Exquisite Music for Your Wedding Day

Exquisite, elegant, and unique. Do you like the unique, sweet sound of the lute or the rich, mellow tones of the guitar? I have performed at hundreds of weddings and know exactly how important music is to set the tone for your new life together.

I am classically trained and can provide unique music, including vocals and/or ensembles (lute or guitar and violin), for your wedding day. From Bach to the Beatles, choose from many styles. I also offer reception/cocktail hour background music as well as music for your wedding dance.

Together we will work to create the musical program for your wedding day!

Wedding Music

There are five main sections of the wedding ceremony:

Prelude

This is music that is played 15 to 30 minutes before the ceremony as guests are being seated.

Opus 15 by Mauro Guiliani
Opus 70 by Mauro Guiliani
Sonatas for Violin and Continuo by A Corelli
Gymnopedies by Eric Satie
Various Preludes from Lute or Cello Suites

Processional

This music accompanies the wedding party down the aisle.

The Wedding March by Richard Wagner
Canon by J. Pachelbel
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by J. S. Bach
Air on a G String by J. S. Bach
Fantasia for violin and lute BWV 1025 by J. S. Bach
Various Fantasias from the Renaissance Period

Interlude

Interlude music is used to enhance special moments during the ceremony such as lighting a unity candle, presenting roses to parents, or taking a pause for reflection.

One Hand, One Heart from “West Side Story” by Bernstein
Sheep May Safely Graze by J.S. Bach
Sunrise, Sunset from “Fiddler on the Roof” by Bock
Wedding Song by Paul Stookey
Here Comes the Sun by George Harrison
Let it Be Me by the Everly Brothers
In My Life by Lennon/McCartney
Annie’s Song by John Denver
You’ve got a Friend by Carol King
Til There was You by Meredith Wilson
Here There and Everywhere by the Beatles
Starting Here Starting Now by Barbra Streisand

Recessional

After the ceremony is over and the couple is presented to the audience, they recess up the aisle to the sound of joyous and upbeat music.

Canarios by Gaspar Sanz
Ode to Joy by Ludwig van Beethoven
Rondeau by Henry Purcell
Never Ending Love by Delaney and Bonnie
Forever and Ever Amen by Randy Travis

Postlude

This is a continuation of the joyful tone of the recessional and lasts about 15 minutes or until all of the guests have left the hall. This music helps to create an atmosphere of celebration as the guests go through the receiving line.

Entr’acte by Jacquie Ibert
5 Preludes by H. Villa Lobos
Etude # 1 by H. Villa Lobos
Bachianas Brasileiras #5 by H. Villa Lobos
Concerto for Guitar by Antonio Vivaldi

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Frequently Asked Questions About Your Ceremony and Reception Music

How do we select music?

There are five main sections of a wedding ceremony: prelude, processional, interlude, recessional and postlude.
Begin by reviewing the list of songs here. I can also assist you in choosing other music from my repertoire.

Do you play for wedding receptions?

Yes! I can play background music for a cocktail hour or dinner reception immediately following the ceremony or at another location. I also play for corporate events, private parties, and banquets.

Do you play for wedding dances?

Yes! I play rock and roll as well as standards. A list of dance music is here.

Will you accompany my friend/relative who sings?
Yes I have done this many times. Usually a brief rehearsal right before the ceremony is adequate. If a prearranged rehearsal is necessary, this can be arranged at an additional cost.

Do you work with other instrumentalists?

Yes, I have worked with a wide variety of accomplished players.

Do you have a singer you work with?

For more pop style music, I sing and accompany myself or I work with several classical singers.

Will you learn a special piece of music for my wedding?

Yes. I may need you to provide sheet music or a recording. There will be an additional charge for preparation time.

Do you come to the wedding rehearsal?

In most cases it is not necessary for me to come to the wedding rehearsal. Details of the ceremony can be discussed over the phone or by email to ensure a smoothly run service. If you would like me to be at the rehearsal, there will be an additional cost.

Do you play outdoor weddings?

Yes, all the time and I have special equipment for situations where there is no electricity.

An outdoor wedding can be a beautiful event however alternative plans need to be made in case of inclement weather. My musical instruments cannot be in the direct sun or precipitation of any kind and I prefer not to play in temperatures below 65 degrees. Strong winds can also cause performance problems.

Do you play out-of-town events?

Yes. Travel fee is based on location.

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Fees are based upon length of time, location and whether additional musicians are required (e.g. violin, bass, keyboard, strings) but here’s an approximate idea:

Ceremony (1 hour): $250 solo lute or guitar, vocals
Reception (2 hours): $250 - $350 solo, amplified lute or guitar
Dance (3 hours): $450 - solo, full electric guitar, bass guitar and drums, vocals

Packages are available if you choose to have me perform for the ceremony and reception or the ceremony, reception and dance.

A non refundable deposit of $100 is required to hold the date. I will send you a contract after a verbal or email agreement has been made. You will need to sign the contract and send it back with the deposit. Your date will held for two weeks in the absence of the signed contract and deposit. Full payment is due 2 weeks before the event.

Please contact me by phone, 651.260.3787, or email me with any additional questions and/or to book a date.

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