Underwood Wedding | Empress Estate | DJ

On Saturday June 13th, Travis & Brandi Underwood got married at the Empress Estate in Woodland, WA. Silicon Forest Entertainment was invited to be the wedding DJ for the reception and provide sound support for the ceremony with wireless mics while a live musician covered the prelude and processional music.

When we first pulled off the main road and hit the side street leading up to the estate, I was greeted by this little fellow who insisted on escorting me about a quarter mile down the road.

I thought for sure I was in for a quaint night at a rustic bed and breakfast! Instead, I was surprised to drive down the road a ways and see this!

The Empress Estate is a newly renovated mansion nestled in the hillside of Woodland, Washington about 40 minutes north of Portland. It exudes European elegance and offers breathtaking views of the Columbia River Valley. There are 16 suites available for the whole family to stay close after the wedding and enjoy the evening without worrying about making the drive home late at night. There’s even a plexiglass covered pool dance floor inside with LED lighting to keep the party going all night after the noise ordinance kicks in 🙂 When I first pulled up, I felt like I had just arrived at the Venetian in Vegas. The detail was so surreal. If you’re still looking for a venue for your own wedding, we highly recommend that you check this one out! 🙂

The staff were friendly and accommodating for the vendors like myself. They provided a table, linens, and a dedicated coordinator to help with the dinner cues, toasting, and when to lower the volume. I always appreciate it when the venue does it’s best to provide food and other amenities for the vendors as well as the guests. I think everyone agreed that the h’orderves and dinner they served were delicious as well.

Travis and Brandy chose to use a live musician on the ukelele and guitar during the ceremony for their bridal party entrance and wedding march. He sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and “At Last” for the processional. Here’s a highlight video of the ceremony and a little “Cupid Shuffle” during the reception:

The sun didn’t go down until about 9:00pm, so we weren’t able to show off our custom monogram and other dance floor lighting until about an hour before the party ended and most guests had already wandered home, but Travis and Brandi picked some excellent dinner and cocktail music that was enjoyed by all. Some notable artists played throughout the cocktails and dinner were: Mat Kearney, Matt Nathanson, John Mayer, and Joshua Radin. Other important songs were:

• First Dance: “Book of Love” by Peter Gabriel
• Father/Daughter Dance: “I Loved Her First” by Heartland
• Mother/Son Dance: “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts
• Bouquet Toss: “Do You Only Wanna Dance” by Mya
• Garter Toss: “O Fortuna” by Carl Orff (Carmina Burana) <– Awesome choice!

Here are a few pictures I was able to capture with the iPhone 6. Click to embiggen them 🙂

Thank you Travis & Brandi for letting Silicon Forest Entertainment share in your special day! Best of luck to you guys in your new adventure together! 🙂