The Wedding Vendor Spotlight is an interview series highlighting some of the best wedding vendors in DC, Maryland and Virginia. Find out what brings them joy, both professionally and personally, as well as their insights into emerging wedding trends for 2013.

DJ Evan Reitmeyer has been rocking wedding dance floors for nearly 15 years. His professionalism and music knowledge make him one of the highest-rated wedding DJs in the Washington-area by couples and industry peers alike.

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How would you describe your “style”?

Photo by Geoff Chesman Visuals

Great question! I would describe my “style” as a DJ as low-key and fun. I’m great at the emcee part of my job, but I only use the microphone for announcements when necessary – I’m not a “party motivator” who spends the whole night on the mic. I really try to keep the focus on my clients and on the music, and to create a fun, exciting experience without making myself the center of attention.

What keeps you passionate about weddings?

The challenge! For me, every wedding I do is a fresh, fun, creative challenge. It’s a puzzle I have to solve with music – a different venue, different vendors, different guests, a different couple with different musical tastes and a different request list – and somehow I have to find a way to turn it into a raging dance party after dinner. I’ve been at this for almost 15 years and I’ve done over 1000 weddings and it’s still fun.

Are you seeing any emerging trends in wedding reception music?

Yes, that trends in wedding reception music are going away. Years ago, I could safely assume that most of my couples would ask for the same songs with a few variations. Now, it seems like all bets are off – I may be playing a bluegrass-meets-indie-rock cocktail hour and ending the night with a set of house music.

What is one question every couple should ask their DJ before hiring them?

I think the most important question to ask is “how involved can we be in picking music?”. It’s not that there is one “right” answer to that question, but the DJ’s answer needs to be a good fit for the couple and make them feel comfortable.

What is one piece of wedding advice that you like to give couples?

Trust your DJ. Assuming you’ve hired a good DJ, your DJ will know what to play to make sure your guests dance and have a great time at your wedding. Yes, of course you should give the DJ a list of songs you’d love to hear and songs you don’t want played, but you should also give your DJ the flexibility to follow their instincts and be creative.

What are some great lesser-known first dance songs?

Oh, I get a lot of good ones. Right now the one I like best is “We Are Man and Wife” by Michelle Featherstone. I randomly had two clients use it on back-to-back weekends and it’s a great tune.

Outside of weddings, what brings you joy?

Lots of stuff! I love spending time with my two boys, Colin (6) and Alex (3), and my partner and I are expecting a baby girl in October which we are super excited about. I am also deeply spiritual in a non-traditional way, I love comparative religion and philosophy, and I’m crazy about the poetry of Rumi. Aside from that, I am really passionate about business and being an entrepreneur, I love starting businesses and building businesses and reinventing businesses, I love talking shop with business owners and doing consulting work. And (I know this will come as a shock) I LOVE music!

How can we find you online?
WEB: http://djevanreitmeyer.com
BLOG: http://djevanreitmeyer.com/blog/
FACEBOOK: http://facebook.com/djevanreitmeyer
TWITTER: @evanreitmeyer
GOOGLE PLUS: https://plus.google.com/103729337397927126670/
OTHER: WeddingWire

Thanks Evan!

Have a question for Evan? Leave a comment below and we’ll be sure to follow up.

To recommend someone for the Wedding Vendor Spotlight, please email Stephen.