The Event Firm doesn't just provide music, décor and food for your wedding; they stage your wedding day experience, mood and style. This company treats each event in many dimensions - with ultra-contemporary décor, exclusive lighting, a chic venue with delicious food and a fresh style that delivers a definite wow-factor.

We sat down with Kyle to find out more about their DJ services, unique lighting designs, newly built reception space and catering options, their obvious niche in weddings, and of course to see what their 'no white fluff' policy is all about. Let us explain...

3 to 1 odds for an incredible event

Kyle's popular disc jockey company, Planet Goodtime, opened for business in 2000 with the intention of operating a small disc jockey company that catered to events requiring great music and a qualified, professional DJ. But Owner Kyle Priestley says it was obvious from very early on that Planet Goodtime was destined for bigger things.

As Planet Goodtime's calendar became busy, attracting attention from corporate clients and events (in addition to brides and grooms), Kyle - who has a degree in Fine Art and tons of event production industry experience - opened a second disc jockey company, Disc Entertainment, and an ultra contemporary décor and staging company, Custom Elements. Between the three companies, Kyle was able to cater to events of all sizes and styles from more of a three dimensional approach. Kyle actually merged all three companies together under one roof in 2008, with the name The Event Firm. Today, the company employs full-time, fully trained and experienced DJs, a team of décor staff, and they cater to a long list of corporate productions, charitable causes, school events, and of course, weddings. "Our clients are awesome people who trust and have faith in The Event Firm. They understand the importance of the music in order to have a successful party." And even though his company continues to grow, you can almost always find Kyle on site at each of the events, making sure everything is up to his standards.

And continuing to grow is just what The Event Firm has done as Kyle and his business partner, Brad, opened up Tyron T's Resto-Lounge in Uptown Waterloo at the beginning of 2010, offering even more options for local brides with a chic reception space and catering options for off-site events.

You can actually see Kyle's vision and talent in the overall style of each wedding that The Event Firm handles. "First of all, we are the only local decorating company that can do the up lighting and gobo lighting," he says, referring to the very cool array of stars, initials or custom designs that are programmed and illuminated onto your reception location's walls or ceiling. Plus, combining his DJ and décor experience, "gives us access to all the specialty lighting choices that can have such a huge impact on the tone and mood of the event."

Kyle says that some people underestimate the importance and need for lighting. "Light has the power to make everything three dimensional and welcoming."

From the décor perspective, Kyle says he uses his eye for design and colour to work with brides on a daily basis, Kyle puts together the plans, details and ideas that make up the ultimate look of each wedding that The Event Firm takes on.

Kyle says that from the very beginning The Event Firm had more than enough ideas for fun, contemporary and unique décor. They found a niche with brides who were looking for more than the traditional white wedding décor, and have been setting the stage for dream weddings for over four years as a result.

The Event Firm operates out of their large open-concept studio on Weber Street in Waterloo. This is where Kyle and his team meet with clients, plan weddings with brides and grooms, host open houses, store their large inventory of sound equipment and plan other upcoming events.

Partnership has its advantages

Because The Event Firm owns Planet Goodtime, Disc Entertainment and Custom Elements, they have full access to fabric and décor that can help set the stage for your event. It's not just a table and some speakers pushed off to the side at your reception. Everything can be set up to look like it's a part of your overall theme. Usually, when you meet with each of your vendors to tell them what you are looking for, the interpretation of your directions and ideas may vary from vendor to vendor - but with The Event Firm, your music, staging and decorating will flow accordingly. Your wedding theme will be consistent across the board.

The soundtrack

Kyle has worked in the event and music industry nearly all his life. He knows better than anyone that, "the success of your event is in the hands of the organization." Kyle has played in clubs and bands, for weddings, and for community events on both extreme ends of the size-scale, including offering up his DJ and emcee talents (and décor items) for The Wedding Ring's 2nd Annual Brides' Ball in June 2009. He suggests that first and foremost, a bride and groom should pick the person and service that best suits their style. "You should consider their training, who they are, how long they've been a professional DJ, what the training program they went through was like, and their personality." He suggests asking questions such as whether the DJ is part-time or full-time, and if they've ever DJ’d at your reception location before.

The Event Firm is fully insured and licensed by the Audio-Video Licensing Agency Inc. (AVLA). They use fully licensed music at all times and own all of their own equipment - systems, speakers, lighting and other event props. Thanks to Kyle's well established connections with quality suppliers, he says they can also easily find special equipment if you request something they don't already have in-house.

On any given weekend, The Event Firm is fully equipped, prepared for and ready to play up to ten events across Southwestern Ontario. "We work in London, K-W, Guelph, Cambridge, all around Brantford, Hamilton and the Toronto area," he explained, noting that they're always happy to DJ at a new location. "We'll often check it out ahead of time if we haven't been there before."

Catering music to your wedding

The Event Firm is dedicated to offering the best overall atmosphere and music possible for your wedding day. "For us, quality DJ services are about reading the crowd, entertaining and making sure the group is having a good time."

From your wall to wall décor to the music that is geared specifically for your wedding, The Event Firm’s DJs have earned a reputation for great wedding service. "You get the full theatrical effect," says Kyle, "Even pyrotechnics if you wish."

Having such an extensive portfolio, The Event Firm can cater to all couples, including ethnic weddings that require unique or specific music. "We can find original versions of whatever special requests you may have."

Professional DJs eliminate the fear factor

Kyle says that their team of DJs stands out for their talent and reliability. "Each of our six DJs is full-time. This isn't a part-time job for them. They are all professionally trained DJs who beat mix the music club-style. They are also accomplished MCs and are equipped to do everything possible to ensure a good time is had by all at your wedding."

And of course, you can choose which DJ you would like for your own wedding. "Often, we'll have people who attended a function we played at request the same DJ for their event. Whenever possible, we accommodate their choice."

Attention on set

The Event Firm also offers sound and tech support for any band you might hire for your wedding. They offer staging, lighting, sound and even a mixing technician to work with the band for the best sound quality possible. It would be frustrating to hire a band only to see them show up with a few speakers that have no chance of filling the hall with sound.

Décor with style…

With The Event Firm it's about clean lines, sleek designs and over-the-top decorating. Kyle tells us, "It's not just the same old fluffy white weddings." Operating from a huge, open-concept loft space, this company knows how to dress to impress. And, they’re all about you: "It's what the bride and groom want that counts... We just give them all of the contemporary, high-fashion décor tools to work with."

The Event Firm says that trends for wedding décor tend to lean toward a minimal, subtle elegance created with crisp lines that inspire a wow-factor for your guests. "You can do a lot and have it still look clean and crisp," says Kyle, "Fluffy is out." He adds that up-lighting is a recent trend that gives the “L.A. effect on a K-W budget.”

Themes are still popular, they say. And while the Cinderella wedding will never really go completely out of style (elegant items like tall silver, sparkly candelabras and plush cream coloured accents are in high demand), Kyle says that he's seeing a lot more brides leaning toward nature in their décor, "Brides are using woods, twigs, feathers, polished pebbles, bamboo..."

Special linens and fabrics are also very popular because they can add a rich depth and texture to the décor. The Event Firm specializes in having lots of fabric options in their large inventory, however if they don't have what you are looking for in stock, they will order if possible.

The Event Firm also offers chair covers, ceiling treatments, backdrops, centrepieces, lighting effects, and much, much more. "We like to think of your wedding décor as staging for your event." You chose your reception location for a reason, so they'll work with your location to accentuate its top qualities and hide minor flaws. They'll create the feeling, atmosphere and style that reflect yours and your groom's personalities. "We can create a unique stage setting around any personality and style and we can fit it into your budget."

A chic reception space

Kyle and his business partner, Brad, recently opened up a chic, Resto-Lounge in Uptown Waterloo that would be perfect for stag/stagettes, an upscale shower, rehearsal dinners, intimate receptions, a morning after brunch, or a post destination wedding get together. Tyrone T's also offers off-site catering for up to 2000 people.

The club-like atmosphere at Tyrone T's offers space for sixty people (seated) to 120 (cocktail-style) in a very cool, upscale Resto-Lounge. "There’s no space like it in K-W," Kyle told us. If you rent the private dining room, you’ll have your own bar, washrooms and entrance.

The Chef can prepare anything from cold and hot lunch buffets to cocktail party hors d'ouevres, and continental and hot breakfasts to plated dinner and dessert options. They can also customize packages and menu items to better meet your needs. Ask for a consultation to discuss this option with the Chef.

Prices vary depending on what you choose, but to give you an idea, the lunch buffet ranges from $18 to $24 per person, and hors d'ouevres are $18 to $30 per dozen and include delightful sounding treats like smoked salmon on cucumber with dill aioli, vegetable spring rolls, and lobster mac & cheese on Asian spoon. Breakfast and afternoon snack options range from $12 to $19 per person and can be as simple as tarts and fresh fruit, to assorted pastries and hot options like bacon & eggs. For the lunch, dinner and dessert packages, you get your choice of plated meals from a wide range of items and prices from $18 to $38 per person.

Some dinner options from Package A include herb roasted chicken supreme with dark stock reduction jus, roasted potatoes and vegetables, or salmon Florentine baked in phyllo pastry drizzled with Sauvignon Blanc cream sauce over vegetable rice pilaf. Among other options in Package B is coconut and crab encrusted tilapia served over vegetable Biryani rice, and beef tenderloin, grilled 8oz Canadian cut, with Shiraz jus, served with roasted potatoes and vegetables. But the most delectable sounding item on the menu (at least, that's what we think) is the cheesecake, twice baked golden phyllo wrapped and topped with a three berry compote – and that's just one of the desserts.

Prices & specifics

The Event Firm can do three to fifteen events per weekend, depending on the size and scale of the event. They sometimes have events of over 1,000 people, and in this case they can only do two to three events per weekend.

"Unfortunately, music and entertainment is sometimes just a small part of your reception budget. But it accounts for so much of the success of your event," Kyle stresses. "The couples that come here don't want to risk the success of their receptions and would rather have a reputable DJ they feel safe with."

The Event Firm’s packages vary in size, detail and price, and are customized entirely around each event. From $700 to $7000 - it's entirely up to you what you want to spend. "We offer all customized packages with options like lighting, staging, sometimes dancers and entertainers to get the party started, pyrotechnics, videodance parties when live video feed is played on a screen for the guests in real time... It's a mix of music and showtime theatrics.” The average bride and groom spend $1200 to $1700 on The Event Firm for their wedding.

In order to reserve your wedding day, book The Event Firm eight to twelve months in advance and put down a minimum (depending on the package) deposit of $300. The balance of your amount is due a week prior to your wedding day, at your final meeting. If needed, The Event Firm is willing to work out a payment plan to fit your budget.

At booking, you'll arrange for an appointment to meet with Kyle to discuss your specific needs and the different packages available to you for music and décor.

Kyle makes sure the bride and groom will meet with the DJ they'll have at their wedding to discuss and finalize all of the details of the event. "This way there will be no surprises." At the final meeting, specially requested songs are determined, sets are compiled, and you're ready to say ‘I do'.

Details, details, details

• It’s best to book The Event Firm 8 to 12 months in advance.
• The booking deposit depends on your package, but is at least $300.
• The balance of your package price is due 1 week before your wedding day.
• Payment plans are available - talk to The Event Firm for details.

Call to book your event...

You can reach Kyle Priestley at The Event Firm by phone at 519-888-1928. Visit www.theeventfirm.ca for more details. If you'd like to see their studio in person, they are located at 401 Weber Street North in Waterloo. Kyle can also be reached by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .