What a wedding day for Jack and Bailea Teno at Emerald Hills Events! The weather could not have been more perfect, setting the stage for a beautiful celebration at one of the most stunning venues in Iowa. If you’re looking for elegance and natural beauty, Emerald Hills Events is hard to beat. Not only is the venue breathtaking, but the staff running it are top-notch professionals, making sure everything goes smoothly for the couple and their guests. Any couple would be lucky to celebrate their big day there.
Guests started arriving around 4:30 p.m., and right from the start, the buzz was all about the Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Iowa State Cyclones football game. As Jack and Bailea took photos with their families, you could sense the excitement around the game, something that would come into play later in the night.
After photos, it was time to introduce the bridal party and, of course, Jack and Bailea. The reception hall at Emerald Hills is massive, and we were able to hook into their sound system, which not all DJs have the capability to do. This is a huge bonus when working with larger venues like Emerald Hills because we can ensure every guest, from the loft to the patio, can hear what’s happening. We even had a speaker outside on the patio for cocktail music and announcements. One more reason to book us at The Sound Doctor—our wireless audio setup means we have the tools to create a seamless experience for you and your guests.
Once the introductions were over, we jumped straight into dinner, catered by one of my personal favorites, Thelma’s out of Chariton. Their food is always incredible, and they are incredibly fast and efficient. We managed to serve over 500 people in about 35 minutes, which is no small feat! The buffet-style dinner was a hit, and once everyone was fed, things started to get interesting.
Just as we were about to begin toasts, Jack’s great uncle experienced a serious medical issue. Everything stopped, and it was clear we had an emergency situation on our hands. This is when my job as a DJ turned into something much more. With my experience working in the school system, I jumped into action, coordinating with guests, making sure emergency services were en route, and helping keep people calm. It was a reminder that as much as I’m there to entertain, I’m also there to support the couple and their families in any way possible.
During the chaos, I kept checking on Bailea and Jack, offering them words of encouragement and emotional support. In moments like these, it’s so important to be more than just the DJ—I was there for them as a friend. Later in the evening, we laughed about how I remained cool, calm, and collected on the outside while freaking out on the inside. It was a surreal moment, but I’m glad I could be there for them when they needed it most.
Once Jack’s uncle was safely taken care of, we moved forward with the toasts and speeches, which had an even deeper meaning after everything that had just happened. There was an undeniable appreciation for the love and support in the room, and it showed in every word spoken by their loved ones.
After the speeches, we jumped into the dances. Jack and Bailea had cold sparks, which always add a magical touch to the first dance. Cold sparks are a fantastic way to make those key moments even more unforgettable. From there, we had a bit of a time crunch, so they opted to do a mock sparkler exit—a trend we’ll dive into in an upcoming blog post, covering the pros and cons of doing a fake exit versus the real thing.
With the mock exit complete, the party was on! The dance floor packed out, and the energy just kept building. We played a mix of everything—country, 2000s throwbacks, sing-alongs—and I even got out there and taught some dance moves. I think a lot of people were surprised that I knew how to dance! It was a blast watching everyone get involved, and the vibe was electric all night long.
One really cool part of the evening was seeing five of my previous couples attending the wedding. It was so special to reconnect with them and see how much they enjoyed the night. Moments like that remind me of the lasting relationships built through this work.
In the end, it was an unforgettable night for so many reasons. I’ll never forget Jack and Bailea’s wedding—not just for the fun and the great music but for how the night showed the importance of being there for the couple in every way possible. This wedding felt like family, and it was truly a night I’ll carry with me forever.
Finally, I want to take a moment to sincerely thank Jack and Bailea for trusting me to be part of such an important day. It was an absolute honor to be there for you both, through the highs and the unexpected moments, and to help make your wedding day special. I’m incredibly appreciative of the opportunity to celebrate alongside you, your families, and your friends.
For anyone reading this blog—if you know someone who’s engaged or if you’re planning your own wedding, I’d love to connect! At The Sound Doctor DJ & Photo Booth, we specialize in creating unforgettable wedding experiences. Reach out today, and let’s start planning the entertainment for your big day!
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