Behind the Scenes: A Day in the Life of a Gold Coast Wedding Violinist
As a wedding violinist based on the beautiful Gold Coast, my days often start early and finish late into the evening. Each wedding brings a unique blend of excitement, nerves, and joy, and I’m thrilled to take you behind the scenes to share what it’s like to perform at weddings.
The Early Morning Prep
On wedding days, I like to start my morning with a bit of routine. After a big breakfast, I go through my checklist to ensure I have everything ready. This includes my violin, any tech items, backing tracks, spare strings, and my charged portable speaker for outdoor venues. I also take a moment to go over the setlist - each couple has unique song preferences that reflect their love story, and I want to ensure I capture that perfectly.
Travel Time: Embracing the Beauty of the Gold Coast
As I drive to the venue, I listen to the key ceremony songs over and over and admire the stunning views of the Gold Coast (or Brisbane, or Byron bay, or wherever it is I may be travelling to). It’s a reminder of how lucky I am to be part of such beautiful celebrations in this region.
Arrival at the Venue
Upon arrival, I’m greeted by the wedding coordinator, who gives me a rundown of the day’s schedule. I love the buzz of activity as the venue comes to life - decorators putting finishing touches on the floral arrangements.
I set up my area, ensuring my violin is tuned and ready to go.
The Rehearsal
If time allows, I like to participate in a brief run-through with the celebrant. This helps me get on the same page regarding the flow of the ceremony. Every celebrant runs their ceremony slightly differently. It’s an opportunity for me to discuss the timing of each song and any specific moments that are important to the couple, like the processional (bridal party entry) and recessional (exit as a married couple).
The Big Moment: The Ceremony
As guests start arriving, I kick things off with a backing track and my violin. It’s honestly one of my favourite moments, watching friends and family arrive, catching up, and getting excited for what’s about to happen. Live music just adds something special to the atmosphere, and you can really feel the buzz in the air.
When the ceremony starts, my heart’s always racing because we’re so close to the moment. I watch the bridal party make their way down the aisle, and then it’s time for the bride. As she appears, I play her chosen song with the biggest smile. Being part of such a huge, beautiful moment never gets old and seeing the joy on their faces as they say their vows is everything.
Signing the Registry
During the signing of the registry, I’ll usually play a couple of songs that mean something to the couple. It’s such a nice, relaxed moment where guests are chatting quietly, taking it all in, and you can really feel the love in the room.
Transitioning to the Canapés
Once the ceremony concludes, I quickly transition to the canapés area. I often play a lively tune to welcome guests as they mingle during cocktail hour. This is a fun time where I get to see familiar faces and witness the happiness radiating from the newlyweds.
The Dance Floor
During cocktail hour, I sometimes team up with a DJ or band so the music flows seamlessly. I love jumping in for special moments, like the couple’s first dance, playing a song that’s been chosen just for them. Watching them share that moment while everyone cheers is pure magic.
Reflection
As the night winds down, I can’t help but reflect on the day. Every wedding has its own story, and I’m so grateful to play a small part in it. Packing up my violin, I usually leave with a full heart, knowing I’ve helped create moments the couple and their guests will remember forever.
Being a wedding violinist on the Gold Coast isn’t just a job for me, it’s something I genuinely love. Every celebration is different, but they’re all filled with love, laughter, and those unforgettable little moments. If you’re planning your wedding and dream of having live violin music as part of your day, I’d be honoured to help make it magical.