We will continue to offer the exceptional DJ Entertainment Service that Something 2 Dance 2 is known for throughout the Chicagoland area, and we look forward to seeing you in our beautiful new space in Schaumburg. Our phone number will remain 847.841.8751, so please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have, or if you just want to stop by and say hello!

We look forward to providing our unique brand of high-energy entertainment at weddings and corporate events in Schaumburg at such venues as the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center, Maggiano’s, Embassy Suites, and Schaumburg Marriott Hotel and we are very excited about our new location.

Thank you to all of our staff, clients and vendors for helping us continue to create wonderful wedding memories every weekend!

The beautiful Rainbow Room at Hotel Baker in St. Charles

We had the pleasure of spending our Sunday afternoon at Hotel Baker’s Wedding showcase, and would like to thank Liz Weber and her wonderful staff for putting together such an amazing event for local wedding vendors and future Brides & Grooms.  Guests enjoyed a wine tasting in the Rainbow Room which was beautifully decorated in purple (our favorite color!), by Liz and her staff along with a gorgeous Head Table Centerpiece provided by Town & Country Gardens.  Something 2 Dance 2 DJ Entertainment provided the music in the Rainbow Room and was joined by Kelly Vanderploeg Photography.

The Waterfront Room overlooking the lovely Fox River was all abuzz with a slide show provided by Alex Claney Photgraphy and a delicious ice cream sundae bar provided by Coldstone Creamery.  Guests enjoyed stepping outside on the Waterfront Patio to enjoy their wine or ice cream.

The St. Charles Room was also filled with wonderful wedding vendors.  Rolf’s Patisserie provided gourmet pastries and Wedding Cake for all to enjoy.  Jim from  JP Jewelers provided custom designed rings, and Classic Chassis provided the most beautiful Red Rolls Royce parked right outside of Hotel Baker for our couples to check out.

I speak from true experience to the level of dedication the team at Hotel Baker provides as Jay & I renewed our vows here for our “10 Seasons of Love” Anniversary Party in 2007.  To learn more about Hotel Baker and how they can help create your dream wedding or special event, please visit www.hotelbaker.com

My August column focused on the confusion in our industry when it comes to the words “fun” and “cheesy.”  These two words are  NOT interchangeable, and I am never afraid to explore different ideas with my clients to make the reception creative, fun and memorable.

As I read through reviews from our former Brides & Grooms, so many of our client’s fondest wedding memories have included dancing to the Cupid Shuffle, wearing the Indian Head Dress during the YMCA, and laughing hysterically when the bouquet or garter gets caught in the chandelier.  I don’t find these things cheesy at all if it is right for my client, and you better believe their guests will participate and have a blast at the reception.

Many thanks to John Young, editor and visionary of Disc Jockey News for believing in me and allowing me to share my point of view in his publication.   To view the e-edition of Disc Jockey News go to www.discjockeynews.com/E-Edition.html

Something 2 Dance 2 saw “fireworks” for the 2nd time with the Krzystofiak family.  On August 11, 2007,  DJ John Blomquist had the pleasure of doing Brittney & Michael Krzystofiak’s Wedding, and this year DJ Jay Sims performed at Michael’s beautiful sister Lauren’s reception as she wed Andy Zalon on July 4th.

July 4 Andy & Lauren Zalon

Not even a Marathon could keep Phil Rodriguez from marrying Cami Kreft on July 10, 2010!  DJ Jay Sims, shared their “Love Story Proposal” which took place after they both completed the St. Louis Marathon in 2009, with all of their friends and family, including Kathy & Dustin Kreft who wed on September 3, 2005, with Jay Sims as their DJ.

Racing his way into Cami's Heart

That brings us to July 17, 2010 and a road trip for DJ Jay Sims to Michigan State University for Gretchen & Jason’s Wedding.  Jay was the DJ for Gretchen’s cousin Nicole’s wedding almost exactly 3 years prior on July 20, 2007. Nicole and her husband Tom ’s wedding gift to Gretchen, was hiring Jay as their DJ.

Gretchen & Jason Kimpel & Sparty!

We couldn’t be more thankful for the referrals we receive from your family and friends and we truly look forward to building many more relationships for years to come.

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!

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!

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

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

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!