Music-loving, kind couples are my favorite clients, and they have the most meaningful weddings. Chris and Victoria's New Mexico mountain wedding was a shining example of why I love my job.
I'm so glad they found me from Texas, and then chose me for their destination wedding in Alto, New Mexico (a beautiful mountain town a few miles north of Ruidoso). Their wedding day was a rainy early afternoon that cleared into gorgeous sunshine. It was magical.
I never take wedding days for granted. You feel the love between the couple, their friends, and their families. It's always an honor and a joy to be part of the special energy of weddings. My excitement for weddings also inspires me when I'm creating songs, and as I'm helping couples create ceremony music plans.
Victoria and Chris's passion for music, and their kindness, were apparent from the first moment we talked on the phone. They asked if I would arrange a special song for their ceremony Recession. The song was "At Last" by Etta James.
I knew it would be a giant project, but I was more than happy to do it! The video below features the arrangement I created.
In the planning stage, they listened to all my songs at their leisure, and using my helpful tips created an amazing wedding ceremony playlist for their semi-formal wedding theme:
Pre-Ceremony Ambience: Classical / Pop mix
Processionals: a medley of Canon in D + Thousand Years
Victoria's Entrance: Can't Help Falling in Love
Unity Cross Ceremony: The Swan
Recessional: At Last
Cocktail Hour music: Pop / Classic songs
After their cocktail hour and the amazing dinner they treated us to, I remember driving back to Albuquerque feeling absolutely great. I was so happy that I got to talk with them at the reception. They were friendly and so nice. Yes, this wedding was a shining example of why I love what I do for a living!
And, several months later, it was awesome to see these kind words from the happy couple. I especially loved hearing that the variety of music in my catalog connected with their wedding day vision so perfectly.
"Ryan was such a beautiful addition to our day. From day one of getting in contact with him, to the end of our big day. Ryan was one of the most professional vendors we worked with. His musical styles added the most perfect scenario to our wedding. All of our guests including my husband and I have nothing but positive reviews from working with him. If you ever need a musician to add elegance to your wedding Ryan is the perfect musician to hire."
- Victoria and Chris
Photography: Ciara Foust Photography
Videographers: Jar and Crys Films
Floral: Blossoms Floral Design and Artistry
HMUA: Hair by Miranda
HMUA: Ciera Rojo
HMUA: Michelle Mendiola
Ceremony/Cocktail Hour Music: Ryan Smith Cello Music