We are a week away from Christmas and it’s another beautiful day for a Wedding. I am so glad because our couple is from Pennsylvania and we always hope the weather will be perfect for our destination weddings. For Alexandra and Michael’s Wedding we are here on the lawn at the La Playa Beach Resort. Once again , Jenny and Sarah of Lyfe of the Party have put out a beautiful and memorable display. I had seen the Bridesmaids dresses as I arrived and saw the blue hydrangeas were a perfect match with the blue dresses. Jenny and Sarah really spent a lot of time making it sure it looked perfect.
Today I am joined by my colleagues that make up the Seaside String Quartet: Joan Stewart and Susan Sikuta on violin and Diane Coffman on cello. We began to play at 3:45 as guests arrived to enjoy pre ceremony beverages. Alexandra had left the prelude music choices up to me, so I picked the Bach Brandenburg Concerto #3 to start. We followed that with the Gift of Love, Delibes Flower Duet and movements from Handel’s Water Music Suite and Royal Fireworks Suite.
As we played, I saw Astrid and Rene of Astrid and Rene Photography taking the pictures. I had just seen them at the NAWP holiday party so it was great to see them again and watch them at work.
We were being helped by Kathie and Jacqui of Side by Side Destination Wedding Services so when Jacqui came out and took her place next to us we knew they were ready to begin. Alexandra had chosen the Prelude to Te Deum by Charpentier for the music for the seating of the Grandparents and Mothers. When they were seated, Gail Alvarado, the Officiate, led the Groom and the Groomsmen out across the lawn to take their places. The Bridesmaids entered to the music of the Pachelbel Canon in D. As Alexandra entered, we began to play more loudly and skipped to the more familiar spot in the music to in order to announce her entrance. She looked beautiful!
It was a very touching Ceremony. The sister of the groom read a poem entitled “Recipe for Happiness” and told the story behind it. I saw several guests with tears in their eyes. It was a very moving tribute to the family and a beautiful legacy to leave to Alexandra and Michael.
After the vows were said, the rings were exchanged, Gail pronounced the couple husband and wife. The traditional Wedding March by Mendelssohn was the Recessional for the Wedding Party. As the guests began to move, we quickly followed that with Handel’s Le Rejouissance, which I knew Alexandra liked. As the guests continued to move onto the south beach for the Cocktail Hour, we finished with Mozart’s Alleluia before we made our move onto the beach as well. Alexandra had requested a mix of music including Christmas carols. We put together a list that included ” Your Song” , “All You Need Is Love” (special requests by the couple ), a Christmas medley and more Mozart. As the sun began to set, we concluded the evening with “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” , a wonderful arrangement in the style of a Beethoven fugue. As I was leaving , several guests stopped me to say they really enjoyed the music. A perfect ending to a perfect day! Thank you Alexandra and Michael for having us be a part of this special day!
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