Salt City Sound Machine

12/14/2024

Kiss Cam 💋 time, Thank God For Weeks Off edition

It's been a minute, friends. Welcome back to the Kiss Cam and Welcome to December. I had a few weeks off, which was nice and I'm entering tonight very refreshed. In perfect condition for Pat and Stephanie's wedding on this cold December evening.

Our wedding day began with me seeing Pat and Stephanie trudging through the Syracuse streets dress the night. I was able to yell out congratulations and I'll see you in a minute to them as I drove through Syracuse's downtown on my way to Sky Armory. Unfortunately, I had forgotten that the next door production of The Lion King had a matinee today, so as I pushed my cart full of heavy DJ equipment, I had to dodge many children hoping to see Simba defeat Scar.

This wedding is not only beautiful, it is a multi-floor wedding with the ceremony taking place on Sky Armory's 3rd floor, and the remainder of the reception taking place on floor number 2. Pat and Stephanie had a wonderful ceremony featuring very emotional words in their vows along with the group's brother serving as officiant

Before the reception started, the bride and groom decided to take the trend of a private last dance, and spending on its head by sneaking up stairs before the guest had a chance at having a private first dance, just the two of them. It was a wonderful moment.

The surprises continued with the introductions as the Bride of range ahead of time for Wade Minter , the announcer for the Carolina Hurricanes NHL team, a favorite of our bride and groom, to send in a custom announcement of the wedding party and the bride and groom themselves. It was a big surprise to the groom and the smile that he had while being introduced showed that the surprise paid off.

I have a feeling of these two are going to keep me on my toes all night long. So join with me for our first but not last December wedding of 2024.

Congratulate them with me, won't you?

The Groom - Pat Shafer
The Bride - Stephanie Lathey
The Place - SKY Armory - Syracuse, NY
The Song - Olivia Lane - You Got Me

Congratulations to you both and thank you for choosing Salt City Sound Machine!

11/16/2024

Kiss Cam 💋 time, End Of The Line edition

Well, it's been a great streak folks, but all good things come to an end. SCSM is ending a weekly consecutive event streak dating back to the second week of April which showcased cool weddings, endless dance floors, and barns barns barns.

But before I relax for the next two weeks and December events begin, I get to hang out with two cool people in the form of tonight's bride and groom, Kevin and Margaret.

Current residents of Alaska, Kevin and Margaret traded in the chilly, moose-filled Great White North for a wedding in Central New York, which is chilly, but with significantly less moose.

Kevin and Margaret had a great deal of input in the music of their wedding, dividing their vibes into two distinct sections... Classics and Clubs. And to delineate between the two, we're playing Musical Chairs! And combining musical chairs with the groomsmen entrance, running through a banner and simulating a field goal to the NFL on CBS theme, you'll get an idea of the fun that's in store for tonight.

So I'm gonna let everyone eat dinner, then melt their feet with a hot dance floor. One more tomorrow, then a break.

Congratulate them with me, won't you?

The Groom - Kevin Cosgrave
The Bride - Margaret Hatty
The Place - Bellevue Country Club - Syracuse, NY
The Song - Forest Blakk - I Choose You

Congratulations to you both and thank you for choosing Salt City Sound Machine!

11/14/2024

This was interview was great and super fun. Tunes Ninetytwofive, Jenn Coleman and Bella Phinney were absolutely spectacular to work with.

Check out the Bridal show at the Salmon Run Mall on 1/5/2025

Good morning, North Country! Tune in to The Morning Jam with Jenn Coleman on Tunes 92.5 for a fun and energetic chat with Salt City Sound Machine! You can also listen live online at tunes925.com. (Te

11/14/2024

11/12/2024

Just got done with my interview with Tunes 92.5/104.5 FM.. it's set to air Thursday morning at 7:15.

What a fun experience

11/02/2024

Kiss Cam 💋 time, Fueled by Dayquil edition

Being the Fun Uncle has its benefits, but sometimes when you let your nieces and nephews push you into a foam pit and then they jump on you and one coughs in your face, sometimes there's a drawback. A week later and here we are, buying stock in pain relievers and head decongestants.

But it's November! We survived October and this month is a bit less intense. I even have a week or two off!

But before we get there, we have some super cool weddings to work and today, the wedding is of Daemon Elias and Brittany Jepsen.. two people who had the absolutely rare ability to get married outdoors in November in Central New York. Sure, it was chilly, but it was also the shortest ceremony I've ever seen, so all in all, not bad!

I'm personally happy to be here. I've known Daemon's stepmother for years, dating back to the Singers days, so it was great to see her again.

But I was especially struck by the excellent speeches and toasts for the bride and groom. And while we are friends on Facebook, that's just a more recent occurrence and this is a situation where I really wish I could have gotten to know both Daemon and Brittany much better ahead of time. The speeches by both parents and the wedding party have painted a picture of two very nice, respectful, and fun people who are looking for love and found each other.

And although my experience with both of them has been limited, in the short time that I've known them, I've known all of the speeches to be correct. For one, you can tell right away that these two are very much in love. Also, the laid-back attitude is fantastic on a day that's usually connected with so much potential stress. All In all, they have been fantastic clients.

Congratulate them with me, won't you?

The Groom - Daemon Elias
The Bride - Brittany Jepsen
The Place - Sinclair of Skaneateles - Skaneateles, NY
The Song - John Vincent III - Next To You

Congratulations to you both and thank you for choosing Salt City Sound Machine!

10/30/2024

Hope some of you can make it down!

10/26/2024

Kiss Cam 💋 time, Goodbye October edition

I think there's a pattern starting to emerge. Either that or two nice women are stalking. It's just that... this is the second event I've done in a row where Dani Moran Photography was shooting and AMK Floral did the flowers. I don't really think they're stalking me, but it is nice to collaborate with good people! Game recognize game

But here we are. Our last event of October. I kind of dreaded October because there was so much going on this month along with everything that we went on in previous months. But we made it!

Today we celebrate the wedding of Diane and Tucker. Do people who not only had their ceremony here at Timber Banks, but also their reception. Golf is definitely a running theme of their relationship as Diane and her family own West Hill Golf Course in nearby Camillus. So I suppose it's appropriate that they're having their wedding here at Timber Banks.

So far, the wedding's been great! It was a longer than normal ceremony as it had very religious and spiritual content. But their Deacon officiant was an absolute pro throughout. The room was adorned with candles and absolutely lovely viny plants that decorated the fireplace they were married in front of.

We quickly transitioned to cocktail hour and a reception that featured a rendition of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme song that really had to be seen to be believed.

Tucker and Diane have been absolutely amazing clients for Salt City Sound Machine and on a personal note I really just want to end October with a bang. I hope they do too!

Congratulate them with me, won't you?

The Groom - Tucker Beardsley
The Bride - Diane Rotella
The Place - Timber Banks Golf Club - Baldwinsville, NY
The Song - Charles Wesley Godwin - I Walk The Line

Congratulations to you both and thank you for choosing Salt City Sound Machine!

10/20/2024

Kiss Cam 💋 time, End of the 3-Day weekend edition

All good weekends must come to an end. With miles driven and path walked, we've gone from Oswego, to Ithaca, and now in Auburn.. a veritable tour of Central New York, all while watching good people on their best days. And today I'm in my favorite venue of Central New York. I'm with a super professional photographer in the form of Dani Moran Photography.. it's the recipe for a good night.

Joey and Emily are tonight's power couple. Coming into the CNY area from Latham in Eastern, New York, they brought a lot of love and an energetic guest list with them. It's not often to have a sunny, non-chilly day in mid-october in Central New York, but these two definitely lucked out. They got married with Owasco Lake as a backdrop, outdoors with nary a coat or shawl in sight.

Emerson Park has them taken care of with their trademark attention to detail... flowers on columns and a beautiful, elegant backdrop for their Reception. Add to that a photo booth and a candy bar, and good times are ahead.

Emily and Joey had energetic entrances, followed by a first dance in which guests join them on the Dance Floor, and were regaled with stories of how wonderful they are as individuals and for each other. Along with many references to boy bands, particularly One Direction and Harry Styles. And with the songs they chose to end the night with, I can only imagine we're going to have some achy feet by the end of the night.

Congratulate them with me, won't you?

The Groom - Joey Palladino
The Bride - Emily Edmunds
The Place - Emerson Park - Auburn, NY
The Song - Red Clay Strays - Wondering Why

Congratulations to you both and thank you for choosing Salt City Sound Machine!

10/20/2024

Kiss Cam 💋 time, Salt City Sound Machine goes Ivy edition

You know, I love Fall. The cooler temperatures, the colors on the trees, it's all very magical. And this is my favorite time of year. And I find it even more fun when I get to work in fun places. That's why I love working with Courtney from Crown Coordination. She's always sending me to interesting places. Earlier this year it was a luxury campground. Then an apple orchard. Now an Ivy League college campus for the first part of our day, and an Earth history museum for the remainder.

Today's Adventures take us to Ithaca where we are celebrating the wedding of Max and Courtney. They're two people who had their wedding set 2 years ago, but had to postpone a year due to moving to Boston for Max's role as a professor at MIT. So this was all supposed to go down last year, but hey...here we are.

We started the day with the ceremony at Sage Chapel on the campus of Cornell University. The campus was alive with people and movement, but we had a little sliver of it all to ourselves.

Then we transition to the Museum of the earth also in Ithaca where we can celebrate the rest of the day underneath prehistoric bones and surrounded by Trilobites, Silurian Period fossils, and gigantic rocks.

So ultimately, I'm glad to be here with Max and Courtney. I know it happened later than we expected, but good things come to those who wait, right?

Congratulate them with me, won't you?

The Groom - Dr. Max Lipton

The Bride - Courtney Elizabeth Walker

The Place - Sage Chapel at Cornell University (Ceremony) and The Museum of the Earth at the Paleontological Research Institution (Reception) - Ithaca, NY

The Song - Frankie Valli- Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You

Congratulations to you both and thank you for choosing
Salt City Sound Machine!

10/18/2024

Kiss Cam 💋 time, Bye Bye Barns edition

We're back! And it's a special weekend. Not only is it our last Friday-Saturday-Sunday weekend off the year, but this wedding is my final event this year in a barn. For those who have been on my journey and crusade with barns this year, I see you. Keep fighting the good fight with me next season. But if I have to finish my barns this year, I'm glad it's here... this is definitely one of the good ones.

Today we celebrate the wedding of Matthew and Michelle. Two very happy and very loved newlyweds celebrating on this Friday evening in Oswego. It's been very simple so far... no ceremony for yours truly, just a cocktail hour, one speech, and Matthew and Michelle dancing their First Dance by the glow of a neon sign bearing the last name of their newly formed union.

As far as weddings go, this one is very straightforward. No ceremonial moments beyond the First Dance... but that just means more dance floor time! The newlyweds do have a cookie and dessert wagon, so I'm interested in finding out what that is... plus a photo ops area on the Loft here at Curtis Manor.

Good people and a kickass dance floor, that's all we need to start the weekend correctly.

Congratulate them with me, won't you?

The Groom - Matthew Taddeo
The Bride - Michelle Cerio
The Place - Curtis Manor - Oswego, NY
The Song - Ryan Waters Band - You're Still The One

Congratulations to you both and thank you for choosing Salt City Sound Machine!

10/12/2024

Gift from the bride and groom

10/12/2024

Kiss Cam 💋 time, Awesome October edition

We're back! And we've been busy! The last two weddings were Kiss Cam-Less because of internet issues, but your favorite DJ Service is here with more love to our customers!

Today we've avoided a barn and are at Aster Estates Weddings, under their tent. The chill in the air is being felt, but no one is letting it bother them as we're experiencing the best of Fall.. sunny days and changing leaves.

I met Julia and Austin through my trivia games. They play at my regular Thursday game so I've gotten to know them and their family pretty well. When they asked me to DJ their wedding, I was beyond honored.

Austin and Julia have always been super friendly and easy going, and that has been amplified today at their wedding. It sounds cliche, but they truly are surrounded by special people who love them. Every guest here is at attention and engaged with every moment surrounding Austin and Julia. From their fun ceremony featuring the iconic ceremony intro from The Princess Bride, to the tear-jerking speeches, the guests have been there at every turn.

But beyond that, Austin and Julia have a whole bunch of fun features for the guests so they stay engaged. An audio guest book and an old school phone, co****le, plenty of photo ops, and my favorite new thing at weddings, a t-shirt toss is supposed to bouquetas. Should be a good time.

Congratulate them with me, won't you?

The Groom - Austin Morley-Sloan
The Bride - Julia Kay
The Place - Aster Estates Weddings and Events - Skaneateles, NY
The Song - Carlos Santana (Feat. Dave Matthews) - Love Of My Life

Congratulations to you both and thank you for choosing Salt City Sound Machine!

10/05/2024

Kiss Cam 💋 time, Rinse and Repeat edition

Stop me if you've heard this, folks. A mid-day wedding at The Old Administration Building at Green Lakes, ending at 6pm. You might be thinking, I've read about this wedding before, haven't I?

Well kind of... it was the same circumstances of our Tuesday wedding earlier this week. Even down to the excellent weather!

This time, our amazing couple are Josh and Courtney! A couple currently living in Chicago, IL who decided to take a Day Off ala Ferris Bueller (see what I did there?) And travel to Central New York for this idyllic and beautiful setting for their Fall wedding.

A running theme through the day has been how well these two work together through their patience and understanding and overall loving attitudes toward each other. The ceremony was a nice moment where emotional vows were shared while Park hikers and lake kayakers passed by, trying to sneak a peek.

As far as features throughout the day, Josh and Courtney will keep their guests very interested and full of enjoyment. Crown Coordination has the planning on lock down as usual! We worked together last night as well, but I couldn't post about it because it seems that the internet is a myth in rural Pennsylvania.

Josh and Courtney have vinyl records to sign for a guest book, a mug wall for favors, and a Donut wall for dessert. And we haven't even gotten to the formal dances, which should be great! It may not be Chicago, but Central New York can offer a better time than at least a White Sox game!

Congratulate them with me, won't you?

The Groom - Josh Button
The Bride - Courtney Sayre
The Place - Green Lakes State Park - Fayetteville, NY
The Song - CAAMP - Of Love and Life

Congratulations to you both and thank you for choosing Salt City Sound Machine!

10/01/2024

Kiss Cam 💋 time, folks! Tuesday wedding edition

We're back folks. We're still doing a wedding and this one's not in a barn. We're in the familiar surroundings of The Old Administration Building at Green Lakes State Park. Usually used as a popular beach destination locally, it's much less crowded today as the beach goers gave way to some very pretty sights as this site is nice as the leaves change color.

Today's couple is Zach and Amanda.. a couple whose laid back and chill attitude has translated well to the vibes of their wedding. The professionals were simple, while elegant as the bridesmaids and bride's descended from the stone stairway leading to the ceremony site. The ceremony itself was very to the point and before you knew it, every was inside and our couple was married.

We're jam packed in this old building, but the spirits are high. Lots of love for our bride and groom as they were cheered on and joined for their first dance.

And pretty soon, this will all be over and we'll see the Zach and Amanda off with a bubble send off. Not a bad way to spend a Tuesday.

Congratulate them with me, won't you?

The Groom - Zachary Kaufman
The Bride - Amanda Stagnitta
The Place - Green Lakes State Park - Fayetteville, NY
The Song - Jack Johnson - Better Together

Congratulations to you both and thank you for choosing Salt City Sound Machine!

09/29/2024

Kiss Cam 💋 time, folks! Bye bye September edition

We're back for our specialty.. a lovely Central New York Fall wedding. And we're knee deep in our tour of all the barn weddings in the region. Tonight's wedding brings us to the town of Livonia, and the venue known as The Wingate Barn. I do see a lot of barns these days, but the cornfields and baby goats really made this one stick out.

But the day belongs to Luke and Erika. Two lovely people whose desire to get married is unmatched only to their inspiring devotion to their Faith. Luke and Erika is the classic tale told in the movies... knew each other in school.. lost each other for a time.. then reunited later in life and the rest is history.

One thing that's for sure, Luke and Erika certainly packed their wedding with fun features for all. After all, it's not often you see a bounce house at a wedding. Not to mention the popcorn bar, smores station, and photo trailer. But maybe the coolest feature was the unity portion of the ceremony. I've seen people poor sand, light candles, even plant trees. But what I've never seen until today was a couple using a branding iron to burn their newly formed initials into a piece of cowhide leather. As someone who values uniqueness, it was definitely a sight to see.

The rest of this reception has been shown to be a dedication to Faith and family. Luke and Erika have gone out of their way in making sure that all sorts of family members have their moment in the spotlight. And I'm sure all of the attempts were well received by the family members involved, especially the mother of the bride who, has the bride explained, tends to go unnoticed more often than not.

This is a nice way to spend a sunday. And I hope that Luke and Erika enjoy everything that is coming to them

Congratulate them with me, won't you?

The Groom - Luke Oldroyd
The Bride - Erika Redner
The Place - The Wingate Barn - Linovia, NY
The Song - Muscadine Bloodline - 10-90

Congratulations to you both and thank you for choosing Salt City Sound Machine!

09/28/2024

Kiss Cam 💋 time, folks! More barns! edition

We're back everyone! And it's a Saturday, so you know we're working. And we're back in a barn! Well... at least this one is like 5 minutes from my house!

I've known Kelsey and Sam for a while now. Kelsey's late mother and stepfather were regulars at one of my trivia games. So I've gotten to know them a bit. They are always cheery and good people to be around, so I was looking forward to this particular wedding.

And not for nothing, I've driven past this barn several times in my life and only found out that they opened it up for weddings. So it's very nice to be in familiar ground.

It was sunny for the ceremony in the large field behind the barn at Twin Lea Farm. A picturesque day if anyone could ever ask for one. Kelsey looked gorgeous walking up the path to her wedding, as even the horses stopped by to watch.

And most of the day was spent inside and out of the barn. Watching wonderful dances and listening to emotional and funny speeches.

I'm honored that Sam and Kelsey asked me to be a part of their day.

Congratulate them with me, won't you?

The Groom - Sam Gosson
The Bride - Kelsey Walsh
The Place - The Loft at Twin Lea Farm - Camillus, NY
The Song - Kip Moore - Hey Pretty Girl

Congratulations to you both and thank you for choosing Salt City Sound Machine!

09/21/2024

Kiss Cam 💋 time, folks! Another day, another barn edition

Back on the road, friends. You know, back about 15 to 16 years ago, when I did my first barn wedding I thought that it was a neat little trend that would eventually die out. After all, how many barns can there be in Central New York? Fast forward to 2024, and there seem to be millions and adding more.. and this "trend" isn't dying any time soon.

Today, our barn-stravaganza is in Lyons, NY and it's the wedding of Dylan and Kacie. I worked with Kacie's mother many years ago and definitely remember her as a kid. So I'm extra honored to be here today. She's looking gorgeous in her dress and is in really high spirits as she and Dylan got to enjoy their First Dance.

Dylan and Kacie had their ceremony and cocktail hour before SCSM arrived, but by all accounts both of them were fantastic. There was a little bit of rain, but by the time that happened everybody was inside. And now they just wheeled out a large Pig full with pulled pork for dinner. I haven't seen a pig roast in a wedding in a long time so this is exciting.

Congratulate them with me, won't you?

The Groom - Dylan Broughton
The Bride - Kacie Burdin
The Place - Toganenwood Estate Barn Weddings / Events Center- Lyons, NY
The Song - Kelsey Hart - Life With You

Congratulations to you both and thank you for choosing Salt City Sound Machine!