Tag: Musical Vision

Luxury Richmond Wedding Venue, The Commonwealth Club

on By
luxury richmond virginia wedding venue

If you are a couple looking for a luxury Richmond wedding venue to host your traditional and timeless wedding, then look no further than The Commonwealth Club, Richmond, VA. The Commonwealth Club is the premier social club of Richmond, Virginia, well-known for its ideal setting for any family gathering, corporate event, or luxury Richmond wedding while providing a wealth of club services and amenities to its members. 

Founded in 1890 by a group of distinguished Richmonders, the Commonwealth Club has grown into a vibrant city club with a relaxed, Southern charm atmosphere. Members enjoy the elegant facilities, outstanding food their fine dining service has to offer, impeccable amenities, and array of Club-sponsored events each year. 

Hosting a wedding at The Commonwealth Club will guarantee you and your guests a grand evening with Southern hospitality. Their grand ballroom will provide just that. It is such a beautiful ballroom and perfect for any formal, black-tie wedding you are looking to host. One of our fondest weddings at The Commonwealth Club was Bridget & Justin’s wedding. 

Bridget and Justin met in the big apple and made their way back home to friends and family in Richmond, VA to celebrate their wedding. Top-notch photography was taken by Aaron Watson Photography, paired with Whiddon Productions videography, and to keep everything running smoothly, professional wedding planning by Glint Events. Petals & Twigs wowed guests and vendors alike with their spectacular floral detailing, especially the staircase.

The Jefferson hotel wedding floral ideas
Big ray and the Kool Kats first dance bride and groom
Big ray and the Kool Kats best richmond wedding band
Best Richmond wedding band Big ray and the Kool Kats
best rock songs for weddings

The Commonwealth Club was perfect for Bridget & Justin’s wedding. The elegant spaces, the sophisticated ballroom, and historical architecture all helped bring Bridget & Justin’s wedding vision to life. What I especially love about this venue is the built-in stage. It gives excellent visibility over the crowd and serves as the ideal spot to enjoy with those lively guests who really know how to liven up the party!

As a professional wedding band with over 1000 weddings of experience, we know the ins and outs of many wedding venues, especially luxury Richmond wedding venue The Commonwealth Club. We always strive to ensure that your day is seamless and fun.

The Commonwealth Club is the luxury Richmond wedding venue for couples looking for that high-end, elegant location to celebrate with friends and family.

Venue/Catering: The Commonwealth Club

Planner: Glint Events

Photography: Aaron Watson Photography

Videographer: Whiddon Productions

Florals: Petals & Twigs

Cake: Sweet Fix

Rentals: Party Perfect, Glamour Linens, Festive Fare

Lighting: Lighting Professors

Transportation: James River Transportation, RVA Trolley

Charlottesville Spring Wedding

on By
big ray and the kool kats meredith coe drone photography

Daisy and Stephen had a beautiful Charlottesville spring wedding with friends and family. April weddings in Charlottesville are gorgeous as we come out of winter weather and the greenery starts showing. The weather couldn’t have been better for Daisy and Stephen. They had a lovely ceremony at Christ Episcopal Church and then a great wedding reception at their private family farm.

big ray and the kool kats bride and groom Charlottesville spring wedding
big ray and the kool kats first dance Charlottesville spring wedding
big ray and the kool kats Big Ray
big ray and the kool kats singers best music band

The farm was transformed beautifully for this Charlottesville spring wedding reception, you could not even tell you were on a farm. Virginia Tent Rental provided an elegant clear frame tent that offered great views of the surrounding area. Decor from MS Events, Festive Rentals, and gorgeous floral designs by Gregory Britt Design brought the tent and Daisy and Stephen’s vision to life wonderfully. Lighting Professors put the finishing touches to the tent by adding romantic bistro lighting and Moravian stars. The lighting was especially spectacular after the sun went down, it was like dancing under the stars

Charlottesville spring wedding big ray and the kool kats
Charlottesville spring wedding big ray and the kool kats va tent rental ms events
big ray and the kool kats blue ridge event production gregory britt floral design meredith coe photography
big ray and the kool kats wedding meredith coe photography

It was wonderful to work with seasoned wedding planner, Hailey Beard Events, and Meredith Coe Photography for this beautiful Charlottesville spring wedding. As we always aim for a great party with every wedding and event we preform, this was a particularly fun one. Daisy and Stephen had friends and family from all over and when it came time to party, the dance floor was never empty! We particularly enjoyed seeing bride and groom dancing all night long and having a great time!

If you liked reading about this Charlottesville spring wedding, check out other weddings we performed for, March Wedding at the Boar’s Head Resort and Luxury Wedding at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards.

Planner: Hailey Beard Events

Photographer: Meredith Coe Photography

Cake/Dessert: Chandlers Bakery

Florals: Gregory Britt Design

Hair & Makeup: A More Beautiful You

Rentals: MS Events, Festive Rentals, Stonegate Event Rentals, Virginia Tent Rental

Lighting: Lighting Professors

Transportation: Camryn Limo

Why You Need the Best Richmond Wedding Band

on By
bride and groom dancing at wedding big ray and the kool kats

If you’re hiring a band, a great one has already performed at many weddings and can anticipate what you need without needing to ask for it. Hiring the best Richmond wedding band will ensure that you and your guests have the best party! And what better way to create an unforgettable atmosphere than by hiring the best Richmond wedding band? 

bride and groom The Jefferson Hotel
The Commonwealth Club
The Jefferson hotel wedding floral ideas

With exceptional talent, energy, and ability to keep the dance floor packed all night long, a top-notch wedding band will set the stage for a truly memorable celebration. Not only will a professional wedding band elevate the entertainment factor, but they will set the stage for an unforgettable night of dancing, effortlessly transitioning from easy, slow tunes to high-energy tracks that will get everyone on their feet. Whether you’re a lover of classic hits, contemporary jams, or a mix of both, the best Richmond wedding band will cater to your musical tastes, infusing your celebration with their infectious energy and making it a night to remember. With years of experience, an extensive repertoire, and an ability to read the crowd, the best Richmond wedding band will create a dynamic and personalized experience, tailored to your unique vision and taste.

Best Richmond wedding band Big ray and the Kool Kats
Big ray and the Kool Kats best richmond wedding band

With so many wedding bands to choose from, finding the perfect one might seem overwhelming. But with a little research and some careful consideration, you can find a band that aligns perfectly with your style and vision for your special day. Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and the entertainment can make or break the experience for you and your guests. A talented and professional band will not only play your favorite songs, but also engage with the crowd, read the vibe of the room, and keep the energy high throughout the night. So, if you want a wedding celebration that will be talked about for years to come, don’t settle for anything less than the best Richmond wedding band. 

Read about how we celebrated Bridget and Justin’s wedding at The Commonwealth Club! If you need help finding the perfect Richmond wedding venue check out our blog Richmond Wedding Venues.

Photos by Aaron Watson Photography

Unforgettable Wedding Moments: How the Best Live Band Sets the Tone for an Epic Celebration

on By
Band playing for crowd at Wintergreen Resort, Wintergreen, VA

“Every Wedding Planner and Couples Dream

As a Wedding Planner, I get to work with some wonderful talent throughout the year. In September I got to work with one of the best out there. There is nothing that this talented group can not do for their couples and the pros that work beside them. Communication was fantastic and as a planner, most times this can be a challenge…”

When it comes to planning a wedding, couples want everything to be perfect and unforgettable. And one of the key elements that can set the tone for an epic celebration is the choice of entertainment. While DJs are a popular choice, hiring the best live band can truly elevate the experience to new heights. The best live band brings a unique energy and charisma to the event that simply cannot be replicated by a DJ. 

Musicians playing ceremony music at Wintergreen Resort, Wintergreen, VA
Ceremony on top of mountain at Wintergreen Resort, Wintergreen, VA

“…Transitions were seamless, sound quality perfection (outdoor reception), energy level from the whole band was perfect…”

Benefits of Hiring the Best Live Band

From the moment your guests arrive to the last dance of the evening, a live band can provide the perfect soundtrack for your special day. With their incredible talent and energy, the best live band can bring your wedding reception to life, no matter what the weather may be! They can play a wide range of music genres, from romantic ballads to high-energy dance hits, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. 

Singers and wedding guests singing at Wintergreen Resort, Wintergreen, VA

“…That evening reception was frigid, but you would have never known that because they had everyone up on their feet, singing and dancing all night through…”

The Importance of Entertainment at Weddings

A live band adds a personal touch to the wedding. With their ability to interact with the audience and adapt to the mood of the moment, they create a connection that goes beyond just playing music. They become a part of the celebration, engaging the guests and making them feel like they are an integral part of something truly special. So, if you want to create unforgettable wedding moments, consider hiring the best live band. The energy and talent will ensure that your celebration is nothing short of extraordinary.

Singer singing for bride and groom at Wintergreen Resort, Wintergreen, VA

“…Big Ray & the Kool Kats have jumped to the top of my recommendation list. From a professional standpoint, they check every box that a couple SHOULD BE LOOKING for in a band for their special day.”

Stacy, Burleson’s Big Day Events

This review means so much to us because as a professional wedding band, our goal is not only making sure that the guests have fun, but that working with us is as smooth as possible! 

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

on By 1 Comment

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.

on By 1 Comment

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

on By

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?

on By 1 Comment
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

on By 1 Comment
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.

The Three Most Important Songs at Your Wedding

on By
ray-caddell-swing-orchrestra-playing-for-bride-and-groom

There are three songs at your wedding that are undoubtedly the most important when thinking about music.

The Processional

Everyone knows that ancient organ tune, “Here Comes the Bride,” by Richard Wagner signifies that the bride is walking down the aisle and so forth. Nowadays, brides march to their own beat. Processional songs have varied from all types of genres, from traditional to classic, country to pop, and more. The important thing for YOU to decide is what song you want to walk the down the aisle to, what song you want to hear while making your grand entrance for all your guests to see. Some couples like to keep it traditional, some like to mix it up and make it fun, the most important part is that it is YOUR song and you are happy.

We have examples of ceremony music on our Youtube channel and Live Music Song List that you can check out.

The Recessional

You are married now! Yay! Now you and yours get to walk down the aisle, officially married for the first time together and you will need a song to celebrate. There are no rules to picking a recessional, just as there are no rules to picking a processional, it’s YOUR and YOURS day. Your recessional can be funny, sweet, romantic, any song that is sentimental to you both.

The First dance

Your first appearance as a married couple! The first dance is for you and yours to have that unforgettable, special moment with each other. Do you want slow or fast? Romantic or casual? Serious or funny? Take time with your loved one to figure out what speaks to you, it will be a song that you both will love and cherish.