Wedding String Ensemble Oakville: Kayla and Andrew wedding ceremony at Walton Memorial United Church, May 18, 2014, violin and cello duo, Oakville ON. Spring is one of my favourite seasons, May in particular. Even nicer than all the flowers, the green grass, the birds singing, is a spring wedding ceremony, in a church on a warm day. There is just so much promise and excitement in a spring ceremony, and we are always happy to perform.
Traditional ceremony song choices
Kayla and Andrew chose quite traditional music, which we always like as it just fits so perfectly. I particularly enjoy the combination of Bach Air with Pachelbel Canon, as the Bach Air has such a smoothness to the sound, which Pachelbel Canon is much more contrasting, and almost bursts forth with energy. The signing is paced slightly slower, as this gives the guests a chance to think about the couples marriage (and snap a few photos in some cases) while the bride and groom sign the marriage documents. Bach’s Jesu Joy is perfect for this as well. Lastly, as the couple is introduced for the first time, what is more appropriate than the Mendelssohn Wedding March in a church, in May?
Ceremony music order
Bridesmaids: Bach Air
Bride: Pachelbel Canon
Signing: Bach: Jesu Joy
Recessional: Mendelssohn wedding March
Photographer: Love you Madly
Wedding planner: Melissa Laphen from Great Events by Melissa
Venue: Walton Memorial United Church
Wedding String Ensemble Oakville: Kayla and Andrew: Duo d’Amore-violin and cello duos, string trios and string quartets
Listing our Wedding String Quartet and ensembles Oakville
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 around Oakville. 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 around Oakville. 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
Our string quartet is the largest wedding ensemble that we have for hire in Oakville. 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.
Versatile ensemble
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, as we can perform everything from Bach, Beethoven and Brahms in the classical spectrum, to pop, jazz, folk, Top40 and beyond.
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 planning 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
Recessional: 1 song
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”.
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.
Oakville Wedding Venues
Private yacht club offers a picturesque waterfront setting for weddings. The club features elegant event spaces with stunning lake views, making it an ideal choice for a romantic and classic wedding.
Historic inn is known for its Tudor-style architecture and beautiful gardens. The venue offers both indoor and outdoor spaces, including charming banquet rooms and a patio, perfect for intimate weddings.
Private school with a stunning campus, Appleby College offers picturesque grounds for outdoor weddings. The campus features lush gardens, waterfront areas, and elegant event spaces for indoor ceremonies and receptions.
Royal Canadian Yacht Club – Oakville House
Additional venues
Yacht club provides a scenic location overlooking the lake. With its nautical ambiance and waterfront views, it’s a great choice for couples who love the idea of a lakeside wedding.
Harbour Banquet & Conference Centre
Offering both indoor and outdoor event spaces, this venue can accommodate weddings of various sizes. Its modern facilities and waterfront location make it an attractive option for couples looking for a contemporary setting.
Le Dome Banquet Hall
While located just outside Oakville in nearby Milton, Le Dome Banquet Hall is known for its grand ballroom and elegant decor. It can host large weddings and provides ample space for dancing and entertainment.
Famous for its golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, Glen Abbey also offers event spaces for weddings. The clubhouse features beautiful views and a classic ambiance.
Oakville Conference & Banquet Centre
Offers a variety of event spaces, accommodating both intimate and larger weddings. They provide customizable packages and a range of amenities for couples to choose from.
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