Latvian National Opera musician Inga Deržnikele gives the wedding an exclusive and elegant atmosphere with her romantic violin playing. Inga approaches her beautiful work with a high sense of responsibility and sincerity and has observed that a violinist is like a guardian angel at a wedding.

In the conversation with Inga, we found out which moments at a wedding are the most touching, how the wedding music repertoire is created and what is recommended to be taken into account when choosing a musician for a wedding.

How did you get to such a beautiful job - playing music at a wedding?

I have been playing the violin since I was five years old. In recent years, I have mostly played classical music in professional Riga orchestras (currently in the Latvian National Opera). It happened that I played a couple of times at a friend's wedding, while I consciously started playing at ceremonies after I saw an advertisement of the "Wedding Expo" exhibition on social networks. At that moment, it really appealed to me, I understood - yes, this is what I want! I want a new hobby! And I started actively preparing my performances.

Which moments at the wedding are the most touching and is it easy for you to control the tears of emotion?

Of course, the most vivid moment at a wedding, in my opinion, is the coming out of the bride during the ceremony. That moment when a couple realizes that right now, right now, we will connect our souls for life in the presence of the closest people. It is very touching to see tears falling even for the groom, it definitely adds a special depth to the celebration. Even though I see all this, I think more about the quality of my playing - the coming-out song of the bride, which I perform, will be associated with this wonderful moment for the rest of my life. I cannot turn my attention away even from such intimate details.

How do you choose the pieces you play for a wedding and what is the repertoire?

The music for the reception, the wedding ceremony and the so-called cocktail hour is very carefully selected - I like that people recognize the tunes when they hear what I play, so my choice is hits of popular, jazz and classical music. Of course, the priority is always romantic songs about love. For example, Ed Sheeran's "Perfect", Christina Perri's "A Thousand Years", Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love" are very popular songs for weddings.

I invite the couple to choose the bride's coming-out song by themselves - it's so charming when this artistic process takes place from both sides - the couple is looking for a song they love, which evokes special and only them-known feelings, while I prepare the chosen song for this important moment.

And this creative work, inspiration swirls in the air and makes the atmosphere even more intimate and at the same time more uplifting.

What is your favorite song performed at a wedding?

It is always difficult for musicians to answer such questions. In every piece you perform, you will always find something close to you if you really dig into it. I am an introverted person, I especially like to delve into things. Therefore, it can be said that the most beloved piece is the one I am playing at that moment - my emotions are heightened and I try to evoke them in the hearts of the listeners as well.

At which moments in a wedding is the violin playing most appropriate?

I think that the violin is one of the most romantic and delicate instruments, which will always add a special elegance and a sense of high vibrations to the atmosphere. Therefore, people often want to hear this particular instrument at their wedding ceremony.

I like this association - at the emotional level, the violinist in the ceremony can be symbolically perceived as a guardian angel for the union of two people - that's how I feel, to be honest!

The first wedding dance of the couple can be very beautifully designed - the white smoke on the stage, the newlyweds and the violin. The guardian angel has flown again... And if the wedding is planned to be intimate, in a small circle, I like to play background music during the dinner - it will also add subtlety and special decoration to the celebration.

What are the practical aspects of choosing live violin music for a wedding?

Do wedding planners have to take care of things like sound recording or is it included in your service?

I like when I can control and regulate everything related to my musical performance. Therefore, I have all the necessary equipment that is needed for playing in nature or in the big hall and for a large number of guests. I play mostly on a tuned violin - I like the echo effect, which adds a sense of spaciousness that you can't achieve on an acoustic untuned instrument when playing in nature. The couple does not have to worry about technical matters - everything will sound beautiful and sufficiently loud or quiet. The only thing I ask is whether there is a source of electricity nearby. And even if it's quite far, I always have extension cords with me.

What should a couple consider when choosing the most suitable musical instrument for a wedding?

When looking for a musician for a wedding ceremony, I would recommend thinking not about a specific instrument, but about the musician's personality - check his social networks, does this person resonate with you energetically? Listen to the musician playing, watch video examples from other weddings. You will understand if you want that kind of mood in your holiday as well. What this person is like in communication - this will also tell a lot. Are his answers and actions sufficiently sincere, responsible? 

The volume of the instrument should also be taken into account - acoustic kokle, harp and guitar - they are very romantic instruments, but quite quiet if they are not tuned.

I like that the violin can be very contrasting in its expression - both quietly romantic in the intimate moment of the ceremony, and bright, jubilant and modern in the active cocktail hour. And in general, an instrument with a phonogram can always evoke a wider range of emotions - depending on what is playing in the background. This way, you can even save by asking a musician to play not only during the ceremony, but also after the fun is in full swing and everyone is feasting on the goodies.

Recommendation for couples!

My advice to couples would be to listen to your heart in any matters related to the organization of a wedding, as well as to trust professionals. In any case, your wedding, the most beautiful celebration in life, will be the most special even if something does not go according to plan. Enjoy this time of wedding preparation, may it be peaceful and exciting for you!

Get inspired and get to know the behind-the-scenes world of Inga's Instagram: @ingaderznikele

The article was prepared by: Ieva Simanoviča