Wedding singer no more
I did something Saturday I haven't done in probably 10 years or so, and hope to never do again.
I sang at a wedding.
A longtime friend of mine got married, and it was truly a joyous occasion. I was happy to be able to add to her special day, and honored that she asked me. But it doesn't change the fact that I really don't enjoy singing at weddings.
I don't mind the actual singing, I guess. It's belting out that tune while standing at the front of the church congregation that bothers me. I know that probably sounds weird, but it's the bride's big day, and she should always be the center of attention. I told this particular bride that if I could be heard and not seen, that would be my preference. Had there been a balcony for me to hide in, that would have been awesome. Unfortunately, there wasn't a balcony in the chapel, but I was still able to keep myself out of the direct line of sight of the wedding guests. I sang at the pulpit which was so tall, and covered with such a huge arrangement of flowers, that you could hardly see me. It was nearly perfect.
Nearly.
The thing is, I have a bad taste in my mouth for weddings in general. Don't get me wrong, I wish happy couples all over the world a lifetime of marital bliss. I do. I'm just a little jaded and cynical, I suppose.
I am not, however, the only one. Upon returning home from my wedding experience, I called a friend who asked me, "So, how was the wake?"
I nearly spit out my Pepsi. THAT was funny. And it made me feel better in a misery-loves-company sort of way. It's nice to know I'm not alone in my wedding aversion.
So, while I sincerely wish the newly married couple a bright and happy future, I also officially retire from the wedding ceremony singing gig. I'm done. No more. Ever.
'Til death... does me in.
I sang at a wedding.
A longtime friend of mine got married, and it was truly a joyous occasion. I was happy to be able to add to her special day, and honored that she asked me. But it doesn't change the fact that I really don't enjoy singing at weddings.
I don't mind the actual singing, I guess. It's belting out that tune while standing at the front of the church congregation that bothers me. I know that probably sounds weird, but it's the bride's big day, and she should always be the center of attention. I told this particular bride that if I could be heard and not seen, that would be my preference. Had there been a balcony for me to hide in, that would have been awesome. Unfortunately, there wasn't a balcony in the chapel, but I was still able to keep myself out of the direct line of sight of the wedding guests. I sang at the pulpit which was so tall, and covered with such a huge arrangement of flowers, that you could hardly see me. It was nearly perfect.
Nearly.
The thing is, I have a bad taste in my mouth for weddings in general. Don't get me wrong, I wish happy couples all over the world a lifetime of marital bliss. I do. I'm just a little jaded and cynical, I suppose.
I am not, however, the only one. Upon returning home from my wedding experience, I called a friend who asked me, "So, how was the wake?"
I nearly spit out my Pepsi. THAT was funny. And it made me feel better in a misery-loves-company sort of way. It's nice to know I'm not alone in my wedding aversion.
So, while I sincerely wish the newly married couple a bright and happy future, I also officially retire from the wedding ceremony singing gig. I'm done. No more. Ever.
'Til death... does me in.
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