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Rolling Hills Estates Pianist EricZimmermann

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Pianist Eric Zimmermann – Christmas Party – Rolling Hills Estates – Los Angeles, California.

I look forward to your requests.

Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann

Elegant Music 323-270-3650

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Mother Nature Presiding @QueenMary Wedding

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Mother Nature Presiding @QueenMary Wedding

by Eric Zimmermann Elegant Music 323-270-3650

 

 

Mother Nature helped this wedding celebration by providing beautiful weather for guests who traveled great distances to attend. And she took care to appoint an attentive Seagull who dutifully presided over the wedding ceremony with dignity.

 

Complete Wedding Planning in Tune With Nature

This was a complete wedding – well planned.

Throughout the evening this wedding flowed naturally from one activity to the next.

There is beauty in this kind of wedding planning that establishes an organic sequence where the progress of the evening naturally unfolds effortlessly.

 

Here is a summary of this beautiful wedding:

This wedding started with a meaningful wedding ceremony conducted by Captain James of the Queen Mary.

  • In his opening remarks before the wedding ceremony Captain James announced:

“On behalf of Ashley and Brenden, we welcome you to this glorious day of their union. They kindly ask that during the ceremony we all be fully present in this sacred moment. They have chosen to have this time captured by their professional photographer, so we invite you to put away your cameras and phones and simply enjoy this celebration. Thank you for honoring their wishes.”

 

  • Interesting note:

During prelude music before Captain James addressed the guests, I played the vocal version of “Gabriel’s Oboe” by Ennio Morrocone.  Very interested, Captain James came over and asked me who the vocalist was. I told him Sarah Brightman. And he said, “That is absolutely beautiful!” A short time later he let out an “Okay!” with a big smile when I started to play Prince’s “Purple Rain”. So yes, Captain James was himself  “fully present” and enjoying the moment.

 

 

 

Here is what I played for the processionals and recessional as planned by Ashley and Brenden:

 

Groomsmen with Groom
Music: Sharp Dressed Man, ZZTop

 

Bridesmaids with Flower Girl
Music: Thousand Years, Christina Perri

 

Bride with Friends
Music: I Get To Love You, Ruelle

 

Three String Cord Tradition
Music: This I Promise You, NSYNC

 

Recessional
Music: White Wedding, Billy Idol

 

After the wedding ceremony I performed Solo Piano music during the cocktail hour and took requests from guests.

Then, as DJ and Master of Ceremonies I conducted the festivities of Ashley & Brenden’s wedding reception. Because of complete planning everything went smoothly with help from Wedding Coordinator Melissa Buffalo Blue Moon Event Planning.

 

  • Grand Entrance

 

  • First Dance

 

  • Dinner Music

 

  • Toasts

 

  • DJ Dance Music

 

  • Cake Cutting

 

  • More dancing :-)

 

Successful Wedding Guided by What Came Naturally

The guests of Ashley and Brenden contributed greatly to the success of this wedding. Their presence and fun loving attitude supported the bride and groom and really brought the party. Everyone one enjoyed the company of each other and naturally, everyone danced :-)

 

Queen Mary Wedding Dancers Royal Salon

 

After about an hour of rather intense dancing I played what I think is perhaps “the perfect couple’s dance”. This song kept everyone on the dance floor.

Here is the back story of this iconic song performed by iconic artists:

  • This song is a “Show Tune” originally written  by Meredith Willson for the stage production of “The Music Man” in 1957.

 

  • Later this song was made more popular by the 1962 “movie musical” adaptation of “The Music Man”.

 

  • This song was further popularized by the Beatles version of “Till There Was You.”

 

  • This is a familiar song for any audience.

But I really think it was Ray Charles and his interpretation that created the romantic atmosphere that kept everyone on the dance floor and in each other’s arms.

While filming I captured some playful banter between a father and son during this dance. See video: “Till There Was You” by Ray Charles.

 

Family and Friends in Wedding Celebration

Group Photo Queen Mary Wedding
Wedding Group Photo with Family and Friends

The Queen Mary is a classic location steeped in tradition that provides an ambiance that is perfect for celebration with family and friends.

See: Weddings Aboard The Queen Mary by Elegant Music 

 

Congratulations Ashley and Brenden. Thank you for bringing us all together.

Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann

Master of Ceremonies Eric Zimmermann with Lectern and Speakers
DJ and Master of Ceremonies Eric Zimmermann Elegant Music

Elegant Music 323-270-3650

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Wedding Itinerary SKETCH by Elegant Music

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Viennese Ballroom Langham Huntington Hotel – See: Weddings and Events @ The Langham by Elegant Music 

 

Simple Concept:

“Each part of your celebration

can have its own music.”

 

The Itinerary SKETCH by Elegant Music is a useful planning tool.

 

 

 

 

The purpose of an Itinerary SKETCH:

“To show the progression of an event as it will fold and to encourage further discussion.”

It’s just a guide. 

 

 

See: Choosing Wedding Ceremony Music

 

 

It is great when a groom gets involved.

“However, the truth is the bride and her mother and the mother of the groom

come together to plan the wedding.”

 

While creating an itinerary sketch ideas are expressed and realizations occur. 

 

 

 

See Video:  Brown Eyed Girl Waltz 

Elegant Music Quartet performs Brown Eyed Girl Waltz. This arrangement of Van Morison’s 1967 hit was the result of an itinerary sketch done in person. See the story of How I came to write the “Brown Eyed Girl Waltz.” 

 

 

 

I do 3 things when discussing an itinerary with a couple: 

  • Guide the discussion,
  • Listen,
  • and take notes.

Then we go over the sketch.

 

 

Effective Wedding Planning Tool

See Video: Beautiful Successful Wedding @ Fullerton Arboretum

There are many uses for an itinerary sketch.

For example:

It would be very easy for any potential vendor to look at an itinerary sketch…

understand the scope of service needed…

and after a little discussion,

the prospective vendor will be able to provide an accurate quote and other useful information specific to their service.

 

This could easily be done with all your prospective vendors.

 

 

 

 

An itinerary sketch is not rocket science. It is simple and fun to do and I like doing it because it is so needed; it brings people together :-)  

 

“Above all, the result of an itinerary SKETCH is certainty about your event.”

Eric Zimmermann

Elegant Music 323-270-3650

 

Please see video:

 

 

Elegant Music

Beautiful

Successful 

Weddings and Events.

Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann

Elegant Music 323-270-3650

WM Contact Form

Video | The Itinerary SKETCH

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Hello. My name is Eric Zimmermann.

I am a DJ, Master of Ceremonies, Pianist, Bandleader and Host of Wedding & Event Podcast.

Wedding planning

(or planning any large event)

is a new experience for most couples.

It’s a big job, even for experienced professionals.

There is a way to gain more certainty of your decisions.

Please watch the above video.

DJ/Master of Ceremonies, Pianist, Bandleader

I look forward to hearing your ideas.

Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann

Elegant Music 323-270-3650

WM Contact Form

100th Birthday Party Swing Band

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Shakespeare Club 171 S Grand Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105

100th Birthday Celebration

 

“Living life,

really living life

and acknowledging this achievement

while the celebrant can receive your kind words,

is an opportunity that should not be missed.

We all can learn a lot

from celebrating a life well-lived…”

 

Please watch the video above.

“Birds of a Feather Flock Together”

It takes one to know one. Creative people gather and work well together. They participate in clubs and associations and find satisfaction in helping and making a difference. This “coming together” unites members in a common purpose. Energy is focused. Intended goals are achieved. Big effects are created and everyone in that group is proud of their accomplishment :-)

The philanthropic programs and cultural outreach enriching the community are the hallmark of the Shakespeare Club. Our birthday celebrant recognizes the good the Shakespeare Club is doing and supports these efforts.

Thank you to Janet Beggs past president of the Shakespeare Club for the opportunity to be a part of this inspiring event.

Here are links to some very memorable events at the Shakespeare Club that I have had the pleasure of participating in.

 

 

 

Accordion and Piano

Comedy @ The Shakespeare Club

The above video is an excerpt from the 2022 Pasadena Follies at the Shakespeare Club.

Please watch and have a laugh.

 

 

Retirement Party @ The Shakespeare Club

Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 58

Retirement Party @ The Shakespeare Club.

Wedding & Event Podcast Episode 58

Music for an Event – Factors to Consider:

  • Vision of the Celebrant…
  • The vision of the Host…
  • The occasion being celebrated…
  • The theme of the event…
  • Design…

These and many other factors are considered when planning music for an event. Add to this the itinerary, announcements and presentation.

Please also see:  “Music” and “Dress” for the Occasion

For me, it’s a lot of fun to talk about music and to be a part of putting it all together.

I look forward to hearing your ideas for your celebration :-)

Sincerely, Eric Zimmermann

Elegant Music 323-270-3650

WM Contact Form

Beautiful, Successful Weddings & Events

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