Chicago Wedding Photography: Spotlight with Alex Claney Photography
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Resources
The beautiful Hotel Baker photographed by Alex Claney Photography
Wedding season and warm weather are just around the corner, so for all of you brides and grooms who are still in need of photography for your big day, please enjoy this vendor spotlight with Alex Claney Photography. Something 2 Dance 2 has worked with Alex and his team for over 5 years and he has captured thousands of memorable moments for our brides and grooms.
Tell me about your business: We have been in business for over 20 years. Even in these tough economic times, Alex Claney Photography has continued to maintain the quality wedding photography standards we believe in.
The discount photographers have a place in this industry. However, our main focus is the bride and groom who want a complete photography package that includes personal service, a personable full-time professional photographer and an album that they will be excited about for many years to come.
Where is your business located? We are located in downtown St. Charles. The studio is conveniently situated three blocks south of North Ave on Route 31. We have been in the Fox Valley area for 18 years.
What type of event makes up most of your business? The main focus of our studio’s business is weddings. As wedding and event photography primarily happens on the weekends, another large part of our business comes from the commercial photography market. Our studio is large enough to photograph everything from a car to small table top items for catalogs. We spend a large amount of time traveling and photographing sales meeting for a couple of clients but it’s always great to get to the weekend and photograph a fun wedding party!
What other services can you offer? The digital revolution has allowed us to offer several interesting products to our clients. We have an event imaging system—essentially a photo booth with a photographer. Another option is to create a green screen background that matches the theme of your event. Some of the themes we have done include a tropical beach, Tuscan wine vineyard and the deck of a pirate ship.
What sets your company apart from other Photographers? What sets Alex Claney Photography apart from other photographers is the size of our business. We are large enough to have a physical studio and work full-time doing photography. Yet, we are small enough to provide the personal customer care that our clients are looking for and deserve. We want to get to know our clients so that they get the type of photographs that they want. In addition, we also have a full-time graphic designer on staff. That allows us to create custom, one-of-a-kind wedding albums for our brides and grooms. We don’t send out the design work. Our clients talk directly to the designer, are kept in the loop and get to approve every step of the project. That way, there are no miscommunications and the client always gets the wedding album of their dreams.
Do you have a favorite location where you like to shoot? We love photographing at the charming Hotel Baker here in St. Charles. There are many beautiful locations both inside and out of the hotel that make a perfect backdrop for photos. Also, having been in business in St. Charles for so long, we know many unique picturesque places for shooting photos that photographers from outside the area are not aware of.
What are some 2011 Photography Trends? In 2011, I expect to see the “photojournalistic” trend to be not quite so prevalent. I have found that clients like the casual fun photos that you get but they are finding that the smiling looking at the camera photographs have been missing from the mix. Mom still wants to see the Bride and Groom smiling and posing. The photojournalistic photos are definitely necessary, but the posed images are making a return with an updated contemporary feel.
If you only had 1 song on your I-Pod what would it be? I guess it would be Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, IZ, Somewhere Over The Rainbow, I’m a sap – I love his version.
To learn more about Alex Claney Photography please visit their website: www.alexclaneyphoto.com
Tags: Alex Claney Photography, Hotel Baker, Something 2 Dance 2
The Chicago Cupcake Invasion!
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Resources
Line around the corner at Sprinkles Cupcakes
Banana & Coconut Cupcakes from Sprinkles
The cupcake invasion has hit Chicago and our Brides are loving the idea of serving cupcakes at their wedding. I am a long time cupcake fan, having been bitten by the “cupcake bug” over 10 years ago when I was introduced to Magnolia Bakery in New York City. There are limitless possibilities with cupcakes…flavors, colors, frostings and yes, even fillings.
This year alone Chicago has seen the openings of Sprinkles Cupcakes (a new favorite of mine), Crumbs Bake Shop (another NYC transplant), More Cupcakes (the salted caramel is amazing and they even have a mobile cupcake truck), and in just a few months the rumored opening of Magnolia Bakery on Block 37. So what’s a Bride to do with all of these choices? What else…go on a cupcake crawl with your bridal party and taste, taste, taste! At least that’s what I would do.
If you are having a traditional wedding, go for the classic vanilla cupcake with creamy buttercream frosting and maybe a simple sugar flower on top. Does your wedding have a vintage theme? A beautiful red velvet cupcake with cream cheese frosting will definitely set the tone. Bucking tradition on your wedding day? Go for a modern twist, like peanut butter cupcakes with raspberry jelly filling. And if you are planning a winter wonderland themed wedding, coconut cupcakes with snow-white coconut frosting would be perfect.
With so many flavor combinations you will certainly find the perfect cupcake to fit your perfect day. And by the way, if you need a taste tester, I’m your girl!
Our first of many classic vanilla cupcakes at Magnolia Bakery in New York City
Tags: Block 37, Crumbs Bakeshop, Magnolia Bakery, More Cupcakes, Sprinkles Cupcakes
Spring Wedding Trends
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Reception Ideas, Wedding Resources
Spring has finally sprung…and it is about time! Wedding Season in Chicago is right around the corner, so I thought I would share some Spring Wedding Trends to help in your planning.
*Spring Floral Trends Pantone announced their 2011 color pick is Honeysuckle. Jenny Polloway of Elizabeth Wray Design in Geneva, loves this bright red/pink shade for spring, and best of all…there are many spring flowers that come in a honeysuckle hue.
*Outdoor is in! Have your wedding ceremony or reception outdoors and enjoy the beautiful, sunny weather. Add bright colors to the wedding with decor, bridesmaid’s dresses, or hair styles, and make your wedding eye-catching and unique.
*Wedding Gowns Sarah with Elizabeth Wray Design shares some great tips for Spring Wedding Gowns. ”Pay homage to the season by wearing a gown with floral details such as three-dimensional embellishments or subtle appliques. I love these gowns for their layered texture, amazing details, and oh so feminine silhouettes. Let the sweet romance of a blossoming flower be the inspiration for your bridal gown!”
*Wedding Favors Plantable seeds or a blooming plant can be symbolic of the bride & groom’s new journey, and is a great idea for Spring. Or how about your favorite cupcake adorned with a beautiful edible flower. Add a small vase adorned with butterflies or birds to complete your theme.
Happy Spring and Happy Wedding Planning!
Tags: Elizabeth Wray Design
TOMS Shoes New Wedding Collection
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under News and Updates, What's New
TOMS Shoes New Wedding Collection
I received a wonderful e-mail last week from Nicole Tam who works in the Shoenanigans (I love that title!) Public Relations Department for TOMS Shoes. As a Chicago Wedding DJ Entertainment company, she asked me to give our readers an exclusive look at the new TOMS Wedding Collection. I was so excited to hear from Nicole and I hope you will consider using TOMS on your wedding day. Don’t forget that with every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One.
The TOMS Wedding Collection offers a selection of refined fabrics for brides, grooms, and the wedding party. We have just the right shoe to suit any bride’s tastes, whether you want a classic feel with Ivory Glitters and Ivory Grosgrain, or to add some sparkle and color with Blue Glitters. Grooms can choose from Black Leather and Black Velvet Classics. With so many ways to add meaning to an already special day, you’ll start a new stage of life together in comfort. Change a life with your next big step.
Here’s a sneak peek of the TOMS Wedding Collection: TOMS Wedding Collection
Tags: Chicago Wedding DJ, Something 2 Dance 2, TOMS Shoes
Chicago Wedding DJ Entertains for 30 Hours!
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under News and Updates, Upcoming Events
Chicago Wedding DJ Jay Sims at Dance Marathon 2009
Chicago Wedding DJ Jay Sims will keep the crowd going for 30 hours at Northwestern University’s Dance Marathon March 4-6, 2011. Students will dance the night away to raise funds for The Children’s Heart Foundation.
This will be the 15th year Jay, a Northwestern University Alum, will be providing DJ Entertainment services for the annual event.
Northwestern University’s Dance Marathon began in 1975 as a way to raise funds for The American Epilepsy Foundation. The event has grown over the years and is one of the world’s largest collegiate philanthropies. Last year the event raised over $800,000 for Stand Up For Kids.
Chicago Wedding DJ Jay Sims looks forward to entertaining over 1200 dancers and additional guests from around the country. Upon completing the event this year, Jay will have donated 450 hours to raising funds for various charitable organizations.
He is proud to be involved with such an important and exciting event in the community. If you would like to donate please visit: http://nudm.org/donate
Tags: Chicago Wedding DJ, Dance Marathon, Jay Sims, Northwestern University, Something 2 Dance 2, The Children's Heart Foundation
Chicago Wedding Reception Venues: Seven Bridges Golf Club
Posted by Tamara Sims | Filed under Wedding Venues
Over the years our team at Something 2 Dance 2 has had the pleasure of working with Roisin Daly at the beautiful Seven Bridges Golf Club in Woodridge, IL. This venue is so unique as it overlooks a gorgeous golf course and provides guests with personalized service. Our Brides & Grooms are always raving about the attention to detail and excellent service they receive from Roisin. Roisin sat down with me to share her experiences in the wedding industry.
Tell me about yourself: My name is Roisin Daly and I am the Director of Catering at Seven Bridges Golf Club. I emigrated from Ireland in 1994. I have over 20 years experience in the hospitality field and spent much of my early employment years working throughout Europe. I have been booking and planning memorable wedding days for 11 years and I am going into my 9th wedding season here at Seven Bridges Golf Club.
What type of event makes up most of your business? Wedding Ceremonies and receptions are our main markets. This is primarily because of the personalized, one on one service our clients receive.
What other services do you offer? We also have a strong social market involving Bridal Showers, Rehearsal Dinners, Fundraisers, Association Events…you name it and we can do it. We spend several months each year hosting Golf Outings and Corporate Events of all sizes.
What makes Seven Bridges unique? I feel Seven Bridges Golf Club is unique for a number of reasons. We truly care about our clients and we offer consistent, friendly service. We are privately owned and we can be very flexible with what we can offer. We host just one wedding per evening and we guard our client’s privacy very closely. We have a stunning, natural backdrop of ponds and rivers and our banquet space overlooks one of the prettiest golf courses in the area. We have large picture windows to maximize the stunning views. There is also a covered veranda which wraps around the length of our banquet space. Our food is prepared fresh to a very high standard and is always served hot! Our service is very efficient and our staff is led by a core group of managers who have been at Seven Bridges multiple years.
What are some 2011 Wedding Trends? I see a lot of my Brides & Grooms choosing a very natural look for 2011. Many palettes are neutral, accented with splashes of color. There is a more definite trend toward incorporating the outdoors more fully, more so through having there Ceremony on-site in a very intimate and picturesque setting.
If you could only have 1 song on your I-Pod, which song would it be? I love Josh Groban’s “You Lift Me Up.” It is so inspirational and his voice is just amazing. I am a true romantic at heart and each time I hear it i am reminded of how anything is possible as long as I have my husband, and best friend beside me.
Visit www.sevenbridges.com to view photo galleries and to read customer testimonials
