Play That Funky Music. | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer.

Ok, so I've been to a lot of weddings. And each one is different and special in its own way. But, one thing can usually be counted on: repetitive music selection.

Now, I don't blame the brides and grooms, really. Not everyone is aware that there are a bevy of choices for whatever mood may strike you. If you pick up a copy of any random bridal magazine and read THEIR suggestions, you would think no music has been created since Bryan Adams let us know that everything he did was for us!

Most important selection? First dance song. All eyes....on you...waiting to hear what you picked. You don't want Celine Dion to burst in and ruin the moment, do you? All her chest pounding fury? No!

So, driving home from Madison tonight I started to compile a list of songs I think would be AWESOME to use as first dance songs (this is what I do on drives....write blog posts in my head).

Feel free to take my suggestions.....some are completely for humor sake. And some I would probably PAY a bride and groom to hear during the first dance because it would be so awesome.



1. To Make You Feel My Love - Adele
Adele is awesome...and I've only heard this song at one wedding so far in the past two years (Tony and Lauren....see, it was totally memorable).

2. When I'm 64 - The Beatles
May be a bit hard to dance to, but sure beats "In My Life" (I'm not hatin', I used In My Life at my own wedding!)

3. Come See Me Tonight - Daniel Johnston
If you can get past the fact that he's not the best singer in the world, it's a cute quirky little love song.

4. Let My Love Open the Door - Sondre Lerche
I really love this updated version of the Pete Townsend classic. You can find it on the Dan in Real Life soundtrack....or on a mix MP3 disc of any random college freshman.

5. For Me This is Heaven - Jimmy Eat World
Because Jimmy Eat World had to be on the list.

6. Meet Me Halfway - Kenny Loggins
For a number of reasons. One - it was featured in one of the coolest movies about arm wrestling EVER (Over the Top!) Two - Kenny Loggins brightens up any party Three - It gives you total retro eighties throwback street cred without having to resort to REO Speedwagon or Survivor.

7. The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get - Morrisey
Let your wife or husband know that you REALLY love them. A. LOT. FOREVER.

8. Vampire Heart - HIM
Because you know there are couples out there that are just WAY too into this whole Twilight thing.

9. In Your Eyes - Peter Gabriel
Major cool points if the groom rocks a trench and a boombox held above his head.

10. I'll Cover You - Rent
This is such a sweet duet. I'd love to hear this at a wedding.

11. You Picked Me - A Fine Frenzy
I would love to re-do my wedding just to use this song (for the record, our first dance was to The Luckiest by Ben Folds, which has become nearly as played out as a song can get. Sad really, it's a beautiful tune)

12. If My Heart Was a House - Owl City
Ok, I tried really really really hard not to like Owl City. He seemed like such a rip-off artist and too....one-hit-wondery. But Betty is obsessed with the song "Fireflies". On the same album is this song and dag-nabbit if it isn't beautiful. It's a great song....I've got to hand it to the guy.


And while we're on the subject of wedding music, a few songs that should probably be tucked away in the vault along with Mambo #5 and Lady in Red (no offense meant...tongue in cheek of course...so try to fight the urge to send angry hate mail to me if one of these is a forever-favorite. Keep in mind I'm a Cher fan, we all have our "things")

1. Celebration - Kool and the Gang
Um...just stop. Please? If I ask nicely?

2. I Got a Feelin' - Black Eyed Peas
Now, I know this is the wedding-entrance song du jour this year, which is fine, but this song is so catchy that I do a wedding and for the next WEEK this song is stuck in my head. Even Betty knows the words by now.

3. Summer Lovin' - Grease
Only because it prompts everyone to sing that last gigantor note....that no one but Olivia Newton John can hit.

4. Butterfly Kisses - Something Carlisle (I am not going to admit to knowing who sings this)
Now, I know I know. The sentiment is there. Dads and daughters and leaving the nest and all that. Very sweet. But every last single solitary wedding in the late 90s featured this selection. It's time to let it go. Give it some butterfly kisses on its way out the door. We'll miss you.



Remember: Keep it personal to you (even if your tastes are questionable...I'm sure some people rolled their eyes at a lot of my selections at my own wedding!) Keep it fun! Throw a surprise or two at people!