Author: djxtcnet

Everybody likes to eat. That doesn’t make us all chefs. There are a select few who are born with the gift of a musical ear, and more importantly the talent to share it with the world. This is the story of DJ XTC. From “connoisseur” to “guru”, Neal “XTC” McFarlane comes from the “old school” but can kick it new school and still graduate with honours. Educate yourselves. His X•pertise Old School - classic house - drum 'n bass - jungle - reggae - classic rock His X•amples Scarborough, ON seems to be the breeding ground for many a DJ talent. DJ XTC who also hails from this musically and culturally diverse borough of Toronto has his earliest influences rooted in the music of Percy Sledge, Earth, Wind and Fire, Kool and the Gang, and Kenny Rogers that used to transcend from his mother’s stereo (read as: old school ghetto blaster). He earned his gold stars as a popular house party DJ in west end parts of the city including Brampton, Malton and Mississauga where he eventually set up his tent. His X•perience In the 80’s, DJ XTC made his mark (prologue to X Marks the Spot) through regular deejaying gigs at Changes (Mississauga), Superstars (Mississauga), The World (Mississauga), NRG (Burlington), Barracuda (Toronto), and The Concert Hall (Toronto). Later on, the 90’s were defined by one of the longest running radio shows on 89.5 FM CIUT with “Project Bounce” which featured “Red Light Radio” – a segment that focused on Old School, Funk, R'n'B, Vintage and slow jams. From 1995 to 2000, XTC took a hiatus from club and party deejaying to focus on his family life; however he remained relevant on the airwaves through “Project Bounce”. His knowledge of music was not limited to just the turntables, XTC was also the owner of the popular all-ages Club 404 in Brampton where old school favourites like Maestro Fresh-Wes and Redhead Kingpin blessed the stage. Having affiliated himself with one of the most celebrated urban event promoters, XTC has had a hand in bringing several U.S. artists to Canada for your listening pleasure. His X•cellence DJ XTC as a true “guru” has not aspired to be hailed as a “mainstream” DJ. His gift to the universe has been through sharing his acquired knowledge as a teacher, mentor and partner to others, and to foster a genuine love and following of the music of our roots. Currently, DJ XTC (in co-ordination with Hyped Entertainment and United Force) produces a serial event called “X Marks The Spot” which is a night dedicated to celebrating the vintage sounds across all urban/Caribbean genres from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. Keeping the spirit of a generation alive, he is taking us on a throwback journey every season with the “official” Club 404 (Brampton) Reunion parties. These parties are now so highly coveted, that you shall soon see them in a city near you. In addition, starting February 2010, join him at “First Fridays” where he will spin alongside a special guest DJ the first Friday of each month who also shares his love of kickin’ it Old School. The final treat is his return to radio with his online radio show “REWIND” on Globe-Radio.com every Sunday from 7 to 9 pm. All gurus come with a guide, and you can find yours at www.djxtc.net where all of his wisdom is yours for the taking. As far as vices go, there sure are a lot to choose from. But from what I can tell, some XTC and a love of great music is a cocktail I cannot live without! Written by Nicky Phillips a.k.a. Darling Nicky

Amy & Jerry #agyemangwedding2014

Published on August 27, 2014 by djxtcnetLeave a comment

Amy & Jerry #agyemangwedding2014

From the first instance I stepped into Marquis Gardens on the waterfront in Burlington I knew we were going to be part of something special . I was excited long before my site visit and even before my first consultation with Amy . I had heard of the venue but literally , seeing is believing . The outdoor service was breathtaking. Who would not love to be married in such a beautiful setting with the gorgeous backdrop of the lake to fill the picture out ? I don’t lend to cliche very much but to watch Amy and Jerry say their nuptials literally had me choked up .When you witness what was being expressed you just know you are seeing true love at it’s finest.

After the ceremony was done the wedding party went inside followed by the guest . It was my understanding that there was to be cocktailing outside for a bit while pictures were being taken . I saw the guest and their big smiles trying to get to the new husband and wife . How could you not want to just hug and congratulate them after what you just saw. I grabbed my camera as soon as they came inside to make sure to capture the moment !

Speaking of capturing the moment John and Veronica Photography were a pleasure to work with . Their same day edit left very few dry eyes while their picture booth had everyone smiling and laughing to out due each others silly pictures. Every image they’ve captured is breathtaking.

Jessica Bres and the staff of Marquis Garden helped to make it a smooth transition from cocktailing to dinner and then to dancing . That in itself is no small feat . There are many venues that can’t pull this off correctly . There were a few changes as the night progressed but they continued to execute . My hats goes off to them.

Amy and Jerry’s hard work with the littlest of detail was prevalent all throughout the room. From the toast from Mayor Rob Ford to the African dancers everything was unique .The rest of the night was full of love and laughter , tears and joy from this newly blended family . It was a pleasure to be a part of their special night .

Amy & Jerry #agyemangwedding2014

Neal McFarlane/ DJ XTC

www.djxtc.net

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Destination Weddings: No Longer Reserved For The Wealthy

Published on August 13, 2014 by djxtcnetLeave a comment

For a long time the destination wedding, a wedding combined with a vacation for the couple, wedding party, and guests, was an exotic treat attainable only by the extremely wealthy. This is no longer the case as destination weddings have, in recent years, become an attainable and attractive alternative for more and more couples seeking to put an enjoyable romantic spin on their nuptial occasion. Destination wedding planners like to advertise that the destination wedding can cost thousands less than a traditional wedding. While this may or may not be true, depending on what a particular couple plans to spend on their traditional wedding as opposed to what theyíll have to spend for a destination wedding, it is certainly a fact that a destination wedding is no longer completely out of the question for the average couple. If youíre interested in celebrating your own marriage ceremony with a destination wedding, here are some helpful pointers that can have you enjoying your wedding in a vacation locale without completely emptying the coffers.

Your Destination Doesn’t Have to be Distant:

One of the truly beautiful things about living in North America is that we have vacation spots nearly everywhere. By planning your destination wedding in a place that is relatively close to home, you can save considerably on airfare or other travel arrangements. Do you live on the East Coast? Make Orlando, Florida your destination and enjoy your honeymoon with Mickey Mouse. Already in Florida and been to Disneyworld far too many times? Set your sights on the Big Apple and enjoy a destination wedding in the City that Never Sleeps. Maybe you’re in the Midwest? If so a destination wedding in Chicago may have just the right romantic touch for you. You could also consider heading south to Texas to visit the Alamo. Live in the Southwest or Northwest? Then Las Vegas and Los Angeles are mere hours away by plane. Then of course there are the favourite destination wedding spots in the Caribbean . The point is that your destination wedding doesnít have to be held in Spain, London or Paris to be an event you will remember fondly and cherish forever

Plan Ahead and Get Group Rates:

Everyone knows that airfare costs less when booked and purchased well in advance. Be sure to make the reservations for your destination wedding far ahead of time to get the best value for you and your guests. Also, utilize the services of a talented travel agent who can negotiate your airfare and hotel accommodations all together. Doing so can save you an amazing percentage of the overall cost of your destination wedding.

If There’s an Offseason, Take Advantage of It:

Many of the vacation spots have an offseason where the rates for hotels, airfare, and attractions are quite lower than they are during their busier times. By planning your destination wedding during these non-peak times you can save money and enjoy your destination when there are fewer tourists getting in the way of your enjoyment.

Please feel free to comment below. Stop by and check us out on Facebook and www.djxtc.net .

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Top 5 Wedding Proposals Of All Time

Published on July 19, 2014 by djxtcnetLeave a comment

These are OUR top 5 current wedding proposals of all time . What do you think ?

Share this post and let us know if you think of others that should be on this list.

Comment below , follow us on Facebook , Twitter and our Website

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Catering the Wedding Shower Yourself : Easy Tips to Stay Sane

Published on June 3, 2014 by djxtcnet1 Comment

Planning a wedding shower can be frustrating, especially if you are planning on catering the event yourself. When you are getting ready to host a shower, it is important to take some time for planning and relax. Wedding showers should be a fun time to socialize with friends and family and should not cause stress.Here are ten easy tips to keep you sane when you host and cater a bridal shower.

Number of guests: When you get ready to host a wedding shower, the guest list will determine just about everything about the wedding shower. Work with the couple if you are planning a shower that will include both partners. Find out ahead of time, before you begin planning, how many guests they want to invite. The number of guests will tell you where you can have the shower and how many you need to plan for. You might find it necessary to rent tables, chairs and serving platters or plates depending on the number of guests.

Time of day: Another tip for catering a wedding shower by yourself is to determine what time of the day the shower will be held. This can be a huge help when you are planning for food. For example, a brunch will be easier to plan than a shower that is held late in the evening when a dinner is expected. In addition, if you hold a shower in the late afternoon, you will not be expected to cater a large meal. You can plan for simple fare, such as fruit and finger sandwiches. Decide in advance what time of day the shower will be held and it will help keep you sane during the planning process.

Budget: Before sending out any invitations, know your budget. If you are on a limited budget, know what you can spend and stick to it. It will not be fun if you overspend and are left with a huge credit card bill after the shower. Let your couple know your budget and work together to plan a shower. It is possible to plan an elegant shower without spending a lot of money.

Plan ahead and ask the couple : Planning well in advance is the key in hosting a wedding shower. After you have talked with the partners and set a date, you can begin making preparations. If you plan on catering the event, never wait until the last minute. Delaying can cause a lot of stress. Instead, use an event planner or a notebook to record all the of the wedding shower details. Remember that a shower usually takes at least eight weeks to plan, so give yourself plenty of time to make necessary preparations. When you cater the event, know beforehand how many guests you will serve and if there are food allergies or other preferences, such as the bride being a vegetarian. Make detailed shopping lists and know what you will need to buy before going to the grocery store.

Make ahead and get help: Catering a wedding shower can be easier if you know what you are serving in advance and prepare dishes ahead of time. If you are serving casserole dishes, look into making them a couple of weeks before the party and then freezing the items. You can also do this for certain desserts and appetizers. The night before the party is a great time to cut fruits and vegetables, decorate a cake and make finger foods. Making food ahead of time will help cut down on the amount of stress on the day of the shower. Also, consider getting help from others when you plan to cater a shower. It is perfectly acceptable to host a potluck style buffet where everyone brings their favorite dish. You can also enlist help from close friends or family members to help you cook and prepare dishes.

Theme: If you have a theme for the shower, such as brunch, bbq or partner’s day at the spa, you can prepare dishes to fit the theme. This will make planning easier and everyone will know what to expect. Having a theme can also help you choose decorations and tableware with ease.

Keep it simple and relax: These are two tips you should remember when planning a shower. Most guests will not remember the lavish dishes it took you all day to prepare. Instead, they will remember the time they spent visiting with the couple . Keep the menu simple and everyone will enjoy the shower and you will not become stressed. Last of all, remember to relax. Take a deep breath and have fun. Do not ruin the shower by obsessing over every last detail. Have a good time and your guests will, too.

We would love to hear your thoughts . Please comment below, stop by and check out Facebook www.djxtc.net and follow us on twitter @weddingdj1

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Ceremony Music

Published on May 31, 2014July 23, 2015 by djxtcnetLeave a comment

A processional song is that music a couple and the wedding party will walk down the aisle to . You can have a single song for everyone one or chose a separate song for you and your partner.

Wedding processional songs that are commonly used range from Air on a G String by Bach , Concerto in D Major by Vivaldi and of course Wedding March by Mozart. Although there is something to be said for tradition those songs have all but been “played out “. Being in the industry for over three decades I admit that I have heard, and played, them hundreds of times . I don’t doubt that you have heard at least one of them in every wedding that you have been to .

One of my most daunting tasks is to help couples be original and put their stamp on the wedding day by updating the music to represent their personalities . When we design music for a wedding ceremony the first thing that we remind couples is that there is nothing wrong with something new .It tends to make things more memorable . You spend a long time discussing the first dance and maybe even the parent’s dances but don’t neglect other important pieces of music that you will need for your wedding day.

Some of our current favourites are

Overjoyed – Stevie Wonder, Shining Star – Boyz II Men, Ribbon in The Sky -Stevie Wonder, All of Me – John Legend, Marry Me – Train, and Somewhere Over The Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwo’Ole

Wedding Ceremony music is available as an add-on and is included in a few of our packages .

We would love to hear your thoughts . Please comment below, stop by and check out Facebook www.djxtc.net and follow us on twitter @weddingdj1

Things You HAVE To Discuss Before Getting Married

Published on May 16, 2014 by djxtcnetLeave a comment

Communication

How you communicate with your partner follows a pattern after you have been together for a period of time . When you add in the stress of planning a wedding there are new factors that affect how you make a point, debate or even argue . Discuss what things you would like to remove from your current pattern as well as those things that you feel work well .

Moving

Your current job may never have you moving but who knows what the future holds . Your partner may have always planned to live somewhere else in their future . Regardless if there is nothing like this in your plans currently it most certainly needs to be discussed to make sure you know what each other’s expectations are.

Children

We are all products of our experiences and this includes how we were raised and our ideas on parenting. Having different styles in parenting could very well create a huge divide in a relationship in the future.

Pressures

How you deal with pressure and obstacles has always been a personal thing . Moving forward you will part of a team . If you are someone that internalizes how you deal with adverse situations this is something else that will defiantly cause friction in a marriage

Parents

The subject of parents is two-fold. Your current relationship could defiantly be different with your parents in comparison to your partner’s . That in itself can be one factor to cause issue but also what will happen to your parents as they age can be another . You may be planning to move your elderly parents into your home in their latter years while you partner would feel that it is ok to have them live in care facility. Who will be responsible for those costs ?

Finances

The most important discussion before tying the knot would be about your financial situation . Many people are not honest about this and it is the #1 reason for divorce currently . If you have poor credit then working together to improve that as a couple is extremely important . It is one of the best things that you can do to strengthen your standing as a couple

…at the end of the day these are just a few of the major subjects that you should table before having the marriage discussion.

We would love to hear your thoughts . Please comment below, stop by and check out Facebook www.djxtc.net and follow us on twitter @weddingdj1

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Your Second Wedding

Published on February 6, 2014 by djxtcnetLeave a comment

You are planning your second wedding and are not sure about etiquette and what is or is not acceptable, right? The truth is that the second time around can be just as memorable and special as the first. Here are some different tips to help you make your second wedding a day to remember.

When planning for your second wedding use heartfelt, common sense before announcing your new engagement. Some couples who have previously been married may have children and previous family members who need to be informed personally of your new future. Inform them first before announcing it to the masses.

Also think before registering for gifts at department stores. When registering for your second wedding, think about the things you need, as a couple. You may already have items that would commonly be bought for first time marriages, such as towels and dishes. Instead think about registering for those things that will help you bring your new home together, such as new curtains, bedding or items you can use to remodel the home that you’re moving into.

Many years ago, attire for a previously married bride meant absolutely no white. That is not the case anymore. When planning your second wedding, if you decide you want to wear a flowing white gown, it’s considered perfectly acceptable. One thing to avoid is a veil, which represents virginity. Instead of a veil, think about adorning your head with a crown or tiara or a beautiful new hairstyle. Whichever you choose, keep in mind that although it is a second marriage, you can feel and look just as beautiful as you did the first time.

When choosing a destination for your second wedding, some couples choose to make it different from the first by having a small ceremony with a huge reception, inviting friends and family on a trip with marriage in mind or having a surprise wedding, by sending invitations out for a birthday party or holiday event and instead being prepared to get married. You can also just go with a traditional church wedding. Whichever you choose, make the decision together. After all, you are committing yourselves to each other and both of you should be happy with the decision.

If children are involved from previous marriages, let them know that they also are an important part of your second wedding. Rather than the ceremony joining a man and woman together, you will be joining families. Why not include the children in the ceremony? Let your son walk you down the aisle to give you away, have your daughter be an honorary attendant or let the younger children be a miniature bride and groom. The important thing is to make the children feel welcome in this new union, letting them feel that it is not just a marriage of man and wife, but of the family as a whole.

Although second weddings can be done the same as a first time wedding, let this be your opportunity to make it different while keeping it sacred. Make it known to everyone that this is the man you have chosen to spend the rest of your life with and your two families are now to be joined as one.

Photo Credit

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Pre- Wedding Event

Published on February 1, 2014 by djxtcnetLeave a comment

Pre Wedding Event ( Jack n Jill / Buck n Doe/ Engagement or Bridal Party )

Pre-wedding Event

Putting together a wedding can be time consuming but expensive. One of the ways to help with the cost is to put together a pre-wedding fundraiser ( Jack n Jill / Buck n Doe/ Engagement Party) . The basic idea is to invite friends and family to celebrate your coming nuptials. It is a fantastic way to get together and have a laid back introduction before the actual big day. It is also the initial time that your wedding party gets together as a team for your cause..

Regardless of the size of the wedding party this is the time to “lean on your friends” . The bride and groom shouldn’t have to carry the weight of planning , organizing and executing this event on their own.

Venue

Finding a venue should be your first course of action.The idea here isn’t to get a reception hall on top of the one already booked for your wedding reception . You are looking for a minimal cost facility (Royal Canadian Legion , City Recreation Centre or even a friend’s home ) . Ask around and see what venues your friends have used. Check with the venue to see if you may need a Special Occasions Permit regarding your function .

Tickets

There are quite a few ways to get tickets done . One of the cheaper ways is to print business cards with all the information on it and sell those. Make sure you have numbers printed in opposite corners or a place to fill out names .Have half perforated or just rip it in half once the guest shows up for door prizes , raffles or draws .
This is where you will be using your wedding party and immediate family to help sell those tickets!

Food

A sure fire way to get everyone fed cheaply is to have a potluck. Moms , Aunts and Grandmothers love to assist with this one . You may also just want to order some pizza. Give the local pizza store a call before hand and let them know that you will be doing a few large orders .

Games

There are so many games that you can use at one of these events . Some of the more popular ones are

Jokers Wild, 50/50 Draw, Jelly Bean Jar , Silent Auction , Raffle & Door prizes , Toonie and/or Loonie toss , Mini Putt , Goldfish Insurance , Food Auction , Relay Race or Jail .

We would love to hear your thoughts . Please comment below, stop by and check out www.djxtc.net and follow us on twitter @weddingdj1

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Ask The Right Questions Before You Book Your Wedding Reception

Published on November 22, 2013 by djxtcnetLeave a comment

Think saying “I do” is going to be the most emotional moment in your wedding? Probably so, but putting down a deposit on your wedding venue could be a close runner-up.

Reception costs consume almost half the budget for the wedding, which these days means you can expect to lay out almost $ 18,000, including food. And the venue you select can not only limit your choice of caterers or bakers, it’s sure to affect how much you spend to “cover up” its weak spots or accent its highlights. Most stressful of all, the popular venues book far in advance, forcing brides to make the big decision almost as soon as they set the date.

For that reason, the savvy venue-hunter wants to know what questions to ask before she walks in the door, much less signs the contract. Here are a few ideas:

Do you have a pre-set list of caterers I can use, or can I choose my own?

Some venues — high-end ones with their own catering staff, or small-town ones with little competition — require you to use the in-house caterers or choose from a small list of “approved” vendors. It can be difficult to get taste-tests or otherwise put this type of vendor through its paces. If you’re stuck with such a list, search high and low for brides who have “been there, done that” and can give you their honest opinions.

Any restrictions on decorations?

Many venues have them, but rules vary widely from place to place. Common restrictions include: no open flame (or no flame whatsoever), no tape or tacks on the walls, or no confetti. When linens are provided, some halls will prohibit the use of pins. Ask if the hall can provide any decorations themselves, especially around holidays. Useful centrepiece items such as hurricane lamps or Eiffel vases are not uncommon.

Can we bring our own liquor, is there a “corkage” fee, and do we need a license?

If the liquor’s to flow freely at your wedding, you’ll save an immense amount of money by bringing your own. But some venues prohibit this and require you to buy from them. Even worse is the venue that says “yes” to bringing your own alcohol, but charges you a mandatory “corkage fee” to serve it — which typically starts at an unbelievable $10 per bottle or more! You’ll want to be crystal-clear on the fine print regarding alcohol before you commit to a venue.

As for licensing, many places consider wedding receptions to be an “unlicensed social function,” meaning you don’t need one as long as you’re not charging anyone for the alcohol. But be sure to check your local regulations before moving ahead — and ask your venue if they know of any licensing requirements. (SOCAN)

Is there a cake-cutting fee?

Some venues even limit your choice of bakers, but most don’t. A more common (and sneakier) tactic is to charge you a cake-cutting fee, which like corkage fees, can really add up — often at $1 per slice!

DIY Detective Work

These, of course, are only a few of the questions you’ll want to ask a prospective venue manager. A few more tips while you’re checking out the place:

– Bring a tape measure. Get the dimensions of the room, the tables, and the distance between any features that might impact your decor, like windows. How many outlets are there and where are they located? What kind of climate control is available to you?

– Check the kitchen. Does it look clean, roomy and suitable for your catering staff to work from?

– Check the hall itself. Where will you put the DJ , the cake table, the coffee service? Are there coat racks for your guests? Is a sound system available? Is there an “tie-in” fee to bring your own entertainment ?

– Check out the parking. Is it ample? Is it paved, or can it get muddy in the case of rain? Is there handicap access?

One final thing to get clear before you autograph that contract is your venue’s cancellation policy. But hopefully, with these helpful tips, you’ll have done enough homework to rest easy in your choice and not worry about having to cancel. Now that you’ve signed, take some time to sit back and relax … before you tackle the next task in that thick wedding planner!

We would love to hear your thoughts . Please comment below, stop by and check out www.djxtc.net and follow us on twitter @weddingdj1

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Concept Of Cold Feet Or Wedding Jitters

Published on November 14, 2013 by djxtcnetLeave a comment

The concept of wedding jitters or cold feet (leaving the bride or the groom at the altar) is not a new phenomenon but has been around for as long as anybody can remember in some form or shape.

Movies like Runaway Bride and the recent news in the media about brides walking away from their pending nuptials has captured our attention in more than one way.

What is behind this Cold Feet concept? I am sure the root cause is some psychological reason for both men and women which terrifies them to take the plunge into holy matrimony. Leaving the Bride or Groom at the alter and undoing months of wedding planning and expense is far more serious than the normal anxiety attacks suffered by an average person.

As many studies and surveys show contrary to the popular perception of happy Bride or Groom to be before the wedding many women and men find this time of transition a very trying and stressful period in their life and some go to the extreme of not going through with the wedding at all. Our Society has experimented with many ways to cope with the fear of commitment, the most popular and now an accepted norm is living together before any kind of serious long term commitment.

The point is if there is more than normal panic attacks involved here then the whole relationship needs to be examined carefully before taking the plunge into marriage(and before the pending Wedding day).

If the both the parties involved sit together and take a look at the practical aspect of the relationship as opposed to emotional then this anxiety and concern can be addressed in a much more constructive way and will save loads of heartache and embarrassment for everybody involved. To have a long lasting and fruitful union in any form it is best to get the little issues out of the way and then the big issues will be resolved in the same manner. The key is communication. If you communicate your fears and concerns beforehand, there will be no body alone at the altar on the Wedding day.

Please feel free to comment below. Stop by and check out www.djxtc.net .

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