Song Information
This is definitely the best instrumental I’ve ever written; possibly the best song I’ve ever written. It was composed in October of 1995 on a Roland JV-50 with Cakewalk software. Each movement/theme crosses over into each other, with Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus” thrown in a few times.
I named it “Years” because I knew that the vows that Monica and I were making were a lifetime commitment. The song represents stages of life and the many years that we would spend together. It means more and more with each passing year that we are together. I released the song on my 1999 and final CD, “Leap of Faith”.
Here is a description of our 6 minute, 16 person processional:
First Movement: “The Groom and the Groomsmen”
After the intro music, myself and the groomsmen walked down the isle. This included my best man and brother, David, my life-long friend Jay Cline, and my brother-in-law Lupe Cuellar. I think my Dad, who performed the ceremony, walked down with us as well. I was going for a calm, but somewhat percussive feel for the men’s theme.
Second Movement: “The Kid’s Theme”
We wanted lots of kids in our wedding, so rather than just a flower girl and a ring-bearer we paired up a niece or nephew with each Bridesmaid and Groomsman. This included ring-bearer and my nephew Joshua Cuellar, nephews Michael Cuellar, Matthew Cuellar and Cameron Devine. Our flower girls were nieces Tabitha Eason (Norvell), Amber Devine and Stephanie Cuellar (Butler). The kid’s theme is playful and fun. I love the pan-flute sound and timpanis.
Third Movement: “The Bridesmaids”
Transitioning into a more mellow theme, our Bridesmaids were Tammie, Brenda and Sharla. Monica’s lifelong friend, Tammie, was the Matron of Honor. I tried to give this movement a little more elegance and it mixes itself with the groomsmen theme to connect the two together.
Fourth Movement: “Monica’s Theme”
The beginning of this movement slowly builds and foreshadows the bride’s entrance with a simple “Here Comes the Bride” horn. Then to let people know to stand for Monica’s grand entrance (complete with smoke and beams of light behind her) I added a blast of horns playing her theme and then slowed it all down for her walk down the aisle. Her Dad, Gene, escorted her down the aisle and gave her away. I used lots of bells went for an ethereal feel for Monica’s theme ~ like she was floating down the aisle. By the time she reached the front and the piece ends, I added back in a bit of each of the other movements and ended with a couple Wagner’s famous perfect fourths.
This song was used in another wedding. Someone had heard about it and contacted me at the music store I was working at. I was paid $10 for them to use it. 🙂 I’d love for more people to enjoy it, so be sure to let me know if it shows up in anyone else’s wedding.
Listen to “Years” Now: