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Weddings

About

Jim Perona is a wedding musician based in Wheaton, Illinois.

I am a solo instrumental guitarist with an expansive repertoire and a passion for creating the perfect soundtrack to your big day. I am professional, enthusiastic and reliable musician with great reviews from many happy clients.

My repertoire spans every era: Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Spanish-Romantic, Flamenco & even contemporary! For the latter, I create solo guitar arrangements of songs upon request, which maintains it's familiarity while adding a charming elegance. These arrangements are a huge hit with wedding couples!

Planning and performing music for weddings is my passion and profession and having gotten married myself in May 2021, I know how important it is to feel like you're in the best of hands with your wedding vendors. My promise to you is that when it comes to the wedding music, you will be in the best of hands.

Experience
Born into a musical family, I began taking guitar lessons at age 11. In 2008, I graduated from Northern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in classical guitar performance, studying under guitar expert Fareed Haque (winner of the 2009 "Best World Guitarist" award from Guitar Player Magazine). In 2010, I received my Master's Degree in classical guitar performance from the New England Conservatory under the tutelage of world-renowned guitarist Eliot Fisk (Eliot Fisk was the last direct student of legendary guitarist Andres Segovia). I have since performed at over 300 weddings, earning 10 "Couple's Choice Award" in a row on WeddingWire (every year since 2013).

In 2018, I was invited to perform and lecture at the Boston Guitar Festival (performance video available on my YouTube channel). The lecture portion was centered on building a positive & collaborative relationship with wedding couples with the ultimate goal of putting together the perfect soundtrack for their wedding. The following year, I was invited to perform for the United Center Concert Club, serving as the pre-concert act to headliners Fleetwood Mac.

Services Offered
I provide solo instrumental guitar musical entertainment for weddings and other special events at an affordable rate. My repertoire spans over 500 years of music, including more recent pop hits. As a solo guitarist, my setup is portable and volume is perfect for your guests to enjoy. Event services offered include the following:

  • Ceremony and reception music
  • Prelude (pre-ceremony) music
  • Cocktail hour music
  • Dinner hour music
  • Reception music
  • Accommodation of up to 3 special requests.
  • Instrumentals
  • Musical interludes
  • Rehearsal dinner
  • Vocals
  • Sound/PA system for Ceremony.
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Frequently asked questions

Which of the following are included in the price of your most popular wedding package?

Ceremony Music
Cocktail Hour Music
Learn New Songs
Sound/PA System

What ceremony music arrangements can you provide?

Instrumental - Solo

How many musicians are in your band(s)?

1 - 3

What instruments does your group play?

Guitar

What services do you provide?

Ceremony Music
Cocktail Hour Music
Instrumentals
Learn New Songs
Liability Insurance
Microphones
Music During Breaks
Reception Music
Rehearsal Dinner Music
Sample Performances
Sound/PA System
Vocals

Reviews of Jim Perona

This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Review summary

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Jim Perona is highly praised by multiple reviewers for his exceptional guitar performances during wedding ceremonies and cocktail hours. Reviewers appreciate his talent, professionalism, and flexibility in accommodating song requests, with some noting that his music enhanced the romantic atmosphere of their weddings. Jim's responsiveness, ease of communication, and dedication to learning new songs are highlighted as key factors that contributed to making the wedding day special. Overall, Jim's services are highly recommended for couples seeking a talented and reliable guitarist to elevate their wedding experience.n

Review summary

Powered by AI
This AI-generated summary gives you a snapshot of the overall ratings and feedback from the reviews this vendor has received.

Jim Perona is highly praised by multiple reviewers for his exceptional guitar performances during wedding ceremonies and cocktail hours. Reviewers appreciate his talent, professionalism, and flexibility in accommodating song requests, with some noting that his music enhanced the romantic atmosphere of their weddings. Jim's responsiveness, ease of communication, and dedication to learning new songs are highlighted as key factors that contributed to making the wedding day special. Overall, Jim's services are highly recommended for couples seeking a talented and reliable guitarist to elevate their wedding experience.n

Marissa
Marissa Sent on 05/25/2020
5 out of 5 rating

The best music!

Music is VERY important to me!! Having music at my wedding needed to be perfect! I didn't even consider hiring anyone else but Jim! I have seen him play and he is the best of the best. I didn't worry about anything when I hired him, I knew my wedding would be perfect! He is a DREAM to work with! He went above and beyond my expectations. I didn't worry for a second about his music, I knew it would be fantastic. He made my ceremony so incredibly special! Everyone still talks about how amazing he was! I couldn't imagine anyone else playing and being a part of our special day! Thank you Jim for making our day so special!!!
Emily
Emily Sent on 09/23/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Incredible Music!

Jim was incredible at our wedding! He played as guests were arriving at the venue, during the processional, and during the recessional. He was enthusiastic to play at the wedding and the music was beautiful! It added such a special touch to the day, especially as I was walking down the aisle. Guests were raving about the music, even weeks later! Jim was also extremely easy to communicate with and promptly answered any questions we had. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for some live music at their wedding!
Courtney
Courtney Sent on 09/23/2024
5 out of 5 rating

Highly recommend Jim!

Jim was the best! He performed the ceremony and cocktail hour music at our wedding a few months ago and was fantastic. The ceremony was so special and beautiful, thanks in large part to his music. Jim has a large repertoire of songs, was incredibly kind and easy to work with, and was flexible on the day of the wedding when we had to adjust plans due to poor weather. There’s a reason he has so many wonderful reviews. We HIGHLY recommend him for your event.
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Awards

218
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2025 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2024 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2023 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2022 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2021 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2020 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2018 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2017 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2016 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2015 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2014 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2013 Winner

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