If I were to describe Andrew and Jamie’s wedding ceremony using just a few words, I would say that it was modern with a classic touch. As the wedding was held outdoors, near the gurgling stream running and cascading through the limestone bedrock, and the weather was perfect—so was the venue. When we, Duo d’Amore, arrived we were greeted by the staff at Ancaster Old Mill (who always do a great job and are very well organized) as well as Reverend McNally. In our decades of experience, Revered McNally is one of those people that once you meet him, you will never forget him. He is so warm, open, funny, awhile at the same time, he really cares for each couple that he marries, and he’s been marrying couples for over 50 years.

As the guests were arriving, we began to perform a number of selections for our classical repertoire. At the appropriate time we received a cue from the venue’s staff, and proceeded to start playing the music for the four bridesmaids. A note on that—getting back to how I described the ceremony as modern with a classic touch, while the venue was certainly classic, the music selections that the couple made and were performed at the ceremony was a blending of both of these elements, as we performed the following arrangements for violin and cello duo:

Bridesmaids: “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
Bride: “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton
Signing of the Register: “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles
                                                  “Air” by Bach
Recessional: “Bittersweet Symphony” by the Verve

It is important to note that we played two songs for the signing, and here’s why: As the signing is typically the quietest part of the ceremony, wedged in between the ceremonial, and often emotional Brides walk down the aisle, and the celebratory recessional, it is a perfect place to highlight familiar and contemporary song choice such as the Beatles, but it is also a great opportunity to include music for a bit of reflection. We would like to congratulate Jamie and Andrew on their beautiful wedding at the Old Mill.