One of the things I love most about being a DJ is the connection I often build with the families I work with—especially the parents. That was exactly the case with Jon and Heidi’s wedding. It all started when I got a call from Edgar DeLeon, the father of the groom, asking if I was available for his son’s wedding, which was just two months away. I knew right away this wasn’t going to be a super-formal, highly planned affair, and I was excited to hear more.

Edgar and I instantly clicked. During our first phone call, which lasted about 45 minutes, we talked about his son’s wedding, but also about our shared love for music. Edgar is a musician, and by the time we hung up, we had bonded over that shared passion. Without even having met Jon and Heidi yet, I was already on board to make this wedding unforgettable—for Edgar as much as anyone else. I had a feeling he was going to be the life of the party.

When I finally spoke with Jon, I knew it was Game On. He and Heidi wanted a laid-back, fun celebration in a park, complete with food trucks, games, and a much more relaxed vibe than many of the traditional weddings I’ve been a part of. My job as a DJ is all about understanding what the couple truly wants and helping bring their vision to life in a way that leaves guests wanting more. Jon and Heidi were all about creating a memorable, fun atmosphere where people could eat, drink, play games, and enjoy each other’s company. The focus was on having a great time, not just a packed dance floor.

When I arrived at the venue, it was exactly as I had imagined. Cornhole, horseshoes, and a variety of games were set up around the park. Surrounding the area were food trucks offering everything from North End Boston pizza to BBQ and even a boba tea and egg roll station. It was an awesome setup, and my job was to set the perfect vibe. Knowing that Edgar and much of the family were into classic rock, I curated a mix that kept the energy high for three hours of fun, games, and incredible food.

But the real highlight of the night wasn’t just the packed dance floor—it was Edgar’s speech. I knew he was going to make a memorable moment, but when it came time for his toast, he was nowhere to be found. Turns out, he had left to retrieve a special knife from his hotel, which had sentimental meaning for the cake-cutting. It was a 45-minute round trip!

With everyone eyeing those food trucks, I knew we had to keep things moving, so I lined up the other speeches. After the best man finished, Edgar still hadn’t returned, but I was told he was only five minutes away. That’s when I had an idea. I asked Jon and Heidi if they’d be up for a little fun—welcoming Edgar back like a rockstar when he arrived. They were all in.

I got on the mic and explained the situation to the guests, then asked, “Does everyone know that Edgar is a rockstar?” The crowd erupted in cheers. I suggested that when Edgar walked in, we all stand up and chant his name like it’s the encore of an Aerosmith concert. The crowd was totally on board. Sure enough, as soon as someone spotted Edgar, the entire crowd stood up and started chanting, “Edgar! Edgar! Edgar!” It was an epic moment that had everyone laughing, and Edgar was visibly moved to tears.

After the wedding, Edgar came up to me and said, “Benny, I knew this was going to be good, but I never expected that. You made this one of the best days of my life.”

I went home on top of the world, and to this day, Edgar and I are still friends. I can’t wait to see Jon and Heidi the next time they visit Boston.