Saturday night had the honor of DJ’ing the wedding of Danielle and Mike at Kanopi, the stunning restaurant and event space at the top of The Opus Westchester in White Plains. Many remember it as “42” when it was part of the Ritz-Carlton. Today, Kanopi offers an incredible experience with panoramic views that stretch across the Hudson Valley, the New York City skyline, and the Long Island Sound.
This wedding was extra special. I’ve known Mike for many years, and Danielle is a close family friend of my wife. It meant a lot when they asked me to be part of their celebration. Their story made it even better. They dated in high school, went their separate ways, and, as the officiant Greg said during the ceremony, “finally figured out they belong together.”
The celebration was intimate, with 60 of their closest friends and family. The ceremony took place on the 43rd floor, where the view created the perfect backdrop. Guests then moved downstairs for cocktail hour, where I had the DJ booth and photo booth ready to go. Afterward, everyone returned upstairs for dinner, which included heartfelt speeches and three amazing courses.
The night really took off back downstairs, where we introduced Danielle and Mike for the first time as husband and wife. They made their entrance down the stairway, greeted by a room full of energy and excitement. From that moment on, the dance floor never stopped. We had the full setup; DJ booth, lighting, sparklers, photo booth, and our Mr & Mrs letters, which were a huge hit.
The music was tailored perfectly for the crowd. A freestyle set was the highlight, along with old-school hip-hop that had friends and family dancing all night.
A big thank you to Morgan and Colin and the staff at Kanopi for making everything run smoothly. If you’re looking for a wedding venue that breaks away from the traditional catering hall, Kanopi is worth a visit. Ask for Colin, and you’ll see what makes this space so unique.
Until next time,
Richie Gagliardi
Founder, DJ Live