05/31/2026
JJ and Taylor,
After 28 years and hundreds upon hundreds of weddings, it becomes increasingly difficult to surprise me.
You two managed it anyway.
Your wedding at The Stables at 1885 Farms was one of the most unusual, creative, entertaining, and downright fun celebrations I have ever had the privilege of being part of. Part festival, part carnival, part backyard chill, it featured bubbles, piñatas, karaoke, canoes, a magician, a caricaturist, and a canine ring bearer. And a two man, Best Men toast that had me still laughing out loud long after it had finished. Every time I turned around, something unexpected was happening. And somehow, despite having enough moving parts to fill an entire wedding season, everything felt authentically and unmistakably you.
Then there was JJ's mother-son dance.
When I first saw the song choices on paper, I admit I had questions. Beginning with Ludacris's "Move B****" as she hilariously chased Taylor away before transitioning into Bette Midler's "Wind Beneath My Wings," it sounded like one of those ideas that could either become legendary or spectacularly miss the mark. Without question, it landed exactly as intended. The room erupted with laughter, the comedic timing was perfect, and it became one of those wedding moments that guests will still be talking about years from now.
And while we're discussing highlights, I have to mention the cupcakes. In nearly three decades of weddings, I have eaten more wedding cake than any human being reasonably should. Those cupcakes may have been the best dessert I have ever had at a wedding. Ever.
I also need to give a shoutout to JJ's sister. In all my years in this industry, I have never had any desire to hire employees. Not once. But if she lived in Ohio instead of Michigan, I would have made an exception without hesitation. Her dream job is to DJ, and after spending time with her, I can confidently say she has the personality, energy, confidence, charisma, and musical knowledge to pull it off. She is cool as hell, and our industry could use more people like her.
Most importantly, though, this day was about the two of you. Your wedding was joyful, unconventional, unforgettable, and overflowing with personality. It was a celebration that refused to fit neatly into a box, and it was all the better because of it.
Thank you for trusting me to be part of such an incredible day. If someone manages to top this wedding before the end of the year, I'll be genuinely shocked.
Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Lawley. What a wedding. What a party. What a start to your next chapter!