Dylan and Maia picked the Main Ballroom at the University Club as their wedding location. If you’re not familiarized with it, the University Club Tower is one of San Diego’s premier social and business spots. The tower is one of downtown’s tallest buildings (which paid off at the ceremony, but we will cover that further). The club proudly displays luxurious facilities, including private rooms business meetings areas. Still, nothing compares to the 360-degree view of beautiful San Diego at the top, making it perfect for weddings.
Such a heavenly view, You’re such a heavenly view
Every couple is different, and therefore, every wedding is also different. I like to remember and point out what makes each celebration memorable and unique. In Maia’s and Dylan’s union, what struck me was the intimacy. Everything seemed close, intimate, and cozy from the ceremony through the reception. And of course, that view!
I cannot think of a more stunning way to appreciate San Diego’s gorgeous view than from atop the building. The timing was also spot on. As groom and bride officially became Mr. and Mrs., the sunset accompanied them from a 360-view -spotless! And that same feeling of intimacy -even during the dance party, where the guests nailed those dance steps -permeated the event.
Dylan and Maia
Another weekend, another spectacular union! Dylan and Maia sealed their destinies together, and I was lucky enough to be a part of it.
’Cause you’re a sky, ’cause you’re a sky full of stars
I’ve been to my share of weddings, both as a guest and as a deejay. And tons of them use Pachelbel’s Canon as the processional song. Along with “Here comes the bride” is the traditional choice. Nonetheless, the song has some interesting beginnings and history.
The song starts with an 8-note bass line, with more instruments joining as the bass repeats (hence the word canon, which means music that repeats). This is why it is ideal for weddings because it can be timed to the length of the procession (no one wants to be speeding through the aisle). Pachelbel, a German composer wrote this song among many other pieces of church music.
Interestingly enough, the song was received by tepid critics and was not even considered for weddings. When and why, he decided to compose the song is still unknown. In 1980, the movie “Ordinary People,” starring Mary Tyler Moor, featured the music. If you remember, the film won tons of accolades, including Best Picture, but still, the song wasn’t that famous.
What made brides and grooms then fall in love with the piece? Ah! How we love royalty! Because when Prince Charles and late Princess Diana had their fairy-tale wedding, the royal couple used another baroque composition. Then, Pachelbel, and other baroque composers, received much-deserved attention. Of course, nowadays, people may choose Ed Sheeran or other modern artists, but Pachelbel’s Canon has a perennial charm.
With these beautiful notes with no lyrics, Maia walked to the aisle to change her future into an even brighter one as she exchanged vows with Dylan.
I’m gonna give you my heart, oh
Let’s get back to the music a little bit. The couple opted for “Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay for the recessional song. The song has everything to get a crowd inspired, fantastic lyrics, and a catchy melody. This song was recorded during the sessions for Ghost Stories with Avicii. Chris Martin, Coldplay’s leading man, invited Swedish EDM talented artist Avicii to contribute to the song.
If you follow Coldplay, you know that it is usually Martin himself who plays the piano, but in this case, he asked the Swedish artist to add his majesty to the piano contribution. Martin confessed he felt he was “cheating” on his band, but the result was worth it.
Chris Martin said: “What that song represents on Ghost Stories is the release after you’ve climbed the mountain – after you’ve done anything challenging. That’s why that song is so unashamedly happy and danceable: because that’s what it needed to be. I love singing it. I know we didn’t break the mold, but it’s just so fun to play.”
A touching piece of trivia here, this song was Joe Biden’s late son Beau’s favorite song. The music played after the acceptance speeches of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris following their victory in the US 2020 presidential election. Even more touching, Chris Martin and the band performed the song at Beau’s funeral back in 2015.
With such a fantastic music selection, the party officially began. For their first dance, the couple chose Ed Sheeran’s and his unmistakable velvety voice. Dylan and Maia even did a little choreography during their first dance; it was very fairy-tale-like!
Friends and family gathered at the floor, and they traveled the decades dancing and singing, from the Beatles’ Twist and Shout to the final song, “A thousand years” by Christina Perri.
The bride looked beautiful; the view was stunning; the event was marvelous. Dylan and Maia, I hope the future is bright for you and your loved ones. Let us be grateful to witness such sunsets, such fun, and such love.
