A Thompson Island Wedding with East Coast Soul
Jessica and Brendan Thompson Island wedding was one of those uniquely Boston celebrations that feels equal parts adventurous and elegant. Accessible only by ferry and set against sweeping harbor views, Thompson Island offered a truly unforgettable backdrop for this summer celebration — and East Coast Soul was honored to provide live music throughout the entire day.
From the moment guests stepped onto the island, the tone was set for an upbeat, joy-filled experience that blended classic soul, modern favorites, and high-energy dance music, all thoughtfully paced to match each chapter of the day.
Ceremony Music on Thompson Island
The ceremony took place inside the pavilion, with contingency plans ready for a lawn ceremony overlooking the harbor if weather allowed. East Coast Soul provided both sound reinforcement and live performance, seamlessly adapting the setup so the band could quickly transition into cocktail hour afterward.
Prelude music began about 30 minutes before the ceremony, creating a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere as guests arrived. The couple selected a mix of heartfelt and playful songs that felt personal without being overly traditional.
Ceremony highlights included:
- Prelude: “Love Story” – Taylor Swift
- Processional: “Time After Time” – Iron & Wine
- Bride’s Entrance: “Eternal Flame” – The Bangles
- Recessional: “Dirty Water” – The Standells
The ceremony sound setup included lav microphones for the officiant and groom, along with a handheld mic for readers, ensuring every word was heard clearly — even in a space shared with the band’s main setup.
Cocktail Hour: Harbor Views & Laid-Back Grooves
Cocktail hour unfolded on the patio adjacent to the pavilion, where guests mingled with drinks in hand and views of Boston Harbor all around. East Coast Soul performed as a keyboard and sax duo, leaning into a warm, feel-good repertoire inspired by James Taylor and similar artists.
The result was relaxed, elegant, and perfectly suited to the island setting — upbeat enough to keep energy high, but mellow enough to encourage conversation.
Reception & Dinner Music
The reception began without formal introductions, allowing the evening to flow naturally into the couple’s first dance.
First Dance: “10,000 Emerald Pools” – Børns (performed live, custom shortened)
Dinner followed with a small instrumental ensemble featuring saxophone, guitar, bass, and drums. The vibe stayed jazzy and easygoing, striking that sweet spot between background ambience and engaging live music.
Toasts from family and friends were seamlessly mic’d, and East Coast Soul handled all dinner and break music to maintain a cohesive musical arc throughout the evening.
A Packed Dance Floor to Close the Night
Once the dance floor opened, the goal was clear: keep it full. Jessica and Brendan requested an upbeat, party-forward set with minimal slow songs — a mix of timeless classics and modern crowd-pleasers.
Must-plays included:
- “Shout” – The Isley Brothers
- “Brown Eyed Girl” – Van Morrison
- “American Girl” – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
The night also featured a lively hora, guided by a guest MC, adding another unforgettable moment to an already electric celebration.
As the evening wrapped up, guests were reminded of the departing charter ferry — a uniquely Thompson Island finale to an incredible day.
Why We Love Thompson Island Weddings
Thompson Island weddings are truly one-of-a-kind. From ferry logistics to waterfront scenery, they offer couples a private, destination-style experience without ever leaving Boston. With thoughtful planning and an experienced vendor team, they’re an incredible option for couples looking to do something a little different.
Jessica and Brendan’s wedding perfectly captured that spirit — joyful, high-energy, and full of personality. We’re so grateful to have been part of it.
Planning a Thompson Island wedding or another destination-style celebration in New England? East Coast Soul specializes in full-service live music experiences designed to flow seamlessly from ceremony to last dance.
