Specialties
Over 150 five-star reviews | Serving all of Northern Michigan & destination weddings. When your wedding deserves more than just a playlist, you need 1Wave DJs. Owner AJ Smith has spent years behind the scenes with music’s biggest icons Lady Gaga, Elton John, Bon Jovi, Diana Ross, WWE events, and even NIKE corporate experiences across the country. From sold-out arenas to the intimate stage at Interlochen Center for the Arts, AJ has lived and breathed live music his entire career. He’s performed in seven rock and metal bands and spun everything from hip-hop and reggae to blues and today’s Top 40. Together with specialist Cathy Baliuag, AJ brings that big-stage expertise straight to your wedding but with the personal touch only a boutique team can deliver. What You Get – Every Time Full-day coverage: ceremony, cocktail hour, and a packed dance floor until the very last song
Custom-curated playlists built from your “must-play” and “do-not-play” lists
Professional MC who keeps the timeline flowing and the energy electric (no cheesy DJ clichés)
Premium sound systems and elegant dance floor lighting included in every package
Optional upgrades: uplighting, monogram projection, video screens, and dancing-on-clouds effect
We don’t just play music we create the soundtrack to the best day of your life. From your walk down the aisle to the moment you and your friends shut the dance floor down, we handle every detail so you can be fully present. Let’s make your dance floor unforgettable.
History
Established in 2021.
1Wave DJs – Traverse City & Northern Michigan’s Luxury Wedding DJ
Established 2021 by AJ Smith, a former touring stagehand & tech for Elton John, Lady Gaga, Bon Jovi, Diana Ross, and WWE arena events nationwide. After years on the biggest stages, AJ brought that same world-class energy home to Michigan weddings. Now with specialist Cathy Baliuag, we deliver seamless, personalized, dance-floor-packed celebrations for couples who want their day to feel like a once-in-a-lifetime concert — minus the cheese. 150+ five-star reviews on The Knot & WeddingWire. Let’s make your wedding unforgettable.
Meet the Business Owner: AJ S.
AJ Smith, owner of 1Wave DJs, spent years on tour with Elton John, Lady Gaga, Bon Jovi, Diana Ross, and WWE arena productions before bringing that big-stage expertise home to Northern Michigan weddings. With specialist Cathy Baliuag, we create elegant, high-energy receptions with custom playlists, pro MC services, premium sound, and stunning lighting. No cheesy gimmicks—just packed dance floors and five-star experiences. Serving Traverse City, Leelanau, Petoskey, Charlevoix, Torch Lake & beyond. Let’s make your wedding legendary.