A beautiful evening at Hotel Baker in St. Charles
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Upcoming Events
Hotel Baker Rainbow Room
On July 22, the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce Women’s Business Council held our annual evening event at the beautiful Hotel Baker. Hotel Baker is a hidden gem in the Fox Valley and is a favorite of ours! Owner Rowena Salas and Catering Managers Liz and Mary made everyone feel like VIP’s for the evening in the gorgeous Waterfront Room overlooking the Fox River. Chef David Hassan of Hotel Baker’s Rox City Grill prepared a mouth watering menu for us including made to order crab cakes, avocado spring rolls, beef tenderloin sliders, pacific rim salad (complete with chopsticks!), and everyone’s favorite dessert…a chocolate fountain! The food was absolutely delicious and the presentation was amazing!
Any Bride looking to have her “dream” wedding should definitely visit Hotel Baker’s upcoming Wedding Showcase at Noon on Sunday August 22nd, 2010. A delightful afternoon is planned with amazing vendors (including Something 2 Dance 2), cake tastings, and tours of the beautiful Rainbow Room, Waterfront Room and Rose Garden. Call Liz Weber at 630.845.5834 to reserve your spot. This is an event you will not want to miss!
Tags: Hotel Baker, Rox City Grill, Something 2 Dance 2, St. Charles Chamber of Commerece
Sparty pays a visit to one of our Weddings!
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under News and Updates
MSU Mascot Sparty joins DJ Jay Sims at Gretchen & Jason's Wedding
We love creating fun memories at our wedding receptions, and from time to time “special guests” make an appearance at our events. On July 17, DJ Jay Sims drove up to Michigan State University to provide the DJ Entertainment for Gretchen and Jason’s Wedding. So what better way to celebrate than to have MSU Mascot “Sparty” join the party! Since MSU was the place where our beautiful couple met and fell in love, their guests were thrilled to join Sparty on the dance floor. In keeping with the college football theme, the Bride’s father made his special recipes of Kettle Corn, Caramel Corn and Cheese Corn for guests to snack on and take home at the end of the night. What a sweet way to end an amazing wedding!
Tags: DJ Jay Sims, Michigan State University, Sparty
July is Sweet!
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Reception Ideas
Enjoying some yummy ice cream desserts during the hot summer!
July is National Ice Cream Month and what better way to celebrate this hot summer month than with a cool, creamy treat.
Why not treat your Wedding guests to an interactive Ice Cream Sundae Bar at your reception. What a great way to bring out the kid in everyone! Think outside the box by including gourmet toppings like Bananas Foster, Peanut Butter, Caramel, Home Made Brownies or Dulce de Leche.
Your guests will have a blast choosing from fun childhood toppings like cookie crumbles, chocolate chips, peanut butter cups, whipped cream, sprinkles, gummy bears and of course maraschino cherries!
And if you are in need of some inspiration while planning your sundae bar, I have listed a few of my favorite Ice Cream Shops:
Grahams in Geneva, IL
Gramps Frozen Custard in St. Charles, IL
Wilson’s Ice Cream in Door County, WI
And of course, the Dairy Queen in East Dundee right across from our office!
Feel free to share some of your favorite ice cream shops with us: tamara@something2dance2.com
Tags: Dairy Queen, Grahams Chocolate, Gramps Frozen Custard, Wilson's Ice Cream
Having Fun in Chicago!
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under News and Updates
Tea at The Drake Hotel Chicago
Being born and raised in Chicago, it is easy to take our amazing city for granted. The summer goes by so quickly, especially for our Brides & Grooms who are busy planning their wedding. So when you need a break from the seating charts, flower arrangements and invitations, check out some of our favorite things to do in our beautiful city of Chicago.
Spend an evening at the theater! Chicago is one of the best theater towns…Steppenwolf Theater, The Goodman Theater, Porchlight Music Theatre and of course the many Broadway in Chicago Theaters.
Ride the 150 foot high Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier. It is a fun and romantic way to view the city!
When your feeling stressed and need a few laughs, check out Second City on Wells Street.
For a relaxing day with your Bridesmaids enjoy High Tea at the Drake Hotel featuring a live harpist, delicious scones, sandwiches and sweets. A favorite of mine!
Pack a picnic with your sweetie and head out to Grant Park or Millennium Park. They offer free concerts during the summer.
If you are really ambitious…run the Chicago Marathon in October…or if you are like me, head to the city and cheer on the runners!
DJ Jay Sims after running the 2006 Chicago Marathon
The Power of Referrals
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under News and Updates
DJ Jay Sims with three former Brides & one current
Jay recently performed at Cristina & Nick’s June 18, 2010 wedding, and in attendance were 3 former Something 2 Dance 2 Brides & Grooms who Jay had the pleasure of working with over the past few years. It is always amazing to see how many of our clients are referred from former Brides and how important it is to continually exceed expectations. Building relationships is the core to any businesses success, but it is even more important in the wedding industry where you only have one day to make things perfect. We create a lifetime of memories for our Brides & Grooms and for each and every guest in attendance and we are pleased to have touched the lives of so many friends and family members through referrals.
We must thank Cristina & Nick’s fantastic photographer Shannon Range, for capturing such a fun photo of Jay with his Brides & Grooms!
Tags: Shannon Range Photography, Something 2 Dance 2
Chicago Wedding Reception Lighting
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Reception Ideas
Renaissance Oak Brook Purple Up Lighting & Centerpiece Pin Spot
Beautiful Wedding Ceremony Altar and Backdrop
Jay and I had the opportunity to attend an amazing presentation by renowned Wedding Planner, Sasha Souza earlier this year, and one thing that really rang true for us was the importance of adding color to your reception. Sasha believes that color is the number one way to put a personal stamp on your wedding, and we couldn’t agree more. Lighting can truly transform your venue to create a soft romantic glow or a bold and dramatic “wow” when your guests enter the room. The possibilities are endless based on your imagination and creativity.
When considering lighting for your wedding be sure to draw inspiration from what you love…whether it be the outdoors, the moonlight, a sunset or the beach. And don’t forget to bring lots of pictures to your lighting designer so he/she can help bring your inspiration to life. Sasha’s book “Signature Sasha, Magnificent Weddings By Design,” has been a great resource for us and to many of our brides in creating magic with lighting decor.
To learn more about how “color and light” can transform your wedding, please visit our Elegant Event Lighting website for inspirational ideas: www.eleganteventlighting.net
Tags: Elegant Event Lighting, Sasha Souza
Fun Wedding Reception Ideas
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Reception Ideas
Fun New York City Photo
Planning a wedding can be challenging for many Brides so it is important not to lose sight of the fun and creativity when planning your big day. Here are a few fun wedding ideas that I hope will bring out your “playful” side during the planning process:
Did your Ceremony take place on the Beach? Why not have your DJ create a custom cocktail hour complete with exotic drinks and Island Music to really put your guests in the mood. You can even incorporate shells and sand in your centerpieces along with your favorite flowers. And don’t forget to show your destination wedding video to your guests at your reception.
Do you love the city? The next time you are downtown, bring your camera and take fun photos at your favorite spots throughout the city. The photos can be used to name your tables at your reception…how fun would it be to have your guests seated at the Navy Pier Table (complete with a photo of the two of you on the Ferris Wheel) or the Wrigley Field Table (with a photo of the two of you sharing a hot dog)…the possibilities are endless.
Are you a Foodie? Sit down with your caterer to create a menu that reflects some of your favorite cuisine. What about a sushi station or taco bar during cocktail hour? Or maybe the chef can recreate a dish from your favorite restaurant to share with your guests. Or perhaps you have a sweet tooth like me! Try something interactive like a Crepe Station, Make your own Blizzard Station, or Chocolate Risotto Station prepared on site by the Chef. You are only limited by your imagination!
If you have a Creative Wedding Idea you would like to share with our readers in an upcoming post, please contact me at tamara@something2dance2.com
Wedding Professionals unite for joint ABC & ADJA Meeting in Chicago
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Resources
Chicago Wedding Coordinators Judy Alden, Jane Skarosi and Melissa Phillips at joint ABC/ADJA Meeting
June 8, was a first for our Chicago ADJA Chapter as we hosted a joint meeting with the Association of Bridal Consultants, headed by Illinois ABC Coordinator Judy Alden and ADJA Vice President Jay Sims…and moderated by yours truly! Our goal is to bridge the gap between Wedding Coordinators and DJ Entertainers to work together to provide the best possible service for our Brides & Grooms.
Our panel of Wedding Coordinators included Judy Alden, Master Bridal Consultant, ABC Illinois Coordinator, and owner of JulWil Weddings, Melissa Phillips, owner of Simply Perfect by Melissa, and Jane Skarosi, Master Bridal Consultant and Owner of Bridal Mansion of Lisle and Weddings by Jane.
Our panel of DJ’s included Peter Merkle Chicago ADJA Chapter President and owner of Global Heart Entertainment in Chicago, Jay Sims, Chicago ADJA Chapter Vice President and Owner of Something 2 Dance 2, and Ken Overbey, Owner of Sounds Abound Entertainment and Wedding Shop in Naperville.
Our distinguished panel of “wedding experts” were posed a variety questions about their experience in the wedding industry. They discussed the importance of organization, trust and personality in finding the right vendor for your wedding and how crucial it is to work together as a team by always having your Bride & Grooms best interest at heart. Melissa stated that when Brides are surveyed after their wedding they remember the Food and Entertainment, and each coordinator agreed that a DJ can truly “make or break” a wedding reception. Our panel of DJ’s all agreed that working with a Professional Wedding Coordinator can make their job easier and can truly add to the success of the reception.
To find a Professional Wedding Coordinator in your area please visit: www.bridalassn.com and to find a Professional DJ Entertainer in Chicago please visit www.adja.org/chapters/chicagoland
Tags: ABC, ADJA, Bridal Mansion Lisle, Jay Sims, Judy Alden, JulWil Weddings, Simply Perfect by Melissa, Weddings By Jane
Creative Wedding Trends
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Resources
Yummy Cold Stone Ice Cream Sundae Bar!
Wedding Favor Donation Card
When I meet with Brides & Grooms, I am quite often asked to provide creative wedding ideas, so this month I decided to share three of my favorite wedding trends with our readers. Have Fun, Be Creative & Enjoy!
Tamara’s Top Three Trends this month are:
*Get Charitable! As a huge fan of the Celebrity Apprentice, I was moved by how willing people were to help others. Instead of wedding favors, why not make a donation to your favorite charity. Your DJ Entertainer can share your connection to the charity with your guests at your reception.
*Share your Journey! Instead of using Table Numbers, why not name each table after special places you have visited, or favorite restaurants you enjoy on “date night,” or take it a step further with actual photos on each table…the possibilities are endless and your guests will enjoy viewing “your story” at each table.
*Be Sweet! Anyone who knows me is aware of my obsession with dessert, so why not incorporate your favorite sweets at your reception. Not a fan of Wedding Cake? How about Cupcakes, Donuts, Brownies or even a Rice Krispy Cake! During the hot summer months, an ice cream sundae bar complete with hot fudge, caramel, nuts and cherries are sure to please the kid in all of us.
At Something 2 Dance 2 we encourage your creativity…so don’t be afraid to think outside of the box when planning your Wedding…showcase your personality to create lasting wedding memories for you and your guests.
Tags: American Cancer Society, Cold Stone Creamery, Something 2 Dance 2, Wedding Trends
Vendor Spotlight: Red Letter Event Planning
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Resources
Robyn Bruns of Red Letter Event Planning
Many of our busy Brides need an “extra set of hands” on their special day, and being a part of the Association of Bridal Consultants (ABC), has allowed me to meet wonderful wedding planners who can assist our Brides. Robyn Bruns, owner of Red Letter Event Planning is a great resource and can help you with your “Red Letter Day!” She took a few minutes out of her busy day to share more about herself and her company with our readers.
Hi Robyn, tell us about yourself: I started Red Letter Event Planning four years ago, originally I thought my clients would be planning corporate events but I fell in love planning weddings. Now 90% of the business is wedding planning from full planning to wedding day management.
What town is your business located?
I am located in the beautiful north shore suburb of Glenview, I love my town, there is always something fun going on. But of course I can help Brides throughout the Chicagoland area.
What services do you offer to Brides & Grooms?
My philosophy is that a wedding has to reflect the couple getting married, I always tell my clients that the best thing I can hear at their wedding is one of the guests saying, this wedding is so Chrissy, or Matt or whatever the name is of the couple. Then I KNOW I have done my job.
Wow Robyn, we are definitely on the same page…the more creative and personalized the wedding the better!
Do you have memberships in any associations or trade groups?
I have the Professional Bridal Consultant designation with the Association of Bridal Consultants.
Has your business received any awards or designations? I have received the 2010 Brides Choice award from Wedding Wire. I am also an approved vendor on the website You’re EnGAYged, which I am proud of because I believe every person has the right to walk down the aisle.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully still doing what I love which is planning weddings, playing with my dog and living a happy life with my soul mate and husband Greg. I also have a Mediterranean cruise on my 5 year list!
Sounds fantastic…especially the cruise! It is also my philosophy to work hard and play hard.
What is your favorite color?
My personal favorite color is green, however my all time favorite wedding color combo is black and white with an accent color, this year I think the coral and turquoise colors look fantastic with black and white.
If you could only have one song on your Ipod, which song would it be? That is really a difficult question as I love all types of music, I actually went to my ipod to see what song I played the most these past few weeks, embarrassingly enough it was Go Cubs Go (I went to a game last week) I guess that shows I am an eternal optimist!
Seeing the glass half full is a great characteristic…especially in the Wedding Business!
To learn more about how Robyn can help you with your “Red Letter Day,” please visit her at: www.redlettereventplanning.com
Tags: ABC, Red Letter Event Planning, Robyn Bruns
