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We draw upon
the world's secular and religious traditions,
respecting
the perspectives of both doubter and believer.
click
to return to main wedding page
We draw upon
the world's secular and religious traditions,
respecting
the perspectives of both doubter and believer.
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to design the kind of ceremony we wanted, with excellent suggestions. We were really pleased. Our families, from different backgrounds, were
thrilled,
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Music, Photography,
Music -- live and recorded For many reasons, many couples prefer live music. For many family-focused weddings or other intimate
ceremonies, either no music or live music might be more in
keeping with the atmosphere, since recorded music tends to create a sense
of artificiality instead of the immediacy appropriate for such meaningful
occasions. (Recordings, from a technical and artistic perspective, can
be problematic.)
Harp Tabitha Reist Steiner, tabithanan@yahoo.com, is one of Kansas City's many wonderful harpists. She is shown above. Flute and Harp Duo
Flute and Guitar (either
or both)
justine_larkin@live.com, @justinlarkinmusic, facebook.com/justinlarkingmusic. Violin
Ensembles
Recorded music While I do not usually
recommend recorded music, Pilgrim Chapel has a Bluetooth speaker and is
able to assist you. If recorded music is what you want, please check with
the Pilgrim Chapel staff to prepare for queuing your playlist. (I think
Android sometimes works better than Apple.)
#Amplification
Musicians needing amplification
for weddings I have performed at Pilgrim Chapel have brought their own
equipment as I don't think the Chapel has any. Most instruments,
including acoustic guitar, don't need amplification because the acoustics
in the Chapel are so good, but of course electric guitars do need amps.
(Live music is so much better than recorded music because it makes a ceremony
somehow more immediate.)
Photography Rebecca Knechtel 913.299.7972
Many other fine photographers may be available. Photographers may find this helpful.
Videography Josh Munyan 913.850.8139
Limo Mike Algusin -- (913) 713-8096
Coordination -- Wedding Planners Do-it-yourself planners may find this NYTimes article helpful: wedding planning apps While weddings at Pilgrim Chapel do not require a wedding coordinator, some couples prefer to retain help to manage flowers, photographers, musicians, the reception, and other arrangements. Here is one experienced coordinator I've worked with recently with great sense of people, understanding how to achieve what the couple desires, and adaptability: Kim GarnierSome wedding planners -- at least when it comes to the wedding ceremony, from entrances to departures -- are grossly incompetent and can easily sabotage what you want. I am amazed by the number of planners I have worked with who fail even to think of faux flowers for the bride to carry during the rehearsal, a choreographic detail important if a photographer is engaged. If you engage a wedding planner or co-ordinator, insist that he or she consult with me so that we are "on the same page." Don't let your planner's preconceived idea of how you should have your own wedding overrule how you want your wedding to be. FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS: Every wedding is different, and some of this may not apply to the wedding you are photographing. Still, some of the considerations may be useful to you. 0. Clergy appreciate the care photographers take in creating images by which a couple may remember and celebrate their wedding. Though Pilgrim Chapel's size has its challenges for photography, it is an extraordinary facility that lends itself to beautiful pictures. Naturally I prefer no flash, but if you need to use it, OK. BUT use no flash up close when someone other than me is reading. Please do not invade the chancel area during the ceremony. 1. I work with each couple to plan a wedding that best suits their wishes. What follows is a generalized sequence many couples find useful to use as the basic structure for their ceremonies. Check with me about variations. 2. As soon as I arrive (usually 30 minutes before the ceremony (but not for a 1-hour rental), and when I am available, I prepare the license and certificate which the couple will have placed for me on the altar-table, find the two witnesses, and invite them to sign in the side room. You may want a photo of that, or reenact it at some point. 3. Except for a 1 hour rental, usually after I am vested, just before the ceremony is to begin, I greet the guests informally from the floor with a few instructions, such as "Let's follow the traditional practice of standing when the bride appears." (Sometimes a couple will ask me to ask their guests to refrain from using their smart phones or cameras to take pictures in order to minimize distractions.) Often I conclude the informal greeting by lighting candles on the altar-table. 4. You will want to know among the various entrance, processional, and arrival styles, which will be used, coordinated with musicians or sound engineer. Often the bride is escorted by her father or other relative or friend. In the case of the father, I suggest he kiss his daughter on the check and place her hand in her groom's hand. The couple face each other. If she has carried flowers down the aisle, she retains the flowers for the next few moments so you can get a photo. An attendant may fluff or rearrange the bride's dress. 5. When the dad sits down, I formally welcome everyone to the happy occasion. Then I motion for an attendant to take the flowers from the bride for most of the rest of the ceremony. 6. You may want to photograph any readers or other participants as the ceremony proceeds. You should ask me how the presentations will be made, how vows and rings will be exchanged; and if the couple has selected special rites such as a "unity candle" or "handfasting," how that can be best photographed. I routinely discourage music except before and after the ceremony proper. 7. After I pronounce the couple married, an embrace
is customary.Then I turn the couple to face their guests and motion for
the bride's attendant to return the flowers to the bride.
8. The ceremony usually concludes with everyone standing for the final benediction. 9. Among various options for recessionals and exits, you will want to know what the couple wants. 10. A photo with me after the ceremony -- see #11.
11. MASKS.-- Inside the building everyone will be masked except, during the ceremony, the couple. Ceiling fans and a floor fan in the chancel insure good ventilation no matter the weather outside. If the couple wants a photo of me without a mask, I suggest outside the front door with the couple on the sidewalk and me on the steps behind them if the weather permits. After the ceremony, for your interior photography, masking requirements would be up to the couple unless the Chapel staff says otherwise. 12. Let me know if you have questions and be sure to check with me concerning item 6. Thank you for making wedding images to cherish. The Reverend
Vern Barnet, DMn
#musicians FOR MUSICIANS: 1. Bring your own music stand if you need one. 2. I discourage music during the ceremony, even "background" music. You and I will honor the couple's considered wishes, however. 3. I will greet you as soon as possible after I arrive and outline the ceremony and answer any questions you may have. 4. Except for a 1 hour rental, usually after I am vested, just before the ceremony is to begin, I greet the guests informally from the floor with a few instructions, such as "Let's follow the traditional practice of standing when the bride appears." Often I conclude the informal greeting by lighting candles on the altar-table. If you are playing prelude music when I appear to present greetings, you can find a phrase to stop or continue playing in the background. 5. You'll want to be clear about prelude and processional music and cues for when to begin. 6. Usually the ceremony ends after the couple embrace, I turn them toward their guests, I ask the guests to stand, and I offer a concluding benediction. My last word is "Amen." Then you may begin music for the recessional or departures. I embrace live music at weddings. The gift of
your music will make it a genuine occasion. Thank you.
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A guitar, harp, flute, a string quartet or other solo instrument or small
ensemble will make a joyful sound in Pilgrim Chapel. Live music can add
drama and dignity -- and even fun -- in a way recorded music cannot.
