Alexa and Chad 11/11/11

Alexa and Chad Tancil selected the 11th day of the 11th month of the 11th year for their big day, and their 300 guests had a great time celebrating with them.

After attending a 5PM ceremony at St. Ambrose the guests headed to the elegant Radisson Quad Cities Plaza ballroom for a great party.

Members of the couple’s wedding party included:

Parents – Gina and Darrell Schlosser, Herbert and Marcia Tancil

Ushers – Aaron Washington, Dave Ulm

Flower Girls – Lillian, Abigail, Aubrie, Adeline, and Vivian Smith and Madison Grace

Ring Bearer – Pike Tancil

Bridesmaid – Bre Irwin

Groomsmen – James Cato, Ryan Reid, Dave Garamoni, Matt Edwards, Brett Jacobs

Best Man – Chip Tancil

Maid of Honor – Jerin Ferrera

Guests enjoy cocktails in the atrium prior to dinner:

Alexa and Chad shared their first dance to “Marry Me” from Train:

Wedding professionals who helped Alexa and Chad with their big event included:

Venue – Radisson Quad City Plaza

Photographer – Bob Summitt, Henry Illinois

Formal wear – Mens Wearhouse

Bridal Attire – House of Brides

Video – Harding Video

Florist – Milan Flower Shop

Cake – Heller Cakes

DJ Emcee – Black Tie Entertainment Inc.

We wish Alexa and Chad all the best in their new life together!

Julianne and James 10/8/2011

Julianne Franks and James Tongue, along with 215 of their friends and family, celebrated the occasion of their marriage at the elegant Radisson Quad City Plaza on October 8, 2011.  The Autumn weather was shining down brightly on the couple as they were wed at 2PM at the Augustana Ascension Chapel on Augustana’s Rock Island Campus.

The Radisson’s tropical atrium opened to guests at 5pm for cocktails and one hour later the guests entered the hotel’s ballroom which was decorated in the couple’s colors of Deep Purple, Black, Ivory and Silver.  Centered on the dance floor was the couple’s wedding cake created by Doug at Moon River Supper Club in Aledo.

Dining tables featured floral centerpieces designed by Louise at Stacks Florist.

Julianne and James’ head table looked amazing:

The wedding party made their entrance into the grand banquet room using the song “Angel” by Akon as their entrance music.  Members of the group included:

Parents – Larry and Jennifer Franks, James and Tina Tongue

Ushers – Jordan Franks, Brian Dausman

Bridesmaids – Amanda Rentfro, Angela Tongue, Jolee Franks

Groomsmen – Brett Unger, Jordan Franks (skillfully performing 2 roles), Joe Franks

Matron of Honor – Kelly Ertmoed

Best Man – Scott Ott (Yes, it rhymes)

After several toasts and a welcome from the Bride and Groom a blessing was offered by Tina Tongue, mother of the groom.

After a plated dinner James and Julianne danced their first dance as husband and wife to “You and Me” by Dave Matthews.

Julianne and her Father Larry shared the traditional Father Daughter dance to “Lullabye” by Billy Joel, and James danced with his Mother Tina to “The Prayer” by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli.

James and Julianne’s wedding guests were not afraid of the dance floor as they used every square foot from start to finish.  One unique moment was towards the end of the evening.  One of the guests requested “Heat of the Moment” from the group Asia.  I’ve always liked this song but rarely get to play it at wedding receptions.  The guests had a great time with it and some truly memorable moments were created!

Make sure to visit our facebook wall at www.facebook.com/blacktieentertainment for more photos of the dance floor fun!

Wedding professionals who played an important role in the day included:

Augustana College

The Radisson Quad City Plaza

Best Days Photography

Ducky’s Formal Wear

David’s Bridal

Moon River Supper Club

Luxury Limo

Tom Harlan Videography

Stacks Florist

Black Tie Entertainment

Thanks James and Julianne for allowing me to help you celebrate your once-in-a-lifetime day!  It was a truly wonderful party and it was fun to see some familiar faces in your group also! Best wishes to you as you begin your adventure together.

Breanne and Blake October 1 2011

Breanne Buckrop and Blake Boster celebrated their marriage with an energized and memorable reception at the always elegant Radisson Quad City Plaza in downtown Davenport Iowa.

This likable and photogenic couple had a 2PM ceremony at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Moline on 10/1/11.  Guests began arriving at the tropical atrium inside the hotel shortly thereafter and cocktails were served starting at 5PM.  One hour later the banquet room doors were opened and guests’ jaws dropped as they viewed the floral arrangements designed by Mimi Gabrilson and Ann McCarthy Weber of BASH, and pink up-lighting by Black Tie.

The wedding party was an energetic group and they were anxiously looking forward to their grand entrance!

The Father of the Bride, Dr. Brian Buckrop gave a warm welcome speech and the party was underway!

Members of Breanne and Blake’s wedding party included:

Parents – Brian and Susan Buckrop, Mary and Drew Boster

Ushers – Wesley McCorkel, Joe Fredrickson, Jordan Foy

Bridesmaids – Hanna Koenig, Jamie Carroll, Erin Smith, Erin Koenig, Adrienne Hoffman

Groomsmen – Chris Drish, Ben Hagener

Man of Honor- Kullan Buckrop

Maid of Honor – Amanda Emrick

Best Men – Eric Boster, Andrew Boster

Blake and Breanne made sure that every guest had something to satisfy their sweet tooth after a great sit down dinner served up by The Radisson.  First of all, there was a great candy buffet featuring candies in the couple’s colors of Black, Pink, Gold and Ivory.

And then, to really set this event apart, guests received their own bowl of Whitey’s Ice Cream instead of the usual wedding cake.  What a treat!

Blake and Breanne also had a unique formal dance set to open the dance floor.  Their original selection of songs for the first dance, father daughter and mother son dances set the tone for the fun to follow!

Blake and Breanne used “I Want You To Be My Love” from Over The Rhine as their first dance song.  Breanne and her Father danced to “What a Wonderful World” recorded by Katie Melua and Eva Cassidy.  And the hauntingly beautiful “Blessed” by Elton John rounded out the traditional dances for Blake and his Mother.

Blake and Breanne’s guests put a lot of mileage on the Radisson’s dance floor as the night wore on!

Be sure to visit our facebook page at www.facebook.com/blacktieentertainment for more photos of all the fun!

Wedding professionals who assisted Blake and Breanne included:

The Radisson Quad City Plaza

Duckys Formal Wear

House of Brides

Whitey’s Ice Cream

QC Trolley

Rick Jennisch Photography

Jenny Tunberg (video)

BASH (Mimi Gabrilson and Ann McCarthy Weber – Designers)

Trinity Lutheran Church Moline

Black Tie Entertainment (DJ, Emcee, Uplighting, Dance Floor Monogram)

Thank you to Breanne and Blake and their families for having Robin and I help you to create a memorable day!  We wish you all the very best in your new life together.

Chelsea and Rob September 24 2011

Wedding receptions planned for late September to early October in the Quad Cities always have the potential to be singularly beautiful, in terms of perfect weather and lovely Fall foliage.  Chelsea Hinderks and Rob Hanna pinned their hopes on such conditions for their once-in-a-lifetime event and they were not disappointed in how things turned out.

Sunny skies (OK, there were a few clouds) and perfect temperatures served as the backdrop for Chelsea and Rob’s event, the first weekend of the ever popular Autumn season for weddings.  After a 6:00 PM ceremony in the Auditorium of the contemporary setting of the Figge Art Museum the couple’s guests came down to the first floor banquet room to celebrate the occasion.

While the newly married couple posed for some after ceremony photos with photographer Melanie from Best Days Photography, the guests spent some time enjoying their visually appealing surroundings.

There was a sweets table to admire:

The “Red Room” bar in the Figge is always fun!

Great centerpieces:

The patio offers some great views:

And of course, there’s the art:

Rob and Chelsea made their grand entrance to the song “Hey, Ya!”.  In a break from tradition the bride and groom came in first and then twirled some “virtual” jump ropes in a Double Dutch fashion for the rest of their wedding party to show off their jump rope skills.  It was very creative!

Members of their wedding party included:

Personal Attendant – Julie Harre

Ushers – Derek Meier, Tim VanDee

Bridesmaids – Nikki Garrett, Carrie Fish, Sarah Hartung

Groomsmen – Mike Kilburg, Jason Tomash, Brandon Yansky

Maid of Honor – Liz Bergman

Best Man – Greg Hanna

Rob was a high school and college basketball star, and it appeared that the requirement to be a groomsman included height over six feet five inches, as I discovered while staging the garter toss.  At six feet one inch I felt rather vertically challenged.

After a great sit down meal Rob and Chelsea danced their first dance to “Right Down the Line” by Gerry Rafferty.  This was another unique and creative touch, as they are the first couple that I can recall using that song for their first dance.  Things like this always help to set an occasion apart from all the others!

The couple’s 115 guests made full use of the dance floor as the night went on.

Be sure to visit our facebook wall at www.facebook.com/blacktieentertainment for more photos of the fun!

Wedding professionals who helped Rob and Chelsea create the perfect party included:

The Figge Museum

Duckys Formal Wear

Davids Bridal

Von Maur

The Green Thumber

Sarah Lyns Cakes

The Radisson QC Plaza

Best Days Photography

Black Tie Entertainment

After the banquet room closed the remaining guests went down the street to The Phoenix to conclude the day.

Thank you to Rob and Chelsea for inviting Black Tie to help you celebrate!

Jaynie and A.J. September 17 2011

Wow, what a party that Jaynie Covemaker and A.J. Orendorff threw for 330 of their closest friends and family!  Jaynie and A.J. tied the knot at 4:00 PM at St. Johns United Methodist church on 9/17/11 and celebrated in a big, big way immediately after the ceremony.

The new bride and groom arrived at spacious, yet elegant Mississippi Hall at the Davenport River Center and found a highly energized crowd awaiting their arrival.  Jaynie and AJ’s wedding party entered the room to a Black Tie custom edited version of “Party Rock Anthem”.  The crowd roared their approval when the newly-wed couple entered to “My First, My Last, My Everything” by Barry White.

 

The wedding party included:

Ushers – Vinny Polito, Nick Passini

Bridesmaids – Ashley Hennel, Kirby Vyncke, Liz Nino, Amy Orendorff, Mary-Kate Polito, Shayla Leibovitz and Ryanne Covemaker.

Groomsmen – Mike Nance, Kevin Kluck, Shane Ross, DJ Covemaker, Peter Polito, Kyle Covemaker and Eric McLaughlin.

Maid of Honor – Shelley McLaughlin

Best Man – Sean Shannon

Flower Girl – Adysen McLaughlin

Ring Bearer – Nolan McLaughlin

This was one of the more fun-loving groups of the year!

 

The couple performed their first dance together immediately upon entering the room to “Like Red On A Rose” by Alan Jackson, and then made the ceremonial first cut on their beautiful wedding cake.

 

There were lots of kids present, and they had a great play area to enjoy!

Elegant canopy and lighting furnished by River Center:

Note how our sound and light system blends in unobtrusively on either side of the head table.

Flowers and arrangements by Clazzy Designs made the room look strikingly beautiful:

 

 

 

The dinner buffet featured Boneless Pork Loin, Roast Sirloin of Beef, Garden Rice Blend, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Corn and Fresh Asparagus.  The cake flavors were White, Chocolate, Raspberry Swirl, Strawberry and Carrot.  The guests raved about the food!

Speeches and toasts were given by Sean Shannon, Shelley McLaughlin and the Bride and Groom:

Bouquet toss:

Garter toss:

Be sure to visit our Facebook wall for more pictures of the dance floor which was packed for the duration of the evening:

www.facebook.com/blacktieentertainment

 

 

Wedding professionals who played a role in Jaynie and AJ’s big day included:

Radisson QC Plaza

The River Center

Ducky’s

David’s Bridal

Celebration Bridal

Karen Tate (wedding cake)

Johannes Bus

Creative Wedding Package

Clazzy Designs

St. Johns United Methodist Church

Black Tie Entertainment

 

Thank you Jaynie and A.J. for inviting us to help you celebrate your super special occasion.  We wish you all the best in your new life together!

Katelyn and Brad September 10 2011

The month of September is a perfect month for wedding receptions in the Midwest.  Our third reception of the month was a great event for Katelyn Gall and Brad Defenbaugh, an exceptionally nice couple who were wonderful to work with.

Katelyn and Brad’s event was truly a unique and fun occasion for all of the couple’s friends and family.  The day started with a 1:00 PM ceremony at Holy Family Church.  There was some time to enjoy the perfect weather of the day and then guests began arriving at the Davenport Country Club while the wedding party went on the course for a photo shoot.

The Country Club was decorated with arrangements from Milan Flower Shop in the couple’s colors of Teal and Yellow.  Chair covers and sashes were from I Do Events.

Some of the tables featured crystal centerpieces:

Katelyn and Brad had a delicious candy buffet arranged with a great view of the golf course.   I especially liked the malted milk balls and the chocolate covered raisins.  Awesome!

The wedding cake from Cunningham Confections:

Katelyn and Brad had an exciting grand entrance using the theme music from “NFL Football on Fox”.

Members of the wedding party included:

Ushers- Brian Gall, Cory Gall and Andrew Gall

Bridesmaids – Beth Folliard and Betsy Russell

Groomsmen – Johnny Ballou and A.J. Ow

Best Man – Dan Defenbaugh

Maid of Honor – Kristi Cumbow

Katelyn’s father Tom gave a heartfelt welcome speech and toast prior to dinner.   Katelyn and Brad’s photographer Tim Brandenburg took the couple back on the course after dinner for some sunset photos, which are sure to look fantastic with the perfect sunset that evening.

The dance floor saw plenty of action after dinner.  Make sure to visit our Facebook wall for some more photos of the fun!

Wedding professionals who helped Brad and Katelyn included:

The Davenport Country Club

Cunningham Confections

Luxury Limo

Tim Brandenburg Photography

Milan Flower Shop

I Do Events

Home Ridge Hotel and Suites

Holy Family Church

Black Tie Entertainment

Thanks Katelyn and Brad for allowing me to help you celebrate!  It was an amazing day loaded with fun and memories.  Black Tie Entertainment wishes you all the best in your new life together!

Jill and Dave September 4 2011

Jill Bouland and Dave Naab were married at Redeemer Lutheran Church at 4:30 PM on the Sunday before Labor Day, 2011.  You couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day.  Skies were blue, the air was clear and temperatures were pleasant.

After the ceremony everyone headed downtown to the newest and brightest icon in downtown Davenport, the Hotel Blackhawk.  A multi-million dollar renovation recently transformed the old landmark to a sparkling jewel.

Guests enjoyed cocktails in the mezzanine level at 6PM.  The historic Gold Room was then opened at 6:30 and the 260 guests found the room beautifully decorated with flowers from Coleman Florist.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The wedding party had their grand entrance shortly before 7PM.  Jill and Dave, a very photogenic couple, were then introduced for the first time and entered with the song “Johnny and June” by Heidi Newfield as the backdrop.

 

The father of the bride, Tom Bouland, gave a warm welcome speech and toast and then guests were treated to Pasta Stations to enjoy freshly made pasta dishes by the Blackhawk Hotel chefs.

 

 

Wedding cake from Cunningham Confections:

 

 

Dinner Hour:

 

After dinner toasts were given by Best Man Mitch VanFossen and Maid of Honor Lisa Salemink.

Other members of the wedding party included:

Flower Girls – Nessa Gorham, Ava Morrison and Reese Osborn

Junior Bridesmaid – Isabel Morrison

Bridesmaids – Kelli Salemink, Jamey Skarlis and Jenny Dykes

Groomsmen – Zac Bouland, Chris Naab and Rob Boruff

The parents of the bride and groom are Tom and Janet Bouland and Julie and Dan Naab.

Jill and Dave opened the dance floor after dinner by dancing to “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King.

The guests had an awesome time on the dance floor until the party’s conclusion at midnight.

 

For more photos of the dance floor fun visit our face book wall at

www.facebook.com/blacktieentertainment

 

 

Wedding professionals who helped to make the couple’s day special included:

The Hotel Blackhawk

Amy Richmond Photography

Men’s Wearhouse

A Storybook Ending

Cunningham Confections

Coleman Florist

Black Tie Entertainment

Thanks to Jill and Dave for allowing me to play a role in your big day!  It was a great time and I wish you all the best!

Mallory and Ben September 3 2011

Mallory Jackson and Ben Cherrington are two of the nicest young people I have ever met.  They joined forces as the new Mr. and Mrs. Mallory and Ben Cherrington on Saturday September 3, 2011.  Together, they will become an example of all that is right and good in America and they will bring happiness and joy into the lives of all they come in contact with.   That is my prediction and I’m sticking to it!

Let’s talk about all the things that made their wedding reception memorable and unique.  First of all, there was the rainstorm.  Although it made our equipment load-in a challenge, it also made the streets and sidewalks look shiny for their outdoor photos!  If you’ve ever noticed that some car makers actually go to the expense and effort of hosing down the streets prior to parading their latest and greatest machine in front of the camera, then you can appreciate the fact that Mallory and Ben got this effect for free!

The shiny, new and chic first floor of the most unique banquet facility in the Quad Cities was the setting for Mallory and Ben’s party.   The University Club in Moline is the perfect answer for those looking for the exact opposite of your generic banquet room.   Brick walls, shiny new hardwood floors and an elegant library invite guests to feel at home and have a good time without any effort.  Again, unique!

Even the guest seating arrangements were unique and creative.  Guests entered to find their table assignments cleverly displayed on this multi-panel door:

Each table had it’s own creative name:

Guests enjoyed a variety of great appetizers prior to the arrival of the wedding party.  There even was Asparagus!

Mallory and Ben’s wedding cake was beautifully displayed with a photo of the couple as the topper:

Mallory and Ben like fun props.  The Grand Entrance was very entertaining with every member of the bridal party sporting some type of flair!  There also was a photo booth for guests to ham it up.

The Wedding Party included:

Parents – Terry and Pam Jackson, Randy and Chris Cherrington

Ushers – Paul Nicholas Stewart, Aaron Lemon, Mike Gonzales

Bridesmaids – Jenny Cherrington, Meggie Bostrom, Cara Church, Marisa Rizzo, Hannah Hagener.

Groomsmen – Andy DeWulf, Ryan Jackson, Mike Ross, Greg Bunch, Andrew Bloom.

Maid of Honor – Lindsay Jackson

Best Man – Jake Leech

The Cherrington’s cut their wedding cake immediately after their splashy entrance, and the party was on!

Mallory’s Grandpa, Paul Stewart, gave an entertaining welcome and prayer before the buffet dinner:

After dinner there were toasts by Best Man Jake Leech, Maid of Honor Lindsay Jackson and the Father of the Bride, Terry Jackson.  Ben and Mallory thanked their guests for coming and then invited guests to enjoy the dance floor after they danced their first dance to “Weightless” by Lee DeWyze.

The guests really used the big University Club dance floor from start to finish!

Make sure to visit our Facebook wall at www.facebook.com/BlackTieEntertainment

for more photos of the fun on the dance floor!

Wedding professionals who assisted Mallory and Ben included:

The University Club

Rick Jennisch Photography

I Do Events (linens)

Duckys Formal Wear

Celebration Bridal

Heller Cakes

Quad City Trolley

Riefe’s Catering

Clazzy Designs

First Christian Church Moline

Stoney Creek Inn

Black Tie Entertainment (Music, Emcee, Up-Lighting)

Thank you Mallory and Ben for allowing me to be a part of your wedding day!  It is clear to see that you are loved by family and friends and I wish you all the best as you begin your adventure together!

Nan and Joe August 27 2011

The picturesque Davenport Country Club was the setting, and golf was the theme for the wedding reception of Nan and Joe Anderson on the last Saturday of the Summer months.

Guests arriving at the Country Club were greeted by a red carpet and the “paparazzi”.  Once inside the guests found their table assignments on a silver golf ball in the “rough”.

A tall tier of cupcakes also echoed the golf theme with blue accents.

The Country Club’s three main dining rooms were all decorated in Blue and Silver.  Special chairs were brought in from Chicago Chair Rental.

The head table was arranged in a large square and enhanced by floral arrangements from “Flowers By Melissa” (Melissa Deuanephenh).

Tables were identified by “Holes” as a part of the Golf Theme.

Note how inconspicuously our Bose Compact PA system blends into the décor of the room (below).

Nan and Joe’s dance party included some Thai music, as well as lots of current favorites. We did not have permission from the couple to photograph people once the event was underway, but I can assure you that this dance floor saw lots of energy from start to finish!

Wedding professionals who assisted Nan and Joe included:

Chicago Chair Rental

Davenport Country Club

Flowers by Melissa

Men’s Wearhouse

Bridal Gallery of San Francisco

Cupcakes by Anna

BoomBoomBus.com

Rick Jennisch Photography

Holiday Inn LeClaire

Black Tie Entertainment

Congratulations to Nan and Joe and best wishes for a long and happy marriage!

Carol and C.H. Givens Celebrate 50 Years

I had the privilege to help a delightful young couple celebrate 50 years of marriage on Saturday night, August 13, 2011 .  Carol and C.H. Givens of Round Rock, Texas made the trip up to the Quad Cities to join up with their family at the Isle of Capri.  There they enjoyed delicious appetizers prior to a short vow renewal ceremony in the Monte Carlo and Revere rooms just off the atrium at the Isle Banquet Center. 

This lovely painting of the couple was on display for guests to enjoy!

During the vow renewal ceremony C.H. (Charles) remarked that he knew Carol was the girl for him during their first date at the driving range.  Not wanting to let a good thing get away, he waited only a week to ask Carol to marry him.  And the rest, as they say, is history.

Guests enjoy appetizers and some great photos from the past.

The guests enjoyed viewing some old slides taken back in the 60′s and digitally converted for modern viewing on the screen.  I heard lots of good laughs as people tried to figure out when and where the photos were taken. 

C.H. told me that he loves music and he enjoys listening to his music library at home, including some old 78 rpm records.  It was great watching the couple and their 50 or so guests dance to some of their favorite music after dinner.  Charles and Carol especially enjoy George Jones. 

After dinner the Carol and C.H. danced a traditional first dance to “Could I Have This Dance” by Anne Murray.  Their guests weren’t shy about joining in on the dance floor and the group even enjoyed some newer music. 

Charles and Carol enjoy having the first dance.

 

 

Guests of all ages put the dance floor to good use!

It was a pleasure to entertain this couple and their guests in a smaller, more intimate atmosphere.  C.H. and his sons even dressed in tuxedos for the event! 

Thanks and best wishes to Carol and Charles from Black Tie Entertainment as you begin your next 50 years together!