On February 16th, The American Association of Certified Wedding Planners (AACWP) hosted their 17th Annual Vendi Awards to gather the entire Dallas/Fort Worth Wedding Industry for a night of celebration and honor some of their favorite creatives.

The event’s theme of “The Year 3000” was put together by Stardust Weddings planners Peyton Pelham & Shonna Gainey with the intention of looking at progress in the wedding industry and how things are changing in the world so quickly. It was one of the most ambitions and visually stunning awards galas yet. After a welcome cocktail hour in the pre-function space, guests were immersed into a futuristic world that stimulated all of the senses. Massive video walls displayed a pre-recorded DJ set by yours truly as an acrobatic performer took the stage in the center of the room. Lasers and LED beams cut through the air as guests reveled in the energy of the room and gradually took their seats for presentations to begin.

This was one of the coolest events that I have ever worked on. Collaborating with the planning team and production lead Nate Nelson from LeForce Pro, we were able to create an immersive experience that will be hard to top at future events.

As the host DJ & MC for the event, I still had some work to do! As guests took their seats, I entered through a cloud of dry ice and took the center stage dressed in a long silver trench coat and Ray Ban Metas that placed me somewhere between George Carlin’s “Rufus” Character in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, and Keanu Reeves’ “Neo” in The Matrix. After a quick welcome and opening monologue, we dove into the awards, where I was honored to win “Favorite DJ” as voted by the wedding planners of AACWP.

 

Being recognized by peers and fellow creatives in the DFW Wedding Industry is incredibly meaningful. This community is filled with so many talented, passionate people who give their all to every couple and celebration. To be acknowledged by this group still feels a bit surreal.

I didn’t really have an acceptance speech planned, but I absolutely stand by what I said when I approached the stage to accept the award- I didn’t get here overnight. And I didn’t get here alone.

I love the expression that says “Keep it up and you’ll be an overnight success in 10 years”. Well…it was just over 10 years ago that I left my corporate career behind to focus all of my energy on music and events. And 10 years later, here we are.

And while I’ve always had a reputation as a “one man band”, I wouldn’t have achieved this if it wasn’t for so many other people- the DJs that have come before me and paved this path for me. So many of whom took time for me and offered mentoring and guidance as I was coming up. To the couples and planners that trusted me with their biggest events when I was a nobody. And to my wife who has always encouraged me to pursue this passion of mine and to stick to it when things got hard along the way.

 

To everyone who voted, cheered, danced, or just showed up with good vibes- thank you. Whether we worked together once or a hundred times, your support means everything. And to my fellow creatives, let’s keep raising the bar and creating unforgettable celebrations for our clients!

 

I’m already looking forward to next year’s show!