Our string duo, string trio and quartet has performed at Paletta in tn the spring summer, fall and winter, but there is something special about performing outside on a day like today, where it’s not too windy, hot or sunny, in short—perfect weather for a wedding ceremony. We arrived very early to the venue, and were able to have a word with the wonderful wedding planner Anne from White Orchid weddings. We have worked together at a number of weddings in the past, and it is always nice to see her.

We performed quite a few songs prior to the start of the ceremony, and when the ceremony stated, it was with a little flower girl who came out of the door an down the aisle, which was cute and a nice and unique way for things to get going. For the processional of the attendants and the bride we performed a beautiful rendition of To Love you More, made famous by taro Hakase and Celine Dion. The signing was equally beautiful, and we performed A Thousand Years by Christina Perry. We were lucky to be able to play the song twice through, as on the second time playing the cellist switched from pizzicato (plucked) to arco (bowed) proving a nice contrast and a richer sound just as everyone came back to the centre after the signing. When the bride and groom were pronounced husband and wife, we performed Viva la Vida. It was absolutely stunning!

Processional (wedding party and bride): Celine Dion: Love you More
Signing: Christina Perry: 1000 years by Christina Perry
Recessional: Coldplay: Viva la Vida

Ceremony musicians: Duo d’Amore-string duos, trios and quartets
Wedding Venue: Paletta Mansion, Burlington Wedding Ceremony
Officiant: Anne from White Orchid Weddings

Our string quartet has the opportunity to perform for the wedding ceremony and reception at the Old Mill this past Saturday and everyone had a great time at this beautiful event. We worked along side some familiar faces such as the staff at the Mill and Rev McNally, who I have spoken about in another blog, as well as some new faces—the wedding planner Jackie from the Prepared Bride and Love You Madly Photography.

When we arrived at the venue, the only person there was the staff from the Mill and Jackie. We had a very nice conversation with her and mentioned that everything was arranged and ready to go. Like us, she was extremely organized. Soon after the photographers and cinematographers arrived and setup. Prior to the ceremony they look some beautiful shots of our string quartet, which we hope to post here soon.

Not long after that the guests started to cross the covered bridge over the stream that flows through the Mill property, and it was time for us to begin to play. We performed a selection of classical music until we received the cue from the staff to begin the music for when the Reverend and the groom walked up the aisle. This was Bach’s Air on the G string. We continued to perform this song as the parents and groomsmen walked own the aisle. Next, we switched the Pachelbel’s Canon in D for the six bridesmaids and flower girl, switching again to the Wagner Bridal Chorus for Rebecca’s bridal processional.

After the exchange of rings, vows and the kiss, Steve and Rebecca signed the marriage license. The signing portion of the ceremony is very nice for the guests and for us, as it allows people the change to meditate and take is the fact the two people are getting married and have promised to love each other for the rest of there lives. Music is a wonderful addition to the ceremony especially during the signing, and we performed another popular piece from JS Bach-Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring. This song had a beautiful flow to it which is enhanced by the gentle murmuring of the stream nearby.

After the license was signed, the Reverend introduced the couple and they exited to Mendelssohn’s’ Wedding March,. We continued to play 3 or 4 additional songs after the Wedding March until all of the guests had exited. The cocktail reception took place in the Millview Room of the Ancaster Mill, and from our point of view it seemed like all of the guests were really enjoying themselves. For this portion, we performed a selection of Modern music, from the Beatles,U2, jazz standards like Blue Moon and Once in While and other contemporary songs.

Wedding Planner: Jackie Nerlien, The Prepared Bride Ceremony and Reception Venue: Ancaster Mill Photographer/Cinematographer: Love Madly Ceremony and reception music: Duo d’Amore-string duos, trios and quartets Officiant: Rev McNally

We always enjoy performing at Paletta, especially for outdoor weddings, as the back patio has an incredible view of lake Ontario, the guest are well taken care of, as they sit under the porch on several levels. This ceremony was very well organized, and everything just seemed to fit together in such a nice way. We performed Pachelbel Canon for the processional, and the incredibly beautiful Meditation from Thais for the signing. This song takes advantage of th violin and cello, as it combines some lovely writing in the mid to upper register of the violin, so that the sound seems to float above everyone. The cello part flows well, and grounds the ensemble with beautiful passages in the low to mid range. For the recessional, we performed the sprightly Handel Hornpipe II from the Royal Fireworks music.

Wedding Officiant: Anne Blinch at White Orchid Weddings

Ceremony music: Duo d’Amore-string duos, trios and quartets, Burlington

Photo: www.burlington.ca

It was so nice dealing with Natalie and Martin regarding their ceremony music, as they asked for only one song in particular: Pachelbel’s Canon as the bride walked down the aisle. For the rest of the music, including the as guests were arriving, during the ceremony and during the exit, this was all left up to us. It is nice when clients trust us to choose music. This is not done often, but it is one of the best ways of having a surprise at your wedding and is recommended. I should also mention that each time we perform at Liuna Station, we are amazed that a building like this exists and is used for weddings and events. It is truly stunning, and resembles an ornate (but smaller) Union Station in Toronto.

Ceremony musicians: Duo d’Amore-string duos, trios and quartets

Romance is the word that best describes everything about this wedding. The Church was absolutely gorgeous, and a joy to perform in. Built in1857 in the Gothic Revival style it is reported to be an important piece of Ontario architectural history.

To help with the music choices for the ceremony, I sent our clients Duo d’Amore’s Guide to Wedding Ceremony Music Selections, and Sample Programs (you can find these on the Samples page of www.duodamore.com) and they chose the Romantic package showcasing songs that fit together  and sound amazing when performed by our string duo of violin and cello.

Processional: Pachelbel Canon

Signing: Massenet: Meditation from Thais

Recessional: Mendelsohn Wedding March

Wedding Ceremony Music: Duo d’Amore-string duos, trios and quartets

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.

We take a lot of pride and care in each event and each performance to make sure things go as planned. Having performed at the Ancaster Mill in the past, we were able to park and setup very quickly so we could start to play for the guest’s arrival. During the ceremony guests were treated to great and eclectic selections by Elvis, Eric Clapton, the Beatles, J.S. Bach and The Verve.

Bridal party - Can't Help Falling in Love-Elvis

Bride - Wonderful Tonight-Eric Clapton

Signing - Here Comes The Sun and Bach Air

Recessional - Bittersweet Symphony-The Verve

Wedding Ceremony Music: Duo d’Amore-string duos, trios and quartets

Dear Duo d’Amore,

Thank you so much for playing such beautiful music, and creating the perfect ceremony.

I wouldn’t have changed a thing.

Thanks again,

Rob & Christin

Venue: Casablanca Winery Inn, Grimsby ON
Ceremony musicians: Duo d’Amore-violin and cello duos, trios and string quartets

“I didn’t have an opportunity to thank you personally after Christin’s ceremony on Saturday. Many guests approached me afterwards and commented how beautiful the music was.

Thank you…Thank you…Thank you for being a part of a perfect day.” Cleo, mother of the bride.

The wedding ceremony was very classical and elegant, with music that perfectly matched the beautiful décor. Our violinist and cellist performed Pachelbel Canon for the bridesmaids and Wagner’s Bridal Chorus (here comes the bride). During the signing, we performed the beautiful and flowing music by Bach called Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring, and Mendelsohn’s wedding March to conclude the wedding ceremony. Beautiful!

Wedding Ceremony Music: Duo d’Amore-string duos, trios and quartets