I honestly didn't think that I would be a wedding guitarist when I was younger. But here I am and I love it. I get to play beautiful music for lovely people on one of the best days of their lives. Not bad.
The other part of it that I really like is the amount of art that a wedding is surrounded by. The brides dress is almost always stunning. And if you just look at the detail in it's design and construction you will be amazed. Speaking of amazing....have you seen wedding cakes lately? Wow! The artistry in the decoration is inspirational. And it has to taste good too.
As a guitarist I rarely get to play in a church. Usually a church wedding involves a church organ. So I find myself in a garden surrounded by well-manicured flower beds and other such "garden-y" things. These events are often small and intimate and classical guitar is well suited for them.
For several years the trend in wedding music has been popular song. While I understand wanting a song that is meaningful to the couple played at the wedding, such songs are usually better left for the reception. It's not that I can't play the music of Led Zeppelin or Maroon 5, it's that I probably shouldn't. Imagine an opera singer singing those same songs. Everything is correct, but it still ain't right.
Fortunately this year the trend in turning back toward traditional wedding music and other classical pieces. I've had to learn several new pieces this year by composers like Mendelssohn, Vivaldi, Handel, and Bach. They are a lot harder to learn and play, but (to me) much more satisfying. I will enjoy playing them for years to come.
Even traditional wedding vows are often augmented by poetry appropriate to the moment. Beautiful words to go with the beautiful music, dress, cake, and surroundings.
We tend to think of art as museum or concert events. But it's all around us. Many homes have flower gardens lovingly attended by their owners. Or a beautiful quilt on the bed in a spare room that was made by a family member.
There are artists living in nearly every community. If you buy a couple of pieces from them instead of the big box store, you will not only enhance your life, but their life also. At a wedding we always wish the best for the bride and groom. But married or single, my hope for everyone is that you live well embraced by art.