Every so often, we get a client with a unique request for music that we never imagine having the opportunity to play.
Jessica was one of those brides. She got in touch with me a full year before her wedding took place, looking for something extremely specific: a cellist and pianist who could play a couple of arrangements that she had already purchased, and a cello quartet who could play Yellowcard 'Ocean Avenue' for her recessional.
White Pines Entertainment cello quartet performing captured by Steve Gabrail with Studio 41
Although this might be alluding to the fact that, even as a professional musician, I still have some questionable tastes in music; Ocean Avenue was totally a fav during my highschool years. I mean, it was on every playlist and mix CD I made. I loved it. So I won't lie...I was really excited to make this work for Jessica!
Jeremy Crosmer of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra did the arrangement for us, and luckily for us, he was even available to play as part of the quartet!
(Here's a fun fact: My husband Travis is also a cellist, and we both played in the quartet for Jessica. And Jeremy is the cellist who performed for our own wedding back in 2010!)
My point is, this was an extremely great group and we had an absolute blast performing every one of Jessica's requests. She was stunning as she walked down the aisle to the cello quartet arrangement of Pachelbel's Canon. We incorporated Song for Sienna (Brian Crane) and Expression (Helen Jane Long) into the ceremony as well with our pianist. The ceremony was very traditional: the mother's both lit candles after they walked the aisle for the eventual unity ceremony, and the pastor delivered a wonderful sermon. The juxtaposition of traditional wedding ceremony with such personal music choices worked wonderfully!
“For my wedding, I had very specific music that I wanted to use for my ceremony. I was looking for a cello quartet and cello/piano duet, which was harder to find than I thought. But then I found Michelle and she was more than willing to make my dreams reality. I thought I had some really odd ideas and I wasn’t sure if they would even work out, but Michelle made it happen. I sent them specific arrangements for cello/piano duet and cello quartet and asked if we could make them work. Michelle was absolutely amazing and was more than willing to work with me. What I thought was my craziest request, Michelle did no problem. She had a completely custom arrangement for a cello quartet arranged for us and it was absolutely perfect. Working with Michelle was seriously the BEST. She was so helpful and made something I thought could only work in my dreams a reality. I had absolutely no worries the day of my wedding or even leading up to it. Michelle was that good. On the wedding day, they looked great and sounded amazing and I was able to get swept away by their beautiful performances and truly enjoy my wedding. I received SO many complements. It was absolutely perfect and a dream come true. Thank you White Pines Entertainment! <3”
Recessional to Yellowcard Ocean Avenue captured by Steve Gabrail with Studio 41
Working with Jessica and Donald was so much fun. We always love working with every single couple who comes our way, but getting the chance to do something so unique and so personalized for a wedding is really a privilege. Thank you both so much for letting us be a part of your moment!
until next time,
michelle
Vendor Team
Ceremony Pianist and Cello Quartet | White Pines Entertainment
Church | Woodside Romeo
Photography | Steve Gabrail with Studio 41 Photo
Videography | Timothy Scott Films
Floral Arrangements | Vivianos
Based in Ann Arbor, White Pines Entertainment provides professional music, string quartet, string trio, and solo for weddings, events, and special occasions throughout Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.
Whitepinesentertainment.com | hello@whitepinesentertainment.com