How Merlot Embargo Approaches Your Reception   

   

Dinner

People arrive, settle in, eat. This is when Scarlet's voice shines. Subtle, playful, or beautiful, as the music dictates; the kind of singing that makes people pause for a second and listen. You'll hear contemporary covers, maybe an original thrown in, maybe a chilled-out pop song, nothing demanding attention, nothing that fights against conversation. We're constantly paying attention to the room: are people leaning in? Are they talking? Are they ready for something different?

   

The Transition

As dinner winds down, the energy in the room starts to shift. We shift with it, playing with more intensity, bringing more drive into the space. People naturally start moving toward the dance floor, not because we push them, but because the music invites them.

   

Dancing
Now it's a celebration. We play songs your guests know and love. We're watching the room; when people want to dance, we lean in. When they need a breather, we give them one. We've learned that the best dance floors aren't forced; they're earned.

   

Throughout, Scarlet and Geoff are connected and vibing with what's happening around them. That partnership and years of playing together, mean you get a group who adapts together and supports the moment.

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If You Want a Cocktail Hour Too

  

Many couples add a cocktail hour before the reception, while photos are happening, while guests are mingling. If you are interested in music for a cocktail hour, we can provide that as well.  Often acoustic, but not always, maybe a jazz trio or quartet, upbeat but not intrusive, sophisticated and fun. 

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About Ceremonies

  

If you're interested in live music for your ceremony, we're happy to talk about that separately. It's a different energy than reception work, and we can discuss what that looks like.

    

What You're Actually Hiring

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• A group of professional musicians who have played together for years, genuinely relating to your guests.

• A husband-and-wife team who can communicate without words. You get the benefit of years of partnership and intuition.

• Professionals who coordinate with your planner, your venue, your timeline. We show up prepared and handle our own logistics.

• Music that feels personal, not generic. Songs people love, maybe an original thrown in if it feels right. (We also have a few original love songs that people love for weddings and anniversaries; we'd be honored to play one of them at yours!)

• A reception that feels like your party, not a template.

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Setup & Coordination

  

We'll collaborate with your wedding planner or day-of coordinator on timing, song selections, any do-not-plays, and logistics. We normally bring a full band setup for receptions: drums, bass, guitar, keys, and vocals. We handle our own sound and setup.​