When you think of the Wedding Singer, it’s hard not to conjure up images of a goofy Adam Sandler in the 1998 hit romantic comedy. Profile chats with real life wedding singer Nathan Merriweather, who is breaking the mould on the cheesy stereotype, with his soulful, acoustic repertoire.

When it comes to making beautiful wedding memories, the song you choose to walk down the aisle to or for your first dance together as husband and wife is one that tells a unique story about you as a couple and will be etched into your hearts and minds forever.

In fact, the music plays a huge role in setting the tone for your special day … just ask Nathan Merriweather, a classically-trained musician who is passionate about helping couples capture their own unique love story through his music.

“I started playing classical music when I was a child and singing with the family,” says Nathan.  “I come from a musical family, my mother is a trained pianist and singer, so when I was nine or 10 she started training me to learn harmonies and it went from there.

“As I got older my friends started asking me to perform at their weddings but I never thought of making a career out of it because I didn’t want to be seen as ‘The Wedding Singer’, I was a bit embarrassed to be honest, but once I got over myself and realised how much I actually enjoyed it and that I could bring something special to a couple’s wedding, I started doing it professionally.”

Bringing his cruisy vocals and soft acoustic guitar tones to loved-up couples for the past 10 years, Nathan says there is something special about performing at a wedding, each one providing an opportunity for him to deliver something personal and intimate that the couple will remember forever.

My job isn’t just about the music, it’s about creating atmosphere and adding something special for those who appreciate live music.”

“I love performing at weddings because everyone is always happy. It’s about creating atmosphere and adding something special for those who appreciate live music. When a couple has a favourite song, they don’t want to play it on an iPad, they want something real, something tangible.”

When it comes to song choices, Nathan says the last 12 months have been heavily influenced by artists such as Ed Sheeran, Angus and Julia Stone, Vance Joy and Jack Johnson.

“That laid back, acoustic vibe has become very popular,” says Nathan. “It’s those intimate songs couples are choosing over the old fashioned ballads.

“One of the most popular songs is A Thousand Years by Christina Perri, Love on Top by Beyonce and All of Me by John Legend are also up there.”

And when it comes to choosing the perfect song for your big day, Nathan has some great advice.

“Choose a song that’s important to you, perhaps something that is classic and timeless, it doesn’t have to be the most popular song at the time. There are no longer any rules.” says Nathan.

“It used to be a slow song to walk down the aisle, a medium or ‘cruisy’ song for the signing of the register and an upbeat song for the walk back up the aisle. This is still how many couples like to arrange their music but I have had lots of exceptions, with some rather upbeat and happy-go-lucky choices for the aisle song.

“Remember songs don’t have to be current, old songs can be easily modernised or re-worked with care and as long as it means something to the happy couple it will add something special to the occasion.”

Adam Sandler eat your heart out!

What is your love story?
Amy and I met seven years ago through mutual friends. We were great friends for a few years and then I began to think that we had something more. As it turned out Amy didn’t agree with me, but a month or so later she came around – it’s something we joke about. Amy is an incredible kind and soft hearted person, intelligent and thoughtful. We dated for a few years and then I asked her to marry me in 2014 in Byron Bay, as we had spent many great times together in the area. We ended up getting married in Byron also.
What does love mean to you?
Love is so many things. A deep connection with another person. Being selfless, making sacrifices for another. Understanding, kindness and forgiveness.