Vendor Spotlight: Okyne Medialab

17 Feb Vendor Spotlight: Okyne Medialab

We had the chance to sit down with Al & Stacy Okyne, the husband and wife team behind Okyne Medialab to learn more about what inspires them for this month’s Vendor Spotlight. Take a look!

Jewell Events Catering: How long have you been in business?
Okyne Medialab: Okyne Medialab incorporated in 2004, so this is our 10^th YEAR!!!!

JEC: In no more than 3 words, describe what your company does.
OM: Upscale, DJ, Service

JEC: What is one thing that sets you/your company apart from others?
OM: Our entire crew are real DJ’s who have backgrounds DJ-ing in Chicago bars & clubs. We utilize certain techniques to keep people on the dance floor and incorporate them into the wedding scene.

JEC: Where does your inspiration come from?
OM: Our passion and love for music inspires us to get creative with the music we play at these events. The reactions we get from the guests when we have an amazing set of music inspires us to be more creative and keep dance floors packed.

JEC: What is one emerging trend for events next year?
OM: Musically, mainstream radio has been very influential in determining the style of music clients want to hear. Specifically for cocktails and dinner. We are doing less and less Sinatra/Rat Pack music and more Indie-Rock vibe for these playlists.

JEC: What is the craziest or most fun event you’ve done? (No names, just some details)
OM: With our team of 10 DJ’s, we have lots of fun stories. But one in particular was an amazing wedding at the Trump where they completely transformed the ballroom. They brought in an entirely new white shag carpet to cover the entire room, and, among other things, built an amazing DJ booth for Al. They had him DJ until midnight as usual, but then had a surprise ‘after-party’ in the grand salon. They completely transformed the grand salon to look like an airplane! It was amazing and the party rocked until 3AM!

JEC: What is one thing you wish everyone knew about your business?
OM: We’re just a crew of real DJ’s that love rocking weddings. We’re not a business that’s concerned with the bottom-line, we’re more of a mom-and-pop operation (or mom-and-poperation) whose priority is making sure the client & guests never leave the dance floor. It’s just fun for us…not a ‘job’.

JEC: What is the best piece of advice you can give someone planning an event?
OM: When looking for your vendors, get recommendations from friends, co-workers, and other vendors. Don’t pay too much attention to flashy ads in magazines, focus rather on legit online reviews.

JEC: What’s your favorite ‘hidden gem’ restaurant in Chicago?
OM: Not sure how ‘hidden’ it is, but we love La Luce on Lake Street.

JEC: What is your favorite part about being in this industry?
OM: You quickly learn that there is a great community of vendors here in Chicago who are sincerely good people and have the same desires as you. Making people’s weddings memorable. There isn’t ‘competition’ in a negative way. Our fellow DJ companies in Chicago are great friends and we help each other out whenever we can.

JEC: If you were a type of food, what would you be and why?
OM: Hmmmm…maybe a burger. Very ‘Chicago’. Tasty. But of course, no cheese