Mikaela and Niley made a full weekend of their October 25, 2025 wedding at Liberty Hall in Pendleton, South Carolina. Both immediate families stayed on the property, with a rehearsal dinner on the front porch and breakfast together on Sunday. For the wedding itself, they chose live piano for the ceremony, a jazz trio for cocktail hour, and Soulution’s eight-piece band for the reception.
A wedding weekend at Liberty Hall
Liberty Hall is built around an 1849 home in historic Pendleton, minutes from Clemson University. Its three acres include gardens and mature trees, with space for outdoor ceremonies and tented receptions. The inn also has 10 guest rooms, each with a private bathroom, so couples can keep some of their closest family and friends onsite.
For Mikaela and Niley, that meant more time together than a single evening allowed. Their celebration moved from the porch to the ceremony gazebo, then to the patio and lawn for cocktails and a tent for the reception. The photographs below, shared by Liberty Hall, show the house, grounds, and family gatherings that were part of their weekend.
From ceremony piano to the reception band
Mikaela wanted the ceremony music played live. Her selections included “Leather and Lace” for the wedding party and a slower, relaxed version of “Cielito Lindo” for her entrance. Waylon Jennings’ “Ladies Love Outlaws,” arranged for piano, was their recessional choice.
After the ceremony, the jazz trio took over for cocktails outdoors. Mikaela and Niley chose “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” for their reception introduction, then handed the first dance to musician friends who brought their guitars. We arranged access to the stage and microphones so their friends could perform that song for them.
The parent-dance selections were Jimmy Buffett’s “Little Miss Magic” and Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide.” For the rest of the evening, their request list ran from classic rock to disco, funk, country, and pop. Fleetwood Mac, ABBA, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Taylor Swift all made the list, along with an especially enthusiastic request for “Rock Lobster.” Donna Summer’s “Last Dance” was their pick for the final band song.
Three details to settle before the wedding
Liberty Hall gives you several places to gather, so put the ceremony, cocktail, and reception locations on one shared timeline. Ask the venue where each part of the day would move in bad weather, then check that your musicians have the setup time and power they need in both plans.
If a friend is singing your first dance, make the introduction before wedding week. Confirm the song version, who brings the instruments, what microphones are needed, and when they can soundcheck. For parent dances, decide whether you want the whole recording or a shorter arrangement. A clear ending lets your photographer, planner, and band follow the same cue.
Planning your Liberty Hall wedding?
We’ve played the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception spaces at Liberty Hall and can help you plan the music for each part of the day. Send us your wedding date and let us know you’re getting married at Liberty Hall. We’ll check availability and talk through ceremony musicians, cocktail-hour jazz, and reception band options.
