An InterContinental Boston Wedding with East Coast Soul
Rachel and Graham’s wedding at the InterContinental Boston was equal parts polished and high-energy — a downtown waterfront celebration designed to feel elegant from the start and full-on fun well before dinner was served.
With live music guiding every moment of the evening, East Coast Soul provided sound and performance from ceremony through last call, building momentum early and keeping the party moving all night long.
Ceremony in the Rose Kennedy Ballroom
The ceremony took place in the Rose Kennedy Ballroom on the third floor, with East Coast Soul providing solo keyboard performance and sound support. Prelude music began about 30 minutes prior to the ceremony, setting a calm, welcoming tone as guests arrived.
The couple’s ceremony selections blended classic tradition with personal touches.
- Processional: Friday Night Lights Theme (slowed down)
- Bride’s Entrance: Canon in D – Pachelbel
- Recessional: “No One” – Alicia Keys
Lav and handheld microphones ensured the ceremony felt intimate and clearly heard throughout the space.
Cocktail Hour Jazz Down the Hall
Cocktail hour followed immediately down the hall from the ceremony, featuring a tenor sax, guitar, and bass trio performing jazz standards. The vibe was relaxed and classic — the perfect contrast before the high-energy reception that followed.
Guest favorites like Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Ray Charles added a timeless feel while allowing conversation to flow.
A High-Energy Reception from the First Moment
As guests entered the main ballroom, the full band was already playing — setting the tone right away that this was going to be a party. Rachel and Graham opted for a streamlined entrance, introducing only the newlyweds before moving directly into the evening’s momentum.
Entrance Song: “Electricity” – Dua Lipa (recording)
First Dance, Hora & Early Dance Sets
The couple’s first dance was a standout moment. East Coast Soul performed a custom arrangement of “I Need Your Love,” starting slow and sparse before building into a full, upbeat version that brought all guests onto the dance floor.
The energy stayed high with a lively hora soon after — chairs up, crowd tight, and the dance floor already buzzing early in the night.
Dinner, Toasts & Seamless Transitions
Dinner featured a short live set followed by recorded standards during the main course, keeping the mood warm and intentional without losing flow. Toasts from family and friends were woven naturally into the evening, followed by a brief return to dancing before dessert.
Parent dances later in the night brought things back to an emotional center before ramping right back up.
Late-Night Dancing Until the End
From 11:00 pm through the final song, the focus was simple: nonstop dancing. The band leaned into soul, pop, funk, and crowd favorites, with plenty of interaction — band members out on the floor, playing alongside guests and keeping the energy high.
The result was exactly what Rachel and Graham envisioned: a party that started strong, stayed strong, and never let up.
Why We Love Weddings at the InterContinental Boston
The InterContinental Boston is a standout venue for couples looking for a sleek, waterfront wedding right in the heart of the city. With flexible ballrooms, smooth logistics, and a great flow between spaces, it’s an ideal setting for live music–driven celebrations.
Rachel and Graham’s wedding was a perfect example — intentional, energetic, and unforgettable.
Planning a wedding at the InterContinental Boston or another downtown waterfront venue? East Coast Soul specializes in live music experiences that feel effortless, engaging, and packed with energy from the very first song.
