Jeannie and Mike - May 23, 2009

Jeannie and Mike had a very special, God-honoring wedding at their church.

Because of the setting, I played only classical and Christian songs during the Prelude (as the guests were seated).

The families were seated as I played Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, then the wedding party entered to Pachelbel's Canon in D. Jeannie entered to the traditional Bridal Chorus by Wagner.

From the piano, I led the guests in singing As the Deer. A bit later in the ceremony, I sang and played The Lord's Prayer.

We closed the ceremony in a unique way - all the guests gathered in a large circle, joining hands. From the piano, I led them in singing the hymn Blest Be the Tie That Binds. Then while I continued the song, the wedding party exited, followed by the guests. It turned out beautifully!

Alex and Kristen - May 16, 2009

Alex and Kristen were married in the breathtaking Baughman Center wedding chapel overlooking Lake Alice on the UF Campus. The beautiful, traditional ceremony was coordinated by the professional wedding planners at A'vie. Katie Leonard took wonderful photos.

Kristen and Alex selected classic wedding songs from my Wedding Music Planning Guide. You just can't go wrong with these classics.

Alex & Kristen's families were seated to Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring. The wedding party entered to Pachelbel's Canon in D, and Kristen entered to Wagner's Bridal Chorus. The happy couple exited as man and wife to the Wedding March by Mendelssohn.

Congratulations, Alex and Kristen!

Andrew and Stefanie - May 16, 2009

Andrew and Stefanie had a touching and beautiful wedding and reception at the Haile Plantation Golf and Country Club. It rained just before the outdoor ceremony, but the great staff at Haile dried off the chairs and kept everything on track. The rain just made the stunning flowers by Betsy Gardner at The Plant Shoppe glisten.

The couple hosted the rehearsal dinner at Sweetwater Branch Inn, where we also ran through the ceremony in preparation for the big day.

During the Prelude (as guests were arriving for the ceremony), at Stefanie and Andrew's request, I sang some of their favorite love songs along with other songs I had selected: The Way You Look Tonight; Love of My Life; She's Got a Way; Lost In This Moment; I Will Be Here; L-O-V-E. A combination of instrumental songs and vocal solos makes an unusual, but poignant, prelude, particularly if a couple wants to have the words to meaningful songs included in their wedding.

The ceremony itself featured traditional music choices. The family was seated as I played Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring. The wedding party entered to Pachelbel's Canon in D, then Stefanie entered to the traditional Bridal Chorus by Wagner. Their recessional began with the traditional Wedding March by Mendelssohn.

Andrew and Allyson - May 16, 2009

Andrew and Allyson had a beautiful wedding on the wide front porch of the elegant Herlong Mansion in Micanopy. My portable digital piano and sound system made it sound like a Grand Piano was on the porch of the Mansion, so that the guests in the garden below could hear it all.

Chad Reed did a great job officiating (as he always does). All but the bride stepped into place as I played my version of Bach's Sheep May Safely Graze for the processional. Allyson made her dramatic appearance at the Manison in a classic Rolls-Royce, and came up the walk to join the rest of the wedding party as I played Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring. After the ceremony, Andrew & Allyson exited for the first time as husband and wife to the traditional and joyful "Wedding March" by Mendelssohn.

This great picture was taken by Ivy at http://www.ivyhammerphoto.com/.

Hilton Ocala Wedding Giveaway

The Hilton Ocala is sponsoring a Memorable Moments Free Wedding Giveaway on July 30, 2009 from 6-8 pm! Come try for the grand prize, check out the Hilton Ocala, and meet some of the best wedding vendors in the area--for free! This event is a combination Giveaway/Bridal Show.

You can find details on Ocala Hilton's website. You can find out even more on their FaceBook page. This is an amazing, top-notch prize, and will be held in one of the finest venues around!

I'll be playing live reception music for part of the evening on the Hilton's grand piano at this incredible event, and my wife, Becky, and I will both be available to answer questions (or just say hello), check Eric's availability for your wedding, reception, and/or rehearsal dinner, and book events! You can find out more about me on my website.

I'm one of the wedding vendors donating my services for the Free Wedding Giveaway. If I'm not already booked, the winner of this phenomenal Giveaway will win my services playing piano for their wedding ceremony.

I'm also pleased to announce (drum roll...)

A 15% discount for any couple who books me for their wedding at the Wedding Giveaway! So bring your checkbook--a 50% deposit secures the time for your event.

If you're planning a wedding, or know someone who is, this is a wonderful opportunity to meet vendors, get some fresh wedding ideas, and maybe even win the Giveaway!