A Jewel-Toned Autumn Wedding at The Woodwinds
- Ariana Strings
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Elyse and Andrew's late September wedding at The Woodwinds in Branford, Connecticut was the kind of sweet celebration that makes our musicians smile from start to finish. Set against peak New England autumn foliage, their day unfolded starting with a palette of royal blue, deep plum, and burnt orange and our signature Ariana Strings soundtrack: All the hits from 1645 to today.
Hi, I’m Ariana, the founder of Ariana Strings — one of the most sought-after strings in New England and
beyond.
With 800 weddings across the U.S. and abroad, our work blends concert artistry with editorial elegance. Featured in the Los Angeles Times, Style Me Pretty, Carats & Cake, Love Inc. Magazine, and The Hartford Courant, I’m passionate about reimagining what live event music can sound — and feel — like. Every performance is curated to bring the concert stage to your wedding day.
Planning the Music for a Fall Wedding at The Woodwinds
From our very first conversation with the mother of the bride, I knew this lovely couple was looking for a mix of romance and joy. Drawing on our signature Ariana Strings approach, we crafted a musical arc that flowed seamlessly from classical grandeur to modern romance — Bridgerton elegance meets a golden September sunset.
The ceremony unfolded on the front lawn, framed by manicured gardens and The Woodwinds’ fountain.
The Ceremony: Modern Romance with Classical Wedding Musicians
Guests arrived to our string quartet performing a prelude of romantic classics and elevated pop, starting off with the traditional wedding music favorites and sneaking in pop throwbacks and a little bit of welcoming Disney.
“Air on the G String” – J.S. Bach
“Be Our Guest” – from Beauty and the Beast
“Royals” – Lorde
As the first chords of “I Choose You” by Sara Bareilles floated across the garden, the wedding party began their walk. The bride walked down to one of our personal favorites, “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley.
When the officiant pronounced them married and the newlyweds broke the glass, we jumped right into “Love Me Like You Do” by Ellie Goulding.
Cocktail Hour at The Woodwinds: A Concert from the Balcony
Our amplified string quartet relocated to the landing at the top of The Woodwinds’ grand staircase, overlooking the grand foyer below. With strings above and guests mingling below, it was a dream.
The couple requested a spin on our signature cocktail hour, beginning with lively Baroque favorites and a journey through the ages. We opened with Vivaldi’s Double Concerto and Bach’s Brandenburg No. 3, then wove in jazz standards like “The Way You Look Tonight.” From there, we leapt through the decades with throwbacks from the 1970s, 2000s love songs, and Bridgerton-style pop covers, keeping guests wondering what we might surprise them with next.
It was the perfect reflection of the couple’s style: classical foundation, modern twist, and the confidence to have a little fun.
A Surprise Tie-Dye Twist
During planning, the mother of the bride told us not to worry about our attire. She said, “This won’t be black-tie — there might even be a few guests in tie-dye t-shirts and jeans.”
I laughed and said, “We would match them, if only we had tie-dye in our wardrobe!”
On the big day, she surprised our entire team with custom tie-dye t-shirts. It was such a thoughtful, joy-filled gesture that perfectly captured the spirit of the day.
Reflections on an Autumn Wedding at The Woodwinds
Performing for Elyse and Andrew reminded us why we fell in love with wedding music in the first place. The Woodwinds team always greets us with a smile, and when you pair that with golden afternoon light, and a soundtrack of classical wedding musicians, you get something truly special.
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This wedding was living proof that sophistication doesn’t mean rigidity. It can shimmer with personality, breathe with laughter, and surprise you with color.
If you’re planning a fall wedding at The Woodwinds — or anywhere you want your music to feel as bespoke as your florals — we’d love to design something that sounds unmistakably you. From elegant string quartets to Bridgerton-inspired pop ensembles, every note we play is crafted with intention, artistry, and warmth.
Vendor Credits
Venue: The Woodwinds, Branford CT
Ceremony & Cocktail Hour Music: Ariana Strings
Photographer: Weston Jade Photo
Ariana Strings provides live wedding music across Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, and beyond — from intimate soloists to full string orchestras. Each performance blends concert-stage artistry with the warmth and refinement of a truly bespoke experience.
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