Weddings

Photo by Chelle Fulk

I have over a decade of experience playing weddings around the MD/DC/VA area, mostly with Music By Anthem. If you are interested in a string duo (violin-cello), trio (2 violins + cello) or quartet (2 violins, viola + cello) for your wedding, please contact Music By Anthem.

Solo cello can be a wonderful addition to your wedding ceremony. As a soloist, I typically provide up to 30 minutes of prelude music while your guests are being seated (a variety of Bach, Vivaldi and light classical pieces), traditional processional & recessional selections (listen to some excerpts here), and any interlude music you might want during the ceremony. I can often accommodate special music requests (including pop/modern selections) if made at the time of booking. I have also performed at Catholic & Episcopal wedding masses as a soloist with organ accompaniment. If sheet music is provided, I can play along with other selections included in your religious service.

Additionally, I can provide up to 45 minutes of light classical solo cello for your cocktail hour, if desired.

If you are interested in having me perform at your wedding, please email me with the following information, and I'll respond with availability and a quote ASAP:

- Date, time and location of your wedding

- Whether you’re interested in music just for the ceremony, or for your cocktail hour as well

- Any special music requests you have in mind

Some things to know:

Electric cello + battery-powered amp setup for outdoor ceremony

- My acoustic cello is unamplified. This works well for most small-to-medium indoor settings, and
for small outdoor weddings. If your wedding is in a very large indoor room, or you’re having an outdoor wedding with more than 100 guests, you may want to consider electric cello (which has a very realistic acoustic cello tone). I bring a small battery-powered amplifier that can produce more volume.

- I generally play a carbon fiber acoustic cello, which is much more resistant to temperature and humidity extremes than a wooden instrument. A little rain drizzle won’t hurt it. However, at temps lower than 55 degrees or higher than 90 degrees, I’m not only uncomfortable – your guests (and you) probably will be too! If you are planning an outdoor wedding, I strongly recommend an indoor contingency plan for temperature extremes. If playing outdoors, I require a covered or shaded area, as sitting in direct hot sunlight can affect my instrument.

- I require a 50% deposit (Paypal, Venmo or check); I also accept credit cards through Square with a small fee to cover processing) to confirm your booking, with the remainder due one week before your wedding date. I can also accept a balance payment at the wedding - but as a married person who’s gone through this herself, I can tell you it’s a lot easier to get all your payments squared away in advance so you don’t have to worry about it.

- I support Marriage Equality and all couples!

My bands ilyAIMY (original folk-rock with a varied selection of covers “our way”) and Lulu’s Fate (old-time Appalachian) also perform at weddings, if you’re into what we do!

Client reviews:

Yes, I even played at my own wedding!

“Having the beautiful tones of a Bach cello suite accompany us down the aisle really put an elegant and meaningful touch on our special day. Kristen was extremely professional and played beautifully, and we are so happy with how the ceremony turned out!” – Karen and Rebecca

"I'm so glad we had Kristen play our wedding ceremony. She was very friendly and accommodating, and of course she played beautifully. She was a key part of one of the most important days in our lives." - Joanna and Sharif