ECBG CAKE STUDIO CHICAGO

 ECBG Cake Studio specializes in custom cakes, cookies and cupcakes for weddings, celebrations and private events. Erin Martin, founder and owner, opened her business in Chicago in 2011 and believes "cake is so valuable because it helps us celebrate the moments that really matter." We couldn't agree more! ECBG Cake Studio provides high quality and organic ingredients, offers a wide variety of savory and sweet flavors, all while incorporating a personal and custom touch. If you're looking for the perfect sweet to add to your celebration click below for more information! 

Cake created for a @weddingguidechicago photo shoot!

Beautiful cake created by ECBG Cake Studio Chicago!

TDF x WEDDING WIRE

Wedding Wire is a website that allows you to find local wedding venues and vendors in a "stress-free, hassle-free and just plain free way!" Not only can you plan your wedding with the help of Wedding Wire; but you can complete your registry, find inspiration and read the latest reviews before making any important decisions. The DJ Firm is a trusted Wedding Wire vendor, click below to get more information on what we offer and to read some of our glowing reviews! Book The DJ Firm today and let us give you an experience to last a lifetime!  

Venue Feature: CASTAWAYS CHICAGO

Winter lasted a nice long nine months, but summer 2018 is almost here! The DJ Firm has partnered with Castaways Chicago for many years and always looks forward to the start of a new season. The hottest day party in the city officially opens it's doors on Friday, May 19th at North Avenue Beach! With music powered by The DJ Firm and live broadcasts by 103.5 Kiss FM + amazing food and drinks specials you can't go wrong with Castaways on your calendar! 

Book your private event in one of their cabanas! 

The DJ Firm's, DJ Daily, heating up Castaways Chicago last year! Photo by; DY Phoenix Photography

WEDDING TRENDS: SILENT DISCO

Looking for a new and exciting way to entertain your wedding guests? Look no further! TDF was able to experience the latest trend in wedding fun; a silent disco. With two DJ's going head-to-head your guests can switch channels to enjoy the music they prefer, plus it allows guests who don't enjoy dancing to sit and have a conversation while watching an abundance of different dance moves unfold. Your parents can get down to "Love Shack" while the kids do the "Dougie!" The colors on the headphones will change depending on which channel you choose, producing some friendly competition between DJ's. The DJ Firm had the opportunity to DJ their first silent disco wedding; DJ Jem was on deck with Top 40 hits, while DJ Sye Young provided the throwbacks. If you're looking for a way to throw and epic afterparty without worrying about noise ordinances-visit Sound Off for equipment rental & contact TDF for your DJ's today! 

DJ SYE YOUNG & DJ JEM providing the silent disco soundtrack at The McLaughlin wedding this month! 

Not ready for the silent disco trend? Looking for something a bit louder? Get ready to rock your wedding with The DJ Firm! 

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

AT&T x TDF

Not only does The DJ Firm specialize in weddings and nightlife, but we also provide production for private events. Our collaboration with the AT&T Michigan Ave. store has given us numerous opportunities to showcase our expertise in sound, lighting and stage set-up that is catered to the client's specific needs. To name a few; we have been on site for events featuring music artists such as; Lee Brice, Cheat Codes, and Yazz the Greatest. We have provided production and music for events featuring hit TV shows such as; HBO's-Game of Thrones and the American drama series-Kingdom. We can also be found providing the soundtrack during special occasions such as; March Madness and Black Friday. Although The DJ Firm typically provides the entertainment for many events, sometimes you can catch us behind the scenes. Thank you to AT&T for rocking with TDF! 

DJ SHO providing the soundtrack for a private event featuring the hit movie; Hidden Figures.

Photo of Yazz the Greatest performing captured from AT&T Michigan Ave.'s Facebook.

IN THE MIX WITH @DJKIDCLAY

The DJ Firm is lucky to have the talents of DJ Kid Clay on our team. Not only does he leave a lasting impression on the Chicago nightlife scene, but he can regularly be found rocking private events for corporations such as; the Chicago Cubs and Nike. Kid Clay understands that "you can never stop learning when it comes to your craft and that being just good; isn't good enough." We invite you to explore some of his work through his exclusive mixes-rock with Clay! 

DJ'S & DRUMMERS

What's better than having a professional DJ providing the soundtrack for your wedding night? A professional DJ + a professional drummer playing alongside each other for one unforgettable performance. We'd like to introduce you to Rocky Roppo; a drummer The DJ Firm is proud to collaborate with. When you link Rocky with one of our DJ's you are bound to provide your guests with one memorable experience. Take your wedding night to the next level with TDF! 

Learn more about our Live Entertainment here.

Drummer Rocky Roppo performing alongside DJ Daily at The DJ Firm's 2018 Showcase Event

Drummer Rocky Roppo and The DJ Firm's own DJ Daily

The DJ Firm's 2018 Showcase Event

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!