Aloha Erica Wins Orlando Magazine's #1 Best Band / Live Entertainment Award Weddings

Today I’m standing in awe as I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that I've been named #1 Best Band or Live Entertainment in Orlando Magazine's 2024 Best of Weddings! I’m radiating a huge Mahalo (thank you) to every single person who voted for me to win this award as it is a dream come true, and I can't wait to share my story and the enchanting experience I’ve been fortunate to create for couples and clients all over the world.

The Power of Following Your Own Journey

Winning this award is a huge honor. It feels surreal to see my name associated with such a prestigious title. But honestly, this award goes beyond just a trophy. It's a testament to a journey that began much earlier and the community who’ve come alongside me for decades to bring this dream into reality.

Picking up a guitar at 12 wasn't exactly part of the plan. My 10-year-old sister decided guitar lessons weren't for her, so guess who volunteered? Those four years of weekly lessons, chauffeured patiently by my Uncle Russ, laid the foundation for something much bigger than I could have ever imagined.

Being a young female guitar player wasn't always easy. Walking into guitar shops was intimidating to say the least, knowing most of the employees were men and would sometimes like to show off their skills. But when I was in high school, my friends and I formed an all-girls rock band called Reassurance and would practice in our drummer's basement and I finally felt like I belonged.

Being selected into the elite acapella group the Treble Makers at Northville High School was when I first thought, wow, maybe I can actually sing a little. I loved being a part of that group and learned not only to harmonize in 6-7 part harmony, but also to confidently show up ready to create an immersive experience for the listeners.

After beginning college to pursue my career as a small animal veterinarian, I found another musical outlet in a local christian ministry's worship team. I found myself practicing for hours and hours and leading the team on top of a full course load and watching infinite youtube videos of artists doing new and impressive things like using loop pedals and creating never-before-seen music videos like OK Go's treadmill video (remember that)?

And even when I went on tour for two weeks in Australia one summer, I still struggled to call myself a "musician." After spending my twenties in a job that I often loved and often felt out of place doing, I look back grateful to have gotten to travel all over the world many times performing in countries I'd only dreamed of. 

Finding My True Calling as a Wedding Musician

It wasn't until friend after friend started getting married and asked me to perform for their weddings, that I saw the transformative power of music in creating unforgettable wedding experiences. These weren't just random people. These were people who I'd seen meet the person who'd become the love of their life for the first time, people I watched go through ups and downs before getting engaged, and people that when it came time to perform for their wedding, my favorite part was finding songs that were incredibly meaningful to them and performing them in a way that created a one of a kind, unforgettable experience.

I even wrote songs specifically for a few of them for their wedding day, personalized to their love stories. Wedding guests would often come up to me and ask for my card, and I let them know I wasn't an official wedding singer (little did I know where this would lead).

After having performed for 15 or so friends I started to realize how much I loved performing for couples and their guests on their wedding day. Being a part of the behind the scenes magic making the whole experience look like it went exactly as planned became one of my favorite parts of the job.

While performing for large crowds was exciting in the past, it was crafting intimate, personalized concerts for couples on their wedding day that truly resonated with me. This award feels like a culmination of that journey, a validation of the passion I pour into every note I play and every song I sing. It motivates me to keep creating magical wedding ambiences for couples in love.

Personalized Wedding Music for Personal Friends

Before I even considered myself a "wedding singer" officially, I had the privilege of performing at over 20 weddings for my closest friends. These weren't just random ceremonies; these were celebrations of love stories I had witnessed firsthand, journeys that unfolded across miles and even continents! From the familiar fields of Michigan to the sun-drenched beaches of California, I was privileged to become part of their "I do" moments.

Imagine the joy of serenading a couple in their hometown of Seattle, or adding a touch of island flair with a Hawaiian song at a Florida wedding. I've brought the soundtrack of love to ceremonies in Virginia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and even ventured beyond the US to celebrate with friends in Melbourne, Australia!

Finding songs that were incredibly meaningful to these couples and crafting unforgettable experiences became a passion project for me. I poured my heart into personalized playlists, and even wrote a few original wedding songs that captured the essence of their unique love stories. It was during these early experiences, witnessing the power of music to elevate these special moments, that I realized my true calling. I discovered an immense joy in being a part of a couple's wedding day, weaving music into the fabric of their memories.

A Heartfelt
Thank You

This journey wouldn't have been possible without the unwavering support of some incredible people. A huge thank you to my family and friends who have cheered me on from the sidelines (and sometimes even joined me on stage!). I want to thank my Frogner and Maddock family, and my new Jankowski family. My friends from high school, college, ministry, overseas, and my season of life in my twenties. My friends in Orlando and now those who now live all over the world. And a special thank you to my husband who has lifted his fair share of heavy speakers and dodged lightning strikes to help me set up for performances!

Special thanks to my mentors who helped me hone my craft and instilled in me the importance of passion and dedication. Elle with Captured by Elle Photo & Video, you have truly been such a helpful resource and confidence builder for me. Moses with Moses Lin Music, thank you for generously being a mentor to me the past few years. I’ve learned so much from you and appreciate your advice. And to Brandee with Brandee Gaar Coaching, thank you for giving me the confidence and business acumen to move forward as a professional wedding and private event musician.

A big shoutout to all the amazing wedding planners and vendors I've collaborated with over the years. Your professionalism, creativity, and ability to make magic happen make my job a dream.

And most importantly, thank you to all the incredible couples and clients who have entrusted me with being a part of your special day. Your love stories inspire me, and witnessing your joy is the greatest reward.

Here's to many more unforgettable weddings and the music that weaves them together!

Memorable Moments During Weddings

Every wedding is unique, and you never know what will happen on the day of. I’ve been fortunate enough to witness some funny moments and also to learn the ever-growing skill as a wedding vendor of adapting to the situation in real time. I wanted to highlight a few of these interesting highlights/memories that stuck out to me from the last 4 years performing.

A couple fell in love with my guitar during a performance, and I ended up selling it to them after the wedding!

The magic of weddings often unfolds in unexpected ways. One evening, after the music had faded and the celebration concluded, a bride approached me, confessing she barely remembered the song that played as she walked down the aisle. Determined to create a lasting memory, I impulsively replayed the chosen song, "Can't Help Falling In Love," for them in a quiet moment. Tears welled in their eyes as they danced, a private and cherished memory etched in time.

The impact of that moment reached even further a week later. The groom contacted me with a unique request – to purchase the guitar I used for their special dance. He envisioned their guests signing it as a permanent reminder of their wedding day. This heartfelt desire, a testament to the power of music in creating lasting memories, resonated deeply. With a mix of emotions, I agreed to sell the guitar, knowing it would forever hold a special place in their home – a constant reminder of their love story and the magic of their wedding day.

I spontaneously accompanied a bride who surprised her husband with a song she sang for him. The love and emotion in the room were unforgettable.

Unexpected moments at weddings are what make them truly magical. During one reception dinner on a picturesque lakeside patio, a glowing bride approached me brimming with excitement. After finishing a song, I inquired how she was doing. To my surprise, she requested to sing a song for her new husband while I played along.

While initially confused why she'd choose "Creep" by Radiohead, considering its lyrics, I later discovered a beautiful, slowed-down version by Kina Grannis. However, with limited time to prepare, I pivoted and performed her second choice "Golden Hour" by Kacey Musgraves, a song I knew well. In a heartwarming display of love, the bride belted out the tune under a sky full of stars, her guests cheering and capturing the special moment. This is why I love weddings – the chance to personalize simple requests and create memories that resonate with couples forever.

During a sudden downpour, I teamed up with the planner to relocate everything, ensuring the ceremony went on without a hitch (and with a touch of music!).

Florida's sunshine can turn on a dime, and one wedding ceremony proved just that. The moment I finished setting up to began the processional, a storm rolled in, fat raindrops threatening to turn the white chairs into soggy puddles.  Panic flickered, but the wedding planner, a pro with a hurricane-charming smile, rallied the troops. Chairs were swapped for cushioned seating under a covered patio, flowers carefully relocated.

Within minutes, the ceremony was ready, albeit under a different roof. Laughter replaced anxieties as the downpour became a backdrop, the gentle pitter-patter on the roof almost like applause. I played a more acoustic version of their song, the rain and music creating a unique and unforgettable moment. The weather may have changed the plans, but the love story continued to unfold, a testament to the magic of weddings – adapting, improvising, and creating a memory even more special because of the unexpected twists.

I once performed a father-daughter dance without knowing the song in advance! Thankfully, my years of experience and improvisation skills saved the day.

Wedding days can be a whirlwind of emotions, and sometimes even the best-laid plans go awry. One ceremony stands out for its unexpected twist. As the father-daughter dance approached, the planner excitedly signaled for me to begin. However, a sinking feeling hit me – the bride hadn't mentioned a specific song, and the planner was clueless too even though she insisted I started playing for the dance. Frantic but determined, I channeled my years of experience and whipped up an instrumental version of a familiar tune. 

The dance concluded, and I, relieved yet nervous, congratulated the bride, letting her know she danced beautifully even though I wasn’t sure of the song choice. To my surprise, she revealed she hadn't planned a father-daughter dance at all and was very grateful for my impromptu accompaniment! A wave of relief washed over me – my improvised melody had saved the day. This incident underscored the importance of clear communication, but also the joy of improvisation. It's a reminder that sometimes, the most beautiful moments are the unplanned ones.

Setting up my entire performance in just 15 minutes at a unique venue like the Florida Aquarium is all part of the adventure!

Underwater dreams became reality for one couple's wedding ceremony at the Florida Aquarium.  Sunlight streamed through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating vibrant coral reefs and schools of exotic fish. It was a breathtaking backdrop for their vows, but logistically, a challenge. Unlike traditional chapels, this unique space offered little in the way of pre-set ceremony areas.

The clock ticked as I teamed up with the venue staff.  Fifteen minutes flew by in a whirlwind of activity.  Chairs were arranged, lighting strategically placed, and a makeshift space for my music was created.  By the time the first guest arrived, the ceremony site was transformed, a testament to teamwork and a dash of wedding day magic.  As the bride walked down the aisle, sunlight dappled on the water's surface, creating a truly unforgettable moment for everyone present.  In the end, the unexpected venue became part of the story, a unique detail woven into the fabric of their special day.

Into The Future of Wedding Music

Winning this award motivates me to keep pushing boundaries and creating even more magical wedding experiences. I'm constantly expanding my repertoire, exploring new musical styles, and honing my skills to create unforgettable moments tailored to each individual couples’ love story. Having performed in 16 states an 8 countries, I’m looking forward to continuing this journey both in Orlando and worldwide.

Whether a couple dreams of a classic Hawaiian wedding song, a romantic ballad, or a setlist bursting with today's top hits, I'm here to curate the soundtrack that reflects your unique love story and cultural background.  I can even incorporate special touches like personalized lyrics or surprise performances by guest musicians.

But my commitment goes beyond the music. I understand that wedding days are full of a whirlwind of emotions and details. That's why I work closely with couples and their wedding planner to ensure a seamless experience.  I'll create a detailed song list, handle last-minute requests with a smile (remember the father-daughter dance improvisation?), and make sure the music flows flawlessly throughout the day.

My goal is to create an unforgettable atmosphere that sets the tone for celebration and cherished memories. 

Many thanks to Casie Marie Photography for the photography and to House of Sheen Glam Team for hair and makeup for this brand shoot.