Surprise . . . Surprise . . . Surprise!!!
There has always been a great element of surprise at our “Remarkable Wedding” events. For the audience, the unique and specialized nature of our offerings often find guests in wide-eyed wonderment. But the wedding of Chrysee and Todd Coburn this past September really took the element of surprise to a whole new level.
First a little background. I have had the pleasure to know Chrysee and her parents for many years. They are definitely a family who knows how to party. Her mom and step dad would come to John Ascuaga’s Nugget on a regular basis where I have performed a weekly dance party for the past twelve years. I could always count on her step dad John to look up at me and yell out “Y.M.C.A.”. Todd, the groom, is just an awesome guy! He is a former professional baseball player – drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies, who is now involved in youth baseball training.
Surprise # 1 – The Rehearsal Dinner
It is not often when guests at a rehearsal dinner arrive to see no sign whatsoever of food, plates or utensils. The late afternoon gathering began at the home of a family relative in Washoe Valley where the next day’s festivities were to take place. I directed everyone through the logistics and timing of the ceremony walk-through, which went very smoothly.
Everyone then settled in and took their seats as I began a detailed oration that discussed the timeline and itinerary for tomorrow’s event. Inconspicuously absent were Chrysee and Todd – who snuck away during the middle of my speech. They went inside the house to change into their costumes. They soon emerged, to the cheers of the audience, wearing the very familiar uniform of “In & Out Burger” – pushing a cart full of burgers and fries from the popular food chain. The guests absolutely love it.
The night concluded with our “game show” competition which offered an absolutely hilarious hour of fun. As I was loading my vehicle, a guest took me aside and gave me one of the greatest compliments of my life. She said “I have been a bridesmaid 17 times . . . and this was the most amazing rehearsal dinner I have ever attended!”
Surprise # 2 – The Green Monster
Those who are familiar with baseball have probably heard this nickname that refers to the 37 foot left field wall in Fenway Park. Since Todd is a former professional baseball player it seemed pleasantly fitting that our pre-event consultations had us scratching our heads as to how to overcome the large two-story green building that overlooked the backyard reception area. Many ideas were tossed around. We finally decided on a gobo spotlight that would project the words “congratulations” upon the side of the house.
Unbenounced to Chrysee and Todd, I still had reservations about our choice of lighting for the green monster. I took the liberty of having a custom glass gobo made that would project their names and wedding date upon the wall. I kept this a surprise and did not actually turn the light on until the Grand Entrance. As Chrysee and Todd rounded the corner for their formal introduction – they were met by their wedding party on the dance floor as they danced to one of Chrysee’s favorite songs – Love Somebody by Rick Springfield. It didn’t take long before she turned around and saw her and Todd’s name lighting up their reception!
Surprise # 3 – Elvis Makes a Cameo Appearance
Our pre-event consultations already had a “Farewell Dance” selected – Let’s Stay Together by Al Green. As I traveled about the audience throughout the day, I came to understand that Chrysee’s step dad was actually an Elvis impersonator about 20 years ago. I could see the resemblance in his stature and facial structure. When I casually asked him about this he mentioned that he even won awards and competitions, back in the day. A short time later he approached me and asked to surprise Chrysee with a rendition of “Can’t Help Falling In Love”, which was actually the way Elvis use to end every concert. I loved the idea and decided this would make a perfect “Farewell Dance”.
As it was time for the final dance, I gathered everyone in a circle around the dance floor with Chrysee and Todd in the middle. As they were surrounded by family and friends, I thanked all the guests for making this a very special day for Chrysee and Todd – one they would never forget. At that moment, I started the intro music to “Can’t Help Falling In Love”.
As John was working his way through the crowd, Chrysee’s back was to him as she heard the first few words “Wise men say . . . “. She immediately shouted out “daddy!” as she turned around to see her step dad emerge from the audience in what was an incredibly moving moment!
Sponsored Advertisement
