Not even a pandemic could stop the wedding of Will and Maddie, although they had to make a few adjustments. Being boaters themselves, they switched from a large wedding in a Newport Mansion to a more intimate one on at the water.  It was a beautiful day for a sail so violinist Marnie and myself were thrilled to find ourselves playing music on a schooner in Newport Harbor. We sailed past all the mansions and venues we normally play at and out past Fort Adams, site of so many amazing  Newport Folk Festival musical performances. At the time of the actual ceremony, another boat of the bride and groom’s friends joined nearby for support. Maddie walks the length of the schooner to “Here Comes The Sun” and joined Will and his groomsmen on the bow. Being an avid fisherman myself, I noticed the groomsmen’s eyes furtively scanning the water for birds diving for baitfish, but they soon focused on the occasion at hand. After a brief ceremony, Marnie and I played “Beyond the Sea” and the guests transitioned into cocktail hour with the crew making specialty sailing drinks. They had the desired effect and we were treated to the  guests on both boats sining the chorus to “Tiny Dancer” at full voice.

 

After a great sing- a-long cruise around the harbor, we docked and everyone made the short walk to Queen Anne’s Loft for a dinner and toasts.  It was a truly special day for everyone involved.