A Fandi Mata Wedding with Pop Strings, Rock Ballads, and the Thong Song
Photo Credit: Eileen Meny Photography
If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like when a wedding is equal parts romantic, elevated, and completely unhinged in the best way… this is it.
Stefanie and her partner’s wedding at the iconic New York restaurant Fandi Mata was the perfect mix of heartfelt moments and “wait… are they really playing that right now?” surprises. Hosted on the first floor, the vibe was intimate and stylish, with guests close enough to feel every emotional moment. And for us at SpeechLess Music, this wedding was the dream: a couple with great taste, a fun crowd, and a playlist that told their story from start to finish.
Another amazing review!!
Prelude + Ceremony: Classic Romance with a Rock Edge
We kicked things off with a violin and acoustic guitar duo, setting the tone for the prelude and ceremony with music that felt personal and cinematic.
One of the standout moments from the start was hearing “Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica reimagined in a softer, acoustic style. It’s one of those songs that instantly feels emotional when you strip it down and let the melody breathe. The violin brings the drama, the guitar keeps it grounded, and suddenly you’ve got a rock anthem that feels like a wedding love letter.
We also played “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley, which is a forever classic for a reason. It’s timeless, sweet, and it hits every single time.
The Processional: Big Feelings, Big Moments
When it came time for the wedding party to make their entrance, the energy shifted into something a little more epic with “With You or Without You” by U2.
It’s emotional, recognizable, and it builds in a way that feels like a slow-motion movie scene (in the best way). In a space like Fandi Mata, where the room already feels warm and intimate, it landed perfectly.
And then came Stefanie’s entrance.
She walked down the aisle to “From This Moment On” by Shania Twain, and it was genuinely one of those moments where the whole room gets quiet without anyone even realizing it. That song is pure romance. It’s soft, confident, and full of that “this is it” energy.
Photo Credit: Eileen Meny Photography
Recessional: A Stevie Wonder Celebration
Once the ceremony wrapped up, it was time to flip the switch from emotional to celebratory.
The recessional was “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by Stevie Wonder, and honestly… there are few songs that do a better job of saying “WE JUST GOT MARRIED!” in under 10 seconds.
It’s joyful, it’s instantly recognizable, and it sends everyone into the next part of the night with a smile already on their face.
Cocktail Hour Entrance: The Most Iconic Curveball
Guests made their way into cocktail hour, still riding the high from the ceremony… and then they were greeted by something nobody expected:
“The Thong Song” by Sisqó.
Performed by our Pop Strings duo (violin + acoustic guitar).
And yes, it was as hilarious and amazing as it sounds.
This is one of our favorite things about live wedding music: you can go from goosebumps to full-on laughter in one song, and it still feels classy because the instrumentation keeps it elevated. It was the perfect “okay, this is going to be a FUN wedding” moment and the crowd instantly got it.
Planning Your Wedding Music at Fandi Mata (or Any Restaurant Venue)
Restaurant weddings can be incredibly special because they feel intimate and personal, but they also come with their own logistical considerations like space, guest flow, and volume.
That’s where having the right kind of ensemble matters.
A violin and guitar duo is one of our favorite setups for venues like this because it’s:
Elegant and space-friendly
Perfect for ceremonies and cocktail hour
Able to move easily between moments
Versatile enough to play everything from Elvis to Metallica to Sisqó
Whether you’re planning something romantic and traditional, totally modern, or a little chaotic in the best way, we’ll help you build a setlist that fits your vibe and keeps the day flowing smoothly.
Shout out to our incredible wedding team!!
Wedding Coordinator: Just Say Yes NY
Venue: Fandi Mata
Photographer: Eileen Meny Photography
Cake: Wild Flour NYC
Photobooth: Hollywood Smile Photobooth