Wedding Music Tip #3

Several weeks ago I flew to North Carolina to play for a wedding of a family friend. As it happens, an old high school pal of mine from the North Carolina School of the Arts recently moved back to Charlotte, so we were able to collaborate for this event as a classical guitar and cello duo. The wedding was a nice church affair, complete with the usual attendants and two flower girls. Two young flower girls. Remember that point, for it quickly became significant at this particular wedding.

When we arrived at the church for set-up, the flowers stood out as their beauty radiated from the altar--calla lilies both large and mini--kudos to their florist! All seemed to proceed in a normal manner at the opening of the ceremony, however it quickly became clear that Flower Girl No.1 planned to make an exhibition of herself in a rather public way. She giggled. She moaned. She cried. She took off her shoes and threw them at the nearest guests. The officiant decided to treat this side-show with a good amount of disregard and a side order of denial, and the family followed suit. Result: no one did anything about it, and she continued with the distracting behavior until the finish.

What does this have to do with wedding music, you ask? Here's the connecting fiber: as the guitarist and I were about to play a soft rendition of "The Gift of Love" for the lighting of the unity candle, Flower Girl No.1 decided to loose off a new round of moans and wails, so that I seriously doubt anyone actually heard a note we were playing. Obviously, no one was prepared for the spectacular showcase of Flower Girl No.1---paralysis seemed to take hold during her extravaganza.

Wedding Tip #3: Designate a close friend or family member to be responsible for retrieving errant children if things take a turn towards the chaotic during the ceremony.

Until the next wedding,

Alice Hamlet, Director
www.tenstringsmusicstudio.com