Weddings With Michael Peterson

What 3 words describe your work? Personalized. Memorable. Unique.

Why should someone hire you? I bring more than just the music to the event. I bring professionalism, entertainment, an experience, and the memories to have the best wedding ever!

What are the common misconceptions about your services? Many couples feel that they don't need logistical event coordinating services; that as long as they have all the wedding professionals, everything will just magically fall into place. The services that I offer at the rehearsal and on the day of the ceremony, in addition to DJ and Master of Ceremonies, are to coordinate all of the entertainment logistics—the behind the scenes things that nobody sees, but that make the day go seamlessly.

What drew you to this field/how did you get started? I started out as a professional pianist and sound engineer, and was first hired as a DJ for a booking agent. I then started my own company, had several DJs, and was very successful. After a while, I realized that the wedding reception could be so much more than just music and dancing, so I started creating personalized and heartfelt entertainment for my clients. I also realized that many times no one was coordinating the flow of events, so I decided that it made sense to include logistical planning for my clients since I was doing so much of it already. I trained as a professional coordinator and have transformed my services to "Weddings with Michael Peterson": DJ, Master of Ceremonies and day-of Logistical Event Coordinator.

What are some sources of inspiration or influences on your work? My acting coach and trainer, Mark Farwell. My mentor and entertainment director, Peter Merry. Miles Davis. Pianist Bill Evans. Sound engineer mentor Norman Kern. My dad.

What makes a wedding memorable for you? A memorable wedding, for me, is when the bride and groom feel that their reception was a true reflection of their love for one another. This happens through music, entertainment, introductions of their bridal party, and the telling of their own love story.

What have weddings taught you? That every couple is unique and it's important that you create entertainment that fits them personally.

What is the best advice you give to a couple when planning their wedding? Meet with your DJ/entertainment director first to make sure you are the right fit for each other and don't make your decision based only on price or a phone meeting.

If you could have any superpower on the job, what would it be? That all the couples' loved ones can attend the wedding!

What are 3 words that describe your personality? Down to Earth. Personable. Creative.

What's your favorite book/movie/work of art? Book: How Green Was My Valley. Movies: Shawshank Redemption, Harold and Maude, Wayne's World. Art: Monet's field paintings.

What is your favorite quote or saying? "We don't see things as they are. We see things as we are."

What's your favorite marriage advice? At least once a day tell your spouse something that you truly appreciate about them.

Extracurricular activities: Running, skiing, movies, reading, and cooking.

If you weren't in your current profession, what would you do instead? Record label owner.

What's your favorite way to wind down after a hard day? Spending time with love ones, watching a good movie, taking a nice run or walk, a good dinner.

What are some of your favorite places to eat—either everyday spots or special occasion splurges? Brix in St. Helena. Butter Cream Bakery in Napa. Whole Foods.