This past Saturday marked the end of an incredible year for The Sound Dr DJ & Photo Booth as we celebrated our last wedding of 2024 with Ashley and John at the stunning Bessie’s Barn in Centerville, Iowa. It was the perfect way to close out the year, filled with heartfelt moments, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
The day began early for Tasha and me as we left Marshalltown around 9:30 AM to make the drive to Centerville. We arrived with plenty of time to set up at Bessie’s Barn, a venue we’ve always loved working at. One of the many reasons is how seamless the setup process is—everything is on one level, making load-in and load-out a breeze. While I set up the DJ booth, cold spark fountains, lighting, and sound, Tasha handled the photo booth. The backdrop for the evening was a white slat wall with doors, chosen by Ashley and John. While we love offering our own backdrops, there’s something special about a couple incorporating a unique, personal touch. The slat wall backdrop was a stunning choice that added a touch of elegance to the space.
Once everything was tested and ready, we headed over to St. Mary’s Church in Centerville for the ceremony. St. Mary’s is one of the most beautiful churches we’ve had the pleasure of working at. Its circular design, with the altar as the centerpiece, created an intimate and unique setting. It almost felt like being in a theater, with all eyes drawn to the couple at the center. Unlike many outdoor or venue-based ceremonies we typically handle, this one was different because the church took care of the microphones. Our role was to provide speakers and music, which allowed us to enjoy the ceremony and take in the beauty of the moment. The ceremony, which lasted about 40 minutes, was heartfelt and set the perfect tone for the celebration ahead.
When we arrived back at Bessie’s Barn, guests were already eagerly filing into the reception hall, ready for cocktail hour and the fun to begin. The photo booth was an immediate hit, providing entertainment as guests sipped their drinks and mingled. It’s always great to see the booth keeping people of all ages engaged, from kids to grandparents. Our 2x6 photo strips are not just fun keepsakes but also serve as unique parting gifts for guests. Watching the joy on everyone’s faces as they posed and laughed was a reminder of how special it is to provide these moments.
Dinner was catered by one of our favorite vendors in southeast Iowa, Thelma’s based out of Chariton, and it was nothing short of amazing. Tasha and I even had the rare chance to sit and enjoy our meal, thanks to the hosts and hostesses releasing tables for us. This small act of kindness made the evening even more enjoyable. Sharing a delicious meal in such a relaxed setting allowed us to take in the love and excitement surrounding Ashley and John’s big day.
Speeches followed dinner, and they were as entertaining as they were emotional. John’s dad kept his speech short and sweet, but the spotlight truly belonged to Angela, Ashley’s mom. Angela joked about Ashley imposing a two-minute limit on her speech and playfully declared that she had no intention of following those rules. Her heartfelt toast captured everyone’s attention, and in a spontaneous moment, I paused her speech to lead the entire reception hall in singing “Happy Birthday” to her, as she had mentioned it was her birthday the day before. The joy and gratitude on Angela’s face were unforgettable, and she later told me it was a moment she’d treasure forever. These little off-the-cuff touches are what we pride ourselves on at The Sound Dr DJ & Photo Booth—moments that aren’t planned but add magic to the night.
As if that wasn’t enough emotion for one evening, Ashley surprised her mom with a heartfelt bouquet dedication, bringing many in the room to tears. It was a touching moment that highlighted the deep bond between mother and daughter, and even Tasha couldn’t help but get emotional. Watching these genuine moments unfold is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.
The night continued with Ashley and John’s first dance and parent dances, made even more special by our cold spark fountains. There’s nothing quite like hearing the collective gasp from guests when the sparks light up for the first time—it’s a “wow” moment that creates memories for everyone in the room. Once the dance floor opened, it stayed full all night, with guests splitting their time between dancing, visiting the photo booth, and enjoying the open bar.
At the end of the night, as I was packing up, Ashley and her mom came over to thank me. Ashley hugged her mom tightly before turning to me with tears in her eyes. She said, “You were worth every penny. I don’t regret anything.” Her mom smiled knowingly, having originally convinced Ashley to book us despite the cost. It’s moments like these that make everything we do so meaningful—knowing we played a part in creating an unforgettable day for them.
Closing out 2024 with Ashley and John’s wedding was the perfect reminder of why we love what we do. Thank you, Ashley and John, for trusting us with your day, and for ending our year on such a high note.
As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited for more opportunities to bring love, laughter, and unforgettable memories to couples across Iowa. We still have a few weekends available, so if you’re planning your wedding, reach out today to secure your date!
And don’t forget—we’re up for Best Reception Music in the Iowa Wedding Choice Awards. Your vote means the world to us! 👉 Vote Here
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