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🏆 Award-Winning Detroit Wedding DJ: The Todd Everett Experience Takes Home ILEA Michigan Shine Award for High-Energy HBCU-Inspired Detroit Wedding

Detroit Wedding DJ Todd Everett with fellow ILEA Michigan board members.

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.

Todd Everett receiving an award from David Merrell at the ILEA Michigan Shine Awards, recognized for excellence in DJ and entertainment as a top Detroit Wedding DJ.

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 event decor at the ILEA Michigan Shine Awards, setting the stage for a night of entertainment and recognition featuring top Detroit DJs and Wedding DJs.

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.

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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.

Bride smiling and waving while entering the ballroom with the groom during their grand entrance at The Henry Autograph Collection, with music by Wedding DJ The Todd Everett Experience.

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.

 

Bride smiling and holding out her hand to show her wedding ring to guests during the reception, as suggested by DJ Todd Everett.

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

 

Groom dipping his bride in a romantic pose on the dance floor during their grand entrance at Detroit Wedding Venue, The Henry Autograph Collection.

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.

Guests with hands raised on a packed dance floor at The Henry Autograph Collection, enjoying a fun and interactive moment led by Wedding DJ The Todd Everett Experience during a luxury wedding.

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.

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.

 

Bride and groom dancing with their guests on a packed dance floor during their luxury wedding, with music and interactive entertainment by Wedding DJ The Todd Everett Experience at a luxury wedding venue.

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

📸: Derek Cookson Photography

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350+ Five Star Reviews

My wife and I are incredibly happy that we picked Todd to DJ at our wedding. Todd was very professional and thorough in his preparation for our event, and did a great job of making us feel comfortable. He made us feel like rock stars on our wedding day, and had no trouble getting every single person in attendance out on the dance floor for a long time. We're still hearing about how much fun everyone had. If you want your wedding reception to be a party with great music and an incredible atmosphere, look no further!

Sam Kokoszka

OVER

satisfied customers

The Todd Everett collective loves to wow our clients with our service-first, energy, and award-winning DJs