Wedding at Bearnock Lodge Near Urquhart.

Last night I had the pleasure of entertaining around 40 people at Alison and Wayne’s wedding reception at Bearnock Lodge near Urquhart and Drumnadrochit on the banks of Loch Ness.

I had one of the best and most memorable weddings that I think I’ve ever done in 42 years!

I would describe Alison and Wayne’s wedding as perfect. The weather was stunning with not a cloud in the sky and the setting in beautiful grounds and a lovely country Lodge was just amazing.

When I looked into the gardens and saw the white open sided marquee and all the chairs all laid out it reminded me of a Hollywood style open air wedding like in Forest Gump. It just looked so romantic and amazing.

The moment I arrived I knew I was going to have a great gig. Call it Djs 6th sense but after 42 years you really get a feel for people and atmosphere.

I was introduced to Alison and Wayne by the best man Roddy and I was shown where they wanted me to set up my mobile disco.

The room I was in was a long lounge which at the time was filled with sofas etc which got moved after I’d set up to create a dance floor area. It just looked amazing and full of old world charm and it emphasised even more that this was going to be a night to remember.

Alison and Wayne had asked me to entertain their children at the start of the night with a mini disco which I did. I was given a number of prizes to give away and ran dancing and singing competitions etc and played the children’s requests, particularly from Amber who loved Walk The Moon’s song “ shut up and dance”.

After around 45 minutes I’d given away all the prizes and lots of adults had started to dance and I instinctively knew this was the right time to do the first dances. I asked Alison and Wayne if that was they wanted and they agreed.

We did the first dances and I made all the introductions etc and the night officially started for the evening reception. My guests started dancing quite literally from the first dance and it stayed that way all night.

I had one gentleman in particular who was sat to my right who I can only describe as a complete party animal and he loved to dance. We spoke during the buffet break and he really was quite a character. At the end of the night he told me he was 73.

I was very lucky as there were several other party animals and some exceptionally good dancers who made the whole evening such a pleasure for me.

Alison and Wayne were always up dancing and I think this is essential at a wedding if you want to have a great atmosphere. Your guests will always want to be where you are, and if that’s on the dance floor then your in for a great night.

The buffet was macaroni cheese and haggis neeps  and tatties and was freshly made and taken into the dining room. There seemed little interest in eating and I was asked to announce again that the buffet was open. The guests were too busy dancing and having fun. 

I took the rather unusual step of actually switching off the music and made an announcement that I was taking a break and going to let them eat in peace and be able to chat. That worked a treat and everyone went through to the dining room and got some food. I had two plates as I hadn’t eaten at all that day apart from two sandwiches and a Kit Kat. The buffet was perfect.

The bar was a help yourself type one and this meant everyone got what they wanted quickly and as they liked it.

The dancing went on from 5pm to 10.30pm and for me it just flew by. Requests came thick and fast and I had lots of interaction with the various characters in the audience. If you want a successful wedding always invite some real characters who want to have fun. It’s addictive and encourages everyone else to join in.

A Dj can do so much to make your wedding go well. I can play all the right music, create the right ambiance with lighting and play at a comfortable volume but ultimately it’s the guests you invite who will make your wedding!

Last night I chatted to so many of the guests before during and after the disco and although I finished at 10.30pm I didn’t leave until quarter past midnight. I sat on the bumper of my van talking to one gentleman who loved Dixie my dog and she took to him straight away. We sat for a good 20 mins talking about the dogs we had owned over the years.

I’ve often wondered as a mobile Dj doing weddings every week all over Scotland at just how much better I can get. My musical knowledge continues to increase, my interaction and compere skills continue to improve and my mobile disco looks better almost weekly as I buy more equipment.

Last nights wedding reception certainly has to be in my top 10 weddings of all time thanks to a great crowd, a lovely bride and groom, a great location, great food and a terrific sunny day.

 It’s one I will remember for many years to come.

It was a long drive back to Perth and I got in at 3.15am. On the way back I saw lots of red deer and it reminded me of my trip back from Arisaig which is further up the same road. That night I must have seen well over 200 deer. The Astley Hall in Arisaig is another great venue and I had another awesome wedding there.

Driving back to Inverness I passed lots of venues I’d played in, in Drumnadrochit itself at the village hall to The Clansman Hotel on the banks of Loch Ness to Loch Ness Country House Hotel where I was only a few weeks ago doing a disco and a photo booth hire.

It was a long drive home but I was still hyper after an awesome evening and got home safely.

Ashley.

Heres a video from last night that really shows you the fun my guests were having:

There are lots more on my You Tube Channel.