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Chicago Wedding DJ 630-372-TUNE (8863)

September 23, 2010

Sycamore Weddings

Filed under: Sycamore weddings — Tags: , , , — admin @ 7:55 am

People planning Sycamore Weddings should check out Ameritune DJs and Video. On September 4th, 2010 Ameritune’s Al Mitchell played at the Sycamore VFW for the wedding of Brook Landes and Jacob Coughran. It was a beautiful September day and it only took around a half hour to get there. Still, I left plenty of time because I like to set up relaxed and at my own pace. The VFW was hard to find on the internet. I couldn’t even find a listing on google. I ended up calling there and getting directions.  Brook and Jake had decided on a 50’s theme for their wedding. In prep, I had downloaded a bunch of oldies to play for the cocktail and dinner hour.  There was old time candy set out on all the tables which really reminded me of the candy my dad used to hide from us under the front seat of his car. They were expecting  a lot of people - over 250,  and the VFW was challenged to fit everyone in, but that just makes for a better party!

Brook and Jacob Caughran

Brook and Jacob Coughran

Soon, everyone filled the place and beer was flowing from the tapper. After a quick intro and a few toasts, the buffet was open! Food was good and plentyful. I got a kick out of their cake topper, which was a bride dragging her groom away from his tools. I guess that was appropriate because Jake was an avid mechanic.  After dinner, we took down a few tables in the dancing area to make more room. Just after the first dance, our special guest, Michael St. Angel aka Elvis appeared, courtesy of the Parents of The Groom.

Elvis aka Michael St. Angel

Elvis aka Michael St. Angel

He did an awesome show for about 40 minutes and kept everyone entertained and dancing. All ages loved him, as you can see. He sang a lot of Elvis popular favorites, but also some of his lessor know tunes  as well.  I found him to be an excellent performer, and he really appreciated my premium sound system.

Sycamore Weddings

It’s been a while since I’ve played a wedding away from the city. I really enjoyed the casual friendliness of everyone I met, the slower pace, and all the  kids having fun too.  A special thanks to Jakes parents who booked me and their  generous gratuity too. Good luck to Brook and Jake, and  many years of happiness.  For more pics of this wedding see our facebook page .  Click  if you wanna read more blog and tips      Ladies and Gentelmen Elvis has left the building……

September 22, 2010

Cary Weddings

Filed under: Cary Weddings — Tags: , , , — admin @ 2:30 pm

People planning Cary Weddings choose Ameritune for their DJ and Videography. Last week Ameritune’s DJ Jim Schneeberger  played at D’Andreas banquets for the wedding of Rhonda (Gillund) & Jason Dixon 09-18-2010 . Here’s what he had to say- As the evening began I was able to meet the families and was immediately impressed by how nice and relaxed everybody was. I was informed that the ceremony went beautifully and everyone was ready to party. 

Downstairs at D' Andreas

Downstairs at D' Andreas

Rhonda and Jason were very calm and both looked fantastic together. The photographers were right on top of things and had all their photos taken early so the bride & groom had plenty of time to visit their friends and family. We started with the wedding Party intros. They chose the song Say Hey! I love you for their grand entrance. The wedding party all did some cool moves on the dance floor as they were introduced. Then we all enjoyed a nice speech from the brides Dad. Then we used the Ameritune Big Screen to show an 11 minute video that the groom prepared- it was a big hit. Best man & Matron of honor gave nice speeches, The Deacon gave a prayer and the bride and groom came up on the dance floor and did a sand ceremony. They went very slow and we played Keith Urbans Making memories of us as the background music. Very Nice!. Then a quick cake cut and dinner is served.

Rhonda and Jason Dixon

Rhonda and Jason Dixon

After Dinner the dancing started. They danced, Danced and Danced. Kevin Bacon would have been impressed. The bride was a country music line dance fan and her and some of the girls shared a few line dances that were awesome.

Ride a Horse Not A Cowboy

Ride a Horse Not A Cowboy

We even had a visit from a real horse during Save a horse Ride a cowboy! Another great wedding in the books. You can see more pictures from this wedding and other weddings on the Ameritune Facebook Page. If you’d like to read more blog and tips.  Find out why Jim is one of our most popular DJs call us at (630) 372-TUNE (8863) for more info.

September 14, 2010

Venuti’s Banquets

Filed under: Venuti's Banquets — Tags: , , — admin @ 2:13 pm

Ameritune’s Al Mitchell worked at Venuti’s Banquets last week. Here’s what he had to say- On September 3rd I worked at Venuti’s Banquets in Addison for the wedding of Kelly Clark and Ameer Harvey. This was the start of labor day weekend and there was a lot of hustle and bustle getting to the hall, good thing I left extra time. Although we’ve had DJs play there before, it was my first time at Venutis and I was impressed. The doorman actually held the door open while I was loading in! The hall itself is beautiful and for this occasion they had uplighting in the room.  The purple lights didn’t perfectly match the  colors of the room, but it still made for a festive atmosphere. Cocktails were held  in the spacious foyer starting at 7, and they had butler style hors d’ouvres circulating so the guests were well taken care of.  Ameer was a dentist and Kelly a Dental Hygenist, so they had this awesome ice sculpture of a giant tooth at the bar. I later found out that is was actually a Martini Louge.

Intros were dramatic- The bridal party were introduced from the main entrance and each couple did a little dance as I played “ All I do is win”. Kelly and Ameer were introduced from the top of the balcony, and when they got down the stairs, the indoor fireworks went off!  As was a suprise, someone had contracted a pyrotechnics company to load the centerpieces with electronically triggered sparklers. It was a great display that, unfortunately I was barely able to capture with my camera.

Fireworks at Intros

Fireworks at Intros

After dinner and cake cutting, I showed their Video Montage  on our equipment, then it was  first dance time- to Howie Days Collide.

Dr. and Mrs. Ameer Harvey

Dr. and Mrs. Ameer Harvey

Later in the evening, there was another dramtic event at the top of the stairs when Kelly was reintroduced, after changing into her Bridal Party Dress, with her bridemaids in tow.  I played Single Ladies/ Beyonce  for the girls and announced to Ameer that even though Kelly was now his wife, that she’s still be partying with her Single girlfriends, lol. The end of the night came too soon with the final dance being Somewhere Over The Rainbow with Ameer and Kelly in a circle.

Last Dance

Last Dance

Thanks for having me and good luck to Kelly and Ameer! I posted a lot more pictures on the Ameritune Facebook page.  If you’ d like to read more of Al’s DJ Tips. Call (630) 372-TUNE (8863) for booking and availability.

September 13, 2010

Geneva Weddings

Filed under: Geneva Weddings, Uncategorized — Tags: , , , — admin @ 1:17 pm

For Geneva Weddings consider Ameritune DJs and Video, your source for the best DJs and wedding video in chicagoland. On 8/29/2010, I played at The Herrington Inn for the wedding of  Candace and David Cioli. The ceremony was there too, inside on the bottom level.

Mr. and Mrs David and Candace Ciolli

Mr. and Mrs David and Candace Ciolli

Candace and David’s wedding was on a Sunday afternoon at  4:00 pm with the reception immediately following. Cocktails were on the upper level, and the bar stayed up there for the duration of the event. Later there was a cofee bar and sweets table. For those of you planning a party there, I highly recommend having an extra sound system, as the two levels are pretty much sealed off by the french doors. Wow, what a wonderful reception they had! Candace and David had a Star Wars themed introduction complete with Light Sabers for the bridesmaids and groomsmen.

At the Herrington, intros are done with the Bridal party upstairs. As their names are announced, each couple steps into the French Door opening and are applauded.  After a few seconds, they go to the hallway and make their way to the lower level where everyone else is seated for dinner. As Candace and David were introduced, they walked to the cake table and cut their wedding cake.

Cake cutting at The Herrington Inn

Cake cutting at The Herrington Inn

They chose You Make My Dreams by Hall and Oats. And they were neat with each other. After a few memorable toasts (the maid of honor told them to have lots of sex!) A delicious dinner was served. I know because the Photgrapher and I dined upstairs. They served Pork loin with a spiced apple that was very good and very unusual. Candace and David did a cooreographed 1st dance to an edited version of Down by Jay Sean, which I captured a little of on my  camera.   They didn’t have a videographer, so at least here’s a few seconds of their first dance. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtRy9RvPiSE

Gettin Down

Gettin Down

The dance floor was busy all night and when it was time to go everyone had sore feet. I was happy to see that Candace got to dance a lot.  They picked about 60 songs which is a lot, but I played mainly off their list and several requests.  It was a huge success and thanks to David and Candace and their families for their generousity!  If you’d like to see more pics of this wedding, I have them posted on our facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Elgin/Ameritune-DJs-and-Video/106679629369457 wanna read more DJ Tips?

September 11, 2010

Huntley Weddings

Filed under: Huntley Weddings — Tags: , , , — admin @ 10:05 pm

People planning  Huntley Weddings  should check out Ameritune DJs and Video. On September 10th, 2010 Ameritune’s DJ Al Mitchell played at Prairie Lodge / Dell Web for the ceremony and reception of Claudia and Jeff Rempala.  We also videotaped. Wow, the weather couldn’t have been better it was mostly sunny and in the low 70’s. September weddings in Chicago are my favorive for outdoors, because you can almost always count on the best weather.  The ceremony went off perfectly due in in no small part due to the excellent help of Kristin Cavarretta  the wedding planner from  http://www.sweetpeaweddingstudio.com/  I gotta say that DJs usually don’t like working with wedding planners because they just tend to  throw their weight around, and get in the way while interfering with things. Kristin was the opposite. She did her job effectively, efficiently and was pleasant, and very easy to work with. She made sure that the bride and grooms day went smoothly and I can’t  recommend her highly enough. Believe me, when a DJ recommends a wedding planner, you should listen. Anyway, I took a bunch of pics outside with my new camera, and they are all posted on the Ameritune facebook page. Here’s a nice shot of the cute flowergirls, Genevive and Lily.

So cute!

So cute!

 

Down the Aisle

Down the Aisle

 

After the ceremony which was highlighted by the Matron of Honors unbelievably good rendition of Bless the Broken Road, there was a cocktail hour reception in the foyer. Claudia and Jeff were introduced to the Blackhawks theme, and went immediately to cut the cake.

The new Mr. and Mrs Rempala

The new Mr. and Mrs Rempala

After dinner, Claudia and Jeff had their first dance to You and Me by Lifehouse, followed by the Dad/ Daughter dance -  My Wish, and then the Mom/ Son dance  - What a Wonderful world. Open dancing followed till twelve and this is one of those dancing receptions that  kept building, and getting better  throughout the night. With a smaller group, (they had 100 people), I always recommend going with as small a dancefloor as you can get away with. The floor at Dell Webb is huge, easily enough to accomodate  a party of 300 people. In general, people are more comfortable dancing when there’s not too much space. They don’t want to feel  exposed, or visible.  So, for those of you who are looking for a hall, bigger is almost never better when dancefloors are concerned.

Anyway, we sent Claudia and Jeff off to their Maui honeymoon with Save the Last Dance for me by Michael Buble, and many guests came up to thank me later. What a nice bunch of people they were!  Thanks to Jeff and Claudia for their generosity and for taking such good care of RJ (Ameritune’s Videographer) and myself. Good luck, now let’s start making some more Rempalas!  Read more DJ Tips. Remember to check our facebook page to see all the photos. To book Ameritune’s DJ or Video service, just call us at (630) 372-8863.

September 8, 2010

Willowbrook Ballroom Weddings

Filed under: Willowbrook Ballroom Weddings — Tags: , , , — admin @ 7:25 pm

Ameritune is the DJ of choice for Willowbrook Ballroom Weddings. On September 5th, 2010 Ameritune’s Al Mitchell  played for the wedding reception of Cassie and Rich Facko.  I was booked from 6 pm to 11:30 pm, but unfortunately, they only had the hall until 11pm. That was a little uncomfortable, because I was booked to  play till 11:30. I’ve never seen a banquet package that was only 5 hours long, but every hall is different. Something to keep in mind for those of you who are planning a wedding- make sure everyone is on the same page as far as start and end time goes. I’m not sure why the hall wouldn’t let me play that last 1/2 hour anyway, but they were pretty firm to say the least…. BTW- The food at Willowbrook Ballroom was really good! They had family style and everything was top notch! Atmosphere was cool too. A little dark, but they had lots of stage lights that could be turned on to brighten things up. After the exciting entrance of the bride and groom, (on a tandem bicycle mind you) they immediately had their First Dance which was Long as I live by John Michael Montgomery.

Dr. and Mrs. Rich Facko

Dr. and Mrs. Rich Facko

The cake cutting was immediately after the first dance and got a little messy

Getting a little messy

Getting a little messy

…then on to dinner with 3 beautiful toasts by the Mother of the Bride, Best Man, and Man of Honor. Dan, the Man of Honor was feeling a little tipsy so he delivered his toast while seated at the head table, he had everyone laughing and set the mood for some wacky animal sounds. If you wanted Cassie and Rich to kiss, you had to make an animal sound in my mic!  One little snafu during dinner was the video presentation. They made it themselves and were going to use the house video system at the ballroom to show it. I’m not sure what the problem was, but they could never get it to work. BTW, did I mention that Ameritune offers a video montage service? Yes we do. ’nuff said…..

Anyway this was an A+  group, they danced like crazy, I played tons of requests and 11:00 came way too soon. They would have gone till 1 or 2 am if we had more time. The last song was Holidae Inn by Chingy, cause that’s where everyone was going. I thank Cassie and Rich and their parents for having me and for their more than generous tip at the end of the night . My camera ran out of batteries, so I couldn’t take many pics but there are more pics on our facebook page. Just do a search for Ameritune. If you’d like to read more DJ Tips click here. Call (630) 372-TUNE (8863)  for booking and availability.

September 2, 2010

Barrington Weddings

Filed under: Barrington Weddings — Tags: , — admin @ 10:33 pm

If you need DJs or video for Barrington Weddings, check out Ameritune. Last weekend on August 27th, 2010 Ameritune’s  Al Mitchell played at Macray Memorial Golf Club for the wedding of Libby and Justin Gullion. What a great party it was!  Justin and Libby split their cocktail hour outside the room in the beautiful Macray foyer with a pianist and inside the room with my music. Of course, I wasn’t there for the first few minutes because I left my pants at home and had to go back and get them.  I thought about doing the wedding in my shorts, but nahhhh, my legs are too hairy. No problem, just start the cocktail cd and drive like hell. Good thing I was really early…….. I got back in plenty of time and no one noticed that I wasn’t there.  Justin and Libby went right to the cake from introductions. I’m not sure why all the halls are making us do it this way. They always say “We need to cut the cake for desert”, but then they just let it sit there for most of the dinner.  Intros were I got a Feeling by the Black Eyed Peas. They cut the cake to How Sweet It Is by James Taylor. Those songs don’t really go together which is why I’d prefer to do the cake cutting after the prayer and toasts….

Dancing in to I Got A Feeling

After Justin’s Grandfather said grace (in his shorts), I knew then that I liked these people. Darn, I didn’t have to drive home after all, I coulda matched grandpa! Hey, he had nicer legs than mine, btw. I remembered several of the guests from the last time I worked for them. I DJ’d for the brides sisters wedding a few years ago, and they were a fun bunch then, too.  The dad/daughter dance was joined in halfway through by all dads and daughters as was the mom/son dance. This is a nice touch and really gets your guests involved. Not that they needed any help, they were pedal to the metal from the beginning. I love to DJ these kinds of parties! I’d like to thank Justin and Libby for being so kind and gracious to the videographer, photographer and me by setting up a separate dinner table for us. We were able to order off the menu from the restaurant downstairs. Very nice, I had tilapia that was perfectly prepared.

Justin and Libby Gullion

Justin and Libby Gullion

First Dance was It’s Your Love by Faith Hill and Tim McGraw. I played a healthy amount of oldies and a few country songs for this group.  But mostly because there were a lot of younger people, I played lots of newer dancy stuff.  They loved it and I mixed it up to keep everyone involved. There were lots of requests from the guests, and I think I played them all. Justin and Libby didn’t pick too many songs giving me the freedom to do what I do best, read the crowd. It worked. Here’s a link to a short clip of the last dance,  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCkxKWT7SKQ and if you’d like to see more pics visit our facebook page http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=23755&id=106679629369457&saved#!/pages/Elgin/Ameritune-DJs-and-Video/106679629369457?ref=ts and if you still want more, you can read more of our blog here DJ Party Tips.

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