The perfect moment is, as always, framed by the perfect accompaniment, whether that’s a gentle, instrumental swell in all its classic beauty, or a honeyed vocalist singing that special song that means the world to you and the love of your life. We’ve collected the best and brightest of new, local talent in Auckland when it comes to wedding ceremony musicians. Inspired, dynamic and talented, their goal is to make your wedding ceremony that breathtaking, fairytale experience it should be, from the moment you smile at each other across the aisle to the moment you’re slipping on your wedding bands.
Dan Millward
Image by Dan Millward
We’re all fans of Dan Millward – and you should be, too. His smooth, rich vocals make him one of Auckland’s favourite wedding ceremony musicians, akin to Ed Sheeran in his range and style. Favouring melodic tunes created through acoustic guitar and soulful singing, he has spent the last few years in Los Angeles, California, working as a recording artist in the industry. Now that he’s back in Auckland, he’s here to pursue his continued passion in music, namely wedding ceremonies and all that good stuff. Dan Millward’s setlist is extensive and exciting, including artists such as Jason Mraz, Vance Joy, James Arthur and Maroon 5, leaning towards pop from the 90s, 00s and 10s with a little touch of his own that makes his work truly magical.
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“Dan did an amazing job for our wedding and created such an incredible atmosphere through his music for our wedding. Highly recommend getting Dan if you need easy-listening music that will help create an amazing environment for any type of social gathering.” – Kelsey, 2019
High Society
High Society knows how to keep a beat going. Brilliant, talented and experienced, the lead singer, Ra Toia, has spent the last decade travelling from plush hotel to plush hotel in every corner of the world, singing her heart out in performances that have wowed thousands. Her equally fabulous partner in criminally good music, Hayden Booth, is a multi-instrumentalist that underlines her vocals to perfection. High Society is a wedding ceremony duo that will bring all the right emotions to your special day, featuring laidback, classic hits and acoustic takes on modern tunes that will take your breath away. Their setlist includes artists such as Amy Winehouse, Bob Marley, Ray Charles, Adele and so much more.
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“Ra and Hayden were AMAZING! I had spent a few weeks leading up to the wedding liaising with Ra on the various songs and accompaniments and she was happy to take all our changes and requirements on board. The day itself ran a little differently to your average wedding and they were both super flexible and happy to slot in where we needed. The guests and the couple loved them and commented frequently on how lovely they were both in sound, persona and look. I would happily book them again for another of our weddings.” – Danielle, 2018
TJ Taotua
Image by TJ Taotua
Singer, songwriter, guitarist – TJ Taotua’s talents make up the perfect candidate for your wedding ceremony musician. With a certain affection for Soul, Jazz fusion, R’n’B and gospel music, his warm vocals lend artists such as Luther Vandross, Bee Gees and Al Green a different quality. Boasting nearly two decades in the business, TJ Taotua has covered everything from blues to Motown, performing on both guitar and keyboards. He even covers various Pacific styles including Samoan, Tongan, Fijian and Hawaiian, making him one of the more flexible wedding ceremony musicians around Auckland. In the past, he’s supported and performed alongside artists such as Jamoa Jam, Ardijah, Southside Of Bombay, Rosita Vai and more.
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“TJ performed at our wedding as an acoustic solo. He created the perfect ambience with his emotional performance and masterful timing during our wedding ceremony. He made our special day extra special and we had guest commenting about his amazing voice. I won’t hesitate to recommend TJ.” – Calvin, 2018
Jo and Dylan
Bringing you all the best shades of the blues, Jo and Dylan is an Auckland-based duo that lights up every wedding ceremony. Their genres also dip into soul, gospel and jazz, leaning towards heartfelt tunes that sweep you down the aisle. This wedding ceremony duo has decades of experience between them, having studied their instruments at prestigious London institutes, then spending years specialising in their instruments as recording artists, session musicians and teachers. It all comes down to dedication and commitment to their art, which is exactly what Jo and Dylan will showcase at your wedding, with a diverse setlist that includes artists such as Nina Simone, Etta James and Peggy Lee.
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“Dylan Kay and Jo Kelsey’s Blues Jazz Soul gig was a sheer delight and a real musical treat. Dylan on guitar and Jo’s vocals delivered a totally blissful interlude of old favourites and fresh interpretations, a perfect combo!” – Tony, 2018
Drawing inspiration from her musical background and Latin American heritage, Luna is the magical wedding ceremony musician you’ve been dreaming of. Fusing pop, jazz and R’n’B, she tells tales of romance the best way she knows how: through music. “I remember when I was young a typical Saturday morning at my mother’s house always consisted of the loud sound of salsa and merengue with Colombian artists such as Fruko and Joe Arroyo always playing out of the kitchen,” she shared. “This music always had me dancing while I would help my mum with chores around the house.” After coming to New Zealand as a child, Luna has continued to incorporate both her passion for music and culture into every facet of her work.
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“Smokey and effervescent with raw declarations of honesty. Manuela’s rasp is reminiscent of a pioneer vocalist bleeding her heart out in each breath as she unravels stories within anecdotes and catchy melodies masked under metaphors.” – Anzel, 2019
Izzy and Moe
Polished to perfection, Izzy and Moe are a wedding ceremony duo that thrives on the elegance of live, acoustic music. Their vocals are a sultry, powerful blend that lends itself to artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Bob Dylan and Lady Gaga. It’s all about emotional delivery paired with years and years of experience, resulting in honeyed vocals that will have you tearing up. Using only the occasional loop pedal, Izzy and Moe’s capability of rounding out their style and performance is why they are a consistent favourite among listeners at every event – particularly when it comes to wedding ceremonies. Their passion shines through every key and every note, ensuring that they’re one of Auckland’s favourite wedding ceremony duos.
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“Such a lovely couple with amazing music! We had such an awesome atmosphere at our wedding with Izzy and Moe playing! Not to mention all the comments on how wonderful they were! Communication was amazing but their music was the top! Best duo ever!!” – Emma, 2019
Quantum Blue Duo
Welcome Clo Chaperon and Dr Mark Baynes to the stage as the Quantum Blue Duo that will knock your socks off. Thrilling and heartfelt performances are their speciality, pouring every bit of themselves into your wedding ceremony with one of the most outstanding jazz selections available in the country. Quantum Blue Duo loves old-world glamour, the kind that comes from the classic blending of rich vocals with an expert pianist, striking all the right notes with their delivery and setlist. All the classic artists feature, such as Estelle, Amy Winehouse, Gretchen Parlato, Erykah Badu, Michael Jackson and more. You’re in for a treat with this seasoned duo, here to bring doses of class and creativity that will elevate your wedding ceremonies in ways you didn’t know you needed.
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“Quantum Blue were amazing and Chloe’s voice is simply breathtaking! They were so professional right from when they turned up until the end of the night. The music they played fitted so well with our event which was a fundraiser – and they were sensitive to our requirements with regards to the feel and the volume changes that we required during the night. Many people commented on how great they were and we would certainly not hesitate in recommending them.” – Brenda, 2018
Your wedding ceremony deserves someone incredible behind the sound – someone like Ge Luz, renowned for his dreamy voice and romantic vibe. Hailing from Brazil, Ge Luz released his first solo album “Momento” in 2013, and his second album “Canto Pra Dois”, in 2017. He’s been performing since 2003, be it solo and slow or in a 6-piece band that can get an event on its feet. This wedding ceremony musician favours an artful mix of bossa nova, samba and jazz covers, bringing just the right kind of live music to your big day. Specialising in all things to do with love, Ge Luz is the perfect choice for your wedding ceremony, performing everything from Frank Sinatra to John Legend on the romantic scale.
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This content was originally published here.