Weddings
Don has played violin for over 2,000 weddings during the past 15 years. His romantic style, classical training, and modern sensibilities make him the perfect choice for any style of wedding, from classic church wedding to barefoot on the beach. He is available solo or with a wide variety of ensembles, from duo to large group.
Rev. Don V. Lax has spent his life studying the spiritual traditions of the world. Growing up in India, Pakistan, France, Italy, and the United States, he had the unique opportunity to witness at close hand the Temples, Mosques, Synagogues, Churches and Cathedrals of all the major world religions. By nature deeply spiritual, Don was inspired by these settings to explore the practices and beliefs of Hinduism, Sufism, Buddhism, Judaism and Christianity. After more than 40 years of study and practice, he feels a deep commitment to sharing the benefit of this outlook, and to helping all beings find happiness, and the root of happiness.
In this context, Rev. Don brings his compassion, care and light-heartedness to performing the ceremony of marriage. A published poet, professional musician, and fluent speaker of French, Italian and English, he expresses with a well-trained voice the special emotions and spiritual tenderness of a ceremony celebrating the joy of love. There are several ceremonies to choose from, and each can be tailored to suit the unique needs of each couple.
Customized Ceremonies
Each ceremony will be customized and crafted to fit your individual needs and dreams. Here is one sample of a Hawaiian style Ceremony. Don can also take a more traditional or modern approach as well.
Sample Hawaiian Ceremony
Aloha,
Blowing of the Conch shell to announce the beginning of a new voyage and to scare away evil spirits. We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments,
The Joining of 2 hearts. In this ceremony today we will witness the joining GROOM/BRIDE and GROOM/BRIDE in marriage.
The Hawaiian word for love is Aloha. Today we’ve come together to celebrate the special Aloha that exists between Groom’s/Bride's Name and Groom's/Bride’s Name and their desire to make their Aloha eternal. You are entering into marriage because you want to be together. You are marrying because you know you will grow more in happiness and Aloha more fully as life-mates. You will belong entirely to each other, one in mind, one in heart, and in all things. No greater blessing of happiness can come to you than to have this devoted Aloha, which you now publicly affirm. Keep this understanding of your marriage alive in the days ahead. May your Aloha continuously grow truer and more wonderful with each day you enjoy together.
Lei Exchange
At this time I would like to have you present to each other these leis. In Hawaii we exchange leis as a symbol of our love. The beautifully crafted lei with its hand-picked flowers and twine, carefully bonded together with love, is a reflection of your love and Aloha for one another. As you exchange these leis you will begin to weave your lei in life together with love. And now, with loving aloha (island style) please present your leis to one another with a smile and a kiss upon each other's cheek and an Aloha
A good marriage must be created.
In marriage the "little" things are the big things.
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say, ”I love you" at least once a day.
It is never going to sleep angry.
It is standing together and facing the world.
It is speaking words of appreciation, and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.
It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.
It is not only marrying the right person -- it is being the right partner
Followed by the Sand Ceremony and Exchange of Rings
Wedding Repertoire
Schubert - Avé Maria
Wagner - Bridal Chorus
Mendelssohn - Wedding March
Pachelbel - Canon in D
Bach - Air, Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring, Sleepers Awake
Beethoven - Ode to Joy
Haendel - The Rejoicing, Allegro Maestoso (alla Hornpipe), Air
Vivaldi - Spring
Clarke - Trumpet Tune
Purcell - Trumpet Voluntary
Gershwin - Someone to Watch Over Me
Andrea Bocelli - Con Te Partiro, Romanza, Prayer, O Mare e Tu, La Luna Che Non Ce, Caruso, E Chiove, Le Tue Parole, Canto Della Terra
Theme from Titanic, Theme from Somewhere in Time, All I Ask of You (from "Phantom"), Sunrise, Sunset, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, What A Wonderful World, Have I Told You Lately, Hawaiian Wedding Song
Additional Song List
POETRY
As a published author and poet, Don is uniquely qualified to craft a ceremony of beauty and grace that fits your unique needs. You may decide to include a customized gift to one another of a combination of violin and poetry...
oceans of devotion - SAMPLE ORIGINAL VIOLIN AND POETRY COMPOSITION BY DON
There’s an ocean of devotion in my heart
For the light that’s constantly dancing on water
As the sun and moon and stars move through their song
And our souls learn to sing the pure perfection of this harmony.
That music is what moves me in the world like a wave surfing her rider
With total connectivity embracing each other in holy union
No separation, only this liquid luminescence in motion
Until the entire universe is wet with wonderment.
Are you ready for life
To kiss you passionately
On the mouth without restraint
Allowing the advent of wild winds and calm waters?
At some point we must relinquish all possibility of control
In total surrender to this reverence for divinity
Listening so carefully to the radiance
Illuminating each crystal drop of eternity.
d. 7.14.19
ABOUT DON AND HIS MUSIC
Learn more about Don’s training, experience and wide range of services.
song list
See a complete list of songs and genres that Don is capable of playing at your event.
Booking Don
Contact Don to receive more information about his services or to book your event.