WEDDING PIANIST IN LONDON AND SURREY - Julian O' Kelly

‘Thank you so much for playing at our wedding. So many people commented on your performance, and the selection of music was perfect. We will be recommending you to all our friends.’

Wedding of BBC’s Victoria Graham and Simon McCoy, Reform Club

Choosing the perfect music for your Wedding Ceremony and Reception

From welcoming your guests as they arrive to making the last dance of the night memorable, music is an important part of your wedding day.

Julian brings with him a wealth of experience as a professional wedding pianist to provide you with expert guidance when it comes to choosing the music for your special day.

The wedding service includes a free consultation where you can provide a clear vision of your entertainment needs, including any special requests from the classical, jazz or pop repertoire.

Book Julian as a solo wedding pianist or his piano and vocal duo 'So Songbook' to give your big day the perfect ambiance only sensitively performed live music can bring.

Piano for Church Services, Civil Ceremonies, Civil Partnerships..

If you are having a Civil Ceremony why not make it all the more personal by making an entrance to you or your fiancés favorite song, even if it is by Britney Spears!

If you have a church wedding ceremony it maybe worth choosing well known Hymns so that people can join in. Alternatively opt for something more modern if the vicar and organist agree. Many couples choose a poignant piece for when the Bride makes her way up the aisle, whilst live music is beautiful to listen to during the signing of the register and perfect for soothing nerves.

At summer weddings, al fresco music sounds superb, with Julian or So Songbook ideal to keep your guests entertained in the sunshine at your wedding reception venue while you have your photo shoot.

If you are struggling to choose the right music for the ceremony, here are a few suggestions from my repertoire:

Whilst the guests are arriving:

It’s best to select music to create an intimate atmosphere, keeping it relaxed and tranquil, for example:

Cavatina, Bach’s Air in G (also known as the Hamlet Cigar music), Mozarts Clarinet Concerto – piano arrangement (appeared at the end of ‘Out of Africa’) Debussies Claire De Lune, or Irish traditional ballads such as the Ashokan Farewell (as on website) Down By the Sally Gardens or As She Walked Through The Fayre

Or more contemporary:

Romeo and Juliet, Annie’s Song, Always a Woman (Billy Joel), Come Away With Me (Nora Jones), When I Fall in Love, She’s The One, Always On My Mind, Love Is All Around, Nobody Does It Better, Somewhere Out There, , When You Say Nothing At All, You’ve Got A Friend, What A Wonderful World, When I Fall In Love, Your Song, Everything I Do, Falling in Love With You (Coors), Have I Told You Lately

Or perhaps try Jazz Ballads such as:

Can’t Help Lovin’ That Man, Someone To Watch Over Me, That Ol Devil Called Love

For the bride walking up the aisle ('the Processional'):

Pachabels Canon (as on my website), the ‘Romantic Wedding March’ which you can hear at Video performance (You Tube)

or the traditional arrangement of Handel’s Wedding March if you prefer . .

During the signing of the register:

Section of relaxing classical music / light ballads such as The Ashokan Farewell (as on my website)

Coming back down the aisle ('the Recessional'):

The traditional choice would be Mendelssohn’s Wedding March, but also popular are:

Handel’s Arrival Of The Queen Of Sheba, ‘My Baby Just Cares for Me’ (Nina Simone) or any celebratory tunes you like eg ‘Congratulations’, ‘Top of the World’, ‘My First, My Last, My Everything’ (Barry White)

Dinner Music

During dinner gentle, romantic music can only add to that special meal, and Julian will play any requests - especially tunes that hold a special meaning. Music can be tailored to themed weddings, such as 007, Show Tunes, Musicals or Bollywood.

Vocal Duo

Following dinner why not have So Songbook for upbeat jazz, soul or pop to create a lively feel, adding class and sophistication to proceedings. One idea is to have musical request slips which can be put on the tables at the evening reception for guests to complete and chose their favourite tunes. This will ensure there is something to suit all tastes.