North Texas has no shortage of options when it comes to planning unforgettable celebrations. Check out some of our favorite memory makers.
– The Editors
Bill Cody’s Party Time Texas is one of Dallas’ top sources for party entertainment. The legendary founder, Bill Cody, is celebrating his 40th year in business and has literally been entertaining folks since high school! Bill has been featured with many celebrities including Dick Clark, Mark Cuban, Troy Aikman and Tom Landry and has introduced and played dance sets with the likes of Three Dog Night, Johnny Cash, Temptations, Four Tops, Pat Benatar, KC and the Sunshine Band and ZZ Top. Since 1977, he and his team have played thousands of events in DFW.
Referring to DJ’s, Yoko Ono once said, “…they are the most musically creative and sensitive people.” It’s no secret that a good DJ can make a party. Bill and his tenured team of DJ’s, MC’s and entertainment specialists make every fete more festive. Their DJ’s and MC’s are upbeat and full of energy – and DJ’s come equipped with incredible sound, spectacular lighting and an extensive music library (including special “clean edits” of Top 40 hits).
Bill is committed to creating an “experience” for every guest. From special requests to games and activities, Bill’s one-stop resource will customize the music and presentation to fit any age group, theme or occasion, including bands, dancers, instant photo stations and A/V needs. They’ve got everything it takes to bring the wow.
After 40 years, Bill says, “My life’s work is creating a truly custom event with amazing memories. I bring every ounce of energy and enthusiasm I can to see the celebrants, families and guests having a fabulous time together. That’s what I do! That’s why I love my job! It feels like I have never worked a day in my life.”
214.340.8000 | partytimetexas.com
You can definitely turn your event up a notch with a professional party planner. Rebecca Baker brings over twenty years of experience in private and corporate party planning to her Plano company, Bash Creative Events. Each party created by her Bash team is unique, custom-designed and flawlessly executed.
“No event is too big or too small,” says Baker who offers day and hourly rates as well as custom quotes for larger events. Rebecca and her team can step in to create the coziest bridal shower or the flashiest charity event and anything in between. “She brings hands-on experience, knowledge, creativity and enthusiasm to each project, big or small,” according to her team.
Rebecca’s experience as a long-time marketing exec with a flair for creating top-tier fundraising events led her to form Bash in 2016 to “make a business out of what I love to do.” She’s equally passionate about her role as Executive Director of the Jim Utley Foundation, a nonprofit she founded to educate kids about the dangers of drug use named in memory of her brother, Jim who lost his battle with drug addiction.
Unique to Bash, Baker offers turn-key, full service options or simply fills in the gaps for clients who want “a little extra help” – whether that is a unique spin on theme, invitations, venue selection, menu planning, props and decorations, logistics, party favors or staffing. With their experience in the DFW metroplex and beyond, they have an extensive network of professionals to support any event. Bash even provides holiday decorating services for homes and businesses, saving clients time during the busiest season of the year.
With help from Bash Creative Events, you can let them handle the details, so you can focus on the fun.
214.616.9033 | ilovebash.com
If you’ve been in the Dallas area very long, you’ve heard of Al Biernat’s. The restaurant has become legendary as a fine dining steakhouse. What makes it rise above the competition is the personalized culture that Al Biernat established from the beginning. Al’s nephew, and current head of operations, Brad Fuller, says, “We will go out of our way to make sure that hospitality, true hospitality, is noticed by all of our guests. Anyone can have great food and a great atmosphere, but really connecting with your customers – creating a place that is just as much theirs for years to come as it is yours – is becoming a lost art in the restaurant industry.”
The restaurant is excited to be celebrating its 20th year at its famed Oak Lawn location and soon its first anniversary at the new location on Spring Valley in North Dallas. The new location is perfect for larger celebrations. There are three rooms that can be booked for parties of 12 to 70 guests. You can even book the entire upstairs with its own private bar and terrace. Their private event coordinator, Melissa Neuman, will work with you to determine exactly what will best fit your event. For those who prefer the original location, there is a room that seats up to 40 guests.
The team at Al Biernat’s recognizes the role they may play in someone’s special life moments. “Many guests book reservations for their most special milestones in life,” Fuller says. “It’s our responsibility to ensure a perfect celebration from start to finish.” It’s that level of commitment to every customer with a highly trained staff that has led to their enduring reputation and loyal customers. Fuller says, “It takes all the great people we work with giving their best every day.” Photo credit: Gustav Schmiege
214.219.2201 (Oak Lawn) | 972.239.3400 (Spring Valley) | albiernats.com
Jennifer Melton loves capturing all the exciting moments and emotions on your special day and creating memories that will last a lifetime. She tells your love story in many of its most beautiful expressions, from a romantic engagement shoot, to the emotional wedding day, to the exciting first days following the birth of a child and family sessions for years to come. Jennifer knows that every good photograph tells a story, and she makes sure every detail tells yours. She says, “I love meeting new couples, getting to know them and telling their story. I strive to capture emotions and details that make each wedding unique. My goal is to capture photographs that will take couples right back to that moment.” Jennifer is Dallas-based but is available for destination weddings.
214.205.6296 | jennifermeltonphotography.com
White Rock Films’ Bill Brock Captures The Day
What’s a party without the lights, camera and ACTION? Capture and share your most cherished memories for generations to come. White Rock Films, LLC offers video production using the latest equipment, including gimbals and motion control cameras to best tell your story. And, if you wish to capture a different perspective (literally!), they offer aerial video with the latest quad copters that achieve shots that were simply too costly in the past. Bill says, “Photography captures the moment. Videography captures the day.” White Rock Films will make sure you don’t miss a thing.
214.405.3909 | bill@whiterockfilms.com