Fall is in the air and what a gorgeous day we have today. Temperature is in the mid 70’s and we are enjoying a bright, sunny sky. Today is Friday in October in Naples, Florida and our 5:30pm wedding is in the Chapel at the North Naples United Methodist Church. It is a lovely, small venue and one of our favorite places to perform as the acoustics are terrific. It really is one of the special places in Naples.
Today I am joined by Diane Coffman on cello as our booking is for the Seaside Strings Violin and Cello Duo. It is wonderful to work with Wedding Planner, Douglas Schwartz again. We have worked together several times and he is so easy to work with. All his events are fabulous.
Our couple today , Erin and James, are locals and it is a second marriage for both of them.Their children are significant members of the wedding party. The chapel looks gorgeous. It is filled with all white flowers, provided by Grace Lakes Florists. As we arrive, family members are gathered for the pre wedding pictures taken by Peggy Farren and Helen Catlin from Avant- Grade Images.
I peek in the room to meet Erin. She looks lovely and it is nice to have a moment to meet her after all our phone conversations.
The guests begin to arrive earlier than expected, before 5:00, so we quickly set up and begin. Erin had chosen classical music to showcase the reverence of the moment with the Bach Air, Bach Arioso and the Schubert Ave Maria. Pastor Sandra Rubinoff entered prior to James to the sound of Bach’s Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring. This was followed by the Pachelbel Canon in D as the 2 Groomsmen escorted the 2 Bridesmaids. Because the aisle is quite short, we continue the Canon for Erin’s Entrance. Doug shut the doors briefly (adding a nice touch of drama) and then Erin made her entrance.
Readings were done, the Pastor gave her message, vows and rings were exchanged. During the Lighting of the Unity Candle, we played Be Thou My Vision which is a lovely Irish hymn. I need to recommend it more often. It fit the moment perfectly.
The pronouncement was made and the Wedding Party exited to Le Rejouissance by Handel. As the guests were exiting, we concluded with Ode to Joy by Beethoven. It was a lovely service and we wish sincere congratulations to Erin and James!
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