Some weddings you remember for the venue. Some for the décor. Some for the food. Samin and Joe's Aga Khan Museum wedding? You remember it for the music.
Some weddings you remember for the venue. Some for the décor. Some for the food.
Samin and Joe's Aga Khan Museum wedding? You remember it for the music.
From the moment guests arrived to hear a string quartet playing as the couple exchanged vows under perfect summer skies, through cocktail hour jazz that made everyone linger just a little longer, to the 10-piece powerhouse band that had 200 guests dancing until the very last song—this wedding was a masterclass in how live entertainment transforms a beautiful event into an unforgettable experience.
This is the story of how three distinct entertainment acts, thoughtfully coordinated throughout a summer evening, created the kind of wedding people talk about for years.
Before we dive into the entertainment journey, let's talk about why Samin and Joe chose the Aga Khan Museum—and why this venue is particularly special for couples who prioritize live music.
Outdoor ceremony space with natural acoustics: The museum's courtyard and gardens provide stunning backdrops while offering excellent natural acoustics for live musicians. String instruments carry beautifully in this space without needing heavy amplification.
Indoor/outdoor flow for weather flexibility: While Samin and Joe lucked out with perfect weather, the venue offers covered spaces that maintain the outdoor ambiance even if weather doesn't cooperate.
Multiple entertainment zones: The venue layout naturally creates distinct spaces for ceremony, cocktails, and reception—allowing for three completely different entertainment experiences without feeling disjointed.
Architectural elegance that complements live music: The museum's design is sophisticated without being stuffy. Live entertainment feels natural here, not out of place.
Professional sound systems welcomed: Unlike some heritage venues with strict restrictions, the Aga Khan Museum accommodates the professional sound equipment needed for a 10-piece band. This matters enormously for reception entertainment quality.
Samin and Joe's ceremony began at golden hour—that magical time when summer sunlight turns everything ethereal. And as guests took their seats in the museum's courtyard, they were greeted not by silence or awkward small talk, but by a string quartet playing elegant classical pieces that set the tone for everything to follow.
Pre-ceremony (20 minutes before start):
Processional:
During ceremony:
Recessional:
Post-ceremony:
Outdoor amplification without overwhelming: Acoustic string instruments project beautifully outdoors without needing massive speakers. Guests could hear the music clearly while still being able to talk to the person next to them.
Emotional resonance: There's something about live strings that hits differently than recorded music. Multiple guests told us later they had tears in their eyes before the bride even appeared—the music set that emotional tone.
Sophistication without pretension: String quartets signal elegance, but the musicians' enthusiasm and energy kept it from feeling stuffy. This wasn't museum-quiet classical music—it was alive and engaging.
Photography and video magic: Watch the ceremony footage and you'll see: the string quartet in the background adds visual and sonic richness that recorded music simply cannot provide. Every frame looks and sounds professional.
"We knew we wanted live music for our ceremony, but we weren't sure if it was 'worth it' to hire a string quartet. The moment we heard them playing as guests arrived, we knew we made the right choice. It wasn't just music—it was the emotional soundtrack to the most important moment of our lives."
- Samin & Joe
Here's where most weddings make a mistake: they nail the ceremony music, then switch to a Spotify playlist for cocktail hour while the couple takes photos.
Samin and Joe understood that cocktail hour is where guests form their opinion about your wedding. It's the first time everyone can actually talk, mingle, and settle into celebration mode. The atmosphere you create here matters enormously.
Enter: the 4-piece jazz band.
Location placement: Jazz band positioned on the museum's terrace, visible but not intrusive. Guests could choose to be close to the music or further away in quieter conversation zones.
Volume management: This is critical for cocktail hour. Too loud and guests can't talk. Too soft and it's just background noise. The jazz band hit the sweet spot—present and engaging without dominating.
Repertoire selection: Classic jazz standards that created sophisticated ambiance:
Energy arc: Band started mellow as guests filtered out from ceremony, gradually built energy as cocktails kicked in and conversations got animated, then smoothed back down as dinner service approached.
Sophistication that matches the venue: The Aga Khan Museum deserves entertainment that matches its elegance. A jazz band signals "we paid attention to every detail."
Conversation-friendly: Unlike a DJ or loud band, jazz at cocktail volume lets guests actually talk. But unlike a playlist, it creates atmosphere and energy.
Guest engagement: Multiple guests approached the band to compliment them, request songs, or just enjoy the live music up close. This kind of interaction doesn't happen with recorded music.
Photo/video value: The jazz band added visual interest to cocktail hour shots. Instead of just "people standing around with drinks," you have "sophisticated celebration with live music."
Seamless transition to reception: As jazz band finished their set, guests were primed for the next musical experience. The energy had built gradually, setting up the reception band perfectly.
What Samin and Joe understood—and what makes this wedding so memorable—is that entertainment should evolve throughout your wedding day:
Each act is distinct, but they flow seamlessly because they're all live music performed by professional musicians who understand how to read a room and adjust accordingly.
And then came the reception.
If the ceremony was elegant and cocktail hour was sophisticated, the reception was pure celebration.
A 10-piece band featuring powerhouse vocalists Quisha Wint and Jarelle, backed by a full horn section, rhythm section, and integrated DJ, transformed the Aga Khan Museum's reception space into the hottest party in Toronto that night.
Lead Vocalists:
Horn Section:
Rhythm Section:
DJ Integration:
4:00 PM - Ceremony: String quartet performs throughout ceremony as guests arrive, during processional, ceremony moments, and recessional.
5:00 PM - Ceremony Ends: String quartet continues playing as guests congratulate couple and transition toward cocktail area.
6:00 PM - Cocktail Hour Begins: Jazz band takes over, positioned on terrace. Smooth transition from ceremony to social hour.
7:00 PM - Grand Entrance to Dinner Tent: Band performs high-energy intro music as Samin and Joe are introduced as newlyweds. Guests on their feet immediately.
7:15 PM - First Dance: Band performs couple's chosen song (live arrangement created specifically for them). Quisha's vocals gave goosebumps to everyone watching.
7:30 PM - Dinner Service Begins: Band shifts to smooth background music—Motown, soul, classics that keep energy up without overwhelming conversation. Guests can eat and talk while still feeling the celebration vibes.
8:15 PM - Parent Dances: Live performance of songs chosen by couples' families. Having a live band meant these moments felt extra special.
8:30 PM - Dinner Winds Down: Band gradually increases energy, signaling dance floor is about to open.
8:45 PM - Dance Floor Opens: Band launches into high-energy set. Motown classics, contemporary hits, funk, soul—everything performed live with a full horn section and dual keyboards that make every song hit harder.
9:30 PM - Band Break 1: DJ takes over seamlessly. Guests don't even realize there's been a transition—music keeps flowing.
9:45 PM - Band Returns: Second set even higher energy than first. By now, guests are warmed up and ready to go all in.
10:30 PM - Band Break 2: DJ handles specific requests and genres (hip-hop, EDM, etc.) that complement band's repertoire.
10:45 PM - Band Final Set: Last 45 minutes are non-stop hits. No slow songs, no breaks, just pure dance floor energy.
11:30 PM - Last Dance: Band performs couple's requested closing song. Entire guest list on dance floor singing along.
We've produced weddings with 4-piece bands, 6-piece bands, and 10+ piece orchestras. Here's what the 10-piece configuration brings that smaller bands can't:
Horn section: Trumpet and sax create that "big band" sound that makes Motown, funk, and soul songs hit the way they're supposed to. You can't replicate this with keyboards—you need real horns.
Dual keyboards: Main keys and auxiliary keys allow for richer harmonic textures, simultaneous string and brass sounds, and the ability to layer sounds that single keyboard players can't achieve. This depth is crucial for recreating the studio sound of classic Motown and soul records.
Dual vocalists: Quisha and Jarelle could trade verses, harmonize, and create vocal dynamics that solo singers can't achieve. Some songs need that call-and-response energy.
Genre versatility: With 10 musicians, the band could authentically perform everything from Frank Sinatra to Bruno Mars to Whitney Houston. Smaller bands have to fake certain styles—10-piece bands can actually perform them properly.
Visual impact: When guests walked into the reception and saw 10 musicians on stage, they knew this wasn't a typical wedding. The stage presence alone signals "something special is happening here."
Energy ceiling: There's a maximum energy level a 4-piece band can create. A 10-piece band with horns and dual keyboards? The ceiling is exponentially higher. When Quisha belted out a Whitney Houston note backed by full band and horn section, the room felt it.
Here's why having BOTH a band and DJ worked beautifully:
No dead air during band breaks: Musicians need 15-minute breaks every hour. With DJ integration, guests never experienced silence or energy drops.
Specific song requests handled: Guest wants to hear obscure hip-hop track? DJ plays it during band break. Everyone's happy.
Genre coverage: Band excels at Motown, soul, funk, pop, rock. DJ handles EDM, current hip-hop, specific requests band doesn't perform. Together, they cover everything.
Seamless transitions: When band finished a set, DJ was already cueing the next song. No awkward "everyone leave the dance floor" moments that kill momentum.
Late-night energy management: After 11 PM, DJ took over fully, allowing band to end on a high note while DJ carried energy through last dance and send-off.
Want to see what a 10-piece band with Quisha Wint looks like in action? Check out these performance clips from Samin and Joe's reception:
Instagram Performance Clips:
These clips capture what we mean when we say "10-piece band energy is different." You can't fake this level of performance with recorded music or smaller configurations.
"We debated whether a 10-piece band was 'too much' for our wedding. Some family members thought we should just hire a DJ and save money. But the moment that band started playing and we saw our guests' faces light up, we knew we made the right choice. People are STILL talking about the band six months later. Nobody remembers the centerpieces. Everyone remembers the music."
- Samin & Joe
In this video, Samin and Joe share their experience planning and celebrating their Aga Khan Museum wedding. Hear their perspective on choosing live entertainment, working with Grace Arhin Events, and why the string quartet, jazz band, and 10-piece band made such an impact on their celebration.
Let's talk numbers. Because the question every couple asks is: "What does this level of entertainment actually cost?"
| Entertainment Element | Investment | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| String Quartet (Ceremony) | $2,800-3,500 | 1 hour (including pre-ceremony, ceremony, post-ceremony) |
| 4-Piece Jazz Band (Cocktails) | $2,200-2,800 | 1.5 hours |
| 10-Piece Band + DJ (Reception) with Full AV | $14,000-18,000 | 4.5 hours (7 PM - 11:30 PM) |
| Total Entertainment Investment | $19,000-24,300 | 7 hours total |
Note: Premium tier includes complete AV coverage - professional sound system, stage lighting, dance floor lighting, uplighting, wireless microphones, and technical support throughout the event.
String Quartet:
Jazz Band:
10-Piece Band + DJ with Full AV Coverage:
For context, typical Toronto wedding entertainment budgets:
Samin and Joe's entertainment investment represented approximately 15-20% of their total wedding budget—higher than the typical 10-12%, but absolutely aligned with their priorities. The full AV coverage (professional lighting, uplighting, stage production) elevated the entire reception atmosphere and created the visual impact that matched the venue's elegance.
Six months after their wedding, we asked Samin and Joe: "Looking back, how do you feel about your entertainment investment?"
Here's what they told us:
"Nobody talks about the flowers." Samin spent weeks agonizing over centerpiece choices. Guests noticed they were beautiful, but six months later? Nobody brings them up.
"Everyone talks about the band." The 10-piece band comes up in conversation at every family gathering. Friends who attended text Samin and Joe asking for the band's contact info for their own events.
"The string quartet made people cry." Multiple guests told them the ceremony music was so beautiful they got emotional before the bride even appeared.
"The dance floor was packed all night." At most weddings, the dance floor is full for 20 minutes then empties out. At Samin and Joe's wedding, it was packed from 8:45 PM until the very last song at 11:30 PM.
Scroll through the wedding hashtag and notice what guests posted:
What didn't make it to social media? The centerpieces. The menu cards. The escort card display.
The entertainment was Instagram-worthy. The decorations were pretty but forgettable.
Here's how Samin explained it:
"We spent $20,000+ on entertainment total. Some people thought that was crazy. But here's the thing: we spent $4,000 on florals that looked beautiful for 6 hours then got thrown away. We spent $3,000 on a custom cake that was gone in 20 minutes.
The entertainment—the string quartet, the jazz band, the 10-piece band with that incredible lighting? That was the experience. The uplighting transformed the entire space. The dance floor lighting made every moment feel like a concert. That's what made our wedding OURS. That's what made it memorable. If we could do it again, we'd spend the exact same amount on entertainment and probably cut back on other stuff that seemed important at the time but honestly didn't matter."
- Samin
After producing this wedding and seeing how everything came together, here are the key takeaways for couples planning Aga Khan Museum weddings or any luxury Toronto wedding with live entertainment:
Don't just book "a band" or "a DJ." Think about your wedding as three distinct entertainment experiences:
Each should feel different but flow naturally. Samin and Joe's progression from elegant strings to sophisticated jazz to high-energy band was perfect pacing.
The Aga Khan Museum's outdoor spaces have excellent natural acoustics. This allowed the string quartet and jazz band to sound incredible without heavy amplification. The reception space accommodated the 10-piece band's sound system perfectly.
Before booking musicians: Ask venue about sound restrictions, acoustic properties, and equipment requirements. Some venues that look beautiful actually have terrible acoustics or noise restrictions that limit your options.
Samin and Joe made intentional choices to invest more in entertainment and less in elements that weren't as important to them:
Every couple has different priorities. For Samin and Joe, music was non-negotiable. Everything else was negotiable.
Having BOTH live band and DJ gave them:
This combination costs more than DJ-only but delivers an experience DJ-only simply cannot match.
Samin and Joe gave the band and DJ a general direction ("we want high energy, love Motown and funk, definitely play some current hits") but didn't micromanage every song choice.
Working with their exceptional wedding planner Grace Arhin of Grace Arhin Events, we coordinated all entertainment timing, transitions, and logistics seamlessly. Grace's expertise in timeline management allowed our musicians to focus entirely on performance while she ensured everything flowed perfectly.
This trust allowed the musicians to read the crowd and adjust in real-time. When guests went crazy for a Stevie Wonder song, the band played two more Motown classics. When younger guests requested Bruno Mars, DJ handled it during band break.
Professional musicians know how to build energy, read a room, and keep dance floors packed. Let them do what they do best.
If Samin and Joe's wedding inspired you and you're planning your own Aga Khan Museum wedding (or any Toronto venue), here's how to approach entertainment planning:
Ask yourselves:
Premium wedding bands (especially 10-piece configurations with specific vocalists) book 12-18 months in advance for peak wedding season.
Timeline:
Samin and Joe booked their entertainment 16 months before their wedding, securing Quisha Wint and Jarelle specifically.
Budget Tiers for Aga Khan Museum Wedding Entertainment:
Premium Tier (like Samin & Joe):
Full AV coverage includes professional sound, stage lighting, dance floor lighting, uplighting throughout venue, intelligent lighting effects, haze, and complete technical support.
Mid-Tier (Still Excellent):
Budget-Conscious (But Great):
Before finalizing entertainment decisions, visit the Aga Khan Museum and ask:
The DNA Project coordinates with the Aga Khan Museum regularly—we know the venue intimately and can optimize entertainment for the space.
When you book 20 musicians for a single wedding, coordination becomes everything.
Let that number sink in: 20 musicians and entertainment professionals working in perfect synchronization across a 7-hour celebration:
This level of coordination—ensuring seamless transitions between string quartet and jazz band, between jazz band and 10-piece ensemble, between live band sets and DJ integration—requires more than just "showing up and playing."
It requires leadership. Oversight. Someone who understands every moving part and can adjust in real-time when needed.
That's why Anthony Lewis, founder and CEO of The DNA Project, was personally on-site for the entire celebration. Not just for setup. Not just for the ceremony. The entire day—from early afternoon soundcheck through the last song at midnight.
Most entertainment companies send musicians and leave. The company owner is back at the office, maybe checking in via text, trusting that everything will work out.
For a wedding of this scale—with this many musicians, this many transitions, this much at stake—"trusting it will work out" isn't good enough.
Anthony's presence meant:
Consider what managing 20 entertainment professionals for one wedding actually entails:
This is why Anthony was there personally. Because when you're coordinating this scale of entertainment with this tight a timeline, experience and leadership matter.
Most couples have no idea this level of behind-the-scenes coordination is happening. That's exactly the point.
Samin and Joe experienced their wedding as guests—enjoying each moment, trusting that everything would flow perfectly. They didn't see Anthony coordinating sound transitions, cueing musicians, managing timelines, solving problems before they became problems.
They just experienced the magic: strings that sounded perfect, jazz that flowed seamlessly, a 10-piece band that brought the house down.
That's what founder-level commitment delivers.
When Anthony tells you "we'll take care of everything," he doesn't mean "our team will handle it while I'm elsewhere." He means "I will personally be there to ensure your entertainment is flawless."
For a wedding investment of $20,000+ in entertainment, you deserve nothing less.
As entertainment specialists, the Aga Khan Museum is one of our favorite Toronto wedding venues to work with. Here's why:
The Aga Khan Museum understands that great weddings need great entertainment. They:
The museum's architecture and design complement live music beautifully:
Couples who choose the Aga Khan Museum tend to appreciate culture, art, and quality. They're more likely to invest in entertainment because they understand that great music isn't background—it's the experience.
Working with couples like Samin and Joe who prioritize entertainment and trust our expertise allows us to create the weddings we're most proud of.
Let's create your perfect entertainment experience.
Free consultation includes:
The DNA Project
Toronto Wedding Entertainment Specialists
📧 [email protected]
📱 905-497-3621
🌐 www.thednaproject.ca
We specialize in Aga Khan Museum weddings, Liberty Grand, Casa Loma, Omni King Edward Hotel, and Toronto's premier wedding venues.
We work seamlessly with Toronto's top wedding planners including Grace Arhin Events. Professional coordination ensures your entertainment experience is flawless from ceremony to last dance.
Samin and Joe's wedding was beautiful. The venue was stunning. The décor was elegant. The food was delicious.
But what made it unforgettable—what made it the wedding guests talk about months later, what made it the experience Samin and Joe still get emotional thinking about—was the music.
From the moment guests heard the string quartet as they took their seats for the ceremony, through the sophisticated jazz that made cocktail hour feel like a scene from a classic film, to the 10-piece powerhouse band that had 200 people dancing with pure joy until the last possible moment—the music was the thread that wove the entire celebration together.
This is what we mean when we say entertainment matters. It's not about showing off or spending excessively. It's about creating an experience that matches the significance of the day.
Your wedding is one day. But the memories—and the way guests talk about it years later—last forever.
Make it unforgettable. Make it about the music.
This is the February 2026 installment of our monthly "Real Weddings & Events" series, published the last Friday of every month. Each post takes you behind the scenes of actual weddings and events we've produced—showing you what works, what we learned, and how great entertainment creates experiences people remember forever.
Last month: Oakville Community Event: How Live Entertainment Brought 500+ Neighbors Together
From intimate gatherings to show-stopping celebrations, we design and curate the perfect entertainment experience tailored to YOUR unique vision.
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