Magic on the mountain – Paissa d’en Bernat, Ibiza

For Fonoteca’s final event of an incredible 2019 season, we definitely finished in style. Chloe & Rob are a couple who exemplify the idea of ‘soul mates’. Having been recommended by a mutual friend and professional photographer Beth Crockatt, the stage was set at the stunning Villa Paissa D’en Bernat in Sant Josep, Ibiza.

The Date : October 19th 2019

The Couple : Chloe & Rob

The Venue : Villa Paissa d’En Bernat, Ibiza

At our first meeting to discuss the music schedule for the special day, the sun was setting in Ibiza as they described their favourite songs and the atmosphere they wanted to create at their wedding. What was clear and obvious was that this couple loved their music!

They cited tracks by Buena Vista Social Club, Jefferson Starship, Klangkarussell and Sister Sledge, they had specific requests but no boundaries of style, multiple genres and zero pretence. This was going to be a fun night for sure.

October weddings can be risky, it’s the end of the summer season when almost everyone in the events business is exhausted and looking forward to a well deserved rest, and it’s by no means a guarantee that Mr. Sunshine hasn’t decided to pack up for the winter. But almost as if the bright eyes and warm smiles carried over to Ibiza on the lovely faces of their 80 guests, convinced the sun to shine, one more time at least, that special day. 

The guests arrived to a bespoke and widely varied playlist of soul, balearic classics and tropical house. Whilst signing their names, an acoustic rendition of “Sonnentanz (Sun Don’t Shine)” by Klangkarussell was performed by Nell Shakespeare; its lyrics stirring up images of walks through wilderness, dancing in the sun and worries melting away with a smile, provided an ideal musical backdrop to this memorable and emotional moment for a couple in love. 

For canapés & cocktails, an acoustic arrangement of The Ibiza Feeling warmed up the gathering with covers of requested house & disco favourites. Then something very unique and fun took place. There is apparently a tradition in South Africa, where Chloe’s mother’s partner was from, that as the couple enter the party, they are showered with dollar bills! And for this brilliant ritual, the song ‘Wedding Day’ by Brenda Fassie was cued up and ready. It’s not often as a wedding DJ that you get to play styles of traditional music you happen to love, so this moment made the day extra special. 

The atmosphere around the venue was amazing, so joyous and positive. And then to end the speeches Chloe’s brother treated all of us with something truly unforgettable. It was a tribute to his sister and Rob, but sung in a call and response style. It was as infectious as it was poignant and emotional. By the end, every single person in the place was singing along. 

Glammed up in sequins and sparkles, the party and our band The Ibiza Feeling were ready to rock the dancefloor, and we were joined for this performance by one of Fonoteca’s trusted vocalists, Roberto Campoli.

You never know what might be requested for a first dance, but when it’s something like, ‘Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now’, it’s hard not to get excited.

Having been with the guests at the venue all day, the unity and communal love took over as guests joined our vocalists on the mic for ‘We Are Family’, and  two brave souls even attempted the famous Dirty Dancing ‘lift’ during ‘Time Of My Life’… and did a fine job of it! What was the last hurrah, the grand finale of a tough season of resolve and endurance, had become the perfect reprieve and celebration of everything we’d achieved, providing some entertainment for a beautiful, newly married couple, their family and friends.

With no let up, and tucked away in a isolated valley surrounded on all sides by huge, pine forested hillsides. the music had to go up a gear. This set the stage for the exceptional saxophonist Dominique de Larrard to perform his solo over Laurent Garnier’s, ‘The Man With The Red Face’;  the dancefloor was stunned into rapture. 

Having to wind up the live music at around midnight, the hard working musicians took a bow and then a rest, but the venue allowed me to DJ for another couple of hours and the guests spurred me on and gave me a memorable and magical end to the epic summer of 2019.

When finally the minibuses arrived, and with a little crowd control and helpful directions were provided for the weary revellers, home-time had become an unfortunate reality; but apparently NOT for the newlyweds! Deciding instead to carry on partying, Chloe & Rob persuaded our band to hop on one of the buses with them, and get dropped off at Pike’s Hotel! What happens in Pike’s, stays in… etc. Suffice to say, our night, our morning and our whole season was made legend as together we walked the camino back to San An together, Chloe in her wedding dress and Rob in his suit, shining stars who’d illuminated the Ibiza night, now softly and timelessly becoming one with the first light of the Ibiza day.

 

 

The Ibiza Feeling, made up of Nell Shakespeare, DJ Ian Kennedy, Dominique de Larrard and Rocky on Percussion are the most incredible group of entertainers you will find on the island of Ibiza!

We were incredibly lucky to have them recommended, and to have had them play at our wedding from ceremony to party time!

Our guests were wowed with the Buena Vista Social vibes during canapés and cocktails and went crazy when The Ibiza Feeling turned up the heat after dinner for full on live party vibes with incredible vocals, uplifting sax, percussion beats and DJ mixing of party classics and tunes into the morning! The comments we have had from our guests have been exemplary! You left every single one of us beaming. THANK YOU so very much!

Not only were we incredibly blessed to have you make the music to our special day, but we are truly privileged to have found new friends! We will cherish the memories and giggles! Thank you so much, we love you guys!

Mr & Mrs Shaw xxxx