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n experienced DJ whose company has done hundreds of weddings, Brian McArtan has excellent contacts among the region’s wedding vendors. But the final choices for their day were up to his bride-to-be, TinaMarie Goesswein.
    She loved the layout, on-site guest rooms, and food from the in-house caterer Thyme Savor at Beau Rivage. “I’m a big golfer,” Brian said. He chose the First Tee: “That was my input. I thought the view down the fairway would be phenomenal.”

Tina and Brian's centerpiece for their reception was a splashy dance number choreographed for them by Chris McCullen of Babs McDance Social Dance Studio. The "signature light" projected on the dance floor is an effect created by Brian's company, DJ Professionals & Video. Their wedding was held on the Beau Rivage golf course.

Tina gets help dressing from her nieces, Grayci & Danzi Goesswein.

Bridesmaids Mackenzie Hudson, Valerie Goesswein and Catherine Goesswein wear matching shawls to protect bare shoulders from the cool February air.

Flower girl Grayci Goesswein; Rev. Doland Humphries, who was Brian's childhood pastor in Pine Level, NC, is assisted by ring-bearer William Willis; mixture of colored sand is from ceremony conducted by the couple's parents, Rosemary and Bill McArtan, Sr. and Earl and RoseAnn Goesswein. The bride's ceremonial arrival, and the couple's departure, were in her brother Earl Goesswein, Jr.'s cherry-red 1963 Chevy Nova. Other transportation on the Beau Rivage grounds was via golf cart.

"It's really easy to work with people who are your friends."
~ Brian McArtan

"It's really easy to work with people who are your friends."
~ Brian McArtan

Brian and Tina with vendor friends: Taylor Ross (Sweet T's Cakes,) Melissa Fallis (coordinator,) Wendy Wright (A Beautiful Event,) Ray Baca (photographer,) Danielle Cousler (Thyme Savor Catering.)

Some food presentations by Thyme Savor

he couple entrusted their vendors with design decisions based on TinaMarie’s theme colors, a winter mix of “White, silver and a tiny bit of burgundy.”
    Brian worked out a trade-of-services deal with floral designer Wendy Wright of A Beautiful Event, whose daughter’s wedding reception featured music and lighting effects from DJ Professionals.
    SEE Florist Wedding feature
    Wendy “Ran with it,” Tina said, adapting the red-wine color by choosing a “Merlot” rose paired with calla lilies. “I fell in love with Wendy” and her work. Likewise, baker Taylor Ross of Sweet T’s Cakes matched the colors in her edible creation, too. “She’s an artist who does cakes,” Brian observed, not just a baker.
    The key to their successful event, both agreed, was getting to know the professionals they would be relying on. “You have to trust your vendors,” Tina said.

    The entire staff of DJ Professionals attended. some working and some as guests. Eric Thompson did the honors as DJ and Master of Ceremonies.
    Brian used his reception to test a four-camera videography package. With himself and his bride as guinea pigs, he and his staff worked out the kinks and now offer this as a regular service.

Brian puts on his dancing shoes for his big number with TinaMarie, which concluded with an Argentine tango. Brian prepared the music mix; Eric Thompson emceed.

he story of how they met is a classic
example of the many benefits of
volunteer work. Both Brian and Tina
were involved with an annual member
function at the Boys’ and Girls’ Club of Wilmington.
    The club’s director, Misty Cato, and another volunteer, Ray Baca, suggested that Tina work with Brian to produce a slide show she was responsible for.
    The two quickly found that they were compatible, and soon became “an item.”
    When they decided to get married, one of their easiest choices was to ask

Ray Baca, who helped get them together, to be their photographer.
    Choosing a wedding date was a little
trickier. Because Brian’s profession depends
on working at other people’s weddings, they needed to steer around the most popular times for nuptials.
    Here in the Wilmington area, vendors start getting busy as soon as March arrives, with the promise of spring. They typically stay busy through late fall. So, by default, the wedding professional’s wedding had to be scheduled for winter, what’s normally “down time.”

As you'd expect at a DJ's wedding, music and dancing took center stage. Top: Tina with her father, Earl Goesswein, Sr., and Brian with his mother, Rosemary McArtan. Other highlights included break-dancing kids and a line dance for the ladies.

dvised that Tina would be happy to honeymoon anywhere “as long as it’s warm,” Brian abandoned his original plans for Italy -- which can be chilly in February.
    He arranged a Caribbean cruise on an Italian liner, bookended by stays in luxury resorts in Florida.
    Before the wedding, each attended “bachelor” parties with old friends: His in Las Vegas, hers in New York City.

Lit by sparklers, Brian and TinaMarie make their departure across the lawn illuminated with their initials in light.

Wedding and reception site, and guest
    accommodations: Beau Rivage Golf & Resort
Caterer: Danielle Cousler, Thyme Savor Catering
Cake: Taylor Ross, Sweet T's Cakes
Photography: Ray Baca, Baca Photography
Videography: DJ Professionals & Video
Music & lighting effects: DJ Professionals
     & Video
Dance lessons & choreography: Chris MCullen,
    Babs McDance Social Dance Studio
Bridal gown alterations: A Carolina Wedding
Flowers: Wendy Wright, A Beautiful Event
Rentals: A Tent Event
Planner & coordinator: Melissa Bucci Fallis
Pre-wedding party: Evolve Image Studios
Honeymoon travel consultant: Pam Evans,
     Traveling Dolphin