I was grateful for the distraction of a wedding with its accompanying joy last weekend (my birthday, May 19).  Denise and Josh had a lovely wedding in the shadow of the Rose Mont Mansion in Gallatin.  They chose their favorite R&R music for prelude which included "Something" by George Harrison.  Bridesmaids, flowergirl and ringdog? entered to "Real Love" (John Lennon) and the bride entered on her father's arm to "The Luckiest" (Ben Folds).  I'm so glad to see that today's young adults are still enjoying the Beatles' timeless tunes and finding them perfect for this most important rite of passage.  They recessed to "All You Need Is Love"....what else?
     The Sandy Merrill trio entertained at the reception singing "I Have And I Always Will" for the first dance, "Sweet Pea" with "My Girl" for the father - daughter dance and "Unforgettable" for the mother - son dance.  Later in the reception the groom, a drummer, did a set with his own band.  A good time was had by all.  Congratulations to Denise and Josh.

     Congratulations to Lisa and Joshua who said their vows at the lovely Bella Reed Farm in Franklin last Saturday.  Bella Reed Farm is a little tricky to find but the search is well worth it.  While the rain fell gently most of the day, it stopped just in time for the wedding which was flawlessly coordinated by Elaine Roberts of Events by Elaine.
     Have a long and happy life together, Lisa and Joshua!

     Congrats to MacKenzie and Michael on their marriage at Houston Station Saturday evening, May 5th.  In a word....WOW!!  From the programs to the setting to the music to the...well the total design (I understand MacKenzie had designed nearly everything herself)...it was the most creative, fabulous wedding I've ever had the honor to participate in.   Even better was hearing friends say what a great match they were for each other.  They are two of the luckiest people to have found each other.
     We loved that MacKenzie and Michael stepped away from the "traditional" wedding music to have us play selections like Oasis' "Wonderwall" and George Harrison's "Something" for prelude.  Next came the parents and grandparents to "Wonderful Tonight" followed by Bruno Mars' "Just the Way You Are" for the men.  Ok then a tip of the hat to tradition with the Canon in D for the bridesmaids followed by a slow, romantic rendition of "Can't Help Falling In Love" for the bridal processional.  We were placed in the back of the audience so that when the bridal processional started and the people stood, I found myself having to kick off my shoes and jump up on my chair to be able to see enough to bring the music to a graceful close.
     After the newly married couple recessed to Muse' "Starlight", we quickly clipped on microphones to entertain during the cocktail hour with more classic and contemporary rock tunes.  And, yes, we did that with a string trio, surprising several guests with renditions of Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" and James Brown's "I Feel Good".
     Afterward we had the opportunity to chat with Elizabeth, the owner of Houston Station, to hear more about the venue and what MacKenzie and Michael did to make it completely them for the evening.  Houston Station is off the beaten track but easily accessible if you know where you're going.  You definitely will need your GPS.  It's a marvelous mix of old and new, eclectic and warm with an atmosphere you simply can't duplicate anywhere else.
     Here's a final wish to MacKenzie and Michael for a long and happy life together.
    

     I had the honor of bringing a trio to the wedding of Andrew and Nic at Front Porch Farms Saturday afternoon.  We played "The Kite" during prelude in honor of the stiff breeze that made keeping the music on the stand difficult even with clothes pins.  Nic and Andrew's ceremony was short and indeed sweet with self-composed vows.
     After the ceremony we continued to play standards and not so standards at the cocktail hour before turning the reception over to the Hog Slop String Band who entertained the guests with delightful bluegrass.
     Can't leave out the food.  Provided by Mrs. J's Baking and Catering, the food was, hands down, some of the best I've (we've) ever eaten.
     Congratulations Nic and Andrew.  Here's a wish for a long and happy life together.

Wow.  Last weekend was busy.  Booked four (count 'em) and played three of the four weddings for Friday and Saturday.  Here are the ones of which I was honored to be a part.

Friday's weather was simply gorgeous and the Belle Meade Plantation was in full bloom.  Jessie was beautiful (her dad cleaned up real nice too) and Chris was dashing.  They did some things a little bit differently from the expected that it made for a more interesting event.  The attendants came down the aisle as couples and stood as couples to each side.  The flower girls also came down the aisle before the bridesmaids and groomsmen.  Very nice.  They recessed to "I Do" by Colbie Caillet after which we shooed the rest out to the reception with Bruno Mars' "Just the Way You Are (Amazing)".

Saturday found us at Scarritt playing Kera and Blaine down the aisle to wedded bliss.  The flower girls nearly stole the show being so darn cute.  The attendants' dresses were stunning...black with white sashes.   Kera was absolutely gorgeous in a strapless gown with a beaded bodice and lovely fingertip veil.  Many smiles all around.

Later in the day we found ourselves at Opryland Hotel in the Conservatory with the candlestick...oh wait, that's the game of Clue.  But it was in the Conservatory and there was a unity candle.  Allison and Chris were married by the fountain with many onlookers looking down from the walkways above.  I barely recognized Allison who looked so lovely as she made her way down the path to the fountain.  The color of her flowers and her attendant's dress,  a beautiful shade of violet, is my hands down favorite.

I've recently added some new tunes to the growing library of songs. I now have arrangements of John Lennon's "Real Love", George Harrison's "Something" and Bruno Mars' "Just the Way You Are". Lately we've had fun recessing couples to Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered". It's all good.

Ruby, a new venue near Vanderbilt

Yesterday I stopped by a new place on Blakemore across from the Blair School of Music to see how an old church had been transformed into a meeting/party place. It's a wonderful, eclectic mix of old and new that looks out on the dragon park. I had an animated chat with Dan Cook, the owner, and found him easy to talk to and wonderfully helpful. Anyone looking for a definitely different venue for a meeting or celebration should make this a first stop. Their website is www.rubynashville.com