Music plays a critical role in setting the tone for your wedding. I may be biased towards the guitar but give me a few minutes to explain. Live acoustic guitar offers a unique advantage over recorded tracks by adding warmth, authenticity, and adaptability to your event. A secondary advantage is the guitar does not consume the entire sonic space leaving room for conversation.
Read MoreI have been performing for retirement communities, nursing homes, and memory care centers since 2016 and in recent years it has grown into a core part of my performance circuit. As a young performer it was an excellent place to gain experience with a friendly audience that was appreciative and over time I have collected a large repertoire of renditions and arrangements of their favorite songs. Having seen the benefits and joy they experience firsthand I cannot express enough how meaningful it has been for me as a musician to be able to provide that to an audience.
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Planning your dream wedding for spring 2026? You're in for a treat. This year is bringing fresh perspectives on what makes a celebration uniquely yours, and I'm here to break down the trends that will actually impact your planning decisions.
Read MoreAs a wedding musician of 15 years I have seen the trends organically shift with the times and the various pressures of planning, budget, and guest lists and expectations change. I will admit as a musician I prefer the less than large weddings because at some point nobody can hear anything, especially if it’s indoors, just some honesty from a professional. One of my favorite trends in recent years is giving the guests more control of making memories, such as the polaroid cameras and old style phones for leaving voice messages of best wishes and love.
Read MoreWe’re back this week to explore wedding venues in Baltimore City, Maryland. The only venue I don’t have personal experience with is the Bayfront Club but I’ve heard excellent things that we will browse below. As a graduate of the Peabody Conservatory I have fond memories of the Peabody Library, I even had a music history course that was held in the library itself.
Read MoreAs an experienced musician who has performed at countless weddings throughout the Maryland and DC region, I've learned that preparation is the foundation of memorable performances. Let me take you through my detailed process for preparing music under pressure, so you can better understand what goes into creating those magical wedding moments.
Read MoreAs a lifelong Marylander I can tell you all about the multitude of outdoor activities and other wonderful ways to enjoy Maryland's natural beauty, but today we will focus on Annapolis. Rather than just outdoorsy stuff, the focus will be on romantic and fun things to do; this list may seem eccentric but there is something for every couple.
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I’m back this week to explore some of my favorite venues in and around Ellicott City, Maryland and hopefully I can provide some additional insight to what these venues are like in action. I certainly have good things to say about all of the wedding venues but each has its own character and atmosphere to explore.
If you would like to schedule a consultation about wedding venues in Ellicott City or if you are searching for an experienced musician for your special day, please reach out to Contact@GarrettPelland.com and I will gladly be of service!
Read MoreAs a Maryland based wedding musician, some of the most scenic and touching wedding venues are on the eastern shore in Easton, Maryland. I have performed at the Oaks Waterfront Hotel at least three times, I even enjoy the drive to and from the venue through the backroads of the eastern shore. The Hyatt Chesapeake is ideal for larger weddings as it has conference rooms to accommodate 250 or more guests and does provide ceremony sites along the water. I could go on but I enjoy every opportunity to perform at one of these fabulous wedding ceremony venues in Easton.
Read MoreHaving been raised as a Maryland native, I've enjoyed many visits to and around Annapolis for leisure as well as performing for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The city is historic and the venues are some of my personal favorites that I've performed in. I've performed at the William Paca house on three occaisions, the Governor Calvert House, as well as the London Town Gardens for several other weddings over the years.
Read MoreAs a guitarist of 19 years, learning and performing around Maryland since my early teens (I’m celebrating 20 years this August!), my relationship with the guitar has maintained its core essence but has also developed over time. Preserving enthusiasm is essential for long term progress, but why not reap the other benefits consistently as well? Designing practice sessions to promote not just progress on the instrument but to avoid frustration entirely and promote a calm and relaxed emotional state.
Read MoreAs a Maryland based performing musician of 15 years, and somewhere over 80 wedding ceremonies from Annapolis to Washington DC, I’ve seen firsthand the importance and impact music plays in wedding ceremonies and I take great satisfaction in consulting with couples about their musical and wedding vision. In some cases the couples choose a song for their processional that only they have ever heard before, but it has the most meaning for them. Other times they are happy to have their latest “song” that everyone knows and enjoys. But remember, your wedding ceremony guests should not be a factor in your song selection, this is all about you!
Read MoreAs a Maryland based wedding musician of 15 years, I've had the pleasure of helping dozens of couples choose songs for their ceremony, reception, and first dance. Your first dance as a married couple is one of the most magical moments of your wedding day. Perfecting this moment starts with choosing the right song. But with so many options available, how do you decide on the one?
Read MorePlaying the guitar is a fulfilling and enjoyable experience for many people. But what sets classical and fingerstyle guitar apart from other styles and techniques? And why are lessons crucial for mastering these styles?
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