It was the perfect Valentine's Day morning on Deerfield Beach. A mild breeze drifted across the ocean as the sun peeked over the horizon. On the beach, the sand shifted gently beneath the footsteps of a few early morning joggers. This was the kind of morning that greeted the beautiful couple from South Dakota.
Many out-of-state couples dream of tying the knot on the beach, surrounded by the fragrant breezes from the ocean and the majestic backdrop. And a sunrise ceremony, symbolizing the beginning of a new life together, has so many possibilities.
Coordinated by Mary Beth and the amazing staff at the Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort, this sunrise ceremony was a picture of simple elegance.
When the bride and groom and I first began corresponding, they were exploring the possibility of having a violin/keyboard duo. However, the bride was concerned that a keyboard, with the amp and other equipment, might be inconvenient to carry onto the sand and may not create the right atmosphere for her ceremony. A solo violin, she felt, would would carry a beautiful melody but lack the harmony provided by another instrument.
After considering their needs, I recommended a violin/cello duo. The cello would add to the elegance of the ceremony, as well as provide the rich harmonic texture for the violin melody.
Many out-of-state couples dream of tying the knot on the beach, surrounded by the fragrant breezes from the ocean and the majestic backdrop. And a sunrise ceremony, symbolizing the beginning of a new life together, has so many possibilities.
Coordinated by Mary Beth and the amazing staff at the Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort, this sunrise ceremony was a picture of simple elegance.
When the bride and groom and I first began corresponding, they were exploring the possibility of having a violin/keyboard duo. However, the bride was concerned that a keyboard, with the amp and other equipment, might be inconvenient to carry onto the sand and may not create the right atmosphere for her ceremony. A solo violin, she felt, would would carry a beautiful melody but lack the harmony provided by another instrument.
After considering their needs, I recommended a violin/cello duo. The cello would add to the elegance of the ceremony, as well as provide the rich harmonic texture for the violin melody.
The bride was happy with my recommendation, and we started discussing song selections. Because there would be no bridal party, the couple chose three songs - "Trumpet Voluntary" for the processional (when the groom would in turn walk his parents and the bride's mother down the aisle), "Canon in D" for the bride, and "Happy Together" (by the Turtles) for the recessional.
When the bride made this special request, she sent me a fantastic Youtube video of "Happy Together" played on the cello:
When the bride made this special request, she sent me a fantastic Youtube video of "Happy Together" played on the cello:
Immediately, I knew that this fun, upbeat song would be perfect for the recessional. The bride wanted to begin the song at the chorus and then continue into the verses. With the wedding less than a month away, I began arranging the song for violin/cello duo.
On Valentine's morning, the groom was setting up the chairs in the sand. Rose Renee, the violinist, and Sam, the cellist, began playing prelude music as the guests arrived.
The ceremony began promptly at 8:30 AM, with the groom walking both sets of parents down the aisle to their seats. When Mary Beth gave the cue, the musicians began the first notes of "Canon in D." All eyes were upon the radiant bride as she walked down the aisle and joined her groom at the altar.
The ceremony was absolutely beautiful and heartwarming. As the lovely couple spoke their vows to each other, I felt lucky to be in the presence of a deep and enduring love. Amid the cheering of their guests, the officiant pronounced the couple husband and wife and the duo began the upbeat "Happy Together".
The ceremony began promptly at 8:30 AM, with the groom walking both sets of parents down the aisle to their seats. When Mary Beth gave the cue, the musicians began the first notes of "Canon in D." All eyes were upon the radiant bride as she walked down the aisle and joined her groom at the altar.
The ceremony was absolutely beautiful and heartwarming. As the lovely couple spoke their vows to each other, I felt lucky to be in the presence of a deep and enduring love. Amid the cheering of their guests, the officiant pronounced the couple husband and wife and the duo began the upbeat "Happy Together".
Following the ceremony, the couple and their guests celebrated with a delicious brunch prepared by the staff at the Wyndham, and then embarked on a cruise to the Bahamas. What a memorable wedding weekend!
It was such a pleasure to be a part of their special day, and we wish them a lifetime of love, happiness, and prosperity.
It was such a pleasure to be a part of their special day, and we wish them a lifetime of love, happiness, and prosperity.