Wedding String Ensembles Kingston: Danielle and Dany wedding ceremony, June 15th St John the Apostle Church. If there is a trend in the wedding industry, I would say that more and more couples are going outside of the box, and customizing and choosing elements of the wedding, whether flowers, attire, venues, readings and specially music that combines classic elegance with elements of contemporary and popular culture. While there are many more decisions for the clients to make, the result is often spectacular, especially of they have a wedding planner or in our case Duo d’Amore who can help guide them in choosing music so that it has the right fit for the client and for a wedding ceremony. In this respect Danielle and Dany did an excellent job!
Looking at the two modern songs by Enya and the Verve, they have a classical feel to them, but also are different enough to add a bit of additional excitement to the wedding ceremony.
Modern and Classical wedding music
Bridesmaids entrance – Bach Air
Bride’s entrance – Only Time by Enya
Signing: Bach-Gounod: Ave Maria
Communion: Bach: Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring
Recessional: Bittersweet Symphony
About Duo d’Amore
Duo d’Amore is an award winning string ensemble, made up of professional violin, viola and cello players, performing across Canada. Together we have versatile string ensembles such as solo violinists and cellists, string duos, string trios and quartets. We perform a wide variety of music including pop, Top40, video game music and classical for weddings, special and corporate events.
Whatever the size and scope of your wedding or event, there is a string ensemble that will perfectly suit the occasion. Listed below is an overview of our string ensembles, and some general remarks about the size of wedding or event where they are best suited. Every event is unique and we suggest that you contact us so that we can plan and customize a string ensemble for your special occasion. Contact us here https://duodamore.com/contact-us/
The solo violin
The smallest bowed string instrument in the violin family is the violin. It is also the quietest instrument, but that does not mean that it cannot produce a large sound. Don’t forget that violin soloists regularly perform with a 50-100 piece orchestra. This is in a large hall seating 2000 or more people, and the solo violin can be heard over the entire orchestra. How? This comes down to the skill of the violinist, and positioning. And this is why at wedding ceremonies for example we often are quite picky about the exact spot where our violinists and ensembles perform, no matter if the string ensemble is outdoors or indoors a single violinist is a great choice.
Duo d’Amore’s solo violinist is a great option for those who want live music but have a smaller budget. The solo violinist performs classical pieces, contemporary pieces, and a mix of both. Their music is perfect for wedding ceremonies, cocktail receptions, and intimate dinners.
The solo cello
Like the solo violin, a solo cellist is a great option for slightly smaller wedding ceremonies and receptions. Larger than the violin, it is very resonant, and can play an equally wide range of music. Clients that hire the solo cello and solo violin for weddings and events often have a guest list of under 50, but not necessarily so.
The violin and cello duo
The violin and cello duo, or string duet, is made up of one violin player and one cello player. And this is our most requested string ensemble for hire. As well, having both the violin, which is able to play soaring melodies, and the cello which is able to anchor and often accompany, while having an even larger sound it is no wonder that this is our most popular string ensemble. I like to imagine that the violin is like the right hand of the piano and the cello is the left had of the piano, together they can play almost anything, and that is another reason that it is our most popular ensembles.
Duo d’Amore’s violin and cello duo is a popular choice for weddings. The duo consists of a violinist and a cellist who play together, creating a beautiful, harmonious sound. The duo’s repertoire includes classical pieces, contemporary pieces, and a mix of both. Their music is perfect for wedding ceremonies, cocktail receptions, and dinner parties.
The String Trio
The string trio is made up of the violin and cello, with the addition of a third instrument. And most often this is a violin or viola. We recommend this ensemble for 150-200 guests. Also, the string trio a great mid size ensemble that is an excellent option for an outdoor wedding or large church wedding.
The String Quartet
Our string quartet is the largest wedding ensemble that we have for hire. We often recommend the string quartet for large gatherings, receptions, weddings and events with 200 or more guests. The string quartet is one of our more versatile ensembles. We can perform everything from Bach, Beethoven and Brahms in the classical spectrum, to pop, jazz, folk, Top40 and beyond.
Listen to music samples:
Visit our website to listen to pop and classical wedding favourites performed by our musicians: Listen to samples here.
Tips of choosing wedding ceremony music, with a modern touch
Consider slower less upbeat pop music guests arrive:
The prelude before the ceremony is a great time to include less upbeat pop music, as guests will be chatting. As well, we like to recommend that this is the time to include a wide variety of different styles, think classic rock, top40, the Beatles etc–a little something for everyone. Listen now: https://duodamore.com/samples/
Gradually add more contemporary/pop top 40
Add some contemporary selections: Contemporary music can add a modern touch to your playlist and appeal to a wider range of guests. Consider incorporating popular songs like “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri or “All of Me” by John Legend. As the ceremony progresses, we incorporate additional current pop music.
Incorporate special songs: Consider adding special songs that have meaning to you and your partner. It could be your first dance song, song from your first date or song that holds special memories for the both of you.
Vary the moods: Mix up the moods of the songs on your playlist to keep things interesting. Consider adding upbeat songs for the reception, and slower, more contemplative songs for the ceremony. Here are some ideas: https://www.brides.com/upbeat-love-songs-4799999
Signing of the register is a time for reflection
The signing of the marriage documents is a time to stop and reflect, and the choice of music should reflect that. This is the time to really slow things down. There may be time for one or even two pop songs, and don’y forget classical. The slower, quieter song choices really make whatever is chosen for the upbeat recessional “pop”.
The Recessional is all about fun, upbeat and high energy
The recessional is the point in the wedding ceremony when the bride and groom walk down the aisle together and celebrate their marriage! Nothing is too upbeat or loud so this is a very fun and exciting time to choose exceptional music.
Tell your story
Make a playlist that tells your love story: Create a playlist that tells the story of your relationship, by adding songs that hold special memories for the both of you.
Wedding Venues in Kingston
Fort Henry National Historic Site
Historic fort offers stunning views of the city and Lake Ontario. Its grounds can be rented for weddings, providing a unique and historic backdrop for your special day.
Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts
With its modern architecture and waterfront location, this venue offers elegant event spaces overlooking Lake Ontario, suitable for both ceremonies and receptions.
Tett Centre for Creativity and Learning
Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, this cultural hub features versatile event spaces, including studios and galleries, ideal for intimate weddings.
Queen’s University
Some areas of the university, such as Wallace Hall, offer beautiful settings for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The campus has picturesque buildings and gardens that can serve as lovely backdrops.
Kingston Yacht Club
Overlooking the harbor, this venue offers a picturesque setting for waterfront weddings with views of sailboats and the cityscape.
The Renaissance Event Venue
Housed in a historic building downtown, this venue offers both indoor and outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions, with a classic and elegant ambiance.
The Rosemount Inn & Spa
This charming Victorian inn provides a romantic setting for smaller, more intimate weddings. It offers elegant rooms and beautiful gardens for ceremonies.
The Landings Golf & Teaching Centre
A golf club with picturesque landscapes, it offers outdoor spaces for ceremonies and receptions, and the scenic views add to the ambiance.
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