Behind the music…

No we are not married, we are brother and sister. She’s the brains He’s the BRONze.

Bronson James Winkler, Founder, Co-Owner

Learn more about BJ the DJ.

My favorite part about DJing is after a successful wedding, that victorious and glorious debrief with the bride and groom. There is nothing better than clients who are to the moon - ecstatic about the work that I’ve put into their special night. So that’s become my biggest goal with every wedding I’m a part of.

I’ve loved music of all kinds my entire life. In 2011, I was elected Class DJ for Student Council. The job was easy - DJ two 2 dances the next school year. A 6th grade dance and a 7th grade dance. Long story long - I was having technical issues with the equipment so I called my Agricultural Education teacher Stephen Funk. He saved the day. He had experience with Audio equipment from owning his own company. While he was assisting I asked if I could work for him, DJing weddings. He said “I’ll do you one better. I’ll show you how and then sell you the business so you have a part time job in college”. With a handshake Thunder & Lightning Sound & Lighting was born.

Outside of DJing, quite frankly I have a few too many hobbies. If my beautiful wife asks, number 1 is hanging out with her. Beyond that - Whitetail deer hunting & Mule deer hunting are my biggest passions. Archery, rifle, tree stand, or roaming the plains - love ‘em all. It gives me a rush that few understand and can appreciate. I enjoy hunting Elk & Pheasants but they’re not my primary source of nature’s groceries.

I also enjoy playing golf wildly mediocrely, fishing for walleyes and crappies, spending time with family and friends (basic much? I know..). I love movies and television and watch way too much of both. Favorite series over the past few months in no particular order - Widows Bay, Silo, House of Dragons, I will Find You (Harlan Corben), From, The Day of the Jackal, All Her Fault.

I know you’ve gotten more than you bargained for here.. So let me close with a few final thoughts. Although I have a lot of hobbies, one of my favorite things is using my experience and expertise to help newly-weds navigate the never ending task of planning a wedding. I’m always a phone call away and I’m always happy to help. Just less happy in November ;) (bc of the hunting). If you choose me as your DJ you can expect me to do everything in my power to make the dance a banger and have all guests talking about it for years to come. I’m not big on games or theatrics - It’s the bride and grooms big day you are the stars of the show. I’m a big believer that once the dance has begun - a DJ should let the music do the talking. I’ll of course handle necessary announcements for Shuttles, or lost items, etc. But you won’t have to worry about me spewing a bunch of words into the mic in between songs.

Madolyn Winkler, Co-Owner

Get to know DJ Maddawg 5000 Aka Maddie

My favorite part about DJing is looking out at the dance floor and seeing people having an absolute blast. There’s something pretty awesome about watching a room full of people go from sitting at their tables to dancing, laughing, singing, and having the time of their lives. That’s what I’m chasing at every wedding - a packed dance floor and a couple who gets to look around and think, “This is exactly what we wanted.

.I actually never planned on becoming a DJ. Bronson spent months trying to convince me that I would be good at it. I finally gave in and said yes in 2019. Turns out, he was right. (I hate giving him credit for that.) What started as me agreeing to give it a try turned into something I absolutely fell in love with.

I’m definitely the more high-energy and interactive one of the family. I love getting people involved and making sure nobody feels like they’re just sitting on the sidelines. I’m also very approachable, so whether you have a song request, need something announced, or just want to come say hi, I’m always happy to chat. My goal is to make sure the couple can relax and enjoy their night while I worry about keeping the party moving.

I’ve also been bartending since 2016, so weddings aren’t my first experience with crowds, celebrations, or trying to keep a room full of people happy. Between bartending and DJing, I’ve learned that every crowd is different and sometimes you have to read the room and adjust on the fly. That’s one of my favorite parts of what I do.

Outside of DJing, I’m usually spending time with my wife and our kid. We have one dog, two cats, and we foster dogs, because apparently we decided that one dog and two cats wasn't quite enough chaos. I love playing volleyball, playing golf (although my golf game and my confidence don't always agree), going to concerts, and pretty much anything that involves spending time with family and friends.

During the week, you can also find me selling campers. So if you need a DJ, a camper, or someone who can probably recommend a good drink at the end of a long day, I might be your person.

At the end of the day, I want your wedding to feel like your wedding. I want you to have fun, your guests to have fun, and for everyone to leave talking about how much fun they had. I’ll bring the energy, get people involved, keep things moving, and do everything I can to make sure that dance floor stays full.

Your wedding is one of those nights that you’ll remember for the rest of your life, and I don’t take that responsibility lightly. My job is to make sure you can forget about the little things, let loose, and enjoy every minute of it. If I can look out at the dance floor and see everyone having a great time - especially the bride and groom - then I know I’ve done my job.