VIDEO: Alternative to "Traditional" Best Man's Speech?

How does one simultaneously:

• Show off your music skills
• Dis your sibling for not possessing same said skills
• Avoid public speaking
• Send off aforementioned sibling on his wedding day?

This video is touted by the author to be yet another of "the favourite (ed. = best) things ever". Hiperbole aside, it may resonate for wedding guests and participants of a certain age. Funny thing is, the emotionlessness of the Kraftwerkian robot dummy was what they were going for...because, apparently:

We knew the hardest thing would be doing a traditional best man’s speech because we would cry too much.

At least, according to Gawker. Still, it took time, effort and caring to write and create such a production, so i know these guys love their bro. And what better thing to follow or precede or replace a wedding slideshow, than with this six-and-a-half-minute epic?!!  i think i would've taken the speech.

BTW at the time of this blog post, the video had had +350k YouTube views but the band/ensemble still only has 500 or so Facebook fans.

MUSIC: That's All sung by Edie Adams [VIDEO]

lyrics to THAT'S ALL


I can only give you love that lasts forever
And a promise to be near each time you call
And the only heart I own
For you and you alone

That's all
That's all

I can only give you country walks in springtime
And a hand to hold when leaves begin to fall
And a love whose burning light
Will warm the winter's night

That's all
That's all

There are those I am sure who have told you
They would give you the world for a toy
All I have are these arms to enfold you
[. From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/m/michael-buble-lyrics/that_s-all-lyrics.html .]
And a love even time can't destroy

If you're wondering what I'm asking in return, dear
You'll be glad to know that my demands are small
Say it's me that you'll adore
For now and evermore

That's all
That's all

If you're wondering what I'm asking in return, dear
You'll be glad to know that my demands are small
Say it's me that you'll adore
For now and evermore

That's all
That's all

Songwriters: Haymes, Bob; Brandt, Alan E.;
© WARNER-TAMERLANE PUBLISHING CORP; MIXED BAG MUSIC INC;

IDEAS: Paper Record Player Invitation Actually Plays Music!

Paper Record Player from kellianderson on Vimeo.

Huge thanks to @Ropeless for this!!!

VENUE: Hicksville Ceremony: Joshua Tree Wedding Officiant...

...i would like to be!  ;0]

from kpcc / Robin Davey and Krissie Gregory /
Jason Kandel's flickr slideshow.

A few months back, i heard a Weird L.A. segment on KPCC's Madeleine Brand Show about a "trailer palace" in Joshua Tree, California. It is part hotel, part recording studio, and it's called HICKSVILLE.

Hicksville has nine individual trailers, all with different themes, including The Lux, above, which is named after The Cramps' very own Mr. Lux Interior.  All trailers have air conditioners and heaters, and most rent for $100 per night.  Imagine removing yourselves and your celebration out of an everyday city or suburban setting, into the desert.  Hicksville could be a perfect wedding venue, especially as an alternative to Palm Springs or if you are a rockclimbing or outdoor enthusiast.  It's close to most of Southern California, but it's a destination wedding location. 

Have your ceremony, your way.  If you are looking for an experienced, modern and inclusive wedding ceremony officiator / officiant, please contact A NON-DENOMINATIONAL CEREMONY, serving all of Coachella Valley, San Bernardino County, Desert Cities, Southern California and beyond.

Hear the interview with Hicksville founder/creator Morgan Higby Night.  Ethan Allen is Hickville's in-house producer and engineer.  Plus, see all of KPCC's photos plus these other images online.

EXPLAINER: What is the Meaning of the Word 'Nuptial'?

What is a nuptial?  Or, what are nuptials?

NUPTIAL is a word used to describe or refer to things of, or relating and/or pertaining to, marriage or the marriage ceremony, as in 'nuptial vows' or 'nuptial celebration'.  The word originated in the 15th century and is derived from the word nuptialis (singular form; nuptiae is plural) which is Latin for 'wedding' and nubere which means 'to marry'.  "Nuptial" can also mean something characteristic of mating or relating to the mating season of animals, such as 'nuptial displays of plumage' when peacocks show of their feather arrays.

How do you say it?  "Nuptial" is pronounced with only two syllables: [NUHP-shull], with an ending that sounds like the words "partial" or maybe "official".  You may also have heard it pronounced similar to "actual" or "mutual": [NUHP-choo-uhl] or [NUHP-shoo-uhl] but these are not considered standard pronunciations.

Sources: Merriam-Webster online dictionary and reference.com's online definition.

Other interesting nuptial stuff:
The 17th century classical music composer GEORG MUFFAT wrote the lovely Splendid Nuptiae as the fourth Fasciculi movement from his work, Florilegium Secundum.  Check out the website Societas Via Romana for insight on marriage in ancient Rome.  And this Gregorian Chant passage is performed by the Gregorian Choir of Paris:

MUSIC: Sarah McLachlan - Don't Give Up On Us

From time to time, i like to share songs and music with you, especially if it is a piece that would work well in a ceremony. This is one of two new songs from Sarah McLachlan, off her "CLOSER: BEST OF" album. i know a lot of friends and couples who really dig her music! And i like her animal activism...

For more information please see ORANGE COUNTY AND LOS ANGELES WEDDING OFFICIANT: A Non-Denominational Ceremony.

Sarah McLachlan - Don't Give Up On Us
(via Sing365.com lyric site)

Love has taken me for a fool
Gotten out in time to save himself, mmmm.
Shoulda known better,
But I let things slide.
I took you for granted
That you'd always be,
The one for me.
Baby I stopped tryin.

Oh, baby don't give up on us.
I know your heart is full of doubt,
You don't need to be without
These loving arms

I'll hold you through your darkest hour
I'll be using all my power,
So I can reach you.
Oh my love, don't give up on us.

Am I living alone here,
Or have I turned to dust?
It hurts, it hurts to wait for just a little love.
You must… give me a sign love.
Can’t you see me standing here?
Alive and well with all the hope,
You'll be, the one for me.
Baby ill keep trying.

Oh baby don't give up on us
I know your heart is full of doubt
You don't need to be without
These loving arms.

I’ll hold you through your darkest hour.
I'll be using all my power,
So I can reach you.
Oh my love, don't give up on us.

Maybe the way out is here;
It went where it all begins.
We can’t go on, living on a cloud
We'll never find our way home.

Oh, let me reach you, oh my love
Come on let me in.
Oh let me hold you, oh my love
Don't give up on us.
[REPEAT]

WEDDING: At Falkner Winery in Temecula, CA

CONGRATULATIONS: Samantha and Shaun!

i have the luck and privilege to marry truly incredibly couples.

These two touched me deeply. Not only are they electronic music lovers and DJs/producers (it's a music genre i have a particular passion for), but they are two really cool, sweet, smart people.

i had never cried while performing a ceremony at a wedding, until this day! The bride's brother recited a poem called "Love" by Roy Croft, and they had a sand ceremony to the song "Fix You" by Coldplay. Beautiful.

The ceremony was held in the heart of Temecula wine country at the lovely FALKNER WINERY. Photography was done by the fabulous CHRISTINA D. MCNEILL, excellent DJ service provided by MYDJS.NET, and food was provided by the venue.