Written by Susan Bloom — In the nervous frenzy and excitement surrounding any wedding, Michele Spadaro can help ensure that at least one thing is totally under control – the ceremonial music.
“Brides and families are always overwhelmed, so you just have to support them a thousand percent and be there for them,” said Spadaro, founder of and flutist with Bridal Music, a four-year-old Toms River-based flute and violin duo specializing in wedding music. “We love to step up and do what we do best, which is to create magical environments that make people smile and help create memories they’ll treasure for a lifetime.”
Providing an elegant musical backdrop to welcome arriving guests, accompany the wedding processionals and ceremony, and support the recessional process as guests leave, Spadaro is the first to admit that while her entry into the wedding business wasn’t necessarily planned, it’s an opportunity she cherishes.
“I started playing the flute when I was 10 years old and it’s the constant that’s always been in my life,” said the Clifton native and current Toms River resident, who holds a teaching degree in music education from New Jersey University, has been a flute instructor at Georgian Court University in Lakewood and has played in numerous ensembles along the way.
“In 2010, a flute associate I knew got ill with pneumonia and asked if I could step in for a wedding,” Spadaro said. “I did it and it was so dynamic and electric that I couldn’t stop thinking about it for a whole year afterwards,” she recalled, so much so that she was compelled to launch Bridal Music in 2011.
No repetition
“Each wedding is so different and magical and there’s so much energy, excitement, and emotion at each one,” she explained. “I love that it’s never a repetitive job.”
Nor is her duo of instruments a traditional combination. “When people think of wedding music, they envision string trios or quartets, but those can be somber-sounding,” Spadaro said. By contrast, “a flute and violin together are so vibrant, their sound carries well both inside and outdoors, and the instrumentation is getting increasingly popular.”
Arriving well in advance to set up the amplification, “you can feel the electricity, emotion and anticipation of the guests as the venue fills up,” said Spadaro, who calls on one of three professional violinists in her ensemble to accompany her based on the specifics, timing and location of each event. Primarily serving Monmouth and Ocean counties, venues can range from traditional houses of worship to backyards, beaches, gardens and a broad range of wedding banquet facilities, and the music can be just as varied and eclectic.
“We set an elegant and unique mood with everything from subdued, reverent, and classical music in a house of worship to Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban and even the Beatles,” Spadaro said of an all-Fab Four set that has the bride walking down the aisle to “I Will,” the groomsmen and bridesmaids walking in to “With a Little Help From My Friends,” and everyone exiting to “All You Need is Love.”
“There are also many poignant musical excerpts during the ceremony, after the vows, and even in honor of family members who have passed,” she added. “Our music breaks up the spoken words and freshens guests’ ears with musical rejuvenation.”
Perfect element
Keyport resident Tammy Crawley, owner of a virtual assistant business, agreed that Bridal Music added the perfect element to her daughter Rebecca’s August 2014 wedding in Thompson Park in the Lincroft section of Middletown.
“My daughter had originally considered playing music from an iPod during the ceremony, but I wanted something more professional for her,” Crawley said.
“I ultimately found Bridal Music online and we were so impressed with Michele’s samples; the music was so beautiful and we all loved it. And Michele was so responsive, accommodating and helpful in every aspect of the wedding – she really went above and beyond for us,” Crawley said. “Michele was part of creating a dream wedding for Rebecca and we’ve since recommended Bridal Music to others.”
According to Spadaro, wedding music is always evolving based on the latest popular or romantic songs and wedding locales have become increasingly diverse. “We’re seeing more beach, park, and outdoor weddings than ever before,” she said.
And though the industry is competitive, Spadaro said Bridal Music is uniquely positioned. “Other music ensembles can be flat, but bridal parties really feel our excitement,” she said of the 30 to 40 weddings Bridal Music performs at annually. “We always use battery-operated amplification for our outdoor jobs and have an equipment assistant who comes with us to all events, so we’re ready for anything. We’re also reasonably-priced, charging $389 for the package of our duo, assistant and amplification or just $189 for the solo flute, and for an additional charge we’ll also provide music during the cocktail hour.”
Whether it’s an indoor or outdoor wedding for 25 or 250 guests, Spadaro takes pride in being part of these momentous occasions. “Weddings are lifetime events that create tremendous memories for our clients and their guests,” she said. “We want them to be able to reflect back and remember how special the music was and what a finishing touch it provided.” And, she added, “they provide special memories for me too.”
BRIDAL MUSIC
Location: Toms River
Phone: 732-232-8631
Founded: 2011
Website: www.bridalmusic.org
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