May 23, 2025

A Bright and Whimsical Day for Jillian and Kenneth

Jillian and Kenneth’s wedding was bursting with personality, joy, and unexpected touches—from Studio Ghibli-inspired ceremony music to surprise guests of honor (yes, alpacas!). Held outdoors under golden sunlight and followed by a reception full of dancing and heartfelt moments, this Texas celebration was equal parts whimsical and meaningful. With Royal Dukes Band bringing the live music and Lightwave Event Artists capturing every radiant detail, it was a day to remember.

A Ceremony with Soul—and Studio Ghibli

The couple’s ceremony took place outdoors beneath soft skies and mountain views. As guests arrived, acoustic guitar filled the air with instrumental themes from Joe Hisaishi, setting a serene and cinematic tone. Jillian walked down the aisle to “Merry-Go-Round of Life,” a moving nod to Howl’s Moving Castle, while Kenneth waited at the altar with their officiant and closest loved ones.

As the couple exchanged vows, the atmosphere was light, heartfelt, and personal—culminating in a recessional to “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors, played through a carefully timed Spotify cue. It was the perfect note to transition into cocktail hour.

Cocktails, Llamas & Lo-Fi Beats

Guests moved from the ceremony lawn to an outdoor cocktail hour space where alpacas (!!) made a surprise appearance—dressed to impress and ready for selfies. This whimsical twist made the hour even more memorable. A curated lo-fi/jazzy acoustic playlist set the mood while guests mingled, posed with llamas, and toasted to the newlyweds.

Meanwhile, Lightwave Event Artists worked their magic, capturing the vibrant colors, natural light, and joy radiating from every corner of the venue. The images from this day were bursting with personality and color—a true reflection of the couple’s style and spirit.

A Reception Full of Love and Live Music

Inside the reception space, the celebration continued with a grand entrance for the new Mr. and Mrs. Hightower, set to “Electric Love” by BØRNS. The Royal Dukes Band kicked things off with a live rendition of James TW’s “Incredible” for the couple’s first dance—a sweet, emotional moment shared in front of family and friends.

As dinner was served, the band played background music that perfectly balanced the laid-back elegance of the evening. After a break for toasts and cake cutting, the dance floor came alive with a lively father-daughter dance to “It’s for My Dad” and a mother-son dance to Van Morrison’s “Days Like This.” From there, it was all movement, celebration, and packed dance sets that carried through the rest of the night.

A Private Last Dance & Sparkler Exit

One of the most touching moments came at the very end of the evening, when Jillian and Kenneth shared a private last dance to “Die a Happy Man” by Thomas Rhett—just the two of them, soaking it all in. Moments later, their guests lined up for a sparkler exit that lit up the night and marked the perfect sendoff to a day full of meaning, music, and magic.

Vendor Team

Live Music & Entertainment: Royal Dukes Band
Photography & Videography: Lightwave Event Artists
Venue & Coordination: Fountain View Farm

Planning a colorful, personality-packed wedding in Texas? Royal Dukes Band brings live energy and custom music to every moment of your day—from instrumental ceremony pieces to full dance floor sets. Pair that with a visual team like Lightwave Event Artists and you’ve got the dream team.