For over 30 years, the love of  playing music and making a group happy has been  Chuck Reynold’s mantra.  ” Every party is  completely different,  so it’s fun to creatively mix the music in a way that’s always fresh and unique; one that fits each event accordingly,” says an energetic Reynolds. “It’s really enjoyable to fine-tune and read the bride and groom’s likes to make the event come alive. Good entertainment is one of the prime ingredients of a great party.”

Chuck Reynolds DJ has many years experience in playing and mixing music for every event imaginable with their specialty being weddings, parties and MC work.

Photo by: Live Tech Photography & Videography, Windsor, Ontario

Originally a radio personality and broadcaster for over 20 years, Chuck has a great deal of experience with the public, along with hands-on experience as the Music and Program Director at CHYR Radio, where he was responsible for selecting and programming Top 40, Dance, Adult Contemporary and Country music.

Not all DJ’s are alike and this company has provided the largest variety of dance music for the Windsor, Essex County and Chatham areas. A.V.L.A. licensed, their music library is filled with over 15,000 songs on CD, and monitored and updated on a weekly basis, guaranteeing their clients the finest selections available.

They are also the only DJ company in southwestern Ontario that exclusively employs DJs who have professional on-air radio broadcast experience. Add to that,  professional audio equipment and digital music mastering and Reynolds will ensure that your special event has a perfect crystal-clear sound presentation.

Today’s trends in weddings are showing more popularity to what’s being played on mainstream radio.  During much of the ’90′s, contemporary dance music wasn’t half as strong as what’s been available in the past 5-8 years. There is better variety and more catchy dance tunes that are drawing people to the dance floor,” Reynolds states.  He also goes on to say that more people are choosing DJs over live music bands because of the flexibility and variety of the music that’s available.  DJ companies carry a huge library of songs to each event, so they can play whatever request or kind of music that is called for.  At the very most, a band may possibly have a repertoire of up to 400 songs.

When you want to make your wedding reception memorable, it is important to choose your DJ carefully.  Music forms a common bond between strangers and encourages them to communicate with one another.  Greet your guests with music as they arrive and they will immediately feel comfortable and welcome.

Reynolds knows that great music makes a great party and his expertise does not goes unnoticed in the industry.  To contact Chuck Reynold’s DJ Service: 519-326-1691 or http://www.chuckreynoldsdjservice.com

Despite the best laid plans, things can go awry during your wedding day, but good planning can short circuit any potential  problems that may arise.

As you think of all the possible things that could solve any potential wedding day emergencies, put them in a basket. Ask your Maid of Honour to keep this kit readily available on your wedding day.

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You will want to include fingernail polish for any quick fixes as well as for fixing a run in anyone’s stockings. Remember to also have a bottle of polish remover and some cotton balls just in case.

You’ll also want to include extra stockings, anti-static spray and spot remover. A sewing kit with thread to match the formal wear and gown would also be handy.

Grooming items like deodorant, facial tissues, talcum powder and a hair dryer, curling iron, mirror, brush, bobby pins and safety pins are also important additions.

Black socks and extra studs are also great to have on hand for any groomsmen who may require last minute assistance.

It is also important to have a list of all the wedding suppliers and the wedding party on hand.

Many brides and grooms forget the need for money on their wedding day for any last minute errands.  Payment due to your services on the day, should be in envelopes or paid in full as per your contracts. Review them and tender the bills for your vendors when you agreed on.

Being ready for anything is an art and the more you you trouble shoot before your big day;  the more efficient and ready you will be for almost anything.

As anyone who has ever been through a  wedding can attest to, the months leading up to your wedding day can be a time of stress as well as happiness- there’s so much to do and so many decisions to make!

What to wear, where to hold the reception, selecting the flowers, who will be in the wedding party and a million more questions that will no doubt surface as you get knee-deep in planning.

Welcome to the wedding jitters; they are as common as weddings. There are ways to control your anxiety and here are a few suggestions.

Communicate your feelings. 

Be open and honest if you’re feeling upset. Tell your fiancé or family what it is that is bothering you. Don’t try to keep stressful feelings to yourself;  they may transfer to something or someone else. Take positive action whenever possible. Worrying never solved a problem.

Share responsibilities.

A warning to the bride: Don’t assume you have to do everything yourself. This idea is old-fashioned, as well as exhausting. Ask your fiancé to handle the things he will be comfortable with.  Solicit help from other family members or your maid of honour.

Have a system.

Try to break down each task into organized steps. Next, decide how long it should take and who will do it. Then, set up a completion date and stay on schedule. Follow a written plan; it will give you the secure feeling that you’re not forgetting something.

Pace yourself. 

In the beginning stages of planning your wedding, when you have major decisions to make, don’t try to tackle them all at once. Try to finish one big task per week.

Take care of your health.

Eat right and be sure to get enough rest and exercise. Take advantage of time-tested soothers at night; a hot relaxing bath, warm milk or a back rub.

Manage your time.

Allow plenty of time to plan your wedding and follow through on your schedule in a timely manner. Nothing will put you more at ease than knowing you have enough time to get everything done.

Literally hundreds of decisions need to be made before a wedding day. Some of these decisions are more urgent than others, but they are all important. An often, overlooked area is the decision to evaluate your and your spouse’s financial situation. While marriage is an exciting time in a couple’s life, it also carries responsibility of providing for each other, and in the years to come, for future children. Both of you have likely developed individual philosophies concerning savings, investments, and insurance. As your life changes, your priorities change. A review of each of your financial affairs will develop the foundation for a prosperous future together.

Trevor Booth Photography, Windsor, Ontario- will travel

Insurance is something that everyone requires, but they seldom concern themselves with, until something goes amiss. By then, it is too late. Uninsured items that are lost, stolen or damaged during or after your wedding day can only be replaced if you pay for them. That’s why you cover yourself with an insurance policy.

A qualified agent will help you evaluate all aspects of your finances. You may want to examine personally owned policies for name and beneficiary changes. Your agent will also help you find any gaps or shortfalls in your protection and advise you of any new products that you can benefit from.

An advisor will work with you to ensure your unique financial goals are covered.  They understand what products will be of benefit to you as you enter your new marriage.

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The best man usually a best brother, cousin, father or friend of the groom must be prepared for anything and be willing to help the groom solve any problem. Organizing the bachelor or bachelor/bachelorette  party with is one of the first responsibilities. He must also make sure the groom arrives at the wedding on time.

Carrying the bride’s ring is an extremely important task assigned to the best man. He may sometimes be responsible for the marriage licence as well.

The best man usually does not stand in the receiving line if there is one. He signs the marriage certificate as an official witness. He must ensure that the clergy/offiiciant receives payment, which can be conveniently placed in a sealed envelope.

Trevor Booth Photography, Windsor, Ontario- will travel

At the reception, the best man sits to the bride’s right, the perfect position to execute his duties as toastmaster/MC. The clever best man rehearses his toast beforehand, knowing that his practiced toast is always better than an impromptu one.

Lastly, some best men are asked to gather all rented clothing from the groom’s wedding party and return it the next business day to the formal wear store.

The groomsmen are friends and relatives of the groom (and) sometimes the bride and have a wide variety of jobs. Some groomsmen double as ushers but usually don’t have as many obligations as the best man.

They are required to be at the rehearsal, we they learn the wishes of the clergy/officiant. At the rehearsal, they may practice lighting and extinguishing the candles for the ceremony, should familiarize themselves with the entrance, exit and washroom locations for the guests’ comfort and learn seating arrangements.

The groomsmen/ushers should arrive at the wedding an hour prior to the ceremony to get their boutonnieres, ready the programs and assist with any last minute details.

If guests of the bride and groom are to be seated in separate sections, the ushers will need to find out the relationship of the guests to the couple. Once established, the right arm is offered to the lady, who is then escorted to the open pew or seat closest to the front of the church or ceremony site. The farthest forward pews or seats are traditionally reserved for immediate family members.

Last to be ushered in, are the mothers of both the bride and groom. The ushers, then, unroll the aisle runner. They stay in the back of the church/venue during the ceremony, directing late guests to back or side seats.

Immediately after the ceremony, the groomsmen escort bridesmaids down the aisle. Ushers then escort out the mothers of the bride and groom and, sometimes direct the departure of the guests in an orderly manner.

The groomsmen usually do not stand in the receiving line if there is one, but do sit at the reception table in an alternating pattern with bridesmaids. The groomsmen and ushers’only obligatory duties at the reception are to mingle with the guests, give help when needed, possibly propose a few toasts  and celebrate the marriage!!!

From ancient times, bunches of herbs were carried under the bridal veil and were a  symbol of fertility  and an integral part of the wedding ceremony.

Flowers have always had a significance of their own and add fragrance, colour and a celebratory feeling to a milestone occasion like a wedding.

Vanstone Studios, Windsor, Ontario, Scottsdale Arizona- will travel

The symbol of love has always been the rose; the orchid one of beauty and the carnation is known for distinction. Daisies are innocence and orange blossoms mean purity. Forget-me-nots, by their very name mean love and happiness. The spring  white lilac is youthful, while gardenias mean joy.

Try to choose flowers that are in season and local, whenever possible. The costs will be less and you will be supporting your local growers.

Wedding flower requirements can be small with just a few corsages and boutonnieres or large with many bouquets, guest table centrepieces , head table arrangements and ceremony florals.

Your wedding cake knife can also be enhanced with beautiful flowers that match your theme, while dressing up the table.

The bride’s bouquet is as distinctive as the bride and today’s boutonnieres for the gents can be flowers or made of  other materials. Some brides today opt to carry a single stem wrapped in a beautiful ribbon while others have always dreamed of carrying a bountiful bouquet.

Trevor Booth Photography, Windsor, Ontario- will travel

The Maid or Matron of Honour’s bouquet usually differs and contrasts the Bridesmaids’ bouquets. The Bridesmaids may carry a variety of styles; nosegay, posy, full bouquet or cascade.

Live Tech Photography and Video, Windsor, Ontario

Life’s unforgettable moments begin with extraordinary attention to detail. You said “I Will” and now it’s time to plan the day of your dreams.

Your wedding is one of life’s milestones that blur economic, emotional and intellectual boundaries. Most former brides cannot think of another occasion that they would spend as much money, time, and emotional energy meticulously planning each and every detail for.

But  today’s couples are thinking differently about their weddings.  Because  most weddings are being financed by the bride and groom,  with some assistance from their parents, the men are becoming more involved, and more excited about the wedding planning process.

Weddings are changing in some positive ways.  The word engaged implies busy; you just need to establish a manageable time frame and budget, and the rest of the details will fall into place.

Do you want an indoor or outdoor reception? Today’s personalized  style allows flexibility  for your one -of -a -kind wedding!  Photo booths, lounge settings,  carts laden with comestibles of sweets, coffees and desserts, vintage/glamour, lake front, cityscapes, private clubs and golf courses all top the list of great entertaining ideas. And, it’s all about your guests!

The sky’s the limit when it comes to embellishing your wedding day with your own signature touch.

L’atelier du Chocolat, Centrepiece, Windsor, Ontario

Nicole Harris Photography

Windsor/Essex County has a plethora of wonderful venues to have and to host your special day. Old railway stations and mansions, historic sites and modern urban restaurants, re-purposed warehouses and outdoor park settings, and weddings on the water; these are but a few of the alternatives that couple have to choose from today. In year’s past, it was the church or religious institution, the front parlour of your parent’s home or a city hall wedding that were the norm.

Fabulous food, a lake, a blazing fireplace,  a barn,  lots of room to dance the night away and a magnificent rose garden  may equal absolute perfection for you. Elegant service, splendid detail and fabulous ideas for  music, flowers, photographers, invitations and guests are bountiful. This area is brimming with wedding professionals that are the dream makers and they do their jobs with élan and style. Ask for references and portfolios of their work to see exactly what they are capable of producing!

Trevor Booth Photography, Windsor, Ontario- will travel

Today’s couple can host their beautiful beginning in whatever way they feel comfortable; from intimate and beautifully appointed  small spaces to lavish ballrooms. The essence of your wedding day is as unique as who you are as a couple.

It’s your day to bring family and friends together to celebrate your togetherness,  and your love and commitment to each other. It’s where you create the first of a lifetime of precious memories to have and to hold and to cherish for always.

Take the time to really articulate and communicate your thoughts  to one another, about what style of wedding day will make you happy. Designate a budget, a theme and find the professionals to bring your dreams to reality. And remember that your happily ever after is different from your friends- so do it your way with your style and love the results.

In the past, wearing a suit was reserved for special occasions such as weddings, funerals, and other more formal social events.  But today with few milestones to celebrate, we hugely endorse the wearing of a tuxedo for life’s biggest celebrations.

Not so long ago, the tuxedo was worn on such rare occasions, and we frankly don’t understand why?

Brides today spend an inordinate amount of time searching for that perfect dress, and grooms have historically worn, but a suit to complement her once in a lifetime look.  A beautifully dressed bride requires a handsomely attired groom.

When choosing a tux, grooms must note the time of day and the season in which the wedding will take place. A morning wedding with a brunch reception will require much less formal attire than a late evening ceremony and formal sit-down meal. And when it comes to their weddings, they are realizing that a black business suit is just not going to make the cut. They want to rev it up a notch, and dress up in a tuxedo, because it is now the right outfit to wear and it is offered in loads of textures and fabrics.

The basic elements of a groom’s outfit may include a jacket, pants, shirt, bow tie or ascot, cummerbund or vest, suspenders, pocket handkerchief, socks and shoes. Special shoes are often worn with tuxedos and can be found at formalwear shops for purchase or rental. It is all quite affordable!

Many options are available to fill out the groom’s attire. In addition to all the new styling and fabrics for today’s tuxedos, high-fashion accessories include ties, suspenders, and cummerbund, shirts that preclude bowties, cuff links and shirt studs in almost any style you can imagine. They choose designs and accessories to suit their own style and express their unique personality. If they prefer to play it safe, a traditional black and white tuxedo ensemble never goes out of style, giving you the added confidence that you will look and feel your best on your wedding day.

Visit the formal wear shop four months before the wedding. Bring along swatches of the bridesmaids’ gowns, if you plan to coordinate the usher’s tuxes.

Today’s tuxedo has moved well beyond the classic James Bond black and white look. Young men are wearing them earlier in life;  Justin Beiber has been seen at award evenings and galas sporting today’s new looks, dressed up with satin lapels and marketed as the cutting edge tux for modern men.  Mike, The Situation, from the television show,

Jersey Shore is another to advance the popularity of this great and special look.

So discard any thoughts of wearing a suit to your wedding and elevate your style to that of your bride and dress up! You’ll look back years later and be delighted that you did it up, with style.