We’re excited to share some BIG news! The Todd Everett Experience was honored with the Best Entertainment Under $15,000 award at the first annual Shine Awards hosted by ILEA Michigan at the DoubleTree in downtown Detroit.

A proud moment for Detroit DJ and Wedding DJ Todd Everett as he receives recognition at the ILEA Michigan Shine Awards, presented by the legendary David Merrell. A true leader in the event industry.

Elegant decor and electric energy at the ILEA Michigan Shine Awards, where the best event industry professionals — including Detroit DJ and Wedding DJ Todd Everett — gathered to celebrate creativity and excellence.
_________________________________________________________________
The award-winning celebration? A high-energy, HBCU-inspired wedding reception for a Detroit-based couple that brought 330 guests to The Henry Autograph Collection in Dearborn, Michigan. This unforgettable night was a masterclass in curated entertainment, cultural energy, and Detroit love.
A Detroit Love Story Worth Celebrating
Kimberly Stokes and Dexter Mason—both proud Detroit natives—met back in 2013. Kimberly, a Howard University graduate, and Dexter, a Georgetown University alum, reconnected in 2017 at the Detroit Auto Show, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Their wedding took place in August 2024 and was featured in The New York Times, highlighting the deep family roots and Black excellence woven into their big day. Their families have known each other for over 40 years, and their wedding was more than a celebration—it was a cultural moment.

A picture-perfect grand entrance at The Henry Autograph Collection — the bride waves to guests as The Todd Everett Experience sets the vibe at this Detroit wedding venue.

A joyful moment as the bride flashes her ring to guests, prompted by the ever-engaging Wedding DJ, Todd Everett.

Making an entrance to remember — the groom dips his bride in style at Detroit Wedding Venue, The Henry Autograph Collection, with music and energy led by Wedding DJ Todd Everett.
The Couple’s Vision: HBCU Energy Meets Detroit Luxury
The couple knew what they wanted:
“A reception that the city would talk about. High energy. Authentic vibes. An experience that felt like Howard Homecoming mixed with Black Detroit elegance.”
Their Michigan Wedding planner, Posh and Prim, immediately recommended The Todd Everett Experience, known across Michigan as the go-to luxury wedding DJ for Detroit’s elite. With 30+ years in the game, Todd Everett has built a reputation as a vibe curator, delivering next-level wedding entertainment that’s both elevated and electric.
Creating an Interactive, High-Energy Wedding Experience
From our first meeting, the goal was clear: bring the soul of HBCU culture into a polished, unforgettable Detroit wedding reception.
We crafted a custom music journey that moved seamlessly from classic soul, neo-soul, hip-hop and go-go, to Afrobeat, trap, Motown, and marching band-inspired moments. Guests didn’t just dance—they engaged. From interactive mic moments to surprise shoutouts, call-and-response energy, and packed dance floors, the celebration was alive from start to finish.
Even with a entertainment budget under $15K, we delivered a luxury experience, including:
• High-end sound and uplighting
• Full DJ and AV production
• Live interactive hosting
• Seamless coordination with the wedding planner and creative team
This wasn’t just a party. It was an experience—curated, customized, and completely unforgettable.

Hands up, good vibes only! Guests turn up the energy at The Henry Autograph Collection, following the lead of interactive Wedding DJ Todd Everett. The Todd Everett Experience delivers fun and unforgettable moments on a packed dance floor at this luxury wedding venue.

When the vibes are just too good not to capture — a guest records the fun on a packed dance floor during a luxury wedding, with interactive entertainment by The Todd Everett Experience.

A packed dance floor, nonstop energy, and unforgettable fun — the bride and groom celebrate in style with their guests, powered by the interactive experience only The Todd Everett Experience can bring to a luxury wedding.
The Dream Team of Wedding Creatives
A wedding of this scale and energy takes a team. The couple brought together some of the best Detroit Wedding creatives in the industry:
• 📸 Photography & Videography: Kyra and Dee
•💐 Floral Design: Dawn Floral
•📝 Planning & Coordination: Posh and Prim
•📍 Venue: The Henry, Autograph Collection, Dearborn, MI
We were honored to bring the soundtrack to such a powerful and visually stunning celebration.
Recognized at the Shine Awards by ILEA Michigan
Hosted by the International Live Events Association (ILEA) Michigan Chapter, the Shine Awards celebrate excellence in events and entertainment across the state. We’re beyond proud to have taken home the trophy for Best Entertainment Under $15K, alongside an inspiring group of creatives and vendors across Michigan.
Learn more about the Shine Awards at ILEA Michigan’s official website.
Why Clients Choose The Todd Everett Experience
At The Todd Everett Experience, we don’t just play music—we create memories. Our reputation as Detroit’s premium wedding DJ service is built on:
🎧 Expert DJing & Emceeing
🎤 Interactive & Crowd-Focused Hosting
🌟 Luxury AV Production
📸 Photo Booth , Uplighting & Add-On Experiences
🎶 Custom Curated Playlists Tailored to You
Whether you’re planning an upscale Detroit wedding, an intimate celebration, or a cultural event that deserves the perfect soundtrack, we bring the energy, professionalism, and expertise every time.
Ready to Bring Your Vision to Life?
Let’s turn your event into something unforgettable.
📅 Now Booking: 2025 and 2026 Weddings + Special Events: GET A QUOTE
📍 Serving: Detroit, Rochester, Dearborn, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Ann Arbor, and surrounding areas
📧 Contact: The Todd Everett Experience
🌐 Explore our services: www.toddeverett.com
📲 Follow on Instagram: @TheToddEExp
💬 “Todd Everett doesn’t just DJ—he curates the moment.” – Real Client Review
#DetroitWeddingDJ #LuxuryWeddingEntertainment #HBCUWeddingVibes #TheToddEverettExperience #ILEAMichigan #DetroitWeddingVendors #AwardWinningDJ #BlackWeddingExcellence #EventEntertainmentMichigan
Posted on April 8, 2025 | By The Todd Everett Experience