North Naples United Methodist Church

The Chapel at North Naples United Methodist Church really had a romantic atmosphere on this third Saturday in July.

The Seaside Strings Violin and Cello Duo was here for the wedding of Raechel and Trevor. The ceremony began at 5pm and we began to play prelude music twenty minutes prior to the ceremony. I really enjoyed working with Raechel and she chose very interesting music for us to play. The Pastor had no problem with her selecting all popular music for this church wedding.

For the prelude, we played I’m Yours; You Are the Best Thing; All of Me; I Won’t Give Up; All I Want is You; A Thousand Years; Marry Me; and The Way You Look Tonight.

Pastor Van Duser took his place at the altar and we began to play ” When You Say Nothing at All”. This was a special song for the Groom and his Mother. The Groomsmen entered from the back and took the side aisle to their places up front. The three Grandmothers were seated followed by the 2 Mothers. The Groom was now in place also.

For the Entrance of 6 Bridesmaids, a Ring Bearer and Flower Girl, we played “Making Memories of Us”. For the Bride’s Entrance, Raechel chose “Can’t Help Falling in Love”. During the ceremony, the couple did the Tying of God’s Knot and we played “The Prayer” during this. For the Recessional we played “Lucky”and as the guests were departing, we played “Better Together”.

It was a wonderful ceremony and we were honored to be a part of it. Congratulations, Rachel and Trevor! It was a pleasure to meet you!

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!