Of all the San Diego wedding DJs around, Thomas and Cindi chose me to DJ, MC, and provide a photo booth for their Balboa Park wedding in The Prado Grand Ballroom on Friday, August 4, 2017.
THE LOVE STORY
Thomas & Cindi met at a house party in Dubai (where they both live) and then went on their first date to Cindi’s favorite restaurant, an Argentinian steakhouse, Asado. Thomas was impressed with how she ordered steak (rare), and she was impressed with his choice of wine (red). Thomas did not help Cindi, in her stunning backless dress, down the stairs at the beginning of the night–instead he offered her the banister, but things improved from then on!
About their relationship, Thomas & Cindi say: “In so many ways we compliment each other, when one shows weakness the other shows strength. We both see our lives as one big adventure and we are so happy we get to share it with each other.” Even though Cindi really wanted to get married in a helicopter flying over Antarctica, she will instead be doing a Mexico/Cuba/New York City honeymoon.
On the final day of a California road-trip they took (3 months after meeting), Cindi dropped Thomas off at LAX and was a bit distant and cold. She then drove to a gas station in Inglewood and texted him, “I’m sorry I was being awkward, I just wanted to tell you that I love you.” He replied by correcting her spelling!!! That correction is something he has never been allowed to forget!
On July 23rd 2016, Thomas surprised Cindi with a trip to Paris. After a few glasses of wine, they were sitting on the balcony of their hotel room overlooking the Parisian skyline at sunset. Thomas took out a small box and gave it to Cindi. She thought it was a gift from his travels and was shocked to find an engagement ring inside. Cindi asked, “Is this what I think it is?” Thomas said, “Yes,” as he got down on one knee. Ahhhhh…..
THE CEREMONY
Cindi walked herself down the aisle in a navy blue gown (my kinda gal)! She entered to “Moon River,” Henry Mancini. After a very non-traditional ceremony in which the couple did not repeat vows or “ring promises” after their officiant, I played “I Want to Hold your Hand” from the Beatles as they walked back down the aisle.
THE PRADO GRAND BALLROOM WEDDING RECEPTION
Thomas & Cindi were officially introduced to “Everything is Awesome” by Lonely Island. They went immediately into their First Dance to Louis Armstrong’s version of “La Vie en Rose.” After a delicious meal from The Prado and toasts (oh, and the bride disappearing without notice for 30 minutes…we sent out a woman-hunt crew & discovered she had run out to the parking lot to greet some late-arriving guests), we played the Shoe Game. With about HALF of their guests flying in to celebrate with them from outside the US, we were sure to capture everyone in a group photo on the dance floor before we started dancing. Likewise, the children’s drawings you see decorating this Prado Grand Ballroom wedding are wedding wishes from Cindi’s 4th grade students back in Dubai.
THE PLAYLIST
For the cocktail hour/dinner playlist at this Prado Grand Ballroom wedding, the bride and groom requested songs from my Big Band/Old Jazz/Swing playlist and:
- Frank Sinatra – Come Fly With Me
- Dean Martin – Volare (Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu)
- Sammy Davis Jr. – I Ain’t Got Nobody
- Amy Winehouse – Our Day will Come
- Frank Sinatra – I’ve Got You Under My Skin
- Dean Martin – That’s Amore
- Frank Sinatra – I Get A Kick Out Of You
- Dean Martin – Mambo Italiano
- Frank Sinatra – L-O-V-E
- Etta James – At Last
- Jackie Wilson – Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher
- Marvin Gaye – Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
- Amy Winehouse – Valerie
Even though the newlyweds were not much for dancing, their “must play” songs consisted of:
- David Guetta Feat. Skyler Grey – Shot Me Down
- Avicii – Wake Me Up
- LMFAO – Shots
- 2pac feat Dr Dre – California Love
- Drake – One Dance
- Enrique – Hero (Spanish version)
- Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber – Despacito
- anything by Michael Jackson
- Jay-Z & Kanye – N*ggas in Paris
- Drake – Started from the Bottom (explicit)
- Elvis Crespo – Suavemente
THE PHOTO BOOTH
See Thomas & Cindi’s full San Diego photo booth gallery. Again, I was honored to be the one and only San Diego wedding DJ Thomas and Cindi trusted with the music & photo booth for their Prado Grand Ballroom wedding. Thank you! See more at #ThomasAndCindi.
SAN DIEGO WEDDING VENDOR LIST
Here is the amazing team of San Diego wedding vendors I had the pleasure of working with at this Friday wedding:
Venue/Caterer ➔ The Prado
DJ/Photo Booth ➔ Staci Nichols
Photographer ➔ Loud Love Photography
Officiant ➔ Alison Backous
Cake Bakery ➔ Sweet Cheeks
Florist ➔ Liz’ Flowers
Post by DJ Track Star Staci
I'm DJ Track Star Staci, an international DJ, MC, turntablist, & producer for 14 years. My clients have included: Lamborghini, Victoria's Secret, Reebok, and many more. My performances are trusted at A-list events like Comic Con, Entrepreneur of the Year, and movie premieres. I've rocked Sr. Frogs in Cancun, music festivals, the Vegas strip, celebrity events, & 500 weddings. Check my availability, get an instant fee estimate, or listen to some of my DJ sets or my original remixes & mash-ups.
