Shabbat Weddings?

[Helen Winkler <winklerh...>]

We just finished translating a bit from Rivkind's book that talks about 
hiring non-Jewish musicians when Jewish families in Europe wanted to begin 
wedding celebrations before sundown on Shabbat (festivities not the actual 
ceremony).  The author isn't clear on the location, but says he's talking 
about a time period between the middle ages and the 19th century.
Was this a common practice?  Is it acceptable to do this according to Jewish 
law?
Helen
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