Drew and Ashley Hinrichs celebrated their happiness with a wedding ceremony and Kansas City wedding reception at the Boulevard Brewery in the crossroads of Kansas City, MO. It was an unforgettably fun evening as they were joined by over 150 of their closest friends and family. And, Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment was invited to serve as their Wedding Entertainment Director and Kansas City wedding DJ.

One of the coolest things about Drew &  Ashley having their wedding ceremony and  at the Boulevard Brewery (other than the fact that it was at a brewery) was the amazing backdrop created by the skyline of downtown Kansas City. We’re just as anxious as Drew & Ashley to see the photos taken by The Parsons Photographers and the video shot by Reclaim Creative Video.

While we wait, we thought we’d share just a few of the not-so-professional pics and home-style videos we were able to grab at the evening’s festivities.

Every couple is unique. It is those unique traits that can be (should be) incorporated into a Kansas City wedding reception to create a signature celebration…one that is exclusive to that couple’s personality and style.

As their Kansas city wedding DJ and Wedding Entertainment Director, helping Drew and Ashley discover those distinct qualities was easy and fun. Including those individual characteristics as a part of their one-of-a-kind Kansas City wedding reception was not only enjoyable for them…but will remain a lifelong memory for all.

One of the favorite surprises of their Kansas City wedding reception coincided with the cake cutting. Drew’s dad owns the franchise rights to Dairy Queen in Cass County, Missouri. As young men, Drew and his brother, Chris, worked in their father’s stores. That experience was a big part of Drew’s life. It was only natural to include his (and, of course, Ashley’s) love for Dairy Queen ice cream into their wedding day memories.

Once Drew & Ashley had cut their cake, the guests were told that “we need to pause for a moment for a word from our sponsor.” They were then instructed to watch the 2 video screens along the wall of the Boulevard Brewery ballroom. Their family and friends filled the room with laughter as they viewed one of the best and funniest Dairy Queen commercials ever produced along with a brief, vintage DQ slide show, accompanied by a Dairy Queen jingle.

At the conclusion of the video commercial, the guests went crazy as the servers entered the Boulevard Brewery ballroom with trays loaded with dozens of small, DQ cups filled with Dairy Queen ice cream for everyone.

To add to the excitement, Drew & Ashley also provided hot fudge and sprinkles.

New rule! Every Kansas City wedding receptionshould have Dairy Queen ice cream with all the fixin’s to serve along side the wedding cake.

You know those Kansas City wedding receptions you’ve been to where the Bride & Groom have their First Dance and nobody pays any attention? That didn’t happen at Drew and Ashley Hinrichs wedding celebration. No way! Their guests were so engaged in all of the fun of the evening that they couldn’t help themselves…they had to see what other special thing Drew & Ashley might have in store for them.

And, they weren’t disappointed as you’ll see in Drew & Ashley’s awesome First Dance video. They not only took a few dance lessons to make themselves comfortable on the dance floor and entertaining to watch, they also included a few words of love to each other throughout the song. Pay close attention to the reaction of their family and friends.

But, as much fun as the activities and formalities were, an unforgettably fun, Kansas City wedding reception has to include an awesome party with loads of dancing!  

We thank Drew & Ashley Hinrichs for allowing Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment to be a part of their Kansas City wedding reception as their Kansas City wedding DJ and Wedding Entertainment Director.

Create Advance Excitement For Your Kansas City Wedding Reception With A Save The Date Wedding Video.

At Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment, we have a tremendous respect and admiration for the imaginative spirit. We believe it is the primary ingredient to creating an unforgettably fun wedding celebration. Your imagination is the greatest tool you have to enjoy the Kansas City wedding and wedding reception of your dreams.

But, you don’t have to wait until your Kansas City wedding and wedding reception to show off your innovative style. Create a festive tone, well in advance of your celebration, by sending your family and friends a Save The Date wedding video announcement for your big event!

Save The Date wedding videos are a fun surprise for your guests that can also add an element of excitement to your special day…long before it happens. And, you don’t have to be an expert at film making to put together a wedding, Save The Date video.

What follows are some of our favorite Save The Date wedding videos.

Some are a bit more elaborate than others. But, you can easily incorporate one or more of the best ideas from these videos to make your very own creative and unique, Save The Date video for your fun, Kansas City wedding and wedding reception.

The only limits are your imagination…and maybe your access to a video camera. But, if you can take a photograph, you can still produce a slide show, Save The Date wedding video that your friends & family will want to watch over and over, again.

No Video Camera? No Problem!
Gather up all of the favorite, fun photos of you and your fiancè that you’ve stashed away on your hard drive throughout your relationship. Maybe take a few more pics with the 2 of you holding signs that give hints or lead the viewer to the finalè of your Save The Date, wedding slide show video.

Then, using a software program like Windows Movie Maker or Apple’s iMovie, add the pictures, along with transitions, text and music, to create a personalized, Save The Date wedding video slideshow.

Lights! Camera! Action!
Create an entire “screenplay” that highlights important points in your relationship then capture it all on video!

Let your imagination run wild.

The following example of a Save The Date wedding video is so creative and unique, with so many hits on You Tube that the couple (getting married in just a few weeks) was interviewed on the CBS Early Show.

Here’s the full length version of their “blockbuster,” Save The Date wedding video. Don’t let the “production value” scare you off. There’s more, less “explosive” Save The Date wedding videos to follow.

“Just ‘Roll ‘Em!’”
This Save The Date wedding video makes you wonder if it was scripted or if the couple improvised. It’s so “natural” that people that don’t even know these 2 will want to send them a waffle maker as a wedding gift! And, it’s pretty simple to create.

“Be Kind. Rewind!”
If you like cake, you’re going to love this incredibly fun, Save The Date wedding video. The best part…there’s no mess to clean up at the end of the shoot.

“String Them Along!”
Admittedly, this very short and sweet, stop-motion Save The Date wedding video is so well done that it looks really easy to produce. Our guess, however, is that you’ll need to invest a little bit of time in finding some magical string. Once you do, you’ll probably discover a creative side to yourself that you never knew you had.  The only way you’ll know for sure is to grab your camera and get started.

Words really can’t describe our final, favorite, Save The Date wedding video. It’s safe to say, however, that this couple had fun injecting their individual personalities and style into the final product. We don’t know for sure but we can surmise that their family and friends were probably amazed by the video but not totally suprised by the couple’s performance. It’s an excellent example of incorporating  the most recognizable things about “you” into your Save The Date wedding video to make it fun, entertaining and extraordinarily memorable.

Well, that does it for our favorite Save The Date wedding videos thus far. We’ll post others as they become available that you may find inspiring in creating one of your own for your Kansas City wedding and wedding reception . In the meantime, visit You Tube and check out all of the creative and imaginative Save The Date wedding videos that couples have posted. We were particularly amused by a number of Lego, stop-action videos…like this one!

If you’ve created a Save The Date wedding video for your Kansas City wedding and wedding reception , we’d love to see it! Email a copy to ron@ronruthweddings.com or post a link in the “comments” section.

HOW TO CREATE AN UNFORGETTABLY FUN CELEBRATION!
In 2007, my friend and fellow Wedding Entertainment Director™, Peter Merry, released his self-published book, ”The Best Wedding Reception…Ever!,” the first wedding planning book for Brides and Grooms who want their guests to enjoy an unforgettably fun celebration.

Since its initial release, ”The Best Wedding Reception…Ever!” has received outstanding reviews and extraordinary media coverage , while over 10,000 Brides and Grooms purchased the book to assist them with their once-in-a-lifetime wedding receptions. It also became a must-have reference for countless wedding DJs and other wedding professionals across the country.

MAKING THE “BEST” BETTER!
Peter Merry has now updated “The Best Wedding Reception…Ever!,” adding even more valuable information. ”The Best Wedding Reception…Ever!” features 230 creative ideas for planning a wedding reception celebration that will be filled with laughter and dancing and memorable moments that flow smoothly from one moment to the next.

COMING TO A BOOKSTORE NEAR YOU!
The good news is that it will be possible for nearlyweds to find this incredible resource at bookstores everywhere, beginning October 12, 2010! If you just can’t wait, you can pre-order “The Best Wedding Reception…Ever!” on the Barnes & Noble and Borders Bookstores’ web sites. 

Peter Merry, Author.

PETER MERRY IS COMING TO KANSAS CITY!
But, here’s the best news…ever! You can snag a copy of “The Best Wedding Reception…Ever!“ before it goes on sale to the general public when Peter Merry comes to Kansas City for a series of personal appearances and a very special, “Sneak Preview Release.” You can catch Peter at a number of speaking engagements throughout the metro, from Wednesday, September 15th, through Sunday, September 19th…including the Perfect Wedding Guide Fall 2010 Bridal Show in Overland Park, KS.

CHECK OUT PETER’S BOOK TOUR SCHEDULE.
A short list of Peter Merry’s appearances has been listed in the “Events” section of the Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment Facebook page. Become a fan by “Liking” our page and we’ll keep you posted as to where and when you can see Peter and get your inaugural, signed copy of ”The Best Wedding Reception…Ever!“

Get Your Signed Copy At The PWG Fall 2010 Bridal Show

“The Best Wedding Reception Ever!” also has 101 full color images submitted by 32 highly talented professional wedding photographers…along with 22 real couple profile pages showcasing each couple’s uniquely personalized reception agenda and music selections.

GET A TASTE OF WHAT’S INSIDE!  
These are the Chapter Titles for “The Best Wedding Reception Ever!“…the first wedding planning book for brides and grooms who want their guests to enjoy an unforgettably fun celebration.

Chapter Titles for “The Best Wedding Reception Ever!” from The Best Wedding Reception Ever! on Vimeo.

Love it or hate it, the “Money Dance” remains a popular custom at wedding receptions throughout the Midwest. In the Kansas City area, the “Money Dance” is also referred to as the “Dollar Dance” or “Honeymoon Dance.” No matter how it’s named, however, it ultimately means that guests, who wish to dance with the Bride and Groom, at a specifically designated moment in the reception, must “pay” for the privilege.

Very few Brides and Grooms are ever “on the fence” when it comes to choosing to include the “Money Dance” in their wedding reception. Many couples decide very early on in the planning process that it is a “cheesy and tacky” formality and adamantly rule it out without hesitation or regret. The “Honeymoon Dance” simply does not fit their personality and style and that’s OK.

But, there are also couples that enthusiastically look forward to the opportunity to spend a few, personal moments with their guests on the dance floor while, at the same time, graciously accepting the generosity of their family and friends to help them with their honeymoon expenses.

At Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment, we assist with the “Dollar Dance” at about 50% of the weddings where we perform. And, those couples that have chosen to embrace the tradition have held their receptions in every conceivable venue from modest halls to lavish hotel and country club ballrooms.

The custom of the “Money Dance” was originated in America in the early 1900’s by the European immigrants who wanted to assure that the young couple had a few extra dollars to get them started on their future together. It has endured in certain areas of the United States, while many other regions are less familiar with the tradition.

Along the upper east coast, some believe that the custom of a “Dollar Dance” has its direct roots in both the Italian and Polish heritages, two groups of people who appreciate a good time and love traditions.

The aim of this article is not to convince anyone to include the, “Money Dance,” “Dollar Dance” or “Honeymoon Dance” in their reception…like that would even be possible. But, if you’ve already made up your mind that you wish to make it a part of the festivities, here are a few things you should know. 

Here in the central Midwest, a successful “Money Dance” (not just in dollars and cents) relies on 3 key factors; timing, presentation and time allotment.

TIMING: If you plan to have a “Dollar Dance” at your reception, it should be a part of the natural flow of events. We suggest that it be held after the traditional, dancing formalities but before the bouquet and garter toss. All of your guests, particularly older family members who will surely want to participate, will still be in attendance. And, few, if any, of your guests will have had so much to drink that you have to hold them up while they step on your toes. Plus, your photographer will still be on hand during the “Honeymoon Dance” to capture those special photos of you with your closest friends and family.

PRESENTATION: A talented Wedding Entertainment Director™ or highly experienced Kansas City wedding DJ can help you find extremely creative, engaging and entertaining ways to introduce the “Money Dance” into the planned activities of your reception. Make sure to ask him/her to share those ideas with you if you want your “Dollar Dance” to be just as much fun and memorable as the rest of your reception. If presented properly, your guests will not only be anxious to dance with the 2 of you, they will “pay” handsomely for the pleasure.

TIME ALLOTMENT: You’ll also want the “Money Dance” to move along at a pace that allows you enough time to thank your dancing partner for coming to your reception without the conversation turning into a long and drawn out exchange. A dance with each new partner should only last about 20-30 seconds. Overall, we suggest that the “Dollar Dance” take no longer than about 15 minutes to complete to keep other guests from getting bored.

The background accompaniment to a “Honeymoon Dance” is usually a series of back-to-back slow songs, played at low volume levels to allow you to comfortably converse with each guest while dancing.

The Best Man & Maid/Matron of Honor are generally given the responsibility of collecting the money for the Bride and Groom. The minimum donation for the “Money Dance,” of course, is one dollar, although larger denominations are routinely contributed.

Regardless, those guests who join in the “Dollar Dance” are happy to be able to share a dance with the newlyweds on their wedding day.

Jay & Laura Hackett were married on Saturday, June 19, 2010. They celebrated their happiness at the Ball Conference Center in south Olathe, KS with 250 family and friends.

Jay & Laura Hackett - June 19, 2010

Kansas City Wedding DJ and certified, Wedding Entertainment Director™, Ron Ruth, was invited to serve as Master of Ceremonies and provided the entertainment and music for the celebration.

Ball Conference Center - Olathe, KS

Jay's Groom's Cake. What a hotdog!

Jay & Laura wanted a wedding reception that would be fun, personal and memorable for everyone. They were not disappointed.

To kick off the festivities, the 12 members of the wedding party entered the ballroom to specially selected, upbeat music that Jay & Laura chose for each couple. The guests were then treated to a fun, personalized introduction that included a story about each attendant. Those signature intro’s created a ton of laughter and the first of many incredible memories of the night.

After dinner, Jay & Laura kept the excitement and laughter going, participating as contestants in a very special version of the “Newlywed Game,” where the guests provided the questions. It was a hoot!

And, there’s no way that those in attendance will ever forget the telling of Jay & Laura’s “Love Story.” It was just one of many highlights of the evening. But, there was no topping Jay & Laura’s extremely romantic and unforgettable first dance to “Lucky” performed by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat.

The guests had so much fun with the activities and formalities that Jay & Laura selected, that they stayed late into the evening to party with the newlyweds.   

In the end, Jay & Laura’s “amazing” wedding reception can best be summarized in their own words.

Matt & Rachel Fowler celebrated their happiness with over 200 friends and family on Saturday, June 5, 2010, at Drexel Hall in Kansas City, MO. Kansas City Wedding DJ and certified, Wedding Entertainment Director™, Ron Ruth, was invited to act as Master of Ceremonies and also provided the entertainment and music for the celebration.

Matt & Rachel Fowler Celebrate Their Happiness!

Matt & Rachel’s “Love Story,” just one of the fun activities they chose to include, began 25 years ago when they, both, attended the same grade school, then middle school, high school and, oh yeah, the same college. Throughout those many years, they remained nothing more than casual friends. Fate & destiny did not realize a possible connection for the newlyweds until their high school’s 10 year class reunion in 2007.

Just 18 months later, Matt & Rachel were engaged! He proposed to her by one of the fountains on the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City on New Years Eve, 2008.

At the conclusion of the personalized wedding party introductions, which included lots of fun information about each attendant, Matt’s father offered a toast that was, well…you would have had to been there to fully appreciate.

Matt & Rachel selected hot pink and black as their colors. Instead of the traditional wedding cake, they served yummy, dessert shots to their guests.

Matt & Rachel’s first dance as husband and wife was to ”The Luckiest” by Ben Folds.

In the end, everyone had an unforgettably fun time and Matt & Rachel were extremely happy. How happy? Check out the video below.

You can celebrate your happiness with an extraordinarily entertaining and memorable reception, too! Contact Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment at ron@ronruthweddings.com or 816-224-4487 for a personal, no-obligation, entertainment consultation. We’ll share the rest of what Matt & Rachel had to say about their wedding reception and tell you more about some of the other, fun activities they chose to include in their one-of-a-kind wedding reception.

On Saturday, May 15, 2010, Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment was invited to assist Zac & Ashley Howard with their wedding ceremony and reception at the historic, Oakwood Country Club in south Kansas City, MO. It was my pleasure to perform as their Master of Ceremonies and Wedding Entertainment Director™.

With 175+ friends and family in attendance, Zac & Ashley celebrated their happiness in grand style.

But first, they had to rehearse!

Ashley’s fun, faux bouquet for the wedding ceremony rehearsal.

We provided the music and sound reinforcement for the ceremony, including lapel microphones for the Groom and minister, so being at the Friday evening rehearsal to review all of the cues was a must.

Ashley rehearsing the processional with her dad, Greg. He walked much, much slower at the actual ceremony.

Check out the cute ring bearer. He stood with the Groomsmen as though he does this “wedding thing” every weekend.

Not just a cake...a centerpiece.

Zac & Ashley’s wedding cake was a centerpiece that complimented their purple and ivory colors.

The newlyweds chose to include 2, fun activities to entertain their guests during dinner; “Wishes” and “A Kiss For A Kiss.” And, instead of a traditional bouquet toss, Ashley honored her grandparents (married 62 years) by presenting it to them. It was a very tender and memorable moment. 

Zac & Ashley share their first dance as husband and wife.

The newlyweds celebrated their happiness and their love during their first dance as Mr.& Mrs.to “Smile” by Uncle Kracker.

Ashley & her dad.

 Ashley & her father danced to “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra. 

Ashley having fun!

 The rest of the evening was an incredibly fun party that went beyond its scheduled end!

Even the Grandparents couldn't resist the urge to dance.

Zac & Ashley dancing the night away.

It really was an unforgettably fun wedding reception and I appreciate the opportunity to have been a part of it. 

There are a ton more photos from Zac & Ashley’s wedding reception on the Ron Ruth Wedding Entertainment Facebook fan page. You’re invited to check them out.

Too bad it had to end.