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!

A Romantic Summer Garden Party for Isheeta and Alex

If ever there was a super-busy young couple planning their wedding, it’s THEM! Groom Alex is working long hours as a software engineer. Bride Isheeta was completing Medical School during our planning time and took her final exams just weeks before her wedding. Together they managed TWO cross-country moves while we were collaborating on their Big Day. Small wonder they needed the help of my company, A Day Like No Other, to plan their wedding celebration!

They had fallen in love with one of the most romantic venues in all of the San Francisco Bay Area, Thomas Fogarty Winery. Nestled into rolling vineyards, and perched high up on a mountain ridge, with endless views from the San Francisco skyline to Silicon Valley – it clearly spoke to these two nature lovers!

After nearly a year of diligent planning, the Great Day had finally arrived – a beautiful, sunny early summer day under blue skies and with a slight breeze. Just perfect.

For bride Isheeta, the day began with hair and makeup services by Vivian Sampson Beauty

… followed by dressing up with the help of her Mom – the quintessential Mother-Daughter moment!

And likewise, groom Alex and HIS Mom had THEIR moment.

Photographer Melissa Floriano and Avalos Films videographers captured all these precious scenes, from start to finish.

The first big highlight of the day was, of course, the couple’s First Look…

…. followed by many, many photos of the bride and groom…

… also with their bridal party.

Meanwhile, the teams of A Day Like No Other, Continental Caterers, Green Petal Designs florals and Big Fun Disc Jockeys were hard at work setting up the ceremony area, decorating and cooking and making sure that both the bar and the sound systems were in place in time.

Florist Janelle of Green Petal Designs had created stunning bouquets and floral arrangements with the bride’s favorite flowers – orchids and roses. So elegant… Time was going by so quickly, guests were arriving (via shuttles from Corinthian Ground Transportation), and then – the ceremony began. Groom Alex was escorted by both his parents…

… a super cute flower girl (with an orchid flower crown!) stole the show…

… and after her, bride Isheeta appeared with her parents.

Always such an emotional moment… and the scenery was simply breathtaking.

The ceremony was officiated by a longtime friend of the couple – it doesn’t get much more personal than that!

“You May Now Kiss the Bride!” – and there they are, just married!

While guests were enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres supplied by Continental Catering, serenaded by DJ Woody of Big Fun Disc Jockeys and entertaining themselves with making a Polaroid scrapbook for the couple ….

… the newlyweds had more pictures to take.

Dinner time! Our catering team had set up dinner tables in the open Pavilion with elegant chairs and tabletop items from Hensley Event Resources

… shimmering linens and napkins from Napa Valley Linens

…. and dominated by potted Phalaenopsis orchids from Green Petal Designs.

It was a really glamorous dinner setup…. and that was not the only surprise!!

After dinner, more delights awaited – first off: wedding cake and a dessert bar (from La Vie Douce)!

Once the cake had been cut, there was no holding back on dancing. The newlyweds opened the dancefloor with their First Dance…

…. and that was the beginning of one wild dance party!

The open Deck was illuminated by thousands of twinkle lights, the bar was open, and even the non-dancers were having a fabulous time.

Wishing you a lifetime of happiness, Isheeta and Alex!

See it all Live!

And if you desire a wedding just as beautiful as theirs… choose A Day Like No Other – wedding coordination and design.

“When only the best will do!”