Eglinton Grand wedding ceremony violinist cellist. Megan and Jim’s wedding ceremony at the Eglinton Grand, violin and Cello duo, August 3, 2013, Toronto ON
“You have been so great to work with in planning our music and I appreciate it!” Megan, bride
Once again, we were honoured to take part is such a beautiful wedding ceremony. This ceremony really reflected the bride and groom, as they worked hard to choose music that reflected the both of them: modern but with a real sense of occasion and style. We performed Secrets by one republic for the bridesmaids, followed by a great rendition of A Thousand Years by Christina Perry. This song is sure to become a wedding classic and we are so pleased when clients ask us to play this as it works so well. The couple also had a unity candle and a signing of the register where our violinist and cellist performed All I want is U2 by Bono/U2, and we finished off with Today by the Smashing Pumpkins! What a great mix of music!
Photo: www.eglintongrand.com
What type of weddings does your string quartet and ensembles perform at in Toronto?
We perform at all kinds of weddings such as non-denominational weddings, Catholic weddings, Jewish Weddings, Christian weddings, Orthodox weddings and many others.
What ensembles do you have for hire?
Listing our wedding ceremony violinist cellist and ensembles Toronto
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 Newmarket. 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 Toronto. 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 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, 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-Strings for Wedding Toronto
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.
Custom musical arrangements
We often arrange music specifically for our brides and grooms. Imagine that you want a certain song and you want to walk in to a specific part of that–we can tailor this to suit. Ask us about our custom song arrangements.
Listen to music samples:
Visit our website to listen to pop and classical wedding favourites performed by our musicians: Listen to samples here.
Ceremony music plan, and guide to choosing Wedding ceremony music
Here is what we recommend for a typical ceremony:
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)
The wedding part and bridal party music can really be anything, but a contrast between the wedding party and bride is recommended.
Signing: 1 classical song, or 2 pop songs
The signing is the portion of the ceremony where the marriage documents are signed by the bride, groom, officiant and witnesses. Generally, slower more contemplative music is chosen for this portion.
Recessional: 1 song
This is the part of the ceremony where the bride and groom exit the venue, and upbeat, fun and exciting music really helps to create a festive mood.
Sample Programs
Here are several sample programs we have put together:
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.
Modern music list
We are constantly updating and upgrading our list of pop and modern music. Here is our most recent list for our string quartet and ensembles in Toronto.
Toronto Wedding Venues–a selection
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. The eglinton grand is a perfect venue for our wedding ceremony violinist cellist and ensembles.
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.
When considering wedding venues, be sure to visit each location, discuss your needs with the venue staff, and compare factors such as capacity, amenities, catering options, and pricing to find the one that aligns best with your vision for your special day. Keep in mind that availability and details may change over time, so it’s always a good idea to verify information directly with the venues.
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