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The Art of the Long Walk: What I’ve Learned Watching Brides Walk Down the Aisle
- Christie Becker
- May 26
- 4 min read
There’s a moment in every wedding that never feels routine, no matter how many times I’ve lived it from behind my violin.
The music begins. And then—she appears.
The guests rise, and she begins:
The Grand Entrance.
It’s quiet. Reverent. Almost suspended in time. And from where I stand—often close enough to hear her breath catch or see the flicker of a smile—I’ve come to know that this is more than just a walk. It’s an entire journey, distilled into a few hallowed steps.
The Longest Walk, The Strongest Moment
At Orting Manor, a bride walked in to “All of Me” by John Legend. She took her time—every note was part of her moment. The song is nearly five minutes long, and she used every second. She wasn’t rushed or nervous. She was present. Savoring. Stepping into forever with intention.
That moment stayed with me. It was as if she wanted to soak in the gravity, the joy, and the love in that space before she reached her person. And the music held space for her to do that.
“Christie is a magical goddess that turned my wedding fantasy into a reality. I had instant tears of complete happiness when she played our song as I walked down the aisle.” —Ashley-Jane M.
Crafting the Processional: A Personal Blueprint
I work closely with my couples to choose a processional piece that speaks to them. For the wedding party—grandparents, parents, the groom, bridesmaids, ring bearers—I recommend something with a steady, slow tempo but with just enough movement to make it feel alive. It should carry people forward in a way that feels comfortable, not rushed.
And then comes the moment.
This is the heartbeat of the ceremony. The breath before the vows. And it’s when emotion truly peaks.
Sometimes, the groom is already emotional—walking in with his mom, shaking hands with or hugging his dad, taking his place, trying to steady himself. But when the bride begins her walk, something shifts. It’s like every layer of pretense disappears. She’ll take a deep breath, maybe laugh quietly to herself, sometimes tear up. I’ve seen a flicker of shyness, overwhelming joy, pure gratitude, and absolute love—all in the span of thirty seconds.
“She learned the song we decided to walk down the aisle to and really elevated the emotions of our wedding. It was truly a beautiful experience.” —Nathalie & Erik
“We wanted people to feel LOVE, hear LOVE, and witness LOVE—and she definitely helped make that happen.” —Veronica C.
Not Your Average Procession
Some couples choose traditional songs. Others come to me with bold ideas—and I love that. One asked me to play “Foreplay/Long Time” by Boston for the processional. I was intrigued… and then pleasantly surprised. Its triplet rhythm felt a lot like Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.” It worked beautifully.
The longer I do this, the more I admire how musical genres borrow from each other—classical structure, rock energy, cinematic dynamics. And at weddings, it all blends to support your story.
“She was even able to learn ‘Saturday Sun’ for us as our recessional music. I got so many compliments about her during the reception and after the wedding!” —Kayla V.
“Fun fact: I wanted her to play Baby Shark on the violin when our flower girl walked down the aisle, and she started it with the JAWS theme. EVERYONE loved it!” —Sarah Z.
A Note From Me
The Grand Entrance is one of my favorite moments as a wedding musician because I almost always play through a lump in my throat. The emotion is peak, and I feel so honored to support my couples in this momentous and joyous occasion in their lives.
No two aisle walks are the same.
But every single one is unforgettable.
Ready to make your walk unforgettable?
Tips for Your Aisle Walk: Making the Moment Yours
Here are a few gentle pointers I share with my couples to help make their walk down the aisle feel intentional, comfortable, and deeply personal:
Take. Your. Time.
There is no prize for getting to the altar quickly. This is your moment. Breathe. Smile. Look at your guests, your person, the scenery. Let the music carry you forward.
Be Authentically You
Whether you want a traditional string piece or a punk-rock love song in disguise, make it personal. One couple had me play My Chemical Romance, another chose Kishi Bashi. Whatever feels like you is the right choice.
“From a grand entrance rendition of ‘Helena’ by My Chemical Romance to a recession featuring ‘All the Small Things’ by Blink 182, she truly made it a special ceremony befitting our unique tastes.” —David H.
“She made our day so magical by playing my special request—Kishi Bashi’s cover of ‘This Must Be The Place’ for the processional.” —Lindsay H.
Let the Music Support You
On your wedding day, the music is there to hold the moment with you. I match your pace, no choreography needed—just presence, intention, and a walk you’ll remember forever. You don’t need to choreograph it to perfection. I follow you.
Hi, I'm Christie!
With nearly 30 years of experience mastering the violin, I specialize in crafting bespoke setlists and arrangements that reflect your unique vision and preferences. Recognized with awards like "The Best of the Bash" and The Knot Best of Weddings, I'm dedicated to creating unforgettable musical experiences tailored to your event.
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