Mark and Amanda tied the knot over the weekend at Valhalla, a historic lakeside venue right on Lake Tahoe. The setting was stunning, pine trees everywhere, the lake sparkling in the background, and weather that felt tailor-made for an outdoor wedding. It was a beautiful day all around, and the music matched every moment of it.

 

THE CEREMONY

All Taylor Swift, All Instrumental

Amanda had a specific vision for her ceremony music: she wanted instrumental versions of Taylor Swift songs as guests arrived and as she walked down the aisle. It was such a great call. The room felt familiar and emotional without being over the top. Guests could feel the songs even without hearing a single word.

 

THE RECEPTION

A Night Built Around the Eras

One of the things we do during our planning process is go through each couple’s music questionnaire together. It helps us understand not just what songs they want, but what kind of energy they’re going for on the dance floor. When we got to Amanda and Mark’s questionnaire, the answer was pretty clear.

“A lot of Taylor Swift.”

We built a set that moved through eras and energy levels all night long. The dance floor stayed full, the crowd stayed happy, and we closed the night exactly the way the couple wanted: with their final dance to “Lover.” It has been a wedding favorite for years and honestly, it never gets old.

 

FOR SWIFTIES PLANNING THEIR WEDDING

Playlists to Help You Get Started

Taylor Swift’s catalog works beautifully across every part of a wedding day, from the ceremony to cocktail hour to the dance floor. If you are a Swiftie planning your wedding, or just want to work a few of her songs in, here are some playlists to get you started.

Amanda and Mark’s actual wedding ceremony playlist filled with instrumental versions of Taylor’s songs.

Here’s a couple other great playlists. A Swiftie already put together a playlist called Taylor Swift Wedding songs. These songs can work for different parts of your wedding. If you’re ready to party and dance your heart out, the next playlist is full of party club remixes of her songs. 

THE DO-NOT-PLAY LIST

Want to See What Didn’t Make the Cut?

Every couple fills out a Do-Not-Play list as part of our planning process, and it is always one of the more telling parts of the questionnaire. It really gives us a sense of the couple’s taste and what kind of night they are going for.

For Mark and Amanda, Bruno Mars made the list. It is a little unfortunate because he is genuinely such a talented performer, but Uptown Funk has made the rounds at a few too many receptions. Line dance songs were also a firm no. We get it completely. It is your wedding, and the playlist should feel like you.

 

WANT TO SEE MORE?

Behind the Scenes at Valhalla

Check out this Instagram reel for a behind-the-scenes look at Mark and Amanda’s wedding day.

 

THE DAY AT A GLANCE

How the Day Came Together

The weather was just about perfect. Sunshine, a few clouds, and a temperature that made everyone want to be outside. Here is how the day unfolded at Valhalla.

 

CEREMONY

Held outdoors with the pine trees as their backdrop. Guests arrived to Taylor Swift instrumentals as Amanda walked down the aisle.

COCKTAIL HOUR

Guests moved to a separate area of the property while the couple took photos with their families. Everything was getting set up for dinner at the same time.

DINNER

A beautiful outdoor dinner with heartfelt speeches. Taking advantage of the weather meant everyone got to enjoy the lake views all evening.

THE PARTY

This is where our team gets excited. We played their favorite songs and so many Taylor Swift tracks before closing the night with “Lover.”

 

Vendor Team for Mark & Amanda’s Wedding

Planning & Design: XOXO Weddings | Photographer: AB Photo | Floral: Arches Floral 

 

Planning a wedding at Valhalla? We would love to help you plan the perfect soundtrack for your day.

Get in touch: https://www.epikweddings.com/contact