Nora and David met in the Czech Republic while he was there as a Fulbright Scholar. After being married there, they decided to have a second wedding ceremony and reception close to his hometown in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, so friends and family who couldn’t travel to Europe were still able to celebrate with them.
Chaumette Vineyard and Winery in rural Ste. Genevieve was the setting for the day. Their ceremony took place at the historic St. Vincent’s-in-the-Vineyard chapel. The prelude included the “Largo” from Dvorak’s New World Symphony, and the wedding party came down the aisle to “Stairway to Heaven” by Led Zeppelin.
Nora’s processional music was “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” and the recessional was “Great Day,” a classical harp piece full of glissandos that is the perfect way to send everyone off to the reception! In this case, however, a thunderstorm kept everyone right where they were. No problem – harp music continued until the rain calmed and we could all relocate to the Vineyard Gallery!
For the cocktail hour, the bride and groom requested “Georgia on My Mind” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” When everyone was seated for dinner (and more likely to be listening to the music) they wanted “Die Moldau” by Smetana – which garnered applause from the Czech contingent in attendance! – Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles, and the American folk song “Shenandoah.”
I also played for the first dances:
- Bride & Groom: “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran
- Father-in-Law & Bride: “House of the Rising Sun”
- Mother & Groom: “Stand by Me“
- Mother-in-Law & Groom: “Waltz in G Major” by Brahms
Ste. Genevieve is full of wineries, historic sites, and other romantic locations perfect for a wedding! I play for events throughout Southeast Missouri and St. Louis, and would love to collaborate with you to create the perfect soundtrack for your wedding day. Visit my website ~ Ste. Genevieve Wedding Music ~ to receive a quote!
