Rachael Peto and Michael Reekie
November 16, 2019

Not much about Rachael Peto and Michael Reekie’s wedding was conventional. Rachael knew that she wanted a few traditional moments in the evening—she married Michael in a church, they cut a tiered wedding cake, and the couple enjoyed a customary first dance. But after that, the night unfolded in surprise after surprise, including a disco-ball-themed after-party that carried on until 1 a.m. “We wanted everyone to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” says Rachael. A few of those experiences included not one, but two DJs; White Claws and Raising Cane’s chicken fingers passed out on platters; a silent disco; a pyro-tech firework fountain show; disco-ball-clad dancers; and two photo booths. So even if you aren’t planning a traditional wedding reception, you can still make the night uniquely yours. “We tied in all of our favorite things,” says Rachael. “People get so stuck on the traditional wedding, but do what will make you the happiest.” 

Food & Beverage

Think outside the buffet—food and drink can be an interactive part of the party, too. For instance, Rachael and Michael opted for roaming catering stations and passed bites from their favorite sushi spot, Nobu. “I didn’t want people sitting down,” Rachael says. “I wanted it to be upbeat from the start.” For other ways to entertain guests with the menu, Vivian Morgan from Culinary Art Catering suggests interactive stations like a New York–style hot dog cart; a chicken honey biscuit bar for late-night snacks; and a flaming dessert table with cherries jubilee or bananas foster. And you can keep the food coming all night: “Rounds of passed food keep people on their feet and enjoying the party,” Morgan says.

Music

Music is arguably one of the most important aspects of setting the tone for your party. But make sure to do your research when hiring a music act.  “Music can set the atmosphere, but the entertainment is the key to keeping the energy up,” explains DJ Andy Austin. “The right MC can help keep the guests engaged.” Can’t decide between a band and a DJ? Consider both. Rachael hired Downtown Fever to play at her wedding reception, while DJ Lucy Wrubel and DJ Souljah entertained guests at the after-party, complete with a silent disco portion of the night. 

The Reekies’ after-party was energized by entertainers and visual spectacles. Consider these out-of-the-box entertainment ideas for your own celebration:

Bravo Entertainment’s catalog is expansive, including magicians, cirque performers, belly dancers, and ballerinas. We love the models clad in beverage ballgowns at the Reekies’ after-party as a way to step up your cocktail hour.

Illumination Fireworks can set up everything from outdoor pyrotechnics, much like the sparkling fountain show at Rachael and Michael’s party, to full-blown firework productions.

Sanya Ismail is a model and aerialist who can bend and twirl to entertain—she can even serve champagne from the air. Choose from her different setups which include nets, silks, or a crescent moon. 

Lagniappe Productions is your source for all-things country themed. Dancing saloon girls, cowboy magicians, or trick ropers can add some down-home fun to your party.

Rentals

The bride’s father, Gary Peto, owns Shag Carpet Prop Rentals, so they relied heavily on rental items—including a mirrored-ball wall, disco balls, and LED arches—to achieve the over-the-top nightlife theme. “Rentals can help create the mood,” explains Shag’s Wendy Timson, “from a fun dance floor and lounge furniture groupings to fun photo ops.”