Music plays an important part in any wedding because
traditionally it is used during both the ceremony and
reception. Most couples that I meet with choose music
that not only reflects them as a couple, but will also
beenjoyed by their guests. More couples choose to go
with a DJ service over a band.  Below I have outlined
what you should look for in a DJ service, and what
questions you will need answered, when interviewing
them for your upcoming wedding.

Personality is important! Make sure you "click" with
the DJ and feel that they will keep the guests dancing.
Do you have the confidence that they will be able to
read the crowd and pick thecorrect music throughout the
evening? That is an important question you will need to
ask yourself before hiring any DJ.

How many songs do they carry and do they have a database
to showyou the sort of music they carry to each event?
Make sure they have a size-able collection with a wide
variety of music for you and your guest to choose from.

What do past bridal couples have to say about the service
theyreceived for their wedding? Make sure you check reviews
on sites like Wedding Wire or chat with other local brides
on sites like "The Knot". If you have a planner, find out
if they have worked with them in the past and what their
feelings are on the service they provided.

Is their equipment professional grade and do they have back
up equipment in case they run into issues during the event?

If needed, are they able to support both the ceremony and
the reception? What will the additional cost be for added
services?

Make they understand that they are playing the roles of
Master of Ceremonies, Sound Technician, and Lighting
Technician.  They must be flexible enough to change when
needed throughout the night.

When asked who I recommend for a DJ service, I
instantly say Thunder Mountain DJ Service, based
in Holland Michigan. I've had the pleasure of working
with this company on multiple events and they're one
of the best in the area. When asked why they're so
passionate about their company, Dave and Deb very simply
said "Being a DJ is a fantastic job! It gives us the
opportunity to go new places and meet many people.
It is always an exciting and rewarding experience being
caught up in the joy and passion that is being expressed,
whether it is a small party, wedding reception or fund
raiser. We love to be part of thefun and memories of
a "special" occasion or event."

Happy Planning!

I’ve had the honor of working with the best of the best wedding make-up artistes and I’m a firm believer that we in West Michigan have the best in the Midwest. And today I would love to tell you more about Patti Nahikian who is one of the best I have worked with.  She even did my make-up on my wedding day a year ago.  What’s so special about her is that all her make-up is custom made to fit your skin needs. But today I am not highlighting her wedding packages but her everyday line of cosmetics.

Patricia is a licensed Aesthetician, Professional Makeup Artist and Certified Color Specialist. She owned and operated a full service beauty salon in South Florida for more than 10 years and has been published in several trade magazines and journals. She was also called upon to address groups of her peers and to review many trade publications including Milady’s Standard-Comprehensive Training for Aestheticians, which is used in most cosmetology schools today.

Currently, Patti is the owner of Spirit Custom Cosmetics by Rainbow Shades, a custom natural makeup and image consulting business. And I asked her today to share with us her passion and more about her new line.

Spirit is for the every day woman. It embodies each individual’s inner nature whether that be exciting and edgy or peaceful and tranquil or somewhere in between. Spirit is the last makeup you will ever need because it grows and changes as you grow and changes because it’s you!

Your face is your opportunity for expression. Define your look with here-and-now beauty. Spirit is an experience in real time for building your personal palette, perfectly matched to each memory, each moment, and each mood. Spirit is Perfectly matched to you.

Get the perfect lipstick made just for you in front of you. Our lipsticks are rich in botanicals: vitamin E, oils of jojoba, macadamia nut and grape seed, green tea extract, Shea butter, and aloe.

Create your foundation, bronzers, blushes and shadows of choice, (liquid or mineral powder), matched perfectly to your skin tone, right in front of you.

Mineral powder foundations are made of silky micronized minerals with natural healing properties that beautify and protect the skin. Our Active Powder Additives allow you to customize your foundation with treatments for your specific skin condition. Talc-free, fragrance-free, dye-free and non-comedogenic.

Liquid mineral foundations are infused with rich botanical of Calendula, Linden, Roman Chamomile, German Chamomile, Cornflower and St. John’s Wort, Lady’s Mantle, Horsetail, Pomegranate, Gingko Balboa, and Milk Thistl to nourish and fortify your skin.

Please visit Patti’s website to learn more about her new line of everyday wear and also about her great Wedding Packages!

Over the next few weeks I have decided to highlight all the vendors on my vendor list.  As many know I don’t add people onto my vendor list unless I have either personally worked with them or I met them and they blew me away with their talent.  So with this being said, I have asked the vendors to write a little something about themselves, their business, and of course some helpful hits for our upcoming bridal couples.  My hope in doing this is with the upcoming  planning season approaching us, this will be a great way for newly engaged brides to learn about some GREAT vendors.  I don’t have a set of standard questions for them to answer, I have asked them to write from their heart and let my readers know who they really are!

Happy Planning and I hope you enjoy our first vendor

Allison Bower

I met Allison a little less than a year ago at a photo shoot  at September Brides in Holland Michigan.  From the first moment I met her I have fell in love with  her work.  She is the most high energy person I know and she is great at what she does! Plus she has the sweetest personality and puts her clients at ease from the moment she walks in the room.