9 Wedding Ideas that are TDF Approved!

Here are 9 wedding ideas that are TDF approved! 

1. Informal Save-the-Date Cards 

Papergoodiesbykim on ETSY

2. Confetti Poppers

Confetticonecompay on ETSY

3. Polaroid Guest Book

IG: Loveandlines

4. Guest Song Requests

Daintydoeprintables on ETSY

5. Unique Table Numbers

6. Grandmas can be flower girls, too!

Photo by: Brittany Runnels Photography

7. Live Entertainment Featuring a Wedding Caricature Artist or a Palm Reader 

Photo by: Leah Valentine Photography

8. Guests will remember the food (truck!) 

Photo by: Epoch Moment Photography

9. Prepare for the morning after!

McParty Shop on ETSY

TDF x THE UNDERGROUND CHICAGO

The Underground Chicago is one of the city's most exclusive hot-spots in the nightlife scene. The collaboration between our DJ's and Underground started way before The DJ Firm even existed. Many of our Chicago-based DJ's have rocked Underground dating all the way back to 2006! This venue has always been a favorite of ours; mostly because of the energetic crowds, good vibes and the warm chocolate-chip cookies served late-night. Most recently we had an opportunity to collaborate with Underground in a different way; providing mixtapes made from scratch by our DJ's to showcase on Underground's weekly podcast. If you're looking for some mixes to motivate your work-out, get you through rush-hour or start your weekend--look no further!

(Click the photos below to link directly to the mixes created by our very own DJ HEAVY, DJ JEM, DJ SYE YOUNG & DJ DAILY; free on MixCloud and iTunes!) 

TDF x ST. PATRICK'S DAY 2018

Going to be in Chicago for St. Patrick's Day? You're in luck! The DJ Firm will be providing the soundtrack at some of the hottest St. Patrick's Day parties in the city. The dying of the Chicago River takes place at 9am, followed by the 2018 St. Patrick's Day parade kicking off from the intersection of Columbus and Balbo Drives at noon. However, if you're still looking for a St. Patrick's Day hot-spot to gather with your friends take a look below and get your tickets now! Cheers! 

20 THINGS YOU DON'T KNOW ABOUT DJ SYE YOUNG!

DJ SYE YOUNG is part owner of TDF, alongside DJ JEM.

1. My full name is Carlington Dwayne Young, but I go by SYE!

2. I didn't know my name was Carlington until I was 10 because everyone called me Dwayne, I didn't even know how to spell Carlington. 

3. I named my daughter after a bartender in Boston. Her name is Jocelyn and she's my world!

4. I was born in Jamaica and my favorite Jamaican dish are my dad's fried dumplings. I could never say no to a good beef patty either.

5. My favorite movie is A Bronx Tale.

6. And I'm addicted to Sports Center!

7. I wrestled for 10 years in high school and college.

8. I was the leader of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) in high school and the president in college.

9. It's hard for me to use a public bathroom, I have to wait until everyone is gone or find a private one!

10. I am Biggie Smalls biggest fan.

11. I had a Pit-Bull Terrier named Mimi. I named my dog after Mariah Carey because she's my favorite female artist. 

12. In sixth grade I stole a candy bar from a gas station and got caught, they said they were calling the police, so I ran! I also never stole again. 

13. I once thought there was such a thing as a mango-pineapple. It was just a regular pineapple.

14. I'm diabetic. 

15. My favorite place to DJ is The City in Cancun, Mexico because it's so huge!

16. I've really only hurt myself badly one time, I tore my calf muscle when I was a junior in high school. 

17. I hate snakes. I can't even watch a movie with snakes because it scares me. Anaconda was a horror movie for me.

18. I had my first kiss when I was 17, across the street from the Northwestern football stadium.

19. I once found $500 in a club on Halloween.

20. My dream is to own the biggest entertainment company in Chicago, get to know TDF! 

VENUE FEATURE: FREMONT CHICAGO

These are all things you will do at Fremont Chicago located in River North. This exclusive bi-level hot-spot hosts one of the best boozy brunches turned day party experiences in the city. Grab your friends on a Saturday or Sunday and indulge in their all-you-can-eat buffet featuring a carving station, doughnut wall and boozy desserts before heading upstairs to the rooftop for drinks and dancing to a live DJ. The DJ Firm can be found dropping beats at Fremont regularly! 

@thisisjem rocking @fremontchicago cc: @themusictrust

@iamdjheavy rocking @fremontchicago cc: @themusictrust

Fremont Chicago has your weeknights covered, too, offering Boozy Bingo on Wednesdays, Throwback Thursdays and Happy Hour every Friday from 5-7pm! Catch DJ HEAVY throwing down a day party on Saturday, March 3rd (12p-3p) and Saturday, March 24th (3p-6p) and catch DJ JEM there on Saturday, March 17th (3p-6p) and Sunday, March 25th (3p-6p)! Don't be the only person who hasn't experienced the best bottomless mimosa boozy brunch Chicago has to offer! 

#THROWBACKTHURSDAY

The DJ Firm brings you our very own #TBT featuring many of the artists we've had the opportunity to meet or work with over the years. There is never a dull moment with TDF!

@iamdjheavy x Common

@djsyeyoung x Mario Lopez

@djkidclay x Jeremih

@thisisjem x Clinton Sparks

@iamdjheavy x A-Trak

@djsyeyoung x Joe Jonas

@iamdjheavy x Snoop Dogg

@djsyeyoung x Jermaine Dupri 

@djsyeyoung x Brody Jenner

@iamdjheavy x Dillon Francis

@thisisjem x Nick Cannon

@djsyeyoung x Trey Songz

@iamdjheavy x R. Kelly

@djsyeyoung x Suge Knight

@iamdjheavy x Cassie

@djswisskid x Coolio

@djsyeyoung x Nelly

@iamdjheavy x Demi Lovato

@iamdjheavy x Diddy

@djsyeyoung x Snoop Dogg

TDF x SUPER BOWL LII

The DJ Firm was on the move in Minnesota for Super Bowl LII weekend. First stop; Wheels Up Super Saturday Tail Gate--the ultimate Super Bowl pre-party for all of their elite members and guests. Wheels Up is a private aviation company offering memberships for individuals and families or businesses and corporations. What we know about Wheels Up is that they provide unwavering safety and impeccable service, but they also know how to throw one hell of a party and The DJ Firm was there to witness it! 

Venue: Quincy Hall and Photo; @wheelsup w/DJ SYE YOUNG on the decks!

Venue: Quincy Hall and Photo: @wheelsup w/Kelley James performance.

The DJ Firm was also in the building at the 2018 Big Game Big Give Fundraising Event; voted the number one Super Bowl party by ESPN Magazine. This year the celebrity host was Jamie Foxx, alongside Shaquille O'Neill. The Giving Back Fund (GBF) is a national nonprofit organization that encourages and facilitates charitable giving by professional athletes , celebrities, high net worth individuals, existing nonprofit organizations and corporations and others who truly desire to give back. Catch a glimpse of this lavish party in the video below!

The last leg of Super Bowl weekend was spent on the decks at Union Rooftop for one of the hottest Super Bowl after-parties in Minneapolis! Thank you to everyone who rocked with TDF all weekend and congratulations to the Philadelphia Eagles! 

The team preparing to take over @unionmpls. 

The DJ Firm Meets The Flower Firm!

Photo: @flowerfirm

Chicago based company; The Flower Firm was opened by Colette Clancy and James Papajohn in 1997, but has since grown to incorporate a staff of 30 producers, designers and technicians. Similar to The DJ Firm, they take on wedding, corporate, non-profit and private social events. With an extensive clientele list including; Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, American Airlines, Brookfield Zoo and a large number of satisfied brides--this is a company you want to collaborate with! "The Flower Firm transforms your vision into a stunning reality while exceeding all expectations." 

Photo: @flowerfirm, Venue: Four Seasons Hotel Chicago

 

Looking for a Wedding DJ to go with those flowers? Check out the best Djs in Chicago on our Wedding Dj page.

Venue Feature: UNION ROOFTOP

Union Bar & Grill is known to be one of the best rooftops in the Twin Cities. With multiple levels for brunching, dining and partying you are bound to have a good time at this venue. Their year-round rooftop is amazing. During the winter months you can enjoy dinner and dancing underneath the glass roof displaying breathtaking views of downtown Minneapolis and it's the ultimate rooftop experience in the summertime. 

Union Rooftop flies in national DJ's every weekend and The DJ Firm checks in almost every Saturday night. If you're in the Minneapolis area, make sure you stop by and check it out! 

JEM turning up Union Rooftop on NYE 2017.

This year The DJ Firm will be teaming up with Union Rooftop, 6ONE7 Production and 235 Entertainment for an epic Super Bowl after party. You won't want to miss it, so grab your tickets now!

TDF x THE KNOT

The Knot is your one-stop-shop for all of your wedding needs from dresses to vendors and from checklists to venues, they've got you covered for your big day. The DJ Firm is a trusted "The Knot" vendor promising to offer wedding, corporate and private clients an unforgettable time. Check out some of our top reviews on theknot.com and book your wedding with us today. A case won is a dance floor packed, and The DJ Firm has a perfect record!

MILLER + MILLER Photography

Convinced? Learn more about our Chicago Wedding Djs here and request a quote today!

WEDDING TRENDS: CANDY BUFFETS

The DJ Firm specializes in many private events including; weddings. We are lucky to have the opportunity to work with so many amazing couples as they plan out their incredibly special day. Although our main focus is executing an experience that will last a lifetime through music at your wedding; we can't help but notice many new trends popping up. One trend being; candy buffets. What better way to excite your guests than offering an array of your favorite candy and sweet treats in the form of a candy buffet! Chicago based company; The Candy Bar, has you covered. They will work with you to customize the perfect candy bar for your wedding, and it will be the perfect sweet ending to a beautiful beginning. 

Find them on Facebook and Instagram @thecandybarchi. 

The Candy Bar's littlest supporter!

Isn't it all so sweet? Let's get your wedding ready to rock!

Learn more about our Chicago Wedding Djs here and request a quote today!

TDF x SHRED415

The DJ Firm has had the opportunity to collaborate with one of Chicago's hottest and growing fitness studios in the city. You can regularly find DJ SYE YOUNG rocking a live DJ class at Shred's South Loop location or JEM jamming in the suburbs at Shred's Hinsdale location. This 60-minute, instructor led class is based on interval training between treadmill and floor exercises and will leave you feeling fired-up and strong. If you can't catch one of their live DJ classes, don't worry, many of the mixes you'll hear during your session were created by TDF. Our goal is to have the music you hear keep you moving and motivated, check out one of their classes today and find DJ SYE YOUNG turning up a live DJ class at the South Loop location on Friday, January 5th!

DJ SYE YOUNG w/ SHRED415 founders Bonnie Micheli and Tracy Roemer.

JEM participating in a SHRED415 class at their Hinsdale location. 

I'VE GOT QUESTIONS!

The Top 5 Questions to Ask your DJ

DJ Heavy @roofonthewit cc: @themusictrust

How long have you been doing this professionally? 

You want to make sure your DJ has a history of packing dance floors, and keeping them packed before hiring them. Ask to come and see us prior to your event to get an idea of what to expect! 

What sets you apart from your competition?

We should have at least three solid responses. Our DJ's come from many different backgrounds and have unique talents that set them apart from each other. Let us sell ourselves to you!

How do you customize the music experience? 

Our main goal is to make this event perfect for you based on your preferences. After all, this is your soundtrack and we want to help create a memory that will last a lifetime! 

What do you do to prepare for a successful event?

We want to know what will put your mind at ease. We will meet with you prior to your event, check out the event space in advance and come prepared with our tech guys!

Why should we choose you?

That answer is simple for us, because we are TDF!

FROM BBM TO TDF

The DJ Firm Story

From Big Boy Music to The DJ Firm, Carlington Young and Eric Sampson have come a long way since their early years on the Chicago DJ scene. You might know them as DJ Sye Young and Jem, owners of TDF.

Eric and Carl met in high school where their passion for music and DJing took off. They went from renting out venues to throw parties in college to being hired at some of Chicago's hottest venues. One of their first gigs was at Fitz's Pub in Elmhurst, IL back in 2003, now they can be found spinning all over the mid-west. 

Carl and Eric circa 2008.

In 2013, Carl decided to take his business to the next level and had a vision for something that would make an impact on the Chicago DJ industry. He teamed up with Eric and the two of them created The DJ Firm. Since 2013, they have rapidly expanded, not only in the nightlife industry, but in the wedding scene, event production and continue to make connections in the corporate world. They've hired on some of the most talented DJ's to join the TDF team and continue to lock-in new clients every day. 

The bottom line is; if you want your event executed, you want TDF. 

VENUE FEATURE: FROSTY'S CHRISTMAS BAR

Chicago's newest trend; pop-ups. Chicago's newest pop- up; Frosty's Christmas Bar!

What you need to know...

Purchase tickets ahead of time as they have limited walk-in availability, ticket prices are very reasonable and they offer individual and group sales. Wednesday-Thursday hours are 6pm-12am, Friday-Sunday the party rocks from 5pm-4am. Don't forget to wear your best holiday attire, get ready for their festive holiday drinks, and practice your pose with Santa because--he's there. 

The staff is super friendly, the decorations are incredible and, most importantly, the music is provided by TDF! Grab your friends and family and mark your calendars now because they are only in town through January 7, 2018 and you do not want to be the only person who didn't experience Frosty's for the holidays!

It's true; the tree isn't the only thing lit this Christmas! Visit their website here; http://welovefrostys.com. 

RUN CHICAGO 2017 MARATHON MIXES PRESENTED BY TDF & ASWEATLIFE!

TDF AND ASWEATLIFE TEAM UP TO PROVIDE YOU THE ULTIMATE MIXES FOR THE 2017 CHICAGO MARATHON!

Here are some of the top mixes to keep you moving for this year Chicago Marathon! Four 60 minute mixes filled with all your favorite pop, rock, old school and top 40 jams! We definitely want to give a big shout out to the CEO of Asweatlife and our partner on this project Jeana Anderson Cohen! Thank you for your support and good luck to everyone participating in this years Chicago Marathon! PLAY, LISTEN, RUN