Whimsical and Modern Glen Manor House Wedding

Sam and Jenna’s wedding at Glen Manor House was the epitome of modern elegance paired with personal touches. As classical wedding musicians, we were thrilled to create a unique blend of traditional and modern music that perfectly reflected the couple’s vision.

Hi, I’m Ariana — wedding violinist and founder of Ariana Strings. I’ve performed for 725 weddings over the last 15 years and love sharing my experience with you as inspiration for your special day.

For Sam and Jenna’s wedding, we brought our acoustic violin and viola duet to this historic Rhode Island venue, providing classical wedding ceremony music and an unforgettable Bridgerton-inspired cocktail hour set. Let’s dive into the highlights of this stunning wedding at Glen Manor House!

Planning Music for a Wedding at Glen Manor House

From the very first call with Sam and Jenna, I could tell how much heart they were putting into their special day. They had been referred to me by my incredible colleague, Sarah Brehant Events, so I knew their wedding would be flawless and styled beautifully. Alongside their 4-month-old foster kitten, they shared their ideas and excitement with me.

We talked through all of their ensemble options, the setup possibilities, ideas for amplification in a garden ceremony setting, and the possibility of expanding the ensemble if they wanted a fuller sound. Ultimately, the amplified violin and viola duet struck the perfect balance for their wedding ceremony and cocktail hour music.

Whimsical Ceremony Details

The ceremony at Glen Manor House was held in the garden, with chairs facing the water and an aisle adorned with a breathtaking floral design (by Florals by Justine) that featured a winding, asymmetrical aisle—a whimsical and enchanting setup unlike anything I’d ever seen before. Michelle Lyerly captured such truly unique shots that I cannot wait to share!

To match the wedding’s color palette of greens, light blues, and pops of blush, we wore dusty rose dresses, to tie in with the overall aesthetic. (Our go-to backup look, as always, was concert black.)

The ceremony was officiated by the couple’s friend, Max, who charmed everyone with his heartfelt humor and engaging storytelling. He struck the perfect balance of emotion and comedy, keeping everyone fully present in the moment.

For the music, the couple opted for a mix of classical and personal selections. The prelude featured classical wedding music that set a sophisticated tone for the event.

The highlight of the ceremony was Jenna’s processional to All I Ask of You from Phantom of the Opera. This special request held deep meaning for Jenna, and I was honored to bring it to life. As a violinist who played in the pit orchestra for the North American tour of Phantom, the song is close to my heart, too.

The ceremony concluded with a bit of royal wedding flair: The recessional to Handel’s Queen of Sheba, sending Sam and Jenna down the aisle as newlyweds in Baroque style.

Bridgerton Strings for Cocktail Hour

Cocktail hour at this Glen Manor House wedding was a perfect blend of elegance and fun. We started with classical wedding staples like Vivaldi’s Spring from The Four Seasons and Handel’s Air from Water Music Suite. Then, we snuck in popular classical music pieces The Swan and Schubert’s Traumerei, and transitioned to pop strings arrangements that had guests buzzing.

When Sam and Jenna told me they really wanted to lean into Bridgerton strings, I created a custom library of pop string arrangements just for their violin and viola duet, featuring hits that bridged the gap between throwbacks and current pop:

Artemas - "I Like the Way You Kiss Me"

The Beatles - "All You Need is Love"

The Beatles - "Here Comes the Sun"

Bonnie Tyler "Total Eclipse of the Heart"

Bridgerton - Main Title from Netflix's Bridgerton

Bruno Mars - "Marry You"

Callum Scott "You Are the Reason"

Christina Perri  - “A Thousand Years” (from The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1)

Ed Sheeran "Perfect"

Ed Sheeran  - “Thinking Out Loud”

Edith Piaf - "La Vie En Rose"

Etta James - "At Last"

Jason Mraz - “I'm Yours”

John Legend - “All of Me”

John Williams - Jurassic Park (Main Title)

Katy Perry "Firework"

Leonard Cohen - “Hallelujah” (in the style of Rufus Wainwright)

Madonna - "Material Girl"

Maroon 5 - "Girls Like You"

Miley Cyrus - "Flowers"

Pitbull - "Give Me Everything (Tonight)"

Taylor Swift - "Wildest Dreams"

Taylor Swift - "You Belong With Me"

Train - “Marry Me”

from Disney-Pixar's Up - "Married Life"

Despite the hot and humid weather—so intense that my bow slipped through my hand at one point!—the lively energy of the guests kept the atmosphere vibrant. Many guests wore bold, colorful outfits that added to the festive mood, making this cocktail hour truly one for the books.

Unforgettable Moments

As the evening progressed, the celebration only became more electric. Gabi Rose, the saxophonist, wowed everyone with her set, which I was lucky enough to catch as I was packing up. Her performance added an incredible layer of energy to the event, perfectly complementing the vibe created by DJ June of June Events.

DJ June’s custom mixes kept the party alive well into the night, seamlessly blending genres and ensuring the dance floor was packed from start to finish. It was a true team effort to create an unforgettable evening for Sam and Jenna and their guests.

Working with Sam and Jenna was such a joy. Their passion for music and their thoughtful approach to every detail made this wedding truly memorable and they wrote us the kindest testimonial:

“We were beyond thrilled with Ariana Strings for our 2024 RI wedding. From the very beginning, Ariana's communication was exceptional. She was incredibly responsive and accommodating, making the whole process of planning the music feel effortless. She took the time to meet with us multiple times prior to the big day, which made a huge difference in our comfort level & making sure everything was in line with our expectations.

One of the highlights of our experience was Ariana's willingness to play a custom song with sentimental value to us. In addition to the custom add, she walked us through every step of the music selection process, offering expert advice on which pieces would work best for each moment. Our last meeting session before the big day really solidified our trust in her as she took the time to play samples of each option under consideration so we could truly envision what the string renditions would sound like and fit during each phase of the ceremony.

On the wedding day, Ariana and team were able to execute the logistics of an outdoor ceremony smoothly with our planner. Their music added another layer of beauty, depth, and character to our ceremony and cocktail hour that wouldn't have been achievable without them.

If you're looking for an amazing string duo with incredible talent, top-notch communication, and the willingness to go above and beyond for your special day, I can't recommend Ariana Strings highly enough!”

If you’re planning a wedding at Glen Manor House or dreaming of Bridgerton-inspired pop strings for your big day, we’d love to help bring your vision to life. Let’s connect! Don't forget to check out the vendors below who made this day come to life. For Fearless Hearts did a stunning trailer of their day as well, so check it out below!

Planning & Design Sarah Brehant Events

Venue Glen Manor House

Caterer Morins Catering

Photo Michelle Lyerly

Video For Fearless Hearts

Florist Floral Designs by Justine

Lighting & Draping Ryan Designs RI

Rentals @kadeemarentals @laaffitto @nuagedesignsinc Peak Event Services @sweetlydesignedevents

Reception Music Gabi Rose (Sax) DJ June

Ceremony and cocktail hour music Ariana Strings

Glam Upstyle.co

Stationery Nob Hill Jane

Dress Khya studios

Officiant Max Frost

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/f58eb0_2103ee1ad60f4161ab89ba74885ef2b3/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

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