If music be the food of love, play on. Never before had William Shakespeare said a truer word. Well, not for me and the boy anyway.
But before I come over all theatrical and like a thespian, darling, let me put it simply. We adore music.
We may disagree on who is the most musically knowledgeable and educated (ME!!! ME!!! After all, I was the geek with the music case or two at school) – but some of our fondest memories are of us sat in a muddy festival field together, or at a gig dancing around like loons. There’s not a day that goes by without a song that brings brilliant memories rushing back.
Step into our humble abode and you can’t escape from our love – CDs everywhere (I think they have actually started breeding), vinyl covers framed, random gig tickets on the fridge, us both singing (note: howling) along to the radio, even an entire wall dedicated to music – just throw in a saxophone and piano to the mix and I think you’re starting to get the picture.
Out of all things wedding, one thing was certain – it HAD to be about the music. End of.
No, not me getting up for an embarrassing recital on the old joanna, circa Christmas Day 1998 again; it’s more that we want our passion for all things with a tune to come through and bring the entire day together.
In a subtle, natural way of course… not us going down the musical route and belting out “I Will Always Love You” for our vows….. Nobody needs to hear that!
It all begins…with a band
Cue: The White Keys. Seriously cool. Think jazz, soul and funk with a hint of Mark Ronson style thrown in and you’re about half way there. I thought I had uncovered a little hidden gem with this band, until I spied them on this very blogs’ “A Kick Ass Wedding” not so long ago!
I was smitten at first sight (and more than slightly hung-over when I saw them, and they still impressed which was, ummmm, impressive). Even the boy with his indie ways loved them… so decision made. They were booked.
Recently, they have decided to throw a lovely little spanner into the works. The original nine piece that we booked has grown. To twelve. Or we could have ten… or eleven…
To book the extras or not to book, this is our hot topic at the moment – and we still can’t decide.
Heart says: “Go on book them, you know you want to… you don’t have to tell the boy.”
Head says: “Nine is plenty, you’re just being greedy… besides will they all fit on the stage, and what about the budget?!?!”
Help needed, please.
A Religious Ceremony with a Little Twist
The Church. Now this is a difficult one. In recent months we’ve become quite the regulars at the Sunday Service (we’re even spotted in Tesco now, a bit like celebs… but not as glam) and we can’t help but notice that the organist isn’t the best, bless him, and that’s being generous.
Decision: keep hymns to a minimum and bring in another music element. In the form of a string quartet. With a slight, subtle twist.
I won’t say too much on this one as I don’t want to give anything away for our lovely guests, but when we went to see them play, I cried. In a good way.
Now, if you remember my Real Bride entry, then you’ll know of my love for Johnny Cash and his deep, dulcet tones. Heaven. Oh, and by the way… it was I who introduced the boy to the wonders of Mr Cash so I think that proves my previous argument!
I knew I had to squeeze something by him into our day, but none of his songs seemed quite right… until I randomly came across a beauty of a song and just knew I had to have it as one of our readings. Not exactly conventional, but we both love it every single time we hear it.
Divine. Well I think so anyway.
Our Love in a Mix Tape
One of our favourite tasks has been coming up with a ‘mix tape’ playlist that we’ll have playing during the meal – I still can’t bring myself to call it a Wedding Breakfast! Think a complete jumble of retro, chill out, indie and simply gorgeous tunes and that just about sums it up.
A little sneak peek of what to expect is this little beauty Here, one of the boy’s fave tunes and an oldie, but a goodie.
Of course, there are a few more elements that will be thrown in, but that would be telling too much…and I want our guests to have a little bit of a surprise
Love Katie ‘who needs inspiration for pre-wedding shoot props…any ideas please?!’
xoxo
I heart Johnny Cash too, mainly my mum and dads influence,they have all the vinyls still from their younger days! So I think that reading is amazing!
Where is your photo shoot going to be for ideas for props?
And as for the band…if the budget allows it go for the whole shabang!! Will have a listen to them as soon as get home, same as the sneak peak of music.
Can’t wait to start thinkinf of music for W-day! x
I’ve heard a bit of Johnny Cash but not loads of his songs, and those lyrics have made me well up! Def off to buy one of his albums to give it a listen now. Such simple but true words. Lovely. x
I saw a wedding or pre wedding or wedding related shoot on a blog the other day (I forget where I’m SORRY!) and one photo had the couple each holding a little water balloon with the other’s name artfully written on it. Not sure what happened next…… I say go for the banners, the big latex balloons and the card cut-out thought bubbles with cutesy messages. Have fun on your shoot!
The most important thing at our wedding was the music Katie, and to be honest the band were the one thing everyone commented on – at just how brilliant they were!!
We had The White Stripes at our Xmas party ( day job) and they were really great, a fab choice!
Charlotte xxx
Just had a cheeky listen to them at work (the joy of having sype for work calls – if I put on my headset and nod along looking interested and occasionally murmur ‘mmmm’ or ‘yes’ or ‘i agree’, it looks like i’m working.)
One word. Three syllables.
Awe. Some. Ness.
I’m jealous however many members you decide to have.
OMG Charlotte, White Stripes???? Where the heck is your day job and are they taking any new people on lol!!! I could bluff it into whatever it is I’m sure!!!
X
I would love to know what the string quartet with a twist is? I am looking for some acoustic music for our drinks reception, want something a little bit different. Anyone have any suggestions, the wedding is in London?
You just made me cry! Such a lovely thing to have as a reading and I’m so moved that I would love to borrow the idea
finding a reading appropriate for a church that fits how you actually feel is so hard and you have found an amazing one.
And the prop… A big red heart shaped balloon xx
Wow what gorgeous lyrics-that makes a lovely reading. And as for the band…..more is definately more!
Fantastic reading – I love it From someone (shh) who’s not really into music – so prooves how perfect for a wedding/will appeal to everyone it is.
You may be able to play the instruments and read the music but we both know your musical education began with me my dear. Don’t worry though, you have a lifetime to re pay me! xoxo
We had our string quartet learn some Killers and Paul Simon (Diamonds on the soles of her shoes), and I only wish there was a way we could have had a recording of all the songs they played that day, because it sounded so so beautiful I had goosebumps. They also played ‘Don’t Stop believin’ made famous by Glee – it actually sounded the nuts!
xx
I say if you can fit 12 on stage and you can afford it, go for it but don’t worry too much if you can’t because lets face it, who is going to be coming away from your wedding saying “well ,it was good but the band were a little thin on the ground”?!
As for the church music, we had exactly the same problem, organist lovely but shall we say… not an accomplished player! We got round it by having a brass band to play before the ceremony, the hyms, during the signing and to play us out. It helps that mr r.now used to play trombone with them but the country is littered with brass bands so you could find one quite easily if thats the way you wanted to go.
oh, and balloons are clearly the popular choice for props,mostly cos they’re ACE.
r.now x x x
Your flat sounds like my flat, except in mine it’s the books that are breeding. They are literally taking over. Anyways, I LOVE the White Keys. My baby sister (and MOH) is a music student and wedding singer so she’s doing our wedding, but I’m sending her that link now in the hope she can find friends on her course and form a group to provide a similar sound for me (demanding bridezilla? me? No idea what you mean….)
Johnny Cash is amazing. That song is one of the shortlisted reading possibilities for our wedding, reading it just then again made me well up. Lovely choice.
I love this song! My dad sang it at his 50th birthday because his sister dragged him up to the mike and insisted he ‘do a turn’ – it was the Jim Reeves version though. Johnny Cash is much cooler. Ah man. I love his version of ‘One’ by U2 – turns a fairly pedestrian song into something amazing.
Hey everyone,
thanks for all of your lovely comments, and for giving Johnny Cash some love
Alex84 – we’re having it in Leeds. Where, I’m not sure. We’ ve said we want a bit gritty and industrial though, so just looking at locations…
Lizzie – love that you like the reading, you should use it if you like it! I’m thinking the red heart balloon at the moment too!
Laura – agree re: his version of the U2 song… he brings it alive!!
xoxo
PS I have just noticed ‘The Boy’s’ comments… it seems our lighthearted disagreement has started up again!
AHHHHHH!!! We’ve booked the White Keys too!! They are such a fab band! We can’t afford the whole hog but if you can, do it!! Every girl should have a brass section!
We’re having a string quartet as well. The first time I heard them play my entrance music I cried. (Pm’s love theme, love actually). You really can’t beat proper muscians when it comes to live music.
xxxx
Katie we are getting married in Leeds!!! I live in not so cool Barnsley lol!
There will be plenty of gritty photo ops there, I love love Leeds! Love heart will be a lovely contrast to where the photos will be set! As in colour wise brights against the city….ace! x
Alex84, whereabouts in Leeds are you getting married? I live not too far from Pontefract – so not cool
xoxo
hi….. this band is awsome.. i have them booked for my wedding august this year after seeing them at my cousins wedding last august… they are the best band ever for a wedding.. so if there one thing i would recommend to splash out on..is this band.. we have a nine piece and have them from start of the day till the end..
A MUST HAVE!!!!
Oooohhhh…..not too far from us.
Can anyone give me an idea of price??
And what make up artist are you using? I fear I’m going to look like an oompa loompa.
Dear Katie
Since you both are into music, why not try and re-make album covers that you love? – I know there are limits, but it just seems as a fun idea
You could also have them taken in a jazz club with that Harlem feeling…? Or have some note sheets made big, whith notes fram your favorite songs and hold the sheet between you…?
Finally GO for it with the band!!!
We are getting married at Malmaison Katie, have you been? I worked at Pontefract hospital until yesterday!!! I am now after our hol off to work at the New Pinderfields in Wakefield. Slightly cooler lol.
x
Catching up with RMW on this lazy Sunday afternoon. You have inspired me to keep searching for the perfect music rather than oogle the TV! I had almost given up. Your band look fab and I love Johnny Cash too. Your passion for music really comes through in your writing, looking forward to your next post x x x x