I was supposed to be the Lector-Reader. But then the wedding couple had their own mass reader. Upon learning that, I immediately gave the mass readers a brief orientation for their delivery of their readings. I didn't think much of it and after orienting them, I thought I could go home.
Well, the assigned Commentator Sharon had other ideas. She probably saw an opportunity to wiggle out of her assignment. So she asked that I be the wedding mass commentator instead. I was already there and wearing my commentator attire and so just accepted. In exchange, she offered me tickets to a choir concert.
Usual Processional March
There was nothing remarkable with the Processional March where the entire entourage, minus the bride, marches the aisle to go to their seats at the front pews. I don't remember the wedding march music, but I don't think it was the recorded music that the parish church provides. Our church allows the couple to choose their own recorded or live music for the processional marches. After all, these marches aren't parts of the liturgy.
After the wedding sponsors and the rest of the entourage have taken their positions, the entrance doors of the church slowly open. This has become the tradition of weddings in recent years where the bride is kept out of view until it's her time to march. I suppose there's a dramatic effect to keep the rest of the attendees in suspense. When the processional march music stops, the church entrance doors open to reveal the silhouette of the lovely bride. And everyone sighs the ooh's and aah's as they view (and take pictures of) the bride.
Singing Groom at Bridal March
It was a karaoke track, minus-one or whatever you'd like to call it, kind of music. But I wasn't familiar with the title of the song. The groom's soft voice didn't help either. You could see most of those attending were a bit surprised at the groom's singing.
Now I appreciate the effort and courage of the groom to give a live performance to serenade the bride, I really do - especially the courage part. I just thought the entire song was off key! I even saw the waiting officiating priest smirk and smile a bit.
Was it the nervousness and the tension?
I'm inclined to believe that it was. I suppose if you were in the groom's position, you'd rather just stay relaxed and leave the performing to others. Unless of course you're a professional singer and would have no qualms singing in such a situation.
Naturally, the officiating priest took note of the unique bridal march. Hey, it isn't in every wedding where you'd hear the groom serenading the bride! The priest just remarked, "Hey, we even have a live concert!" and just left it at that.
My Assessment
I think in this situation, unless you're an experienced singer, leave the singing to others. Or, just use the recorded bridal music with no need for singing. Nothing wrong with that.
Like I said, I still admire the groom for his courage. Maybe singing by either one of the wedding couple would be better at the reception party. There, folks would typically just let their hair down and wouldn't mind at all if you sang in tune or not.
