Chicago Wedding DJ 630-372-TUNE (8863)

September 23, 2009

Streamwood Wedding DJ

Filed under: Streamwood Wedding DJ — Tags: , , — admin @ 2:46 pm

If you’re looking for a Streamwood Wedding DJ then Ameritune is your best choice. We have been playing at Chicago area weddings, especially Streamwood weddings, since 1983. We are proudly recommended by The Seville and many other halls in the area. We have won the “Best of Weddings” award from The Knot for the last three years. On 9/11/09, I played at The Seville for Brianna and Brian Christiensen’s wedding. Another great Seville party, always with wonderful food and service. I swear, I’ve eaten there over 1000 times and never had a bad meal. Things went pretty smoothly for the ceremony, here is a picture of Brianna and Brian lighting their unity candle.

Candle Ceremony

Candle Ceremony

I played the song “One” by the O’Neill Brothers. The O’Neill Brothers do a lot of piano only covers that are very suitable for ceremonies. If you are looking for ceremy music, I recommend checking them out. When going over details with Reverend Phil, he asked if I got his script. Well, Brianna tried to send it to me, but I never got it. It was apparently fifteen pages long. I think I’m glad I didn’t get it! Phil was a little miffed, but I explained to him that all I needed were his verbal cues. Since he was working with a script, it was easy for him to do, and the ceremony went off without a hitch (pun intended). I needed to add lib a song for the gift of flowers to the moms, as Brianna and Brian didn’t pick anything, so I chose Clair de Lune. It’s great for ceremonies because it sounds familiar to most people, is instumental, and can be faded out without sounding chopped.

The room was nicely decorated and the color theme was Red. They had fun with my centerpiece giveaway game, where everyone at the table  passes a napkin, and ends in The Chicken Dance.

Pretty red theme

Pretty red theme

 

Brianna and Brian Christiensen

Brianna and Brian Christiensen

Brian and Brianna had a good time at their wedding. They and their friends are younger, so they had good stamina for dancing, and danced all night long.  House policy at the Seville is no glasses on the dance floor (for safety reasons). I was not enjoying being the dancefloor policeman at this party, cause everyone wanted to dance with their drinks in hand. They were good sports, though, and there were no broken glasses or spills to kill the action on the dance floor.

Full dancefloor

Full dancefloor

As you can see, these folks had a good time, I wish Brian and Brianna all the luck in their future, and it was my pleasure to work for them- Al Mitchell
 Ameritune DJs and video are available for your Schaumburg Wedding, or your Streamwood Wedding, or your Chicagoland Wedding. You can see video demos of each Ameritune DJ by clicking on their picture. Great Chicago DJs   If you would like to read more wedding insider tips read our blog  at Chicago Wedding DJs

September 19, 2009

Cress Creek Country Club

I recently played at the wedding of Abbie Martin and Brian Moore at the Cress Creek Country Club. The date was September 12th, 2009 and the weather couldn’t have been any nicer. 76 and sunny. For those of you who are thinking about when to have a wedding in Chicago, September is definitely the best month for weather. A couple of interesting things about this wedding- First,they had the receiving line outside the room. Big mistake!

Receiving Line outside the room is bad for the party

Receiving Line outside the room is bad for the party

All those people (about 180) who were in line (for almost the entire cocktail hour) were not in the room taking advantage of Hors d’oevres and open bar. This is a giant waste of your money. I recommend having a receiving line either in Church or at least in the middle of the room so your guests can get properly lubricated. Speaking of being lubricated, they wouldn’t serve me alcohol. Wow. Not a good thing. I hate it when a hall has that policy. You might be thinking that I am a working professional, and I shouldn’t be drinking on the job. I see your point. But that applies more to a waiter, photographer, valet, or videographer. As the DJ, I need to be the fun leader of the party.  Believe me, I’m a lot more fun when I’ve had a few. I’m not talking sloppy drunk here, that’s unprofessional and embarrassing. I’m talking about a little buzz, matching your group. If everyone is drinking and I am not, I am an outsider. That’s OK if you want a juke box, or a robot- but if you want me at my best, I need to be on the same level as your guests. OK, I’ll get off my soapbox now…… Anyway, suffice to say, I worked around the rules and got where I needed to be. Oh, and it was nice of the country club to leave me about 2 square feet to set up in.( I’m really not liking this place.) Load in is difficult too, with steep ramps, hairpin curves, a thick carpet and  a looooong way between your vehicle and the room.  Enough about the lame Cress Creek Countryclub, back to the party….After a Blues Brothers themed intros, there were 4 long but outstanding toasts before dinner, and everyone was in a good party mood.

Leggo my Cake Cutter

Leggo my Cake Cutter

Leggo Cake Top made by The Groom

Leggo Cake Top made by The Groom

The cake was a special leggo design created by the chef for Brian, who apparently is a big Leggo fan. He made the topper himself. I loved the idea, but it must be hard to make a cake like that.  Not very pretty, it was kind of bowed in the middle and sagged in some spots. I didn’t taste it, but they had it cut up with some cookies and coffee on a table later in the evening. Dinner took forever, (about 2 1/4 hours) so we started dancing while people were still eating. This worked out because they had 4 big slow dances in a row, and by the time we finished those songs, most people were about done with their food and ready to dance. Dancing went very well, and it was primarily an older group, so I stayed away from anything rappy till very late in the evening. The floor was packed till the end.

Abbie and Brian Moore

Abbie and Brian Moore

Abbie and Brian and their guests really had a great time at their wedding and were very gracious and generous with me, they are a couple that seem to be true soulmates, and I wish them all the best.  And how’s this for cool- they are headed for Thailand on the honeymoon! Awesome.  Al  from Ameritune is available for your wedding or special event. Call (630) 372-TUNE (8863) for availability and pricing. Read more helpful hints for a great party- Chicago Wedding DJ

September 18, 2009

Crystal Lake DJ and Video

Earlier this month Ameritune provided for the Crystal Lake DJ and Video  needs for the Joe and Staci Rybacek wedding at D’Andrea banquets. The reception went by quickly because it was so much fun! The toasts at the beginning of dinner really set the mood as the Best man and Maid of Honor had everyone laughing.

They put the Party into Bridal Party

They put the Party into Bridal Party

When talking with the Photographer before dinner, I told him about a wedding I did where the Photographer did all the table shots within the length of a song. Before the actual pics, he went around to all the tables and kind of pre set things up, saying that when the DJ announces the table shots, he will play a song and the Bride and Groom will literally run from table to table, taking pictures. The object being to complete the table shots within 1 song.

Chinese Firedrill Table Shots

Chinese Firedrill Table Shots

Sometimes, table shots can be a real pain on the butt to do, because it takes forever and people generally don’t want to get out of their seats during dinner.  By doing table shots like a Chinese Firedrill, a boring chore becomes a fun and exciting event, not to mention the genuine smiles that are captured on film. Well, tonights photographer liked the idea and Joe and Staci were up for it too, so we had some fun! Our videographer got a workout following them. You can see him on the far right hand side of the picture. I haven’t seen the footage for that yet, but I know it’ll be memorable. We played a fun game to give away the centerpieces and that ended up in the chicken dance which you can see was well received here.

Chicken dancing during dinner? OMG

Chicken dancing during dinner? OMG

Joe and Staci had taken some dance lessons and wanted a few swing songs played. They danced well together, and will only get better with time and practice at other folks weddings.

Joe and Staci Swing Dancing

Joe and Staci Swing Dancing

We closed down the festivities with Joe and Staci dancing  in the middle of our circle and sent them on their way to a romantic honeymoon.

A romantic last dance

A romantic last dance

Joe and Staci had a chance to book many different Crystal Lake DJs and Video, but they trusted Ameritune with their most important day because we are professionals, in business since 1983.

Als Lights

Als cool set up

For more info on booking DJs and or wedding videography call Ameritune (630)372-TUNE (8863). You won’t be disapointed. If you would like to read more helpful info and tips for a great crystal lake wedding, a great Schaumburg wedding, or a great anywhere in Chicagoland wedding, read our blog at ChicagoWedding DJ .

September 17, 2009

Huntley DJs

Filed under: Huntley DJs — Tags: , , , — admin @ 3:01 pm

Recently Ameritune DJs and Video were Huntley DJs when I played at Meg and JJ Smadi’s wedding on 9/4/09  at the Prairie Lodge at Del Web. They had a perfect day, it was about 75 degrees and sunny for the outdoor ceremony.

Recessional

Recessional

I set up first at the outdoor ceremony site, then went inside the ballroom and prepared for the awesome blast to follow. This ceremony had a problem that unfortunately is not uncommon. It was over 1 hour late! Wow, that just throws everything off. The culprit was a shuttle bus driver who did not show up to pick the Mother of The Groom. They waited for him, and after a long while eventually sent someone else to go pick her up. If this was a Church wedding in the middle of the day with an evening reception, no big deal- but this was an on-site ceremony with reception immediately following. I’m thinking UH OH…… So we got a late start, but eventually the ceremony happened, and the minister doing the ceremony did an excellent job. A little too long of a job considering our time problem, but it really was a beautiful ceremony. Meg and JJ chose Africa by Toto for their recessional, I did a little editing on the song and it worked nicely! Notice the extra long train on Meg’s headpiece, it made for a beautiful pro and recessional. Cocktails were in the foyer and dinner and dancing were in the ballroom.  There was a photo booth in the ballroom which was kept quite busy throughout the night.

Mag and JJ Smadi

Meg and JJ Smadi

Cocktails went long and dinner was slow. Ouch! As I looked at my watch during the long wait after salad, I realized that we went from having 3 1/2 hours for dancing to around  2  hours if we didn’t get started soon. I suggested starting dancing between courses of dinner, but Meg and JJ wanted to wait till after dinner was through.  That sealed the deal for a short night on the dance floor, but Meg and JJ didn’t seem to mind. They had the right attitude, they were enjoying their reception, and they weren’t going to let any glitches get in the way. Eventually, we did start dancing and wow, what a show they put on for their first dance! I have seen a lot of couples do a cooreographed routine, but these two danced like professionals. It was so good that I made them do it again for the last dance.  The reception was a success and Meg and JJ were very grateful at the end of the night. Later they sent me a gift card for Claim Jumpers. That was so nice and thoughtful! I know these two have a long and  bright future ahead, as I saw them face and shrug off adversity that would freak out most people. Good luck to JJ and Meg, I enjoyed working for them.

Wild Looking Centerpiece with LED in bottom

Wild Looking Centerpiece with LED in bottom

Whether you are looking for Huntley DJs or Chicago DJs, or Schaumburg DJs, Ameritune is available to make your party shine. Call us at (630) 372-TUNE (8863) For more helpful hints read our blog Chicago DJ tips

September 12, 2009

Streamwood Disc Jockey service

Ameritune is a Streamwood Disc Jockey service located between Elgin and Hoffman Estates. A couple of weeks ago I played for the reception of Maggie and Keith Gustin at The Seville in Streamwood Illinois. As you can tell by reading our blog entries, we are there a lot. (And we are glad of it!) They have the best food and service around, and I understand that their pricing is reasonable too. More importantly to us DJs- there are no stairs to go up when loading in and out! Anyway, there are a couple of  things about this wedding that I would like to write about. Interesting how they found me, I had done the Father of the Grooms wedding three years earlier, they were very happy and kept my card.  How cool is that! I recognized a lot of people from that wedding and remembered that it was a blast too. Keith and Maggie had a visit from The Emerald Society Bagpipers. When it was time to introduce the Bridal Party, I played their intro music; when I introduced Keith and Maggie, the Bagpipers led them in to thunderous applause.

Emerald Society Pipers

Emerald Society Pipers

They stayed and played a few songs into dinner and left having put the entire group into festive mode.  While I’m not crazy about the sound of 1 solo Piper, I really like the sound of 4 or more together, if you have a larger group including  drummers, its even better. A lot of Chicago Policemen and Firemen have Pipers at their weddings (and funerals). If you are interested in contacting them, their address is www.copsinkilts.com .

Keith and Maggie had a fun reception with lots of highlights. Here they are lighting the Roman Candles on the Seville sweets table.

Sweets Table at The Seville

Sweets Table at The Seville

Of course everyone was up for the Cha Cha slide. I usually like to get out there and make sure everyone starts together and is facing the same way…..

Al leads the Cha Cha Slide

Al leads the Cha Cha Slide

Another highlight was the traditional circle dance. Maggie and Keith danced together and the catchers of the Bouquet and Garter danced together in a circle to Let Me Call You Sweetheart  by Mitch Miller. This is an old song from the 30’s and is great for getting some of your older guests involved. The circle moves in and out and everyone holds hands and gets rowdy with it. Just another interactive tool for breaking the ice and getting people in festive mode. We love festive mode!

The circle moves in and out

The circle moves in and out

 Keith and Maggie told me that they had seen many other DJs since his dads wedding, but called us because they knew they would have a great time with Ameritune. See why brides from The Knot voted us Best Of Weddings for the last 3 years, call us at (630) 372-TUNE (8863). Read more helpful tips and hints Chicago Wedding DJ

September 9, 2009

Schaumburg IL DJs

Filed under: Schaumburg IL DJs — Tags: , , — admin @ 12:22 pm

Recently,  Schaumburg IL DJs  favorite,  Byron Parker from Ameritune played at The Seville Banquet Hall near Schaumburg, IL. Here’s what he had to say-

Hey everyone, I’m writing this just to let you know how much fun we had at Jose and Janice’s wedding on August 28th, 2009. They had their ceremony and reception at The Seville in Streamwood. Both Janice and Jose looked awesome, and The Sevill was awesome as usual. The ceremony went smooth and fast, only about fifteen minutes long and morphed right into the cocktail hour.

Janice and Jose Salazar

A great thing about this wedding was that even though the families were of different races, and cultures no one cared. It was all about love and everyone seemed to be getting along and having a wonderful time. When going over details ahead of time with Janice and Jose, we decided it would be a good idea for them to bring some extra Spanish music, ie Cumbias, Salsa, Merenge, etc. Jose’s sister helped out by selecting some great tunes that had Jose’s side on their feet the whole night long, even Spanish line dances that I never knew existed. These guys sure know how to do it up! When I played traditional American wedding music, Janice’s side was up there jamming the dancefloor too. Jose was quite a dancer, and when I played Michael Jackson, the crowd made a circle around him and he did his trademark Michael Jackson impersonation. Lots of fun!

Jose doing Michael Jackson

Jose doing Michael Jackson

Both sets of Parents were very nice and were enjoying the evening to the fullest. The guests danced all night, even the lady in the wheelchair was out there partying away!

Everybody dance now

Everybody dance now

The key to the success of this reception was that we catered to the cultures of both Bride and Groom. Everyone got their music, evenly and the dancefloor was never empty.

1st dance for Janice and Jose

1st dance for Janice and Jose

Thanks to everyone, this wedding was a huge success. Good Luck to the new Mr and Mrs Salazar! DJ Byron….Read more about  Byron Parker  and see a demo of him playing at a wedding. Read our helpful blog at Chicago Wedding DJ tips and helpful info. Call Ameritune at (630) 372TUNE (8863)

September 1, 2009

Rosemont DJs

If you’re looking for Rosemont DJs   , you’re looking for Ameritune. Last weekend,  DJ Jim Schneeberger worked at the Donald E Stevens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. Here’s what he had to say…On 8/15/09, I played at the Donald Stevens Convention Ceneter for the Sansone/ Lambert Wedding. Upon arrival, I consulted with the Valet parking manager as to where to unload. It took a while to find the right spot and I ended up explaining myself to no less than 3 different police officers who were trying to get me to move my vehicle. Eventually, I found the room that the wedding was being held in and everything went smoothly after that, good thing I allowed for extra time! 

Donald E Stevens Convention Center

Donald E Stevens Convention Center

As I first entered the room, I was suprised at how spacious and colorful the room was. The tables were decorated in a bright Fuchsia or bright Pink Lumiere and white color scheme. On top of each table there was a beautiful vase with a live Betta fish inside.

Betta Fish

Betta Fish

The Bride and Groom wanted to give away the centerpiece to a guest at each table. We played a fun little game to decide the winner. We asked one person at each table to donate $1. I asked the guest to pass the dollar around the table as I played The Bennie Hill Theme song. When the music stopped, the person holding the dollar had to shake hands with the person on his right. Then more music and we passed the dollar to the left. When the music stopped the person holding the dollar had to hug the person to his left. Then back to the right and when the music stopped the person holding the dollar had to kiss the person across the table. This was very entertaining when two men had to kiss! Of course everyone was a good sport. One more passing and the last person to hold the dollar got to keep it and the original donator got to keep the Betta fish centerpiece. Being a fish person, I made up little care sheets and small zip lock bags of fish food to give to the centerpiece winners so they could properly care for their new pets. All were happy, even the fish!

First Dance

First Dance

They had invited me to dinner and I’m very glad I did. The meal was simply outstanding. The filet melted in my mouth. After dinner, the hall was supossed to set up a sweets table in the room for dessert. I didn’t see anyone setting anything up and was getting concerned that this would delay the dancing as it was starting to get late. All of the sudden, the staff opened a partition to an ajoining room that that had the multi station sweets table display. Very Cool! The Bride and Groom chose Tim McGraw’s “My Best Friend” for their first dance, and that went well. Later, I discovered that I had gone to school with the Brides Uncle and her Father, it was fun reminiscing. After the Dad/Daughter dance, the Bride wanted to have a special dance with her Grandfather. I thought that this was a nice touch and Grandpa seemed to enjoy it as well.

They had a videographer that was nice to work with, but I can’t say the same for the Photographer, who seemed to be on his own schedule and not a real good team player. At one point he wanted me to get to the Bouquet and Garter Ceremonies,(so he could leave) and I told him I would do it in 2 songs. Then he took the Bride and Groom out of the room for over 15 minutes leaving me to stall until he was ready. I hope his pictures were really good, because he won’t win any awards for his personality. Other than that guy throwing me off a little, the reception was very nice, and there was a very busy dance floor all night. I was able to play at least 90% of the requests that I had, and they were an awesome Bride and Groom, great families!

For booking info call us at (630) 372-TUNE (8863). For more blog Chicago Wedding DJ tips.