Pick your favorite romantic comedy movie. Think about that moment when the couple first connects and you think they’re going to kiss, but then for some predictable reason … they don’t. Have you ever noticed the music that played in the background? Now … think about the moment when the couple finally does kiss and they admit their true feelings for each other. Maybe you remember that music  – maybe not. But one thing’s for sure; if you cried, if you got cold chills, if you raised a fist to the air, or if you just grinned from ear to ear, you felt something. And whether you knew it at the time, it’s that music that made you feel it. That’s the power of music.

 

Can you imagine if that perfect moment didn’t have that cinematic music? What if it was replaced by a loud, traditional rendition of "Here Comes the Bride!!!" being banged out on the piano or an out-of-date organ? Oh you’d feel something alright. And that’s the power of bad music.

 

When I first started playing in weddings, I stuck with typical traditional wedding setlists. But eventually, it dawned on me that the music of a wedding can really pack an emotional punch. When planning for a wedding, everyone is super focused on the aesthetics, while far too often, the music tends to be an afterthought. You can have the most awesome dress, the most elaborate flower arrangements, and the most sought-after venue, but all of those aesthetics can fall flat if the music doesn’t set the right mood.

 

So that’s my take on wedding music. Whatever emotion you're feeling that day, the music should enhance it. And that’s what movie soundtracks do - create and enhance emotion. And that's what this new record does. Someone could play The Big Day as a soundtrack for their entire wedding from start to finish. They could use just one or two songs. Or, they could listen to it as inspiration to help them figure out how to build their own wedding soundtrack. They could even reach out to me and I could play it live (hint hint).

 

The Big Day will be comprised of mostly instrumentals, along with with three vocal performances by Markita Conner. It will feature six songs to play in the background as guests arrive, a song for the mothers, a processional for the bridal party, one heck of a dramatic fanfare that lets everyone know the bride is getting ready to walk down the aisle, a modern, very different version of the traditional Bridal March, several songs for the ceremony, and two songs that work together to create one super, over-the-top happy ending. Whether the tears will be bittersweet or those of joy, you might wanna add some Kleenex® to your gift registry. Your mom’s gonna need ‘em.

 

The Big Day is streaming and available for digital download everywhere. You can also listen to the music and see the videos in the order of a complete wedding down below. Even if you’re not getting married, check it out.

 

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