Yesterday was my son's 9th birthday and it seems like I have done nothing but bake birthday cakes for last week! It's a been a week of celebrations and there have been no less than five birthday cakes for various family, friends, school etc! Non-stop cake making... and eating too!
Whilst busy baking though I started thinking about musical themed wedding cakes and so had a good scout around for some images to inspire you for wedding cakes with a musical theme.
So whether you're searching for cute cupcakes like these...
...or a sophisticated yet more simplistic cake like this...
I've found a few ideas for you to enjoy. It's easy to keep your music theme running through every detail of the wedding.
I was asked the other day: "How can I turn my wedding reception into one big party soul and motown party?" and then I discovered a band that might just be able to fulfil that very request!
If you're looking for a fab band to "crash" your wedding, then the Wedding Crashers won't crash it, but at your invitation they'll certainly supply the va-va-voom required to get your wedding party swinging!
This 6-piece party band is just ace, providing a mix of live soul, rock and Motown classics which are guaranteed to get your guests up dancing the night away.
The band has plenty of experience with every type of performance under its belt from weddings to corporate events to live open air festivals and whilst based in West Yorkshire, they have toured and performed in the UK, Europe and the USA, bringing their mix of energetic musical performance to numerous stages to the absolute delight of audiences, party-goers and wedding guests.
They're great value for money too, with realistic fees and some great music for your money, these guys will rock any wedding, party or event and certainly come as my recommendation of the day for some great, funky tunes to get dancing too.
So have a listen and enjoy. If you're interested in finding out more or booking them just drop me an email at expressivoweddingmusic@gmail.com and don't forget to check out the band's own website at www.theweddingcrashers.eu
Have you ever looked at a picture and it's quite simply just taken your breath away? Well, that has just happened to me this morning. I wasn't intending on writing about this today, but I just had to share the beauty and possibility.
A beautiful musical friend of mine, Kate Gee (who is a wonderful celebrant too www.hatsandchampagne.com), just posted a picture on Facebook of one of the most amazing venues for a marriage you could possibly imagine. It is simply stunning and the kind of venue I would love to set the most amazing musical performances in.
Would you like to see? Well here it is. The Chapel in the Woods at Arkansas.
I'm right in saying it's stunning aren't I? I can envisage a couple walking down the aisle and I can hear the sounds of wonderful music too. This is a venue I would love to perform in as a musician, using the architecture and surrounding natural beauty as inspiration for some fabulous music.
Having spent all weekend rehearsing with various brass ensembles and whole lot of time on private musical practice, I have to give a nod to the sound of brass for this venue, and having also been inspired this morning by the amazing musical prowess of an ensemble called German Brass, I think the music in this video could bring something very special to this venue for a spectacular wedding ceremony.
Or there's always the other option of going 'natural' and having music such as King of the Swingers from the Jungle Book!
Either way, I just had to share this fabulous picture.
Hooray I hear you say! It's Sunday and for many a day of rest, relaxation, good food, good company and listening to great music. For me, today will entail 8 hours of music rehearsals and a bit of travelling to and from them! But, I get to listen to great music and you should too. So, after the success of last week's first 'Sunday Sounds,' I'm offering some more musical treats for you to help you through the day and maybe give you a little wedding music inspiration! I was quite amused when chatting to a bride this week who mentioned the 'in joke' for their wedding was to enter in to Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries from Act III of Die Walküre. Now this would make a stunning entry. A fabulous piece of music, not often used for weddings but would definitely make an impact. What do you think?
So from the sublime Romantic classical great composer Wagner (and not the real musician and composer, not the act that appeared on X-Factor a few years ago!) to one of the most sublime romantic singers of today (in some people's opinions, but yes, I like a lot!) it's Michael Buble. Let's face it, there's plenty of his songs you could select that would work brilliantly for moments such as signing the register or the first dance, but probably one of the most popular would be 'Everything.' Perfect words, perfect meaning for a wedding day and a great singable memory. Enjoy!
Enjoy Sunday Sounds; I hope they make you feel inspired. For me it's off to rehearsal now so catch you tomorrow. Love Tabby xxx
It's Saturday morning and many suppliers and couples are off to wedding fayres up and down the country. Wedding fayres are fab as they allow you to meet suppliers, gain inspiration and negotiate some good deals and discounts.
To be honest, I wish I was at a wedding fayre today but for me, a day of admin and musical rehearsals ensues as I embark on a very busy week of music-making!
However, in this very quick journal today (I'm preferring the word 'journal' to 'blog' so go with it whilst I try it out for size!) I thought I'd give you the first of a few hints on things to consider when talking to potential music suppliers for your wedding.
Most importantly, whilst searching for music for your wedding, even though it might not be a priority in your budget, do remember that musicians have to earn a living and pay bills too. If you want professionals you will have to pay for services. If you want live music but only have a small budget, think of cutting down the required time, what kind of ensemble you have or even consider getting a fabulous semi-professional or amateur organisation (like your local town bass band or village choir).
Having said the above, don't be afraid to negotiate prices.
Make sure the musicians are able to accommodate your exact music requests and make sure there is plenty of notice so they can source or arrange the music you want. I'm sure they will be happy to add in any piece of music to their repertoire with a little bit of notice.
Be realistic. Your musicians cannot play continually for six hours without a break. They will need suitable comfort breaks and refreshments so be kind! Playing a musical instrument is like being an athlete, the musicians have to look after their muscles, bodies and minds.
Make sure your ensemble is suitable for your venue. No good booking a full scale symphony orchestra for a very small church.
If you're unsure of anything just talk and ask. I'll give you any advice I can so don't be shy, just get in touch.
Enjoy your day at the wedding fayre or however you're spending your Saturday.
Happy Friday! End of the week and heading for the weekend when you can all find time to listen to some music. I guess for some of you, it might be opportunity to hunt out some great musicians for your wedding or find that perfect piece of music?
Well let me help. Let's start with the arrival, or the processional as we like to call it in the business! Today I'm going to go with something traditional, a piece of music that is very popular for the both the processional and recessional. It has the uplifting power to send the married couple on their way after the service, however, it also makes a grand statement for the arrival and, well really, the clue is in the title; The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba.
The Arrival of the wedding party as it walks down the aisle is one of the most significant parts of any wedding ceremony and this piece of music by Handel will set the stage for a very uplifting stately arrival. But the mood can be adjusted dependent on the musicians performing.
Just because Handel composed the music for one particular set of musicians doesn't mean that's what you have to go with, any musical ensemble comprising any range of instruments can perform the piece of music you love. So don't be led to believe that you can't have this piece of music when you really want a solo harp to play at your wedding.
So I've had a look on You Tube for you to show you just how you can choose a traditional piece of music, such as The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba, and it can be performed by a variety of musical instruments.
Let's start with the original piece:
Perfect in its compositions, stately, lively and full of spirit. But if you haven't got an orchestra handy, how about just a mandolin (or guitar could do the same).
Looking for something a little more contemporary and also want a touch of jazz later to entertain the guests? Then why not consider a saxophone quartet, like this one.
Looking for simplicity, style and elegance? Then a solo harpist will do just the trick.
Not rousing enough? Then it has to be the brass instruments to add some extra uplifting power:
Or if you're in church and just have the organist at your disposal then the music still works as perfectly on organ.
You get the idea then. Any piece of music can work in so many ways, to make the music and the musicians perfect for your wedding.
Take some time to look for yourself. Choose a piece of music you love and find different versions; you could discover some great versions. Then just get in touch if you want any more assistance.
Good Morning lovely people! I've spent the last 24 hours discussing music choices for a wedding this Spring with a lovely bride and, to match the elegance of the wedding, we've settled on a subtle string quartet to supply the music.
It got me thinking about how music can reflect the style of a wedding and how quite often, elegance and sophistication is associated with string quartets (though as a brass musician I know we are just as sophisticated!).
Thanks to the powers of being a professional musician for many years I've been so lucky to meet and work with some amazing musicians, but a few weeks ago I happened upon a lovely London and South-Eastern based string quartet called Carnaby Strings.
Consisting of four beautiful ladies (apologies gents as all this week's musicians have been female, but superiority, bias and all that!), the group have been working and performing together since their days of musical studies. Each, in their own right, are talented and sought after musicians, performing for some of London's most famous musical establishments such as English National Opera, Royal Opera House, BBC Concert Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and numerous West End Shows and they join together to create some stunning music through the medium of Carnaby Strings.
Tailoring each event perfectly, the ladies offer a wide selection and genres of music for weddings, private functions and corporate events and they have performed at weddings and events at some of the most distinguished of venues. Just check out the venue list on their website! Ranges from The Ritz and The Dorchester to The Houses of Parliament.
With quite obvious style and class, there's no doubting they would offer the most fabulous touch of elegance to your wedding and the sounds they provide could be the most fabulous accompaniment to processionals, recessionals and reception music.
You can hear and see for yourselves how beautiful this string group sounds and looks and they will not disappoint, working closely with you to make your experience perfect, and that's what we love about all our musicians we feature, the personal musical touch to make your day perfect.
For more info on Carnaby Strings get in touch with me at expressivoweddingmusic@gmail.com or check out Carnaby Strings website at http://carnabystrings.co.uk/
