Williamsburg Inn | Colonial Williamsburg, VA | July | Ben + Hannah
In the heart of Williamsburg, under the sprawling branches of the historic Williamsburg Inn, love took center stage as Hannah and Ben tied the knot in a ceremony that seamlessly blended tradition with modern elegance. As the wedding DJ entrusted with setting the musical backdrop for this memorable day, I had the honor of weaving their unique love story into every note, creating a rhythm that echoed their journey from college sweethearts to life partners.
The Enchanting Ceremony
The ceremony unfolded like a symphony of emotions, with the romantic strains of a live violinist setting the stage for Hannah and Ben's vows. Against a backdrop of steel blue, royal blue, deep green, and white—their chosen color palette—the couple exchanged promises they'd been nurturing for 3.5, almost 4 years. Their love story began at William & Mary in the Wren Chapel, and now, surrounded by 225 of their closest friends and family, they embarked on a new chapter.
Cocktail Hour in the Garden
Following the ceremony, guests were treated to an intimate cocktail hour in the enchanting garden of the Williamsburg Inn. As laughter and clinking glasses filled the air, the atmosphere was set for a vibrant and personal reception. The beauty of the garden provided the perfect backdrop for capturing the essence of Hannah's love for dancing— a fact she shared with me beforehand, having been a devoted dancer throughout high school.
The Reception: A Celebration of Love
The reception hall, adorned with the couple's chosen color palette, came alive as the newlyweds made their grand entrance to the energetic tunes of "Burning Love" by Elvis Presley. This choice perfectly reflected Ben's love for volleyball and his high vertical, creating an atmosphere that resonated with the couple's fun-loving spirit.
Heartfelt toasts and speeches, woven with anecdotes from their time at William & Mary, added a personal touch to the evening. The parents' grand entrance, set to Natalie Cole's "This Will be (an everlasting love)," set the stage for the lively introductions of the wedding party, accompanied by Nat King Cole's "L-O-V-E." The hall was alive with energy as the atmosphere transitioned seamlessly from formalities to heartfelt moments.
Special Dances: From the First Dance to the Last
The couple's first dance, accompanied by the sweet melody of "Baby I’m Yours" by Arctic Monkey, encapsulated the tenderness and joy of their love. This set the tone for a night filled with carefully curated music that resonated with the couple and their diverse group of guests.
As dinner was served, the air was filled with a playlist that included classics like "It's Been A Long, Long Time" by Jackie Gleason and Nat King Cole's "Like Someone In Love." The eclectic mix catered to the varied tastes of the attendees, creating an ambiance that was both sophisticated and welcoming.
The Wedding Planner, Wedding Dress, Wedding Cake, and Wedding Flowers
The Cake Cutting, set to Carla Thomas's "Baby," and the father-daughter dance to Abba's "Dancing Queen" added a touch of nostalgia and lightheartedness to the evening. The mother-son dance, accompanied by James Taylor's "You've Got a Friend," brought a sentimental and heartwarming moment to the celebration.
A Dance-Filled Evening
As the night progressed, the dance floor came alive with the infectious beats of tracks like "Love On Top" by Beyoncé, "Electric Love" by BØRNS, and the timeless "Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I'm Yours)" by Stevie Wonder. These songs, carefully chosen to resonate with both the couple and their diverse guest list, ensured that the dance floor was never empty.
Guests were invited to make requests, and as the DJ, I exercised discretion to maintain the celebratory atmosphere. The anniversary dance, set to "How Deep Is Your Love" by the Bee Gees, brought together couples of all ages, creating a poignant moment that transcended generations.
Wedding Photography and More
As the final notes of "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen echoed through the Williamsburg Inn, it was evident that Hannah and Ben's wedding was a harmonious blend of love, joy, and celebration. From the heartfelt ceremony to the energetic dance floor, every element of this wedding showcased the unique bond between the couple and their commitment to creating a day filled with beauty, intimacy, and vibrant fun.
As we look back on this unforgettable celebration, it's clear that the magic of weddings extends beyond the dance floor. From the meticulous planning by Laura Amos/Jess Aiken with Wedding Co of Williamsburg to the stunning floral arrangements by Lindsay Codekas with Williamsburg Inn, every detail played a crucial role in making Hannah and Ben's day truly special.
Photography by Pat Cori Giovannini beautifully captured the essence of the ceremony and reception, preserving the memories that will be cherished for years to come. The Williamsburg Inn, with its picturesque surroundings, served as the perfect backdrop for this love-filled day, a testament to the importance of selecting the right wedding venue.
In the spirit of love and gratitude, the couple expressed their appreciation for the seamless coordination provided by their wedding planner, the exquisite beauty of the floral arrangements, and the magical moments immortalized by their photographer. As the DJ who had the privilege of being part of this exceptional day, it's clear that each element, from the wedding dress to the wedding cake, contributed to the overall enchantment of this harmonious celebration.
As the festivities concluded, and guests bid farewell under the glow of the Williamsburg Inn, it was a joyous reminder that weddings are a mosaic of carefully chosen elements, each playing a vital role in creating an unforgettable day. From the initial planning stages to the last dance, every detail—from wedding invitations to wedding favors—contributed to the symphony of love that echoed through the historic halls of the Williamsburg Inn.
We transitioned to the cocktail hour about 20 minutes away at the Cavalier Hotel. The cocktail hour took place in the main lobby area near the pool. As the guests transitioned from the cocktail to the reception, I knew it was going to be a party. Literally everyone was in such good spirits. With a combination of the perfectly chosen mid-January Wedding date, the beautiful aesthetic of the Cavalier Hotel, the deep love, and friendship each guest shared with the Wedding Couple you just knew it was going to be an amazing night of celebrating this wonderful couple.
I knew as their DJ that this was going to be a fun party. I worked closely with Soirees By Lauren as we lined up the bridal party for introductions, I began with my fun welcome to ensure the guests knew what was coming and they began to shout and clap in sheer excitement. I announced for the first time ever as they walked out to Marry You by Bruno Mars- Mr. & Mrs.Cowan!!
It was a magical moment as they shared their first dance to I Cross My Heart by George Strait. We continued to transition into a fun table game in which they were able to sing along to their favorite song as well as move around a little in their seats. My goal at this moment was for each guest to know that we had them covered…they would hear their music...no matter what age...I was covering all demographics.
During dinner time, guests enjoyed the amazing food by the Cavalier Hotel and we began to move into the toasts & the parent dances as well as the cake cutting. The energy in the room continued to increase to the point that the guests were begging to get on top of the dance floor. I begin the dance party with a mix selection of Motown, 2000s pop, a spice of hip hop, a dab of country, and a whole lot of energy & fun! Next thing you know I looked and the dance floor was packed. I gave them everything they asked for...hit after hit and they loved every second of it! You could tell that couple in the middle of the dance floor was literally having the time of their lives! Katie told me earlier that week that she and her bridesmaids had been listening to “yeah” by usher all week leading up to the wedding. So I began my music mapping to work up to the song and build the tempo and dropped it perfectly when EVERYONE was on the dance floor! It was epic!
