nashvillesilverstrings

11/27/21 Wedding at the Estate at Cherokee Dock

December 23, 2021 at 5:49 pm (Angelina Ruiz of Velour Premier Events, Craig Duncan on violin, Linda Davis on viola., Paul Nelson on cello)

Reminder: The names have been changed to protect the guilty!

On 11/27/21 Mary and Cal tied the knot in front of family and friends at a beautiful location overlooking the Cumberland River on the grounds of The Estate at Cherokee Dock. Silver Strings was a trio with Craig Duncan on violin, Linda Davis on viola and Paul Nelson on cello playing hymns for prelude including “Fairest Lord Jesus”, “How Deep the Father’s Love”, and “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”. For the mothers and grandmothers we played “My Tribute”. Next came the bridesmaids’ entrance to “A Thousand Years”. Mary chose Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” for her entrance on her father’s arm.

The officiant guided the couple through their ceremony with humor and spirit. Part of the ceremony consisted of Communion for the Annie and Josh while her brother and girlfriend, one singing and one playing guitar, serenaded them with “How Great Thou Art”. The triumphant recessional, “You Are the Best Thing” was played for the newlyweds’ exit.

Angie Ruiz of Velour Premier Events was planner and coordinator for this wedding celebration. Angie does such a fantastic job of running the show she has made it to the top ten wedding planners/coordinators in Nashville. It’s always a pleasure working with her.

Before prelude I began to worry that I had given Craig the wrong start time and called to find out why he was so late. He was on the grounds but trying to figure out why he’d had a a loud noise develop on his van right after he entered the gate. Nothing to be done so he got to the site with enough time to talk through the necessary details of the ceremony. Paul and I both went to his van to make sure he was going to be able to get home ok. It turned out that one of the tires was punctured when he rolled over a sharp something or other that caused the tire to lose air rapidly. Craig and Paul decided they could change the tire themselves…which turned out to be quite a challenge in the dark with only cellphone flashlights for light. I wasn’t much help except to hold the flashlights…like a girl. Car jacks aren’t what they used to be, taking forever to crank up the vehicle. We didn’t think to block the tires at first to prevent the van from rolling and had to start over when we noticed the jack was starting to lean as the van was being raised. By the time the mission was accomplished I couldn’t feel my toes anymore it was getting so cold. All’s well that ends well. Craig was able to make it home safely.

But I digress…Congratulations to the happy couple! Silver Strings wishes them many years of happiness, adventure and joy.

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11/14/21 Wedding at Cedarmont Farm

December 23, 2021 at 4:56 pm (Uncategorized)

Reminder: The names have been changed to protect the guilty!

On 11/14/21 Cedarmont Farm was the scene of the nuptials of Annie and Jason. Silver Strings quartet was in attendance at this lovely ceremony. We started with a prelude consisting of mostly contemporary favorites such as “Shenandoah”, “Fix You” (Coldplay) and “I Hope You Dance” (Lee Ann Womack). Next came the processional for the bridesmaids of “Stand By Me” followed by “Concerning Hobbits” for the flower dog….yes, the beloved pet was included in the ceremony. Annie joined her groom at the altar to Lana Del Ray’s “Young and Beautiful”. Vows recited, rings exchanged and finally pronounced married, Annie and Jason made their way back up the aisle to “Here Comes the Sun.

Colleen, owner of Cedarmont Farm and often the coordinator, did a fantastic job of making sure we were in the loop (it’s all about us ;-)). The quartet, besides me, Linda Davis, consisted of Craig Duncan and Jocelyn Sprouse on violin and new to Silver Strings, Alex Shor, on cello.

Congratulations to the newlyweds from Silver Strings with many wishes for a union filled with joy and happiness in the years to come!

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11/13/21 Wedding at Scarritt Wightman Chapel

December 15, 2021 at 9:46 pm (Jocelyn Sprouse on violin, Linda Davis on viola., Paul Nelson on cello, Toni Ferguson on violin)

Reminder: The names have been changed to protect the guilty!

In the early afternoon on 11/13/21 Kate and Randall began their married life together with a lovely ceremony at the Scarritt Bennett Wightman Chapel. The only request for the prelude was “La Vie En Rose” which we happily played along with selections from the classical repertoire such as Bach’s “Sheep May Safely Graze”, Handel’s “Berenice” and “The Prayer. Kate mom did most of the music planning with me and we decided on “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” for the mothers and “Spring” for the wedding party including a tiny flowergirl who was immediately taken out the door to go home for a nap. The bridal processional was the beautiful “Canon in D” by Pachelbel. During the service we were tasked with leading the guests in the Celtic Alleluia after two readings, a nod to the Catholic preference of the bride’s family. Soon after, the priest led the couple through their vows and ring exchange and finally to the presentation of Mr. and Mrs., our cue to strike up Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March”.

After most of the guests had gone, the wedding party reassembled in the front of the chapel for pictures while we reprised “La Vie En Rose” for Kate since she didn’t get to hear it before her processional. Then we had to make a fast retreat so as not to be caught in the pictures. There was a very well known public figure attending this wedding complete with security people in their dark suits and communication devices plugged into their ears. I never got to see George W. Bush and Laura Bush because my back was to where they were seated and there was a giant flower arrangement blocking my view as well. Oh well, at least I can say I was in the same room with them.

The mother of the bride was a joy to work with, the coordinators, Jessie Pinson and Becca did a fabulous job of making the ceremony flow smoothly. Colleagues Jocelyn Sprouse and Toni Ferguson on violin and Paul Nelson on cello played beautifully with nary a note out of place.

Congratulations to the newlyweds with wishes for much joy and happiness in their union!

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10/30/21 Wedding at Scarritt

December 15, 2021 at 8:59 pm (Gary Tussing on cello, Jocelyn Sprouse on violin, Linda Davis on viola., Uncategorized)

Reminder: The names have been changed to protect the guilty!

I’m a little out of order here but on 10/30/21 Silver Strings trio was in attendance at the nuptials of Audrey and Rick. Silver Strings was a trio this time playing our choice of prelude music. We mixed it up with a few from the traditional classics and selections such a “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and “The Prayer”. Audrey chose Adele’s “To Make You Feel My Love” for the mothers and grandmothers, Regina Spektor’s version of “Samson” for the attendants and flowergirls. Audrey chose Ruelle’s “I Get to Love You” for her entrance. After the readings, vows, ring exchange and finally the presentation as husband and wife, the trio swept them back up the aisle to “Bittersweet Symphony”.

The trio then decamped to the Country Music Hall of Fame to continue playing for the cocktail hour which took place on the top floor of the building. There we played a variety of contemporary pops, rock and roll and Country selections including “A Million Dreams”, “Game of Thrones” and “Marry You”.

Congratulations are in order for the newlyweds with wishes for a life of joy and adventure from Silver Strings!

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11/7/21 Wedding at CJ’s Off the Square

December 13, 2021 at 11:01 pm (CJ's Off the Square, Craig Duncan on violin, Gary Tussing on cello, Linda Davis on viola.)

Reminder: The names have been changed to protect the guilty!

On 11/7/21 a Silver Strings trio was back at CJ’s for the nuptials of Ann and Matt. Craig Duncan was on violin with Gary Tussing on cello and me, Linda, on viola. Ann chose mostly contemporary songs such as Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”, Coldplay’s “Clocks” and “A Thousand Years” from the Twilight Series. To start off the processionals we played “The Prayer” for the entrance of the groom. One mother was seated to the Bach “Air”; the one bridesmaid and three groomsmen came in to “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”. Ann chose the Pachelbel “Canon in D” for her entrance.

The simple ceremony completed, the sense of humor of the couple shone through as we began to play the first refrain of the Mendelssohn “Wedding March” then suddenly switching to Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust”. There were smiles and laughter all around as they made their way to the cocktail hour.

Sadly for Silver Strings this was the last wedding Craig and I were to play with cellist, Gary, who is moving to Florida. We bid him Godspeed and will miss him terribly.

With that we congratulate Ann and Matt and wish them many happy years together!

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11/6/21 Wedding at CJ’s Off the Square

December 13, 2021 at 8:32 pm (Gary Tussing on cello, Linda Davis on viola., Toni Ferguson on violin)

Reminder: The names have been changed to protect the guilty!

On 11/6/21 Rhonda and John said their vows in front of family and friends in the garden at CJ’s Off the Square. Rhonda chose traditional classics for their entire ceremony. It’s such a treat for us to play classical music although one has to remember when these pieces were composed, they would be the equivalent of today’s Top 40. Selections included Bach’s “Brandenburg #3”, Faure’s “Pavane” and Vivaldi’s “Spring”. Mothers were seated to Handel’s “Air” from the Water Music, then the wedding party arrived to Corelli’s “Concert # 10”. Finally Rhonda met her groom at the altar to “Flower Duet” by Delibes. After a short but sweet ceremony the couple, presented as husband and wife, made their way back up the aisle to Handel’s “Allegro” from Solomon (aka Arrival of the Queen of Sheba).

After the ceremony the trio, consisting of Toni Ferguson on violin, Gary Tussing on cello and me, Linda Davis on viola, played a variety of music from classical to Sinatra standards to Elton John. We sat in the gazebo where we were serenading the bride, groom and wedding party while pictures were taken nearby.

Congratulations to the newlyweds with many wishes for a long and happy union from Nashville Silver Strings!

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11/6/21 Wedding at Spring Haven Mansion

December 13, 2021 at 8:02 pm (Spring Haven Mansion)

Reminder: The names have been changed to protect the guilty!

On 11/6/21 Mandy and David were wed in a lovely ceremony in front of the Spring Haven Mansion, a lovely wedding venue now run very ably by Tammy and Danny Sutherland. Mandy chose mostly contemporary songs such as “Stand By Me”, “At Last”, “To Make You Feel My Love” for the prelude followed by Leon Bridges’ “Beyond” for the entire wedding party. Then Mandy made her way to the altar to the beautiful “Canon in D” by Pachelbel. Vows recited, rings exchanged, the first kiss and presentation as husband and wife, they were off to their new life together to the tune of Ray Lamontagne’s “You Are the Best Thing”.

Craig Duncan led the quartet for the ceremony and cocktails afterward, playing selections such as “All of Me” by John Legend, “Fly Me To the Moon” and “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” for cocktails.

Nashville Silver Strings congratulates Mandy, David and their families and wishes them a life together full of joy and happiness!

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10/29/21 Wedding at The Cordelle

December 11, 2021 at 9:50 pm (Gary Tussing on cello, Jocelyn Sprouse on violin, Linda Davis on viola., Toni Ferguson on violin)

Reminder: The names have been changed to protect the guilty!

On 10/29/21 Silver Strings was in attendance at the nuptials of Allie and Mark at The Cordelle, a repurposed historic home near downtown. The ceremony was supposed to have taken place on the lawn next to the house but rain nixed that plan, sending everyone to squeeze indoors. Fortunately the Cordelle is well prepared for sudden changes of plans and the ceremony went off without a hitch.

Silver Strings was a quartet that day playing requests such as “You Raise Me Up”, a mashup of “Perfect” with “Canon in D”, “Be Thou My Vision”, among other contemporary selections. We seated mothers to “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”. Next came the maids, men and flowergirl to “Can You Feel the Love”. Allie then made her beautiful way down the aisle to “Can’t Help Falling in Love”. After the vows were said and the rings exchanged, we sent them back down the aisle “Best Day of My Life”.

After the ceremony we decamped to the side porch to play for cocktails. We, of course, had to play “Singing in the Rain” to start the festivities off with an upbeat, happy song to clear away the clouds. Other selections included “”I’m Yours”, “Marry You” and Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.

Congratulation to the newlyweds with many wishes for a life of joy and adventure together!

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10/23/21 Wedding at Belle Meade Plantation

December 9, 2021 at 10:03 pm (Jocelyn Sprouse on violin, Keith Nicholas on cello, Toni Ferguson on violin)

Reminder: The names have been changed to protect the guilty!

On 10/23/21 Lacey and Tim were married in front of family and friends in a lovely ceremony outside behind the mansion. Jocelyn Sprouse led a trio playing several movie themes such as “Married Life” (Up), Harry’s Wondrous World and Jurassic Park theme for prelude. Lacey made it simple for the trio by choosing one song for everyone…mothers, maids, men and kids entered to the Vangelis “Hymne”. Lacey then made her entrance to “Can’t Help Falling in Love”. After a short but sweet ceremony that included the vows and ring exchange, the newlyweds were swept back up the aisle to the jaunty strains of “Cantina Band” from Star Wars.

Kate McKinnie did a terrific job of coordinating the many people and parts of the ceremony. One thing that was different from most weddings was the seating of the mothers on opposite sides from the usual with Lacey’s mom seated on the right as one faces the front. The idea is that both mothers can see their own child’s face, leaving me wondering why it isn’t done more often.

Congratulations are in order for Lacey and Tim and their families. May their lives together be full of love, joy and adventure.

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10/23/21 Wedding at Cedarmont Farm

November 26, 2021 at 6:36 pm (Uncategorized)

Reminder: The names have been changed to protect the guilty!

On 10/23/21 Esther and Jack tied the knot in front of friends and family at Cedarmont Farm near Franklin. Silver Strings was a quartet this time and delighted to play a mostly classical wedding. For prelude we played Bach, Mozart and Vivaldi, luxuriating in the complexity and harmonies of these masters. When it came time for the processionals we played a Handel “Aria” for the mothers and grandmother, Vivaldi’s “Spring” for the wedding party and Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” for the bride. The ceremony was simple but lovely and soon we were playing the newlyweds back up the aisle to Handel’s “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba”.

After the ceremony the quartet decamped to the yard next to the event barn to play for cocktails. Here we let our classical hair down to play good old rock and roll with songs such as “All You Need Is Love”, “Clocks”, “I’m Yours”, “Uptown Funk” and “Signed, Sealed, Delivered”.

Colleen, who works with Cedarmont Farm by assisting with planning and coordinating, does a terrific job of both. We always appreciate a coordinator who doesn’t forget about the musicians and makes sure we know what is going on.

And now it’s time to congratulate the newlyweds and wish for them much love and happiness in the years to come.