Some weddings are just straight-up vibes, and Mackenzie and Ross’s wedding at The Waterview in Monroe, CT, was exactly that. Picture this: a romantic ceremony in the lush garden, a cocktail hour that blended timeless elegance with TikTok-approved modern hits, and a guest list of 225 people ready to celebrate in style. Add in our string quartet plus drums (because why settle for less?), and you’ve got a wedding that was as unforgettable as it was fun.
Thank goodness my amazing colleague, Molly Mia Photography, was there to capture every detail!
Ceremony at The Waterview: All Bridgerton Strings Vibes
Mackenzie and Ross originally considered a solo violinist for their ceremony, but with a guest count climbing past 200, they opted for a string quartet plus drums—a choice that made every moment feel like it belonged in a period drama (in the best way possible). The garden at The Waterview set the perfect backdrop for a classical wedding music experience that felt both elegant and moving.
The couple stood underneath the chuppah, sheltered from the rain drops. While Mackenzie and Ross stayed dry, guests braved the drizzle, and we played from a nearby overhang to keep the music going smoothly.
The processional choices? Absolutely swoon-worthy. The wedding party walked in to “Wildest Dreams” by Taylor Swift. Then, Mackenzie made her way down the aisle to “Can’t Help Falling in Love”—cue the collective happy tears.
With two heartfelt readings from John and Amanda, the ceremony was a beautiful mix of tradition and romance. When the couple broke the glass, our string quartet launched right into “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder, sending everyone off into cocktail hour with the perfect energy boost.
Cocktail Hour at The Waterview: Songs to Welcome Guests of All Ages
The celebration continued in the Garden Room, an airy indoor-outdoor space with walls of windows that kept the beauty of The Waterview in full view. Our job? To start the night with classic rock and timeless love songs (a nod to the parents and guests who appreciate a good Beatles moment), and then seamlessly transition into modern hits and Bridgerton-style string adaptations as the wedding party returned from photos. And yes, TikTok songs were totally fair game.
Mackenzie and Ross opted to add on drums and amplification for cocktail hour, and wow—what a difference that made. We noticed guests getting up to dance, frequently coming over to us to say how much they loved the music, and even singing along. With the rain overhead and cocktail hour moving indoors, it helped immensely to keep the energy just right.
Go, Team, Go!
Here’s a little behind-the-scenes moment you won’t find in the official wedding album: I had just broken my ankle right before this wedding. If you look closely at the photos, you might catch a glimpse of my ankle boot. Thank goodness for my full team of pros!
Billy, our Music Director, lead the processionals with ease and handled all the heavy lifting, taking everything off my shoulders (literally). He worked closely with The Waterview’s venue coordinators and ultimately took over leading the processionals, which meant the ceremony music was timed to perfection. Having that level of support made all the difference, especially when navigating multiple locations in less-than-ideal conditions!
An Unforgettable Wedding at The Waterview
Mackenzie and Ross’s wedding was the perfect blend of Connecticut wedding music at its finest—classical elegance with a modern, fun twist. From the intimate string quartet performing for the wedding ceremony to adding on drums for high-energy cocktail hour, and a truly stellar live band for the reception, it was a joy to be part of this special day.
Planning your own wedding at The Waterview? Whether you're dreaming of a Bridgerton-inspired ceremony or a cocktail hour filled with pop string quartet hits, our classical wedding musicians are here to make it happen.
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