wedding wednesday # 31: i.j. ganem band

one of the biggest reasons our reception was a blast {for us... & hopefully you too!} was mr i.j. ganem.

this man & his band are not just a band that plays at wedding.  this man is an all out wedding singer.

he is fabulous.

my wonderful little bro-in-law & his bride attended a wedding with the i.j. ganem band & told us we had to have him.  so we obliged!  & i am so happy we did.

even before the wedding, mr. ganem was a gem.  he loves to talk & talk he did with blakey.  when i had a minor panic attack a few weeks before the wedding, nervous that horrible music would be played & a lull would bring down the party, etc etc, mr. ganem listened to all of our concerns & assured us he had it all under control.

he even let my ocd husband & self create a time line for the entire wedding reception.  i am a little embarassed to admit, but it was down to the 5-minute mark.  & not only did he follow it, he was so kind to find me anytime we were "supposed" to be doing something, kindly ask if that is what i would like to do, & do everything to make the transition as easy as possible.  for instance, my tossing bouquet was no where to be found.  when i went to pick up my bouquet, he said "no no, i will get you your tossing bouquet."  he knew where it was & brought it to me!  all the while having a genuine smile on his face.  exactly what you want on your wedding day.

in addition to being super kind, he is a PHENOMENAL party man.  he did not just sing songs.  oh no.  he went into the crowd & got them involved.  yesss.

he even convinced my dad to get on stage & sing a song he didn't know the words to.  well done, my friend.

my biggest want for our wedding band was one that could play journey.  i love journey.  you should know this about me.  i. love. journey.  & although mr ganem & his band were not the journey type, his son is.  & lucky for us, i.j. jr {no idea his real name.  although i should.  he was amazing too!} was available!

update:  ij's son's name is morgan, the one with the incredible journey voice.  his band's name is sownds.  check them out too!

now this man can belt some "don't stop believing'".  amazing.

so when searching for your wedding band, make sure you find one that can play the songs you want played, has experience running a party, & is someone you want to spend your wedding reception with.

i cannot wait to be a guest at a party at which he is playing.  & lucky for us, we get to do that at beau & cara's wedding!  ooooh, i am so excited.

love love,

kjp.