May 5th 2009 2nd Annual Local Favorites
Executive Club Party.
What a great night. We had a terrific showing this year. With over 15
businesses represented we were able to network and talk through
some
very interesting topics. Several small groups broke off, while a main
core of people worked the center of the room. Drinks flowed from some
great Cinco de Mayo specials. The food was terrific and everyone got
to
sample some of the Crowns best appetizers.
We will be going public with the Local Favorites page. The website has
been reserved and efforts will start very soon to make it the best place
to shop for local wedding vendors. I can't wait to get it going. I might
never get to bed tonight. I appreciate some volunteers that are offering
to lend their expertise to the development of what will be the best site in
Springfield. Remember to send me your updated logos for the new
DVD
that is being worked on. I want to thank everyone that showed up
and let you know that with your positive inputs and support it makes the
time spent worth it. Four more 8x10 banners were taken for display in
local businesses. Terrific. New cards were handed out.
It was nice to see some familiar faces and to see some new faces. It
was great to meet the other half of each members team. Along with my
spouse, several of us are blessed to have such great family support.
With this being our second annual party and having an increase in
participants, we were able to talk about more things that we all want to
see in the future. We all want to build and grow our businesses and
with
everyone's help we will all network together and see an increase
though
referrals. Some one said that we resemble the starting of a chamber
like
group. With many of us already Chamber members it will be easy for us
to share the professionalism with the others and bring the level of
service to our clients beyond that of our competition.
I wish every local favorite member could have been there and I will be
calling all of you this week to bring you up to date on the in network
news.
Matthew Stevens

May 13th 2008
1st Annual Stevens DJ Service / Springfield Local
Favorites Executive Club Party.
Words can not describe how great this party was. We shared, talked
and had some great new ideas to simply better the Springfield
weddings for you, our clients. We have laid the groundwork for a great
group of local wedding related business to work together and bring the
level of service up a huge notch for our brides and grooms.
Matthew Stevens
June 2nd 2009 Press Release:
Today we have officially launched our site. We are a group of local
wedding related businesses that work together to give you the most
unique and fun events possible. We have been working for about two
years to be able to call ourselves a "one stop shop" for the entire
wedding reception. Today we can truly say that you will not need to go
to any other site in order to make your wedding dreams a reality. We
have a very special group that works well together and knows how to
get it done right. When you hire any or all of us, we will coordinate
together to make sure that every detail is taken care of to your
requests.
S.L.F. Team
June 26th 2009 New Logo
Today our very own Lisa Lu Designs made us a logo. It is
fabulous and we want to make sure that we give her credit for
working very hard. Please add the logo to your page and link
back to the Springfield Local Favorites site. We want to thank
those of you that sent designs and helped Lisa and I create such
a masterpiece of ideas. It truly captures a little of all the ideas
sent. We can not thank you enough.
S.L.F. Team
Registry Event
Thursday, July 23-Sunday, July 26
Register with us and receive a Free Wedding & Gift Planner
Add 10 or more items to your new registry and be entered
into our Great Beginnings Giveaway!
Stop by our Estee Lauder counter for a Signature service
Plus receive a FREE bonus sample.
Receive information from local vendors and be entered
into a drawing for Many Door prizes!
For an appointment, call Stephanie @ (217)793-2010 x4443
When: Sunday, September 27th 2009 @: The Rail Golf Course Sponsored by: SpringfieldLocalFavorites.com
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August 7th 2009 Sweet Life Treats
We welcome our newest member to the group. Chocolates, ice cream,
coffees, candy and the newest coolest thing around: edible chocolate
pictures. This shop can satisfy that sweet tooth. They have penny
candy and a few hard to find selections. Located behind Family Video
off of Koke Mill and Iles. This location is perfect for little kids and big
ones. With the choices of treats it is no wonder why this shop will
become your favorite very quickly. They can customize items for your
wedding reception.
What a great day. I arrived at 8 am and was the first vendor on site.
Party creations set up their big stuff the night before. It was fun and
exciting to see some of Springfield's best wedding related businesses
work together to put on a free show. We had over 50 guests attend
this
show and one very lucky bride to be took home a fabulous vacation trip
for 3 days and 2 night to a wonderful resort form Savvi Formal. Davids
Bridal showed off some great dresses. Studio 7 showcased some
spectacular photo albums on every table so that brides could sit and
look. Poe's Catering had some of the best food and I even got a take
home plate. Thanks, it was just as good reheated for dinner. Denny
Jewelers had a magnificent display of rings, Crista found that one
diamond she always wanted. It was bigger then a CD. Mary Kay,
Treetop Productions, Simply Springfield Weddings were all on hand to
talk to brides and teach them the importance of every detail. To cap it
off we had cake from Specialty Cakes, my favorite desert place.
Matthew Stevens
The 2nd Annual Bridal Bash was held September 27th 2009 from
2-6 pm at The Rail Golf. This event was even better this year as we
had more booths and more brides. Everyone had a great time and
we have had numerous positive comments by brides to be and from
the local businesses. Savvi gave away a 8 day 7 night honeymoon
vacation package to one lucky bride to be. Stephanie and Jake are
Thank you Amanda from Savvi for donating this great grand prize.
Lauer fine Jewelers donated a diamond necklace that was hidden
in one of the gift bags. Some Lucky Bride to be will discover it
hidden in her bag this week and will need to go to the store to claim
it. Thank you Bruce for such a great hidden prize.
We asked each vendor to supply two helpers to set up the show. A
special thanks goes out to Petals and Company for sending four
big strong guys to move stuff. Longaberger, Specialty Cakes and
Double A Carving stood out from the crowd as they never slowed
down and really carried the big loads of heavy stuff in the tent for
our wonderful ladies to set up. Party Creations made huge hit with
setting up the outdoor chapel and turning it a new direction that
looked fabulous. At the end of the event, Bella Milano grabbed the
hand truck and carted all of the chairs. I know that everyone helped
out and without volunteers this show would have cost a small
fortune. I take my hat off to everyone that showed up early and
waited on the trucks, to everyone that stayed late and made sure to
double check to make sure we were done. Thank you all so much.
With door prizes, food, comedy and the areas best, this show was
first class all the way. We had terrific table center pieces by Petals
& Company and Party Creations Floral. Sweet Life Treats, Magical
Events and Specialty Cakes made a huge hit with the sweet tooths.
Secret Recipes, Nelson's and Bella Milano served up some great
food. Everyone did a great job in making this the best fall show of
the year. We raised the bar for next year pretty high. The ice
sculptor did a fabulous job with our logo and some very cool pieces
at his booth.
Mike Unland was working the room from start to finish. He took
pictures and video for every booth. He truly stepped up and did
above an beyond what was asked of him. I asked him to snap a few
minutes of film and he never set his camera down. Truly
professional. Can't wait to see the edited versions. Thank you Mike.
Give us a call to discuss how to make next year even better.
585-4008. Send us an email to comment on the event.



























This was our radio spot from WDBR. Thanks Dave
Marquis @ WDBR for working hard on such short
notice. Call Dave @ 691-0707 for advertising.
January 10th 2010 WDBR Crowne Plaza Bridal Show.
With about 50 vendors present at this years show, the
brides had plenty to absorb. Overall, it was the perfect size
and many brides commented that it wasn't to much for one
day. The SLF had about 17 of its members at this show. We
definitely made the competition raise the level of
professionalism. The vendors area was full of food, dresses,
tuxes, music, decorations, photos, videos and so much
more. It was nice to see some familiar faces and some new
ones. We want to thank everyone who displayed a SLF logo
on their booth. Next year we will have plaques made for
everyone to display. Being a member lets the couples know
that you are referred by other people in the industry and
gives them the comfort knowing you are trusted. When you
proudly display the SLF logo, you are letting others know
that you are one of the best in your field. Respect, honor,
integrity and pride in doing a good job are reflected by SLF
members.I was asked at my booth about being a local
owned and operated DJ and was proud to say yes to my
now clients. She asked several questions and was ready to
book when I told her that 17 other member of the SLF at
that show would gladly refer me. It was with great honor that
I sent some clients directly to other SLF members. I hope
everyone did well at the show and will have a great year
ahead for all of us.

Please send me your booth photo so I can
display everyone on this page.
Cinco De Mayo Springfield Local
Favorites
3rd Annual Executive Club party.
Food & drinks and then got down to business. As you can tell
from the pictures we partied a little more than we worked. This is
This party just keeps getting better every year. We had some our
way of building teamwork and getting to know each other outside
of work. This builds better friendships and results in better events
for our clients. Imagine what a good team can do at your
reception, well we are a Great Team that loves weddings.
Thanks to everyone that showed and shared. Some new and
exciting things are going to happen this year for all of us. We
have plans to take our association to a higher level than
previously thought. Pins, Plaques, Banners, Posters,
Membership Awards and so much more will make our group the
best wedding networking group period. When we trust the
person next to us with our reputation, your clients can too.












The Rail Golf and Reception Facility. Front door. One step in the tent. The new bar.
Green LED paint the dance floor. Double buffet lines on the dance floor make a fast serve for dinner. White DJ skirting blends it together.
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Using SLF members for this event made it even better. The Rail, Stevens DJ Service, Hamilton's Catering, Specialty Cakes. 5-29-10
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Stevens DJ Service had the pleasure of being
the first DJ in the new State House Inn. We took
extra time to setup each system so you can see
what looks best for you. We also set up the best
lights and sound. By positioning the extra set of
speakers facing the crowd we are able to have
much clearer sound. The dance floor rocked
pretty hard late in the night and the quiet guests
were able to carry on a conversation in the back
of the room. Platinum setup looks huge up
close, but from the back of the room it fit right in.
From the back of the room.
July 17th 2010
This couple put a huge amount of trust in to
Stevens DJ Service with this performance.
This is called "Copy The Kiss". As you can tell
it turned out more than great and everyone
enjoyed showing this newly married couple just
what a kiss looks like after years of marriage,
dating and friendship. Thanks to Elise from
Studio 38 for such a great picture. It was great
to work with Secret Recipes, Specialty Cakes
and Studio 38 to make sure this event
was picture perfect for our couple. By the
overwhelming positive response that we have
all received, this event will have fond
memories for many guests, family and a great
couple for years to come.
If you want to know how to do this at your event
just book Stevens DJ Service for your wedding.
Current or Former Military Service Members can enter to win by filling out an entry form at any of our Bridal Show Booths (Springfield, Decatur,
Quincy, Peoria, Champaign, Bloomington)
The drawing will be held on Tuesday, February 1st at our complimentary Tasting in Springfield.
*In addition, throughout 2011, Nelson’s will be offering all current or former military service members a 10% discount on wedding catering
packages!
On another note, here are the dates for our complimentary tastings through February. Tastings are very casual & simply an opportunity for
potential clients to sample some of our signature items. We do ask that anyone interested in attending RSVP before hand, so we can plan
accordingly w/ our numbers. We also display other vendor info for brides & grooms (so if any SLF members would like to give us brochures,
cards, or info we will be happy to pass them out), linen samples, plate samples, event photos, etc. If any SLF clients have not booked w/ a
caterer yet, please encourage them to RSVP & come to one of our tastings – it’s a free meal for them & a chance for them to see what we
have to offer them.
Tuesday, January 11th – Tasting @ KC Meadowbrook in Springfield 5:30-6:30
Tuesday, January 18th – Tasting @ GAR Hall in downtown Peoria 5:30-7:00
Tuesday, February 1st – Tasting @ KC Meadowbrook in Springfield 5:30-6:30 (*we will draw for the military free catering prize at this one)
Thursday, February 3rd – Tasting @ Timber point Lodge in Bloomington 5:30-7
Tuesday, February 8th – Tasting in Champaign


Steve has once again placed in the Wedding Photojournalist
Association's contest with a photo from Hannah Cunningham
and Joe Reed's wedding summer 2010 in Carrollton, Greene
County, Illinois (Image won 9th place in Great Natural Light).
Towards the end of the night he wandered off with a tripod to
get an overall image of the tent the Cunninghams had put up
on their farm outside of town. He captured the image by
taking several long exposures of the scene. This one was
eight seconds — long enough to capture the light from the
tent and for a flash of lightning to illuminate the sky. Luckily
the bolt was far off in the distance, so neither the guests nor
my husband (standing in the middle of an open field next to a
metal tripod) were at risk!
A little bit about the WPJA — the organization is a resource
for brides and grooms around the world searching for the
best photojournalists to capture their day. Not
photojournalistic-style, as so many other wedding
photographers say they can offer, but experienced
photojournalists using their talents to tell a couple's wedding
story. From the WPJA web site: We offer a new perspective
on wedding photography - quietly capturing the real moments
as they happen for the bride and groom. It is our goal to use
photography to tell the story of your wedding day, not dictate
it for you.
To be a member of the Wedding Photojournalist Association,
a photographer has to submit a portfolio, not just pay their
way into the organization. Our web site is periodically
reviewed, to make sure the work are meeting the group's high
professional standards. Less than 5% of wedding
photographer qualify for membership in the organization. The
group also offers tips and ideas for planning via their on-line
publication, Wedpix Magazine. See Steve's profile on WPJA.
com.
Before his career as a wedding photographer and business
owner Steve worked at newspapers in Jacksonville, Decatur,
Freeport and LaSalle-Peru, Illinois. He also interned at
newspapers in Muskegon and Saginaw, Michigan, before
gradating from the University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign
(and working at the Daily Illini).
Steve has also won previously in the contest . . .
■Second place in "Ceremony" at the wedding of Jennifer
Devore & Brian Metcalf in Galena, Illinois (sneaking a kiss
after the ceremony)
■Third place in "Kids (being kids)" at the reception of Monica
Carrigan & Chad Ducey at the Jacksonville Country Club
(running with the big boys during the garter toss)
■14th place in "Kids (being kids)" at the wedding of Kathy
Berger & Troy Thornburg in Albion, Illinois (proud ring bearer
with two sisters)
Posted by Tiffany. Warmowski Photography, husband-wife
photojournalist team ready to make the best possible pictures
at your wedding in Central Illinois. Studio located at 611 E.
State St. Jacksonville, IL 62650.
The SLF had over 20 booths at the 23rd Annual WDBR Crowne Plaza Bridal
show this Sunday. It is great to see some familiar faces in the industry and to
pass referrals directly. Several couples came to me directly from another
members booth. I know I sent some directly to other members with the date
already sold. It is nice to get a contract with couples and then send them to the
next needed vendor with it already sold. Knowing the other business allows me
to not only talk about the job they do but the type of person they are. Couples
want to feel secure with spending money. The SLF gives them peace of mind in
every isle. Thanks to Jim Burke with Global Print for getting our membership
plaques done in time. They looked great on the tables and made it easy for our
clients to find other members. I know I had one couple ask about the plaque
even though I was already booked for their date. After they found out what the
SLF is, they went looking for other members. Trust and Reputation are
important to the new client. We've done this a hundred plus times but they are
doing this for the first time. The SLF gives them the tools they need to pick great
vendors for the wedding and reception. Steve Warmowski and Mike Unland
came by to shoot video of some members and I'm sure I will be posting them
this week. Check back to see what you missed. Everyone had great displays,
some served some fantastic food, others offered unique services but in the end
we all benefited by referring each other.


Thanks to Steve
Warmowski for taking
video at the WDBR
bridal show. Click the
logos to see the videos.
30 wedding specialists to show you how to
have a stress free event. Come for some food,
fun and prizes. Come to talk to the area best
wedding vendors. Come to see what is fresh
and new. Come to get some discounts and
great deals with professionals. You might be
lucky enough to win the 8 day 7 night
honeymoon getaway from Savvi Formalwear.
Brides and grooms can register on the Bridal
Bash page or at the registration table at the
show. Bring a friend, mom, dad or event the
groom to be. We know you'll bring a few, don't
worry as long as the bride registers we'll let
you in.
To read more about our events and members go to our new Wordpress Blog.
With over 30 wedding related places to shop, you will be able to create the perfect event. Together we have some of the areas best and most reputable businesses to choose from. We have the know how and the connections to get it done right.
We do not take referral fess from one another, we pass the savings directly to our customers. Together we can accomplish the event you've always dreamed of.
Please tell your future wedding vendor that you found them here first.
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Education.
Teamwork.
Stress Free Events!
Accountability.