Best Motown Songs for Weddings

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best motown songs for weddings

If you are looking for those right tunes for all ages at your wedding to enjoy, Motown music produced a large range of classics that are still loved today! The best Motown songs for weddings are those easily recognizable, upbeat tunes that every generation knows. Motown was originally a record label founded by Berry Gordy Jr. in 1960, in Detroit, Michigan. The name “Motown” is a blend of “motor” and “town,” a nickname associated with Detroit, a huge auto city.

Motown features key combinations of soul, jazz, and blues, marking it with upbeat tempos, catchy rhythms, and iconic lyrics. The best Motown songs for weddings are the ones with upbeat tunes that everyone can sing and dance to. 

My Girl | The Temptations

Released in 1965, My Girl is a fantastic choice for weddings. This song is easily a top favorite for the First Dance or Father/Daughter dance.

Ain’t Too Proud to Beg | The Temptations

Hit single by Grammy Award winner The Temptations, Ain’t Too Proud to Beg is a well-known and well loved crowd favorite. It is a song that is sure to get all on the dance floor.

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough | Marvin Gaye

This happy, high energy vibe song is a must for best Motown songs for weddings. Ain’t No Mountain High Enough is a romantic, danceable song that provides timeless moments with you and your guests.

Sign, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) | Stevie Wonder

You can’t have a list of the best Motown songs for weddings without listing Sign, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) by Stevie Wonder. This song was listed #1 on US Best Selling Soul Singles for a reason. It is a popular choice for many occasions during your wedding. It is a favorite among bridal parties for entrances, bride and grooms for ceremony recessionals, and more!

I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honeybunch) | The Four Tops

One of the most well-known Motown songs of all time and Billboard’s R&B top hit. I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honeybunch) is a spirited and fast-paced tune that is perfect for any wedding reception.

I Want You Back | Jackson 5

Definitely a song that gets people out of their chairs and on the dance floor. I Want You Back is a must have for best Motown songs for weddings. Guests of all ages love it and will dance to it!

If you liked reading this, check out other luxury weddings we performed for, Wedding at The Clifton and Luxury Wedding at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards.

If you want to learn more about planning a luxury wedding with Big Ray and the Kool Kats, call Big Ray at 434-960-4595 or email bigrayandthekoolkats@gmail.com.

Christmas with Elvis

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Matt Lewis as Elvis singing on stage

Christmas with Elvis is a musical performance for all who love live shows and want great entertainment for the holidays with friends and family! This great holiday tour happens every December and is one of the many other exciting events that Big Ray and the Kool Kats perform.

Christmas with Elvis stars Matt Lewis, who was named “Best Elvis in Las Vegas” by USA Today, and features Charlottesville’s own Big Ray and the Kool Kats as The Long Live the King Orchestra. Matt Lewis hails from none other than Las Vegas, Nevada, the live show music capital of the world! 

Matt Lewis and his Long Live The King Orchestra take you on a musical journey through the decades of the life of Elvis Presley. Starting with the early years at Sun Records in Memphis and traveling through to the bright lights of the Las Vegas strip. 

Christmas with Elvis doesn’t just happen in Charlottesville, VA, but also tours all up and down the east coast. 

The Paramount Theater, Charlottesville, VA 

The Tin Pan, Richmond, VA

The Landis Theater, Vineland, NJ

Bob Watts Photos

The Appalachian Theatre, Boone, NC

Weldon Mills Theatre, Roanoke Rapids, NC

Matt has also entertained audiences all around the world as Elvis and almost every major city in the United States. Numerous publications have praised and spotlighted Matt’s talents. Matt has been seen in Leisure Weekly, Las Vegas Magazine, and many more!

You will many holiday classics, such as Blue Christmas, Here Comes Santa Claus, If Every Day Could be Just like Christmas (0:44) and more! After the holiday set, you will hear all of Elvis’ great hits, such as Burnin’ Love (1:36), Suspicious Minds (1:08), and many, many, more!

There is no better talent than Matt Lewis to pay tribute to the great legacy of Elvis Presley. So come on out with family and friends and get in the holiday spirit with Christmas with Elvis!

Luxury Wedding at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards

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Ceremony at Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards

Catherine and Zack had a gorgeous, luxury wedding at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards on November 10, 2023 with friends and family. Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards is the premier, luxury wedding venue in Central Virginia, named “Wine Region of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast. This unique vineyard not only serves the finest crafted wine and culinary dishes, but provides a breathtaking backdrop for weddings at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Catherine looked beautiful in her elegant, ball gown dress by Monique Lhuillier Bride, one of America’s prominent designers in fashion and creativity. Catherine’s look was completed with hair done by Valeska Williams, top media and fashion hairstylist, and makeup by Carolyn Thombs, owner of Lipstick and Chiffon. Catherine and Zack had expert, luxury wedding planner Adam Donovan-Groves, the “Ultimate Master Wedding Planner” by Vogue Magazine. Adam knows Pippin Hill like the back of his hand and helped make Catherine and Zack’s day seamless. Lush florals and greenery were provided by Southern Blooms, and couture tabletop settings by Nüage Designs and calligraphy by If So Inklined. The cohesive details truly brought Catherine and Zack’s luxury wedding vision to life. Expert shooting was provided by Gideon Photography, and we always work with the photographer to get that special “kodak moment.”

You could feel the love and support for Catherine and Zack. Catherine’s sister gave a heartfelt speech and Zack’s Dad wrote and performed a song just for them. When it was time to dance, the dance floor was never empty. Guests of all ages were on the dance floor, singing along to every song. From Taylor Swift to The Temptations, we played all the crowd favorites. We ended the night with Catherine and Zack’s special song, Teenage Dream by Katy Perry (at 1:26 in the video below).

Catherine and Zack had a wonderful, luxury wedding and we are honored to have been part of their day.

If you liked reading this, check out other luxury weddings we performed for, Wedding at The Clifton and Wedding at Farmington Country Club.

If you want to learn more about planning a luxury wedding with Big Ray and the Kool Kats, call Big Ray at 434-960-4595 or email bigrayandthekoolkats@gmail.com.

Venue & Caterer| Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards

Planner| Donovan-Groves Events

Photographer| Gideon Photography

Dress| Monique Lhuillier Bride

Cake/Dessert| Cakes by Rachel

Florals| Southern Blooms

Hair & Makeup| Valeska Williams, Lipstick and Chiffon

Rentals| MS Events, Nüage Designs

Stationery| If So Inklined

Transportation| Cville Travel

Wintergreen Resort Wedding

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Band playing at Wintergreen Resort, Wintergreen, VA

Brittney and Daniel got married on September 30, 2023, surrounded by gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Wintergreen Resort. Wintergreen Resort is the ultimate, luxury, four-season vacation spot with spacious condominiums and thrilling recreation, all in the heart of nature. Brittney is a competitive ski racer, so getting married at Wintergreen Resort where skiing is one of the specialties, was the perfect backdrop for her special day. Brittney and Daniel had the perfect set up at Blue Ridge Overlook with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains providing a breathtaking setting for their ceremony. Every loved one was there and included in their wedding, even the furry one.

Brittney looked beautiful in her elegant, long-sleeved dress, with hair and makeup by Island Glow, and complimented by a lovely bouquet provided by Burleson’s Big Day. Expert photography was taken by Carly C Photography with lighting and rentals provided by Blue Ridge Event Production,  Riverwood Events and Catering, and Argent Events, and wonderful catering service by Wintergreen Resort.

Guests enjoyed cocktail hour at the Blue Ridge Terrace, where the festivities continued well into the night. The reception setting was a beautiful mix of dusty orange and gold, perfect colors to compliment the scenery and Brittney and Dan’s styles. It got a little chilly, but that did not deter the party! Guests danced all night to Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, The Temptations, and many more. 

If you liked reading about this Wintergreen Resort wedding, check out other weddings we performed for, Wedding at The Clifton and Wedding at Farmington Country Club.

If you want to learn more about planning a great wedding with Big Ray and the Kool Kats, call Big Ray at 434-960-4595 or email bigrayandthekoolkats@gmail.com.

??Photography| Carly C Photography

Planner & Florals| Burleson’s Big Day Events

Venue & Catering| Wintergreen Resort

Hair & Makeup| Island Glow

Band| Big Ray and the Kool Kats

Rentals| Riverwood Events and Catering, Argent Events

Lighting| Blue Ridge Event Production

Planning Your Wedding with Big Ray and the Kool Kats

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Big Ray and the Kool Kats take pride in delivering great music, entertainment, and providing  excellent service that caters to each couple. Big Ray takes every wedding very seriously and plans each wedding with the couples, and the planner, meticulously. Planning your wedding with Big Ray and the Kool Kats is stress free. Big Ray meets with you, takes time to understand your musical vision, and works with you on how you can have a great party for all your guests. A fun story Big Ray likes to tell his brides is his Taylor Swift story.

“I’m a Swifty!”

Big Ray met this couple through a mutual friend of his and that was the first thing the bride said to him. He had no idea what that meant at the time. Big Ray and the Kool Kats traditionally play Motown, 80s, 90s, and country hits, but also play modern pop hits!

“If you don’t know one of a “special” song, why don’t you just play it recorded?”

Big Ray gets asked this many times and why would he go through the trouble. First of all, it is no trouble at all. Big Ray and the Kool Kats is more than happy to go the extra mile for any couple if it means they get the wedding of their dreams. That includes learning any song that is meaningful to the couple or family.

Musical moments to think about as you plan.

Big Ray will help you plan your special musical moments as you plan your wedding. Keep your entrance and introductions fun, upbeat, clean; they set the mood for the evening. Your first dance as a couple should be to a song that is meaningful to both of you. Just like Big Ray and the Kool Kats does, insist the band rehearse it and play it live flawlessly. Not too long, 3 minutes is just about perfect for the wedding photographer to get that once in a lifetime shot. Big Ray never suggests doing choreographed dances, it is more work and pressure on you as the couple, sometimes it is easier to just flow with the music.

Father/Daughter dance? Let Dad have whatever he wants here. It’s a big day for him as well. Mother/Son? Same as Dad, let Mom have whatever she wants. Other family dances? Your wedding band will have lots of ideas.

Communicate well ahead of time (months even) with your wedding bandleader, make sure they understand your musical vision for the evening, and let the professionals go to work. It will be a better party. It’s a promise! Planning your wedding with Big Ray and the Kool Kats is fun, seamless, and unforgettable.

A Jewish Wedding at The Willard InterContinental, Washington D.C.

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Elizabeth and Robert got married at the iconic, 5-star The Willard Hotel InterContinental hotel on July 8, 2023. Known for its luxurious accommodations and historic significance, The Willard InterContinental Hotel has been a favored venue for various high-profile events, including weddings. With its beautifully adorned ballrooms and elegant spaces, the hotel provided the perfect backdrop for their special day. 

They had a unique wedding that beautifully blended Caroline’s Jewish heritage and vibrant New York wedding style. New York has always been its own center of culture, history, and unique experiences, weddings especially. In New York, weddings have a distinct flow that keeps the energy high and the party atmosphere alive. 

How is a Jewish Wedding Celebrated?

A Jewish wedding reception in particular is a highly structured and time-sensitive event that requires careful attention. Instead of having a traditional seated dinner and long speeches all at once, the evening is divided into multiple dance sets, each lasting no more than 30 minutes. In between these sets guests enjoy dinner, toasts, and special dances, creating a dynamic and engaging celebration.   

It can be challenging for many bands to keep up with the fast-paced and precise nature of a Jewish wedding, and Big Ray and the Kool Kats has the experience needed to handle this flawlessly. 

What Happens at a Jewish Wedding?

A Jewish wedding is a unique and joyous celebration that typically includes various traditional customs and rituals. The celebration goes on well into the night. We started with bridal introductions and then Elizabeth and Robert’s first dance kicked off the start of the evening with a full dance floor. We made sure to play all of the great hits, as seen in the review by the bride’s father, who wrote it without us having to even ask for a review! 

“Big Ray and the Kool Kats played at our daughter’s wedding at the Willard Hotel in Washington DC. From the first song until the last, the dance floor was packed. So many people came up to us and said it was the best wedding band they had ever seen. The horn section was incredible and all the musicians were very talented. They played everything: old standards, 60’s hits, Motown, disco/70’s stuff, Hava Nagila, Country, Taylor Swift, The Killers.  We also really appreciated the diverse set of talented vocalists. They were very energetic and enthusiastic. Prior to the wedding my wife, daughter, son-in-law, and I agreed that Ray was personable, interested in our views, and very easy to work with. I don’t think you can go wrong by hiring Big Ray and the Kool Kats.”

Marc G., Father of the Bride

After a short break, the party kept going and guests were eager to get back on the dance floor. One of the highlights of a Jewish wedding is the Hora, a favorite of ours to perform. Now, I always insist that the couple be lifted by strong men, such as the groomsmen (isn’t assisting the bride and groom their job anyway?) because especially at The Willard, the chairs are unbelievably heavy. This tradition is always a favorite for family and guests alike. The party never stopped and the dance floor was never empty. What a great night and as always, Big Ray and the Kool Kats is forever grateful to have been part of a couple’s special day!

If you liked this, check out other weddings we performed for, The Willard InterContinental Wedding, Washington D.C. and Wedding at Farmington Country Club.

If you want to learn more about planning a great wedding with Big Ray and the Kool Kats, call Big Ray at 434-960-4595 or email bigrayandthekoolkats@gmail.com.

5 Questions You Should Absolutely Ask Your Wedding Music Band

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You should always ask your live music band questions! You want to know what you are paying for and who you are getting. Hiring a crowd pleasing wedding music band is a big step in wedding planning and you want to make sure you hire the right one. A band of professional musicians who regularly rehearse and perform together is exactly what keeps your dance floor full. Be sure your wedding music band meets the standards you expect from all your vendors to ensure a great party!  Below are a few questions you should ask when deciding on your wedding music band.

How Much Does a Wedding Music Band Cost?

Every wedding music band has different costs and packages. Ask what those packages and costs are to see what fits your musical vision the best. Don’t just look at a price tag, research, study and understand what value the wedding music band brings. Check out You Want a Full Dance Floor to understand how to guests on the dance floor and have a great night!

When Can you Speak with the Band Leader?

Kyla Jeanette Photography

Whether you found this band online or through an agency, you want to meet who will actually be at your wedding and have that connection, so you know that band is the right fit for you. How can I get in touch with him or her?

What is the Band’s Experience with Weddings?

The amount of times a band has performed at a wedding does not matter as much as how flexible, professional, and responsive the band is to your needs and specifications for your wedding. The band may have played thousands of weddings, but each and every one is different.  How they planned for last week’s wedding will be completely different than how they plan for your wedding. Check out Why is Live Music Important to see why you should have live music at your wedding.

does the Wedding Music Band Change Musicians a Lot?

Consistency is key. Many bands have a lot of personnel changes, so you will want to ask your band how often their musicians change, if they do at all. Some bands are actually not really a “band” but rather part of a franchise that assembles musicians, some of whom might not even know each other. A professional wedding music band has regular members will provide the top tier experience you want for your guests…something just not possible with a thrown together group.  

Will the Band Learn New Songs for Your Wedding?

Kyla Jeanette Photography

Ask if the wedding music band is willing to learn new songs, it will show that the band is flexible and willing to work for your wedding. What is the process for adding requests and even working with a “Do not play list”?

The photo above is a prime example because when I first met the bride, one of the first things she said to me was, “Ray, I’m a Swiftie.” I never knew what that was, but I do now and I made sure to invite the bride and groom on stage!

What Else Does Big Ray and the Kool Kats Do?

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New-years-eve-balloon-drop

Big Ray and the Kool Kats provide customized entertainment services for many other events and occasions, ranging from Christmas specials to Fourth of July concerts, formal balls including 6 presidential inaugural balls, debutante balls, and more. 

You will find us every December playing with Matt Lewis in Christmas with Elvis

Matt has been named “Best Elvis in Las Vegas” by USA Today, and each holiday season Big Ray and the Kool Kats transforms into The Long Live the King Orchestra to tour the Southeast. We take you on a musical journey through the decades of the life of Elvis Presley, starting with the early years at Sun Records in Memphis and traveling through to the bright lights of the Las Vegas strip.

we play new years eve at the omni homestead resort

Every New Years Eve we play a big end of the year celebration at The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, VA. Guests from all over spend time with their family for the holiday and Big Ray and the Kool Kats put on a huge performance until the countdown.

We perform many special private events, such as school Fraternity Formals with parents in our hometown, Charlottesville, and debutante balls in Richmond, VA. Sometimes the crowd sings along and you can’t even hear BRKK.

we play fourth of july

4th of July is a super fun event for us to play at. We switch out our tuxes and formal dresses for some more casual red, white, and blue attire. We played a massive 4th of July celebration in Greene County, VA up until a spectacular fireworks show.

Big Ray and the Kool Kats has performed for many conferences over the years, one was for National League of Cities (NLC) at The Marriott Marquis in Washington D.C. NLC is an organization consisted of city, and town leaders dedicated to improving the quality of life for their current and future members. We played many of the official State songs for the various city and state representatives that were present.

Richmond Wedding Venues

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bride-and-groom-first-dance

You are lucky to be planning your wedding in Richmond, VA. There is no shortage of elegant venues to host your wedding or event. As one of America’s oldest cities, the culture, art, and history here are unmatched.

Richmond attracts many with its wide range of diverse entertainment and attractions, including the elegant, high end wedding venues. Richmond wedding venues are a vast array of romantic and picturesque indoor and outdoor spaces. From grandeur ballrooms to luxury hotels, Richmond wedding venues provide couples with all kinds of options to design their special day. 

Big Ray and the Kool Kats is no stranger to the area and Richmond wedding venues. We have played at many of the wedding venues here in Richmond.Here are some of our favorite venues and a little bit about our experiences there.

Tradition and hospitality are always celebrated at The Commonwealth Club, a premier Richmond wedding venue. The grand architecture compliments any Southern styled wedding. The Club provides a traditional and timeless ballroom with elegant facilities and impeccable service. Big Ray and the Kool Kats is always blown away by the photographs taken at this spectacular venue. Both the weddings and the numerous debutante balls they’ve played there have been stunning events.

Family-oriented and social, The Country Club of Virginia is an excellent venue for weddings. The club is one of the largest and finest in America with top quality amenities and facilities. We have played there on many occasions for Richmond society weddings, political events, charity galas and member events.

Dover Hall is Virginia’s luxury wedding and event venue. The estate’s house was built with a lavish home fit for royalty in mind. Dover Hall flawlessly matches historic elegance with the sophisticated setting that provides an exceptional experience for you and your guests.

female-pianist-playing-piano-at-the-jefferson-richmond

Big Ray and the Kool Kats has played at the Jefferson Hotel on many occasions. The Jefferson Hotel has many breathtaking spaces and great service. One of our favorite spaces is the Rotunda, it is a wonderful space for cocktails and when the couple makes their entrance, they do so in style on the Grand Staircase.

The John Marshall Ballrooms has hosted numerous great people, including Elvis Presley, Elizabeth taylor, and multiple presidents. Now the ballrooms host weddings and events for couples looking to have that perfect mix of elegance and extravagance. The ballrooms are adorned with crystal chandeliers and hand-crafted glass windows, perfect backdrops for photos and video. Big Ray and the Kool Kats has played in every ballroom for every occasion. They performed for the daughter of the Wedding & Event manager for the John Marshall Ballrooms and a charity gala with Tower of Power.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is an extraordinary venue for weddings. The museum boasts the perfect balance of refined elegance and unique culture. Enjoy world-class exhibits with the museum’s signature Italian pink marble walls and stunning architecture as the backdrop. And where else might your guests have a chance to see exhibits like The Faberge Eggs? Big Ray and the Kool Kats never miss a chance to see the current exhibit.

We know that we can deliver the party of a lifetime to your guests, but we hope that we’ve also made choosing a Richmond wedding venue for your wedding a little bit easier. If there are any additional questions about choosing a venue, or choosing a Richmond wedding band, please let us know.

Call Big Ray at 434-960-4595 or email bigrayandthekoolkats@gmail.com.

You Want a Full Dance Floor!

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bride-dancing-with-crowd

Imagine your reception: a full dance floor all night long, and guests of all ages having so much fun that nobody wants to leave at the end.

It’s finally time to dance the night away! You’re married, you’ve had dinner, heard all the heartfelt speeches, and possibly had cake at this point. Now it’s time to dance! What gets you and your guests on the dance floor? 

Slow songs are generally for the first dance, and then people tend to want to get up and dance when they hear something with a beat that they can move to. Some guests may need no additional motivation, but others might just be waiting for the right song to come on. Keep this in mind as you make your wedding playlist and get a full dance floor! 

Gideon Photography

What do people actually remember after your wedding?

You have hired not “just a band”, but a professional wedding band that will help you realize your musical vision with elegance and FUN, while providing a wide range of music genres for all. The music you pick will create the atmosphere at your wedding reception and encourage your guests to come out on the dance floor. 

You want a band that can match that energy! I always tell my couples to never cut corners with the music. Music plays a big part in the day and guests won’t remember what they ate weeks down the road, but they will remember if they danced or not. Take time in deciding what you want played and get some great candid shots of all your guests having a fun time!

There’s no better feeling than a reception that keeps going long into the night because everyone is having so much fun (or maybe I’m biased, who am I kidding!).