Julia & Noah’s Willowdale Estate Wedding in Topsfield, MA
On July 6th, 2019, East Coast Soul returned to one of our longtime favorite North Shore venues: Willowdale Estate in Topsfield, Massachusetts. Julia Goldstein and Noah Simon hosted a warm, welcoming summer celebration that blended thoughtful musical details, a relaxed estate vibe, and an absolutely packed dance floor.
Willowdale Estate: A North Shore Favorite
Willowdale Estate is a spot we’re lucky to visit often, and it has a unique ability to feel intimate and cozy even when the party is going full tilt. For Julia and Noah, the day flowed naturally across the property: a courtyard ceremony, cocktails inside the manor, and a tented reception where the band and dance floor became the center of gravity.
With gorgeous stonework, lush surrounding woods, and the signature Willowdale tent, the setting gave the evening a classic New England backdrop without ever feeling overly formal or rigid.
Ceremony in the Courtyard
Julia and Noah’s ceremony took place in the courtyard, with a rain plan in place for the tent, though the weather held beautifully. East Coast Soul provided both sound and performance, centering the music around solo keys/piano to keep things simple, elegant, and intimate.
Prelude music began roughly thirty minutes before the ceremony start, leaning into Beatles and ’60s/’70s folk-rock selections. It was the perfect soundtrack as guests arrived, found their seats, and settled into the courtyard.
Processional & Recessional Songs
Julia and Noah chose a set of well-loved, timeless songs that felt both personal and accessible:
- Processional: “Make You Feel My Love” – Adele
- Bride’s Entrance: “Here Comes the Sun” – The Beatles
- Recessional: “You’re My Best Friend” – Queen
Heard on solo piano, these tunes took on a slightly different character—still familiar, but more intimate and emotional in the courtyard setting. “Here Comes the Sun” in particular felt perfectly at home surrounded by the greenery and early-evening light.
Ceremony Sound & Logistics
For audio, we provided two handheld microphones and stands to support officiant and readers, along with a compact amplification setup to ensure every word was clear without overpowering the space. Power was fully confirmed ahead of time, which allowed us to focus on performance and pacing rather than troubleshooting.
Cocktail Hour Inside the Manor
Following the ceremony, guests transitioned inside the Willowdale manor for cocktail hour. The band shifted
