An Intimate Arlington, VA Wedding | Le Meridien
Quite often, I find myself familiar with my surroundings when producing a wedding celebration. Perhaps this week's backdrop is a historic property in Leesburg, VA while next week may be the elegant surroundings of a DC hotel ballroom. There are times, however, when I’ve never experienced a particular location. In the instance of Le Meridien in Arlington, VA (November 2014) I welcomed the opportunity to work with Yosira & Kinte.
Le Meridien is an upscale property, overlooking Georgetown, the GW Parkway & The Potomac River. With an incredible outdoor option, you cannot beat the skyline or the potential for a sunset ceremony on the terrace. With chic appointments, eclectic menu options and “Amuse” restaurant as your reception space, Le Meridien offers a complete package for the perfect wedding day. Prior to Yosira & Kinte’s wedding day, Paula & I visited the space, met with Yosira and had an exact idea of the layout/set-up instructions from ceremony to cocktails to celebration.
As Paula was the day-of coordinator, her dialogue with Yosira was plentiful in the days, weeks & months prior to the big day. We looked forward to November 8th and the opportunity to make this, Yosira & Kinte’s best day. On their wedding day, Yosira simply looked stunning. Without a worry in the world, she was able to approach her most important day, with the confidence of a bride who had a well laid plan. This allowed her to look and feel relaxed, knowing that her in-depth planning was now in good hands. Although weather was initially a question, the Terrace worked out well as Yosira & Kinte became… Mr. & Mrs. Jamison!
Following the ceremony, Yosira & Kinte were able to utilize Le Meridien and its varied decor to capture their day on film… courtesy of Bradley Images. During this time, guests enjoyed the cocktail hour with music selections by Maxwell, John Legend, Soul 4 Real, Babyface, Aaliyah & more. Music was so very important to Yosira & Kinte and the selections mirrored their life together, Yosira’s Dominican background and their love for Jay-Z & Beyonce. So… let the celebration begin! With the ceremony & formal photos in our rear view mirror, it was time to announce our bridal party and start life as the new Mr. & Mrs. Jamison, with one big party!
As a professional wedding DJ, I’ve enjoyed producing the musical score for each wedding celebration. I go into each couple’s wedding with a set of goals in mind. One of those goals is to make sure that these guests, who most often have never seen me perform, get my absolute best effort. They’ve come to celebrate… they’ve come to laugh. Most importantly, they’ve come to celebrate with Yosira & Kinte. It was now time to build and maintain a dance floor that would create incredible energy. What was on the musical menu? The aforementioned Jay-Z & Beyonce (of course) made the cut. In addition, selections by Aventura, Shakira, Juan Luis Guerra, Rihanna, Alyus & Justin Timberlake filled the dance floor. In Yosira’s words… “A packed dance floor the entire night… courtesy of my wonderful DJ – Kurtis S. Cross.”
As I look back at this wonderful autumn wedding, I feel fortunate to have been chosen as the professional wedding DJ for Yosira & Kinte Jamison. From our first phone call through the final song, I enjoyed helping them create the wedding celebration of their dreams. What I am sure to enjoy even more, is the friendship that we’ve developed following their November wedding!
Thanks to Le Meridien for providing an excellent location, magnificent views and a signature menu for Yosira & Kinte… (I loved the gourmet pizzas made for the younger guests)!