There’s no doubt that music is the heartbeat of any wedding—it sets the mood, tells your love story, and adds an unforgettable layer of magic to every moment. And no one understands this better than our DWP Insider Premium Member, Music-A. What began in 2004 as a heartfelt initiative by cellist and entrepreneur Roger A-Smith has now evolved into one of Lebanon’s most trusted names in music and entertainment production.
With a growing presence across the MENA region, Music-A tailors its services to suit any celebration, infusing each event with elegance, emotion, and energy. Their artistry was on full display at Tania and Omar’s stunning wedding, a celebration brought to life by the exceptional planning of Christian Joe Events and Lana Hawilo from MICE International. It was a magical day where sound met soul, and the results were simply mesmerizing and unforgettable.
The Wedding
The couple, Tania and Omar, envisioned a modern orchestral journey that would evolve seamlessly throughout the evening. They desired a celebration that felt youthful, fresh, and full of life, while paying homage to timeless Lebanese traditions. With this breathtaking vision in mind, the couple celebrated their happily ever after in the enchanting setting of Saray Nassib Basha. The wedding’s stunning decor and lively music left guests truly spellbound.
An Enchanting Musical Journey
The bride’s mother and the wedding planner have been Music-A’s longtime partners, therefore giving them the golden opportunity to make the wedding a truly unforgettable experience. When it comes to the music, Music-A left no stone unturned to make the celebration truly unforgettable. For the welcome drinks, the request was for a live orchestra, but with energy, groove, and a modern twist. They introduced a full acoustic drum kit and a bass player to the ensemble, custom-arranged several well-known tracks, and created a flow where the orchestra played in sync with a DJ to build a seamless sunset vibe. The result was an elegant yet dynamic musical atmosphere, blending classical instrumentation with modern beats in real time.
As the celebration began, the groom made his entrance, which was customized and composed by a renowned singer, Fares Iskandar, accompanied by a traditional Lebanese Zaffe featuring percussion dancers. Then, from the main patio of the castle, the orchestra, now transformed into a mobile marching band with wireless microphones, appeared with the bride for a more powerful entrance moment. They walked with her towards the dance floor while a live singer performed, creating a cinematic experience for all 600+ guests. Here, all the guests were invited to the dance floor, and the beautiful blend of Fares’ mesmerizing vocals and the enchanting Zaffe put the bride and groom, along with all their guests, on their feet dancing.
Later, in the evening, they introduced a special orchestral rearrangement that fused Labi Siffre’s “My Song” with Kanye West’s “I Wonder”, adding a soulful yet contemporary touch that later culminated into the first dance.
To highlight the Lebanese identity of the wedding while keeping the energy high, they included a performance by five traditional oriental belly dancers to open the dance floor. Later in the evening, while cutting the cake, they featured a high-energy Allegro Violin Show, which transitioned into a vibrant percussion show accompanied by a live DJ mix. One of the most memorable highlights was when the bride spontaneously joined the percussionist, playing along and interacting with the beat. The DJ then took over and kept the celebration going until late, tying the whole experience together.
Meeting Client Expectations
The bride’s mother and daughter, Co-founder & Managers of MICE International, one of the top corporate event planning agencies in the UAE and KSA, have worked with Music-A on multiple occasions. With their backgrounds in large-scale events and a deep understanding of entertainment production, they entrusted them with freedom for creative direction. They provided a clear vision for key emotional moments like the bridal entrance, the groom’s entrance, and the first dance. From there, they collaborated with a singer, composer, and recording studio to craft custom versions of those pieces that would match the tone and energy of the day.
Music-A faced a few challenges whilst making the dream wedding come true. These included a large open venue, high temperatures, and over 600 guests. They handled acoustic synchronization across the space, fine-tuned the sound with their tech partners, and ensured all wooden instruments stayed in pitch throughout. Thanks to tight rehearsals and technical preparation, everything ran smoothly with no last-minute surprises, despite it being one of the busiest dates of the wedding season in Beirut.
What stood out to the couple, especially the bride, was the faithful and emotional execution of every musical moment. She was so touched by the first dance arrangement that she later asked Music-A for a recording.
The Musical Journey Behind The Wedding
Musically, the journey Musical-A created was immersive and emotional, from the modern-classical fusion at the reception to the custom bridal entrance blended seamlessly. The first dance featured the special orchestral rearrangement, while the cake-cutting moment came alive with a shift into more upbeat string arrangements. Their musicians wore formal classical attire, adding to the elegant aesthetic. Later, the Allegro Violin Show brought in a more theatrical vibe with long-tailed tuxedos and short formal dresses, matching the crescendo of the night.
Culturally, they wanted to showcase the spirit of Lebanese celebrations, especially for the foreign guests attending. The groom’s entrance on the notes of the traditional Lebanese Zaffe, followed by a dynamic oriental belly dance segment, brought a true sense of place and energy to the evening. It was a beautiful contrast and complement to the orchestral segments and helped balance the modern and traditional aspects that the couple wanted.
The feedback was incredibly heartwarming. The couple and their families were thrilled. As for the guests, their smiles, spontaneous applause, and emotional reactions during the shows spoke volumes. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching 600+ people fully engaged in the moment.
Let Music Lead The Way On Your Wedding Day
Music-A believes the trend of over-cluttered entertainment can often detract from the magic of the day. For example, an overload of different performers or constantly switching acts can disrupt the flow and attention. They feel one should instead focus on creating a cohesive experience that allows each moment to shine. It’s more about quality and impact rather than quantity, ensuring that the entertainment enhances the atmosphere and complements the couple’s style.
Music and entertainment are the heartbeat of any celebration. The right sound and performance can set the emotional tone of the entire event, guide the energy, and turn special moments into memories that last forever. A well-thought-out musical journey—from the first greeting to the final dance—brings depth and creates a cohesive narrative that reflects the couple’s story. Whether through custom arrangements or unexpected elements, music connects people and transforms an event into a celebration of love, joy, and togetherness.
So if you’re looking to infuse your special day with a little magic and enchantment, then Music-A is the perfect choice to make it happen. You can get in touch with them here:
List Of Vendors
Planning: Christianjoeevents: @christianjoeevents & Lanahawilo @lanahawilo
Music & Entertainment: Music-A @musicabeirut
Photography: @smoyphotography
Videography: Pascal dele filmaker @pascaldelefilmaker
Venue: @saraynassibbasha
Flowers: Christian Joe Flowers @christianjoeflowers
Catering: Cat and Mouth @catandmouth_caterers
Sound & Light: @eventstechnologylb
Dress: Tania Hawilo @taniahawilo
Groom & Bride’s Names: Tania & Omar.
Wedding Location & Venue: Saray Nassib Basha, Beirut, Lebanon
