A wedding at the Crown Plaza last weekend went beautifully, and I was especially taken with the musicians — a string quartet whose members regularly play with the Symphony. I was thrilled when the violinist came up to me at the end of the ceremony and said: “That was wonderful. I was particularly moved when you held the microphone for the bride and groom’s’ vows so that they could be heard. I go to so many weddings where all you hear from beginning to end is the minister. It’s one of my strongest peeves about weddings. After all, who are we here to listen to? But you simply held it for them – we couldn’t even hear you – we heard them. That was just lovely. Thank you.”
I thanked her, too, and told her that such feedback is very helpful for me – I really only go to my own ceremonies, and am just doing what feels right. I learned early on to do this with the microphone — it’s always seemed important for the couple be heard saying their vows to one another. And this is something that is often a surprise, a very moving one, for their guests. Lovely.