Working with Matthew Oliver Weddings at Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé.
Take a glimpse into Genevieve and Jack's cinematic destination wedding ceremony. Discover how their unique musical setup created an unforgettable atmosphere. We hope this inspires your musical approach to future wedding ceremonies.
Images by Katie Cooper (fromkatewithlove)
We recently had the pleasure of collaborating with Matthew Oliver Weddings for Genevieve and Jack's stunning destination wedding at the exquisite Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé in France.
This enchanting event was a perfect blend of elegance and romance, set against the backdrop of the beautiful French countryside. The ceremony took place in the picturesque church adjacent to the Château, where the timeless beauty of the venue added a touch of magic to the occasion.
During the ceremony, Michael Amadi captivated guests with his soulful singing at the grand piano, while the OneOrchestra Group (Paris team) provided a rich and emotive musical accompaniment. The ensemble featured a string section of nine talented musicians, whose harmonious melodies elevated the ceremony to new heights. This unforgettable collaboration created a memorable experience for all, celebrating the love and union of Genevieve and Jack in a truly unique setting.
Here are three things that we absolutely loved about working on this event:
Matthew Oliver’s Team.
They were simply amazing to work with, assisting us from beginning to end and helping us create an environment where we felt comfortable and confident to do our best work. Their collaborative approach was evident from the moment we stepped foot in the church. We worked together to ensure the orchestra was in the optimal position to deliver an excellent performance. From moving things around the altar to make sure there was enough room for the piano and orchestra to ensuring everything ran smoothly on the day, their teamwork was truly outstanding.
Overall, working with Matthew Oliver's team was a highlight of Genevieve and Jack's wedding. Their support, expertise, and collaborative spirit played a crucial role in making the event a success, and we are grateful for the opportunity to have worked alongside such a talented and dedicated group of professionals.
2. A Cinematic Approach to the Ceremony.
Genevieve and Jack envisioned the church filled with enchanting music from the moment guests stepped in until the very end of the ceremony. To achieve this, the piano was positioned to the left of the altar, while the orchestra was on the right, creating a unique setup where the couple stood in the middle, surrounded by music. This arrangement made the ceremony feel like a musical concert, with the couple center stage as they exchanged their vows.
In many other ceremonies, we are often positioned at the back of the venue or not necessarily visible to the guests. While these setups can create a lovely ambiance, they sometimes make the music feel more like background accompaniment.
In contrast, this cinematic approach by Genevieve and Jack made the music an essential and integral part of the ceremony. It gave us the confidence to perform at our best, very much as if it were for a concert.
This arrangement highlighted the importance of music in enhancing the emotional impact of the ceremony and created an immersive experience for the guests. The continuous flow of beautiful music added an extra layer of magic to the event, making Genevieve and Jack's wedding an unforgettable celebration of love.
Some of the music that has been requested for this event includes:
"Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen To be performed by Michael singing at the piano, accompanied by the orchestra.
"Spring 1" by Max Richter: As solo orchestra piece to be played during the entrance of the bridesmaids.
“Maestro" by Hans Zimmer (from The Holiday): For the bride's entrance, an instrumental version with no vocals, performed with piano and orchestra.
"Bitter Sweet Symphony" by The Verve: To be played during the recessional moment.
3. Genevieve and Jack’s Reaction to the Music.
The third thing we loved about this wedding was Genevieve and Jack's reaction to the music performed during the ceremony. Positioned center stage, they experienced their favourite music being played just for them. Witnessing their joy and emotional response created a profound connection between us and the couple. It was incredibly rewarding to see them so moved by the music, as it underscored the importance of our role in their special day.
Throughout the ceremony, we could see Genevieve and Jack exchanging glances, smiling, and even shedding a few tears as the music played. Their emotional engagement with the performance made every note we played feel significant. This reaction was not just a testament to the power of music but also to the thoughtful selection of pieces that resonated deeply with the couple. Being able to contribute to such a pivotal moment in their lives and seeing the immediate impact of our performance was truly special, making this wedding an unforgettable event for us.
Inspiration for Your Unique Celebration
We hope you enjoyed reading about Genevieve and Jack's beautiful wedding ceremony and that it inspires you to create your own unique celebration with our orchestra. It was a privilege to be part of such a magical event and we are grateful to the entire team for their support and collaboration. Their efforts helped make this wedding truly unforgettable.
We look forward to returning to the Château du Grand-Lucé soon and creating more enchanting musical experiences for future couples. Thank you for having us and we eagerly anticipate our next performance at this stunning venue.
