Music is such a big part of memory making, so every time you hear that song you walked down the aisle to, or danced your first dance to, you want to be filled again with the love and happiness you felt in that moment. And you want it to feel like that moment that was all about you. 

Angela said, “If you’re the kind of couple who are into something a little more ‘alt,’ this list might appeal to you. It includes some indie-folk, lots of acoustic chill for the free-spirited-ocean-lovers, and some not-so- ‘weddingy’ pop/alt-rock tunes.”

So next time you jump in the car, or sit down for a wine and a cuddle, have a little listen to this playlist on Spotify and see if there’s something there for you. 

1. Mess Is Mine – Vance Joy 

2.Only Love – Ben Howard 

3.Old Pine – Ben Howard

4. Hearts On Fire – Passenger + Ed Sheeran

5. Flowers in Your Hair – The Lumineers

6. Nothing Like You & I – The Perishers 

7. Passenger – Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes 

8. Latch – Sam Smith

9. First Day of My Life – Bright Eyes

10. Falling Slowly – Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova

11. Hollow Coves – Moments

12. Can’t Help Falling In Love – Haley Reinhart 

13. Bloom – The Paper Kites

14. Follow the Sun – Xavier Rudd

15. The Night We Met – Lord Huron

16. Harvest Moon – Neil Young

17. You Belong To Me – Jason Wade

18. Say You Won’t Let Go – James Arthur

19. You and I – Ingrid Michaelson

20. You are Gold – The National Parks

21. You’re Gonna Live Forever in Me – Matt Johnson and Noah Guthrie

22. And I Love Her – Passenger

23. Into the Mystic by Van Morrison

24. Holocene by Bon Iver

25. Into the Wild – Lewis Watson

Meet Love Note Music 

Love Note Music are a small collective of wedding musicians who have a passion for folk music and acoustic jam. 

Love Note Music are dedicated professionals, talented musicians and singer-songwriters whose originality and flare deliver out of the ordinary covers of the songs you know and love.

Working from a duo to four-piece band will ensure every moment of your day is accompanied by music. Enquire today to secure Love Note Music as your Sunshine Coast wedding entertainment. 

Play the film below to hear musical performance by Love Note Music from a recent Sunshine Coast wedding. 

The post 25 Not-so-Weddingy Wedding Songs appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

But, as I tell my couples over and over, your wedding day has to reflect you; from your choice of ceremony location, to the florals, to the number of guests, to the music selection – be authentic and incorporate elements that represent who you are as a couple.

If you’re a couple who love music that is a little bit unconventional – maybe it’s dance music or rap, or country – own it and have it as part of your day. When you hear it at the start of your ceremony, it will resonate in your soul, and make you smile! It will calm you, focus you, and bring you back the true you.  

The Hottest 100 has just recently been broadcast, and I’m still buzzing from reflecting on all the good tunes 2017 gave us. These are my top ‘wedding appropriate’ songs to walk down the aisle to – perhaps you’ll find something that rings true with you?

Angus & Julia Stone – Chateau (#3)

A dreamy, floaty song that creates atmosphere and space as soon as it starts. Chateau has a soft intro that slowly adds in a drum beat, which naturally builds anticipation – perfect for a bridal party entrance down the aisle.  “I don’t mind if you want to go anywhere, I’ll take you there”. Queue goosebumps. It continues; “We can go to the Chateau Marmont and dance in the hotel room”. Wanderlust, adventure, carefree freedom… If you’re a couple who have travelled distant lands, this song should be on your list!

Vance Joy – Lay It On Me (#9)

This track starts with an acoustic guitar and a bold vocal, setting the scene of the vulnerability and fragility of love. Atwood Magazine describes Vance Joys songs as “all tiny stories that allow you to visualise the lyrics as they are sung.” True dat, as the listener (your guests) will quickly connect with the singer, and feel the emotions he is expressing. A soft beat creeps, and slowly builds to the pre-chorus at 0:48; “Let me in, everything starts at your skin, so new, your love’s always finding me out”. It’s a powerful, upbeat song that will add a feeling of celebration to your ceremony. 

Ball Park Music – Exactly How You Are (#18)

A more edgy, unconventional song choice here. Ball Park Music fits into the indie-rock category, and this song certainly delivers on that. A steady catchy drum beat mixes with layers of guitars, and a solid vocal, telling a straight-up, no-BS story of love and connection. The singer clearly and simply explains his love for this “deity in a dress” continuing with his heart-on-his-sleeve chorus of “I love you exactly how you are”. The pace and tempo are steady throughout the whole song, making a timed arrival down the aisle unnecessary. You could even have a dual arrival with the aisle with this song, as it’s more a celebratory tune, rather than one to build anticipation. It’s uplifting and euphoric, and certainly a song that will kick start your ceremony!

Kingswood – Golden (#68)

A killer of a track that makes you want to sway your shoulders and get in the groove. Instantly, your guests are in the moment. A soft, airy start is punctuated by crisp clear bells, followed by a light bass line and an understated drum sequence. Subtle lyrics of “Oh I think about it all the time, don’t know why, just hold me closer, so I regain composure”, representing elements of the feelings you’re left with after experiencing a specific emotional experience, such as true love. “Scratch our names into the willow tree, cos we’re making a sign to prove that we are deep love, sure enough, good love”.

The song steadily rolls along, and has a funk that inspires smiles and ignites good times. It’s seductive, but granny-friendly. It softens at the end of the track, and leaves just the vocals lingering in your guests ears, making a smooth transition to the start of your ceremony.

Tash Sultana – Electric Feel (Like A Version cover) (#78)

This powerhouse song from MGMT was originally released in 2007, and Tash Sultana has now added her reggae-inspired blues-y take on it. Her version is played completely by herself, with the aid of a drum machine, an extensive array of foot pedals and multiple microphone for vocal effects. She retains the funk-feel of the original, and adds a feminine touch with high range vocals and smooth guitar riffs. It softens this track, but keeps it alive and kicking, making you want to sway in time with the beat. You instantly want to sing along with the chorus; “Ooh girl, shock me like an electric eel, baby girl, turn me on with your electric feel”.
This track shows your guests that you’re here for a good time – a celebration of fun and feel good vibes!

Guest Author Beth Stevenson

Beth Stevenson of I Heart Ceremonies has been a registered civil marriage celebrant since 2009, and has assisted in life celebration ceremonies all along the east coast of Australia. Beth is youthful, fun and vibrant and believes in the joy of celebrating life’s major milestones, such as weddings, baby namings, renewal of vows and commitment ceremonies. 

Image by BXCSMXTH

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The post First Dance Playlist appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

We recently asked Sunshine Coast brides-to-be and past brides to share their walking down the aisle song choices with us, for inspiration if you’re still undecided. The one thing we learnt when going through the responses is that Sunshine Coast couples have rather varying musical tastes! So here’s a little something for everybody: 

Relaxed, Sweet Songs 

Forever, Ben Harper – Melissa from Bokarina

Marry Me, Train – Krysal from Kawana Waters and Emma from Maroochydore

Tangled Up In You, Staind – Emma from Moffat Beach 

Gorecki, Lamb – Tammy from Caloundra 

Angel, Jack Johnson – Carly from Caloundra 

Touched by Love, Eran James – Trisha from Kawana Waters

////

Romantic Ballads

When You Say Nothing At All, Ronan Keating – Jenny from Twin Waters 

This I Swear, Nick Lachey – Bree-Anna from Currimundi 

Something a Little Bit Different

Plainsong, The Cure – Krystel from Wurtulla

Nightingale, Saves The Day – Meagan from Brisbane 

Soulfood, Gentleman – Keara from Kawana Waters 

Guardian Angel, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus – Andrea from Currimundi 

Last Day On Earth, Green Day – Cindy from Nambour

Country Songs with Heart

God Gave Me You, Blake Shelton – Chantelle from Little Mountain 

I Will Be Here, Steven Curtis Chapman – Joanne from Caboolture 

Broken Road, Rascal Flatts – Kelli from Gympie

Oldies, but Goodies

Across the Universe, The Beatles – Kris from Mudjimba 

Here Comes the Sun, The Beatles – Bridie from Darwin 

Classical Music 

River Flows In You, Yiruma – Mellesa from Sippy Downs 

Traditional

Here Comes the Bride (aka The Wedding March) – Heidi from Buderim, Meryl from Palmwoods and Melanie from Pelican Waters 

Ave Maria, Latin prayer song, by French composer, Charles Gounod – Leisl from Maroochydore 

Canon in D, Johann Pachabel – Liz from Caloundra, Sherri from London, and Allison from Mooloolah Valley

Thumbnail image by Light and Shade Photography

Sunshine Coast Wedding Music

We happen to know of one amazing wedding entertainer, who will learn and play beautifully any song your little heart desires for your wedding day. Whether it be for walking down the aisle to, or having your first dance, Wayne Wiltshire & The Wow Session Band take requests and will even add to their repertoire just to make your wedding day all the more special. 

If it’s later in the night dancing away you’re more concerned about, have a look at what you can expect your wedding guests to be enjoying from Cut a Rug DJ

You can find all the best wedding musicians, djs and entertainment on the Sunshine Coast, right here.

What will you be playing at your wedding as you walk down the aisle? Answer in the comments below. 

The post Songs to Walk Down the Aisle To appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

This versatile entertainer does a solo act for the more mellow occasion and also plays in his Wow Session Band, which is a really high energy musical entertainment crowd-pleasing experience, that adds something extra fun to your Sunshine Coast wedding.

We actually really love his Jazz Duo, because it gives you the best of both worlds – the ambient dinner music with crooning galore, and then later they amp it up and really get the party started with all your fave dancing tunes. 

The Bride’s Tree gals are big fans of Wayne Wiltshire, any which way he comes – solo, duo, or with his full posse, we’ll meet you on the dance floor for sure! Today, check out this little film showing you the kind of thing you’re in for with the Sunshine Coast’s answer to Michael Buble. Enjoy! 

The post Wedding Crooner appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Aaron Duncan is a family man, a musical encyclopedia, a super cool guy and an awesome DJ. And not your average DJ, we have discovered. Some things we love about Aaron, or as he is more commonly known as Cut a Rug DJ, is that he has style, oodles of experience (17 years of DJing, in fact!), and he’s eco-conscious.

Aaron will fine tune your musical selections to suit your occasion, be it all the latest funky tunes for in fact cutting a rug, or the smooth stylings of the best jazz and blues crooners for your elegant vintage affair. Being aware of his carbon footprint, Aaron outlines all about his green practices here. Seriously, more businesses should do this! It’s awesome! 

We learnt so much more about Cut a Rug when we shot him a few curly questions, so you could get all the goss. Enjoy! 

Where is your fave music store on the Sunshine Coast?

Most of our music is sourced digitally these days. I download music from iTunes and Beatport.  It’s a totally different experience from the days of digging through crates of records for a hidden gem.  On one hand it has made music more easily accessible, but on the other hand there is so much more music to sift through. Having said this, I can’t resist having a fossick through a pile of old records if I’m in an op shop!

What/who is the thing that is most important to you in your life?

I’d have to say my daughter, Leah.  Nothing can prepare you for becoming a parent – it is the most incredible experience.  Leah never ceases to surprise and amaze me as she grows and learns more and more.  Before we had her I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to be a dad and now I can hardly remember what it was like before!

Are you a toughie or a softie?

Generally I’m a big softie – but when it comes to myself, I’m tough as nails.

What’s the best thing about being a wedding DJ?

Contributing to the success and enjoyment of a couple’s big day.  I love watching the night unfold from the romance of the first dance through to the shenanigans later on as people loosen up and have a great time. For that couple, their wedding is the celebration of a lifetime. What an honour to be part of someones big day – it’s something that I don’t take lightly.

Which song always gets people up and busting a move?

There is no one song that works with everybody – it always depends on the crowd in attendance.

Generally, you can’t go too wrong with some classic Michael Jackson, a cheesy fun sing along like the Grease Megamix, or whatever is the most popular song of the moment – lately that’s been Thriftshop by Macklemore. But it always changes and I’m constantly surprised by what song actually breaks the ice and get’s people up and dancing. A few weeks ago, after being hounded for a good part of the night, I relented and played I’ll Be There by Jimi Jameson (The Baywatch Theme). I witnessed people running across the dance floor in super slow motion to ‘save’ people who were pretending to drown on the opposite side of the room. As entertaining as that was, I can’t see myself playing it again any time soon!

What advice do you give to brides when they are choosing their first dance song?

Pick something that means something to you both and don’t worry about what anyone else thinks. It’s your day – do it your way! Traditionally the first dance has been a slow one, but these days anything goes. You can still have a romantic slow dance, or have some fun to a contemporary upbeat tune. As a general rule of thumb though, you’re going to want to pick a song that has some nice, meaningful and romantic lyrics and avoid songs that feature inappropriate content. There are plenty of ‘Top Ten’ lists out there (we have one too – click here) that can help you with ideas.

On the other hand, many couples opt to jump on the latest fad and do a fun, choreographed dance to something like Gangnam Style or Harlem Shake. Ultimately it’s all about your own unique style and music tastes.

Where do you do your best thinking up of mixes? 

I come up with some of my best mixes and combo’s when I’m DJing live and in the mix.

When it’s going great and the dance-floor is packed, I might take a chance and mix something in that people may not be expecting. This can be risky, but with risk comes reward.

I get a lot of requests, and every now and then someone will ask to hear something that I would not have thought of playing. If there is a chance it will fit in, I’ll take the plunge and try it out.

I’ve witnessed a few dance floors thin out – but that’s just given people a chance to have a breather and grab a drink. I get to start fresh and lure everybody back to the dance-floor with a certified floor-filler.

It’s when I’ve taken these chances and it’s gone well that I’ve received some of the best reactions!

Hear some of Cut a Rug’s awesome, many and varying mixes here. WARNING: These had The Bride’s Tree gals busting moves in the office left, right and centre… so depending on your working environment, this may be a NSFW situation! 

The post Spotlight on a Supplier: Cut a Rug DJ appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

If you don’t have a song that’s both meaningful to you as a couple and appropriate for this very important moment in front of all your family and friends, you might be lucky enough to find one to suit your particular tastes in this list. 

We asked a bunch of brides which songs they danced their first dance to, and from the responses we discovered there are almost too many fabulous options in all kinds of genres. We hope you find something you like in this lot. If you have any more suggestions for Sunshine Coast brides, we would love to hear them, so please post in the comments below. 

Beautiful Big Ballads

Feels Like Home, Chantal Kreviazuk – Selena from Battery Hill

Songbird, Eva Cassidy – Shelly from Rockhampton

Burn, Tina Arena – Julie-Anne from Darwin

Make You Feel My Love, Adele – Tammy from Brisbane

Lovely Duets

I Can See The Light, Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi – Tamara from Brisbane

Come What May, Ewan McGregor & Nicole Kidman (Moulin Rouge Soundtrack) – Lee from Eumundi

Lucky, Jason Mraz and Colbie Callait – Emery from Brisbane

When I First Saw You, Jamie Foxx feat. Beyonce – Roxy from Newcastle

Lyrically Sweet

Lioness, Scott Mellis – Kate from Wurtulla

The Luckiest, Ben Folds – Barbara from Kallangur

Kiss Me, Ed Sheeran – Katrina from Wurtulla

The One I Love, David Gray – Moesha from Brisbane

Ultimately Romantic

A Thousand Years, Christina Perri – Alexandra from Sydney

Goreki, Lamb – Taryn from Ipswich

Real Love, Regina Spektor – Ashley from Toowoomba

That’s All, Michael Buble – Charlotte from Melbourne

The Wedding Song, Angus & Julia Stone – Emma from Brisbane

Blues and Jazz Serenades

At Last, Etta James – Heidi from Buderim

Turn Me On, Norah Jones – Kit from Moffat Beach

My Funny Valentine, Ella Fitzgerald – Jessica from Byron Bay

Something Fun With a Beat

Everything, Michael Buble – Jenny from Twin Waters

Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe, Barry White – Kirrily from Brisbane

I Do, Colbie Callait – Dierdre from Brisbane

Marry You, Bruno Mars – Jaime from Noosa

Lovely Day, Bill Withers – Victoria from London

Rock with a Heart

Never Tear Us Apart, INXS – Meagan from Brisbane

You’re In My Heart, Rod Stewart – Michelle from Queanbeyan

Armageddon, Aerosmith – Rachael from Brisbane

Something a Little Bit Different

Forever, Dropkick Murphys – Cindy from Nambour and choice of Jennifer from Brisbane

Let’s Go Now, Lowrider – Sarah from Mackay

Pop Rocks and Coke, Greenday – Krystel from Kawana Waters

Being Around, Lemonheads – Nick from Buderim

You Know Me Better, Róisín Murphy – Ben from Ipswich

The Blower’s Daughter, Damien Rice – Noni from Whyalla

Country Love Songs

Making Memories of Us, Keith Urban – Tony from Caloundra

My Best Friend, Tim McGraw – Bea from Brisbane

God Gave Me You, Blake Shelton – Jen from Gympie

R&B Romance

So High, John Legend – Tim from Sydney

Here and Now, Luther Vandross – Amy from Brisbane

Love of My Life, Brian McKnight – Kristin from Rockhampton

Oldies, but Goodies

Dream a Little Dream of Me, The Mamas and The Papas – Andrea from Emerald

Something, The Beatles – Tina from Tewantin

Til There Was You, The Beatles – Gerard from Darwin

Silver Springs, Fleetwood Mac – Sarah from Caloundra 

Relaxed Musical Sweetness

Sea of Love, Cat Power – Alana from Cotton Tree

I’ll Be, Edwin McCain – Melissa from Kawana Waters

Groovin’ Slowly, John Butler Trio – Jenieka from Buderim

Please, Pete Murray – Di from Bli Bli

Green Eyes, Coldplay – Kris from Emerald

You and Me, Lifehouse – Carina from Mooloolaba

If you’re searching for a fantastic and charasmatic Sunshine Coast DJ, look no further. Cut a Rug are experienced, professional and create a super fun atmosphere. 

We also happen to know of one amazing wedding entertainer, who will learn and play beautifully any song your little heart desires for your wedding day. Whether it be for walking down the aisle to, or having your first dance, Wayne Wiltshire & The Wow Session Band take requests and will even add to their repertoire just to make your wedding day all the more special. 

You can find all the best wedding musicians, DJs and entertainment on the Sunshine Coast, right here.

What will you be playing at your wedding for your first dance song? Answer in the comments below. 

The post First Dance Songs for Your Wedding appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Whether you're going to go all out or simply do the old sway, you should have a firm plan in place that's you're comfortable with. So which first dance is right for you? The high-energy foxtrot? What about the classy waltz? Perhaps a rumba routine? Or, even salsa? With SimplyBridal’s newest strategy guide, making these decision just became one step easier with this fun flow chart!

Want to know where you can learn one of these fab dance styles to wow your guests? If you're local to the Sunshine Coast, try Andrea Dalton Dance Dynamics, where you can learn your bridal waltz from experienced ballroom dance teachers and have a whole lot of fun bonding with your groom before the wedding day.

Thumbnail image by Sunshine Coast wedding photographer, Chesterton Smith Photography

The post Choosing Your First Dance appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

I've got news for you, my lovely Sunshine Coast Brides. There actually is a pretty darn fool proof option that some clever person has come up with. The smart phone applications out there never cease to amaze me, and the My Wedding DJ app for iPhone and iPod is my latest fave. It allows you to organise all of your wedding music, accessing it straight from your iTunes. There are lists you can compile your songs into, from processions to The Kiss song, from the first dance to the bouquet toss song, party songs, all the way to the last song of the night. Every last reason for a song to be chosen for a particular moment is pre-programmed into the app, ready for you to fill or delete or replace with a special moment of your own creation.

I think the best thing about this application is the slide to next song, making it virtually impossible to stuff up the order of things or have a false start. And with graceful fades in and out, the transition from accompanied moment to moment will be seamless!

There is also plenty of flexibility to change things up and even a “Take a Request” function! I have to say, I absolutely love this application, it would be extremely handy for your Sunshine Coast wedding. 

Thumbnail image by Sunshine Coast wedding photographer, Emma Nayler Photographer.

The post My Wedding DJ App appeared first on The Bride's Tree.

Guest blog post by Fiona Roberts, awesome wedding celebrant of Celebrate with Fiona

Personalising your music selections is one of the ways you can make your ceremony your own. Music is one of the most important components of your ceremony because it sets the mood for your special day. If playing a version of “Here Comes the Bride” isn’t your style, choosing something more contemporary or personal is perfectly appropriate.

Choosing your selections

In general, a wedding ceremony has five main pieces to choose selections for:

Prelude: Played for 15 minutes before to a half hour before the ceremony, this music
welcomes the guests and is the background by which they’re seated.

Procession: This music sets the pace for attendants walking down the aisle. Really
ambitious couples plan their music so that it changes for each portion of the
procession. One piece for the ushers, another for the bridesmaids, then a pause
before a flourish for the entrance of the bride.

Ceremony: Couples might designate music to be played or a choir or soloist to sing
at some points in the ceremony, like during the lighting of a unity candle, or while
the register is being signed.

Recession: This music at the end of the ceremony should be powerful and joyous.
It’s usually louder and quicker than the processional.

Postlude: A continuation of upbeat and celebratory music that keeps the guests
feeling they’re a part of the wedding until they have all filed out of the ceremony
space.

If you’ve chosen a Civil Marriage Celebrant, your music options are open. You can add
personal touches through your music selections to create a memorable wedding. Give it some thought.

A few other things to keep in mind while choosing music:

Try to keep the music within the framework of the style and formality of the
wedding – you want to be respectful of the location and the event taking place.
Don’t forget to mention the titles of the songs and music on your program.

Check with the person in charge of your ceremony location to find out whether you
need to work with a particular music coordinator or use a particular musician or
singer.

Keep your religious and cultural backgrounds in mind when selecting your music.

So now it's over to you. What songs hold a special place in your heart? Which ones
transport you to the very moment that you both met and fell in love? And how can you
include those in your ceremony, so that you can convey the depth of emotion that such a
special event should? I can’t wait to hear what songs you chose! Share in the comments below.

Beautiful images by Julian Beattie Photography

The post How to Choose Your Wedding Ceremony Music appeared first on The Bride's Tree.