What is your most memorable wedding?
I love remembering the many, many different types of wedding I've played, from electro-swing to heavy rock and everything in between, but those I'm most proud of are those where I can feel how grateful the couple are for me incorporating their favourite music.
When I hear such things as - 'We weren't sure whether to have a DJ but Ed made it better than we could have possibly imagined' or 'We wanted our wedding to be personal and meaningful for us and we immediately knew we were in safe hands.' - those are the memories that stick and make me smile.
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Creative, versatile, eclectic, energising and fun.
What about your business are you most proud of?
I enjoy doing as thorough a job as I would hope for for my own wedding and it's my thoughtful, accommodating nature that I'm glad to be able to bring to this work. A large family event can sometimes be a sensitive or daunting time and, with my calm, supportive manner, I like to make everyone feel welcome and involved.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Don't underestimate just how much of the day you will spend talking to your guests so be sure to give yourself some time to catch your breath, look around at your gathering and take it all in together - you're very unlikely to ever have that same combination of friends and family celebrating in one place again, so soak it all in and store that feeling.
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
I've helped couples, and their guests, stage surprise flash-mob dances, incorporate video messages from far-flung family members or celebrities and perform live music as part of their day. I especially love hearing people's speeches though and there are many moments, atmospheres and anecdotes that I will never forget.
Describe your typical process with a couple.
I like to hear as much as possible about their music tastes so as to get a good, wide picture of what styles we have to play with for their day. Unlike some DJs, I don't tend to restrict the amount of requests or the length of playlists and have done several weddings in which every song has been chosen by the couple. It's then my challenge to construct a route through the evening which includes something for everyone and involves me finding the right moment for the right songs, which is exactly what I love to do.
I like to do a lot of planning and preparation for the weddings I play at and my fees reflect all of the time, effort and care that I put in to each event.
What makes a romantic first dance?
When you can feel how special a moment it is for the bride and groom and when I know how important their song is to them.
What is your number one floor-filler?
An oldie, and certainly not for every gig, but for some reason I love it when Jackie Wilson's Reet Petite really hits the right spot.
Which band from the past would you most like to have been part of?
Queen were one of my first loves but, as a drummer/percussionist, a live gig by someone like Kool and the Gang or Earth, Wind and Fire must have been so much fun to be part of.
What is the soundtrack to your life?
Talk Talk's 'Spirit Of Eden' album has a very special place in my heart and is a post-event favourite of mine to relax back into real life with.