It is recommended that the Marriage Preparation Process be completed before the Wedding Ceremony is planned. Typically at Gesu, engaged couples have their wedding music planning appointments scheduled two to three months before the date of the wedding. Still, we do realize that questions regarding music may arise before the Wedding Music planning appointment. Should any occur, please feel to contact Ellen Buggy
The Principal Organist at Gesu Parish, John Weissrock, is the principal musician and organist for all weddings. As principal musician for weddings at Gesu Parish, he will aid you in choosing suitable music for the wedding liturgy. Couples are required to consult with the Principal Organist before making any musical plans or arrangements.
Wedding music planning is generally done jointly by the couple and Gesu's Principal Organist. The focus of the planning meeting is liturgical music, which at its essence is based in scripture and draws the couple deeper into the celebration of their sacramental union in Christ. Singing hymns and responses by the assembled congregation invites all to offer praise and thanksgiving on this joyous occasion and together ask God’s blessing on the couple. It is appropriate for all present to sing certain parts of the Mass such as the Alleluia, the Holy, the Memorial Acclamation and the Amen. Great care is taken that the choir/vocalist/instrumentalist, if selected by the couple, is integrated into the ceremony as a support to the dignity of the sacrament being celebrated.
Weddings in the Catholic Church are sacred celebrations of a love that reflects God’s infinite love for us poured out in Jesus Christ. All music used during the wedding ceremony should reflect the sacredness, sanctity and fidelity of the Sacrament of Matrimony in a manner that is respectful, dignified, and prayerful and within the guidelines of the Catholic Church. All music must be live; we do not use tapes or CDs. Musical selections must be classical or hymns. We do not play any pop music at our weddings. Pop selections may be played or sung at the reception.
Gesu's Principal Organist has played for over 2000 weddings and as a professional musician is able to make arrangements with excellent and experienced instrumentalists and/or vocalists who will need no extra rehearsal time if these are desired. Outside musicians are not permitted without prior approval from him.
Music for all weddings at Gesu is similar in nature and function to that of our Sunday Liturgies. In keeping with the Gothic design of our Church, music at the parish originates in the choir gallery with the organ as central to the worship. The organ plays at every wedding, either alone, or in ensemble with other instruments and singers in the choir gallery.