Real Wedding: Alison + Aaron

Weddings

Dreamy & Dramatic Estate Wedding | Live Vocals & Strings by Mikaela Kahn Ensemble

Alison and Aaron’s wedding was like something out of a dream – one of the most thoughtful, intentional, and creative weddings I’ve had the privilege of singing for. Alison’s theater background and love for the arts inspired the most beautiful production from start to finish. The amazing Amy Kuntz of Hawthorne and Poppy designed a masterpiece, pulling inspiration from Alison’s love of Dutch Masters paintings, theatrical lighting, and beautiful rich florals. I think it’s safe to say this day changed me…for good.

Alison comes from a musical theater background and used to perform on broadway (!!). We immediately clicked over our shared love of Wicked and high notes and had the best time planning out all the musical elements of the day. The ceremony was set up in a circle, with guests surrounding a stage in the center of the room, and projections of a beautiful cumulus cloud-filled sky dancing on the walls.

Strings bring such an emotional, lush sound so we decided on a quartet with piano, guitar, cello, violin, and vocals to underscore the ceremony. We played a slowed down version of “I Choose You” by Sara Bareilles as family members, Aaron, and the small bridal party came down the aisle. Aaron remained standing on the stage waiting for his bride, and then it was time for Alison’s entrance. We played “I Get to Love You” by Ruelle as she slowly walked through the chapel doors and onto the podium with Aaron. (Brb tearing up just thinking about it). After the big kiss, I belted out Beyonce’s “Love On Top” as they danced out together.

Guests made their way outside into the brisk December air for cocktails in the garden. During cocktail hour, we played upbeat country and pop as an acoustic quartet with upright bass, guitar, cajon and vocals. During cocktail hour, there was a miraculous set change going on in the chapel – transforming the ceremony site from dawn to a glowy dinner scene at dusk. Logistically, this was challenging to pull off but this incredible vendor team all worked together to make real magic.

When guests walked back into the chapel, jaws literally dropped—mine included. We resumed playing as the ceremony quartet, with strings carrying through dinner and their first dance to “You Are the Best Thing” by Ray Lamontagne. I always love when guests sing along, and with Alison’s many theater friends (who all have incredible voices) it happened all night. And of course, one friend had something extra special planned: a surprise performance of “Golden Hour” by Kacey Musgraves that completely stole the moment.

The night ended with dancing, espresso martinis, and an aura reader. All this to say, the bar was set unbelievably high with this day and I’m probably never gonna shut up about it. And even with the breathtaking design, their love was truly center stage. I mean there literally was a stage…in the center… of the room. See what I did there? Thanks so much for letting us provide the soundtrack to such a special day!

Highlights: fully carpeted floor, wall projections, epic draping, circular stage, and all the drama