an ashton gardens wedding with the “other” traditional music

Four Strings provided a string trio for the wedding of Kayleigh Kavanagh and Christian Mayes, held on 2 March 2013 at Ashton Gardens in Corinth, TX. Ceremony music was alternative traditional, eschewing the Pachelbel/Wagner/Mendelssohn set in favor of the Stanley, Clarke and Handel favorites that comprise another stream of the Western wedding music tradition.

Ceremony
Seating of Honored Guests: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bach)
Bridal Party: Trumpet Voluntary (Stanley)
Bridal Processional: Prince of Denmark’s March (Clarke)
Hymn: Love (Eddy/Young)
Recessional: Alla Hornpipe from Suite 2 in D (Handel)

Four Strings String Trio
Violin: Clare Adkins Cason
Viola: Meghan Birmingham
Violoncello: David Cason

I just wanted to say thank you for playing beautiful music at my wedding on Saturday, March 2nd. It added such a special element to the ceremony that could not have been achieved with a CD or iPod. You and your fellow musicians found the perfect balance between reverence and joy that made the audience truly enjoy the wedding. I applaud your talent and skill.

Most of all, thank you for being willing to play the hymn by Mrs. Eddy. I know it is a long song, but you and your partners carried it off beautifully, adding lovely bits of variations to keep it interesting and moving at a good pace. I appreciate your flexibility and willingness to really tailor the musical selection to the preferences of the bride and groom.

I will certainly recommend you to other brides in search of lovely, professional, and highly-skilled string musicians. -Kayleigh

I am so sorry I didn’t get to speak with you before the wedding – or after! Please express our appreciation to the other musicians. The music was absolutely beautiful – it really exceeded my expectations! I received so many compliments on your behalf. -Kathleen (mother of the bride)