The celebration of love and commitment between two people before God and family is one of the most ideal settings for great music to be performed. I consider it an honor to perform for every couple that has hired me. Whether a couple chooses their own selections or gives me the freedom to choose, it is always my goal to select  and perform music that will make the day special for the bride and groom and families.

Beautiful music can highlight the theme of the wedding and can range from classical, to contemporary love songs or even movie themes. It can be a mixture of old and new,  favorite classics, romantic standards, show tunes, sacred hymns, and original music. 

The format of the music can be traditional or uniquely creative. A standard traditional format for the music is described below:

Prelude 
Usually 15-30 minutes prior to the actual wedding ceremony, instrumental music greets guests as they arrive and provides a relaxing and tasteful background for the beginning of the wedding.   

Special Song or Songs
Usually toward the end of the prelude (after everyone has arrived and been seated),  
a vocal piece specially chosen by the bride or groom may be performed.  Often current songs are chosen that contain lyrics that hold special significance to the couple. In some instances, songs are written just for the occasion. The special song(s) can be sung by a friend or member of the wedding party (hopefully with a good voice) and with live accompaniment or a recorded soundtrack.

Processional
To highlight the entrance of the wedding party, music that is slower and stately is often chosen that will compliment the bridesmaids walk down the aisle to the front. The tempo and performance of this music should be flexible so that it can continue until the processional is completed.  Depending on the size of the bridal party (including flower girls, matrons of honor, etc) and the length of the aisle, the music may need to be shortened or lengthened to provide for a smooth and uninterrupted  procession. Certain selections like Pachelbel's Canon in D, or Bach's Prelude in C are ideal. Recorded music can be nice but cannot provide the flexibility of a live musician.

Bridal Entrance and March
Usually the processional music stops after the bridal party is set in place. A brief moment of anticipation occurs just before the doors swing open and a special musical selection signifies the grand entrance of the bride. Typically, the music will be majestic and more upbeat than the processional.  Once again, live music works better than recorded because of the timing required in allowing the bride to make her way to the front at her own pace. Its ideal for the music to end at the same time she arrives at the front.  

During the Ceremony 
On rare occasions couples will include a special song to be softly performed in the middle of the ceremony. This music can fill in special quiet moments such as the lighting of a unity candle or in the exchanging of flowers and expressions of love to both families.

Recessional
After the person officiating the wedding declares the couple "now husband and wife", a cue is given for the music to begin again.  It's characteristically joyful, upbeat and energetic and continues until each member of the bridal party exits. Sometimes the music will need to be softened momentarily while announcements are made about instructions regarding the reception and the taking of photographs. The music resumes and usually continues until the guests have begun to exit as well.

This format can  be modified depending on the desires of the couple and bridal consultant. I have been apart of weddings incorporating dancing, special readings, Shakespearean quotes, original poetry, and other little surprises. The fact remains however, no matter the format of the ceremony, it"s the historical moment of making the commitment before witnesses that counts, and to that end I look forward to providing music to compliment that glorious moment.

Rehearsal and Reception Dinners
Relaxed elegant music is often requested for rehearsal dinners, cocktail and dinner reception music. Some couples employ a DJ  or a wedding band to provide dance music. I am often employed to provide classical or soft jazz for dinner music and on some occasions will perform for both the wedding and the reception. Some, who really like my music, hire me for the rehearsal dinner as well as the wedding and reception. By the end of the weekend I feel like I am apart of the family.

I hope this will help you in getting better acquainted with me. You may contact me either by phone or by email. The following items are also available upon request:

1. A recommended song list for the different aspects of the ceremony

2. A reference list of former clients and  recent weddings.

3. A wedding sampler demo tape of both classical and contemporary selections.

4. Recorded CD of my dinner music available in Spring of 2000.

4. Fee structures are done on an individual basis. 

Call 973-748-4490 or leave a message for more details and availability. If I do not have the date available I will do my best to make a good referral.