2016 is already here, Happy New Year!
As I have done for the past two years, I would like to share my annual Montreal wedding vendor Love List!
Why do I have this list? As a wedding DJ and MC in Montreal I get to work with some really great wedding professionals every weekend! I would like to share the love with some of the amazing Montreal wedding pro’s I have worked with in 2015.
To recap, how do these people make my list? Here is my criteria:
- I have worked with them on a wedding in the past
- They are a team player, easy to work with
- They care about their clients, and are passionate about what they do, and it shows!
- They do great work!
- They dress appropriately, sounds weird I know, but you would be shocked at what some vendors wear while working a wedding!
- They are just plain awesome!
Here is our 2016 Love List!
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Ella Photography
Isabella is so much fun to work with! Check out her website, www.ellaphotography.ca and blog to see her amazing, and quite unique style of wedding photography. Isabella also does some amazing boudoir sessions!
Photography by Jennifer Pontarelli
Jennifer is great to work with! And I must say, probably the best dressed photographer in Montreal! Jennifer really makes you feel comfortable when she’s taking your pictures too. Jen has a fantastic studio as well, I have personally taken my professional and family pictures there with her. Check out her website: www.photographybyjenniferp.ca.
Creative Perspectives
Victoria loves to tell a story through her pictures! She is great to work with and an amazing photographer too! One of the things that always impresses me about her work is the photo albums; she has some of the nicest I’ve seen! Visit her website www.creativeperspectives.ca.
VIDEOGRAPHERS
Hello I Make Films
I have worked with Jesse many times over the past couple of years, and each time I am impressed with his work! Added bonus, he is part of Ella Photography’s team! You can see his films on his website: www.helloimakefilms.com.
VillaView Cinema
Mark and James make movie-like videos without a 5-man crew following you around. They are down to earth and real team players when it comes to working with them at the reception. Watch some of their amazing work here: www.villaviewcinema.com.
VENUES
Riviera Receptions & Congrès
The Riviera is still my favorite Montreal wedding venue by far! Why? The staff there is experienced, the food is always fresh, and the venue is immaculate! Visit their website www.rivierareceptions.com or call Frank S. at 514-355-5555. The Riviera is located at 7600, boul Henri-Bourassa E, Montreal.
Le Mont Blanc
One of many venues managed by Groupe Madison, Le Mont Blanc is a fantastic venue in Montreal. Experienced staff, high end decor throughout the entire venue, and very chic! Le Mont Blanc is located at 1950 Notre Dame de Fatima, Laval, Quebec. Phone: 450.901.0156, www.lemontblancbanquets.ca.
Hotel Nelligan
One of my favorite venues in the Old Port of Montreal. Hotel Nelligan offers you the beauty of the Old Port, with a modern touch of decor for the reception. With a mix of exposed brick and new age design, it is great place to have your ceremony, cocktails and reception. Visit their website: hotelnelligan.com/weddings.
Au Vieux Moulin
Unlike the big reception halls in the city, Au Vieux Moulin is in Rigaud, less than an hour away. The beauty here is that you get the entire grounds to yourself, and you will be the only wedding there! They have a gorgeous lake with gazebo to hold your wedding ceremony outside. Move inside for the reception where it is very intimate and cozy. Take a look for yourself: www.auvieuxmoulin.ca.
La Jamaique and La Toundra (Parc Jean Drapeau)
These two venues are located right on the F1 race track here in Montreal. They are essentially blank canvas’ for you to build your dream wedding with! Did you know there is also a Beach Chalet on the island to rent as well! Have a look at all the info here: www.parcjeandrapeau.com/venues.
BAR SERVICE
Brahm Mauer Bar Services
Simply the best bartending service in Montreal! Brahm has raised the bar for unique cocktails and signature drinks. With great attention to detail and a very caring staff, you will be in good hands! Their website: www.brahmmauer.com
Joe Amar Bar Service (JABS)
JABS offers a full range of bar services and bartenders. Their professional mixologists conjure up some of the tastiest drinks I’ve ever had! Visit www.servicedebarjoeamar.com.
WEDDING PLANNERS
Lovely and Lavish Events
Kaylie and Melanie are fantastic ladies who can take care of all your wedding planning needs. They have great ideas, are super organized and will make sure everything runs smoothly too! Have a look here: www.lovelyandlavishevents.com.
A Gorgeous Fete
Maxine knows her stuff! She will help you find a venue and the right vendors too. Visit her website: www.agorgeousfete.com.
WEDDING OFFICIANTS
Michel Boulanger – Marriage a Bras Ouverts
I have been the DJ at so many weddings where Michel was the officiant, I have been able to see first hand his many styles and unique presentation skills. Whether you want a more religious ceremony or a non denominational service, Michel can accommodate it. Different traditions from different cultures? Not a problem, he knows them all! Visit: www.mariagesabrasouverts.com/en.
DJS
Why do I recommend other DJs? It’s simple, we can’t DJ every wedding! In fact, the reason I can provide such a high level of personalized and unique service is because I only do one wedding per day! When we are already booked, I refer clients to another DJ, but I only refer them to DJs who have the same values as I do and who provide a similar service too. Each of these companies truly care about making your wedding the best day possible and work as a team with your other vendors to ensure that happens.
If the DJ you call won’t recommend other DJ’s if they are already booked, you should be glad you’re not working with them!
So, when I am already booked these are the DJs I refer:
Exclusive Events
Yvan loves what he does as much as I do. He listens to his clients and provides a personalized one on one service. Have a look at their website: www.exclusive-events.ca.
DJ Shane Oliveira
Shane cares about his clients and will do what it takes to make it their special day. Check out his website: www.djshane.ca.
Caruso Entertainment
Franco and Claudio are some young blood with the right attitude and maturity to be successful and deliver a great service to their clients. Have a look: www.facebook.com/Caruso-Entertainment-174865142550734.
That wraps up our 2016 Love List! Of course there are so many more great vendors we have worked with over the years, these are just some of my personal favorites! Who are your favorite vendors, let us know in the comments!
If you are looking for a wedding DJ in Montreal, West Island or Ottawa, Uptown Xpress is your best choice for an unforgettable wedding entertainment experience. We are one of the most popular wedding MC’s and DJ’s in Montreal, contact Stefan at 514-297-3508 or stefan@uptownxpress.com to begin your experience today!