McKinney/Moffat @ Embassy Suites Chicago

Here's the story of two optometrists…who were not bringing up three very lovely girls. Kelly McKinney and Randy Moffat flew all the way from their abode in Washington to have a full wedding and celebration in Chicago at the gorgeous Embassy Suites Hotel. Matt Carlson and I were the deejays of the evening, and this being our first full ceremony together, we set a vision that we were going to succeed and have a drama-free time. That vision worked out well, as the ceremony, cocktails, dinner and dancing all flowed from one event to the next. There was one good learn that I gained from the dance part of the evening: Ask your clients if they are having photos taken during the evening. Unbeknownst to Matt and myself, Kelly and Randy took photos along with their family outside the dining hall during dancing, which took about a good 30 minutes or so. Gah-lee. I kept wondering why dancing was such a slow burn—we needed the bride and groom in here! Well, I shouldn't say "needed," as Matt and I played some fun 60s, 70s and 80s songs to keep the crowd entertained and get dancing going. It was just challenging doing the dance portion without Kelly and Randy there, as well as the fact that I did not want them to miss out on hearing their must-plays. As soon as the bride and groom came back, that is when the floor became more electric. Matt and I kicked in some hip-hop and R&B favorites, not to mention the inescapable "Sexyback." One of the best songs of the night was Joan Jett's "I Love Rock and Roll," which Kelly and Randy were totally rocking out with their crowd to. It matters to me that the clients that I serve enjoy their event, and it made me glad to see them back in the room, dancing and taking in the fun.

All in all, the night was a success, and Randy and Kelly both took the time out to acknowledge Matt and I for keeping dancing going and keeping the crowd bubbly until they came back. The dancing portion of this evening was a true test of patience, but as in all cases, patience is always rewarded. The proudest thing that I have about this event is this: I played "Smooth Criminal" for the first time in my life as a deejay. And, yes…Annie—not to mention Kelly, Randy, the crowd, and myself—were okay.

– Brent Rolland, resident Fig deejay