Even though we’re not a fan of the freezing cold temperatures here in Chicago, we have to agree there is just something super romantic about getting warm and cozy wedding reception in January.  This past weekend we had the pleasure of working with Kevin + Tammy Walker (Torres).  These guys were an absolute blast and their wedding is what many would call “Off the Hook”.  Check out their exciting Jam Cam video below.  This video was shot inside Chateau Del Mar in Hickory Hills, Illinois.

Special Songs for the Evening:

• Introduction Songs: Down – Jay Sean, Stereo Love – Edward Maya
• Cake Cutting – Sugar, Sugar – The Archies
• First Dance: Stand By Me – Prince Royce
• Father/Daughter Dance: In My Daughter’s Eyes
• Mother/Son Dance: I’ll be There – Jackson 5
• Bouquet Toss: Single Ladies – Beyonce
• Garter Toss: Legs- Ridin Solo – Jason DeRulo

Hickory Hills Wedding Vendors:

• Photographer: Glock Photography - Greg Szoda
• Banquet Hall: Chateau Del Mar – Joyce
• Florist: Artmillers
• DJ: Wedding DJs in Hickory Hills– Stevie Dee

Interested in learning more about the Operation Getdown experience? If yes, then be sure to check your date on the right hand side of this website to see if we’re available. If we are then we’d love to setup a time to chat with you some more! Perhaps a Starbucks date! We look forward to hearing from you!

We had the pleasure of working with Mike + Colleen Rosendale this past weekend for their Mokena Wedding.  Their ceremony started at 5:00pm and was held at Parkview Church in Orland Park.  Immediately following, their guests were invited to DiNolfos Banquets in Mokena, Illinois for a delicious meal and a time of dancing and celebration. Check out Mike + Colleen’s Mokena Wedding Video below.  This video will throw you right into all the evening’s exciting festivities!

Special Songs for the Evening:

• Introduction Songs: Sexyback – Justin Timberlake, Party Rock Anthem – LMFAO, I Made It – Kevin Rudophf
• Cake Cutting – I Do – Colbie Calliat
• First Dance: Lucky – God Gave Me You – Blake Shelton
• Father/Daughter Dance: Cinderella – Steven Curtis Chapman
• Mother/Son Dance: My Wish – Rascall Flatts
• Bouquet Toss: Where Them Girls At – David Guetta
• Garter Toss: Legs- Superbowl Shuffle – The Chicago Bears
• Last Dance: This Year’s Love – David Gray

Lemont Wedding Vendors:

• Photographer: Essence Photography -Lorelei Cummins
• Banquet Hall: DiNolfos Banquets – Chris
• DJ: Wedding DJs in Mokena– Stevie Dee

Interested in learning more about the Operation Getdown experience? If yes, then be sure to check your date on the right hand side of this website to see if we’re available. If we are then we’d love to setup a time to chat with you some more! Perhaps a Starbucks date! We look forward to hearing from you!

Hank + Trisha Iwema (Airith) were married on December 31st, 2011 at the William Tell Banquet Center in LaGrange, Illinois. We were on hand for this exciting New Years Eve wedding providing only the best music and entertainment. Check out Hank + Trisha’s LaGrange Wedding Video below.  These guys definitely knew how to bring in a new year!

Special Songs for the Evening:

• Introduction Songs: Various Songs
• First Dance: Lucky – Won’t Let Go – Rascall Flatts
• Father/Daughter Dance: I Loved Her First – Heartland
• Mother/Son Dance: Are You Proud of Me – Taylor Hicks
• Bouquet Toss: Lady Marmalade – Christina Aguilera
• Garter Toss: Legs- ZZ Top
• Last Dance: Dirt Bit – Black Eyed Peas

Lemont Wedding Vendors:

• Photographer: Ideal Impressions -Dan Jongetjes
• Videographer: JKS Productions – Josh Siegers
• Banquet Hall: William Tell Banquets – Michelle
• DJ: DJs in LaGrange– Stevie Dee

Interested in learning more about the Operation Getdown experience? If yes, then be sure to check your date on the right hand side of this website to see if we’re available. If we are then we’d love to setup a time to chat with you some more! Perhaps a Starbucks date! We look forward to hearing from you!

Last Friday, we had the opportunity to celebrate the marriage of Jake + Jackie Ipema at the beautiful Crystal Grand Banquets in Lemont, Illinois. There were 240 guests in attendance for this delightful reception and it was quite the celebration.  Be sure to check out their Lemont Wedding Video below to go an inside look at the evening’s festivities….

Special Songs for the Evening:

• Introduction Songs: Is This Love – Bob Marley, Spice Up Your Life – Spice Girls, La Cucaracha, James Bond Theme Song
• First Dance: Lucky – Jason Mraz & Colbie Calliat
• Mother/Son Dance: What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
• Bouquet Toss: P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing) – Michael Jackson
• Garter Toss: You Shook Me All Night Long – AC/DC
• Last Dance: Dirt Bit – Black Eyed Peas

Lemont Wedding Vendors:

• Photographer: Jordan Blanchard – Independent
• Banquet Hall: Crystal Grand Banquets
• DJ: DJs in Lemont– Stevie Dee

Interested in learning more about the Operation Getdown experience? If yes, then be sure to check your date on the right hand side of this website to see if we’re available. If we are then we’d love to setup a time to chat with you some more! Perhaps a Starbucks date! We look forward to hearing from you!

Concord Banquet Hall is a luxurious banquet hall located in Kildeer, Illinois.  The slogan at the Concorde is “Where Tradition Meets Today” and I think that’s a great way to sum up this facility up!

The staff at the Concorde is incredibly helpful and very charismatic. Upon entering the front doors at the Concord Banquet Hall I was greeted with a smile and a courteous helping hand.  They had such a great attitude and  I was very impressed, especially I was after all just the DJ.

Now the architecture at the Concord Banquet Hall is also something to point out.  Let’s just say it’s incredibly elegant and very well laid out. Upon entering this facility, the first thing you’ll take note of the large grand staircase that leads up one of their smaller banquet rooms.  This ornate staircase is elegantly decorated and works great for wedding pictures!  You’ll also notice a large waterfall that is on the wall in the front foyer.  This exquisite waterfall is very unique and really sets a soothing tone.  If any banquet manager is reading this I would highly recommend you install a waterfall at your facility.  It’s amazing how much it can really effect the moods of the rooms.

The dining halls at the Concord Banquet Hall can be split into  four distinct rooms based upon on your guest count.  This entire facility is rated for about 800 wedding guests so be sure to keep a headcount to make sure you don’t go over.  Also note, there are additional rooms upstairs that work great for wedding ceremonies!

All in all, I’d give the Concord Banquet Hall in Kildeer Illinois a solid 5 out of 5 stars.  The service was superb, the food was scrumptious and the atmosphere was to die for!  If you need a place to host your next wedding reception absolutely check out the Concord Banquet Hall in Kildeer!

Concord Banquet Hall
20922 North Rand Road
Kildeer, IL 60010
847-438-0025

Do you want additional venues? Click here for our Chicago Banquet Hall page. Also be sure to read some other venue reviews Drury Lane Theatre, The Carlisle,  or Abbington Banquets.

The Wicker Park Social Center in Highland, Indiana has been entertaining wedding guests since June of 1927. During this time, they’ve serviced hundreds of weddings and receptions. If you’re looking for a facility that’s right over the Illinois/Indiana border then Wicker Park Social Center may be ideal for you.

Initially, we had a hard time finding this venue. The address to this facility says they’re on Indianapolis Boulevard but take note the main entrance is actually on Ridge Road.   Once inside the common grounds you’ll want to follow the signs that will lead you to the Social Center. If you can get to the park entrance you’re halfway there.

As you make your way inside the social center, you’ll notice of the dark mahogany walls and the charming and cozy fireplace inside the main foyer. There is also a complimentary coat check for those cold and breezy days.

The dining rooms inside the Wicker Park Social Center can be divided up depending on the size of your event and how many guests you plan on having attend. If you choose to use the full facility you’ll have enough seating for about 400 people. This large dining room features two full service bars for quick drink service, an outdoor patio with a view of the pond below, a large dance floor providing plenty of room to bust a move and lots of windows that provide plenty of natural lighting.

There is also an outdoor gazebo that works wonderfully for wedding ceremonies. This beautiful chalk white gazebo sits on the water’s edge and provides a perfect backdrop for any wedding ceremony. This is why we chose Wicker Park as our number one pick for an outdoor wedding ceremony in Northwest Indiana!

The preferred caterer at the Wicker Park Social Center is Dining Solutions.  They are relatively inexpensive and have a very diverse menu.  We’ve personally worked with them quite a few times and they are very courteous and accommodating. Their food was also delicious. For more information contact Bridget from Dining Solutions below…..

Wicker Park Social Center
8554 Indianapolis Blvd.
Highland, IN 46322
(219) 923-3830

Check out additional reviews on our Chicago Banquet Hall page.

Banquets at St. George in Schererville takes the trophy for having the BEST plated food in Lake County, Indiana. If you’ve ever been to a wedding here in the past you know exactly what we’re talking about. Executive Chef, Ruben Calvo spares no expense to ensure each plate is handcrafted to perfection. We kid you not when we say their food is to die for!  Even their salads are a work of art.

Banquets at St. George is a very clean and modern facility. In fact, just a few years ago they took on a 1.5 million dollar renovation that has really brought this venue back to life. You’ll love how new it really feels inside.

There are two distinct dining rooms available which can accommodate well over 300 of your wedding guests comfortably. A few other features include a large portable dance floor, two full service bars, led up-lighting and a large video screen  for video montages (if desired).  Banquets at Saint George also has an exclusive bridal suite equipped with its very own rest room, make-up table and plenty of mirrors.  It’s a great place for a bride to slip away to prep herself for an evening of celebration.

As mentioned earlier, the staff at the Banquets of St. George is amazing!  Hilda and Ruben are excellent hosts and their commitment to their clients and staff really shines. We give them two thumbs up for the amazing job they’ve done with this facility. Be sure to check them out today! For more information check out…

Banquets of St. George
528 W. 77th Avenue
Schererville, IN 46375
(219) 864-1458

Do you want additional venues, click here for our Banquet Hall page

Centennial Park in Munster is one of Northwest Indiana’s newest banquet facilities.  Established in 2008, this beautiful and eco-friendly facility is a remarkable place to host a  wedding celebration.  Don’t pay silly Illinois prices when you can have it all just over the Indiana border at Centennial Park!

The main ballroom located inside Centennial Park sits about 210 wedding guests comfortably and offers a scenic view of Maynard Lake below.  In fact, we’d vote this banquet facility as having the BEST view in Northwest Indiana!  The magic is in their floor-to-ceiling windows.  You just don’t find that anymore!

Centennial Park also offers a two distinct locations for outdoor wedding ceremonies.  You have the option of using their outdoor pavilion or their lakefront seating area which is located just behind the banquet facility.  Both locations are truly remarkable and provide a one-of-a-kind backdrop for your ceremony.

Centennial Park in Munster is available on Friday and Saturday evenings after 5:00 PM and anytime on Sunday.  Their preferred caterers are Lencioni’s and Van Tils.  We’ve eaten food from both of these caterers and they were both equally delicious.  For more information on booking this amazing location be sure to contact Jessica DeGuilo.  She’s the banquet manager over there and she can easily answer any questions you may have!

Centennial Park
9851 Calumet Drive
Munster, Indiana
219-836-6549

For additional reviews be sure to visit our banquet hall review page!

DiNolfos Banquet Hall in Mokena and Homer Glen is our number one pick for banquet halls on the south side of Chicago. This family owned business has been around since 1976 and has serviced thousands of events. Both Dinolfos facility’s are very modern, clean and unique.

DiNolfos Mokena: This is the original DiNolfos facility and it’s ideally located near the corner of 191st and LaGrange Avenue, just south of I-80. Being just off the expressway, makes this location very accessible. There’s also plenty of free parking for you and your guests.

Upon entering the Mokena facility, you’ll be greeted by their large oval shaped lobby with two beautiful winding staircases that lead upstairs to four private bridal party suites. These staircases are incredibly popular for bridal party pictures. Along with the staircases, DiNolfos also offers a free coat check and a cash bar in the lobby in case you happen to arrive early.  Sweet!

The DiNolfos Mokena location can be divided into 4 different banquet rooms by use of portable walls. So whether you’re having a smaller wedding with less than 100 or a large corporate function with 1,000+, the staff at DiNolfos Mokena can accommodate.

Speaking of the staff at the Mokena DiNolfos, you’re going to absolutely love them! Chris, Bart & Meghan are the event planners here and they’re incredibly talented at what they do! We’ve seen them work hand-in-hand with their clientele to ensure every aspect of their reception has come together. Chris, the facility owner, even periodically checks on the bride and groom to make sure they are completely happy. Now that’s customer service!

For more information on DiNolfos in Mokena check out there contact information below…

DiNolfos Mokena
9425 W. 191st Street
Mokena, IL 60448
708-479-1919

DiNolfos Homer Glen: is the newer of the two Dinolfos facilities and is located on 159th Street right off of I-355. This centrally located banquet facility is also ideal for anyone attending your event.   No need to worry about parking either!   There are plenty of free parking slots available.

Upon your immediate arrival, you’ll be greeted by a member of the Dinolfos staff. They’re there to welcome you and make sure you feel right at home.  Free coat check is also available during this time in case you don’t feel like holding your belongings all night.  Now if you happened to have shown up a little early for your party, no worries! Along with plenty of seating in the lobby, there is also a cash bar and a groomsmen room which is packed full of high-definition TVs. You’ll never have to worry about missing your big game!

Did you know that DiNolfos Home Glen features two private wedding chapels on the second floor of their facility? Now you can have your ceremony and reception at the same location. Each chapel seats 105 people comfortably and is equipped with a sound system for amplification.

After your ceremony,  your guests would be invited downstairs for a time of celebration in one of the 5 ornately decorated ballrooms. Each elegantly appointed ballroom features a private bridal suite, a winding staircase, dimmable chandeliers, spacious dance floor and a full service bar. If that’s not enough, the staff at DiNolfos also offers dozens of other amenities that can be added on for an additional cost.

We recommend you contact DiNolfos today to setup a free tour of their facility!  We’ve personally had the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with Vince, Rich, Chuck and Janet at this location. They are very accommodating and will be a great asset to your reception. Don’t hesitate to contact them today to discuss your wedding needs!

For more information on DiNolfos in Homer Glen check out there contact information below…

DiNolfos Homer Glen
14447 W. 159th St.
Homer Glen, IL 60491
(708) 645-1900

For additional reviews be sure to visit our banquet hall review page!