5 Star Limo
507 Beverley Glen Blvd
Thornhill ON L4J 7S1
info@5starlimo.org
Business Number:
(416)891-3366
(905) 252-8766
Monday
VENDOR SPOTLIGHT: 5 Star Limo
There are a few companies these days that work with a 'customer is always right' attitude. As a planner, who will do everything under the sun so that my couple enjoys their day, it is important for me to work with vendors that have the same business ethics. Vendors that 'play nice' with other vendors, as a team, to make their clients' day phenomenal!
I will mention that it takes A LOT to impress me. I am a critic by nature and if fault exists I will find it (and fix it). Having said that, my expectations were surpassed recently by a great Thornhill based Limousine company, 5 Star Limo. From the get-go they went above and beyond their 'call of duty', without any hesitation. From escorting an entire 12 person wedding party from the limo-bus to the church in a torrential rainstorm, by foot and holding large umbrellas (provided by moi); to making an extra trip back to a hotel 40 minutes away to pick up 8 extra out-of-town guests that missed their ride to the reception. They worked extremely well with myself and my team as well as the photo/video crew. Not to mention, their communication with me (aka Miss Picky Planner), was exceptional.
Thanks to the way they handled the crazy situations that came our way that day from all 5 different sites with 4 different vehicles that were hired; to 2 very last minutes requests, they made this wedding a smashing success!
5 Star Limo
507 Beverley Glen Blvd
Thornhill ON L4J 7S1
info@5starlimo.org
Business Number:
(416)891-3366
(905) 252-8766
5 Star Limo
507 Beverley Glen Blvd
Thornhill ON L4J 7S1
info@5starlimo.org
Business Number:
(416)891-3366
(905) 252-8766
Vendor Spotlight: Hello DJ
Anything I say about Lisa Ng of Hello DJ just wouldn't be enough. She is not only an fabulous DJ and a versatile entrepreneur, but she is also one Hip, Urban Girl!
Her knack of knowing her client's music tastes and their guests 'flavour' is incredible and she makes sure the entire room is up, dancing and enjoying the night. It's her mission to provide an unforgettable and fun-filled night and she delivers 100% of the time!
The pleasure was mine when she made time in her very busy schedule to be interviewed for our blog!
Q. When/How did you decide that DJ'ing was your 'calling'?
A. I really loved performing and actually set out for a career in acting and musical theatre. I think DJ-ing is the perfect combination of my love for performance and music. I also have a passion for planning events and was always the unofficial social director in whatever group I was in. My personality is pretty outgoing and I'm a people person. So working in the events industry is perfect for me.
Q. How did you come up with the name 'Hello DJ'?
A. My husband came up with it! He said it was like Hello Kitty :) I thought it was really cute and fit the fun, pink brand that is hello DJ! I'm also a big Hello Kitty fan. I have a toaster that burns her face into my toast.
Q. How did Hello DJ get started?
A. I started the company in the last year of my degree in Political Science from the University of Toronto. It was something I started to help pay for school - I always kept tabs on music and grew up listening to a lot of different genres. I'm crazy for 90s hip-hop, but am also a serious Edge 102.1 listener and love my share of rock/alt and indie. I'll also sing along to Top 40 in my car, so my tastes are pretty open and I just brought my female approach to DJ-ing. I also worked at a bunch of different record stores while growing up, so I was exposed to stuff I normally wouldn't have picked up. My niche as a female DJ grew very quickly and became a full-time company by the time I graduated. It's now been almost six years!
Q. What sets you apart from other DJ's?
A. I love details. I would rather have more information than less. I try to get to know my clients as best as possible and ask lots of questions about their guests, that way I can build a good playlist in my head for their reception. We're also a small, boutique DJ company. Means when you meet with me, I'll be your DJ. We never farm work out and we're not a big box DJ company.
Q. What 5 tips can you give a couple looking for a DJ?
A. 1) Don't book the cheapest DJ out there, sometimes you really do get what you pay for
2) Hire a professional! Avoid using a friend or amateur - they usually panic, realize how much work it is and drop out at the last-minute
3) Make sure you click with the personality of the DJ you are booking. If it's not a fit, that's OK - there's a DJ out there for you.
4) Book at least one year or more in advance to ensure you get the DJ you want
5) Make sure your DJ carries back-up equipment in case anything gets damaged or malfunctions on the day of your event.
Q. What are the most important questions a couple should ask a DJ before booking with them?
A. When sending an inquiry, do try to give as much information as possible so the DJ can properly put together a quote. We like to know the date, venue, guest count and basic elements of your wedding and ideas you have for music style. Once we can determine our availability and the price is within budget for the client, we can move forward to a consultation. Do also ask that the DJ you meet with is going to be the DJ at your event. If not, ask if you will be able to meet with your DJ before the wedding.
Q. Are there any misconceptions that couples have that you'd like to clear up?
A. We're not all cheesy! Cheesy is cool, but we understand that it's not for everyone. Which is why aim to be a hip, fun and young DJ company.
Q. Do you feel it is important for a couple to hire a Wedding Planner? Why?
A. Yes it is important to hire a wedding planner, because they are your insurance policy and advocate. They make sure that your interests come first and not the worries of the venue, florist or anyone else. It's nice to let go and not worry about things being bumpy because you have a wedding planner to do that for you and to keep your event on track.
Q. Any upcoming news or promos you'd like mention?
A. Please visit our blog to read all about the life of a hip + urban girl DJ in the city @ www.hipurbangirl.com
Lisa Ng
Her knack of knowing her client's music tastes and their guests 'flavour' is incredible and she makes sure the entire room is up, dancing and enjoying the night. It's her mission to provide an unforgettable and fun-filled night and she delivers 100% of the time!
The pleasure was mine when she made time in her very busy schedule to be interviewed for our blog!
Q. When/How did you decide that DJ'ing was your 'calling'?
A. I really loved performing and actually set out for a career in acting and musical theatre. I think DJ-ing is the perfect combination of my love for performance and music. I also have a passion for planning events and was always the unofficial social director in whatever group I was in. My personality is pretty outgoing and I'm a people person. So working in the events industry is perfect for me.
Q. How did you come up with the name 'Hello DJ'?
A. My husband came up with it! He said it was like Hello Kitty :) I thought it was really cute and fit the fun, pink brand that is hello DJ! I'm also a big Hello Kitty fan. I have a toaster that burns her face into my toast.
Q. How did Hello DJ get started?
A. I started the company in the last year of my degree in Political Science from the University of Toronto. It was something I started to help pay for school - I always kept tabs on music and grew up listening to a lot of different genres. I'm crazy for 90s hip-hop, but am also a serious Edge 102.1 listener and love my share of rock/alt and indie. I'll also sing along to Top 40 in my car, so my tastes are pretty open and I just brought my female approach to DJ-ing. I also worked at a bunch of different record stores while growing up, so I was exposed to stuff I normally wouldn't have picked up. My niche as a female DJ grew very quickly and became a full-time company by the time I graduated. It's now been almost six years!
Q. What sets you apart from other DJ's?
A. I love details. I would rather have more information than less. I try to get to know my clients as best as possible and ask lots of questions about their guests, that way I can build a good playlist in my head for their reception. We're also a small, boutique DJ company. Means when you meet with me, I'll be your DJ. We never farm work out and we're not a big box DJ company.
Q. What 5 tips can you give a couple looking for a DJ?
A. 1) Don't book the cheapest DJ out there, sometimes you really do get what you pay for
2) Hire a professional! Avoid using a friend or amateur - they usually panic, realize how much work it is and drop out at the last-minute
3) Make sure you click with the personality of the DJ you are booking. If it's not a fit, that's OK - there's a DJ out there for you.
4) Book at least one year or more in advance to ensure you get the DJ you want
5) Make sure your DJ carries back-up equipment in case anything gets damaged or malfunctions on the day of your event.
Q. What are the most important questions a couple should ask a DJ before booking with them?
A. When sending an inquiry, do try to give as much information as possible so the DJ can properly put together a quote. We like to know the date, venue, guest count and basic elements of your wedding and ideas you have for music style. Once we can determine our availability and the price is within budget for the client, we can move forward to a consultation. Do also ask that the DJ you meet with is going to be the DJ at your event. If not, ask if you will be able to meet with your DJ before the wedding.
Q. Are there any misconceptions that couples have that you'd like to clear up?
A. We're not all cheesy! Cheesy is cool, but we understand that it's not for everyone. Which is why aim to be a hip, fun and young DJ company.
Q. Do you feel it is important for a couple to hire a Wedding Planner? Why?
A. Yes it is important to hire a wedding planner, because they are your insurance policy and advocate. They make sure that your interests come first and not the worries of the venue, florist or anyone else. It's nice to let go and not worry about things being bumpy because you have a wedding planner to do that for you and to keep your event on track.
Q. Any upcoming news or promos you'd like mention?
A. Please visit our blog to read all about the life of a hip + urban girl DJ in the city @ www.hipurbangirl.com
Lisa Nghello DJ!
Blog - The Hip & Urban Girl's Guide:
Follow on Twitter:
(416) 891-8440
***Hello DJ has moved to St. Lawrence Market!***
39 Jarvis Street, Unit #612
Toronto, Ontario
M5E 1Z5
Wednesday
The Kleinfeld Experience by the Ring Bearer: Back by popular demand!
Thanks to our very own, Canadian born and bred, the Ring Bearer along with Kleinfeld Manhattan and Vision 2000, this ever-so-exciting contest is back and One lucky bride-to-be will get a chance to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime experience! Here are the details.
| Your love story could win you: | ||
 | a $5000 gift certificate to Kleinfeld* | |
| a private store opening in Manhattan, New York ** | |
| personal styling services provided by Randy Fenoli and a Kleinfeld Bridal Consultant | |
| free airfare and five-star accomodations | |
Monday
Vendor Spotlight: Jennifer Images
Having had the pleasure of working with Jennifer of Jennifer Images, there were a few things that stood out to me as far as her 'Creative Eye', so to speak.
a. She doesn't skip a beat. She is so in-tune and focused on her couple that she truly captures the personal and intimate moments between them.
b. She is honest to a fault! She will never lead a couple to believe they are getting something they are not.
c. She absolutely, positively, LOVES her career and all her couples. You can see this from the minute you meet her and go through her portfolio. She speaks about her past clients as if they are family.
d. She is proud of her work! This is my favorite quality in her. Being proud of what you have captured and delivered, means you have surpassed even your own expectations. It shows that to her every wedding is unique and she does not shoot the same 'typical' images for every couple. She is one-of-a-kind, and I look forward to working with her for many years to come!
I was lucky enough to interview Jennifer and she graciously shared her great insight with all of us, including tips to help you decide on a photographer, should you hire a planner and even some questions to ask before selecting your photographer. Here is what she had to say.
a. She doesn't skip a beat. She is so in-tune and focused on her couple that she truly captures the personal and intimate moments between them.
b. She is honest to a fault! She will never lead a couple to believe they are getting something they are not.
c. She absolutely, positively, LOVES her career and all her couples. You can see this from the minute you meet her and go through her portfolio. She speaks about her past clients as if they are family.
d. She is proud of her work! This is my favorite quality in her. Being proud of what you have captured and delivered, means you have surpassed even your own expectations. It shows that to her every wedding is unique and she does not shoot the same 'typical' images for every couple. She is one-of-a-kind, and I look forward to working with her for many years to come!
I was lucky enough to interview Jennifer and she graciously shared her great insight with all of us, including tips to help you decide on a photographer, should you hire a planner and even some questions to ask before selecting your photographer. Here is what she had to say.
Q. When did you decide that Photography was your 'calling'?
A. Almost 8 years ago I decided that life was to short to spend the majority of my time doing something I disliked. I had always loved photography and wanted a career that allowed my creativity to grow. With my husbands encouragement I went back to school and shortly there after opened Jennifer Images.
A. The company got started as a result of much drive, determination and enthusiasm. I was so thrilled to be doing something I loved that I jumped in with all of my heart and soul. I started doing portraits for friends, work colleagues and family. Then the referrals started to come in and one thing led to another. Eventually I left my full time job and worked solely for myself.
Q. What 5 tips can you give a couple looking for their 'ideal' photographer?
Q. What are the most important questions a couple should ask a photographer before booking with them?
Q. Are there any misconceptions that couples have that you'd like to clear up?
Q. Any upcoming news or promos you'd like to share?
A. I recently offered a big 72 hour sale on remaining 2011 wedding dates, which was a huge success. As a result of that success, I may actually consider offering another 72 hour sale in the near future!
Q. Do you feel it is important for a couple to hire a Wedding Planner? Why?
A. I often suggest to clients that they consider hiring a wedding planner for at least "day of" or "month-of" co-ordination. I strongly believe that your wedding should be an experience of joy and celebration, and not one of worry and stress.
Thank you Jennifer for taking the time to be our guest!
Jennifer Images
905-854-6000
info@jenniferimages.ca
87 Main Street North
Unit 2
Campbellville, ON
L0P 1B0
Q. What sets you apart from other photographers?
A. This is a question I used to struggle to answer, but over the years I suppose I've narrowed it down to a few key points. First and foremost would be me. My enthusiasm for what I do, coupled with my integrity and keen business sense allow me to be fun and responsible at the same time. I do what I say I will do and I don't make promises I can't keep. I also believe that my style has evolved over time, and my work has been defined as having timeless elegance. I like to equate it to the kind of timeless elegance seen in amazing women like Jackie Onassis and Grace Kelly.
Q. What 5 tips can you give a couple looking for their 'ideal' photographer?
A. 1. Don't base your decision on price. As in almost anything in life, you get what you pay for in wedding photography. While it's true that not everyone can afford the most expensive wedding photographers, I think that it's important to understand the value of your wedding photos, and then to prioritize this accordingly. There are many do it yourself projects that can be done beautifully when planning your wedding, and many areas where you can cut back on your budget. Unfortunately, your wedding photos are one of the only tangible objects that will not only remain after the wedding itself, but for decades after that. Your wedding photos should become a family heirloom for your grandchildren to admire. Not just a snapshot in time.
2. Do your homework, prior to hiring your photographer. Referrals are an excellent way to start. If you've been referred to your photographer, ask your friends why they recommend that photographer and what about them were they most pleased with. Also, was there anything about that person that they disliked. If you've come this far, follow up some more. Check with the Better Business Bureau to see if this person or company has had any complaints.
Find out how long the photographer has been in business and if it looks likely that they will be staying in business in the years to come.
3. Decide whether or not you like their work. By liking their work, I mean do you like it enough to trust them to photograph your entire wedding day without giving them a "must have" list. Must have lists are fine for family formals but aside from those you need to give your photographer free reign to see your wedding with their own creative vision, and with eyes that you could not possibly see. To get a good sense of this, make sure you've seen a complete wedding from beginning to end and that you love what you see. Once you trust your photographer, you will feel much more at ease, letting them "do what they do" on your wedding day.
4. Meet your potential photographer. Make sure that you actually meet the person who will be photographing your wedding and spending the majority of the day with you. Your personalities MUST mesh. If they rub you the wrong way, if they stand you up, if they act inappropriately during your initial meeting, it's likely that they will not be the right person for you. Personality is HUGE!
5. Consider having an engagement session to make sure you've made the right decision. Engagement sessions are a great way to get to know your photographer better and provide the photographer with an excellent opportunity to get to know you as a couple. The session also allows you a little glimpse of what you can expect during the wedding. If you love your engagement photos, then it's pretty likely you'll love your wedding photos!
5. Consider having an engagement session to make sure you've made the right decision. Engagement sessions are a great way to get to know your photographer better and provide the photographer with an excellent opportunity to get to know you as a couple. The session also allows you a little glimpse of what you can expect during the wedding. If you love your engagement photos, then it's pretty likely you'll love your wedding photos!
Q. What are the most important questions a couple should ask a photographer before booking with them?
A. How long have you been photographing weddings?
-Do you carry insurance ?
-Do you have back up equipment in case of theft or damage?
-How many photographers will be photographing my wedding?
-How long after my wedding will my photos be ready?
-Will I receive the high resolution images on DVD, or will I have to buy the images directly from you?
-Are the images edited? If so, what does that include?
Q. Are there any misconceptions that couples have that you'd like to clear up?
A. I suppose the biggest misconception that people have would be that hiring a friend or family member to photograph your wedding is a great way to save money. The truth is that by hiring a friend or family member (with little or no wedding experience) you risk hurting your relationship with that person by putting unrealistic expectations on them, and then feeling negative feelings of disappointment when they aren't able to deliver you with the kind of images you envision from your wedding day.
Q. Any upcoming news or promos you'd like to share?
A. I recently offered a big 72 hour sale on remaining 2011 wedding dates, which was a huge success. As a result of that success, I may actually consider offering another 72 hour sale in the near future!
Q. Do you feel it is important for a couple to hire a Wedding Planner? Why?
A. I often suggest to clients that they consider hiring a wedding planner for at least "day of" or "month-of" co-ordination. I strongly believe that your wedding should be an experience of joy and celebration, and not one of worry and stress.
Hiring a wedding planner can help couples not worry about the endless "little things" that need to be done, and can really help them experience the day as they envision it!
Jennifer Images
905-854-6000
info@jenniferimages.ca
87 Main Street North
Unit 2
Campbellville, ON
L0P 1B0
Vendor Spotlight: Mode Function Event Design
Happy Monday to all our lovely readers! As you all know, it is very important to us to provide you all the tools and knowledge you need to prepare you for your weddings, vow renewals, destination weddings and honeymoons. So, what better way to do that then to spotlight some of our favorite vendors. We will be highlighting a different vendor for you on a weekly basis!
To start us off, we have chosen a fabulous fresh and new design & decor company that we have had the utmost pleasure of working with since their debut on the scene this past May 2010. We loved every moment of working with Jeffery Crawford and Mike Alonso of Mode Function Event Design, and are looking forward to working together again in the new year!
Q: How did you come up with the name 'Mode Function'?
A: Mode Function was the result of a very late night, a bottle of wine and some serious face time with a dictionary. We understood that we wanted a name that reflected our fashionable style of event design so we started listing words that we could use to convey what we wanted to represent with our brand. The noun Mode is a French and Dutch word used to describe fashion or a trend. Function is a verb that is used to identify an official or a social occasion in other words an event. Once we connected these two words we fell in love however the last step in our selection process prior to the name search and the registration of the company was verifying that both the .com and the .ca domain names were available. Mode Function was born.
Q: How long have you been designing & how did you get started?
A: I have been designing events now for five years. Prior to that I took both tourism management and event management at school then worked for a public relations event management company. Realizing that I needed room to grow I started seeking out other positions within the special events industry. I came across a decor company that did some impressive events on a very grand scale and applied for a position as a manager. The first week of my new position I was tasked with designing events then pitching the concept to potential clients and never looked back. I met my partner while working at this décor company who has an interior design back ground which made for a good match of skills for our clients.
Q: What sets you apart from other decorators and designers?
A: Mode Function was established as a design based event décor company meaning we will take into account the needs, style, taste and budget of the client and design a cohesive look for their special event. The design is truly specific to that client. Clients are visual so we prepare detailed proposals for each of our clients that include either sample pictures, computer generated renderings, sketches, floor plans (where applicable) and narratives so that the client understands the design plan. Our service goes beyond a check list where we work with each client in detail to ensure they are getting a design that suits their needs.
Q: What 5 tips can you give a couple unsure of hiring a decorator?
A:
1) A good decorator will take time to discover a couple’s taste and design esthetic and will guide them to in the right direction to ensure that the design is truly theirs while at the same time making sure that everything is cohesive and thoughtfully put together.2) Decorators have proven resources and can take care of the logistics of making those resources come together.
3) Decorators will deliver, set up and even tear down the décor leaving the bride and groom’s friends and family from having to take on the labor aspects of the décor. Guest’s should enjoy the wedding and not be tasked with setting up or worse having to tear down at the end of a very long day.
4) If an issue does come up during the installation a couple can be confident in knowing that professionals are working in the back ground to get it resolved without the stress and worry of having to take time from their special day to deal with issues. A decorator will know how to get the job done often without the need to inconvenience the bride or the wedding party. An experienced decorator can anticipate issues and resolve them quickly.
5) A couple can actually save money and time from using a decorator. The couple does not have to drive around to multiple retailers to gather the pieces required to put a wedding together. Once the design plan form the decorator is in place the decorator takes care of all the leg work. Buying retail also adds up quickly where as decorators buy wholesale and take advantage of volume discounts that a couple on their own would never get access to.
Q: What key elements help you make your couples vision a reality?
A: The most important thing the decorator can do is to listen to what the client has to say about how they want their wedding to look and feel. Taking the time to get to know the couple and understand their vision is critical. Even if the couple does not have a clear vision a good decorator will know how to test the couple and can usually determine what would make them happy on their special day. As a decorator we take into account what it is that the couple wants to achieve then fills in the blanks with the design elements to make that vision come to life.
Q: Do you feel it is important for a client to hire a Wedding Planner? Why?
A: A wedding planner is essential. They ensure that the couples’s day is well managed and coordinated. They work with the vendors to ensure that every aspect of the wedding is in good hands. They have the experience necessary to quickly respond to any issues and deal with them professionally and quickly. They keep the entire process on track and look after the details in way that a couple or their family just cannot do. On your wedding day you won’t have time to make sure that every detail is in place. From making sure the first course goes out on time to the slightest thing like turning up the heat to make sure the comfort level of the guests are taken into consideration. They are able to recommend reliable and professional vendors rather than having to research hundreds of vendors to find the right match for you. A wedding planner will walk through each and every step so nothing is over looked. Make no mistake a planner will take the guess work out of planning each detail.
160 Muskoka Road South,
P.O. box 372
Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada
P1P 1T7
Muskoka 705.706.3746
Toronto 416.319.7469
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