Expert interview: Violinist Laura Jeannin on live music for your wedding

Laura and her Mersonacta Quartet have played many times at my weddings and imparte them with an upscale, polished feel that pre-recorded music just can’t create. She of all people knows everything about WHY you should have live music at your wedding, at the very least at your ceremony. 

“How did you get into music? And then into WEDDING music? What is it that fascinates you about it?”
My parents are musicians so I come by it honestly! As for wedding music, it’s a fun way to make people really happy. It’s such a special day for a couple and it’s really fun to contribute to that joy and lasting memory. 


“What is your specific style and why?”
I love playing all the pop songs but I’m actually trained as a baroque musician. I have a Master’s degree in baroque performance and that’s my favorite music to play (Bach, Handel, Corelli, etc).


“How have you evolved as a musician?”
I’m constantly evolving – learning new stuff, learning how much I can improve. Playing with other people is such a fun way to improve as a player.


“How do you connect with couples?”
I’m extroverted so it’s super easy for me to connect with couples. Being around other people is what gives me life. I love to hear their stories of how they met, and hearing their vows is always really fun. I’m often crying hearing these sweet stories!


“What, in your opinion, is the difference btw just recorded music (playlist, DJ) and live music at a wedding?”
Why do I go to concerts? To watch! Live music is such a visual element and while watching a DJ dance around can be cute, it’s so fascinating for me to watch musicians play.


“Why is live music expensive?”
We’ve put in our 10,000 hours. I have two degrees in music, and I’ve been playing my instrument and perfecting my craft for over 30 years. We spend time in the practice room learning the notes before your Big Day – so it’s not just the time on site that you’re paying for.

Thanks so much!

Laura Jeannin

Baroque & Modern Violin

www.rubinsalz.com

Want to watch and listen? Here you go! Corelli and another Baroque duo!

Hannah and Matt: A Glorious Fall Wedding on the Coast

Here is my last wedding of the 2019 season, and a beautiful one at that! Hannah and Matt decided to tie the knot pretty much on the day of their two-year anniversary. Matt had nearly sworn off relationships completely, and Hannah had simply taken her time – but when the two met, the attraction was instantaneous. Very soon, the two became loving parents to rescue dog Kiki, a 10-lb furry white ball of love. One thing led to another – and ultimately everything led them to getting married!

Many months of planning with my company, A Day Like No Other, did pay off last Saturday at Mavericks House in Half Moon Bay, beautiful, nautical-inspired event space right on the water.

Hannah got ready next door, at the Inn at Mavericks, with gorgeous views over the Half Moon Bay harbor. Hair and makeup stylist Hanh Cao worked her magic on a bride who otherwise rarely wears makeup – and the results were downright stunning!

Hannah admitted that every time throughout the day when she looked at herself in the mirror – she smiled. That says it all!

Her bridesmaids dressed in beautifully coordinated seaglass colors…

… then they all, including the bride’s sister/Maid of Honor, helped Hannah into her wedding dress…

… elegant, timeless and unfrilly as Hannah prefers it, with a lace top and a soft and feminine tulle skirt – so pretty!

A true “sister-to-sister” moment!

Then there were Hannah’s princess slippers with a LOT of “bling…”

… and her stunning bridal bouquet (from Green Petal Designs – who created floral decor throughout) in Fall colors.

Hannah had requested a loose, effortless, feminine style, and florist Janelle Jacky-Litt “delivered” with an unexpected combination of rust-colored orchids and roses, astilbe, grasses and even air plant in the bouquet, all finished with a teal wrap around the stems as a little peek preview to the couple’s favorite color as the star of their decor.

The groom and groomsmen got matching boutonnieres – just as pretty (only a lot smaller…).

Ready for their “First Look” – always a very emotional moment…

The wooden ceremony arch (with its spectacular backdrop of endless views over the Pacific) was decorated in similar style with large sprays of Fall flowers.

The ceremony was officiated by a family member who found the most personal words – half fun, half gravitas – for Hannah and Matt, while their favorite music was played by DJ Ron Israel of Spotlight Occasions.

While the couple was taking many, many photos with photographer Frank J. Lee (wait until you see HIS photos! So far all we have are my cellphone snapshots…), guests flocked to the Cocktail patio and the fire tables and heat lamps as the sun began to disappear and it was getting quite chilly.

The Mavericks team under leadership of Lisa Graye, florist Kelly of Green Petal Designs, and my assistant Melinda and I were busy putting finishing touches on the dining room decor.

The couple had chosen their favorite color, teal, for table cloths, a perfect complement to the colors of the sea outside and the muted blues and greys of the venue; and Fall colors in hues of rust and orange with lots of candlelight for their table decor – a beautiful combination.

Seasonal pumpkins played table card holder…

… and gourds and mini pumpkins “rubbed shoulders” with exquisite roses and rustic leaves, grasses and thistles.

The couple’s delicious all-vegan wedding cake (by Christian Roeder of Krumbs Cakes) played along with textural details… and unexpected flowers!

The couple’s First Dance opened the dance floor…

… and DJ Ron kept the joyful, upbeat vibe going for the late-night revelers.

The newlyweds were headed to their “mini moon” (to be followed by their “real” honeymoon later), and guests were shuttled back to their hotels in style (by Le Grande Affaire Transportation).

What a party! Wishing Hannah and Matt a lifetime of happiness!