Ben and Kim Wed at Linton and Kay Galleries

We finally met the lovely Ben and Kim at the beautiful Linton & Kay Gallery in Perth on the 28th May 2016 after almost a year(!) from their booking. We couldn’t wait to play for them, and work with the talented Jess Butcher (ButcherBakerStylist).

“Thank you both again for being such a pleasure. All of our guests were especially impressed with your talents, and you helped to give our wedding such a perfect atmosphere. My dad Ron in particular enjoyed himself! You were both so accommodating in the planning stage as well as on the day, and we both truly appreciate how much you contributed to our celebration. Kim and I both think we were lucky to have you there!” – Ben + Kim

We roved an acoustic ukulele and melodion (melodica/pianica) set, swinging the couple’s request, Cole Porter’s ‘Let’s do it (Let’s fall in love)’, Jimmy Van-Heusen’s ‘Almost like being in love’ and other popular swing and latin instrumentals peppered with vocal duets such as ‘Blue Skies’ and the popular Nina Simone classic ‘My Baby Just Cares For Me’. When most of the guests had arrived, we played ‘Stand By Me’ with a tinge of lightly-plucked romance for a twist on the classic tune as Kim walked down the aisle.

Aunty Angela, who also married Ben’s brother would also be marrying Ben and Kim. The couple exchanged vows under a beautiful eucalyptus-arch created by the brilliant Jess Butcher. The afternoon’s light spilt through the lovely windows across the little white chairs.

Friends and family from Singapore, Perth and more gathered about to witness their exchange of vows. We proceeded to play a latin version of the Nat King Cole classic ‘L.O.V.E’ as they proceeded to sign the certificates. The melodica carried the familiar melody over the breezy bossa nova comps on the tenor ukulele in the quietly, anticipating room. And when the moment came and they were declared husband and wife, we performed Marvin Gaye’s ‘Ain’t no mountain high enough’ as they walked back out to have their pre-dinner drinks. It was a song that had meant something special to them, and we had so much fun revisiting this soulful duet we both had loved for a long while.

I could see how deep the couple’s love, friendship and appreciation was of each other, and how their differences only brought colour and dynamics to their relationship. It was beautifully honest. We were just so happy for them.

Later for the evening reception, we had a tremendous time accompanying Ben’s father, Ron on Elvis’ ‘Can’t help falling in love’, Cliff Richard’s ‘Young Ones’ and other wonderful classics our own folks’ grew up on. We also welcomed Ben’s wonderful neighbour, a ukulele-player and singer, Diane to join us in song as we accompanied her on one of our favourite 30s classics ‘The Glory of Love’ (Billy Hill). Her dedication came with a message for the couple. “I chose to sing this song to the couple because it’s true”.

Diane has just celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary the Sunday before and shared with us how she saw the ‘boys’ grew up, after her performance of the tune with us. Her story i am sure, inspired and encouraged more than just Ben and Kim in the room. Her husband and herself sat closest to the band, and we saw how they gently loved each other. Each gesture, each glance, each word.

The evening was intimate with friends and family celebrated with dance and song. Ben thanked us in his speech, but we really wanted to thank them instead. We are privileged to play for such a beautiful pair, in such a love-filled room.

We pray the loveliest first steps as a married couple for you both Ben and Kim.

And we leave you all with a verse from Billy Hill’s ‘The Glory of Love’, also performed by Bette Midler (Beaches), Peggy Lee and Dean Martin:

‘You’ve got to win a little, lose a little
Yes, and always have the blues a little
That’s the story of,
That’s the glory of love’

Thank you Ben & Kim for the kindest words and for having us.

xoxo

P+M

Team Ben & Kim were:

Photography: Christine Lim Photography
Planner/Stylist: Butcher Baker Stylist (Jess Butcher)
Live Ceremony, Cocktail & Reception Music: Polkadot + Moonbeam