MN Bride Magazine's 'Best of 2015' party was in full swing on Weds., July 15, at the stunning A'BULAE event venue in Lowertown St. Paul.

I was excited to attend as a Finalist for Best Ceremony Music. When the announcer said, "The winner for Best Ceremony Music for 2015 is Sharon Planer, Pianist for Parties", I was so excited and hurried right up to the stage to receive my award!

 I am humbled and grateful to all the brides, grooms, event professionals and others for nominating me as a finalist for the MN Bride Magazine 'Best of 2015' Ceremony Music. Your voices were heard!

There are many wonderful wedding musicians in the Twin Cities including the other two finalists the Four Voices String Quartet and the Lake Minnetonka String Quartet.

Engaged couples in Minnesota have great options for finding quality wedding professionals. A good place to start your search is at the Minnesota Bride Magazine Best of 2015!

Remember to pick up a copy of MInnesota Bride Magazine at your local newsstand or call 1-800-637-0334 for great planning tips and real wedding stories.

by Sharon Planer, Pianist for Parties

From the moment this couple walked into my office, their enthusiasm and excitement was contagious. As we talked about their vision for their wedding day and as I played samples of piano wedding music, certain songs and artists surfaced that they really loved. We came up with a great play list for the pre ceremony, ceremony and post ceremony music. It was an elegant mix of some older romantic standards with contemporary songs. I was glad they wanted a wedding pianist for their ceremony music. They were a delightful couple to get to know!

Rev. Leslie Johnson gave a heartfelt and intimate message which brought tears and laughter. 

From my place at the grand piano I was not able to view the Handfasting Ceremony. The photo below shows the brides' mothers and Rev. Leslie as they braided the three strands of ribbon. The brides clasped their hands together and Rev. Leslie fastened their hands with the braided ribbon symbolizing their unity and oneness.

The Semple Mansion was a magical setting for this beautiful wedding. This couple wanted to find the perfect venue for their wedding day. It was fun to hear Rev. Leslie's story on how they knew the moment they entered the mansion that this was where they wanted to be married! Intimate, classy and beautiful...just like the brides!

I loved the song they requested for their recessional...'Walking on Sunshine". It was great fun to perform and it was obvious they had fun recessing!

Their wedding was one of the most joyous ceremonies I have experienced. I was glad I arrived early at the mansion so I could experience the exuberant joy that was taking place.  There were happy voices and much laughter as the brides and their wedding party traversed through the mansion and outdoors for photos. It was not uncommon for cheering to break out!  Even though they had to endure the chilly outdoors temps, you could tell by their smiles, that this was a joyous wedding indeed!

by Sharon Planer, Pianist for Parties

My first experience at Carlos Creek Winery was on a cold winter night in January of 2012 when members of the Central Minnesota Wedding Association visited the winery in Alexandria, Minnesota, to find out if all the rave reviews we were hearing about it as a wedding venue were true. 

 When we arrived, the Wine Tasting Room was cozy and inviting and the staff were gracious and happy to serve us some tasty hot food and delicious wines. We got a tour of the wine making process and a peek into the Wine Cellar accompanied by some intriguing true cellar stories. The Stables Hall was totally outfitted for hosting fancy events and receptions.  It was a very cold night.  Peering out the windows, it was hard to imagine what the vineyards would look like for a summer wedding.  I really wanted to see their outdoor ceremony locations but there was too much snow and darkness!

Fast forward to March 2013 and the Carlos Creek Winery Open House where I participated with other vendors.

The guests were invited to view the grounds and enjoy the delicious catering and wine sampling. They had a chance to meet the vendors and find out how we could enhance their experience at the winery if they chose to hold an event there in the future. I had the privilege of playing live piano music during the event. One of the attendees was a bride who had already booked her August 2013 wedding at the winery.

When the bride and her parents heard my piano music, they hired me to play for the wedding reception in The Grande Stables Reception Hall as well as the outdoor ceremony in the Natural Cathedral. I was delighted!  

Since the bride and groom lived in the Twin Cities, it was convenient for them to meet with me in Minneapolis to plan and select their wedding music. Throughout the planning process for the wedding, Michelle and Katie at the winery were so helpful and responsive to my questions regarding the set up of my portable pianos and details about my music performance.

The Wedding Day! This was the day the bride and groom had waited and planned for.

The beauty of nature provided a relaxed yet elegant setting for their outdoor wedding ceremony.

Since the winery only allows one wedding per day, I had ample time to set up my music equipment for the ceremony and reception ahead of time...one portable piano outdoors in the Natural Cathedral and my other portable piano in the Grande Stables Reception Hall.

The Natural Cathedral was a beautiful setting under a canopy of trees. Even though temps were in the high 80's, the ceremony site was completely shaded by the trees and a slight breeze made it very comfortable. My next stop was The Grand Stables Reception Hall where I set up my other portable piano and amplification.  

As the guests arrived to the Natural Cathedral they were greeted by my elegant piano music. The bride and groom shared their intimate vows in the midst of this beautiful woodland.

  Following the wedding ceremony, the guests enjoyed some outdoor games as well as wandering through the stables and the lovely grounds.

There was amply opportunity to sample the delicious wines that are made at Carlos Creek Winery.

Their 'Minnesota Nice' brands live up to their names;

  Hotdish Red!  

Wobegon White!

You Betcha Blush!

As the door to The Grande Stables opened for the start of the wedding dinner, I greeted the guests with upbeat piano jazz standards.

When it was time for the bridal party and bride and groom to enter for dinner, DJ Kevin set the mood and got the guests clapping and cheering. As the guests began to dine I created an elegant atmosphere with songs of romance.   The bride and groom seemed ever so happy with guests speaking kind words about them and sharing in their joyous occasion!  I loved sharing my music for their wonderful celebration.  After I was done playing and heading out, I could hear DJ Kevin from St. Cloud DJ's, rockin' the place.  I am sure there was a whole lot of celebration going on well into the night!