nashvillesilverstrings

After the reception at Sunset Grill we all jumped in the car to dash to CJs Off the Square to attend to the music for Matthew and Donny. I have to say this was one of the most touching ceremonies I’ve ever witnessed and felt honored to be there. 

We processed the wedding party to Coldplay’s “Til’ Kingdom Come” and recessed the happy couple to Madonna’s “Vogue”, a song that Matthew’s mother suggested he use because he loved it so much as a kid.  She had no idea he would actually use it at his wedding.  I pressed my violinist, Jocelyn, and Amy Parman, CJ’s chief coordinator along with her assistants into shouting “Strike A Pose” after the couple was pronounced married.  They proceeded to strike poses along with their reluctant attendants as they all recessed back down the aisle.  I had to keep my nose in my music and couldn’t look up but heard the guests laughing and clapping.  The attendants relaxed and got into the fun with their poses.

I didn’t get to stay for the reception but the table settings were stunning with deep, rich colors of purple and aqua and gorgeous flower arrangements on every table.

Congratulations and many wishes for a long and happy life together to Matthew and Donny.

The wedding of Cindy and Ian at Scarritt on August 17 in the early afternoon was one of the sweetest weddings I’ve ever played.  Just before we brought Cindy down the aisle we played “Get Me To the Church On Time”.  The officiant, Raye Nell, performed a lovely service that included a Blessing of Hands.

After the wedding we all convened at Sunset Grill for the reception.  We entertained with everything from Sinatra to Train.  It was abundantly clear that this marriage was blessed and celebrated by all in attendance.  And the cake was delicious.

Every year I travel to Lakeside, Ohio to play in a summer orchestra.  I’ve been doing this for most of the last 30 years.  This year my friend, Sandy Merrill, had his play, “All For A Song” mounted at Chaffin’s barn, so I took the opportunity to fly home to see the play and be able to play a few weddings, some of which are described here, while I was home.

The play was a hit and I’m so very proud of Sandy.  The actors were fabulous and the music stunning.  There are already several theaters interested in putting on Sandy’s play. Can Broadway be far behind?

One wouldn’t think that the Scarritt dining hall would be a cool place for a reception but one needs to think again.  The stone tile floors, the tall, arching windows and the wonderful massive tables and chairs give a wonderful feeling of grandeur. 

Alexis and Zac were wed in the Wightman Chapel after which they and their guests walked to the dining hall for the reception.  One of the cool things they wanted played was the Crown Imperial March as the entrance of the wedding party was announced.  If any of you readers stayed up to watch the wedding of Kate and William a couple of years ago you would have heard this played as Kate made her way to the altar.

Their first dances were also good choices.  Alexis and Zac’s first dance was “Can’t Help Falling in Love” after which we immediately launched into “I Loved Her First” for Alexis and her Dad and “The Gift of Love” for Zac and his Mom.  (BTW, Silver Strings will be playing the wedding of the writer of “I Loved Her First” in a few months.  Can’t wait.)

Congratulations to Alexis and Zac and their families!

Thursday, July 18, found the Silver Strings quartet at the Schermerhorn presiding over the music for the wedding of reception of Julie and Roy.  They chose traditional classic selections for their ceremony including “Con Te Partiro” for the bridal processional.

Later at the reception we entertained with pop music from standards to contemporary, slipping in a few Latin tunes in honor of Roy’s Hispanic heritage.

Congratulations and wishes for a long and happy life together to Julie and Roy.

I had the occasion to book an unusual ensemble for the wedding of Erin and Matt at Scarritt on July 13.  The ensemble consisted of violin, guitar, bass and Celtic flute.  Erin wanted to meet her groom at the altar to the strains of “Canon in D” that had the sound of a Celtic flute.  Her wish was our command.  The rest of the music was contemporary with songs such as “Marry Me”, “No Holly for Miss Quinn” and at the end they were “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” as they recessed as husband and wife.

Congratulations to Erin and Matt (who, by the way, thought the music was perfect) and their families.