There is one question that tends to follow me around and that is, what you do you miss most about actually doing weddings?
And it is an easy answer- the people. I miss working with the people.
I would then follow up with an example about my friend and DJ extraordinaire JB Bostic of Choice Entertainment. I’d reminisce about those many evenings spent at The Jefferson waiting for my bride in the front circle. JB would stroll out in his freshly pressed tuxedo and say, “Ladies, it’s Saturday night.” It was as constant in my life as the piece of wedding cake I’d surely sneak out of the ballroom later in the evening. So I’ll always miss that.
JB was at so many of my weddings over the years in fact, that we joked we were going to give him an office. What was nice about that kind of relationships was that I always knew what he wanted even before he requested it. In an industry where your event can change at the drop of a dime, I took comfort in that.
Two 6′ tables, side by side, skirted and on risers.
Vendor meal served in the ballroom, not the vendor room, so he never left the crowd.
Bride announced from the Mezzanine with his equipment set up just outside the Empire doors.
Years later, I would still bring friends and family to tour the Hotel and I’d occasionally stumble upon the two skirted tables on risers, and I just knew the bride and groom for that evening were in for a treat.
And this was speaking from experience.
The day after I was first engaged, I made a giddy announcement to my fellow Richmond Bridal Association board members. One of the first people to speak up was Choice Entertainment’s owner Bill Gilliam, who quickly said, “Well you know JB’s your man.” Hours later, JB picked up my call on the first ring and it was decided in less than a moment that he would be our DJ.
I learned very quickly that being one of JB’s brides is no easy feat. There were meetings. Lots and lots of meetings.
I sure as heck fought him on the meetings too- I mean, did Travis and I really need two informational sessions where we had to outline every detail of our friends, family and relationships? I had, after all, known the man for five years. But he insisted. And in a rare act, I conceded.
You see, JB was different. He didn’t get the contract signed and then disappear until the month of the wedding. He liked to get to know his couples inside and out so he can better tell their story. He sent congratulatory cards if he saw you got a new job. If there was a proverbial wedding fire, he’d be the first to put it out. And if he knew you had a Death Star wedding cake, then he’d search high and low for that rare Star Wars disco song so he could surprise you while you cut your cake.
JB passed away this Sunday, and his loss is felt by the entire Richmond wedding community. He was a friend and mentor to many, and I can say with great confidence that those who knew him are far better at what we do thanks in part to his great example.
Everyone has a different idea of what happens after death and I’m not here to place any bets. But one early post on Facebook Monday morning guessed he made his way to the pearly gates and is now happily serving as the Master of Ceremonies, announcing everyone’s grand entrance. So for today, I’m going to stick with that.
Wherever he is, may he rest in peace.
“When there are no words…know that the silences are carrying the thoughts and prayers of all who love you.”- Dawn Dais
