. Chris and Michelle entered full of energy and their guests were excited to see them. They immediately were seated in the middle of the dance floor and I narrated their love story filled with funny moments, emotion and surprises.
The Love Story (the condensed version):
It all started with a freshman girl who had a secret crush on an upperclassman that didn’t even know she existed.
Fast-forward to about 11 years later. They both had lived their lives learning so many lessons along the way, each preparing them for a future together.
Chris reached out on Facebook and the very next day they had their first date. Their relationship blossomed into something special. They grew even closer with the birth of their son, Kinnick.
For the years afterward, Chris and Michelle built their family and their life together. Chris had known for a while how he was going to propose to Michelle. Her favorite show for years was Friends (which he was forced to watch but ended up loving), and Michelle loved the moment when Chandler proposed to Monica in a room filled with candles.
The week of the proposal, Chris watched the scene over one hundred times so that he could get it just right. To make the magic happen, Chris did everything: he bought the ring, arranged for the kids’ babysitter, got Michelle’s friend to distract her at the nail salon, bought and lit 150 tealight candles, and set everything up in their house. He even put out a tripod so that he could record the moment to cherish years later. Chris stood there when it was all completed. He was a nervous wreck, but he knew Michelle would love it—and she did.
The moment Michelle walked in, her hands flew to her face and she stared wide-eyed at Chris. It was just like the Friends scene, complete with Chris on one knee in front of her, ring in hand. He smiled at the beautiful woman before him and said, “You always wanted it to be special.” It was everything she’d ever wanted.
Ceremony Music:
Processional: This I Promise You - Ronan Keating
Bride March: I Get To Love You - Ruelle
Sand Unity: Ily - Surf Mensa
Recessional: Could You Be Loved - Bob Marley
Cocktail Music:
Playlist of classic rock, pop, country hits.
Bridal Party Introductions: Space Jam Theme
Michelle & Chris Introductions: You Make My Dreams - Daryl Hall & John Oates
First Dance: (Custom Voiceover) Sweetheart - Thomas Rhett
Cake Cutting: How Sweet It Is - Michael Buble
Dinner Music: Pre-mixed selection of pop, rock, country and reggae. As the mix played I released tables by playing a little couple's trivia with guests. Each table was tested on how well they knew Michelle and Chris. I had some fun with each table and got to know them a little.
Mother/Daughter Dance: In My Daughter's Eyes - Martina McBride. Michelle and her mom Rhonda shared this emotional moment.
Mother/Son Dance: The Perfect Fan - Backstreet Boys. Chris and his mom Tammy shared this special dance.
Anniversary Dance: Let's Stay Together - Al Green. After we filled the dance floor by inviting couples who have been married through the decades, Michelle's grandmother and grandfather were the last to join in with 54 years of marriage.
Open Dance Selections: A mix of pop, country, rock, hip hop, reggae. What a party!!
Sweat (A La La Long), Boombastic (Sting Remix), Salt Shaker, Tootsie Roll, Salt Shaker, Stir It Up, Five More Minutes, Why Don't We Just Dance, Get Low, Hot In Herrre, This Is How We Do It, Gettin Jiggy Wit It, Everybody, Tearin' Up My Heart, I Wanna Sex You Up, WAP, Tap In and so much more!
Vendor Team:
Venue - La Poste
DJ - DJ DAS Entertainment
Photographer - Jamie Grant Photography
Florist - The English Rose
Cake - Little Blackbird Bakery
Suits - Skeffington's Formal Wear