The Value of a Single Day

What is the significant value of a single day? If we want to analyze the importance of 24 hours, then we should break it down into its smallest particles:

24 hours = 1440 minutes, which = 86,400 seconds. Now why should any one of those 86 thousand four hundred seconds be of any importance?

I guess it depends on who you ask….

What would a swimmer say? One who trained every day for four years, to the point of mind-numbing exhaustion, constantly pushing himself past any barrier – including the physical limitations of his own body – just to step onto the silver medal podium on the world stage, losing the gold by the equivalent of one second? Would one second have made a significant difference?

What, then, is the value of 60 seconds?

How would a trauma surgeon answer that question as she walks out onto the waiting room floor, mentally drained after trying everything in her power to save the life of someone she never met, only to have to face a worried mother and shattering a family while reciting the words no person in her position would ever want to say…”if only we would have gotten there sooner…”? Would one minute have made a significant difference?

What then, is the value of 60 minutes?

Perhaps we should ask a businessman way up in the air, who is compiling negotiation contracts and stock values while at the same time calculating connections between countries, cities and airports just to be able to catch his eldest son’s first soccer game. Would one hour make a significant difference?

So if such is the value of a second, of a minute, and of an hour, then what is the significance of one evening?

What if we asked a groom who chose not to hire Windy City Mix, opting to go with a referral from a friend of a friend, and is now stuck with an overpriced, inexperienced DJ and an empty dance floor which he, his wife, and all his closest friends and family will forever remember from what was supposed to be the greatest day of his life? Would the value of this one night make a difference?

With that being the case, what then is the value of an entire day?

What if we asked that question to a bride who thought that a video memory of a wedding was not important, that the remembrance of a day she had planned and anticipated since she was nine years old would be left in the hands of someone who could only capture an instant in time, and so decided to pass on hiring StoryTeller Productions only to be asked by her youngest daughter to tell her the story of how her own wedding was magical, when she herself could not remember her vows, the songs of the first dances, or anything more than only what a photo could tell her?

If all of this makes any sense, it is only to show how truly significant our work is to us.

To Windy City Mix, it’s not “just another evening”, but rather an opportunity to create a night that will live long beyond the span of a few hours.

To StoryTeller Productions, it’s not “just another day,” but rather the chance to produce a truly unique story that will be relived for days, years, and generations to come.

So is the culmination of 86,400 seconds all that important? I guess it just depends on who you ask.

Windy City Mix, Inc. receives 2012 Wedding Wire Bridal Choice Award!

Windy City Mix, Inc. is proud to announce that we have received the 2012 Wedding Wire Bridal Choice Award!

How are the winners determined?
The WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards ™ recognizes the top local wedding professionals from the WeddingWire Network that demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism. Unlike other awards in which winners are selected by the organization, the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ are awarded solely based on the reviews from over 1.2 million newlyweds. Awards are determined by a combination of four factors: Overall rating (quality), total number of reviews (quantity), review performance from 2011 (recency), and consistency of reviews from year to year (consistency). This year’s recipients represent the top 5% of WeddingWire’s vendor community, across all service categories and all regions throughout the US and Canada.

Resolution for 2012…

Well…we made it.  Nineteen days into the new year and here we are, ready to improve on what we learned from the year that just passed. 

In the years that have gone by I always made some kind of resolution.  Typically they were related to something that I restricted myself from doing.  I remember the first time I made a resolution.  I was young and naïve, and though no one thought I would be able to do it, I made it a point to prove them wrong: no Slurpees for an entire year.  Although my 7-11 stock was decreasing in value by my lack of my own purchasing of this delicious, sugar-filled beverage, I found that NOT doing something was easier than I expected.  I decided to take some time off after that and welcomed Slurpee’s back into my menu soon after January 1^st of the following year.  This time, however, I didn’t really care for them as much as I had in the past, so not going to 7-11 for months at a time was no big deal to me. 

A few years later, having undergone much stress and realizing that the post-high-school “real world” was not at all what I thought it was going to be, I decided to try my most difficult resolution yet: no McDonald’s, Burger King, or Wendy’s for an entire year.  Yes, this is probably laughable to most – and it very well should be.  But when you think about it, this is a lot easier said than done.  Notice, however, that Portillo’s was not on the list of prohibited places to eat.  I might be daring, but I’m not crazy.

It was a long year, but I managed to get through it.  The year after, I went right back to what I knew was unhealthy.  As a matter of fact, I created new excuses to visit these places, knowing very well how difficult it was for me the year before.  To make a long story short, when I said “No” to something for an entire year, I immediately say “Yes” to it the day after the ban was lifted. 

So if that is the mathematical formula, what would happen if I do the opposite?  What would happen if I say “Yes, I am going to do this in the new year”?  Well, it was a matter of trial and error…but I never thought that a completely different outcome could be the result of a modest resolution.

And that brings us to the present.  The resolution in 2011 was to equip and prepare myself.  As my wife so kindly put it, “it was the year to get things done”.  And while I knew the direction I wanted to take, I had no idea what roads I had to take to get there.  Avelar FilmWorks was still just an idea – the website was a work in progress, I didn’t have any business cards, and it was costing me more to run the business than it was to turn off the cameras and call it a day.  It would have been a lot easier to put the cameras down, pretend that my professional career was heading in the direction I wanted, and that I had accomplished what I had meant for myself at my age – but all of that would have been a lie.

We pushed through the many internal voices of doubt, and in 2011 we produced something that we thought would be impossible.  Not only was this a triumph of personal accomplishment, but I cannot begin to tell you how fun it was for me.  And though the final cut of the project was a huge personal success, perhaps the greatest benefit of 2011 occurred while the cameras were turned off. 

With just a simple handshake and a small introduction we introduced ourselves to Windy City Mix, and at that moment I came to realize that the value of 2011 was not entirely that of 365 days, but rather the instant of time of being at that location for that particular event.  This was the culmination of the “Blue-Pill, Red-Pill” scene (for those Matrix fans), and the true testament of a famous line from another film indicating that if you build it, they will come.

Although just a part of a much bigger story, the lesson learned in 2011 was that a move in a positive direction always yields a positive result – even if that is not the result you initially anticipate.  We did get things done in 2011, which was the main goal of the year, but what we got out of it was more than we initially anticipated.

So now, 19 days into 2012, what is our resolution?  Other than hoping that the Mayans were wrong about their calendar, we came to the conclusion that this year would be the one where we take what we have and make the most of it.  This year, we want to say “No” to fear, to doubt, to the countless excuses we have made-up to justify our lack of action.  2012 is now the year to make it happen.   

So let’s apply the magical formula:

365 Days negating oneself from a product = a slow but steady return to the original pattern.

365 Days of positive motion, turning an idea into reality = a newly built business ready to produce the next generation of videos, the start of a legacy, and an established partnership with an infinite amount of possibilities.

 

Yeah, it’s gonna be a good year…

 

-Dennis Avelar (Avelar FilmWorks/StoryTeller Productions)

Interview with Featured Vendor…Shantel from Weddings by Shan!

So as I was going through and sending out my Vendor and Client Christmas cards.  Doing so, I thought of an idea that I know others do but I should do to.  I am going to start featuring vendors and interviewing them for my blog.  Vendors in the Wedding industry and not just ANY vendors.  Vendors that I feature are vendors that I feel and know are of high caliber in their work and have a passion for what they do.  These would be vendors that I would hire for my wedding.  Your feedback would be greatly appreciated on this or if you feel you would like to see a certain type of vendor, please let me know.  I will try to find someone in your asking category that we have worked with and worth your time and money.  Well, for my first featured vendor we have a young awesome Wedding Planner by the name of Shantel Khleif.  Owner of Weddings by Shan.  She is……oh let her tell ya.  Here’s our interview – Enjoy!

How long have you been doing what you do, and how did you become a wedding planner?

I have been in the industry for the past 4 years and have loved every second of it. I wake up each day feeling excited, motivated and inspired…I help couples begin the next step of life with their best friend – how neat is that!

Perhaps not in the professional sense, but in all seriousness, I have been a “planner” since I was about nine years old. Seriously, or maybe even eight. Coordinating the neighborhood block parties and the Halloween costume contests really fostered my love for to-do lists and even greater love for getting people together to celebrate. Weddings became a main focus when I matured and encountered real love. When I gained a better sense of the fragility of life and what is truly important, I couldn’t think of anything better to surround myself with than love. Being around this love and being able to lend my helping (and super creative) hand makes me unbelievably happy and with that passion and drive came Weddings By Shan. Plus, I am a sucker for Wedding TV….Say Yes to the Dress, Bridezillas, A Wedding Story….wouldn’t miss these shows for the world.

Wedding planning sounds so wonderful, but it also seems expensive, are most of your clients going to be able to afford this?

Absolutely! Every planner offers a variety of packages and pricing all to fit within your price range and budget. We know times can be tough and spending a fortune is not the top on anyone’s priorities.

Who do you work best with?

I work best with brides who are positive and genuine. I am very honest and expect the same in return. If you hate that color or you really LOVE e-mail or phone calls, or heck you just want me to wear a polka dot skirt to the wedding, I need to know this – communication is key. I work very well with a couple who is comfortable communicating with me what they love, hate, like, want and need.

Who is not going to benefit from help with the big day?

Oh shucks this is a tough one; I am a big advocate on everyone using a coordinator…..I’ll be honest - wedding planning is stressful, but I’m lucky to be able to handle stress well. It actually excites me and gets the creative juices really flowing. I’ve always been able to manage stress, and I feel great about being able to take the stress away from the bride and groom on their big day. Who needs it when they’ve got kisses to give and mouthfuls of cake to eat?

Will the clients lose control of their wedding if you are planning it for them?

No, not at all! I would never want any of my clients to feel that way. This is YOUR special day, and you remain in complete control. I am only there to make sure it runs smoothly so you can sincerely enjoy getting ready, have a blast with friends and family, and walking down that aisle feeling confident and assured everything will go as YOU planned.

I do love sharing my ideas and experience, however. The best weddings are when I can combine my expertise with the bride and groom’s dreams, throwing in my industry-knowledge and adorable touches with their visions and hopes.

If you had an opportunity to work with a celebrity couple to assist and plan their wedding, who would it be and why?

 I’m a total lush for romance…nothing better than The Notebook Movie…and better yet the two famous and uber good looking co-stars were actually engaged. I would have loved to plan their beautiful, elegant and stylish wedding – still crossing my fingers for a re-engagement. A girl can dream right!?

Any wedding that you’ve done that always seem to stick out on your mind?

Being a new-bee from Florida, one wedding in particular really sticks out in my mind from this summer. A couple of mine exchanged vows at The Tiffany Gardens (just South of Buckingham Fountain) and let me tell you the skyline was gorgeous! Beautiful weather, great company and a fun crowd. Get this – the groom picked out the dress for his bride! Her first time trying it on was the day before the wedding… Talk about trust. There is nothing better than the Chicago view, the warm lake breeze, mixed in with a meaningful and love filled wedding – I’d have to say it was an A+. I was very excited to be a part of their special day!

I heard about a project that you started last Christmas and going on your second year this Christmas called “operation white Christmas”. What’s that all about?

Operation White Christmas was founded in 2010 as an attempt to give back as much as possible over the holidays. Josh (the BF) and I realized we had been spoiled enough over the holidays and really wanted to give back and help out other families in need. In an effort to raise enough money to provide a holiday meal for a family, plus a few small toys for the kids we were blessed to make 30 gift baskets last year. With a goal to double the amount of baskets each year, we were hoping to at least make 60 and have enough helping hands to assemble the baskets in 2011…we could not have imagined the amount of support we would receive this year… We raised enough to make 125 meal baskets and had over 70 volunteers just this past weekend to help and deliver the baskets. It was truly amazing and such a great experience – looking forward to next year’s event! Let the planning begin. www.OperationWhiteChristmas.com
Wow!  That is truly amazing Shantel!  Good for you and needless to say that we need more folks out there like yourself and your organization.  Finally, before I let you go – If couples are interested and would like to reach out to you, how can they do that?

Because every one of our customized weddings is unique and different, the best first step is for us to briefly get acquainted (complimentary of course) so we can better understand exactly what the B&G are looking for. This can take place either on the phone or in person at a location and time convenient for the couple. From there we are able to help draw out an exact “Wedding Plan” timeline, provide detailed pricing options and paint the picture of how we can help make their big day perfect! You can visit my website over at www.weddingsbyshan.com or simply give me a call at my Office 312.834.7426 or directly on my cell phone 941.504.2235

  

What’s in a Name?

I believe that there are rare instances when we run into people who walk along the same path, in the same direction, and who are genuinely willing to help those along the road less travelled.  When we meet these people we have the ability to choose whether to oppose their helping hand and decline what they have to offer, or to take their wisdom, guidance, and selflessness and work with them towards a shared goal. 

In an environment where competition is unwelcomed, where instances of collaboration are few and far between, and where the culmination of a lifetime of preparation takes place within the confines of a single day, I was presented such an instance…

Yet, despite the potential for greatness, I found it difficult to see past my own fear.  As with all lessons learned from our past, we see the wounds inflicted by those who came before us:  a company who presented a false pretense only to show their true colors after they received what they desired; a fabrication of collaboration between two entities where one party collapses while the other builds upon the ashes of burned dreams. 

This sense of fear can lead us to a place of darkness, where hope is limited and the chance for opportunity is as invisible as the air we breathe. Nevertheless, despite my innermost desire to find what I was so desperately seeking, I almost failed to see it – even when it was directly in front of me.

I chose to continue walking…and Windy City Mix became the beacon of hope we were just barely able to see.  Maybe it was fate – or rather a cousin of mine who refused to give up on me and saw something I did not – who encouraged me to look beyond my own sense of doubt and accept the possibility that good people truly do exist. 

In the end, we chose to fuse our talents to provide a one-of-a-kind partnership with infinite possibilities.  With that being said, I would like to thank Rodrigo Alvear and all the talented individuals behind Windy City Mix, who have welcomed us as a part of their family.  It is with a great sense of pride that I am able to say the following:

At this time I would like to formally introduce the established partnership between Windy City Mix and StoryTeller Productions!!  The best DJ team in Chicago has teamed-up with an up-and-coming independent video production company, determined to produce the most unique and personalized productions our future clients have ever seen. 

Thank you for this opportunity – for having faith in our work and for trusting enough in us to be a part of something that represents your livelihood.  We won’t let you down.

If you are impressed now, wait until you see what’s coming…

Sincerely,

Dennis Avelar

Creative Director – StoryTeller Productions

Benefits of Hiring a Professional DJ for My Wedding Reception Versus My ipod or Family Friend

So a select few are saying…”I’m not paying all that money for a DJ who just plays music, when I can hook up my ipod and pay nothing!” The possible truth to this is that you might be paying big time in the end and not by any monetary ways but by tons of regret and a huge possibility of you sleeping on the couch for weeks! Yes, you can simply hook up an ipod and probably pay some young family member to watch over it and play the songs…but really? Will he/she know how to make the professional introductions, will he/she understand the flow of a basic wedding reception? Probably not!

Professional DJs are not seen as “just djs”, they are now seen more as Entertainment Directors. From the second you step foot into the reception, your dj will have to coordinate, with your other vendors a flawless timeline of events. Your videographer is not going to say, “Hey it’s now time for the Cake Cutting Ceremony and then the Spotlight Dances”. The DJ will make those announcements. In most cases the Professional DJ will not only help with the timeline and smooth flow of events but will help with making sure ties are on straight, dress is looking nice, BM or M.O.H’s are not nervous and will calm them down for a great speech. Professional DJs will know how and when to make the necessary announcement and introductions for all the spotlight dances, Cake Cutting Ceremony, Formal Introductions, etc. My only advice with this top would be (which is always proven to be true)…You get what you pay for. Invest and research for a great and experienced DJ company who knows what they are doing and will work with you and leave the ipod at home for a great sunny Bar-B-Que at moms!

Wedding Toasts…Who and When?

The toasts at your Wedding reception should be a special moment for whoever is giving the toast along with the Bride and Groom.  Whether the moment is emotional or funny, it should be special.  Many times couples do not know in which order they should have the toasts done.  In my experience, I have pretty much seen it all.  Some very good and a few not so good.  The order of the toasts can be completely to your preference, however, it is standard to have either the Best Man or Maid/Matron of Honor, then anyone else who would like to toast, such as Dad, then highly suggested that Bride and Groom say a quick special “Thank you”, finishing off with a dinner blessing by your officiant or someone special from your family.  You also have the option, to have your DJ or MC leave out the wireless microphone on a stand in front of the head table for guests to come up and say a little something as well.

I find couples asking me, “When should we do our toasts?”  When I give my couples the answer, I keep in consideration time management and the flow of the evening.  I want to be able to save time and have most of it for the dancing portion of the reception.  With that being said, it is recommended to have your toasts done right after you are introduced, whether you are cutting your cake then or after dinner but after your introductions – before dinner.  You can also have your toasts spread out during dinner.  Pro to this is that you will have your guests entertained a bit more during dinner.  Con to this is that guests will be having dinner while the toasts will be going on.  Also, if you have your vendors, such as Video or Photographers having dinner – Keep in mind that they will have to continue getting up to take pictures or get it recorded or maybe even looking for them to capture the moment.  Just a few things to think about when trying to figure out your order of toasts and when to have them done.

How much in advance should I hire my Wedding DJ?

This question has been asked a lot of times. Well, before I answer that question, let me ask you a question. Honestly! How important is the music entertainment to you. How important is it to you to have all your guests entertained? If it’s not that important, then maybe you should just wait until a couple months before the big day. If it is VERY important, then you NEED to book at least 12 to 18 months in advance. A good DJ company will get booked super fast. Believe me…Reviews get around, word of mouth gets around, etc. Brides (and Grooms) but mostly brides are extremely smart and they know a good DJ company when they come across one. Usually it’s the venue first then photographer/videographer and maybe DJ next but lately, DJs have been getting booked way ahead of time. Now a days, it is not rare that a DJ will get booked even before the venue. So the answer is…yes, 12 to 18 months. Secure your DJ, sign a contract and make sure you put down a deposit. You definitely don’t want to get stuck with the dirt at the bottom of the barrel.

Your guests will remember the venue, few will remember the food but everyone will remember if they had a great time!

 

Hello and Welcome!

Hello world and welcome to my blog!  My name is Rodrigo Alvear and I own and operate Windy City Mix, Inc.  An entertainment company out of Chicago, IL that provides mobile DJs and lighting decor for Weddings.  I have been doing this for well over 20 years and started Windy City Mix, Inc. about 7 years ago.  Here in my blog, which I hope you follow…I will be sharing my past, present and future experiences of my weddings from a DJs point of view.  I will share ideas and suggestions to many asked questions and most of all, I will share ideas and suggestions about “things” that a bride and groom don’t even think about but will help them in the long run have a memorable and smooth wedding ceremony and reception.  Stay tuned for my beginning posts about “How much time in advanced should you hire a DJ?”, “What to look for when hiring a DJ?” and many more.  Feel free to comment on any and all my posts and feel free to ask questions!  If your interested in DJ and Lighting Services, please visit my website at http://windycitymix.com Enjoy!