East Coast Soul had the honor of being invited to celebrate Samantha & William’s enchanting Willowdale Estate Wedding in Topsfield, MA.
Introductions and Preparations for Samantha & William’s Big Day
The journey with Samantha & William began in October 2021 when they first reached out to us. Anticipating their big day, we engaged in detailed planning, with the couple actively contributing a wealth of musical and logistical preferences. Their dedication to the preparation process proved invaluable, ensuring a seamless and memorable event.
On the much-anticipated day, East Coast Soul journeyed to Topsfield, MA, executing a swift and methodical load-in, set-up, and sound check process for Willowdale Estate weddings. The meticulous approach to loading in and setting up at any venue is a cornerstone of our preparation. We invest additional time to avoid haste, ensuring our gear is finely tuned for the unique acoustics of the room.
Ceremony
Part of our groundwork involves defining East Coast Soul’s role throughout the event. For this wedding, Samantha & William sought our contribution to their ceremony, held at 4:30 pm in the Conservatory Room at Willowdale Estate. East Coast Soul curated a Solo Piano performance and Two Mics for speeches, accompanied by approximately 30 minutes of “prelude” music as guests arrived. The couple’s selected songs, including Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” for the processional and Frankie Valli And The Four Seasons’ “December, 1963 (Oh What A Night)” for the recessional, added a beautiful touch to the ceremony.
Cocktail Hour
As tradition would have it, East Coast Soul provided captivating music for the cocktail hour, offering the bride and groom a moment to unwind after the emotional ceremony. The On-Site performance featured a Guitar/Sax Duo, highlighting classic tunes by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and more.
Reception
In the majority of weddings, East Coast Soul takes on the role of MC for formal wedding portions. The Willowdale Estate Wedding, however, had a unique twist with no formal introductions. The couple’s first dance seamlessly followed.
The Groom and Bride’s First Dance
The first dance is an emotional pinnacle of any wedding, offering the couple a moment to connect. For this wedding, we had the privilege of performing the first dance live, creating a captivating atmosphere as Samantha & William danced to “Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley. The genuine joy was palpable and resonated with all in attendance.
With this heartfelt segment concluded, a brief break allowed guests and vendors to savor a delightful dinner. After a swift intermission, East Coast Soul’s Soulsville ensemble returned to the stage.
Dance Party
As part of our preparation process, we collaborated with Samantha & William to curate a playlist that resonated with their excitement. With a mix of classic and contemporary hits, the dance floor remained alive with energy. From Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” to Mark Morrison’s “Return Of The Mack,” the playlist catered to diverse tastes spanning the decades.
Guests danced non-stop, with limited breaks ensuring an uninterrupted celebration. Special thanks to Samantha & William for allowing us to be part of their beautiful January wedding at Willowdale Estate! Gratitude also extends to Scarlet Roots for capturing and sharing these beautiful moments with us.
