The stunning vista of the city of Birmingham provided the backdrop for Bridget and Jeremy’s May 30th wedding at Vulcan Park. And it truly was a beautiful, unique wedding. Bridget’s ceremony music was carefully chosen to reflect her fun-loving and caring personality. As a result our Dolce Duo provided a mix of traditional music and special arrangements of favorite songs for the bride and groom. Bridget’s cousin, Lane, possesses a beautiful voice and her rendition of Maroon 5’s “Sunday Morning” was fittingly exquisite. Neki Garrett of Engaging Celebrations was on hand to see that all aspects of the ceremony and reception went smoothly. Floral arrangements and decorations were provided by Vince Gray of Flower Stems. Cafe Iz offered delicious food and drink and Simply Bloom Photography captured the special day for couple’s new family album. We were delighted and honored to have been a part of this memorable and wonderful wedding!
Elizabeth and Nicholas’ Wedding
What a great pleasure it was to work with Elizabeth Hawkins and her mother Ann in the planning of this most beautiful April 25th wedding! At every turn, mother and daughter both showed exceptional grace and thoughtfulness. Their consideration and elegance was highly evident in the evening ceremony held Saturday at Birmingham’s historic First United Methodist Church.
From our first conversation in the late fall of 2008, it was clear that music was to be of upmost importance to Elizabeth and her family. Many of their guests were coming from long distances to attend the wedding and it was essential that the music be of the highest quality.
We were very honored that our Dolce Duo was chosen to perform. Selections from Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons,” various Bach Cantatas and other classics were offered. We were also able to call upon two very fine vocalists, Melanie Williams and Chipper Janes, to perform Schubert’s “Ave Maria” and “The Lord’s Prayer.”
A number of our favorite colleagues helped in the creation of Elizabeth’s ceremony. Elizabeth’s gorgeous gown was from Carolyn and Cathy Kelly’s The White Room. The sanctuary of FUMC was beautifully decorated with floral arrangements by Vince Gray of Flower Stems. Frank Carnaggio was on hand to document the festivities through his camera’s lens.
The music and coordinating staff at FUMC was most helpful in working out details for the ceremony (Thanks Nonna!) And through the planning process Neki Garrett of Engaging Celebrations was of great assistance.
This was one of our favorite weddings. We extend special thanks to the Hawkins family for including us in this very special day. Best wishes Elizabeth and Nick!
Ali and Brett’s Wedding
Ali and Brett’s April 4th wedding was perfect example of Southern grace, style and hospitality! Held at the Ashland, Alabama home of Ali’s parents, the planning of the festivities began mid-year 2008 and took shape with the assistance of wedding planner Alene Gamel of I Do, I Do Wedding Planning. Alene’s expertise was a great asset as Ali was planning her wedding long-distance from her home in Oklahoma. Perfect Events Music has had the opportunity to work closely with Alene over the last few years and have been most impressed by her attention to details. She is truly committed to helping brides’ personal visions of weddings come true. Certainly this was the case with Ali and Brett’s beautiful wedding!
Perfect Events Music provided a trio of string musicians for the wedding ceremony. Thanks to Marilyn, Anne and Avi; members of The Shades Creek Chamber Players. The pool-side ceremony offered prelude selections by Vivaldi, Mozart and Handel. The bridal party entered to Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” and Ali’s walk up the aisle was accompanied by Pachelbel’s “Canon in D”. Following the completion of their vows, Ali and Brett exited as husband and wife to the joyous sounds of Handel’s “Queen of Sheba” March.
Perfect Events Music also worked with Ali in an area that often doesn’t get much attention: sound amplification. Our technician (Infinity Sound) provided microphones and sound equipment for the string trio and minister. An important detail!
Kozmic Mama was the featured entertainment for the reception celebration. The band was a great hit with family and guests and was described as “fabulous!” Lead singer Carla is the Kozmic Mama! Her dynamic vocals and personality inspired SO many of Ali and Brett’s guests to hit the dance floor. It’s difficult to imagine a more fun celebration.
Congratulations Ali and Brett! It was a pleasure working with you.
Ashley and Jeff’s Wedding
Ashley and Jeff’s garden wedding was held on March 21’st at Mathews Manor in Springville, AL. Perfect Events Music had the pleasure of working with Ashley and her mother Sheila in the selection and coordination of the Ray Reach Trio for wedding reception’s entertainment.
It was a gorgeous Alabama spring day for Ashley and Jeff’s festivities. Following the outside ceremony, guests moved in to Grace Hall to celebrate. The band, in tuxedo attire, was set-up and ready to go on the chapel’s stage. 
The couple chose a Sinatra/Jazz theme for their music. Thus, following their first dance (Can’t Help Falling in Love), favorite songs by Ole Blue Eyes, Nat King Cole, and others were offered.
According to Sheila, “The band was wonderful!”
We very much appreciate the compliments and are proud to have been a part of this most important day in Ashley & Jeff’s lives.
**Our special thanks to Ann Wade Parrish Photography for sharing their beautiful images with us!
Wedding Preview Day at Cates House
Sunday afternoon’s Bridal Show at Alabaster’s Cates House was deemed a success by all who were involved.
For many years, the Cates House was reknowned as the Meadowlark Restaurant. Recently, Kingwood Church in Alabaster bought the facility and is now offering it as a venue for garden weddings, corporate meetings and other special events.
Our Dolce Duo has had the pleasure of providing music for a number of weddings at Cates House and with each meeting, our admiration, respect and affection for executive director Brenda Lee continues to grow. Brenda is professional, warm, and genuinely caring towards her clients and vendors.
And what a great group of vendors it was on Sunday! Having worked on past weddings together I so enjoyed speaking again with Gary of Rush Video. And it was a pleasure to get together once more with Stacie and Dana of Stacie Collins Photography. Tiffany’s floral arrangements (Studio Flowers) were as creative and charming as ever and Charles Side’s displayed photography was impressive. Ron Marko (Vintage Auto), along with his latest purchase (Rolls? Bentley?) was on hand to talk cars. Personally, I’m dreaming for a ’57 T-Bird. Mr. Burch’s groom’s t-shirts were a big hit. Hair styling and make-up were being offered by Amy Ledford, Candy Gonzales and Denise West.
When all was over…we ate! What wonderful food…attractive and tasty. For dessert: decadent cakes (chocolate ganache and white almond) by Amanda Combs. A nice day.
Thank-you so very much Brenda!