Wedding String Duo Toronto: Lora + Dave wedding June 16, 2012 at Fantasy Farm. The gardens at Fantasy farm are beautiful! It is such a nice experience to be surrounded by lush growth, beautiful flowers on a wonderfully sunny and bright afternoon. This feeling of peace and calmness carried through into Lora and Dave’s wedding, which was a true fantasy. Throughout the planning process, and especially the music song selection process, the couple was really looking forward to hearing the music that they had spent time listening to and ultimately choosing to have played as the ceremony was taking place.
Beautiful Classical Playlist
As Lora’s bridesmaids entered Te Deum by Charpentier was performed. After the last bridesmaid got to the front and stood beside each other, the bride entered to Pachelbel Canon in D. From this point the couple exchanged rings and vows, and they signed the register, to perhaps one of the most beautiful and appropriate selections for the signing: Bach’s Ave Maria. It always strikes me everything we play this music, how well it is written, and how many different moods it can express. Traditional, the ceremony ended as the couple triumphantly exited amidst applause to Mendelssohn’s Wedding March.
Update: A short while after the ceremony, Duo d’Amore received a wonderful notefrom the bride and groom:
“Duo d’Amore: Very professional and the cello and violinist sounded lovely! Everyone at my wedding enjoyed listening to them play, myself included. 🙂 Thanks again! Lora G. – Toronto Wedding on June 16th, 2012.”
Flowers: Florida Flowers
Jewellery: Bob Burke Jewellery
Venue: Fantasy Farm
Photography: Pix by Max
Ceremony music: Duo d’Amore-string duos, trio and quartets
About Duo d’Amore
Now that you have read about Lora and Dave’s wedding in our blog Wedding String Duo Toronto: Lora + Dave, here is a little bit about us. Duo d’Amore is an award winning string ensemble, made up of professional violin, viola and cello players. 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.
Huge list of Modern, Pop, Top40s
Having pop string music at a wedding or reception offers a unique and enchanting atmosphere that beautifully blends tradition with contemporary flair. Also, one of the key advantages is the versatility it brings to the event. Pop string music has the ability to cover a wide range of popular songs. This ensures that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
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”.
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.
Toronto Wedding Venues–a selection
With many of our blogs, like Wedding String Duo Toronto: Lora + Dave, we like to suggest wedding venues to brides and grooms that we have enjoyed performing at. Here are a few Toronto wedding venues.
A historic area with charming cobblestone streets, the Distillery District offers a unique atmosphere for weddings. It has a variety of venues, including loft spaces, galleries, and outdoor courtyards.
This Gothic Revival-style castle offers a fairy tale setting for weddings. With its grand interiors, lush gardens, and stunning architecture, Casa Loma provides a romantic backdrop for ceremonies and receptions.
The Royal Conservatory of Music
Known for its modern and elegant architecture, this venue features beautiful event spaces. The glass-walled Koerner Hall lobby and the outdoor patio are particularly popular for weddings.
The Four Seasons Hotel Toronto
A luxury hotel located in the heart of the city, the Four Seasons offers a range of elegant event spaces, including ballrooms and rooftop terraces, suitable for both intimate and large-scale weddings.
The Aga Khan Museum
This museum showcases Islamic art and culture and features stunning contemporary architecture. Its stunning courtyard and elegant spaces make it a unique choice for a cultural and artistic wedding celebration.
The Eglinton Grand
A restored historic theatre, the Eglinton Grand offers a vintage-inspired backdrop for weddings. Its art deco interiors and glamorous atmosphere create a memorable setting for couples seeking a classic Hollywood feel.
This French-style restaurant tucked away in a cozy cottage offers intimate indoor and outdoor spaces for weddings. The rustic yet refined ambiance makes it a popular choice for romantic celebrations.
The Omni King Edward Hotel
A historic luxury hotel, the King Edward features elegant ballrooms with intricate detailing, making it a timeless venue for traditional weddings.
Additional venues for our string ensembles
Evergreen Brick Works
For nature-loving couples, this former brick factory turned environmental community center offers a rustic and industrial backdrop. It has various event spaces, including a greenhouse and outdoor gardens.
Artscape Wychwood Barns
A converted streetcar repair facility, this venue offers a unique blend of industrial and artistic charm. The Barns have a variety of spaces, including a covered courtyard and an expansive hall.
Graydon Hall Manor
A stately mansion with manicured gardens, Graydon Hall Manor provides an elegant setting for both indoor and outdoor weddings. Its timeless architecture and lush surroundings make it a popular choice.
Thompson Toronto Hotel
With its modern and chic design, the Thompson Hotel offers rooftop event spaces with panoramic views of the city skyline, providing a trendy and sophisticated backdrop for urban weddings.
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