Live Wedding Music

Live Music designed for wedding weekends, from the welcome party to the after party
Curated setlists built around the couple’s vision and tastes
Special requests can be learned and arranged for meaningful moments
Pre-recorded previews of ceremony and first dance arrangements
Clean setup that complements the space
Seamless coordination with planner, venue, and other vendors
Style-conscious attire aligned with the design aesthetic
Optional add-on services that include professional live recording and vinyl pressing, emcee and timeline management, and custom songwriting

For unforgettable moments

In Chicago & Destination Cities

People at a social gathering, including a woman in a wedding dress talking to a man in a tuxedo, holding drinks, with live music in the background.

A man with a top knot hairstyle and beard playing an acoustic guitar on a wooden stage outdoors, surrounded by wooden arch structures. There is a microphone in front of him, and a water bottle on a stand nearby. The background features green trees.

Live Music for Wedding Ceremonies

Ryan will help shape the most important part of your day with heartfelt acoustic music as guests are seated and as you walk down the aisle. Years of experience and coordination in advance ensures a seamless, emotional soundtrack that feels uniquely yours. Directly after the recessional song is played, Ryan will seamlessly transition into cocktail hour with a separate sound system for a quick turnaround to set the vibe for the rest of the night.

A man with a guitar and microphone performing in front of a brick wall, with a large window reflecting city buildings.

Live Music for Cocktail Hours

Ryan will set a warm and lively vibe with live acoustic guitar and vocals, adding energy to the atmosphere while keeping the volume conversation friendly, and with smooth pacing that bridges ceremony to dinner and reception.

A man in a suit with a boutonniere is playing an acoustic guitar outdoors near a lake, with a large tree and Adirondack chairs nearby, and a dock with boats in the background.

Live Wedding Reception Music

Ryan will coordinate an upbeat solo acoustic set with danceable singalongs for your reception, or you can opt for up to a 4-piece band to get the party going. Choose from a list of over 250 songs and request your own songs in advance to make the reception feel unique to you and your tastes.

A man with long hair in a bun, wearing a beige suit and brown shoes, playing an acoustic guitar and smiling at an outdoor event. There is a microphone, a speaker, and some equipment on the ground nearby.

Live Music for First Dances

I make first dances extra special with live, personal renditions of songs that mean the most to the couple and their loved ones, performed with warmth and emotion to create an unforgettable moment.

I provide a relaxed, intimate backdrop for your rehearsal dinner, helping family and friends connect and savor the evening before the big day.
I help kick off your wedding journey with an uplifting, fun acoustic performance that makes your engagement party feel personal and getting everyone excited.
I keep the energy high with lively acoustic sets so and your guests celebrate late into the night. The perfect time for to guests put in their own requests.
I add a warm, personal touch to your bridal or couple’s shower with acoustic music that matches the joyful, celebratory spirit of the day.

Additional Services & Pricing

A man with a beard and curly hair tied in a bun, smiling, playing an acoustic guitar, standing outdoors surrounded by green ivy and leaves.

Past Wedding Reviews

“We cannot recommend Ryan more! He played during our cocktail hour for our wedding in August. The vibes were immaculate! Not only is he incredibly talented, he was also amazing to work with. Easy to get a hold of and communicated well. He was flexible with plans and super easy going. He also learned a few new songs for our wedding and played our first dance song live :) It was so special and we will never forget it. Ryan truly elevated our wedding day and made the day unique to us as a couple. We cannot thank you enough Ryan!!! HIGHLY recommend!”

— Katelyn P.

“All I can say is WOW. We are so ecstatic that we hired Ryan for our wedding day entertainment. Not only is he incredibly, incredibly gifted, but he’s also an awesome person to work with. Ryan set up a consultation right away and asked us to prepare a list of songs/artists/genres that we wanted at our event… and boy, did he deliver. The entire process was seamless from start to finish. Ryan was flexible, accommodating, and always quick in communication. If you’re looking for the perfect addition to take your event over the top and blow away your guests, look no further. He’s the real deal.”

— Hailey W.

“We cannot recommend Ryan enough! He played at our wedding in February and was exactly what we we're looking for. Ryan played our ceremony music, cocktail hour and first dances and nailed all of it. He learned a few new songs for us and even accompanied my dad so he could sing a special song during the ceremony! Ryan was extremely responsive and easy to work with throughout the wedding process as well. If you're looking for a talented musician to add some fun, live music to your day Ryan is your guy!”

— Nicole M

Interested in booking an event? Fill out the form below to set up a conversation and receive a custom quote!

Solo performances starting at $2,000

Tisdale Shephard Duo starting at $2,500

3-4 piece band starting at $3,500