When I’m not teaching or DJing weddings, there’s a good chance you’ll find me out fishing, hunting or camping. 
I’ve always enjoyed being outdoors. There’s just something about early mornings on the water, quiet time in the woods, and getting away from the noise of everyday life that helps recharge me.
As much as I still love those hobbies, life looks a little different these days—in the best way possible. Most of my free time is now spent with my 3-year-old daughter and 1.5-year-old son doing whatever they enjoy most. 
Whether it’s playing outside, going on little adventures, watching movies, or just spending time together at home, those moments have quickly become my favorite part of life. And honestly, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Sorry if it takes me a moment longer to respond to emails than it used to.....

Growing up, I always thought I would become a teacher. I wanted to help kids, make a difference, and have a positive impact on people every single day. 
At the same time, I spent my childhood helping my father with weddings through Sound Waves Next Generation. From setting up equipment to watching him run packed dance floors, weddings were always part of my life—but honestly, I never expected to love them as much as I do now. 
Fast forward to today, and somehow I get to live both dreams. During the school year, I teach and work with students every day, and during the summers and weekends, I get to celebrate with amazing couples as a wedding DJ.
The older I get, the more I realize both careers are about the same thing—making a difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s in a classroom or on a dance floor, I’m grateful for every opportunity to connect with people and create positive memories.
I truly couldn’t imagine my life being any different now, and I’m thankful for everyone who has supported me along the way.

One of the things I love most about being a wedding DJ is the challenge of keeping a dance floor packed all night long. 
Every crowd is different, every wedding has its own vibe, and there’s nothing better than reading the room, finding the perfect songs, and watching guests stay out on the floor from the first dance to the final song of the night. That energy is what I live for. 
But beyond the music, I truly love being part of one of the happiest days in people’s lives. Watching families celebrate together, seeing the smiles, hearing the laughter, and knowing I helped create those memories means everything to me. 
Being able to make a difference in someone’s wedding day is something I never take for granted, and I’m incredibly thankful for every couple that trusts Sound Waves Next Generation to be part of their story. 

People often ask me why I became a DJ, and the answer is pretty simple—it’s been part of my life for as long as I can remember. 
My father started Sound Waves Next Generation years ago, and growing up, I was always right there beside him helping out at weddings and events. From carrying speakers and setting up equipment at a young age to eventually running events myself, this business became more than just music to me—it became a passion.
What I love most about being a DJ is the opportunity to make a difference in people’s days. There’s something special about seeing a packed dance floor, watching families celebrate together, and knowing you helped create memories that people will never forget. 
I’m incredibly thankful to continue what my dad started and to do something I truly love every single weekend. Thank you to everyone who has supported Sound Waves Next Generation over the years—we appreciate you more than you know! 

Having a do-not-play list at your wedding is important for several reasons:

1. Personal preference: The do-not-play list allows you to specify songs or genres of music that you don't want played at your wedding. This helps ensure that the music at your wedding is in line with your personal tastes and preferences.
2. Avoiding awkward or inappropriate moments: There may be certain songs that have personal or negative connotations for you or your partner. A do-not-play list allows you to avoid any awkward or inappropriate moments during your wedding.
3. Respecting guests: Some guests may have strong opinions about certain songs or genres of music, and a do-not-play list allows you to respect their preferences and avoid offending anyone at your wedding.
4. Maintaining the mood: A do-not-play list helps the DJ maintain the desired mood and energy level at your wedding. By specifying which songs should not be played, you can help ensure that the music selection supports the overall atmosphere of the event.

Overall, having a do-not-play list at your wedding is a way to ensure that the music at your wedding is in line with your personal preferences and the desired mood of the event. By communicating your musical preferences to the DJ, you can help ensure that your wedding is an enjoyable and memorable experience for you and your guests.

Getting married in West Michigan can be a great idea for several reasons:

1. Scenic Beauty: West Michigan is known for its picturesque landscapes, including rolling hills, scenic beaches, and charming small towns. There are many beautiful wedding venues in the area that offer stunning backdrops for weddings, such as beachfront resorts, historic mansions, and lush gardens.
2. Accessibility: West Michigan is conveniently located near major highways and airports, making it easy for guests to travel to and from the area.
3. Wide range of wedding venues: West Michigan offers a diverse range of wedding venues, including beachfront resorts, historic mansions, wineries, and rustic barns. This allows couples to choose a venue that perfectly fits their style and budget.
4. Experienced wedding professionals: West Michigan is home to a thriving wedding industry, with a large number of experienced and talented wedding professionals, including photographers, florists, and catering companies.
5. High-quality local resources: West Michigan is known for its local, farm-to-table cuisine, and its many local wineries and breweries. These resources can make it easy for couples to incorporate local and seasonal elements into their wedding.
6. A memorable experience for guests: West Michigan is a great destination for visitors, with many attractions, including local beaches, quaint towns, and world-class museums. This can make it a great place for guests to extend their stay and make the most of their trip to the area.

These are just a few of the reasons why getting married in West Michigan can be a great idea. Whether you're looking for a romantic beachfront wedding or a classic, historic venue, West Michigan has something to offer for every couple.

Mobile DJs typically need 3 or more hours to set up for weddings because they have several tasks to complete before the event starts. Some of these tasks include:

1. Unloading and setting up equipment: Mobile DJs typically transport their equipment to the event site, and they need time to unload, transport and set up their sound system, lighting, and other equipment.
2. Testing equipment: Once the equipment is set up, the DJ needs to test everything to ensure that it is working properly and to make any necessary adjustments.
3. Coordination with venue and other vendors: The DJ may need to coordinate with the venue and other vendors to ensure that the sound system and lighting are set up in the right location and that there are no technical issues.
4. Consultation with the bride and groom: The DJ may also need to meet with the bride and groom before the event to go over their music preferences, the timeline of events, and any special requests they may have.
5. Preparation of music and announcements: The DJ will also need time to prepare their music library and make any necessary announcements.

These tasks require a significant amount of time and attention to detail, and that is why mobile DJs typically need 3 or more hours to set up for weddings. By allowing enough time for setup, the DJ can ensure that the event runs smoothly and that the bride and groom and their guests have an enjoyable and memorable experience.

Having the flexibility to choose your own vendors is an important aspect of wedding planning and can greatly impact the success of the event. Some of the reasons why it's important to pick a wedding venue that allows you to pick your own vendors include:

1. Personalization: Allowing you to choose your own vendors allows you to personalize your wedding to fit your individual style, taste, and vision. You can select vendors that align with your preferences and that you trust to bring your ideas to life.
2. Control over costs: By being able to choose your own vendors, you have more control over the costs associated with your wedding. You can compare prices and select vendors that fit within your budget.
3. Quality assurance: When you are able to choose your own vendors, you have the ability to select professionals who have a proven track record of delivering high-quality services. This can ensure that your wedding runs smoothly and that you have peace of mind on your special day.
4. Better relationships: When you have the freedom to choose your own vendors, you have the opportunity to build stronger relationships with them. This can lead to better communication, a smoother planning process, and a higher level of comfort with the people who will be helping to bring your wedding vision to life.

These are just a few of the reasons why it's important to pick a wedding venue that allows you to choose your own vendors. Having the flexibility to select your own team of professionals can help ensure that your wedding is a success and that you have the wedding of your dreams.

A DJ plays a crucial role in setting the mood and atmosphere for a wedding reception. They are responsible for creating an enjoyable experience for the bride and groom, their families and friends. A good DJ will have a vast music library and the ability to read the crowd and play music that appeals to everyone in attendance. They will also have the skills to smoothly transition between songs, make announcements, and keep the event flowing smoothly. A great DJ can also help to create unforgettable memories for the wedding couple and their guests by playing the perfect music for each moment of the event.

After getting engaged, there are several important steps that you should take:

1. Celebrate: Take time to celebrate your engagement and enjoy this special moment with your partner. This is a great time to relax, soak in your happiness, and start planning your future together.
2. Set a budget: Determine how much you are willing and able to spend on your wedding and stick to it. This will help you make informed decisions about the wedding venue, vendors, and other expenses.
3. Choose a date: Decide on a wedding date and start looking at potential wedding venues. Keep in mind that some popular wedding venues may book up a year or more in advance, so it is important to start the planning process early.
4. Create a guest list: Decide who you would like to invite to your wedding and estimate the number of guests you expect to attend. This will help you choose the right venue and determine your catering and seating needs.
5. Hire a wedding planner or start planning yourself: Consider hiring a wedding planner to help you with the planning process, or start planning yourself. Make a list of tasks that need to be done and start working on them, one by one.
6. Start looking for vendors: Start looking for vendors, such as a photographer, florist, DJ, or caterer, and book those that you like best.
7. Enjoy the process: Planning a wedding can be stressful, but it is also a time to bond with your partner, make decisions as a couple, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Try to enjoy the process and remember to focus on the reasons why you are getting married.

These are some of the important steps to take after getting engaged. Remember to take your time, make informed decisions, and enjoy the planning process. With careful planning and preparation, your wedding day will be a memorable and special occasion for you and your partner.