Weddings are unique events that combine solemnity with celebration and are significant moments in everyone's lives. Music plays a key role in this, and as with every part of your wedding day, it requires meticulous planning and preparation. My wedding music services follow the timeline of a perfect reception.

The Arrival

From the moment the happy couple arrive at the reception location, perhaps making an entrance, greeting guests and family members, I provide discreet and pleasing live background music, both instrumental and sung, played at a volume that makes conversation easy and which paints a musical picture or warmth and joy.

The first hour (or so)

As the reception moves on, the music continues. I provide detailed menus that match the look and style of the wedding's other materials. These menus allow guests to request from a collection of over 350 tunes which range from the Jazz era to the present day. They also make great mementos.

I generally don't talk much at this time. This part of the evening is all about you, not me. Like a professional waiter, who knows exactly when to appear at your side with whatever you need for a premium dining experience, I do the same thing with the music - reading the room, picking up on cues, and playing the tunes that reflect the evolving tone of the celebration. I will continue to play through the serving of dinner. For the rare moments that I take a five-minute break, my sound system will play a collection of similarly themed tunes from a Spotify playlist to ensure there are no gaps.

Time for the speeches

Traditionally one of the more awkward segments of a reception, I am here to  assist those who wish to present a speech or lead a toast. I providing a guest microphone, a mic stand, lighting and space for those who wish to speak. I also provide  speaking notes presented on a floor monitor to make the presentations even smoother.

Spotlight dances? 

Yes. Love them. This is the moment where you shine: dancing together as the “first dance,” inviting parents and family members to join you, then maybe inviting everyone to be part of this special, intimate moment.  I will have your chosen spotlight tune(s) ready to make this important moment truly stand out. This will be enhanced by my own lighting equipment and/or in coordination with the reception facility itself.

The magic of the evening

The magic of an evening is in how it unfolds. Generally, the energy level changes as people relax, unwind, and let the food and drink work their magic. Children do their running around, friends enjoy pleasant tunes - some of which they may not have heard in years - and the senior family members get to hear some of their favorites, from the 50s and earlier. This is important, as it allows those of an advanced age to really feel part of the celebrations and to relive pleasant memories of their own. I carefully observe the atmosphere of the room, and move the musical energy accordingly. 

Caution! This may cause dancing! 

Dancing is the natural result of great food and great companionship, and often there is a single moment where your guests will signal their desire to get up and dance without even saying a word. I'm ready for that, and I have the proven crowd pleasers ready to go.

(If you and your guests prefer that things stay quiet and relaxed, I'm ready for that too.) 

Better than a DJ?

DJs a are a popular option for wedding of course, but there is still something magical in seeing a performer with a guitar, interacting with the audience, and even joining in with the dancing on the dance floor. My extensive list of 350+ tunes means that I can present the songs your guests want to hear, and add to it the three dimensional experience of a live performer under professional stage lighting. It's the difference between theatre and YouTube. There's a presence along with the music.

At the heart of it all: Customer service

Being able to play live music might seem like the most important skill a wedding performer can have. But equally important is the ability to take care of you, the client, from the very first moment that you learn of my existence. It is my job to make sure you feel comfortable and confident in the months leading up to the wedding day: comfortable that you have made the right choice, and that I will deliver a performance that will serve to cap off a very important day. My work starts the moment you start decide to work with me and  does not end until the evening is fully over and every guest has left feeling elated.

This means I will work with you, coordinating and adding your favorite tunes, getting to know your plans for the big day, and of course ensuring that I and my team have everything ready to make sure you remain the star of your day.