A Memorable Musical Journey at Greek Peak / Hope Lake Lodge Wedding

Last October, I had the pleasure of performing at a beautiful wedding set against the scenic backdrop of Greek Peak / Hope Lake Lodge in Cortland, NY. The entire day was filled with music, from the emotional ceremony to a lively reception (video link for which is here), creating memories that both the bride and groom, and their guests, will cherish forever.

A Perfectly Timed Processional

The ceremony was a highlight in itself. I performed “Sleep on the Floor” by The Lumineers, timing the song so that the chorus coincided perfectly with the bride’s processional. As she walked down the aisle, the song’s chorus swelled, enhancing the emotional impact of the moment. It was beautiful to see everything come together so seamlessly, adding a magical touch to their special day.

Cocktail Hour Tunes

Following the ceremony, I moved to the tented facility where I entertained the guests during the cocktail hour. Armed with my guitar and voice, I performed a range of popular requests including “Crash” by Dave Matthews, “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele, and “I Will Wait” by Mumford and Sons. The variety of songs catered to the diverse tastes of the guests, setting a relaxed yet upbeat tone for the evening.

The Reception: A Night of Dancing

As the evening progressed, The Way Band quartet—comprising the usual trio plus keyboards—took the stage. We played a mix of the bride and groom’s special requests and popular hits. From “Jessie’s Girl” by Rick Springfield to “Bennie and the Jets” by Elton John, and even the Buffalo Bills Shout Song, the dance floor was never empty. The crowd also enjoyed singing along to “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton, “Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks, and “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars, dancing up a storm throughout the night.

A Touching Moment Post-Wedding

One of my favorite moments came a day or two after the wedding. I had posted a highlight reel on Instagram, and the bride contacted me, hoping to find any video of her father on the dance floor—a rare sight. Fortunately, I was able to locate and send her four minutes of footage showing her dad dancing with the family. Her response, saying she was in tears of joy watching it, was incredibly moving.

Gratitude for the Gift of Music

It’s moments like these that make me truly grateful for what I do. Being able to add to the joy of someone’s wedding day and then extend that joy with lasting memories is why I love playing at these events. Greek Peak / Hope Lake Lodge provided a beautiful setting for a wonderful celebration of love, music, and dancing that none of us will soon forget.

Playing at such events underscores the power of music to connect us, to elevate special occasions, and to create memories that not only last a lifetime but also reach deeply into our hearts. I look forward to many more weddings where music plays a central role in celebrating love and family.

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