How to Select Music for Your Maui WeddingPrelude MusicOften 15 minutes before your ceremony start time, I perform while guests are being seated. If you do not have particular requests for this music, select a category of music you would like performed, such as light classical music or popular love songs, or leave it completely up to me. You may wish to choose a special selection for the seating of the mothers and grandparents, which occurs just before the start of the ceremony. Give your ceremony that extra special touch by having the music be a request that is a favorite of those being seated. Processional MusicYour ceremony officially begins when the officiant and the groom approach the altar. The bridesmaids (along with the groomsmen who may join them) enter while this selection continues. Traditionally, this is a majestic piece played at a pace that is easy to walk to. However, you may choose to create a different ambience for your wedding: perhaps gentle or contemplative. No matter, the selection should flow at an easy walking tempo. This piece ends when the entire wedding party reaches the altar. The Bride’s EntranceTraditionally, the bride enters to fanfare music (such as the well-known “Wedding March”) that announces her arrival. Other music may be chosen to suit the bride’s taste, as long as it sounds good played at an easy walking pace. This piece ends when the bride reaches the altar. Occasionally, when the wedding party is small, the bride may elect to enter to the same piece of music as the maid or matron of honor. CeremonyYou may also select special pieces to be performed during the ceremony proper such as any of the following highlights: lighting of the unity candle, sand ceremony, communion, or a scriptural or poetry reading. These selections usually have special meaning to the bride and groom. Remember, additional music added within the ceremony tends to lengthen the ceremony. Therefore, the selections ought to be shorter. (How long can you look adoringly into each others eyes???!) Some couples request music performed lightly as background during the entire ceremony. This is quite common here in the Islands and the harp can play quietly enough that it blends in beautifully with what else is going on without taking away from the ceremony and spoken word. I am familiar with most of the ministers’ ceremonies and know when to not play (e.g. when a minister is chanting, etc), I know when to play out because there will not be any speaking for a few moments, etc. Recessional MusicTraditionally, the bride and groom, now husband and wife, leave the altar to the tune of a triumphant and/or joyful, rather quickly-paced piece. The wedding party recesses out immediately after to the same selection. However, you may choose to create a different ambience for your recessional: perhaps romantic or flowing. Bride & Groom Favorites: Traditional Wedding March (from Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer’s Night Dream), Spring (from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons), Ode to Joy (from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony) Water Music selections (by Handel), and Clocks is quite a popular choice right now. Post-Ceremony MusicAs guests leave the ceremonial area, lively music accompanies their exit. As with pre-ceremony music, if you do not have particular requests, choose the category of selections you would like performed. To reserve a Heavenly Harpist for your special occasion, please |
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Celia: we always know that we can trust in your integrity and high standards of service and quality, thank you for this. I had a bride tell me she never realized how beautiful the harp would sound and my response was that Celia is incredible and we are so lucky to have her as a musician on this island.
— Carin Seim, Four Seasons Resort Maui at WaileaYour music was absolutely amazing yesterday! You play beautiful music every time, but there was something about the peaceful garden setting at Iao Valley that made your music sounds come alive for me. The couple and their sisters enjoyed it, as well….. The bride told her sisters that the song, Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring, was their father’s favorite song.
— Jackie Tanaka, Tropical Maui WeddingsAwards 2012
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