For over a decade, the Left Coast Quintet has had the honor of performing at weddings, corporate events, galas, and private celebrations across San Diego. We’ve loved being part of those unforgettable moments — the hush before a wedding procession, the energy of a gala, the joy of a surprise Mozart serenade during cocktail hour. These experiences have been the heart of our work and allowed us to connect with hundreds of audiences in intimate and personal ways.

But over the past few years, we’ve felt a growing calling: to share the beauty, nuance, and excitement of wind chamber music with a wider community audience. While events will always be an important part of our mission, we’re expanding our focus to include curated community concerts, themed programs, and partnerships with museums, galleries, and cultural institutions throughout Southern California.

Why the Shift?

Chamber music has a unique power to connect people — to tell stories, evoke emotion, and create shared experiences. While weddings and private events are intimate and meaningful, community concerts allow us to:

• Explore thematic programs that tell stories or highlight cultural traditions.
• Engage larger and more diverse audiences, from families to students to lifelong arts patrons.
• Collaborate with other artists, composers, and cultural institutions to create multi-sensory experiences.
• Bring music into public and nontraditional spaces — museums, galleries, community centers — where it can spark curiosity and dialogue.

What’s Changing?

You may notice some changes in what we offer:

• Themed Concerts & Curated Programs: From global musical journeys to programs highlighting beloved composers, from cinematic wind arrangements to “music inspired by nature,” our concerts now tell stories beyond the music notes themselves.
• Community Engagement: Educational talks, interactive pre-concert programs, and collaborations with schools and local artists.
• Expanded Venues: Concert halls, museums, galleries, and cultural spaces now join our performance locations alongside weddings and private events.

What’s Staying the Same

While our focus is evolving, our commitment to excellence, versatility, and audience connection remains unchanged. Every performance, whether at a wedding or a museum, is curated with thought, polish, and passion. Our goal is the same: to create unforgettable musical moments.

Looking Ahead

We’re excited to continue blending our roots as a professional event ensemble with our growing identity as a cultural partner and community-focused chamber group. By expanding into themed concerts and curated programs, we hope to bring more people into the world of wind chamber music — in ways that are engaging, inspiring, and accessible.
If you’re a venue, curator, or community partner interested in collaborating on a concert, program, or series, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can create experiences that resonate far beyond the stage.

​Last weekend, we had the absolute pleasure of working at the newly renovated Lafayette Hotel & Club, and it’s safe to say — we were completely swept away. The transformation of this historic San Diego landmark is nothing short of breathtaking. The site sits on an entire city block and surrounds their exceptional deck and pool, with plenty of guest rooms and suites, numerous restaurants, bars, and their very own underground speakeasy-style club called LouLou's.

Walking through the doors feels like stepping back into old Hollywood. The entire property radiates a golden-age charm — from the art deco lighting and vintage details to the soft velvet lounges and warm, moody ambiance. You half expect to see Frank Sinatra leaning against the bar or Marilyn Monroe gliding across the dance floor.
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The wedding reception took place in LouLou’s Room, an intimate space that perfectly captures the hotel’s signature blend of elegance and nostalgia. The acoustics were lovely, the atmosphere electric, and the guests truly embraced the spirit of the evening. It’s one of those venues that doesn’t just host music — it becomes part of the performance itself. The historic clam shaped bandshell and sunken dance floor is such a cool vibe!

As musicians who love spaces with character, the Lafayette feels like a dream come true. It’s historic, stylish, and full of stories waiting to be told again. Whether you’re stopping by for a cocktail, an event, or just to soak in the atmosphere, the Lafayette is absolutely worth a visit.
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Here’s to timeless style, incredible design, and a city that continues to celebrate its past while creating something new and beautiful.

I had the chance to tour the Alma Hotel in downtown San Diego this week, and wow – what a hidden gem. From the moment you walk in, the space feels fresh, stylish, and incredibly well thought-out. It’s not one of those sprawling high-rise hotels that gets lost in the shuffle; Alma has that boutique charm where every detail feels intentional, and every corner seems designed for a great photo (or a great event).
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For such a small hotel, the event and meeting spaces are top-notch. They’ve managed to make every square foot count – from intimate boardroom settings to larger open areas perfect for receptions, cocktail hours, or celebrations. The flow between indoor and outdoor spaces gives it that relaxed San Diego vibe, and the staff clearly know how to make guests feel welcome and taken care of.

​And then there’s the penthouse suites – absolutely stunning. The two-story layout gives you sweeping views of the city, and the design balances modern luxury with comfort. It’s easy to imagine these suites being used for wedding prep, private dinners, or just as an impressive getaway spot for out-of-town guests.

What stood out most to me is how Alma manages to do it all – boutique hospitality, stylish accommodations, and versatile event spaces – without ever feeling crowded or chaotic. It’s a fantastic option for weddings, corporate events, or any occasion where you want something memorable but still warm and personal.
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A big thank you to KID for hosting such a great event and tour. It was a wonderful opportunity to see what Alma has to offer and to connect with other local professionals who love bringing great experiences to life here in San Diego.

​Performing for a wedding at Naval Air Station North Island is a truly special experience — one that combines breathtaking ocean views, rich aviation history, and a sense of honor that comes with being part of a celebration on an active military base. For our ensemble, performing in such a historic setting felt both humbling and exhilarating. North Island, located at the northern tip of Coronado, is often called the “Birthplace of Naval Aviation.” The base dates back to 1917 and has hosted countless milestones in U.S. Navy history — from the earliest aircraft carrier operations to pioneering aviation training by legends like Glenn Curtiss. Standing on the tarmac or performing near the bay, it’s impossible not to feel the weight of that legacy all around you.

​Hosting or attending a wedding on base does require a little extra planning, especially around logistics and guest access. Visitors need to be cleared ahead of time, and it’s best to coordinate early with base security to make sure everyone can enter smoothly on the big day. While the Navy Lodge on base offers convenient accommodations for authorized guests, most visitors stay nearby in Coronado at places like the historic Hotel del Coronado or boutique inns along Orange Avenue. The proximity means guests can easily enjoy all that Coronado has to offer — charming shops, bike rides along the beach, and sunset strolls with views of the San Diego skyline. For those looking to explore further, downtown San Diego, Balboa Park, and the USS Midway Museum are just a short drive or ferry ride away.

From a musician’s perspective, every performance space on NAS North Island feels unique. Whether it’s playing outdoors with the Pacific breeze drifting through or inside a hangar surrounded by echoes of aviation history, it’s important to be flexible with setup and timing — sometimes even working around aircraft operations! But that’s part of the magic. There’s something unforgettable about filling such a storied location with music that marks a new chapter in a couple’s life. For us at the Left Coast Quintet, performing at North Island was not only about the notes we played but about honoring the people and place that made it possible — a celebration of love, history, and the enduring rhythm of service and community. Here is a sneak peak from "behind the stand": 

Last night (Tuesday September 2nd), the Left Coast Quintet once again had the honor of stepping onto the field at Petco Park to perform the National Anthem for the San Diego Padres. This marks our fourth year participating in this incredible tradition, and the experience still gives us chills every time.

A Tradition We Treasure

Performing the anthem is more than just music—it’s a moment of unity, pride, and reflection. Standing in the middle of Petco Park, surrounded by tens of thousands of fans, players, and staff, the atmosphere is electric. The energy from the crowd makes every note resonate in a way that feels larger than life.

​Connecting Music and Community

As an ensemble, we are passionate about bringing live music to meaningful spaces. From weddings and private celebrations to community concerts and large-scale events like this one, our goal is always the same: to create memorable experiences through the power of music. Being invited back year after year by the Padres organization is a tremendous honor, and we are grateful to contribute to such a beloved tradition in San Diego.

Looking Back—and Ahead

Four years ago, when we first performed at Petco Park, it felt surreal. Since then, this performance has become a highlight of our season and a reminder of how music connects us all. We hope to continue this partnership for years to come, sharing our sound with fans and families who gather to cheer on the Padres.

Thank you so much to Eric (horn) and Joey (flute) for stepping in to the roles tonight and helping LCQ make this happen!

Share Your Memories
Were you at the game? Did you catch us on the field? We’d love to see your photos and hear your stories! Feel free to tag us on social media or share your memories directly—we’re always thrilled to connect with our community.

Since we are nearing September, it is time to start thinking about holiday parties and getting dates and vendors secured. In terms of planning a memorable holiday event in San Diego—whether it’s a corporate holiday party, a festive family gathering, or a glamorous private celebration--live music is the secret ingredient that transforms an evening from ordinary to extraordinary. ​

In a city as vibrant as San Diego, with its mix of beachfront venues, elegant hotels, and historic landmarks, adding live music is the perfect way to complement your holiday décor, food, and festivities.

Holiday Music Options in San Diego

San Diego is home to world-class musicians who specialize in performing for private events. Depending on your venue and budget, you might consider:

• Classical Ensembles – Perfect for elegant dinners or upscale cocktail parties.
• Jazz Trios & Quartets – Smooth, festive sounds that bring a sophisticated holiday vibe.
• Wind Quintets & Chamber Groups – A versatile option that can cover everything from traditional carols to movie themes and pop hits.

Whether your party is at the Hotel Del Coronado, The Hilton Bayfront downtown, a private estate in La Jolla, or one of San Diego’s many rooftop venues, our live musicians will elevate your event.

Today, the Left Coast Quintet had the honor of performing for Chief Warrant Officer 4 Jason Twedt’s military retirement ceremony at the San Diego Mission Bay Boat Club. After more than 21 years of dedicated service to our country, Jason celebrated this milestone surrounded by family, friends, and colleagues—and we were proud to help set the tone for such a meaningful occasion.
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Our role was to provide live background music as guests arrived, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere right on the waterfront. The setting couldn’t have been more perfect: the peaceful views of Mission Bay, the sea breeze, and a gathering of people there to honor decades of service. Before the ceremony began, we also had the privilege of performing The Star-Spangled Banner—a moment that always feels incredibly powerful and unifying.

Today was a really busy music day throughout San Diego and our primary flute, clarinet, and oboe were performing with other symphony groups. I want to thank our wonderful sub musicians Mark (clarinet), Meghan (oboe), and Sierra (flute) who have performed with us in the past and stepped in today to make this celebration amazing!

Military retirement ceremonies are unlike any other event we play. They’re steeped in tradition, yet deeply personal, blending moments of formality with heartfelt tributes from friends and colleagues. The music becomes part of that rhythm—supporting the transitions, underscoring the pride in the air, and giving guests a shared experience to remember.
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It was an incredible afternoon, and we left feeling grateful to have been part of such a significant chapter in someone’s life. Congratulations to Jason on his retirement, and thank you for your service.

The ceremony itself was deeply personal and filled with laughter. The vows were touching and sincere, with just the right amount of humor that had everyone chuckling through misty eyes. There’s something incredibly special about being part of a moment like that — where music meets meaning and memories are made.

​Today’s performance took us to one of San Diego’s most iconic waterfront spots: Bali Hai Restaurant, where we had the honor of serenading a gorgeous wedding reception with sunshine, sea breezes, and a whole lot of musical charm (plus one very determined seagull).
First things first—if you’ve never been to Bali Hai, it’s a little slice of tiki paradise with unbeatable views of the bay and downtown skyline. It’s the kind of place where you half expect Elvis to walk in wearing a floral shirt. We didn’t get The King, but we did get a crowd of stylishly dressed guests, an elegant couple, and a ceremony with just the right amount of breeze to flirt with everyone's hair.

The Setup:
We only performed for two hours of the reception today, while the groom's brother performed live guitar for the ceremony. So, the quintet arrived early with instruments, music stands, and our usual mix of excitement! Setting up in the South Pacific Room, surrounded by waterfront views? Not a bad office for the day. While the guests mingled and sipped mai tais, we warmed up with a few notes—accompanied by a curious waiter and a very loud plane overhead (thanks, North Island).
The Music:
We leaned into the romantic jazz vibes the couple requested—think ragtime, Broadway, and pop covers. The room was buzzing with people talking and enjoying company, but we could hear each other and they could hear us, so it was successful! Our bassoonist (that’s me!) even got a compliment from a guest who called the instrument “a fancy wooden saxophone,” which we are definitely putting on our business cards.

And yes—we totally forgot to get photos of ourselves playing (classic us), but we did get some beautiful shots of the ceremony, the venue, and the killer view. If anyone reading this was there and happened to grab a photo of our very attractive, extremely talented ensemble doing our thing… please send it our way! We’ll trade you for a dad joke from RB. Or two. You’ve been warned.

In the End:
It was an absolutely lovely day filled with joy, laughter, and music that floated on the breeze. We’re so grateful to have been part of such a memorable celebration, and we wish the happy couple a lifetime of love, laughter, and good playlists.
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Until the next gig—stay classy, San Diego (and please tie down your napkins when there’s a quintet nearby).
🎶 — The Left Coast Quintet

An International Vibe
The NAFSA conference celebrates global collaboration in education, so we made sure to include musical selections from around the world. French tangos, English waltzes, even a touch of Klezmer—each piece was chosen to reflect the international flavor of the evening. We loved watching heads turn and toes tap with recognition and delight.
A Venue That Plays Its Own Part
If you've never been to the Scripps Seaside Forum, picture this: glass walls that disappear into the background, letting the ocean steal the spotlight. The acoustics? Surprisingly wonderful. The breeze? It would be just enough to keep our pages flipping (but thankfully, we're modern and we use tablets!). The sunset? Right on cue.

A Soundtrack for “I Do”
From elegant classical selections to meaningful modern pieces, the couple curated a beautiful playlist that truly reflected their personalities and love story. Walking down the aisle to live music adds something special, and seeing teary-eyed guests and big smiles made every note even more meaningful.
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A Hidden Gem for Live Music
This was our first time playing at Cape Rey, and we were genuinely impressed by how welcoming and well-organized the venue team was. The garden had great acoustics, and the intimate setup allowed the music to gently wrap around guests without ever feeling too loud or distant. Whether you’re planning a coastal wedding or a garden party, this spot is a hidden gem—and now officially one of our favorites!

3. Customization for Your Brand & Event Theme
San Diego businesses are diverse, and no two corporate events are the same. Live musicians can curate a playlist that aligns with your brand’s identity, event theme, or company culture. Whether it’s a tech firm looking for modern elegance, a financial company preferring traditional sophistication, or a startup aiming for a fresh and energetic vibe, a live ensemble adapts seamlessly to your needs.

4. Creating a Sense of Luxury & Exclusivity
Live music is often associated with high-end experiences—think luxury hotels, fine dining, and VIP events. By incorporating live musicians into your corporate gathering, you instantly elevate its status. In San Diego’s competitive business landscape, impressing clients, partners, and employees with a premium experience can make all the difference.
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There’s a certain secret joy in being a musician—the kind that only other musicians truly get. The thrill of a perfectly tuned chord. The satisfaction of a tricky passage finally clicking. The subtle but very real social hierarchy of who actually reads the rehearsal notes. If you grew up in band, orchestra, or choir—or even just carried a metronome in your backpack—you know exactly what I mean.

LCQ had the pleasure of returning to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido to perform for a beautiful wedding this past Saturday. There is something so fun and magical about this location - with all of the animals roaming behind you during your ceremony - it feels like you've been transported to a completely different place. 

For the quintet, our arrival at the Beckman gate is quickly getting loaded on one of the Safari Park golf carts, and being transported through all the of the backstage areas up to our wedding site, which today was the Kijami Overlook. This venue offers panoramic views of the African Plains section, with giraffes, rhinos, goats, and so many other types of animals roaming around, just 20 feet away. We set up on the lawn overlooking the best view in the park, and get started warming up (usually with quite a few of the animals coming over to see what all the noise is about!)

Once guests start arriving, we get into our prelude music to fill the air with music and cheer. Our clients for this wedding wanted a really traditional classical set of music, so we played music from Bach, Beethoven, Debussy, and many others. All guests seated and given the cue from our wedding coordinator, we start with the wedding party music to welcome parents of the groom, the officiant, and all of the groomsmen and bridesmaids. They were followed by the cutest little ring bearer and flower girl, and then the bride herself accompanied with mom and dad. Again sticking with a very traditional theme, we performed Pachelbel, Wagner, and Mendelssohn for the selected wedding ceremony music. 

Of course we aren't working in a bubble - it takes a team of dedicated professionals to bring together the magic of a wedding. Leaf it to Lexi provided all of the beautiful and luscious floral arrangements. Heritage Desserts made that decadent cake (we didn't get to try any, but it smelled amazing), and our coordinator was Korie from Bliss Events who is an absolute gem of a person!

The staff from the Safari Park are awesome as well - and they do the brunt of the work! All of the behind the scenes coordination, all of the prep, the food, the other little things that you may not think about, it all seamlessly taken care of by the professional staff employed by the zoo who work all of their events. It has been a pleasure getting to know them at each wedding or event we perform at!

The stars of the show are, of course, all of the amazing animals that are so fun to watch. Yeah, we got some rhino butt - they don't really seem to care too much about interacting with people, until we bring the French horn out - then they get interested. The giraffes were all coming up to the fence though and it was fun to watch them watching us. 

Overall, another beautiful afternoon serenading guests and bringing a soundtrack to a special celebration. We can't wait to get back and enjoy these views and the people again soon!

Have you ever walked into a room, taken an initial look around, and knew you were in a place where magic was about to happen? That's what it felt like for us, stepping into LUCE on Kettner for a beatitul, late June 2024 wedding that was all about vibrant colors, gorgeous flowers, and soaring music. 

Our bride and groom decided to go all out with amazing decor that lightened up everything about the space. LUCE on Kettner is already a cool spot, just due to it's location and history. But it is a blank slate, and our couple here went all out ensuring that their guests and their celebrations would be surrounded by amazing colors of all hues. 

Is that not the most beautiful and colorful chuppah you've ever seen? We love performing at Jewish weddings because the music is incredibly fun, but when we saw this chuppah, wow we were floored! On top of that, all of the kippot were different pastel colors, and as you'll see from many of the pictures, the florals throughout were just amazing!

While we provided the ambiance through live performance, a huge team was involved in making this an extra special day for our couple: 

Venue: LUCE on Kettner @luceloft
Cantor: @pabloduek
Coordination & Planning: @sweetblossomweddings
Florals: @bestbudfloral
Rentals: @adorefolklore & @catalogatelier
Transportation: @masterpiece_limousine
Catering: @toastcateringsd
Live Music: @leftcoastquintet 🎶🎵
DJ: @socaldjent
Photography: Artistic Pro Photography
Makeup: @thatgoddessglow

All of the photos from this post are via LCQ Operations Manager - Michelle 

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Picture this: the bride glides down the aisle as she hears the familiar strains of "A Whole New World" from Disney's Aladdin, played by a live quintet. The groom's heart swells with emotion as he takes in the magical ambiance created by the enchanting melodies. This is just a glimpse of the transformative power of live Disney music in a wedding ceremony.
Our ensemble has perfected the art of incorporating Disney music into wedding celebrations. With a lineup featuring a clarinet, flute French horn, bassoon, and oboe,  our custom arrangements breathe new life into beloved Disney classics, adding a touch of elegance and whimsy to the celebrations.
One of the most enchanting aspects of incorporating live Disney music into a wedding ceremony is its ability to evoke fond memories. For many couples, Disney movies have played a significant role in their lives, serving as the backdrop to cherished moments shared together. Visits to Disneyland Parks and the music of yesteryear performed on Main Street by live ensembles is nostalgic. By choosing to include Disney melodies in their nuptials, couples pay homage to the joy, love, and magic that Disney has brought into their relationship.

Congratulations are in order, and trust me, you'll be hearing "congratulations" a lot in the coming weeks and months. You've just gotten engaged to the love of your life, and everyone is going to be thrilled!

(sidenote - if they aren't thrilled, screw them and be happy anyway! They probably suck or are jealous). 

I think the best thing to do after you get engaged is to just enjoy being engaged. It's your time to get to awkwardly call your significant other your "fiancée" or "fiancé" however you want to pronounce or spell it. The little apostrophe's are ridiculous, but don't mind me. You'll fumble around for a few weeks, still calling them your "boyfriend" or "girlfriend" and then, when it starts to hit that you've really passed a milestone in your relationship and you're starting to plan your life together, bam! Your terminology will magically correct itself and you'll be golden. No - that won't actually happen, you'll still mess it up all the time and be totally awkward with it, because French terms for describing the person who you're committed to but not yet married to but planning to marry are weird. I digress. 

Once you've come to the conclusion that it's time to start planning your wedding, there are three big decisions that need to happen first before really anything else can happen.

The Three Big Decisions:

#1 - how many people do we want to invite to this shindig?
#2 - how much money do we want to/have to/need to spend on this?
#5 (no - #3 sir!) - where do we want to host our celebration, and is there a certain time of year we are shooting for?

If you didn't get the Monty Python reference above, you need to go watch the Holy Grail, then you can come back to reading this. While the rest of this blog post has nothing to do with Monty Python, it's a great movie, and you should watch it. 

Back to the planning! Those three main decisions will determine the trajectory of your wedding planning. Knowing how many people need to be there will determine if you are going to have an all-out knock down crazy huge wedding, or an elopement at the courthouse, or something perfect in between. Do you need to invite your mother's neighbors gardeners nieces dog-sitters step brother? Well, maybe, if that person happens to be your fiancé, then probably...otherwise, no you probably don't. In reality, outside forces such as parents, especially if they are paying for all or a good portion of the celebration, will determine how many people are coming. If parents are paying, it is really hard to say no to certain people coming that they want to be there, even if you don't. Ensuring you have really open communication about what you want will hopefully help, but family dynamics are a pain in the ass and I'm a musician, not a family psychotherapist. 

We already talked a bit about the money, but you need to figure out who or how you are paying, and what you want to spend. Weddings ARE NOT CHEAP! There is no such thing as a cheap wedding. But also, events in general are not cheap. There are many factors to consider when looking at prices, and it isn't just the money going to the professionals you hire, the food you eat, the venue you party at. In reality, the prices for these services are high because everything else that we as professionals pay, costs money too. We have to pay for business licenses, insurance, equipment (and replacement equipment sometimes), costs for raw materials like your flowers if you're a florist or your basic food if you're a chef, etc etc. Many pros don't have a different charge for weddings as we do for any other event, it's just that getting 50-150 people together and having a full day event is not going to be cheap. That being said, there are ways to make your wedding absolutely amazing without spending a down payment on a house (which in San Diego is around $20-30k btw). I have performed at some amazingly lovely ceremonies that were in the $7-$15k range, and everything was beautiful. It all just depends on flexibility, finding the right venue, and bringing on the right people.

Finally - location location location. San Diego has more wedding venues than you'll ever be able to tour. If you even stretch your search out to Temecula wine country, or the beautiful hill country of Ramona and Julian, you'll find even more amazing places. These venues range from beautiful hotels and resorts, to wineries, castles, parks overlooking the ocean, community club rooms, equestrian centers, golf courses...I can keep typing. Actually, I already did - I put together this great list of some amazing venues we've performed at in the past, and you're welcome to browse them here. This list is by no means comprehensive, but when we have an opportunity to check out and perform at new venues, I try to make a new page with info that will hopefully be helpful to you. 

Your location will also determine what time of year will be best to host your wedding, for a number of reasons. San Diego is beautiful year round, but the summers in East County can get toasty, so if your crowd overheats easily, that might not be best. Spring time along the coast is amazing, but it gets cold at night and is usually foggy in the morning, so you want to consider that for pictures or for what your guests are wearing. Ultimately, talking to the venue, your planner, or your friendly neighborhood musician who knows San Diego County really well will help with determining what time of year is best at different venues. Also, keep in mind that San Diego does not have a traditional "wedding season" - we host weddings all year here in beautiful Southern California, but there may be some dates or days of the week that might save some money.

The Next Steps:

Once you've checked your budget, figured out your date, and secured your venue, now it's time to start checking in with the wedding professionals you want to bring on to make your day amazing. Here is a list of the wedding pros that are usually hired towards the beginning of the planning process, because they book out long in advance and sometimes you want to find a specific person to fit your style and budget:

• Officiant - this is typically one of the first people hired on once you have a date set. Officiant's will make or break your ceremony, you want to ensure that you hire someone that has experience, is comfortable, and has time to get to know you as a couple. Many officiants have "homework" assignments to complete that will help them build out their ceremony so it is personal to you both and meaningful for your friends and family. I have been to weddings that have been officiated by a newer celebrant or a friend or family member, it isn't always great. They get nervous, they get lost in the ceremony or say the wrong thing, they think they're being funny but they are cringy. This isn't the case for all friends or all new officiants, some are absolutely amazing, but if you want to ensure your wedding ceremony is lovely and touching and correctly funny and personal, I have some amazing officiants I can recommend. Remember, your officiant also needs to procure, fill out, and file all of the paperwork with the County of San Diego properly for you to be legally married - it is pretty important to get someone who knows what they are doing.
• Wedding Planner - also on the top of the list of pros to book early on. Many people think they can plan their wedding entirely on their own and that friends or family will help execute it, and I've seen it fail so many times. I can tell you stories of couples who didn't have it organized and it got to the wedding day and the ceremony time, and I've had to step in to make sure they know how a ceremony is orchestrated or how to get people down the aisle. A wedding planner is a valuable person to bring on, even if it isn't full planning and they just help with advice and coordination, it will save so much stress for you. Planners know...everything. They know everyone. They know amazing wedding pros to recommend, they insure they have the timelines for arrival and equipment and departure, they make sure the venue has everything needed, and they are there to make your day amazing, instead of relying on Aunt Linda who really just wants to be there to celebrate you, not to set the flowers out on your table. For those that are eloping or having a really small ceremony, a day-of planner is still a great person to rely on just to keep the timeline going and ensure everything happens. Keep in mind, if your venue has a coordinator - that person IS NOT your planner. They are there for the venue to make sure all the venue's needs are met. Unless your venue specifically provides a wedding planner, that coordinator is not contracted to help you out (but they probably still will, most venue coordinators are awesome people). 

Those are the two big ones, so lets move on to the other wedding professionals you might start reaching out to. You'll need to ensure you have a date, time, location to secure these services, because all of these pros work off their calendar and would need to check to ensure the date is available:

• Florals & Decorations - this is a must for many people, and the amount of florals and decoration will vary by wedding. Some opt for a full floral suite where they basically drag an entire garden into your venue and the bees outside are like "what the actual f...." ! Most people go for a modest amount of flowers in their ceremony and with centerpieces that suggest how special of an occasion this is and help accentuate colors. Some people need almost no florals at all, especially if you are in a well decorated space already or outside in a garden - and maybe flowers just aren't your thing. You'll still want to get ahold of your florist at least 8-12 months before your wedding to ensure they have the date available, and they can see if they'll need to bring on extra staff or order special arrangements in advance for setup. 
• Photography & Videography - most weddings have a photographer to capture all the feels, but I've seen more and more people bringing on a photo/video team to make sure all of the memories are not just still frame, but also live motion. Recent trends are also inclusive of a wedding content creator so you can post to all your followers about the amazing day you had and all the "behind the scenes" actions. Good photographers are booked almost a year out, and trust me there are few really good ones, a lot of pretty good ones, and then a bunch of people that went to Costco and bought a camera and now call themselves photographers. Don't get me wrong, photographers who have honed their skills and have been shooting weddings for a long time are amazing professionals and I have some great recommendations, but you'll find in many of the Facebook groups that when you ask for a photographer, you'll have over 100 people replying, because it's an easy field for people to get into with little initial skills and still call themselves a photographer. It's a little BS in my opinion, I wish there was a way to weed out amateurs, but again if you'd like recommendations on people who know what they're doing and aren't stealing someone else's images or using AI for their website, happy to chat with you. Don't rely on your friends to take mediocre cell phone photos of you, yes cell camera's are amazing, but you really want someone who knows the angles and the lighting and will make you look fab-u-lous! Side quest here - if you want to use the same photographer for your engagement shots, you'll need to book them sooner. Engagement photos aren't' for everyone, but they do give you a chance to have nice photos for your website or invites, and an opportunity to work with your photographer and get more comfortable with them. Your photographer will probably spend more time with you on your wedding day than any other person - yes, any other person.
• Rentals - similar to florals, you may need rentals, and you may not. If you're planning on getting married at an open slate venue, you'll need to coordinate tables, chairs, linens, maybe an arch, etc etc. San Diego has a number of one-stop rental companies who have an amazing selection of quality equipment that they can deliver, and the prices will vary depending on their availability and the type of rental you get (for instance, folding dinner tables may be less expensive than beautiful stained hardwood tables). You should contact rentals about 8-12 months out to secure them, but many of the larger companies in town will be able to work on a short timeline too. 
• Catering - this will make or break your wedding celebrations. Some venues like restaurants and hotels will have in-house catering, and they may not let you bring in outside chefs or caterers. This is an important thing to think about when looking at your venue. You may love a venue that is right on the water overlooking the harbor, but hate their food...keep looking for another venue, because their event food may not be to your liking. Also, don't automatically assume that the food from a restaurant you love going to with your sweetie is going to be the same that they put out for large events; many restaurants bring in a different chef or a catering team that might have a different style. Make sure you get to try all of the food that they will be serving your guests, and read the reviews from past couples on their wedding food. Your guests will, I REPEAT THEY WILL, comment on the amazing (or crappy) food from your wedding, much longer than they talk about almost anything else. Catering companies for event venues not associated with a restaurant would probably like between 6-9 months of lead time to get everything set and reserve the date with you. 
• Cake - here's the thing, I don't like wedding cake much. Yeah, they're this beautiful traditional thing that just screams "WEDDING" but by the end of the night, I typically don't want to eat anything else and I just would love some little finger food desserts. That being said, some of the cake masters in San Diego will present to you what can only be described as absolute tastebud and visual masterpieces, and having a unique and beautiful and scrumptious cake at your wedding is a sweet way to end the evening (see what I did there). The traditional "cake cutting" where one of you shoves a piece of cake at the other is hilarious. I think a great compromise is having a small cutting cake with your cake topper, and then having a bunch of other tasty treats like cookies, chocolate dipped strawberries, etc, so guests can choose what they'd like. Contact your preferred wedding cake designer about 6-8 months prior to your wedding. 
• Entertainment - yay that's us! Well, sorta us. Our group is the live music ensemble of many clients dreams. We make the ceremony and the cocktail hour burst with memorable and exciting tunes, and as part of the entertainment package, we really elevate the experience. But we aren't a dance music group, and most weddings have dancing, so you might also want to get ahold of a great DJ/Emcee or a live band for later in the evening. The emcee is a really important part of the wedding, and finding one that is comfortable, knowledgeable about your timeline and not cringy is really important. The emcee keeps the night moving, should play reasonable (read: low volume) music when guests are eating and chatting, and know how to get people on the dance floor when that's appropriate. Or, you can skip dancing if you'd like, it's your wedding - do what you want! DJs and live music groups tend to be contacted between 4-8 months before a wedding, and we do book up especially on weekends. Your DJ probably has packages for lighting, photobooth, and other forms of entertainment too - I can recommend some amazing DJ/Emcees who all have different styles and are excellent people.
• Makeup/Hair/Beauty - there are so many things to consider here. What you want to appear like on your wedding day is in the hands of someone you trust to make you look how you feel. Whether you are more minimalist, or want to cover up and change everything, is entirely up to you. Each beauty artist has their own style and has experience working on different clientele, so check with someone you connect with to see if you fit. You should be looking around 4-6 months out to book this professional. 

Some other things to consider that don't deal specifically with wedding pros, but that you'll need to add in your timeline:

• Wedding formal wear - if you're planning on dressing up (tuxes, dresses, etc) you'll need to get that sorted out with enough time for alterations, but also consider that people sometimes change in their shape each year (sometimes, cough cough). If you order a wedding gown too early and have it all finished up and altered, make sure you're checking on it a couple months out and that it still fits where you want it to. If you have a tux or a suit make sure to try it on at least a month out since those are easier to alter. Big time tip: you can take fabric off, but you can't put it back on....
• Wedding insurance - this is really important. You should look into getting an insurance policy that covers a number of things, including any injuries, or a postponement due to weather or a natural disaster, or a sickness to a family member. There are many possibilities that might happen, and there are different insurance policies that you can explore to see what might fit. You wouldn't want to spend multiple thousands or tens of thousands of dollars only for a massive emergency to require you to postpone, but you can't get money back. Insurance will help!
• Check the weather, but don't rely on anything. It may be hot in San Diego in January, or humid. It will definitely be overcast in May and June. It might rain in the fall or early winter. Our weather patterns are somewhat but not fully predictable. Most guests coming to San Diego have no idea what to pack, and don't expect that you will get four completely different weather forecasts depending on where in San Diego County you are (check it out: coast, inland, mountains, desert, it's crazy). 
• If you are planning a full weekend of activities and are not from SD, understand that San Diego is a MASSIVE county, and things generally are not close. Your out of town guests may need a rental car or you may need to provide transportation (I didn't put that service above, maybe I'll add it later). If you want everyone to be close and have a lot to do, consider planning all of your festivities near the San Diego Airport. There is A LOT to do around there, plenty of hotels of all price ranges and amenities, it is close to downtown (nightlife and restaurants), tons of museums and activities (and a world class zoo) in Balboa Park, lots of things to explore in Liberty Station, Sea World (if you're into that), boats on the bay, etc etc. If you'd like some ideas of fun wedding weekend activities in San Diego, feel free to reach out, I love being creative and talking to people about what they can do. 
• Wedding websites are incredibly helpful and you should have one that is updated regularly with helpful information, especially for out of town guests. People will need to get plane reservations, hotels, maybe a rental car, so having as much information on locations and timing is going to be beneficial. There are many places to make a simple yet nice website, including wedding planning websites like The Knot or WeddingWire (and others, I'm not specifically promoting them). 

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I will keep adding to this as time permits - are there things I'm missing? Feel free to put it in the comments. I hope this helps for some of your wedding planning and that reading this gave you a chuckle and put you somewhat at ease for your planning. This engagement is meant to be joyful and celebratory, but yes there are inherent stressors in there too. Don't let the stress ruin the mood, work with your partner to plan out what makes you happy, don't listen to negative people, and you'll be fine - YOU GOT THIS!

The San Diego Style Weddings Magazine had an amazingly well attended launch party this week at Venue808 in downtown San Diego. Bringing together professionals from the wedding industry including planners, photographers, designers, craft drinks, catering & desserts, musicians, and many more awesome people. It was my first time getting to visit Venue808, which I was so looking forward to after seeing the amazing pictures of the space all over social media - it did not disappoint!

Here are all of the wedding professionals that were there - we got pictures of/with many of them, but others provided amazing contributions behind the scenes that made the event epic:
Venue | @venue808
Host | @sdstyleweddings
Catering | @socialtapcatering
Event Design | @tbdsandiego
Photo Booth | @selfiestationco
Live Music | @bonniefosterproductions
Live Illustration | @isjcreative
Candles | @socalcandlerentals
Visuals | @rhodes.audiovisual
Rentals | @bbjlatavola @annettelbravo
Cake | @connorscraftcakes
Party Favors | @bygrace.decor @refinedbysuher
Cabetos | @cabetospops
Champagne Skirt | @melschampagneskirts
Event Design | @conceptseventdesign
Signage | @fastsigns_encinitas
Coffee | @intuicioncafe

​Getting to perform at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is always a treat for the Left Coast Quintet. Providing live wedding music as such a special and magical venue allows us to bring out some beautiful musical arrangements that help to tie the entire celebration together. When you've got the savanna behind you, the beautiful hills, the awesome animals, and all of your family and guests, bringing them into the ambiance with live music helps to create the place and set the tone of the day. 

​LCQ arrived early and got to golf cart up with Safari Park staff, what a way to ride! Say hi to the LCQ selfie!!

Once we got to Kijami Overlook, we took some time checking out the space, and set up our instruments over by the front of the ceremony site. They just installed some new artificial turf, which was incredibly comfortable to walk on! It takes a lot to set up this group:

• Getting 5 instruments put together
  
• Ensuring (for three of us at least) that we have the right reeds ready
  
• Turning on and getting our tablets to the right place
• Setting up stands for music and instruments
• Chair placement and finding the right spot under the shade umbrella

After that, we get to start warming up, running through a few passages, and meeting with the wedding coordinator and site staff to make sure everything in the timeline is good to go!

Our prelude music consisted of a mix of light classical and a few movie themes. Our clients requested music like La Rejouissance, Water Music, and other classical favorites, alongside movie themes from Forrest Gump, the Lion King, and the Magnificent Seven! Rarely do weddings start right on time, and it is really easy for us to roll with changes in scheduling - we just play more music for people to enjoy. While the ceremony itself was still getting set up, we entertained guests who had arrived and sat down with a bunch of fun music. 

For the ceremony processional, we performed classical music by our couples request, which included Ode to Joy, Canon in D, Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring; and then Mendelssohn's Wedding March for the recessional. 

After the ceremony, it was time for us to get into our cocktail hour set, which was a blast. With more movie and jazz numbers, we were able to connect with the guests while the wedding party was taking pictures. It was so much fun to have some of the younger kids dancing to music that they knew, and we had many of the wedding family members come up to chat about how great everything was. 

Right before leaving and turning everything over to the DJ for the afternoon, we had to get a picture of the cakes which were just spectacular, and take a selfie with the group in front of the savannah. We also have some videos of the rhinos and giraffes running around through the plains - check our our Instagram as we upload some things there. 

We can't wait for our next return to the Safari Park for another wedding or event, we already have one scheduled later this year. For those considering a beautiful, wild, and unique wedding venue in San Diego, definitely check out the San Diego Zoo Safari Park!

In December, the Left Coast Quintet had the pleasure of providing music to a really beautiful wedding that took place in San Clemente, which is in south Orange County, CA. It was held at La Ventura, a really nice events center with a great outdoor patio and a nice indoor ballroom. We were hired to provide prelude, ceremony, and cocktail hour music, and our clients were some absolutely wonderful people who, like us, are big Disney fans!

Prelude music consisted of all Disney tunes, including music from Beauty & the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Hercules, Cinderella, Pinocchio, Sleeping Beauty, and much more! The signage welcoming guests and used all around the wedding celebrations was decked out in Disney fonts and appeal, including "Fast Pass" tickets for guests to find their seats for the reception!

Ceremony music was custom designed by our couple to reflect the participants. Our officiant walked down to Bruno Mars "Marry You", the groom and his parents strolled down to "Soul Bossanova" which is commonly referred to as the Austin Powers theme song, the wedding party entered to Luke Combs "Better Together", and our bride requested Elton John's "Your Song" which timed perfectly to end right when she got up to the front. The ceremony was rounded out by Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now" which had everyone in a great mood heading into cocktail hour, where there were....LLAMAS!

So we got to play music for llamas...and humans too! Cocktail hour was filled with a bunch more Disney themes, some Broadway, pop covers, jazz standards, and more. Guests came up with huge smiles on their faces between songs to talk about their musical instruments, how much they loved a rendition of a song we performed, or request a few pieces of music - and while it wasn't planned, we were able to pull up many of the requests and perform right there!

Overall, a wonderful evening of playing music, and a huge thank you to our couple, and to Tatum and Andrew (not pictured, he had to take off before we got the llama pic) for subbing in with the group! We got some amazing reviews from our couple and Melissa from Novelty Events:

The other professionals that made this wedding happen:

Venue : La Ventura Event Center
Wedding Planner & Designer: Novelty Events
Catering: La Ventura Event Center
Photographer: Peterson Design & Photography
Live Musicians: Left Coast Quintet
DJ: Pacific Entertainment
Florist: The Nature of Things @thenatureofthings
Hair: Hair by B @babehairbyb
Makeup: Stevens and Cross Cosmetics
Custom signage: The Kimi Collective
Tabletop & Rentals: Signature Party Rentals
Photo Booth: Desert Luna Photobooths
Dessert: Handel's Ice Cream & Elizabethan Desserts @elizabethan_desserts
Coffee: Rugged Coffee
Transportation: Streamline Valet & Shooting Star Livery
Llamas: SUGAR SWEET FARMS

We had an absolute blast performing a final concert of 2023 at the Pacific Beach Library! It was nice to see a full house full of all ages enjoying the music, swaying along to the beat, and listening to their favorite holiday tunes. LCQ was joined by the JAMB! Bass Clarinet Ensemble, which our clarinetist April is also a member of. We had the opportunity to each perform separately, and RB Anthony (French Horn/arranger) put together a few tunes for our octet to perform together!

We are looking forward to a great 2024 full of concerts, public events, weddings, and holiday parties as well. We can't wait to see you all after the break and announce our 10th year anniversary season! 

Until then, follow along on Facebook and Instagram to see some of the recordings from the concert:

https://www.facebook.com/leftcoastquintet

https://www.instagram.com/leftcoastquintet/

​Have a great New Year!!

This past weekend, we were hired to play for a wedding at one of the iconic San Diego restaurants, the Bali Hai on Shelter Island. This Polynesian styled property is right on the water overlooking San Diego Bay and downtown, with a  stunning outdoor ceremony location and a really nice flow between ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception.

Our bride contacted us back in May 2023, and as a former clarinetist she definitely wanted a wind ensemble. She was excited to see how much music we had from different genres, and gave us a list that included Lord of the Rings and Sleeping Beauty for the wedding ceremony, and we added other prelude music from movies like The Princess Bride & Indiana Jones, some Broadway flare with Phantom of the Opera, a bit of classical, and some pops covers from the Beatles and Elvis.

Cocktail hour saw us move over to the patio closer to the building, where we got to entertain guests and also were entertaining some of the Bali Hai customers who were sitting above us on their deck enjoying dinner and clapping between songs. We kept up a really fun and varied mix of music from the brides requests including Star Wars, Game of Thrones, some Celtic music in honor of her Irish mom, and pops covers including more from the Beatles, some oldies and some jazz. That moon rising up over Bankers Hill was just gorgeous - can't wait to see the professional photographers photos of that!

Thank you to our regular subs Andrew and David who filled in on French Horn and Clarinet respectively!

We got to enjoy the Fall Open House at the Intercontinental Hotel and had a blast checking out some of their event spaces, meeting events staff, and networking with many other San Diego wedding and events professionals! Here are some photos and info on the property in hopes it helps in your search for a beautiful, modern downtown venue with absolutely amazing views of the harbor and sunsets!

While the Intercontinental has great large event spaces as well, the focus of the Open House was on their two restaurant/event spaces, called the Vistal Bar and the Garibaldi. Both of them have outdoor patios with these  views, as pictured above and below, that look out right on to the San Diego bay. We saw the Disney Magic of the Seas cruise docked which ended up disembarking while we were there, with their classic "When You Wish Upon a Star" whistle blow!

The Garibaldi restaurant not only has a nice dining room, but they also have a private dining/board room pictured below that would be perfect for engagement dinners, wedding parties, or corporate events!

We are very much looking forward to many returns at the Intercontinental Hotel to provide some live music for events taking place here!