One of the first big decisions our groom had to make was choosing the DJ for his wedding at The Waterview in Monroe, CT. Alex has known me for many years, having seen me DJ company events in the past, so he knew what he was signing up for.

I’ve been to The Waterview many times. There are two reception halls, so there’s the possibility of two weddings happening on the same day. That being said, they are mirror images of each other and very straightforward. To the left of the building is a courtyard for ceremonies, which is where our ceremony was scheduled. After the couple had their photos taken and I was all set up with speakers and microphones for the main event, Mother Nature crashed the party with a random summer storm just minutes before we were supposed to begin. We decided that even if the rain cleared out, the move was to have the ceremony downstairs, as wet grass and chairs would just get in the way.

Cocktail hour was then held back on the main floor by the bar. The dining area would be walled off until it was time for guests to be seated. The waitstaff would then have much less space to pass hors d’oeuvres, and party energy also dissipates if guests are too spread out. This is also important when selecting your venue—you want the space to adequately fit your guest count; otherwise, it simply won’t feel like a party.

Once cocktail hour was over, the dividers were removed, and guests were seated. Shortly thereafter, we introduced the wedding party and the couple, right into their first dance. At all tables were blank advice cards, giving friends and family an opportunity to write to the bride and groom with tips and well-wishes for the next chapter of their lives.

We later capped off dinner with toasts and parent dances, signaling that the dance floor was open. Not to interrupt the raucous dance floor, their cake cutting was private and off to the side with their photographer. And they were indeed rowdy!

Before the night wrapped up, guests indulged in sweet treats from a chocolate fountain and late-night stations.

The Waterview Monroe, CT Wedding Specs

Guests: 160

Ages: Mostly 30s and older family members

Wedding Party: Yes Introduced: Yes, all together 

Dinner: 3 Courses, Plated

Music Likes: Acoustic Rap, Covers during cocktail hour

Vendors

Venue: The Waterview

Photographer: Gustavo Tessaro

Floral: Farmhouse Flowers

Designer & Coord: unKAGed Events

Agenda

5:30 PM – Ceremony

6:00 PM – Cocktail Hour

7:00 PM – Reception ->

Grand Entrance, First Dance

7:45 PM – Dinner ->

Toasts, Parent Dances

10:00 PM – Chocolate Fountain and Late Night Food Station 

11:30 PM – Conclusion

Song Selections

Processional

• “I will spend my whole life loving you” by Imaginary Future & Kina Grannis

Bride

• “I Choose You” by Ryann Darling

Recessional

• “Clarity” by Chris Malinchek

First Dance

• “Crowded Room” by Connor Maynard

Grand Entrance

• “Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay

Father / Daughter Dance

• “When God Made You My Father” by Riley Roth

Mother / Son Dance

• “Mommas” by The Swon Brothers

Photos by Gustavo Tessaro