Enrique and Erich planned for an outdoor ceremony on the Padnos Rooftop Garden at the Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, but the rain started falling shortly before the ceremony was to begin. I had already started the prelude music, so quickly moved the harp to a small overhang where I could keep it dry.
Fortunately, the venue has many indoor options as well, so the couple opted to relocate the ceremony to one of those spaces. We waited just inside from the rooftop garden doors while a downstairs room was arranged to accommodate the ceremony.
With everyone lending a hand to get all of their decor and family heirlooms set in the new location, everything was able to go ahead as planned. We had a beautiful view of the gardens, while staying dry and cool inside!
I played “River Flows in You” and other pieces as prelude, then “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers for the wedding party and Erich’s processionals. Enrique and his mother walked down the aisle together to “Unchained Melody.”
Their ceremony was a heartfelt blending of two families and cultures, and included a unity sand pouring and presentation of roses to the grooms’ mothers to Schubert’s “Ave Maria.” They also requested “All I Ask of You” from Phantom of the Opera to be played lightly under their spoken vows.
For the recessional to send them out as a newly-married couple, I played “A Thousand Years” from Twilight: Breaking Dawn, followed by other upbeat selections as guests congratulated the couple and headed off to the reception.
I provide harp music for weddings in Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan for all couples. Visit my website ~ Grand Rapids Wedding Music ~ to contact me and start planning your wedding ceremony soundtrack!
