Niagara Falls Wedding String Quartet. Jessica + David’s wedding at Hernder Estates Winery, July 5, 2014. This wedding ceremony was bright, summery and (aside from the gale force winds) absolutely gorgeous. We arrived quite early prior to the ceremony, as this was our first time at Hernder Estate Winery, located just outside of St Catharines. After finding the wedding planner and chatting, we began to setup our chairs, and as the ceremony venue was by the pond, we brought along our tent, and set that up as well. Improvisation was necessary as even though the pegs were into the ground, the tent was in danger of blowing away (see the trees in the background by the very talented photographer Robyn Russell). We borrowed a few rocks from the pond to secure the tent and all was well. By the time we ere setup (about 10 minutes) the guests had not arrived yet, and it is always nice to be so prepared well in advance.
Pop music for guest arrival
When the guests began to arrive we performed some upbeat pop songs, including hits by Elvis and the Beatles, to keep the mood light and fun. During this time, Sheldon Kofsky the officiant arrived and we received a cue from the planner that the bridesmaids’ processional was about to begin.
Classical ceremony music
The mood shifted with the music selections to include the lovely open knit and fresh sounding music of Bach when the four bridesmaids and flower girl walked up the aisle, and took their places. At that point we paused for a few seconds, and began the famous Pachelbel’s Canon for the bride and her father’s walk. When they had reached the front of the aisle overlooking the pond and bridge at Hernder, we created a seamless and melodic ending, which was perfectly timed.
The next part of the ceremony where music happens is during the signing of the register, following the vows and kiss. For this section the mood was a little bit quieter, as we performed Bach’s Sleepers Awake, before the triumphant Mendelsohn’s Wedding March was heard as the couple were introduced as husband and wife for the first time.
Wedding Ceremony Music Selections
Bridesmaids Processional: Bach Air
Bride: Pachelbel Canon
Signing of the register: Bach: Sleepers Awake
Recessional: Mendelssohn Wedding March
Niagara Wedding Vendors
Brides Dress: Maggie Sottero
Bridesmaids Dresses: David Bridal Groom & Groomsmen Tuxes: Moores
MUAH: Beyoutiful Brides
Venues: Hilton Fallsview Hotel & Hernder Estate Winery
Minister: Sheldon Kofsky
Musicians: Duo D’Amore-Niagara Falls Wedding String Quartet
Florist: BBBlooms Floral Studio
Bakery: The Frosted Cupcake
Photographer and photo credit: Robyn Russell
Linens: Gotcha Covered
DJ: Alpha Audio Visual
About Duo d’Amore
Duo d’Amore is a string quartet and wedding ensemble that provides exceptional live music for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions in Niagara and surrounding areas. The group consists of professional musicians who have extensive experience performing at various events, ensuring that they deliver an outstanding performance every time.
Personalized experience
What sets Duo d’Amore apart is their commitment to providing a personalized experience for each client. They work closely with their clients to understand their preferences and needs, ensuring that they deliver a performance that exceeds their expectations. Whether you are looking for classical music, contemporary pieces, or a mix of both, Duo d’Amore has the expertise to deliver.
Niagara quartet wedding ensembles
One of the most popular offerings of Duo d’Amore is their string quartet. A string quartet consists of four musicians who play the violin, viola, and cello. The quartet is a versatile ensemble that can perform a wide range of music, from classical pieces to modern arrangements of popular songs. The string quartet is perfect for weddings, cocktail receptions, and other events that require elegant, sophisticated music.
Pop, Top40, Jazz, Classical
Duo d’Amore’s string quartet has an extensive repertoire that includes classical pieces by Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach, as well as contemporary pieces by popular artists such as Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, and Bruno Mars.
Custom Song Arrangements
One of the things that sets Duo d’Amore apart is our ability to arrange any song for our varied ensembles. We have a professional arranger on staff who is renowned fo her exceptional work. Just ask us about this service!
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 sound. Don’t forget that violin soloists regularly perform with a 50-100 piece orchestra, in a large hall seating 2000 or more people, and the solo violin can be heard over the entire orchestra, and at the very back of the concert hall. How? This comes down to the skill of the violinist, and positioning. 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. This is our most requested string ensemble for hire in Halifax. 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. Often this is a violin or viola. We recommend this ensemble for 150-200 guests.
The String Quartet-Niagara Falls Wedding String Quartet
Our string quartet is the largest wedding ensemble that we have for hire. The string quartet has a long and rich history. This dates back to the classical period of music in the 18th century. Composers such as Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven wrote some of the most famous and enduring string quartet works. In the 19th century, the string quartet continued to be an important genre, with composers such as Schubert and Brahms producing some of their most notable works in this format. During this time, the string quartet also began to be used for more private, intimate occasions such as weddings.
Choosing wedding ceremony and reception music
Duo d’Amore has one of Canada’s largest collections of wedding pop and classical music for our string ensembles. In general here is what we recommend for a wedding ceremony. Of course, every ceremony is different and we like to customize things to suit your plans and ideas. We also have lots more wedding music ideas and resources on our blog, here.
Prelude (as guests arrive) 3-5 songs
Processional: 1 or 2 songs (1 song for both the wedding party and bride or 1 song for wedding party, another song for bride)
Signing: 1 classical song, or 2 pop songs
From classical to pop, Top 40
Whatever the type or size of event Duo d’Amore, has an ensemble and the right music options to make your event memorable. We have hours of classical music, from the baroque period with composers such as Bach and Handel, the classical period with Mozart, Haydn and Beethoven to the Romantic period with Elgar and Brahms, just to name a few. We have over 5 hours of classical music, and our repertoire is always expanding. Here are some of our most requested songs for our string quartet and ensembles:
- Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel
- Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by Johann Sebastian Bach
- Air on the G String by Johann Sebastian Bach
- Wedding March by Felix Mendelssohn
- Trumpet Voluntary by Jeremiah Clarke
- Ave Maria by Franz Schubert
- Spring from The Four Seasons by Antonio Vivaldi
- Bridal Chorus by Richard Wagner
- The Swan by Camille Saint-Saëns
- Eine Kleine Nachtmusik by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Pop, Top40 and beyond, custom arrangements
Duo d’Amore is also fortunate to have an incredibly large collection of pop string arrangements, and like our classical music repertoire it is always expanding. If there is a song that you would like for your event, let us know.
- A Thousand Years by Christina Perri
- Perfect by Ed Sheeran
- All of Me by John Legend
- Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley
- Marry Me by Train
- Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran
- You Are the Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne
- At Last by Etta James
- I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing by Aerosmith
- Just the Way You Are by Bruno Mars
We hope you enjoyed our blog: Niagara Falls Wedding String Quartet
