Some love stories are written in letters. Ours was written in music. Before we ever exchanged vows—or even had a proper conversation—we shared a stage, sat across an orchestra, and tuned our lives to the same key. It was a true wedding string quartet love story. I’m Larry, violinist with the Iceni Ensemble, and this is the story of how music brought me and my wife, Marcia, together—and why that connection continues to inspire the way we play for couples on their wedding day.
A Wedding String Quartet Love Story
Our wedding string quartet love story began at West Virginia University, where we were both music majors—me on violin, Marcia on viola. Our lockers were down the hall from each other, and we shared a few classes, but for a while, we were just acquaintances. In orchestra, the second violins (my section) sat on one side, while the violas (Marcia’s section) were on the opposite side. We didn’t talk much in rehearsals, and when we did, I probably wasn’t the most engaging conversationalist.
“I was painfully shy,” Marcia later told me. “I remember talking to you once and getting one-word answers.” I like to tease her about how she’d turn the other way when she saw me coming.
We first met in piano class—where all music majors had to learn keyboard basics. I was drawn to her right away. She, on the other hand, couldn’t figure out why I was always being so nice to her. Eventually, I asked her out. Our first date was at an Italian place called Tony’s. I wasn’t even sure she realized it was a date. She told me later she stopped at the ATM just in case.
Finding the Right Tempo
Our wedding string quartet love story continued throughout our college years. We dated most of the time—sometimes steadily, sometimes not. But it was clear early on that there was something special between us, something deeper than our shared love of music.
After graduation, life pulled us in different directions. Marcia got a teaching job in West Virginia, and I moved to New Jersey to teach high school music. We lost touch for a while. But fate—or maybe a very thoughtful mutual friend—stepped in to reconnect us. The friend asked Marcia if she would consider seeing me again, to which Marcia replied, yes.
I came to visit, and it was as if no time had passed. We laughed, we talked, and we shared that special connection. Then, it was her turn to visit. I remember it was Palm Sunday in 1992. That night at dinner, I told her the truth: “Marcia, I’m madly in love with you.”
We got married on May 1, 1993, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. There was no string quartet, but her sister sang “’Til There Was You” during the ceremony. Marcia had wanted a song called “Love of a Lifetime,” but her sister wouldn’t sing it. That song is now part of the Iceni Ensemble repertoire. Some things just come full circle.
A Marriage of Music
In the early years of our marriage, we were both teaching and performing with various orchestras. But over time—and especially after the financial crisis—many orchestras began to fold. We found ourselves missing the kind of close-knit music-making we loved in college. So, in 2015, we decided to start something new: a professional string quartet. It was a pivotal point in our wedding string quartet love story.
We named it the Iceni Ensemble, after an ancient Celtic tribe known for their passion and resilience. Two of our quartet members are former students of mine—now professional musicians in their own right. They’re incredibly talented, easy to work with, and help make our group something really special.
A World of Weddings
There’s something truly rewarding about playing weddings together with your own first love. You share that special connection that you can communicate with just a glance. Plus, we see the reflection of ourselves in the bridal couples. It’s also fun to experience the variety of weddings together. We’ve performed at traditional ceremonies, whimsical Harry Potter-themed weddings (yes, the groomsmen had wands), and everything in between.
Marcia especially loves being part of the ceremonies. “It’s a world of weddings,” she says, “and everyone is so different.” She’s told me that if someone else were playing viola, she’d feel left out. And I get it. Sharing the moment—with each other, and with the couple we’re playing for—is something we both value deeply.
I’ll be the first to say Marcia underestimates herself. She says I’m the more dedicated musician, but truthfully, we each bring something unique to the ensemble. She has an intuitive musicality and warmth that makes every performance better. And beyond the music, we trust each other. We work well together. That’s something not every quartet can say.
Our Love Story and Yours
When you book Iceni Ensemble, you’re not just hiring musicians—you’re becoming part of a wedding string quartet love story. We’ve been where you are. We know what your wedding day means. And we know how to make the music reflect that.
From the classics to contemporary love songs, we work closely with every couple to create a personalized soundtrack that’s as meaningful as it is beautiful. Because for us, it’s not just about playing the notes. It’s about being part of something unforgettable.
Let us tell your story—through music.
Ready to learn more about how we can bring your wedding music dreams to life? Contact me personally through this form and I’ll respond promptly to your message.