Weddings
A Key West Beach Wedding
The soft sound of acoustic steel drums drifting on the ocean breeze lets you know instantly that you've arrived at your destination- the American Caribbean.
It's a sound that will please all the generations that have come together to celebrate your wedding. Starting with time-honored romantic classics from Gershwin and Cole Porter as your guests gather for the ceremony, then on to traditional processional music.
Enjoy your wedding dinner under the stars, spiced with calypso, reggae and Key-West style favorites.
How I Work
For wedding ceremonies I generally play acoustic steel drums. My instruments have a clear, bell-like tone which has a real elegance in an outdoor setting. I try to choose from modern and traditional romantic selections to fit the mood of your guests as they gather for the ceremony.
For receptions, I add backup music that I record myself for a full band sound. I also sing and double on guitar when the music calls for it.
Again, I adjust the music to fit your guests. Your party can be as relaxed or as lively as you want.
I can also play music for commitment ceremonies and renewal of vows, or set the mood for a wedding proposal.
Other Services
I can do all necessary announcements for the intoduction of the bridal party, first dance, etc. I also can provide a microphone for toasts and dedications from your guests, and provide a CD player for any special music you want to bring yourself.
For a very reasonable additional charge, I can provide a wireless lapel microphone and PA system for your officiant at the ceremony, whether power is available or not.
I carry liability insurance for my performances at any venue in the state of Florida.
Be Your Own DJ!
Want to save a ton of money? For the last part of the reception after dinner, plug your I-Pod or laptop into my sound system system and play your own mixes. Several recent clients have asked to do this and they've all had great dance parties. My system is already set up and running so I only charge a percentage of my hourly rate.
With all respect to the fine DJ professionals in Key West, it's not rocket science. You've got the tunes, I've got the sound system- let's start a party!
Experience - Reliability
Ask your wedding planner or hotel sales representative about my track record in Key West.
I realize that your wedding is a once in a lifetime event, and I guarantee good memories of good music.
Since launching my original website paanmaan.com in 2004, I have performed at 900+ weddings.
Endorsements
Smathers Beach-April 1, 2015
James-
My wife and I want to thank you so much for the wonderful music that really put our magical day over the top! Hope to hear you again.
Christopher & Denise
Ocean Key Resort-November 6, 2009
Hello Jim-
I am just getting back now, and wanted to thank you.
Your music for the ceremony and reception was absolutely amazing!!!!! Thank you so much for allowing us to use your sound system later in the evening.
I can't thank you enough for everything. . . .you were an integral part of making our wedding PERFECT!!
Joanna & Tony
Ocean Key Resort-August 29, 2009
Jim Wist-
Mike and I wanted to thank you so very much for your providing your steel drums at our ceremony. The music sounded wonderful and suited the picture-perfect scenery just right! You were a surprise for most of our guests and they wouldn't stop complimenting you on your talent.
Thanks again!
Michael & Valerie
The Reach-July 21, 2009
Dear Jim-
We wanted to thank you for the beautiful music you played at our July 21st wedding. We absolutely loved the music, and really felt that the music set the tone for the whole night. Thank you so much! Please let us know when/if you need any recommendations, as we would be happy to provide one!
Thanks again,
Deanna & Nick
Casa Marina-December 9, 2006
Jim,
Happy New Year!
We just wanted to thank you for being so great during the wedding. Everyone loved the music! I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to meet you, but things were so crazy! Thanks for being a part of and making our day so special. And thank you for letting our videographer use your music.
Winnie and Ric
Hyatt-November 25, 2006
Dear James,
We wanted to say thank you again for a wonderful job at our wedding last Saturday. The steel drums sounded great, and I loved walking down the aisle to the wedding march! You did a great job and we were very happy with how it all turned out. Please don't hesitate to ask if you ever need a reference from us.
Best regards,
Heather & Ian Yarnot
West Martello Towers, Hog's Breath Saloon-November 18, 2006
Jim:
Thank you for a lovely wedding day of music. We loved the steel drum Wedding March as it truly gave the "Caribbean Feel" to the entire event.
Thank you again!
Brandy and EG Peters
Southernmost House-October 7, 2005
Dear Mr. Wist,
You provided the music for our wedding ceremony and cocktail reception at The
Southernmost House on October 7, 2005, and thank you so much for all your
wonderful music; you were just great. We wanted a wedding that would reflect
our casual, fun style but still be tasteful, beautiful and island memorable.
Stephanie Happ of Swept Away Destination Weddings recommended you and, as with
all of her recommendations, she was right. Your impressive music selection (no
one could believe it when you performed the wedding march), flawless sound and
professional yet fun demeanor allowed us to have the most amazing wedding -- not
just the wedding of our dreams, but even better. In addition to us, every one
of our guests said it was just the most beautiful, fun wedding they had ever
attended (which was important to us since they had traveled so far for our
wedding).
Thank you again, and if you ever need a recommendation, please do not hesitate
to use us.
Thank you and best always,
Ben & Sonia Cudd
The Reach-November 8, 2005
Dear Jim,
Now that we're back in the UK, we just wanted to let you know that we thoroughly enjoyed our Wedding day and wanted to thank you for making it so special with the wonderful music that you played for us.
With kind regards,
Janice & Brian (Mr & Mrs Warwick)
Casa Marina-May 7, 2005
Hi Jim,
I just had to tell you how totally pleased we were with your performance at my daughter's wedding on Saturday. Everyone commented on how good you were, and how beautiful the drums sounded. It was a pleasure to have you there, and your professionalism is greatly appreciated. There was NO stress dealing with you from beginning to end. Feel free to use us as a reference any time! You helped to make the day very special. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Chris Absheer
The Reach-May 5, 2005
I just wanted to let you know how many compliments we received on your music at our wedding on 5/5/05. As the bride, I missed most of it but we plan on ordering your CD. Thank you for the part you played in making my wedding day perfect! I am giving you an A+ on my review on the Knot!
Thanks again!
Jenn Jacques
Duval Beach Club-May 29, 2005
Vendor review from theknot.com:
Steel Drums: A++ Jim Wist
I didn't realize it was possible to play the bridal march on steel drums, but Jim made it so beautiful people started crying as soon as he started playing it. Jim was fantastic. He worked with whatever we wanted to do, and had no problems. This was another thing we heard compliments on over and over again...the music.
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