Wednesday, October 31, 2012

10/27/12 Mitch and Johanna

Location: Phipps Conservatory Broderie Room

Ceremony - Solo Violin

The Broderie looked spectacular with the golden mums blooming all over.  A small group of guests enjoyed the Pastor's light-hearted introduction about dinosaurs and the bridesurprised the groom by selecting the theme from "Star Wars' as their exit music.

Music Highlights:
Prelude - "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes," "Edelweiss," "What a Wonderful World," "You Raise Me Up," "Love and Marriage"
Processional - "Simple Gifts"
Recessional - "Star Wars Theme" Yes, really.


Call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/wedding.html for more information.

10/27/12 Jonathan and Brandy

Location : The Buhl Mansion  Sharon PA
Catered by JPC Event Group  Awesome !

Ceremony - Solo Violin
Reception - Violin/DJ Performance Package

The weather sent the Ceremony inside but The Mansion is one of the most beautifully appointed homes you will ever visit.  The Bride & Groom stood above the guests on the stairway in front of a gorgeous stained-glass window. Then it was out to the closed tent for fine food and dancing.

Ceremony Music Highlights:
Prelude - "Ave Maria," "Spring"
Mom's Entrance - "Air"
Bridesmaids Entrance - "Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring"
Bride's Processional - "Canon in D"
Recessional - "Hornpipe"


Reception Music Highlights:
Intro Music - "My First, My Last" Barry White
Musical Toast - "Don't Cry For Me Argentina"
Cake Cutting - "Take Me As I Am" Jekyll and Hyde
First Dance - "Come Fly With Me" Michel Buble
Wedding Party Dance - "Stuck on You" Richie and Rucker"
Bride/Dad - "Wind Beneath My Wings" "Everybody Loves Somebody"
Groom/Mom - "The Woman In My Life" Phil Vassar
Bouquet Toss - "Single Ladies" Beyonce
Garter Removal - "Maneater" Nelly Furtado
Garter Toss - "Danger Zone"
Garter Exchange - "Strangers In The Night"
Last Song - "Time To Say Goodbye" Andrea Bocelli

Call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/wedding.html

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

10/19/12 Cute note

As I was getting ready to start dance music the Flower Girl handed me a note from her parents that read

"Looking back on our wonderful Wedding night you were one of the smartest decisions we made"
David and Nadia

This was from the bride's sister and brother-in-law whose wedding I had done 9 years earlier.  The Flower Girl was their daughter.  I never get tired of hearing that.

For mor information call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/

10/20/12 Will and Brittany

Location: Oglebay Resort

Ceremony - Solo Violin
Cocktails and Dinner  - Strolling Violin
Dancing - DJ Steven Vance


After a dreary, drizzling morning the sun came out at the exact moment that the bride came down the steps to meet her groom. The Ceremony was perfectly short and sweet  so the guests could head to Wilson Lodge for Cocktails while the couple were riding in style by white horse and carriage. Oglebay served a fine Dinner and the dancing went on for an extra half hour.


Ceremony Music Highlights:
Mom's Entrance - Canon in D
Bride Entrance (In Carriage) - Bridal Chorus
Sand Ceremony - Largo from Vivaldi's "Winter"
Recesional - Wedding March
Postlude - Ode to Joy

Reception Music Highlights:
Intro Music : "Forever Young" Rod Stewart
Bride and Groom Intro : "You're My Best Friend" Queen
Musical Toast : "The Way You Look Tonight"
Cake Cutting : "I Can't Help Myself" The Four Tops
First Dance : "How Do I Live" Trisha Yearwood
Bride/Dad : "Cinderella" Chapman
Groom/Mom : "Perhaps Love" Denver/Domingo
Bouquet Toss : "Single Ladies" Beyonce
Garter Removal : "Keep Your Hands To Yourself"
Garter Toss : "Rock and Roll Part 2"
Garter Exchange : "Some Guys Have All The Luck"
Last Song : "I've Had the Time Of My Life"

Call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/

10/19/12 Ryan and Dania

Location : LeMont (Mt Washington)

Wedding Reception - Violin/DJ Package

Music Highlights:
Intro Music : "You And Me" Dave Matthews
Musical Toast : "When Summer Ends"
Cake Cutting : "Beautiful Day" U2
First Dance : "Hold On" Michael Buble
Wedding Party Dance : "You Are The Best Thing" Ray LaMontagne
Bride/Brother : "The Prayer" Bocelli/Dion
Groom/Mom : "Unforgettable"
40th Anniversary of Both Sets of Parents : "Endless Love" Ross/Richie
Last Song : "Don't Stop Believin" Journey

Call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/

10/21/12 Sam and Anna

Location : Hyeholde Restaurant

Ceremony - Solo Violin
Reception - Strolling Violin

The sun came out on cue as the service started in the garden. Then the crowd warmed up inside good with good food and wine and music.

Music Highlights for Ceremony:
Prelude - "Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring" "Ode To Joy" "Royal Fireworks"
Mom's Entrance - "Trumpet Voluntary"
Bridesmaid's Entrance - "Canon In D"
Sand Ceremony - "Fantasie Impromptu"
Recessional - "Wedding March"

Music Highlights for Reception:
Introduction Music - "La Rejouissance"
Musical Toast - "Somwhere" West Side Story
Maid Of Honor Parents Celebrating 35th Wedding Anniversary - "Always"
First Dance - "Can't Help Falling In Love"

Call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/

Monday, October 29, 2012

10/27/12 Review from Gigmasters


Mr. Vance was very easy to work with. He even accommodated me on a special surprise song I wanted for my husband. I cannot imagine our wedding ceremony without him.

Johannah & Mitch  Phipps Conservatory 10/27/12

Solo Violinist Steven Vance

Call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/,

Thursday, October 18, 2012

10/13/12 Thank you From Nemacolin Wedding


I just wanted to thank you for providing such wonderful music at our wedding last Saturday nite!   We were so busy dancing the nite away that we didn't have a chance to thank you in person.   
Thank you again for everything! 

Stuart & Samantha 

Violin, Cello and Keyboards for the Ceremony
Strolling Violin for Cocktails
Piano (John Garrick) and Violin for Dinner
DJ dance music


For more information call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/

10/14/12 Brian and Rachel

Ceremony at Beth Shalom Squirrel Hill
Violin and Piano for Ceremony

Groomsmen, Groom and Parents, and  Bridesmaids  : “Trumpet Voluntary”  Clarke   
Bride and Parents Processional :  “I’ve Dreamed Of You”  Barbara Streisand - a first for us
Recessional :  “Simon Tov” 


Violin and Piano for Cocktails and Dinner.
DJ music for Dancing
Intro Music :  “Beautiful Day”  U2 
First Dance : “Time In a Bottle” Jim Croce 
Bride and her Dad: "You Light Up My Life"  Debbie Boone
Groom and his Mom: "The Man You've Become"  Molly Pasutti
"Hora"
"Mezinka" Traditional dance honoring brian's parents who were seeing their last child be married.
Cake Cutting : “How Sweet it Is” James Taylor 

Last Songs  : “Last Dance” and “When You Wish Upon A Star”  before they were off to Disney World

Cake by Fenoglietto's Bakery

For more information call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/


Wednesday, October 17, 2012

10/6/12 Joe and Lakeisha

Wedding Reception - Violin and DJ Package
Location : The Chadwick


Introduction Music for Parents : "We Are Family" - Sister Sledge
Intro Music for Wedding Party : "Ain't No Mountain" - Marvin Gaye
Intro Music for Bride and Groom : "Ebony and Ivory" - Paul McCartney
Musical Toast : "Unchained Melody"
Cake Cutting : How Sweet It Is - "Marvin Gaye"
First Dance : "At Last" - Etta James
Bride/Dad : "I'll Be Loving You Always" - Stevie Wonder
Bride/Groom/Daughter : "Never Knew I Needed" - NeYo
Bouquet : "Single Ladies"
Garter Removal : "Fever"
Garter Toss : "Atomic Dog"
Exchange : "Hot Hot Hot"
Last Song : "I'm Yours" - Jason Mraz



For more information call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.chadwickevents.com/weddings/

10/13/12 Stuart and Samantha

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort 

The ballroom glowed as the evening went on and the crowd was warm and appreciative.  Nemacolin tunes the piano for us to play Dinner and the group danced away the night finishing with the Traditional bridal Dance.  At the end Stuart carried off Samantha to start their lives together. The day started on the rooftop on a crisp, clear Autumn day as we offered our first Violin, Cello and Keyboards Trio.


Ceremony: Violin, Cello and Keyboards Trio

Processional for Moms and Aunt: Canon in D
Processional for Bridesmaids : Ode to Joy
Bride Processional : Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring
Recessional : I Got You Babe

Reception: Violin and Piano Duo during Dinner and DJ dance music for the rest of the night
Nemacolin Woodlands Grand Ballroom


Introduction Music -  “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love”  Barry White
Cake Cutting -  ”Marry Me”  Train
Musical Toast - “Winter” Vivaldi
 Special Request - “If I Were A Rich Man”
 First Dance - “I’ll Stand By You” The Pretenders 



Call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/
 

Monday, October 15, 2012

10/12/12 Kristen & Scott

Violin and Cello Duo for the Ceremony and Cocktails
Longue Vue Golf Club  Verona PA

The cool temps kept everyone inside before the service so we moved inside too.  The Ceremony outside went off without a hitch and guests hustled back into the living room for Cocktails where we played Classical, Irish, Broadway ("Les Miserables") and Pop tunes like "Somewhere Out There" and "You Raise Me Up".

Music highlights:
Prelude: "Winter" from "The Four Seasons" Vivaldi
"Simple Gifts" (Shaker Song)
"Air For The G String" Bach
Moms and Bridesmaids Procession: "Canon In D" Pachelbel
Bride's Grand Entrance: "Bridal Chorus" (Here Come The Bride) Wagner
Recessional: "Wedding March"  Mendelssohn
Postlude: "Rondeau" by Mouret"


For more information call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/

10/12/12 Casey & Andrew

Solo Violin for the Ceremony
Strolling Violin for Brunch
Impromptu DJ music after

They moved the service inside because I swear it was snowing on the way up to the mountains at 8:00 AM.  The Green Gables in Jennerstown is a one-of-a-kind facility with a rustic, historic look including huge trees that poke up through the floor and out of the ceiling like pillars.  The fireplace was cooking for the first time this season so everyone was toasty and cheerful.  The brunch ended early so I broke out some dance tunes from my phone into our Bose sound system.

Music highlights -
Mom's Entrance: "Ave Maria"  Schubert
Bridesmaids:  "Spring" from "The Four Seasons" by Vivaldi
Bride's Procession: "Canon In D"  Pachelbel
Recessional: "La Rejouissance" by Handel

Introduction Music:
Parents: "You Make Me Feel So Young" Sinatra
Wedding Party: "Crazy Train" Black Sabbath
Bride & Groom: "Love And Marriage" Sinatra
Musical Toast: "Faithfully"

For more information call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/wedding.html

Sunday, October 14, 2012

9/7/12 Review On The Knot

Steven has the dance floor pumping all night and my guests had an awesome time, the floor was packed. Steven also provided ceremony music with a cello that was so beautiful. The music Steven played during dinner was the guests choice and he went table to table playing his violin. He was a hit! The guests had a great time picking out songs for him to play. Steven worked to fit ours needs with our budget, great guy!

Mike and Jessica


Violin and Cello for the Ceremony
DJ music for Cocktails 
Strolling Violin for Dinner
DJ dance music for the rest of the night

At the Georgetowne Center in Pleasant Hills.

For more information call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/wedding.html

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

9/22/12 Thank You

For Strolling Violinist Charles May playing a Wedding Reception at The Club At Nevillewood.


Just wanted you to know that Charles did a great job the night of the
wedding. I think everyone enjoyed his playing. Will give your name out
to anyone who might be interested.  Thanks again

Joanne Kapp


Call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/wedding.html

Most Popular Wedding Songs For Intro's, First Dance, Cake ...

Wedding Reception Mixtape:


Below is a list of the most popular and widely requested wedding reception songs from the past year or so.  I hope this will help any couples who want to customize their wedding reception music and are looking for ideas.

INTRODUCTION MUSIC
Traditionally, there is music playing while the Emcee announces the bridal party and finally the bride and groom make their first public appearance together.  Some couples like this to be very upbeat and set a party atmosphere.  Some prefer this to be an elegant affair and more formal. 

I Gotta Feelin – Black Eyed Peas
Raise Your Glass – Pink
Spring from The Four Seasons – Vivaldi
L-O-V-E – Nat Cole
The Brady Bunch - TV Theme
I Feel Good – James Brown
I Got You Babe – Sonny and Cher
Concerto for Two Trumpets – Vivaldi
Stuck Like Glue – Sugarland
Crazy Train – Black Sabbath
Who Loves You – The Four Seasons
Fort Walton Kansas   - The Rock
Ace Of Spades – Motorhead
The First, The Last, My Everything – Barry White
Cinema – Skrilllex
Pirates Of The Caribbean – Movie Soundtrack
Beautiful Day – U2
Spring – Vivaldi
Right Round – Flo-Rida
The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly – Movie Soundtrack
St. Elmo’s Fire
Home – Edward Sharpe
Happy Together – The Turtles
Happy People – R. Kelly
I’ll Be There For You – Bon Jovi
I Like It – Enrique Iglesias
You Make Me feel So Young – Frank Sinatra
Big Pimpin – Jay Z
Renegade – Styx
Bittersweet Symphony – The Verve
You Make Me Feel So Young – Frank Sinatra
Pitt Fight Song
Marry You – Train
Love And Marriage – Frank Sinatra
Just The Way You Are – Bruno Mars
Enter Sandman –Metallica
Shipping Up To Boston – Dropkick Murphy’s
Ain’t That A Kick In the Head – Dean Martin
By Your Side – Sade
Have I Told You Lately That I Love You – Rod Stewart
It’s Now Or Never – Elvis
I’m Yours – Jason Mraz
Faithfully – Journey
Midnight And The Stars And You – Ray Noble
Teenage Wasteland – The Who
Rock N Roll Part II – Gary Glitter
L-O-V-E – Nat Cole
At Last – Etta James
Love And Marriage – Frank Sinatra
I Wanna Grow Old Old With You – Adam Sandler
Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love – Barry White
Get Ready For This – 2 Unlimited
Smooth Criminal – Michael Jackson
I Do – Colbie Callait
Soul Bossa Nova – Austin Powers Theme
Marry You - Bruno Mars
Glamorous- Fergie
Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love -  Barry White


FIRST DANCE
This song is the one that accompanies the first dance of the bride and groom.  Some couples use a song that they consider “their song” while some couples simply pick something that lyrically and musically has meaning to them.  

Marry Me – Train
Then – Brad Paisley
Can’t Help Falling In Love With You – Elvis Presley
Crush - Dave Mathews Band
At Last – Etta James
True Companion -  Marc Cohn
Hero – Enrique Iglesias
The Way – Bruce Springsteen
When You Got A Good Thing – Lady Antebellum
Wouldn’t Change  A Thing – Matthew West
Vito’s Waltz – The Godfather
Beauty And The Beast – played on the Violin
I See You (from Avatar)– Leona Lewis
Into The Mystic – Van Morrison
When You Say Nothing At All – Ronan Keating
The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
Sweet And Wild – The Clarks
Someone Like You – Van Morrison
Life After You – Daughtry
I Will – The Beatles
When I Say I Do – Matthew West
Unthinkable – Alicia Keys
Me And You – Kenny Chesney
Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You – Jersey Boys
Penguin – Christina Perry
I’m So Proud – The Impressions
The Best Is Yet To Come – Tony Bennett
Just The Way You Are – Bruno Mars
Bleeding Love – Leona Lewis
Your Song – Elton John and Alessandro Safina
Stay With You – John Legend
Your Song – Elton John
Sleepwalk – Santo and Johnny
The Most – Jon Troast
I Just Can’t Stop Loving You – Michael Jackson
Ain’t That A Kick In The Head – Dean Martin
Feels Like Home – Neil Diamond
By Your Side – Sade
When You Say Nothing At All- Allison Krauss

CAKE CUTTING
This song plays while the bride and groom cut the cake in a symbolic gesture.  Some couples like this to be a fun experience and some others prefer this to be a more elegant moment.  The music that you choose will set the mood.

How Sweet It Is  - James Taylor
Sugar, Sugar – The Archies
I Can’t Help Myself – The Four Tops
The Sweetest Thing – U2
That’s Amore – Dean Martin
I Do – Colbie Caillat
Love And Marriage – Frank Sinatra
Ain’t That A Kick In the Head – Dean Martin
My Eyes Adored You – The Four Seasons
Bad Things – Jace Everett
Signed Sealed Delivered – Stevie Wonder
1, 2, 3, 4 – The White Stripes
Accidentally In Love – The Counting Crows
Better Together – Jack Johnson
I Wanna Grow Old – Adam Sandler
Wink And A Smile – Harry Connick Jr.
Never Gonna Be Alone – Nickelback
If Not For You – Bob Dylan
Candyman – Christina Aguilera
Lucky – Jason Mraz
Finiculi, Finicula

BRIDE AND HER DAD
This can be a very touching moment in the wedding reception, where the bride dances with her father.  

What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
My Wish – Rascal Flatts
The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
The Rainbow Connection
Butterfly Kisses – YouTube Mix
Daughters – John Mayer
Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
Cinderella – Steven Curtis Chapman
Moon River – Andy Williams
My Girl – The Temptations
Unforgettable – Nat and Natalie Cole
Angel Dance – Robert Plant
It’s a Great Day To Be Alive – Travis Tritt
Moonlight Serenade – Glenn Miller
In Your Eyes – Peter Gabriel
Daddy’s Little Girl – Al Martino
Daddy’s Little Girl -Michael Bolton
Daddy Let’s Dance -  Jamie Tate
My Little Girl -  Tim McGraw
Faithfully – Journey
I Loved Her First – Heartland
Shining Star – The Manhattans
In My Daughter’s Eyes -  Martina McBride
Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion
A Song For My Daughter – Ray Allaire
Waltz Across Texas – Ernest Tubb
I’m So Proud – The Impressions
Sweet Child Of Mine – Luna
There You’ll Be – Faith Hill
Hero - Mariah Carey

GROOM AND HIS MOM
Again, the guests at the wedding will not forget when the groom dances with his mother.  

A Song For My Son – Micki Viereck 
Unforgettable – Nat and Natalie Cole
The Perfect Fan – N Sync
Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler 
My Wish – Rascal Flatts
A Song For Mama – Boyz II Men 
Three Times A Lady – The Commodores
Through The Years – Kenny Rogers
All To You – DJ Keo
For Your Eyes Only – James Bond Film
You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban
Sunny – Johnny Mathis
You Are My Sunshine – Elizabeth Mitchell
Forever Young – Joan Baez
A Place In My Heart – Sounds Of Blackness
Love – John Lennon
Danny Boy
You’re Still You – Josh Groban
A Mothers Song –T. Carter
The Man You’ve Become – Molly Pasutti
Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion
What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
Nevertheless
The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
Sweet Baby James – James Taylor
Because You Loved Me – Johnny Mathis

WEDDING  PARTY DANCE
Some couples will invite their wedding party to the dance floor for a song.   This can be a very special moment for the couple surrounded by their closest friends.  Here are the most commonly selected songs for this dance.

The Prayer – Andrea Bocceli and Celine Dion
You’re My Best Friend -  Queen
Fly Me To The Moon – Frank Sinatra
From This Moment – Shania Twain
That’s How Strong My Love Is – Otis Redding
Lucky – Jason Mraz
Sweet Love – Anita Baker
Over The Rainbow/What A Wonderful World – Izzy K
Kiss Of A Rose – Seal
Wonderful, Wonderful – Johnny Mathis

MUSICAL TOAST
A Strolling Violin song is often performed in honor of the bride and groom.  This is their first requests before the Violinist moves out into the guest tables.

All I Ask Of You
Wonderful Tonight
Theme from “Love Story”
That’s Amore 
Unforgettable
Moon River
Just You And Me
My Heart Will Go On
Star Trek TV Theme
At Last
Por Un Cabeza
Canon In D
Anne’s Theme
Love Story
Music Of The Night
Always And Forever
Hallelujah
Clair De Lune
Just You And Me
Haste To The Wedding
Over The Rainbow
Country Roads
When I Fall In Love
Moonlight Serenade
Greensleeves
Faithfully

BOUQUET TOSS
A very fun moment for the wedding guests is rounding up all the unmarried ladies for the bouquet toss.  Symbolically, the one who catches the bouquet will be the next to wed.  The music chosen for this event should get the attention of the guests.

Single Ladies – Beyonce 
If You Wanna Be My Lover – Spice Girls
Pretty Girl Rock
On The Floor – Jennifer Lopez
Chapel Of Love
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun - Cyndi Lauper

GARTER REMOVAL
The groom removes the garter from the leg of the bride in an often raucous fashion.  The music chosen for this moment can really enhance it.  

Mission Impossible
The Way You Make Me Feel – Michael Jackson
Sex On Fire – Kings Of Leon
Stripper Theme
Cherry Pie – Warrant
Let’s Get It On – Marvin Gaye
When I Said I Do – Clint Black

GARTER TOSS
As the groom tosses the garter to the unmarried men, the legend goes that the one who catches it will be the next to marry.  

Another One Bites The Dust – Queen
Macho Men – The Village People
Badd Boys – Inner Circle
Troublemaker – Weezer

GARTER EXCHANGE
Some couples include a moment where the man who caught the garter puts it on the leg of the lady who caught the bouquet. 

Into the Groove – Madonna
Freakum Dress – Beyonce
Like A Virgin – Madonna
Wild Thing – Tone Loc
Let’s Get It On – Marvin Gaye

LONGEST MARRIED COUPLE DANCE
Some couples include a dance that invites the logest married couples to dance with each other.  As the song continues, traditionally the emcee will announce “couples that have been married for ___ years may keep dancing,”  until there is only one couple left.  This is the longest married couple. Everyone applauds, we announce how many years they have been married, a photo is taken with the newest and oldest couple, and the party continues.

When I’m Sixty Four – The Beatles
Through the Years – Kenny Rogers
In My Life – The Beatles
L-O-V-E – Nat Cole
Dream A Little Dream – The Mamas And The Papa
Always And Forever – Luther Vandross
Endless Love – Diana Ross and Lionel Richie

LAST SONG
Giving the guests one last chance for a dance makes for a nice conclusion for the evening.  

The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
Last Dance – Donna Summer
Don’t Stop Believing – Journey
Save the Last Dance For Me – Michael Buble
Devil Went Down To Georgia – CDB
Just Dance – Lady Gaga
This Is The Time – Billy Joel
Today Was A Fairytale – Taylor Swift
When You Wish Upon A Star - Disney
When I Fall In Love – Celine Dion & Clive Griffin
Thank You – Dido
Truly Madly Deeply – Savage Garden
I’ve Had The Time Of My Life – Dirty Dancing Soundtrack
Bittersweet – Big Head Todd
Goodnight – Beatles
Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton
Over The Rainbow – Israel Kamakawiwiole
Wouldn’t Change A Thing – Matthew West
Shake Me Down – Gregory Abbott
Closing Time – Semisonic
Time To Say Goodbye – Andrea Bocelli
For Once In My Life – Frank Sinatra
In the Still Of The Night – Boyz II Men
When I’m Sixty Four – The Beatles
Twilight Time – The Platters
Bittersweet Symphony – The Verve
Devil Went Down To Georgia – Charlie Daniels
My Best Friend – Tim McGraw
Home – Edward Sharpe
At Last – Etta James
Marry Me - Train

For more information call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/

#1 Bridal Processional : "Canon in D"


TOP  WEDDING PROCESSIONAL   #1
“Canon” or “Canon in D" -which means it is in the Key of D - was composed around 1694 and was likely written for a wedding. This piece is now heard in virtually every Wedding scene on TV and in film.  The music term "canon" means a composition where multiple instruments play the same, or similar,  melody lines at different times.  Think “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”.  Although designed for multiple string instruments or a chording instrument like Piano or Harp, the melody is strong enough to be played beautifully by a single-line instrument such as Violin or Flute.  The more instruments you add the more rich and complex the musical layers. Quartet (4 pieces) or Quintet (5) are ideal if your budget allows but Duo, Trio, Organ, Piano, or Harp will sound great, too. "Canon" works well for a Bridesmaids Processional because it takes time to develop from slower whole notes to the fast sixteenth notes.  For Brides -  take a few deep breaths before you enter and move slowly to allow the music to build to it’s magnificent apex. A nice thing about Canon is that you can stop playing it at the end of almost any 8-measure section and it will sound like it was supposed to end there.  See one of our quartets play this piece. Steven Vance Quartets play Canon in D



If you have a question about wedding music you can "Ask The Wedding Music Expert" at http://www.stevenvance.com/contactus.php

You can hear audio clips of many of these pieces on our site at http://www.stevenvance.com/samples.html or click on our YouTube Channel to see over 150 videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/svenjorgenson

For more information call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/wedding.html



10/7/12 Mike Stout CD Release Party


Mike Stout & The Human Union playing at the Frick Auditorium in Oakland.  This was a CD release party and a fundraiser for the Thomas Merton Center. Mike's new CD features a few tunes with my playing fiddle and is full of great songs of Pittsburgh and labor history. I'm on the far right - not playing, of course.  Band members from left: Vocalist Kelly Burgos, Vocalist/Keyboardist Laura Daniels, Guitarist/Singer Doug Wilkins, Drummer Josh, Guitarist/Singer Kevin MacDonald, and Bass player Tom Valentine. I'm on the far right - not playing, of course. Great night.

Call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/index.html

10/5/12 Canterbury Place

Thanks to Donnie Scruggs and the good people at Canterbury for inviting me to fiddle for their Barbecue Dinner event. Although it can be a tough playing for people with little awareness of their surroundings but  it only takes the one woman who blows you as kiss as a way to say "thank you" to make it all worth while.


Call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/index.html

#3 Most Popular Bridal Processional : "Trumpet Voluntary"

TOP WEDDING PROCESSIONAL #3
“Trumpet Voluntary”  is a general term given to may English keyboard tunes from the Baroque era. The “Prince Of Denmark March” was written by Jeremiah Clarke -but often attributed to Henry Purcell – was made very popular in 1981 when used as the procession of Princess Diana in her wedding with Prince Charles.  The composition is a slower, stately march with a clear melody in the first part which is restated in a different key, then breaks into quicker bridge before coming back to the main theme.  Nicely structured for a Wedding processional because it made up of short sections. See a the Crystal Strings Quartet play "Trumpet Voluntary".

 
 Other favorites include “Trumpet Tune” also by Henry Purcell,  Vivaldi’s “Spring” from The Four Seasons; “Jesu, Joy Of Man’s Desiring” (pronounced yay-sue) by Bach, “Ode To Joy” (or “Hymn To Joy”) which many people know as a church hymn but is actually the main melody to Beethoven’s Symphony Ninth Symphony; or selections from Handel’s “Watermusik” or “Royal Fireworks”.  All of these pieces can be heard in various forms on YouTube.  There is no wrong answer – only the one which is most right for you.  One consideration is the length of the aisle you’ll be walking down.  Some pieces take longer to develop – or make musical sense – so they may not be practical for a short procession.  Often, when the Bridesmaids are coming down to a different selection you may want their piece of music to have a different character, style, pace, or feel to create a dramatic contrast between them and you.

If you have a question about wedding music you can "Ask The Wedding Music Expert" at http://www.stevenvance.com/contactus.php

You can hear audio clips of many of these pieces on our site at http://www.stevenvance.com/samples.html or click on our YouTube Channel to see over 150 videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/svenjorgenson

For more information call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/wedding.html

#2 Most Popular Bridal Processional : Wagner's "Bridal Chorus"


TOP WEDDING PROCESSIONAL #2
The “Bridal Chorus” from the opera “Lohengrin” by Wagner (pronounced Vog-ner) is what we know as “Here Comes The Bride”.  Many brides consider this the most traditional selection but it has no real cultural or religious ties.  It became popular because of the wedding scene in the 1850 opera and when someone put the words “Here comes the bride” to it then it went to the top of the charts here in the English-speaking world. It’s not even a procession in the production but is sung by a chorus after the ceremony.  Plus, the marriage between the characters ends almost immediately in failure. It can be done on most instruments solo, accompanied by organ or in ensemble form.  Beware –the Catholic church considers this a secular piece, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod bans it because of pagan themes in Wagner’s opera, and Jewish services won’t allow it because of the composers known anti-semite views.  Contact me if you have questions. See one of our Steven Vance Trios play Wagner's Bridal Chorus.


If you have a question about wedding music you can "Ask The Wedding Music Expert" at http://www.stevenvance.com/contactus.php

You can hear audio clips of many of these pieces on our site at http://www.stevenvance.com/samples.html or click on our YouTube Channel to see over 150 videos at http://www.youtube.com/user/svenjorgenson

For more information call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/wedding.html

7/21/12 Thank You


Thank you for making our wedding ... extraordinary.  We had a String Trio (led by Sarah) for our Ceremony and DJ Mike Greca for the Reception.  They were both consummate professionals from start to finish. We are still receiving compliments from friends and family.

Hope and Daniel at The Buhl Mansion  7/21//12

Call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/wedding.html

Friday, October 5, 2012

10/4 AAA Travel Showcase

For the 14th year we were invited to perform for the AAA Travel Showcase at Seven Springs Resort.  This year we promoted our "Titanic Dinner Adventure" in Ohio, the "Chapels, Candles. and Christmas Phantasy" featuring Lee Alverson as "The Phantom" at the Grand Hall, and the new "Travel The World With Music" show with me and John Garrick fronting a full string group in an "Andre Reiu-style" show.  Other acts showcasing - that I ran sound for - were Sinatra Impersonator Sean O'Reilly for Dover Downs Casino, the "Red, Hot And Blue" show from Branson, Meggan Sexton fro American Mountain Theater, the Rockwood Opry House, CLO, and West Virginia Public Theater. Many thanks to Myrna, Joe, Vona, and Rich from AAAand the staff of Seven Springs for making it a great success.

This year's theme was "The Sound Of Music" and ended with Desiree, Emil and Zoe singing "So Long, Farewell"

Call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/http://www.stevenvance.com/ for more information.

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Review on The Knot from 9/1/12


Great Night with Great Music   posted 9/29/2012

Steven was a preferred vendor for our wedding venue and we are so glad we went with him. We had him playing the violin and another musician playing the cello for our ceremony and then him with the electric violin for our cocktail hour as well as him for the DJ during the reception. All of those combined was still less than what some of the other DJs wanted for just their DJ services. On top of that, Steven is a very talented musician and the reception was such a great time! He played a great variety and really took a lot of time to make sure our night was exactly what we wanted. He also was incredibly flexible - on our wedding day the rain delayed our ceremony for about 30 minutes so he began playing prior to and kept our guests entertained, he moved his equipment several times as well. A very wonderful musician and we appreciated all his hard work.

Sam & Krista Jackson  

Ceremony & Reception at The Mansion at Maple Heights

Call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

9/29/12 BIrthday Party Thank You


Just wanted to let you all know Geri was a smash. She made the
party. Everyone loved her style and choices of music. She nailed our
group perfectly. On time, personable and fun to have in our home…

Thanks again. Maryann

Piano Bar Style Pianist/Singer Geri Werl for a 60th Birthday Party

Call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/

Monday, October 1, 2012

9/22/12 James and Erin

Wedding Reception: Violin/DJ Performance  Package
Location: Embassy Suites Hotel Coraopolis

We accented the room with our new Uplighting - with dramatic effect if we may say so ourselves.
Introduction Music:  Icarus Witch (Pittsburgh Penguins Theme)
Musical Toast: Beauty and the Beast
Bride and Groom First Dance: My Best Friend - Time McGraw
Cake Cutting: "How Sweet It Is" by James Taylor

Wedding Party and Couples Dance: From This Moment - Shania Twain
Groom and Mom Dance: A Mother's Song - T. Carter
Bride and Dad Dance: I Loved Her First - Heartland
Bouquet Toss: Single Ladies - Beyonce
Garter Removal: Mission Impossible Theme
Garter Toss: Another One Bites the Dust - Queen
Garter Exchange: Let's Get it On - Marvin Gaye
Last Song: Marry Me: Marry Me - Train

Having fun with "Shout"

Call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/wedding.html

9/29/12 Nicholas and Marta

Wedding Ceremony at Phipps Outdoor Garden.

String Trio of Two Violins and Cello

Music highlights:
Bridal Party Processional: Trumpet Voluntary

After Welcome: "Air" from Watermusic
After Readings: "O Perfect Love"
After Rings: "Simple Gifts"

Bride Processional: Canon in D - Pachelbel
Recessional: Hornpipe


Call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/wedding.html

9/29/12 Jerry and Laura

Wedding Ceremony at Oglebay Resort  Formal Garden.

Solo Violinist

Bride Processional: Canon in D
Roses: Simple Gifts
Recessional: Hornpipe













Call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/wedding.html

9/21/12 Steve and Dani

Wedding Ceremony at St. Stephen's Church in Sewickley

Solo Violin
Prelude: Air On The G String, Down By The Sally Gardens, Romeo and Juliet
Bridal Party Processional: Ave Maria
Bride Processional: Canon in D - Pachelbel
Declaration of Consent: All I Ask of You - Phantom of the Opera
Sand Ceremony:  Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - Bach
Roses: Simple Gifts
Recessional: Kesh Jig - Irish Traditional

Wedding Reception: Violin/DJ Performance Package
Location: Embassy Suites Hotel, Moon Township

Musical Toast: Ashokan Farewell
Cake Cutting: Today Was A Fairytale - The Damnwells
First Dance: Tonight And Forever
Wedding Party: A Thousand Years - Christina Perri
Bride and Dad Dance:  Celtic Woman
Groom and Mom Dance: Rise - Eddie Vedder
Bouquet Toss: Single Ladies - Beyonce
Garter Removal: Danger Zone - Kenny Loggins
Garter Exchange: Pony - Ginuwine
Last Song: At Last - Etta James

Groom's Mom Marianne with our friend Linda Zanella of the Embassy Suites Hotel

Call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/wedding.html

9/28/12 John and Jennifer

Wedding Ceremony at Rolling Hills Country Club 
Solo/Strolling Violin for Ceremony, Cocktails and Dinner

It was nice to be back with the Eller family for another celebration.  A First-class affair - as usual.


Musical Selections:
3 Bridesmaids: Canon in D - Pachelbel
Bride's Processional: Bridal Chorus - Wagner
Recessional: Ode to Joy - Beethoven

Musical Toast: Clair De Lune

For more information call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/wedding.html

9/8/12 George and Lauren

Wedding Ceremony and Reception at Springwood Conference Center in Verona, PA.



Solo Violin and DJ Package: Solo Violin for Prelude music before the Ceremony, DJ background music during Cocktails, Strolling Violin for Dinner, and Dj dance music under the tent.

Reception Music:
Intro : Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond
Bride and Groom Introduction : The Way You Make Me Feel - Michael Jackson
Musical Toast : That's Amore - Dean Martin
Cake Cutting : Better Together - Jack Johnson
First Dance : Chasing Cars - Snow Patrol
Father/Daughter Dance : Daddy's Little Girl - Al Martino
Mother/Son Dance : What A Wonderful World - Louis Armstrong



For more information call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/wedding.html

9/15/12 Andrew and Victoria

Wedding Reception at LeMont Restaurant

Violin and Piano for Cocktails,  Italian Singer with Strolling Accordion, Violin, Keyboards and Bass for Dinner and some dancing, DJ dance music

Music for Introductions: I'm Shipping Up to Boston - Dropkick Murphy's
Couples First Dance:  Stand By Me - Ben E King
Wedding Party Dance: Shake Senora
Cake Cutting:  How Sweet It is by James Taylor

Bride and Grandfather Dance : My Little Girl - Tim McGraw
Groom and Mother Dance : Let it Be - Beatles
Garter Removal: Down in Mexico - Coasters
Garter Toss: Sexy and I Know It - LMFAO
Garter Exchange: Fire - Bruce Springsteen
Last Song: Don't Stop Believin - Journey

For more information call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/wedding.html

9/7/12 Mike and Jessica

Wedding Ceremony and Reception at the Georgetown Center in Pleasant Hills, PA.


CeremonyString Duo (Violin and Cello)
Bridesmaids Processional : Ave Verum Corpus - Mozart
Bride Processional : Can't Help Falling In Love With You - Elvis Presley
Wine Box Ceremony : Meditation from Thais
Recessional : Here Comes the Sun - Beatles


Reception: Strolling Violin and DJ
Intro Music : Back in Black - AC/DC
Musical Toast : Steelers Polka
Cake Cutting : Jessica - Allman Brothers
First Dance : Make You Feel My Love - Adele
Bride Dad Dance : My Girl - Temptations
Groom Mom Dance : Bridge Over Troubled Waters - Simon and Garfunkel
Last Song : Stand By Me - Ben E King


For more information call 724-444-8400 or visit http://www.stevenvance.com/wedding.html