A Double-Reception Saturday

On May 8th, I was excited to play for two wedding receptions.  One was an afternoon event in South Bend, Indiana, and the other was an evening party in Brookfield, Illinois.

For the first reception, which was held at the South Bend Country Club, the bride and groom chose a mix of classical and popular songs, with one very special request.  As they entered the hall, they wanted me to play "Somewhere in Time", since they had met on Mackinac Island.  Some other music they chose included:

• Classical:  Ave Maria, Canon in D, Ode to Joy, Spring from "The Four Seasons"
• Popular:  Unchained Melody, All You Need is Love, Misty, What a Wonderful World, I'm Yours
• Disney:  A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes, A Whole New World, I'm Wishing, Bella Notte, Something There, When You Believe, Can You Feel the Love Tonight

I was extra excited to play for the next reception - it was at the Brookfield Zoo!  When we got married, if we had realized getting married at a zoo was even possible, we would have done it, too!  The reception was held at Bocadito's Restaurant, which is close to the penguin exhibit (a personal favorite).

The bride requested that I play mostly classical music, and that it not be too recognizable.  We created a musical background that the guests were able to enjoy without humming along.

The mother of the bride did have a few other requests, which I interspersed with the less familiar music:

• A Time for Us from "Romeo and Juliet"
• It Had to Be You
• Embraceable You
• Moonlight in Vermont
• Till There Was You
• And This is My Beloved
• Grow Old Along with Me

It's always a good idea to ask your family members and future spouse if they have any music that they would like to hear during the wedding.  If it isn't something that can be included in your ceremony, either due to venue/officiant restrictions or if it's just not to your liking, play it during the cocktail hour when everyone is more relaxed and the music isn't as highlighted.