Tag Archives: live music

Sally and Chris – a Persian/American fantasy

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Two super-busy young professionals, living out of state, planning an elaborate wedding at Nestldown Estate just outside Silicon Valley – it’s clear they needed assistance! I was so honored that they chose my company, A Day Like No Other, to help with the planning and design, and the bride’s parents took over the tasks of site visits and tastings that had to be done in-person. After a year of planning and designing, everything finally came together beautifully under blue skies and a warming May sunshine.

For Sally and her friends, her sister, mother and mother-in-law, the day began at the elegant Hotel Los Gatos…

… where they all received beauty services by Felicia Wei and assistants of Bun Bun Bridal Lab – and look how gorgeous the results were! Photographer Gavin Farrington with second shooter Paula captured the whole day from start to finish – however, for the time being, all we have to show are my cellphone shots. Just wait until you see the professional photos!

At Nestldown, meanwhile, several vendor teams (including myself and my associate Stephanie Hui) were hard at work to get everything ready for the celebration; Ephraim of Apis Florals and his crew put up gorgeous floral arrangements…

…. a gilded circular arch, decorated with a profusion of flowers, and a sofreh-aghd, the traditional Persian wedding spread (the bride is of Persian heritage), in the “Chapel,” a natural clearing in the Redwoods at Nestldown, where all ceremonies are held.

Guests were arriving via convenient shuttle service (by Corinthian Ground Transportation) and making their way to the lavishly decorated ceremony area.

Time for the ceremony!

Here comes the bride, with her parents, serenaded by the Corelli String Trio. The unique Persian-American ceremony was officiated by Sally’s best friend from college, together with Sally’s sister, with participation from her uncle, nephews and nieces, and a friend of the couple. This was a very personal, heartfelt moment for all.

The sofreh was a labor of love by the bride’s parents – her father built the table himself, her mother supplied all the symbolic items that are displayed on the sofreh, and her sister contributed to the ceremony with explanations for all guests who might not be familiar with the Persian wedding customs.

As part of the wedding ceremony, female family members shower the couple with sugar, rubbed over their heads, symbolizing the sweetness of marriage.

Just married!!

While Chris and Sally had to take more romantic photos – and video by Two4Tea – on the beautiful grounds of Nestldown…

…their guests enjoyed cocktails (by Bacchus Wine and Spirits) and hors d’oeuvres by Wylder Space Catering at the “Apple Knoll” event space – under a pergola hung with crystal chandeliers!

Another personal touch: Chris’ and Sally’s beloved canine Neville was cheering guests from the cocktail napkins…

… and Corelli Springs again provided the elegant musical background.

A truly elegant affair! Come dinner time, guests were invited to Nestldown’s Main Lawn …

… where tables with elegant floral centerpieces…

… a seating chart arranged on a huge mirror….

…..and place settings with individual leather name tags awaited them.

After a delicious dinner (by Wylder Space Catering) and heartfelt speeches by their parents, everyone moved inside the “Barn”, the central event space at Nestldown, for cutting the wedding cake and enjoying Persian desserts (by C’est Si Bon Bakery)…

… and for a huge surprise for the couple: a saxophonist whom the bride’s sister had secretly hired to play alongside DJ Woody Miraglia (of Big Fun Disc Jockeys) – a dream come true for Sally and Chris! Saxophonist Justin Ward, a musician through and through, accompanied the newlyweds’ First Dance under the giant crystal chandelier…

… and from that moment on, it was only “dance, dance, dance” for the rest of the evening. A Grand Send-off with shimmering bubbles was the last high point of this incredible celebration, before the couple was whisked away in the authentic vintage London taxi which is one of the special perks at Nestldown.

Keep celebrating and dancing, Sally and Chris – wishing you a lifetime of happiness together!

Expert interview: Jazz musician Robbie Schlosser of the Magnolia Jazz Trio

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Wondering whether or not to have live music at your wedding, in particular Jazz music? Here are all the answers you need, from a real “industry veteran” – Robbie Schlosser, leader of the Magnolia Jazz Trio. To me, they are the absolute “gold standard” of Bay Area Jazz.

How did I get into music?
I grew up in a musical family where everyone played something, and I was no exception—starting on violin, then cornet, French horn, and eventually string bass. Like many kids, I listened to popular music on the radio, and one day my dad gave me an LP of early jazz. I was hooked. I started a jazz band in high school, and the passion stuck. Years later, as a grad student at Stanford, I heard the Preservation Hall Jazz Band play live—and right then, I decided to make music my life.

And how did I get into weddings?
I formed the Magnolia Jazz Band in 1975. At first, we played public and private events—sometimes as a dance band, sometimes a trio. As we played more, we were invited to more weddings. Over time, the trio became our specialty. We still play all kinds of celebrations, but weddings are something special.

What fascinates me about weddings?
Every wedding is a unique celebration. Sure, most follow a familiar structure, but each one is personalized—especially through music. The songs a couple chooses reflect who they are. Everything—the venue, decor, food, photographer, and the coordinator—adds to the one-of-a-kind vibe.

What’s our style?
Our style is upbeat, familiar, and fun—music that people recognize and enjoy. It’s rooted in the New Orleans jazz tradition and the American Songbook, spanning the 1920s to today.

How have I evolved?
Three ways: I keep practicing and improving my craft. I’ve learned to better serve people—like a great concierge or waiter, helping clients get exactly what they want. And I’ve become more organized and efficient, handling hundreds of small details behind the scenes.

How do couples find me?
Mainly through word-of-mouth—friends, past clients, and industry colleagues like coordinators and caterers. I stay visible online with a website and regular posts on social media.

Why choose live music?
Both live and recorded music can enhance a wedding. But live music offers a unique presence—a real-time connection between the musicians and the guests that brings the moment to life.

Is live music expensive?
Not necessarily. There are options at every price point. A great DJ might cost more than a small band, and vice versa. Live music can be surprisingly affordable and incredibly impactful.

Want to listen? Here you go! A soundbite for you. Enjoy!

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

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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!