36 GoodLifeFamilyMag.com SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 GoodLifeFamilyMag.com SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2017 37 TheWestin Stonebriar WhiteRockFilms Lights! Camera! Success! White Rock Films, LLC offers video production using the latest equipment, including gimbals and motion control cameras to best tell your story. And,ifyouwishtocaptureadifferentperspective (literally!), they offer aerial video with the latest quad coptersthatachieveshotsthatweresimplytoocostlyin the past. If memories are the paintings on the tapestry of life, White Rock Films is the cloth. They give you the ability to capture and share your most cherished memoriesforgenerationstocome. BillBrock|214.405.3909 bill@whiterockfilms.com JENNIFER MELTONWEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY Jenniferlovescapturingalltheexcitingmomentsand emotions on your special day and creating memories thatwilllastalifetime.Shetellsyourlovestoryinmany of its most beautiful expressions, from a romantic engagementshoot,totheemotionalweddingday,to theexcitingfirstdaysfollowingthebirthofachildand familysessionsforyearstocome. JenniferMelton| 214.205.6296 Jennifermeltonweddingphotography.com JamesBlandPhotography James Bland has been showcasing his award-winning craftsmanship as a photographer for over 25 years. His zealforcapturingtheessenceofthepeopleinfrontofhis lens is matched only by the fun he has doing it. James’ portrait photography has been in exhibits and shows in DallasandWashington,D.C.,andheiswidelyknownfor his work for record labels and national magazines. His loveofcapturingtheheart andemotionsofhissubjects hasledhimtoofferhisservicesforyourspecialevent. JamesBland|214.577.5200 James@JamesBland.com JamesBlandPhoto.com CATERERS Everypartyneedsfood,right?Sowhynotmakeyourparty memorablebychoosingoneoftheamazingcatererslisted below? Ruthie’sRollingCafé MealsOnWheels(Literally!) Foodtrucksarealltherage,nottomentionatonoffun. For unique and very festive catering, let Ruthie’s roll on over. Cateringoptionsstartat$800andincludestaffing and 2 hours of service. Although they now have three trucks, we recommend calling soon because they get bookedupquickly. 972.380.4233 RuthiesFoodTrucks.com AmazingCaterers With roots going back to a popular NewYork deli in the 1950’s, Amazing Caterers offers full service catering of “basic good food” and plenty of it. Using only the finest and freshest meats, fruit, and vegetables, they offer an extensive menu of options prepared by their experiencedstaff.“Webelievethatifwecannotsayitor cannotspellitwedonotmakeit,”saysownerEdBrandt. When your event is over, we want to hear "They were Amazing!" 214.264.3662 ed@amazingcaterers.com FLORAL&DÉCOR Transform your event into an affair to remember with inspiring floral and décor. There are so many options throughout the metroplex, and it can get overwhelming, so we narrowed down your search to these inspired vendors. TheHauteBlossom From inspiration to execution, the mission atThe Haute Blossomistocreateconceptsuniquetoyoureventwhile providingexceptionalcustomerservice. StephaniaDuarte|469.450.0574 WANT TO ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS OR SERVICE IN OUR NEXT PARTY PLANNING GUIDE? Reach Amy Lendl at advertising@goodlifefamilymag.com. Altitude FOUR REASONS TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL PARTY PLANNER BY REBECCA BAKER | CONTRIBUTOR Everyone has thrown a party or event at one time or another.While it might seem extravagant to hire a party planner, it is actually practical and more affordable than one might think. Here are some good reasons to hire an event professional. SAVE TIME Time is precious. While you are out doing your job, whether that is running a household or a company, a party planner is taking care of everything you need. Party planners have systems in place to go through the planning process at lightning speed to make sure that every detail is covered and nothing is amiss when your event day arrives. They will meet with venues, select menus, calculate beverage consumption, schedule rental deliveries and more.You can be busy with the things that matter most to you and let them handle the rest. SAVE MONEY It sounds contradictory, doesn’t it? Not so. An event professional has relationships they will tap into when planning your party or special event. They negotiate better deals with caterers, hotels, staffing, etc. They also know what to spend money on to make a difference in youreventandwhatdoesn’treallymatterintheend.They know what guests will typically eat and what is wasted. The money you will save could pay for the services they provide and then some. MORE CREATIVE This is what the party professional does for a living. While you have some good ideas, no doubt, the party planner has been exposed to numerous events and can bring creativity to the table. He or she reads and writes blogs, researches new ways to do things, knows about color schemes and how the simplest detail stands out to guests. A good planner also should be an expert listener and incorporate many of the things that are important to you, as well as “do their thing.”Most party professionals arecreativeindividuals,andtheywillmakesurethatyour event is memorable. YOU’LL BREATH Those who hire party specialists enjoy their events more knowing that everything is handled and running smoothly. Just think, you will not be bogged down with little details like trying to remember cocktail napkins, to hand someone a party favor, or to make sure that there is enough ice. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could breath easily, get a drink or some food and have great conversations with guests that you haven’t seen in a while? Youhireotherprofessionalssuchasdoctors,lawyers,even florists and photographers. Consider hiring a professional event planner for your next party and odds are that you won’t ever go back to handling planning yourself. EDITOR’S NOTE: REBECCA BAKER IS AN EVENT SPECIALIST AND THE FOUNDER OF BASH EVENTS (SEE MORE ABOUT BASH ON PAGE 35) PartyTimeTexas GigSalad PerotMuseum LocatedinVictoryParkneartheWestEndHistoricDistrict, this venue provides a beautiful modern backdrop to any event. Whether it’s a reception, a wedding or a meeting, yourguestswillundoubtedlybeinspired. 214.756.5758 sales@perotmuseum.org TheMusicHallatFairPark The Music Hall has been around since 1925 and with its Spanish Baroque style with Moorish influences it will impress all your guests. Perfect for banquets, black-tie affairsandreceptions,thisplaceisashow-stopper! JayneBasse|214.413.3953 jbasse@dsmmanagementgroup.org ALTITUDE Jumpforjoy! Trustus,thistrampolineparkisnotjustfor kids. Everyoneatthepartywillenjoythefunfactorwith full access to the entire park, including the main court, foampit,battlebeam,trapezeanddodgeballcourts.Let thestaffatAltitudetakecareofeverythingforyournext themed party, from party setup and clean-up to pizza and drinks. Teens especially love Altitude, where Teen NightiseverySaturdayfrom8pm–11pm. 469.941.4350 BowlMor Thisplaceisperfectforapartyforyourtweenorteen,but it’salsoagreatoption forthe“KingPin”inyourlife.Forthe kids,theyofferpartyprofessionalstokeepthemsmilingas well as kid-friendly menus. And for your next adults-only party, they provide inventive dining and crafted cocktails. AtBowlmor,yournexteventissuretobeastrikingsuccess. 866.211.3369 booking@bowlmor.com Choctaw Make a birthday, reunion, wedding party or holiday party uniquely special at Choctaw. Can you feel your luck changing just thinking about it? After winning big in the casino, your guests can stay in the spacious and luxurious roomsattheresort.Youcanalsobookapartywithvarious activities at The District, which features a 3,600 sq. ft. arcade, bowling, a two-story laser tag arena and a sports bar. 888.652.4628 durantdistrict.sales@choctawcasinos.com AlamoDraftHouse You’ve never thought of hosting a party at a movie theater? Well, think again. Alamo Draft House is perfect for a mitzvah or a milestone birthday with a movie or Hollywood theme. It’s even possible to have a live host with interactive props! And if you’ve been searching for a placetoholdabachelorettepartyorbabyshower,youcan rent out a theater for girls night. The folks at Alamo Draft Housewillevencustomizeacocktailormilkshakeforyou andyourfriends. 972.534.2120 events@drafthousedfw.comOldRedMuseum ENTERTAINMENT&SERVICES DJ/PHOTOGRAPHY/VIDEOGRAPHY/LIGHTING/ PHOTOBOOTH What’s a party without the lights, camera and ACTION? Here are some of our favorite vendors who can bring the funandcapturethememories. GIGSALAD Autumn is in the air! And with that comes a new school year, tailgating parties and get-togethers with friends and family. Whether you’re planning your daughter’s 16th birthday, organizing a middle school dance with your PTA or hosting your dad’s retirement party, GigSalad.com is a one-stop shop for booking entertainment. They understand the struggle to find the event vendors you need. With that in mind, they created a booking platform that’s simple to use and offers over 600 categories of entertainment and event services. Find local DJs, cover bands, magicians, face painters, caterers, photographers and more. You can even find unique entertainment like belly dancers, fire eaters, henna tattoo artists and mariachis. Browse tons ofphotos,videosandreviewstomakesureyou’regetting just what you envisioned! Once you’re ready, you can requestafreequotefromasmanyvendorsasyou’dlike. Andwhenyoubook,youcandoitwithconfidence.Their platformissecureandoffersaWorry-FreeGuaranteethat ensures a refund if anything goes wrong. This year, let GigSaladhelpyoucreatesomeunforgettablemoments. gigsalad.com BILL CODY’S PARTYTIMETEXAS BillCody’sPartyTimeTexas isDallas’topsourceforparty entertainment. ThelegendaryBillCodyandhistenured team of DJ’s, MC’s and entertainment specialists make every fete more festive.  Their DJ/MCs are upbeat, fun andfullofenergy—idealforyourchild’sbirthdayparty, school socials, homecoming dance, prom or bar/bat mitzvah. DJ’s come equipped with incredible sound, spectacular lighting  and an extensive music library (includingspecial“cleanedits”oftop40hits).Fromspecial requeststogamesandactivities,theywillcustomizethe music and presentation to fit your age group, theme or occasion. Need more?  Look no further!  This is a one- stop resource including  bands, dancers, photography, videography, instant photo stations and  whatever it takestobringthewowtoyourspecialevent. 214.340.8000 partytimetexas.com  GigSalad.comisaone-stoppartyshop,offeringover600categoriesofentertainment andeventservices. Altitude PartyTimeTexas JenniferMeltonWeddingPhotography BASHCreativeEvents