Wedding and Reception at the Sonesta Hotel

Lauren & Blake Rivers celebrated their wedding at the Sonesta Hotel in Ft. Lauderdale, FL on 9/3/2023.  Approximately 80 close friends and family members arrived to the Sonesta that Sunday morning and were directed to the penthouse for all of the festivities.  The ceremony took place over-looking the Atlantic Ocean then the cocktail hour at the foyer also with a beautiful view, and then the reception.  As all of the guests mingled and enjoyed drinks and appetizers at the cocktail hour, I played a mix of smooth jazz favorites.  I also took the time to decorate the ballroom with 20, LED, wireless, up-lights and dance floor lights all provided by Eddie B & Company.  As all of the guests entered the reception, I lined up the 16 member bridal party for the grand entrance.  Lauren chose You Make My Dream Come True by Hall & Oats for the bridal party intros and This Will Be by N. Cole for her and Blake's intro.  The first dance was to One Man Band by Old Dominion then Lauren danced with her dad to Nothing Can Change This Love by Sam Cooke and Blake danced with his mom to The Perfect Fan by The Backstreet Boys.  The toasts were given by Kristin (MOH) and Mitchell (BM) then Dan (FOB) gave a welcoming speech.  Blake and Lauren also thanked everyone for attending their big day then all of the guests enjoyed a buffet/station style brunch.  Lauren did provide me with a play list that included top 40, classic rock, oldies and 90s and 2000s dance hits.  Perfect mix of genres for this fun/electric group of guests.  There was no garter/bouquet toss but the happy couple did take the time to cut their beautiful wedding cake.  I also took plenty of requests for some latin jams and group dances.  As I played Friends in Low Places by Garth Brooks, all of the remaining guests gathered on the dance floor with Lauren and Blake for one last song...excellent way to end a perfect wedding.

Congrats to Lauren, Blake and the entire Rivers and Schmidt families.

Special thanks to the staff at the Sonesta for always providing 5 star service. 

DJ Ray