More Than Music: Creating Emotional Moments with Performances from Loved Ones

A Family Performance of ‘The Lord’s Prayer’, and Our Reflections on Meaningful Musical Moments

Photo Credit: @smithalee (Instagram)

Weddings are full of carefully planned details, but the people who matter most often leave the deepest impressions. Including a family member or close friend as a musician adds a quiet, personal layer to the day—moments that feel authentic and lived-in rather than staged. These performances highlight relationships, shared history, and the meaningful connections that make a wedding uniquely yours.

Why Family/Friend Performances Matter 

Including a family member or close friend as a musician adds an emotional and symbolic layer to your wedding. It’s personal and deeply memorable. Every note reflects love and connection, creating a shared moment that resonates not just with you, but with your guests. These moments transform the ceremony from something people watch into something they feel part of.

How Upstate Strings Helps Bring It Together 

We love helping couples weave these personal touches into their day. We coordinate keys, tempos, and transitions, offer rehearsal options or quick run-throughs before the ceremony, and adjust arrangements to support a singer or additional instrument. Our goal is always to ensure everything feels seamless and natural. Whether it’s a parent’s guitar, a cousin’s violin, or your best friend’s voice, we love making these meaningful collaborations sound effortless and beautiful.

Our Process 

When clients want to include a family member or outside musician, we first ask them to send the song, the key, and ideally a recording of how the musician performs it. This allows us to understand any stylistic differences, tempo changes, added runs, or altered phrasing so we can adjust our parts and make everything cohesive.

We also recommend that any vocalist be experienced or trained, simply to ensure they’re comfortable performing in a high-pressure moment like a wedding. On the wedding day, we do a short rehearsal or run-through together before the ceremony begins to make sure we’re aligned and everything sounds polished.

Pro Tips for Couples Planning This 

Communicate early so we can plan the arrangement carefully. Choose songs that are meaningful but fit your performer’s comfort zone. Keep it simple—emotion always outweighs perfection. And schedule a quick sound check before guests arrive to ensure confidence and clarity.

A Meaningful Moment: The Lord’s Prayer 

One of our recent favorites was a collaboration with a guest family musician at a Greenville wedding. This heartfelt performance of “The Lord’s Prayer” by Malotte (sung by LaPrell Donald) perfectly captured the love and connection of the day.

Venue: Judson Mill District -- Greenville, SC

Musicians:

• Jada Tate – Violin

• TJ Edwards – Piano

• LaPrell Donald – Guest Family Musician

Some of the most powerful moments we’ve played have been shared with family musicians and singers. If you have a loved one you’d like to feature, we’d love to help make that collaboration unforgettable.

Let’s make music that turns your story into a symphony. Follow us on IG @upstatestringstrio for more music and inspiration, or visit our website to get connected!

https://www.upstatestringsllc.com/

Musically Yours,

The Upstate Strings Team