Where do I start with the wedding? There are some ceremonies where there is one thing that stands out—perhaps the bride has an amazing dress, something funny or unexpected happens at the ceremony, the music is particularly beautiful, or the officiant does an especially fine job. This wedding, just it all the right notes, and the ceremony was at once beautiful and traditional, while at the same time had an unexpected twist that was lovely and special. When I first spoke with Amy, the bride, she knew that she wanted to walk down the aisle to Elvis’ Can’t Help Falling in love, and were happy to oblige, as it is a beautiful song, and very well suited to the processional. As sometimes churches have issues with more modern music being performed during wedding ceremonies, I was glad to hear that the Church had no such issues, and we were given the go ahead to perform this song. Prior to the bridal processional, our string duo performed Bach’s Jesu Joy, which is a traditional song for weddings. I always like the bridal processional to be a bit more showy and elevated than the preceding song, as after all the processional is the brides moment, and the music should really reflect that. In this case the song was a perfect contrast. The signing music moved back to the classical spectrum with the wonderful and ‘cooling” Largo from the Four seasons by Vivaldi. The plucked strings of the cello are sound like a snowfall, while the violin part soars above, for a stunning effect. As the couple triumphantly walked down the aisle at St John’s United Church, we finished off the ceremony music with Handel’s second hornpipe from the Water music.
Bridesmaids: Bach Jesu Joy
Bride: Elvis: Can’t Help Falling in Love
Signing: Vivaldi: Largo from the Four Seasons
Recessional: Handel: Hornpipe II from the Water Music
Wedding string musicians Oakville: Duo d’Amore-violin and cello duos, string trios and string quartets
