Seattle Parties

Red Carpet Mode

2011-09-13T01:02:00.000-07:00

Doug and Marina recess from the amazing ceremony on the shores of Lake Washington at the Seattle Tennis Club. Officiant Frank Harlan secretly had the guests get into "Red Carpet Mode" after the kiss, surprising the newlyweds with a fun exit from their ceremony. Harlan offers unique non-religious ceremony services with a humanist perspective focusing on love and all the joy it brings to the world. Love and Happiness was aplenty at this celebration.

Dancing at the Red Barn

2011-09-12T13:09:00.000-07:00

Dancing in Chehalis. After years of upgrades, Red Barn Studios has become one of the best venues in the state. Being located perfectly between Seattle and Portland allows for urbanites from both northwest cities to celebrate in a beautiful rural setting with all the modern amenities. This wedding featured Portlanders Connealy and Jeff tying the knot out in the field near the Chehalis River on a gorgeous day. Lou Alexander played some Irish fiddle along with some classical tunes for the ceremony, and DJ Sean took over once the high energy dance party started.

Love Aboard The Ferry Boat

2011-09-08T01:13:00.000-07:00

DJ Sean had the dance floor packed on the Skansonia Ferry Boat on Labor Day. Whether playing a slow song, a conga line, classic motown groove or a newer pop smash hit, this crowd couldn't get enough. It's always so great to witness a couple that is deeply in love celebrating to the fullest. The groom and his pals are home brewers and their homemade beer was flowing along with the bliss of the day.
The Skansonia is one of the most popular places to hold a ceremony and reception. And why not, This facility has it all - the incredible view of Lake Union and the Seattle skyline, one of the most consistently excellent catering staff and chefs, all aboard a vintage Seattle ferry boat with enough character to make any photographer happy. Sean's fifth wedding in a row was possibly the most fun, although they were all quite fun!

Seattle Waterfront Wedding

2011-08-21T13:41:00.000-07:00

Last night, our longtime friend Donna married her high school sweetheart. A love affair decades in the making. We can't wait to see Amber French's shots form this night - our camera just couldn't hang in the low light. The blue color scheme, the coffee theme, The New York Cupcakes and Gelato, and the music all over the map, from punk rock to line dancing, made for a special night at the World Trade Center on the waterfront.

Homemade Chuppah

2011-08-15T14:55:00.000-07:00

Sean an amazing time as the DJ for Monica and Kassie's wedding celebration at an incredible property in North Bend last week. Kristen of Jubilee Events ran it to perfection, Libby Lewis snapped what we're sure will be stellar photos, and Herban Feast provided yet another epic meal. The handmade Chuppah perched on a hill overlooking the cascades provided the setting for a beautiful day full of music and merriment.

Blue Ribbon Catering

2011-07-22T14:13:00.000-07:00

A great celebration began with a lovely ceremony at Sunset Hill Park in Ballard. It was one of those Seattle days where we couldn't figure out where the rain was coming from. The nice and sunny day featured random gusts of wind and rain. Wacky weather notwithstanding, everything went without a hitch, thanks in part to the new battery powered PA system we are using and a well-placed umbrella.

The reception that followed at Blue Ribbon Catering featured DJ Sean and a very lively crowd. They danced to some classic old tunes, including Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed" Delivered" and the Isley Brothers version of "Shout" mixed in with newer hits by Pitbull and Rihanna. One of those groups that sang loudly to every song and had to be dragged off the dance floor once the witching hour was up. Lots of fun for a DJ!

The food is one of the main reasons for Blue Ribbon's popularity. Any place that doubles as a cooking school better have great food, and they deliver time and time again. Wonder why we always like being there so much...A bonus is being right on Lake Union, with some nice views and lake breezes. Luckily DJ Sean had a wedding there the following day as well, with the ceremony inside at Blue Ribbon. Good thing, because the weatherman had the wrong weekend forecast, the supposedly sunny Sunday turned rainy and a bit gray. The second wedding at Blue Ribbon was no less fun, though. The night was topped off by a surprise exit by the bride and groom via a sea-plane. Can't get much better than that!

Semiahmoo

2011-07-06T03:24:00.000-07:00

We've booked a lot of weddings up at the Semiahmoo Resort this year. Although a two hour drive from Seattle, the scenery and excellent staff make the trip always worthwhile. A fantastic couple from Surrey, B.C. tied the knot on one of the first truly amazing days of the year - and on a Thursday! The lawn behind the hotel lobby provides a stunning view of Drayton Harbor, the Blaine border crossing, and the southern tip of British Columbia from a pristine beach. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day for the lovely couple and their friends and family who travelled from all over the world for the celebration.

The reception moved from the post-ceremony outdoor cocktail hour to the main tent for dinner and dancing. After a stellar meal, as par the course at Semiahmoo, an ice cream station added to the dessert array of various cakes. A fun photo booth was set up for quick costume and chalkboard-quote snapshots. Soon enough, high energy dancing erupted on the dance floor as DJ Sean was hitting all the right notes. Later fireworks were blasted off the deck onto the water separating the US and Canada. Everyone was literally having a blast!

Roche Harbor

2011-06-19T23:03:00.000-07:00

DJ Leslie was honored to be involved in an amazing event at Roche Harbor last year. Put on by True Colors Events, this marriage to remember was of two terrific people, George and Stephen. It was a celebration of 25 years of love and committment for each other and was attended by their daughter and closest friends and family. John and Joseph Photography was on hand, and as always provided stellar images.
Leslie and our lighting team pulled out all the stops with the spectacular environmental lighting which included great moving spots and lasers on the dance floor, uplighting the entire tent in crimson red and the most dramatic effect: uplighting the trees and even the outside walls of their home overlooking the water. The very talented Mitch Mattraw of Cabfare Productions captured the day beautifully with this video montage.

The Edgewater

2011-04-03T12:35:00.001-07:00

One of the classic iconic Seattle moments has to be the Beatles fishing Puget Sound out of their room at the Edgewater Hotel back in '64. Now you can rent out the Beatles Suite, complete with memorabilia and of course the one of a kind views. We've really enjoyed DJing what seem to be always incredibly fun weddings over the years at the Edgewater. Our own DJ Mark had a most excellent wedding there, having met and hired DJ Sean to be his wedding DJ, Sean subsequently hired Mark right back as the third DJ in the Seattle Parties team.

DJ Sean had the pleasure of starting 2011 with another stellar ceremony and reception on the waterfront. Amore Studios was on hand to capture the amazing evening. Award winning planners Valley and Co., voted recently to the Elite Top 50 to watch in 2011 by San Diego Magazine, hosted the magical first day of 2011, with a winter wonderland in the always lovely Olympic Ballroom.

Our Wedding

2011-03-19T09:31:00.000-07:00

People have asked us over the years about our wedding, since we've done close to 1000 since. Leslie and I were married on October 1, 1999, just as we were getting into the wedding business full-time. We chose a great location that Leslie especially had a place in her heart for, and a spot where I DJ'd a wedding for the first time for a friend years earlier - Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills. With incredible views, an amazing old money house and impeccably groomed acres of land in the hills above Sunset Blvd., this spot has it all. So much so, that while we were about to start the ceremony we got a surprise visit by Martin Sheen (so L.A.!), who was filming an episode for the West Wing.

We battled Friday traffic in a limo across the west side (so L.A!) to Sean's mother's house for a backyard reception, and the celebrations ensued. With Monty Banks playing some great tunes on piano (he also performed on accordion for the ceremony) and friend Steve DJing up some classics, the reception was so much fun that by 1 a.m., the neighbors had had enough and the LAPD showed up, ending the merriment. Good thing since we had to catch a plane in the early morning to make it to Cape Cod where an east coast reception was held at the Hyannis Yacht Club. A couple days later we were off to Italy, Monte Carlo, southern France, and Spain (where Leslie had a DJ gig!) for an unbelievable honeymoon. A month later, our Seattle friends threw us a party in the International District, with the Dusty 45s rockin' the house. Leave it to us to have three parties for one wedding!

Leslie and Dave

2011-03-14T02:29:00.000-07:00

When Leslie was asked to DJ for a School benefit recently, she was pretty excited about the party. Besides helping as the "reader" for the auctioneer and raising 63k in funds for the school, she played some great tunes for the parents to boogie down to throughout the night. Leslie was thrilled when parent Dave Matthews broke out his guitar, plugged into Leslie's mixer and let an alum student perform a song. Then he gave a speech that was awe inspiring. After his time on stage, Dave ended up dancing the night away with his wife on the dance floor, grooving to the Ramones and the Violent Femmes. Leslie made a new friend, connected through music. We get so many requests for Dave's music, especially the great song You and Me, which we've used for more than one first dance and even during a wedding ceremony. The event was a huge success thanks to Dave and DJ Leslie's performance. Leslie's been asked to DJ again, and is excited for next year's event!

Lake Union Cafe

2011-03-13T01:12:00.000-08:00

DJ Sean spun some fun for a great couple, Ryan and Karen, who seemed so truly made for each other, the tears were flowing throughout the lovely ceremony performed by Mary Callhoun. The party kicked into high gear during dinner as the bride wanted really upbeat music early during the reception. Once the dancing started, guests were hyped up and ready to rock, dancing until the very last possible minute the venue was booked for. The Lake Union Cafe has become one of Seattle's classic wedding spots. With it's antique interior including a revolving door and mechanical ceiling fans, it definitely has character. We've always noticed the high quality of the food and impeccable service from long-time manager Dann. He has this place down pat and we've always had smoothly run events and enjoyable parties at L.U.C.

Pioneer Park

2011-03-06T12:48:00.000-08:00

DJ Sean was the DJ and MC for a huge wedding down in Puyallup. Over 300 guests arrived for the reception of John and Marian. Pioneer Park Pavillion was transformed into a New Orleans Mardi Gras Party by always skillful Lush Parties and Events. Sean obliged with some great Dixieland, Hot Jazz, second line grooves, and cajun soul during the cocktail hour and Thai dinner (didn't fit the theme, but it sure was good!). High energy dancing ensued and the night was a tremendous success. Aaron Horton shot video so we look forward to seeing it all again.

Adele's new album

2011-02-08T13:30:00.000-08:00

Quite the phenom now, Adele seems poised for greatness. She seems to have shattered any concept of a sophomore curse with this - her second album at the age of 21 - some critics say is a pure masterpiece. Dushy Springfield is crying from her grave! "GO GIRL!" A strong voice at a young age means we'll hopefully be hearing a lot from her over the years. Now she's hitting the UK charts by storm, with three singles in the top 40, and her album is due out in the US soon. Can't wait? Listen here!

Weddings in Woodinville

2011-01-22T03:01:00.000-08:00

On January 30, Seattle Parties is proud to be involved again with this fantastic event, showcasing Woodinville's amazing collection of wineries and wedding venues. This year, DJ Leslie will be at the Woodhouse Wine Estates, while the Haggis Brothers will be playing their brand of knee-slappin' fun at JM Cellars. Weddings in Woodinville features a day of wine tasting, great music, incredible vendors all showcasing their talents. Ride around to each winery in style in one of Buter Valet's luxurious vans, sip wine at one of this town's great wineries, eat delicious catered food, and meet the best of the wedding industry. All in all, a great way for couples and their families to spend a Sunday, exploring the amazing options Woodinville has to offer.

3 2 1 Foto

2011-01-10T17:22:00.000-08:00

Photo booths have become one of the most popular things to have at a reception or party and 321 Foto is the company that can give you more than just a booth that simply spits out snapshots. They offer quality prints onto customized graphics along with props making for priceless keepsakes. Event CDs and lovely guest books are available so you're not just left with a strip of cool and fun shots on your fridge. Marilee, Shana and Perrin are a joy to work with and their professionalism and quality of product makes them stand out from the rest.

Named in the Knot's Best of Weddings!

2011-01-05T19:32:00.000-08:00

Seattle Parties was once again honored by the Knot with being named in the Best of Weddings for 2011. We love what we do, and and we're glad it shows!

O Christmas Trees

2010-12-22T20:36:00.000-08:00

We had a tremendous time at the O Christmas Trees Gala Event. The amazing dinner and auction raised a million dollars this year, providing funds for Providence Senior and Community Services throughout Puget Sound. Thanks to Team Photogenic for providing stellar photo and video coverage.

Children's Hospital Benefit

2010-11-30T14:48:00.000-08:00

DJ Sean spun some fun at Herban Feast's Sodo Park for an event benefiting Children's Hospital. MC Pat Cashman had the group in good spirits as the Frances W. Nordstrom Guild celebrated it's continuing commitment to Children's uncompensated care program.

Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Festival

2010-11-20T21:46:00.000-08:00

DJ Leslie had the crowd dancing at the Columbia Tower Club for the 18th Annual Beaujolais Wine Festival. 500 revelers gathered to honor the French tradition of welcoming the arrival of the first 2010 “new wines” – the famous Beaujolais Nouveau wine from the Beaujolais region of France. And what a party it was! Incredible food, astonishing views, and of course some of the best wine made on Earth.

Urban Unveiled 2010

2010-10-22T15:17:00.000-07:00

Another stellar evening hosted by Jesse and Travis of True Colors Events. Excitement always builds up when the show is getting close because we know the wow factor will be high with such talent involved. A relaxed and elegant vibe permeated Benaroya Hall as brides and wedding industry bigwigs gathered to celebrate the best that Seattle has a to offer. Luly Yang's fashion show is always the highlight and this year was no exception. Glamorous gowns and lovely coutoure dresses had the crowd in awe.

Jen & Jody Photography at the Woodmark

2010-06-28T14:38:00.000-07:00

Last Friday Sean had the pleasure of providing music for a great couple, Christine and Mark, at the Woodmark in Kirkland. Such a lovely setting caught perfectly by talented photo team Jen and Jody. Walking down the aisle to Elvis' timeless classic I Can't Help Falling in Love to You, the lovely bride stepped closer to her husband to be, reminding us of the classic scene in Blue Hawaii. Later, children from each side of the new family lead dances into the night.

McMillan Graduation Party

2010-06-08T12:46:00.000-07:00

What a blast we had producing this amazing party for The McMillans. Coach of the NBA's Portland Trailblazers, Nate Mcmillan is known as Mr. Sonic up in this part of the NW. Sean was thrilled to meet a basketball great, and to DJ for his daughter's graduation. Leslie threw together quite a shindig at the Space Needle, with Choice Linens, Tallant House, and Floranova. We couldn't ask for better vendors or for nicer clients! After the party, Sean hopped over to the Ruins for a benefit (see previous post).

Haggis Brothers at Habitat for Humanity Benefit

2010-06-08T12:13:00.000-07:00

The Haggis Brothers were honored to have performed at a benefit for Habitat For Humanity last Saturday, June 5. The band's services were one of the many items available for auction as the event at The Ruins raised thousands of dollars for such a great cause. Photographer Nick Gunderson captured the event beautifully - this guy's got skills!

M.I.A.

2010-05-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

One of the most unique artists making music today, M.I.A. has forged ahead into pop stardom mixing hip hop and a post-modern mash-up of styles. She celebrates her Tamil Sri Lankan roots with lyrics evoking revolution - a far cry from her contemporaries on the charts singing vapid lyrics. With a new album due out in July, we're waiting with anticipation.

Hip Hop Samples

2010-05-24T02:13:00.001-07:00

DJs and producers Kon + Amir give us a great list of the 50 Greatest Hip Hop Samples of All Time. What seems to be a potpourri of records ranging from classic old soul and R&B to very obscure thrift store finds, samples from these tracks can be heard all over Hip Hop classics and are still used today. Give a listen to the originals and see what songs use them.

Head Like a Kite

2010-05-21T14:23:00.000-07:00

One of our favorite local bands now has a coffee named after it! Roaster Caffe Vita has released Head Like A Kite Reserve from Gayo farms in northern Sumatra. To celebrate their new album, load up on their latest releases, music and coffee, and get fueled up for a record release party at Neumos tonight (May 21). It'll be one of those shows you don't want to miss!

Bellevue Farmer's Market

2010-05-13T13:36:00.001-07:00

What a great way to spend a nice spring day on the eastside! The Bellevue Farmer's Market offers incredible locally grown and organic food, amazing vendors such as Veraci Pizza, guest chef demos and great tunes from bands such as our own The Haggis Brothers.

Nat King Cole

2010-04-25T23:19:00.000-07:00

NPR's excellent series, 50 Great Voices, has featured some incredible singers over recorded music history, from a variety of music genres. One of our favorites, Nat King Cole, gets his due props as what we think is possibly the greatest voice of the 20th Century (oh and he played a mean piano to boot!). Check him out here laying it down with jazz giants Oscar Peterson and Coleman Hawkins.

Another Music Loss - Malcolm McLaren

2010-04-08T18:59:00.000-07:00

First it was Alex Chilton, then Mark Linkous, now Malcom McLaren has passed away. An important figure in the birth of punk rock in the 70s, he went on to produce and record some really great stuff. From our dear friend Peter "Dishy" Ambrose in NYC: Malcolm McLaren was most likely the biggest influence on how we hear music today. He manufactured a band - The Sex Pistols - out of nobodies - and he changed the face of music. From svengali to visionary, Malcolm was destined to stir the pot. Taking the political British tempest in a teapot of the late 70s and throwing into the soup an anarchistic group of establishment rebels (all self created) - he opened up the punk movement which either spawned (the Clash, The Damned) or spurned on the other side of the pond (Ramones, Blondie) to bigger audiences - this man took the shallow pond of rock and roll and created an ocean of possibilities...... After the pistols he managed Adam and the Ants and then took some of the ants, grabbed Annabella Lwin from a dry cleaner and created bow wow wow - more of the similar tribal rhythms the ants were using but with a more ferocious marketing. UP YOURS! BONDAGE! Bow Wow Wow were an instand success in the UK (which later had a brief slot on the US charts)......however the man had to move on...he created the iconic Duck Rock LP in ____ which was a mixture of NYC underground rappers and scratchers - using snippets from radio shows and sampling all types of sounds into his groove - BUFFALO GALS was an international smash - followed by DOUBLE DUTCH - the sidewalk skip rope game girls in the NYC ghetto were skipping to. He literally introduced the entire idea of sampling and blending - which we should thank him for and also hate him for - see the current hip hop scene. He didn't stop there - his next solo venture was a mix of pop and opera! Imagine that!!! The album FANS had the internanional smash MADAME BUTTERFLY which blended beautifully the aria of butterfly with a smart rap....it still sounds as current today for it's individuality and beauty as the day it was released......McLaren followed this with his WALTZ DARLING album - which he wanted to blend old time waltzes with pop...not as brilliant as FANS, however he did DEEP IN VOGUE - a song about Vogueing - a year before Madonna's Vogue. This man was always ahead of his game. His later releases were either regurgitations of his Do Ya Like Scratchin's Days or Bow Wow Wow rhythym puzzles....he released a BEAUTIFUL 2 CD called PARIS all about his love for the city. The first disc had 'vocals' by the lieks of Catherine Deneuve and Sonia Rieke;, the second a gorgeous instrumental. His influence is grand. He created the idea of men creating a britney spears. Obviously there were manufactured bands in the past (The Monkees - who of course grew out of the factory that created them), The Archies ( a cartoon) and The Partridge Family (A tv show) ...however McLaren knew how to take a potential "client" and groom them into his idea of expression. And that is what he left us with. A great burst of energy. There would be no Soiuxsie & The Banshees, The Cure, Joy Division, The Clash, Echo & the Bunnymen...there would have been no NEW WAVE for the music industry to respond to the raw sounds of the sex pistols so we would have had no Duran Duran, Human League, OMD.....you can lead this up to every band who has ever sneared or given the middle finger to a camera. There are only two big influences on the scene since 1970 and they have dominated everything - Kraftwerk and Malcolm McLaren, death of butterfly

Great Choice

2010-03-28T13:18:00.000-07:00

Linens are a great way to add panache to your event. Choice Linens has an incredible selection of fine and exotic tablecloths in styles and colors that cannot be found anywhere else in Seattle. Visit owner Liza in her delightful boutique storefront located in lower Queen Anne and marvel over her unique selection of linen while gaining advice and decor tips from a very knowledgeable lady! Let Choice Linens put some WOW in those little finishing touches that will make you stand out from the crowd!

What a Tallant!

2010-03-24T16:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had the pleasure of lunching with Judy Tallant at her 100+ year old home on her estate in Monroe, WA. Judy served a Pithivier filled with chicken, spinach, garlic, and fresh parmesan, in puff pastry - and a mixed greens salad with a fig and pomegranate balsamic vinaigrette. Desserts included toasted vanilla bean marshmallows, little lemon meringue tartlets, pistachio and raspberry Parisian macarons, candied Mandarin orange peel, and entremet of hazelnut, espresso and chocolate. I know...could you just faint over this menu?? Her pastries are made with all natural ingredients. Mix that in with Judy's homemade touch and you'll agree that Tallant House is one of most amazing dessert experiences you'll ever have! -- DJ LESLIE

Now booking for wedding cakes 2010/2011!

Wedding Cookies

2010-03-09T19:13:00.000-08:00

So many regions of this country offer different wedding traditions. In western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, for example, hundreds of cookies adorn desert tables at wedding celebrations. Wedding guests in Pittsburgh seem to come for the cookies first and foremost, leaving the party at the end of the night with boxes of cream-filled lady locks, snowflake-shaped pizzelles and chewy nut cups. With tremendous variety of shapes and flavors, it's no wonder the popularity is expanding beyond the mid-west and east coast.

Eastside Gem

2010-03-04T14:24:00.000-08:00

The Harbor Club in Bellevue has to be one of the finest establishments on Eastside. The view is tremendous, the Cascade and Olympic Rooms available for weddings and events are amazing, but most of all we are impressed with the professional staff. Chef David Thierry's experience at The Four Seasons Olympic Hotel, the Herbfarm, along with local and European training, makes him the real gem of this venue. For people who want a top notch food experience, this is the place.
With two tremendous spots atop buildings in the heart of each downtown, the Harbor Club Seattle and Bellevue both offer an excellent event experience. Being a private club, membership is required, but upon viewing these places and tasting the food, you'll want to join!

Eco-Friendly Wedding Dresses

2010-02-09T12:22:00.000-08:00

A great way to contribute to the reuse and recycle tenets of the environmental movement is to have this amazing Ballard shop make a dress for you. Owner Amanda Vernell explains how Twice Blushed Bridal is a creative exploration that remakes a once-loved bridal gown into a unique, one-of-a-kind work of art that represents an environmentally conscious approach to the wedding dress. Bridal gowns hold layers of beautiful, reusable materials. With a little care these materials can be re-designed into an updated style that fits a new wearer in a customized, personal way. In addition to being a sustainable practice, reusing materials lowers the cost of the dress and allows for more delicate hands-on work to enhance the design.

We Heart Sharlane Benefit

2010-02-01T00:43:00.000-08:00

We are honored to be involved with this benefit for one of the great photographers in the region. Sharlane Chase is fighting cancer and the wedding community is coming to help with the staggering costs with an auction event on February 4 from 7 - 10 pm at SODO PARK. Leslie will be the auctioneer and MC for this very important fund raiser for one of our own.

Weddings in Woodinville

2010-01-25T13:27:00.000-08:00

There are so many great venues in this lovely eastside town. With it's multiple wineries and lush landscapes, Woodinville has a lot to offer to couples looking for a convenient location with a rural feel for their celebrations. Catch DJ Leslie at Januik Winery on January 31 at this multiple venue open house, including wine-tasting, catered food, and luxury transportation from Butler Transportation. Other Woodinville wedding spots on the tour include Delille Cellars, Columbia Winery, JM Cellars, Russell's Barn, and Willows Lodge. Get tickets now before it sells out!

Beatles Charts

2010-01-21T20:26:00.000-08:00

This has to be one of the coolest things we've seen in a while. Designer Michael Deal created what he calls an exploration of Beatles music through infographics. Charting everything from song keys to authorship and collaborations to a breakdown of their working schedules, this just adds to the lexicon of Beatles lore. They are a band that never seems to stop giving. The new mastered stereo and mono releases sound phenomenal, Cirque Du Soleil's LOVE looks incredible, and Ringo even has a new album!

Thelonious Monk: An American Original

2010-01-11T01:52:00.000-08:00

We love Monk. We love his unmistakable piano style and his knack for writing great tunes that become jazz standards. Although many of his solos and compositions are advanced rhythmically and harmonically, his music always feels rooted in the blues and soul that so profoundly influenced 20th Century music. This Genius of Modern Music had an almost punk rock attitude and with such a unique musical voice, Monk's appeal will grow on you. In a new book, Thelonious Monk: The Life and Times of an American Original, author Robin Kelly explores his incredible history and misunderstood mental problems. His bipolar disorder alienated some during his career, but there seemed to be a method to his madness. Later in life he literally could not sit still, but when on the piano, he could swing like no one else.

Luxe Wedding Design Event at Georgetown Ballroom

2010-01-05T13:29:00.000-08:00

Annette Lefebvre of Luxe Productions and Wedding Design is putting on an amazing invitation only gala event for the Georgetown Ballroom on Sunday, January 10. From great food and drinks to brilliant music from the likes of Lushy and The Blue Four Trio as well as the always stunning performances by Enjoy Productions, this is bound to be one of the great events of the winter. Just added to the bill, Seattle Parties' own DJ Sean plays bass with the Haggis Brothers.

Great Locations for Seattle Weddings

2010-01-01T12:47:00.000-08:00

Seattle Parks offer a variety of great spots for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The mix of natural beauty and affordable cost make many of the locations highly sought after. Sign ups for many of the venues take place on January 4. Expect long lines and stiff competition for the big dates in the summer. It's well worth the wait if you can grab one of the lovely park locations, including Hamilton Viewpoint in West Seattle, Golden Gardens Bath House in Ballard (pictured), Gas Works Park in Wallingford and many others. Special locations, such as Kubota Gardens, Discovery Park and the Arboretum, are booked up to a year in advance and are not offered on the January 4 sign up. Instead, call Parks Event Scheduling at 206-684-4081.

Fresh Bistro - NYE

2009-12-19T13:28:00.000-08:00

Spend New Years' Eve with DJ Leslie at Fresh Bistro. Chef Dalis Chea, executive chef for top caterer Herban Feast, creates his culinary masterpieces at this new West Seattle spot. Reviews are already gushing. We're not surprised - we've enjoyed their food at countless weddings and events over the years. DJ Leslie will be spinning tunes, bringing in 2010 with some much needed revelry. There will be 2 seatings - enjoy a great 'organic feast' at either 6pm or 9pm...check out the fabulous menu then dancing after from 9pm to 1AM with the diva!

Shared Parties

2009-12-16T23:32:00.000-08:00

New York Times reports that some companies back east are banding together and merging their holiday parties into one great event. Shared resources, such as the venue and DJ, allow each company to splurge on things they might not be able to do alone. While everyone's feeling the economic pinch, many smaller and medium sized companies still want to ring in the holidays, show appreciation towards their employees, and celebrate making it through a tough year. The networking possibilities are abundant as well. So get on it, Seattle, party together!

Alina and Heather

2009-12-14T13:20:00.000-08:00

Sean and Leslie both took part in the gorgeous wedding of Heather and Alina this past summer. Sean was in charge of the ceremony over at Sylvan Grove at UW and Leslie DJ'd for the reception at Herban Feast Sodo Park. We were fortunate to be brought on board for this incredible event by one of our favorites in the industry, Jesse and Travis of True Colors Events. Check out the True Colors Blog for more photos by Sarah Rhoads and details of this most stylish wedding!

Backyard Chickens

2009-12-10T00:17:00.000-08:00

We've been raising chickens for two years now and have fallen even more in love with our girls. With the recent cold weather, we've had to bring Phyllis in overnight. Being a Sultan, her breed is used to living in Turkey, certainly warmer than the northwest has been the last week! Phyllis' coop-mates, Zsa Zsa and Lucy (pictured), along with the Polish Crested named Dillon (our son Dylan got to name him) can handle the weather and tough it out in our backyard coop. They bring us more than just free breakfast. We have great pets and hours of entertainment! Check out Backyard Chickens and learn how to build your own coop or take a Seattle coop tour! See all four girls in this video.

Flora Nova

2009-12-07T14:16:00.000-08:00

We've had the pleasure of working with one of the great floral talents of the region, Christiane Zweifler, owner and lead designer of Flora Nova Floral and Event Design. Born and raised in Germany, and after receiving two Master of Arts degrees AND establishing a successful corporate career, Christiane achieved her life long dream of opening the Flora Nova design studio in Seattle in 2003. Since then she has created some of the most gorgeous floral creations for some of the most prestigious clients and memorable events in the Seattle area. DJ Leslie is really looking forward to performing at Christiane's birthday party this coming April. Should be a blast!

Morrissey

2009-12-04T02:01:00.000-08:00

We sure have been seeing some of our musical heroes as of late. Another awesome show at the Paramount Theatre, this time Morrissey came out swinging with opening number "This Charming Man" made famous by his former band, The Smiths. We had great seats and thought his band did an amazing job, especially the new keyboardist/guitarist/accordionist. Morrissey, nominated as one of the great recorded voices of the 20th Century by NPR, was strong as ever. Opening group Doll & the Kicks, straight out of England and playing their first ever US show, were really fun, with a very 80s pop sound and lead singer who shows tremendous promise.

Best Pizza on the Planet

2009-12-03T17:18:00.000-08:00

OK, maybe we haven't tried all the pizza this world has to offer, but we can say that we've never tried anything better. Veraci Pizza has expanded from a mobile operation to opening it's home base in Ballard. Temperatures get so hot in the homemade clay ovens, pies are done in about two minutes. The crusts are perfectly crisp without losing flavor form the intense heat. A variety of fresh and local ingredients make choosing toppings fun and always delicious. You can find their pizza around town at Farmer's Markets and other events, and they have operations in Portland, Bend, and Spokane. They offer a mobile catering service with more than just incredible pizza. You just can't go wrong with one of their mobile ovens and great staff!

Wedding Panoramas

2009-11-29T02:13:00.000-08:00

One of the most unique wedding photography offerings we've seen is Daniel Sheehan's panoramas. Using an ultra-cool looking Fuji 6X17 panoramic camera and a tall ladder, Daniel takes amazing portraits of all the guests at a wedding ceremony or reception. The prints have incredible clarity and make for an extraordinary piece of art on your wall. You can find such a print of the above photo at Red Barn Studios in Chehalis, where owners Jason and Laurie Dix celebrated their wedding in 2007.

Georgetown Ballroom

2009-11-23T15:19:00.000-08:00

The hottest new venue on the scene is this amazing space. We've had the pleasure of hosting numerous events at the Georgetown Ballroom, including a wedding for our great friends Joe and Laura Ross, a roucous birthday party featuring HB Radke and David Brighton, the top Bowie impersonator anywhere, as well as a few other weddings and private events. This venue has a lot to offer, with a vintage style on it's own, yet it's versatile enough for a variety of endeavors. Thanks to April Greer for the photo!

The Pixies

2009-11-20T01:14:00.000-08:00

We were excited to see this show for months. One of our favorite bands, The Pixies, played the entire Doolittle album live along with some b-sides and some great encore classics. They rocked the lovely Paramount Theatre. It was nice seeing younger kids grooving along with the old faithful. The trend of bands performing albums in their entirety made us imagine the possibilities: Roxy Music For Your Pleasure, The Stranglers Feline, The Beatles Revolver...we can only dream!

DJ Ben

2009-11-08T00:04:00.000-08:00

Our own DJ Ben is getting some good press about his club antics. When he's not DJing an event for Seattle Parties, Ben's usually working on one of his remixes or hosting a wacky event at the Bal Mar in Ballard or Lo-Fi on Eastlake. Ben's got a great sense of groove and style and we're happy to have him in our stable.

Kelley Moore

2009-10-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

Lifestyle expert Kelley Moore Recommends DJ Leslie of Seattle Parties!

"I worked with DJ Leslie when I was an event planner, so when planning my own wedding reception, I knew that she would be the perfect fit for us . Her timing is impeccable and she has a sense of when to tone it down or kick it up a notch. She also listens to what her clients are looking for (we wanted a very French filled musical environment) and is able to implement it without you ever having to worry that she isn't keeping your wishes in mind. I would highly recommend her, and am keeping DJ Leslie in mind for all of my future events".
Catch Kelley on King 5.

A Night in Monaco

2009-10-19T12:47:00.000-07:00

Come say hello to DJ SEAN at this Thursday's "NIGHT IN MONACO" at the Hotel Monaco in downtown Seattle
put on by Fine Line Management and Events!

Enjoy nibbles and beverages and meet this Hotel's Preferred Vendors from 5-8 pm in the Paris Ballroom. Sean
will be playing great French tunes. Admission is free! Hope to see you there.

{Trivia: did you know that Sean and Leslie honeymooned in Monaco? Sean can tell you more details! }

Urban Unveiled

2009-10-12T21:33:00.000-07:00

We are really looking forward to the big event this Thursday at Benaroya Hall. We've been involved with Urban Unveiled since the start and have watched it grow into the premiere night for Seattle's wedding industry. This year's South Beach theme should be breathtaking, especially with Jesse and Travis of True Colors Events at the helm.