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
