Ashley and Paul's Dream Wedding at The Gathering Place at Darlington Lake

An exclusive behind-the-scenes look with wedding musician and DJ, Mike Medved

Meet The Author & Vendor!

My name is Mike Medved, and I’m a wedding musician and DJ specializing in creating personalized, unforgettable soundtracks for couples’ special days.

I’ve had the pleasure of working at The Gathering Place at Darlington Lake a few times. What I love most is its combination of natural beauty and rustic elegance. The tranquil lakeside setting is perfect for intimate ceremonies, while the indoor reception space feels cozy yet spacious. It’s a venue that allows couples to make the day truly their own.

For Ashley and Paul’s wedding, I played live acoustic music for their ceremony and cocktail hour, including custom arrangements of their favorite songs, and DJed the evening’s reception, keeping the dance floor lively and the energy high.

The Vision

When the couple approached you, how did the choice of venue shape their vision for the wedding? The venue was a central part of Ashley and Paul’s vision. The lakeside gazebo inspired a serene and heartfelt ceremony, while the warm, rustic interior of the reception space set the tone for a lively celebration with family and friends.

Did the couple have specific ideas for how they wanted to use or enhance the venue’s unique features? Yes, they wanted to highlight the venue’s natural beauty. For the ceremony, Ashley envisioned a simple yet elegant setup that complemented the lake view. Inside, they used string lights and earthy floral arrangements to enhance the warm, inviting ambiance of the reception hall.

How did the venue’s ambiance or layout influence your approach to bringing the couple’s vision to life? The venue’s layout helped me tailor the music to match each phase of the day. For the ceremony, I performed an acoustic arrangement of “Still Into You” by Paramore, which perfectly matched the intimate outdoor setting. Indoors, I transitioned to DJing upbeat tracks that energized the dance floor while complementing the cozy, rustic feel of the reception space.

The Planning Process

What aspects of the venue stood out to you during your initial walkthrough or planning phase? The seamless transition between the outdoor ceremony space and indoor reception hall stood out. The lake view and natural surroundings made the ceremony area feel intimate, while the high ceilings and wooden beams in the reception space offered plenty of room for decor and lighting enhancements.

Were there any logistical challenges or opportunities that the venue presented for your work? One challenge was ensuring a smooth audio setup transition from the lakeside ceremony to the indoor reception. By pre-planning and working closely with the venue team, I was able to set up multiple systems that allowed for seamless transitions without disrupting the flow of the day.

How did you tailor your services to complement the venue’s design, location, or atmosphere? I tailored the music to highlight the venue’s atmosphere. The lakeside ceremony called for soft, acoustic songs that harmonized with the natural surroundings, while the reception’s rustic elegance lent itself to a mix of modern hits and classics to keep the dance floor full.

Did you collaborate with the venue’s team or other vendors to optimize the use of the space? Yes, I collaborated with the venue’s coordinator, florist, and photographer to ensure the sound setup didn’t interfere with decor or key photo angles. For example, we placed speakers to provide clear sound without detracting from the lake view or the reception’s decor.

Day-of-Details

How did the venue’s layout influence key elements of the wedding, such as decor, flow, or setup? The venue’s open layout allowed guests to move seamlessly between spaces, which made transitions smooth and natural. The gazebo framed the ceremony beautifully, while the indoor reception hall provided a central dance floor that brought everyone together.

Were there any standout moments that were enhanced by the venue’s unique characteristics? Ashley and Paul’s first dance stood out. The string lights and reflections from the lake visible through the large windows created a magical, romantic backdrop that enhanced the intimacy of the moment.

Did you incorporate the venue’s natural or architectural features into your work (e.g., floral design, photography, lighting)? Absolutely. The natural beauty of the lake and gazebo inspired the acoustic song choices for the ceremony, and the warm wood tones of the reception hall influenced the lighting setup for the dance floor.

How did you adapt to any on-the-day changes related to the venue, such as weather, timing, or guest needs? Rain was a concern leading up to the ceremony, so we had contingency plans to move everything indoors if necessary. Thankfully, we found a dry window for the ceremony, and the venue team was ready to adjust if needed.

Closing Thoughts

What do you think made this wedding at this venue particularly memorable or unique? The combination of Ashley and Paul’s heartfelt love, the tranquil lakeside ceremony, and the warm reception hall created a wedding that was as unique as it was memorable.

If you could sum up this venue in three words, what would they be, and how do they relate to this wedding? Tranquil, Versatile, Warm. These words capture how the venue supported every aspect of the day, from the serene ceremony to the lively celebration indoors.

Do you have advice for couples looking to use this venue and incorporate services like yours? Embrace the venue’s natural beauty and its versatility. Work closely with your vendors to make transitions seamless and take full advantage of both indoor and outdoor spaces. Live music can beautifully enhance the lakeside ceremony, while DJing keeps the reception lively and fun.

Vendor Team

• Live Entertainment: Mike Medved Weddings

• Venue: The Gathering Place at Darlington Lake

• Photography: Skys the Limit Photography

• Florals: Community Flower Shop