Meet Chris Jarrell: The Heartbeat Behind CDJ Weddings and Events (An Interview)

Recently, we sat down with Chris Jarrell, Owner, Lead Creative, DJ, and Wedding Officiant of CDJ Weddings and Events, to discuss his journey, his passion for serving couples, and what drives him to create magical celebrations every single day. Here's what he had to say about turning wedding dreams into lasting memories.

What inspired you to start CDJ Weddings and Events?

You know, it all started with a simple realization, every couple deserves to feel like the most important people in the world on their wedding day. I've been in this industry for over 25 years now, and I kept seeing couples juggling multiple vendors, dealing with communication breakdowns, and missing out on truly enjoying their celebration because they were too stressed managing everyone.

I founded CDJ Weddings and Events with this vision: what if we could bring music, storytelling, coordination, and celebration together under one roof? What if couples could work with people who genuinely care about their unique love story and handle everything seamlessly? That's when our motto "From 'I Do' to Last Call, We've Got You Covered" was born!

Speaking of recognition, congratulations on winning the Winchester Star's Star Award for both Best DJ and Best Wedding/Event Planning Company! What does this mean to you?

Thank you! Honestly, I'm still blown away by this incredible honor. When I think about all the talented professionals in our region, to be recognized by our community for both DJ services and wedding planning, it's absolutely humbling.

But here's what makes it even more special: these awards aren't just about me. They represent our entire CDJ family, Ashleigh Haines and Emily Miller, both of our Coordinator Extraordinaires, our amazing team, and every single couple who trusted us with their most important day. We don't take this recognition lightly. It fuels our commitment to excellence and reminds us why we do what we do every single day.

You wear many hats, Owner, Lead Creative, DJ, and Wedding Officiant. How do you balance all these roles?

It's all about passion! When you genuinely love serving couples and crafting celebrations as unique as their love stories, these roles don't feel like separate jobs, they feel like different ways to honor the same mission.

As a DJ, I get to provide the soundtrack to their wedding day, reading the room and keeping everyone dancing until last call. As an officiant, I have the incredible honor of crafting every ceremony into their individual love story, whether that's a traditional religious service or a completely personalized celebration. And as the creative force behind everything, I get to ensure that every detail reflects who they are as a couple.

You mentioned crafting each ceremony into their individual love story. Can you tell us more about your philosophy when serving couples?

Absolutely! Here's the thing, couples aren't just clients to me. They become part of the CDJ Weddings and Events family the moment they trust us with their celebration. I genuinely love hearing about their stories: how they met, what makes them laugh, what traditions matter most to them, and what dreams they have for their future together.

My heartbeat is to take all of those beautiful details and weave them into something magical. Whether I'm officiating their ceremony or DJing their reception, I don't take for granted that I get to be a small part of their wedding day. It is truly an honor, and I approach every single celebration with that level of respect and excitement.

Our philosophy is built on four core principles: putting our clients at the center of everything we do, providing integrated services so they never have to worry about vendor coordination, maintaining the highest level of professionalism, and creating genuine emotional impact that lasts long after the last dance.

What's your vision for the future of CDJ Weddings and Events?

Our vision is to be the premier full-service event company in the region, and we're well on our way! We want every couple to know that when they choose CDJ Weddings and Events, they're getting world-class DJs, officiants, coordinators, and so much more, all working together to create their perfect day.

We're constantly expanding our services too. From photography and videography to bartending services, we're committed to being that one-stop destination where love meets lasting memories. We want couples to spend their engagement focused on each other and their love story, not stressed about managing a dozen different vendors.

Inclusivity seems to be important to your business. Can you share more about that?

Absolutely! Love is love, and every couple deserves to celebrate their commitment in a way that feels authentic and affirming to them. We're proud to be LGBTQIA+ affirming, and we work with couples from all backgrounds, cultures, and traditions.

Whether you're planning a traditional church wedding, a backyard celebration, or something completely unique, our job is to honor your vision and make sure you feel completely supported and celebrated. Emily Miller, our Coordinator Extraordinaire, and I have worked with couples from all walks of life, and there's nothing more beautiful than seeing pure joy on someone's face when they realize their dream wedding is becoming reality.

What makes CDJ Weddings and Events different from other wedding service providers?

It's our integrated approach and genuine care for each couple. When you work with us, you're not managing multiple vendors who've never met each other. You're working with a cohesive team that communicates seamlessly and shares the same commitment to your perfect day.

Emily Miller brings incredible organizational skills and creative flair to our coordination services, ensuring every detail flows perfectly. As your DJ, I bring over 25 years of experience reading crowds and keeping dance floors packed. And as your officiant, I create ceremonies that are deeply personal and meaningful.

But honestly? What really sets us apart is how we treat our couples. You're not just another booking on our calendar, you're family, and we're invested in making your day absolutely unforgettable.

What's your favorite part about what you do?

Oh, that's easy! It's those magical moments when everything comes together perfectly. Maybe it's watching a couple's faces light up during their first dance to a song that tells their love story. Maybe it's seeing grandparents on the dance floor having the time of their lives. Or maybe it's that quiet moment during the ceremony when I see tears of pure joy in everyone's eyes.

Every single wedding teaches me something new about love, about family, about celebration. I get to witness the beginning of beautiful marriages, and I get to help create memories that couples will cherish for the rest of their lives. Honestly, I can't imagine doing anything else!

Any final thoughts for couples planning their wedding?

Remember this: your wedding day should be a celebration of your unique love story, not a stressful event you need to survive. Choose vendors who genuinely care about you as a couple, who listen to your vision, and who make you feel excited about your big day rather than overwhelmed by it.

At CDJ Weddings and Events, we believe that where love meets lasting memories, magic happens. We can't wait to be part of your story and help you craft a celebration that's as unique and beautiful as your love for each other.

Ready to start planning the wedding of your dreams? Let's chat! We're here to make every moment from "I do" to last call absolutely perfect.