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About

On WeddingWire since 2012

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.

Frequently asked questions

What is the starting price for wedding ceremony music?

$675

What is the price of your most popular wedding package?

$900

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
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Reviews of Jim Perona

5.0 out of 5 rating
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2024 Winner
5.0 out of 5 rating
211 Reviews
100% recommend it
  • Quality of service
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    5 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    5 out of 5 rating
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 a highly recommended wedding musician, praised for his talent and professionalism by multiple reviewers. He is described as accommodating, easy to work with, and prompt in his communication. Reviewers appreciated his ability to learn and play specific songs, as well as his extensive repertoire. Guests at the weddings commented on the beautiful atmosphere created by his music. Overall, Jim Perona is highly recommended for couples looking for a talented and reliable musician for their wedding ceremony and cocktail hour.

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 a highly recommended wedding musician, praised for his talent and professionalism by multiple reviewers. He is described as accommodating, easy to work with, and prompt in his communication. Reviewers appreciated his ability to learn and play specific songs, as well as his extensive repertoire. Guests at the weddings commented on the beautiful atmosphere created by his music. Overall, Jim Perona is highly recommended for couples looking for a talented and reliable musician for their wedding ceremony and cocktail hour.

Marissa
Marissa C. 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!!!
B
Becky Sent on 12/12/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Book Jim Now!

Jim is a beautiful musician, a true professional and a delightful person! My daughter had a very small intimate wedding, and Jim's music set just the right tone. He was prompt, very self-sufficient setting up and he knew just how to use his music to make all the special moments of the ceremony and cocktail reception blend seamlessly. I was a little nervous because we did not have a rehearsal, but Jim nailed it with one 15 minute conversation on the phone the week before the wedding. His number is going in my phone for future events!
A
Angela Sent on 12/11/2023
5 out of 5 rating

Absolutely amazing guitarist!

From the moment we first contacted Jim to the his performance at our wedding he exceeded any and all expectations, going above and beyond every step of the way. His repertoire list is impressive and his ability to learn additional songs per request is amazing! He is incredibly talented. We are so grateful that Jim was able to be apart of our big day. He was flexible with the flow of our wedding and was readily available to address any questions prior to the event. We received so many compliments and guests were raving about him! If you’re looking for a guitarist he is hands down the best!
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Awards

211
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

Real Weddings

Ashley & Jordan
17 photos · 09/15/2018

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