Selecting the perfect live wedding musical act!!

Music can be a tough area to address as wedding planning unfolds, and it’s difficult to identify what will suit you and your fiancé best. Today we’re exploring live music options with you to uncover what sparks joy in your heart musically. There are a few different routes you can go with if you are interested in having live music on your special day. Let’s go through a few ideas to help you find the right ensemble that fits best for you! Does one of these ideas make your heart sing?

Band. If you want a live band at your reception, you might as well utilize the band you choose for your ceremony as well. This creates a perfect flow from your vows to the dancefloor, and the lead singer can double as a bit of an MC also. You don’t have to worry about who has the mic next or the order of events if you decide to choose a reliable band to play on your special day.

String ensemble. A string quartet consists of a viola, cello and two violins. This is an elegant choice for your ceremony, even for a cocktail hour before and/or after if that will be the order of events. If you are looking to stay low key at your reception, all string quartet options are beyond suitable, especially if you add a vocalist.

Duos. String duos are composed of a combination of violins and cellos. As with the classic string quartet, this choice creates a simple, whimsical, and romantic ambience that can be enjoyed before, during, and after your ceremony. It is a low-key version of the string quartet.

Trios. As you can probably guess from the description of a duo above, a trio is simple an extra violin to accompany an already existing violin and cello. A step more intricate than a duo, but still less intricate than a classic string quartet. This is most couple’s sweet spot, especially if you add a vocalist as mentioned before.

Harp. Harps are especially lovely outside because the sound carries so effortlessly across large, open spaces. You can accompany the harp with a violin or something of the like if you’d like to expand the ensemble for a larger crowd, but this is especially beautiful for a small garden wedding. Harps always add a little bit of magic to any celebration.

Harpist Susan W. Haas and Cellist Nichole Williams. Photo by Crozier Photography

You can take these ideas and modify them to reflect anything you want—it’s your day! These are simply a few thoughts to get your mind inspired. Go with a band of your choosing or explore an ensemble. Or, go a step further by adding a vocalist to any of the instrument ensembles listed above to give your music a little extra pizazz. Choose whatever musical combination that makes your heart happy! 

Real Wedding | Double Wedding Ceremony | Bella Luna Farms

When Smita + Johann first brought us into the planning process, they were deciding between two venues for their September 2015 Wedding. What it came down to was Bella Luna Farms up in Snohomish had everything and then some.

What we loved about this wedding was all the cultures melting together between these two families and that started with two wedding ceremonies, a Hindu Ceremony in the morning followed by a Western Ceremony in the afternoon.

There were some many pieces that went with this wedding not to mention the two ceremonies and it took a village to make this couples' vision come together. We had been dying to do a wedding with Sail Tents and it didn't let us down. Unsure of the weather, we chose to have a Tent for the ceremony area. We loved the seating and the florals that created an experience as guests entered that morning.

For the Western Ceremony, we wanted to give area a different look so the team from the venue who also served as the florist added some different touches to the arbor. Then after they took down all the flowers and created a whole new floral piece to welcome the guests into the dinner tent.

What this venue excels at are the lush grounds and European-style outbuildings including livestock (we loved the goats and donkeys the best). And the color palette only created more beauty around the venue.

With the amazing team of vendors that Smita + Johann put together we had the best time along with their friends and family.

Vendors
Wedding Planner: Elegant Affairs
Venue + Florist: Bella Luna Farms
Photographer: Julie Harmsen Photography
Videographer: Ryan Warner Photography
DJ: Bamboo Beats
Caterer: Lisa Dupar Catering
Hair + Make-up: Erin Skipley
Valet: Bulter Valet
Transportation: Beeline
Floral Leis: Hawaiian General Store

Let there Be Light!

Photo by Van Wyhe Photography. Lighting by Vintage Ambiance.

Are you looking for different ways to light up your big day without straying from your original vision? Don’t limit yourself to one particular lighting choice to brighten your ceremony and reception. There are many unique, romantic ways to lighten up your big day without losing your original theme. Here are a few of our favorites!

Chandeliers. During the process of choosing a venue space, make sure you tour venues with and without chandeliers already existing. If there aren’t any in a space you truly love, there are ways to incorporate them into your décor. Vintage Ambiance is one of our favorite resources when it comes to looking for an artist to create beautiful hanging decorations that you can add candles to for a little extra twinkle. They will install their creations for you as well!

Photo by Corliss Photography

Candlesticks. Groupings of candlesticks, either throughout your venue and/or used in centerpieces, draw soft, romantic light upward without being extended overhead from the ceiling. This is an easy atmosphere to create, aesthetically stunning and easy pack up, too.

Photo by The Popes

Lanterns. Whether hanging or placed throughout a venue, lanterns are a gorgeous addition to broaden your lighting décor. They are usually on the brighter side, so make sure you know their full lighting capability before deciding to include them on your big day. Because of this, also consider placing them in darker corners unless you prefer a softer, candlelit glow.

Photo by Jerome Tso Photography

Floating candles. One option we’ve been loving lately at Elegant Affairs is the use of floating candles in various sizes of elongated glass vases. This is a more modern approach to lighting up your big day while still holding true to that cozy, romantic atmosphere. 

Edison bulbs. Edison bulbs are great for outdoor and indoor ceremonies and receptions! If you are looking for a splash of light to brighten up from overhead, consider stringing up a few Edison bulbs to create a sparkly wonderland. This is sure to brighten the space without being overpowering.

Photo by Sara Parsons Photography

LED Dancefloor. This is probably the most unique idea, and so incredibly fun! If you are looking for an outstanding dance party without a spotlight shining down from overhead, try renting an LED dancefloor. These can be set up at different venues and guests LOVE it.

Photo by Scott Drexler Photography

You can use any of these ideas individually, or combine them to create your own perfectly lit event! All of these options will contribute to a beautiful atmosphere for your special day—you can’t go wrong!