Ceremonious Strings LLC

Choosing the right ensemble for your special event is important and the abundance of information and variety of groups to choose from can be overwhelming. What sets Ceremonious Strings LLC apart from the rest?

*We are an established group of players who have experience playing together! The vast majority of “wedding music” vendors in the state of NJ are composed of sub-contracted players who don’t perform together regularly. These “throw together” ensembles can consist of a random group of musicians performing together for the first time at your wedding! Our musicians, however, have been practicing and performing alongside each other at many weddings and special events. We are a solid team!!

*Our Arrangements! Jaime works hard to ensure all of the music that we play is specifically written for strings. Since most pop/modern/jazz tunes aren’t written for strings, Jaime works to arrange and write all of the music to fit your specific instrumental ensemble. Another wedding music group may claim to have the same songs that we do; however most play off of “piano parts” which can be unpredictable and often times messy sounding. Everything Ceremonious Strings uses is custom written!

* We arrive 30 minutes prior to the ceremony start time and begin to perform prelude music as guests are being seated
* We play throughout the ceremony and as guests are exiting the venue as well
*​Upon booking with us, a contract will be sent to you and signed to ensure all services and needs are met

Established in 2004, Ceremonious Strings is dedicated to providing you with the finest ensemble of musicians for your special day. Our musicians have all gone to college for music and/or music education, and have years of performance experience.

Jaime Chavan (Cello), Susan Degoey (Violin) & Susan Elsayed-Davenport (Violin) are the "heart" of ceremonious strings. Jaime is the string orchestra director for the Southern Regional School District, in Manahawkin; Sue Degoey is the string orchestra director for the Toms River High Schools; and Sue Davenport is the string orchestra director at the Brigantine North School and at Mainland Regional High School.

All of the Ceremonious Strings players are local string teachers and active freelance musicians. We play together frequently and have experience in a multitude of performance areas! In addition to our school teaching and wedding gigs, we can be found in the Monmouth Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of St Peter by the Sea, with the Jersey Shore Pops and on the podium directing the Garden State Youth Orchestra.

Audio equipment is available to amplify our ensemble for cocktail hours. Jaime will use her experience in each venue, details on the size of your event, and other factors to determine if it is necessary to enhance the musical experience.