I’ve had the privilege of curating the soundtrack to countless love stories, and there’s something truly magical about Joel and Bono’s wedding. Their celebration, held at the botanical-industrial Millwick by Marvimon in Los Angeles, was nothing short of extraordinary. What made it even more remarkable was how their unique wedding theme of pandas and Legos became the creative muse that inspired every detail – including the music! Joel and Bono wanted the reception to feel like a road trip, and we brought the guests along for an epic ride through their song selections. 

A Unique Theme, A Unique Love Story

Joel and Bono’s love story is as distinctive as it is heartwarming. Hailing from the Philippines, they seamlessly blended their Filipino heritage with their shared passion for all things Californian. It’s a love story rooted in two worlds, and their wedding was a reflection of this harmonious fusion. You can see this in the music they chose – every single song was a reference to their shared memories. 

The theme they chose was both playful and personal. As ardent lovers of pandas and Legos, they decided to let their hearts guide them. From the very beginning, it was clear that the theme was more than just a motif; it was an inspiration for every aspect of their celebration, especially the music. Light, fun, and full of personality! The music truly embraced the “journey” aspect, with tracks from John Mayer to Post Malone to Lady Gaga. 

Soundtrack to a Panda and Lego Dream

Imagine an enchanting soundscape that effortlessly blends indie-folk, Americana, and jazz fusion – the kind of music that echoes the laid back vibes of a California road trip. This was the auditory canvas I had to work with, each note resonating with the lighthearted theme. It was about creating a musical experience woven with the threads of joy, nostalgia, and shared love. We started off the reception with Mat Kearney’s “Ships In The Night”, got the party started with the iconic Killer track “Mr. Brightside”, and wound things down with Edwin McCain’s classic hit, “I’ll be.”  When I say there was a song for everyone, I mean it! 

We didn’t forget about the Coastal California vibes, either. The soulful melodies of The Lagoons’ “California” and the harmonic tunes of The Midnights’ “Los Angeles” encapsulated our setting for the event.  Their music embodied the spirit of a California afternoon road trip – carefree, adventurous, and full of love. It was so fun to guide the event through these sounds!

It’s always amazing how music can transform an event. The theme didn’t stop at decor and design; it was a driving force in the musical journey of the day. From the music serenading the ceremony to the playful and nostalgic feel during the reception, every note was chosen to resonate with the unique love story of Joel and Bono. For me, creating these kinds of personalized stories through music is what it’s all about.

United By Music

The musical journey of the day wasn’t just about melodies; it was about connection. Friends and family had gathered from all around the world to celebrate the union of Joel and Bono. Music became the universal language that unified this diverse group. I love connecting people this way!

The dance floor was a place where cultures merged, and people from various backgrounds came together to celebrate love, unity, and the joy that music can bring. It was a testament to how love and music can transcend boundaries and bring people closer together. I mean, any party that everyone can enjoy everything from Elton John to LANY to Röyksopp is a success in my book. 

Joel and Bono’s wedding was a day to remember, not only for the unique theme that inspired every musical note but also for the love story that was so beautifully reflected in every song played. It was a truly distinctive and heartfelt celebration, showcasing how love and creativity can come together to create something truly magical.

I’ll leave you with some lyrics from one of their selections, “I Lived”, by One Republic. What could sum up this perfect love story better than this? 

Lastly, a huge thanks to the other vendors that brought all the pieces of this special day together: 

Photography: TODD DANFORTH PHOTOGRAPHY

Planning & Design: Anything But Gray Events

Venue: Millwick By Marvimon

Videography: The Candi Project

Catering: Fundamental Events

DJ: DJ Dazzler

Floral Design: Winston & Main

Suits: Indochino

Hair & Makeup: Despina Scandalis

Hair & Makeup: Lio Ramirez

Stationery: Roseville Designs

Rentals: La Pinata Party

Phone Guestbook: Fete Phone

Valet: White Label Valet

I’d love to work with you to create a truly one-of-a-kind musical experience- the sky’s the limit! Let’s talk about how to make that happen here.