Drag Queens, Tarot Cards, and Tiny Tattoos: An Unforgettable Autumn Wedding at Priam Vineyard

This past October, I had the absolute joy of celebrating the wedding of two incredible people, Josh and Brendan, at Priam Vineyard. The couple brought an entirely unique, magical, and deeply personal touch to their big day. Picture this: a tented reception nestled amongst the vines, vibrant autumn foliage creating a kaleidoscope of colors, and a string quartet (plus drums!) setting the perfect musical backdrop. It was unforgettable and so much fun.

Credit: Sue Takes Photos

Hi, I’m Ariana - I’m a wedding violinist and the founder of Ariana Strings. I’ve performed for 725 weddings and private events over the last 15 years and love sharing our couples’ wedding stories. Here you’ll find inspiration for your wedding ceremony music, song ideas for your cocktail hour, as well as wildly fun wedding style from this real Priam Vineyard wedding. Let’s dive in!

Josh has been a close friend of our family for many years. He started as besties with my Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Dorothy, who deserves full credit for introducing us. Josh was Dorothy’s groomer for years, and all of our grooming appointments are cherished catch-up sessions. These days, Josh has been trying to tame the wild beast that is our puppy intern, Penelope (Chief Paw-chestra Conductor).

When Josh and Brendan started planning their Priam Vineyard wedding, we spent hours swapping ideas, chatting about trends, and brainstorming ways to make their day as unique as their love story. And let me tell you, they absolutely nailed it.

The ceremony itself was as unique and adorable as they are. Josh and Brendan opted for a moody, gothic flair that blended seamlessly with the vineyard’s natural beauty. They DIY'ed their florals and decor, going with the flow and letting the best things find them. Instead of bouquets, their wedding party carried custom lanterns down the aisle. Brendan’s uncle officiated, Josh’s sister was the videographer, and my best friend, Sue Takes Photos, brought her whole photography team. It was a full house!

The grooms' grand entrance: Walking down the aisle to Love Story by Taylor Swift

Josh, Brendan, and I spent ages talking about the ceremony setup and layout, most often from our hand-drawn aerial view. It's so cool that Sue Takes Photos brought a drone for this shot!

Wedding Ceremony Music

Ariana Strings Quartet + Drums

Josh and Brendan loved that we're classical wedding musicians, but wanted a special twist, so we added on drums. For prelude, they asked me to surprise them. After digging a little deeper, I got a sense that they’d like more ballads and sweet love songs mixed in with classical wedding music. I included Spring and Winter from The Four Seasons (Vivaldi), I Will Always Love You (Whitney Houston), Wildest Dreams (Taylor Swift) from Bridgerton, At Last (Etta James), and Stand By Me (Ben E. King).

The Wedding Party processional: Fleetwood Mac’s “Gypsy,” a perfect nod to their eclectic style.

The Grooms’ Grand Entrance: Taylor Swift’s “Love Story,” complete with two adorable bubble boys and a flower girl, Olivia, leading the way. Oh, and let’s not forget Ramona, their  rescue pup, who added an extra dose of charm.

The Recessional: Don’t Stop by Fleetwood Mac, which gave our drummer, Allegra, lots of fun moments!

After the ceremony, the celebration continued with a cocktail hour that blended classic throwbacks with modern flair. During our planning meetings, the couple said they love everything in our library and had a lot of trouble narrowing it down, which gave me free rein to really create something totally unique for them.

Cocktail Hour - or should we say, Wine Time?

Josh and Brendan said they  wanted to include everything from classic love songs and jazz to 60s, 70s, and 80s throwbacks. Plus, they love Bridgerton, 2000s pop, upbeat classical and opera. We had a blast weaving together all their favorites and surprising their guests. We played (in no certain order):

Fly Me to the Moon - Frank Sinatra

Bad Romance - Lady Gaga

Cheap Thrills - Sia

Hit Me Baby (One More time) - Britney Spears

Havana - Camila Cabello

Don’t Stop Believing - Journey

Give Me Everything Tonight - Pitbull

I Got You Babe - Sonny and Cher

All You Need is Love -  The Beatles

The reception was where their personalities truly came to life. The tent was adorned in jewel tones—deep teal, burgundy, black, and gold—with tablescapes that featured thrifted goblets (a thoughtful favor for each guest), deep purple linens, tall red candles, and wild greenery. Their sweetheart table had a playful mix with dark humor: a wooden “Mr. & Mr.” sign alongside a neon sign that read “Til Death.” Their table numbers? Tarot cards. It was gothic glam at its finest.

But the real showstopper? Josh and Brendan booked Summer Orlando to bring along two drag queens for a special performance that kicked off the reception. Judy Garland, Cher, and Barbra Streisand all made appearances, and it was every bit as fabulous as it sounds. The grooms thoughtfully set up two lounge areas with velvet green couches and blankets, creating cozy spots for guests to take in the performance and, later, breaks from the dance floor.

On top of it all, the newlyweds booked their favorite tattoo artist to come give all the guests mini tattoos, which is SO them! The couple celebrated by getting matching tattoos of bumble bees.

Josh and Brendan, thank you for trusting me not just as your friend but as part of the team that brought your vision to life. Your wedding was a celebration of love, creativity, and everything that makes you two so special. Here’s to many years of happiness, laughter, and of course, puppy bath time catch-ups.

A Royal Wedding at Lord Thompson Manor: Madeline and Joe’s Timeless Celebration

Photo credit: Alicia Ann Daw

There’s something magical about weddings at Lord Thompson Manor—its manicured gardens, European-inspired architecture, and softly lit candles throughout the building create an atmosphere that feels straight out of a royal English romance. So, when Madeline and Joe invited our string quartet to perform for their ceremony and cocktail hour, we were thrilled to be part of their celebration.

Madeline isn’t just any bride—she’s a fellow wedding vendor and a talented content creator for Ever After Social. She’s seen our classical wedding musicians perform at other weddings, and let me tell you, when someone who knows the industry inside and out chooses you to play for their special day, it’s the ultimate compliment.

Madeline and Joe’s wedding at Lord Thompson Manor was the epitome of timeless elegance, with just a touch of spontaneity to make it unforgettable. Between the gorgeous black-tie aesthetic, lush all-white florals, candles for days, and antique silver and vintage gold accents, the day exuded sophistication from start to finish. And when an unexpected power outage left the band unable to perform, our string quartet stepped in to save the day, seamlessly adapting to keep the party going.

Hi, I’m Ariana - I’m a wedding violinist and the founder of Ariana Strings. I’ve performed for 725 weddings and private events over the last 15 years and love sharing our couples’ wedding stories. Here you’ll find inspiration for your wedding ceremony music, song ideas for your cocktail hour, as well as incredible wedding style from this real Lord Thompson Manor wedding. Let’s dive in!

An Elegant Wedding Ceremony

Madeline and Joe’s ceremony took place in the garden at Lord Thompson Manor, framed by a color palette of all-white florals and surrounded by lush greenery. The ceremony design, accented by mixed-metal décor, felt both classic and contemporary—a perfect reflection of the couple’s vision.

As the guests settled in, our string quartet began the prelude with a selection of classical wedding music favorites. The air was crisp, and the soft glow of the late afternoon light added to the atmosphere of quiet anticipation.

Madeline and Joe’s unplugged ceremony was as heartfelt as it was elegant, with their guests fully immersed in every moment. The ceremony began with officiant, Kathy Vass setting the tone, reminding everyone to stay present and enjoy the beauty of the day.

The Wedding Ceremony Music:

- Family & Wedding Party Processional: We opened with Canon in D (a.k.a. Pachelbel’s Canon) a timeless classic that added to the regal vibe. The highlight? The adorable flower girl and ring bearer, making their way down the aisle. Our hearts melted from their cuteness.

- Bride’s Processional: Madeline’s entrance was nothing short of breathtaking. As we played Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley, she floated down the aisle, looking every bit the regal bride.

- Rose Ceremony Surprise: Halfway through, the couple surprised their moms with a touching rose ceremony. We played La Vie En Rose softly in the background, adding to the tender moment.

- Recessional: The newlyweds made their joyful exit to Stevie Wonder’s Signed, Sealed, Delivered, with laughter and applause echoing through the gardens.

For the postlude, we kept the vibe upbeat with classical pieces as the couple transitioned directly into their champagne toast and speeches.

Toasts from the Juliette Window: A Lord Thompson Manor Wedding Tradition

In a creative twist, the toasts were delivered from the Juliette window of the Manor—a romantic touch that had guests gazing up from the candlelit gardens. The father of the bride, maid of honor, and best man shared heartfelt and humorous stories, setting the tone for the rest of the evening.

While they toasted, we snuck out and set up for cocktail hour, ready to play light and celebratory pieces to keep the energy high.

Fireside Cocktail Hour: Cozy and Classic   

Cocktail hour took place on the patio, where space heaters and glowing fireplaces kept guests cozy under the evening sky. The Manor’s timeless charm shone in every detail, from the antique silver and vintage gold accents to the flickering candlelight.

For the music, Madeline and Joe had our pop string quartet play a mix of 70s classics, jazz standards, and a party vibe toward the end. We crafted a setlist to fit their vision, leaning into timeless favorites, adding a Bridgerton-style twist toward the end to build up the energy. Guest requests were welcome, and we were thrilled to see how much everyone appreciated the music. We played:

Marvin Gaye "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)" Frank Sinatra "Fly Me To The Moon"

Frank Sinatra "The Way You Look Tonight"

Natalie Cole "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)"

Sonny & Cher “I Got You Babe”

Stevie Wonder "Isn't She Lovely?"

Nat King Cole "L-O-V-E" Adele "Rolling in The Deep"

Camilla Cabello "Havana"

Calvin Harris/Rihanna "We Found Love"

Katy Perry "Firework"

Taylor Swift “Love Story”

Taylor Swift "Wildest Dreams" from The Netflix Series BRIDGERTON

Sia "Cheap Thrills"

The Show Must Go On

Just as the festivities were hitting their stride, we caught wind of an unexpected challenge: a power outage had swept through the street, cutting electricity to the Manor. The band, though ready to take over, couldn’t start for another half hour.

Jackie of Lord Thompson Manor turned to us. “Can you keep playing?” they asked.

“Of course! We’ve got you covered.”

We seamlessly extended our performance, moving indoors to be heard by the guests as they took their seats in the dining room, keeping the celebration alive with a mix of romantic and upbeat songs, proving that nothing- not even a power outage—could dim the joy of this day.

Heartfelt Gratitude

Madeline and Joe, thank you for trusting us to be part of such a meaningful day. As a fellow wedding vendor, Madeline, your decision to have us play for your wedding means the world. It’s a true honor when someone who knows the industry so well chooses you for their most important day.

Your wedding felt like a royal dream, from the candlelit elegance of the Manor to the love and joy that filled every moment. We’re so grateful to have been part of it and wish you both a lifetime of happiness, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Vendor team:

Venue and Floral Design Lord Thompson Manor

Officiant Kathy Vass of Ever After Ceremonies

Reception Band Sugar

String Quartet for Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Ariana Strings

Photography Alicia Ann Photographers

Vow Books Etsy

Content Creator So Bridal Social

Cake Marble Made Cakes

Hair and Makeup Simply Gorgeous by Erin

Signage Something Borrowed Event Decor

Dress Everthine Bridal and Jane Hill Bridal

Jewelry David Yurman

Rings Farmington Jewelers

Ring Boxes Styling Archives

Suits Formals by Antonio

Car Rental Elizabeth in Newport

Pajamas Daily Sleeper

Dreamy Summer Wedding at The Wadsworth Mansion, Middletown, CT

Jessica and Nick’s wedding at The Wadsworth Mansion in Middletown, Connecticut, was a beautiful mix of timeless style and with modern flair, from the Bridgerton-inspired ceremony music to their lush, colorful, wild florals. No detail was overlooked and every element was highly personalized. It was beautifully designed by Wildflower Events and I cannot wait to share these incredible photos by Jennifer Nichole Photography.

Credit: Wildflower Events + Jennifer Nicole Photography

Photo credit: Nikki Estephan

Hi, I’m Ariana - I’m a wedding violinist and the founder of Ariana Strings. I’ve performed for 725 weddings and private events over the last 15 years and love sharing our couples’ wedding stories. Here you’ll find inspiration for your wedding ceremony music, cocktail hour playlist, as well as incredible style from this real Wadsworth Mansion wedding. Let’s dive in!

A Garden Ceremony: Classic Elegance on The Great Lawn

The Wadsworth Mansion has quite a few ceremony spaces, but the most classic is on The Great Lawn, surrounded by blooming hydrangeas and shaded by tall trees. At the top of the aisle was an incredible floral design by Rebel Rose Floral. It felt like a scene from a storybook!

The light blue and blush pink color palette was carried through the event, and I suggested that our string quartet wear dusty rose dresses to complement the blush theme. Our couple loved the idea, and the dresses matched perfectly, adding an extra layer of elegance.

Tip: If you’re getting married on The Great Lawn, rent umbrellas or consider the angle of the sun when deciding on your chair placement and ceremony flowers. Guests truly appreciate the natural shade on a hot Summer’s day.

Since Jessica and Nick had a larger event that sprawled over the full outdoor space at the Wadsworth (more on that later), we amplified our string quartet for their ceremony. The couple asked that our prelude music start off slow and romantic, and then shifted to more upbeat songs to match the joyful mood. Jessica and Nick’s song choices included:

- Justin Bieber - Holy

- The Beatles - All You Need is Love

- Aerosmith - I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing

- The Cranberries - Linger

- Elton John - Your Song

- Ed Sheeran - Perfect

- Jason Mraz - Lucky

- Zedd, Maren Morris, and Grey - The Middle

- Maroon 5 - Girls Like You

- Sia ft. David Guetta - Titanium

- Coldplay - Yellow

The family walked down the aisle to XO by Beyoncé, while the wedding party entered to Taylor Swift’s Wildest Dreams (the Bridgerton string quartet version). Jessica made her grand entrance to Turning Page by Sleeping at Last, a lyrical motif made famous by the Twilight movies.

Jessica’s aunt officiated the ceremony, adding a Bridgerton-inspired theme with lessons about marriage based on the relationship between Queen Charlotte and King George. She connected these lessons to Jessica and Nick’s relationship, highlighting the importance of resilience, understanding, and unwavering support in building a strong and lasting partnership.

For the recessional, the couple chose Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Queen. This carefree and lively song perfectly captured the joy of the moment, especially when Nick swooped Jessica into a dramatic dip as they headed up the aisle—a moment beautifully captured by Jennifer Nicole Photography.

Wadsworth Mansion Wedding Cocktail Hour: A Pop Music Celebration in the Rose Garden

The cocktail hour took place in the rose garden near the tennis pavilion. There, we teamed up with DJ June and Garrett of June Events, plugging into their surround-sound style system. We made sure the sound was clear and well balanced for everyone to enjoy. This collaboration allowed every note to carry beautifully, creating a truly all-encompassing experience for the guests.

Jessica and Nick asked us to play pop music that everyone would know and enjoy, giving us the freedom to create a playlist that kept the energy high. During our music planning meetings, they shared how important it was that we make sure that every guest really felt included with our music selections. I knew exactly what to do: We played hits from different decades and really paid attention to what the crowd was enjoying. The couple told us that it was a huge hit:

“When my husband and I were planning our wedding we knew we wanted to incorporate live music. Ariana Strings was highly recommended by our wedding planner and for a good reason. The moment we heard the demos we knew we needed to book with them. They created a fairytale atmosphere and walking down the aisle to their music honestly gave me goose bumps. They also played during our cocktail hour and our guests were so impressed with all the modern songs they were able to play on the strings. Now my husband and I are so obsessed that we are wishing we another event just so we can work with them again. What an amazingly talented and sweet group of people. If you want to take your wedding to the next level then book ASAP….what are you waiting for?!!?”

Jessica and Nick’s wedding was a celebration of love, music, and family. With a thoughtfully curated playlist, incredible teamwork from all the vendors (lead by Lindsey of Wildflower Events), and the timeless beauty of The Wadsworth Mansion, their day was unforgettable.