Real Wedding: Amy + Hilton

Weddings

Vintage Romance Estate Wedding | Ceremony Strings & Cocktail Hour Music by Mikaela Kahn Trio

“Mikaela was on the preferred vendors list for my venue and we’re so glad we found her. Guests commented that the music made our wedding feel like a 90’s rom-com! She has a very extensive repertoire of songs so it was easy to choose our favorites and bring my vision for a pop/folk/motown-inspired ceremony and cocktail hour to life. She helped us plan, was very clear and communicative but never pushy, and was even willing to learn a new song (for a very reasonable fee) which I had my heart set on including. We also had some pre-recorded songs queue-ed up for various points in the ceremony and a couple of musical performances by family members, and she DJ’ed everything seamlessly. I’ve run many events and I was worried about logistics like moving instruments from the ceremony to the cocktail hour, etc. but Mikaela is a PRO and had already thought of everything so there would be no downtime. I wouldn’t hesitate to hire her again for any event!” – Amy H. (ceremony & cocktail hour)

Amy & Hilton’s day was a literal dream. From the stunning florals to the decadent tables capes, everything just oozed classic romance. It felt like stepping into a modern day Jane Austin novel – only skipping to the part where everyone is in love and there are no more silly misunderstandings.

Amy is an accomplished film director and her feel for production and storytelling truly took center stage. Thoughtful touches like movie quotes on the napkins, and little hidden “easter eggs” about their love story shown all throughout the design.

As guests arrived, they grabbed champagne from delicate pink coupes off a vintage bar cart and took their seats at the gorgeous sunken garden. We played classic love songs like “Moon River”, “When I Fall In Love”, and “Unchained Melody” as a trio with piano, guitar, cello, and vocals. We ended the prelude with one of Amy’s favorites, “Halo” by Beyonce as their officiant made his way down the aisle to signal the beginning of the ceremony. After he gave a short announcement, we went into the processional songs, “La Vie En Rose” and “How Long Will I Love You”.

Then, Amy had a surprise up her sleeve for her bridal entrance… Instead of playing her song live, I triggered a recording that was extremely special to the two of them – “Can’t Fight this Feeling” by JoJo (sidenote: one of my all time favorite vocalists!). Her groom was there waiting for her at the top of the staircase and helped her down the stairs. Then after she was delivered safely, he ran back down the aisle to watch her walk the rest of the way (too sweet). Watch the whole thing go down HERE. After the vows and ring exchanges were completed, we played “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer as they had their first kiss and recessed back down the aisle together.

Guests made their way up the stairs and onto the green patio outside Commodore Perry’s chapel for a sunset cocktail hour. We continued playing as a trio with a set list of Motown & oldies, and overall feel-good songs. Then another surprise! Their daughter Evelyn closed out the cocktail hour with a surprise performance. She sang “God Bless the Broken Road” and everyone pretty much lost it. We invited guests inside the restaurant for dinner and they closed out the night with a big dance party in the chapel. Everything about this day was so incredibly beautiful and full of love and I’m so grateful to have been a part of it!

Highlights: The perfect floral arch, dinner & toasts in the restaurant, a surprise song from their daughter.