White Mountain Hotel & Resort Wedding in North Conway, New Hampshire
Venue: White Mountain Hotel & Resort, North Conway, NH
Date: August 1st, 2015
Couple: Aimee & Matt
Ensemble: East Coast Soul – King Ensemble (9-Piece)
Aimee & Matt’s White Mountain Hotel & Resort wedding brought East Coast Soul to the heart of North Conway—one of New Hampshire’s most scenic and iconic mountain regions. With sweeping views of Cathedral Ledge, classic New England architecture, and an outdoor ceremony on the hotel lawn, the day blended natural beauty with a joyful, deeply personal celebration. Our full lineup was on site bright and early for a full day of music, from a cinematic ceremony set to the soundtrack of Once to a packed dance floor that carried through the evening.
Preparing for a Full-Day Performance
This wedding was a marathon in the best way. With a ceremony starting at 1:00 p.m. and a full reception stretching to 8:00 p.m., the band’s day began long before guests arrived. Backline load-in began at 9:30 a.m., with the full ensemble on site by 11:00 for setup and an 11:30 soundcheck. The hotel team and property manager, Carol Sullivan, were incredibly organized, which helped us make the most of a tight multi-location schedule.
The weather was perfect for an outdoor ceremony by the gazebo, and the mountain backdrop provided the kind of New England charm that photographers dream about.
Ceremony on the Lawn: A Soundtrack Inspired by Once
The couple curated a gorgeous, atmospheric ceremony soundtrack inspired entirely by the movie Once. ECS provided acoustic guitar and ceremony sound support, including two wireless handheld microphones for officiant and readings.
- Prelude: Guitar instrumentals chosen to match the tone of the Once selections
- Processional: “Gold” – Once Soundtrack
- Bride’s Entrance: “Falling Slowly” – Once Soundtrack
- Interlude: “When Your Mind’s Made Up” – Once Soundtrack
- Recessional: “The North Strand” – Once Soundtrack
The acoustic guitar arrangement gave the entire ceremony a warm, cinematic feel. With the mountains in the background and the breeze cutting across the hotel lawn, it made for a truly memorable setting.
Cocktail Hour in the Tavern & Lobby
Following the ceremony, guests headed inside to the tavern and lobby for cocktail hour. East Coast Soul provided a keys/sax jazz duo, filling the space with a relaxed and sophisticated blend of traditional jazz, blues, and soul standards. The setting—stone fireplaces, warm wood interiors, and big windows looking out on the mountains—was the perfect complement to the acoustic tones.
Dinner in the Ledges Dining Room
Dinner began at 3:00 p.m. in the Ledges Dining Room, with beautiful natural light and views of the hotel grounds. Toasts from Best Man Andrew Hollis-Lima and Maid of Honor Alison Bertazzoni took place right at the start, supported by a simple PA setup with one microphone and stand.
To set the tone for the meal, the couple requested alternating solo instrumental sets:
- 3:10 – 4:00: Solo Guitar
- 4:00 – 5:00: Solo Keys
Meanwhile, the full band enjoyed an early vendor m
