Ah, the first dance. One of the sweetest, most intimate moments of a wedding night. But finding that perfect song? Isn’t always so easy. That’s where Bobby Jo Valentine comes in. He has serenaded sweeties time and again, and his acoustic versions are romantic-as-ever. So, accordingly we asked him for a few song recs, acoustic-style, and we think you might find one or two from his list that you’ll love. Bonus? See him in action below playing one of his picks! Might just be the cutest thing ever.
From Bobby Jo Valentine… Why I love Acoustic for the first dance: A wedding is a party, but it’s a party about a very strong, deep and wonderful love. While most of the wedding is full of explosive, celebratory, everyone-get-excited-and-go-crazy joy, what a wedding is really about is the depth of feeling you have for the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. That’s what makes the first dance so special.
Apart from the ceremony, it’s one of the only times that the bride and groom get to take a deep breath, look into each other’s eyes, and have the focus be on their love for each other. Having an intimate, acoustic performance of your favorite love song during the first dance can be the heart-stopping, memory-making moment that your wedding deserves to take it from classy to legendary. Having someone give a performance, just for you and your spouse, creates the kind of special, this-is-ours memory you and your family will enjoy for years to come!
Angel – Jack Johnson. Simple, short, beautiful. This is for those who want to just stand and gently sway in their partner’s arms.
I Want to Grow Old With You – Adam Sandler. Is it a silly song? Yes. But it’s also the sweetest, most complete summary of what a wedding means, and why you’re exchanging rings and saying ‘forever.’
All of Me – John Legend. A thoughtful, almost prayerful ballad by one of the modern kings of love songs, “All of Me” is a tender moment-maker.
Forever – Ben Harper. “Give me your forever…please, your forever. Not a day less will do, from you.” The lyrics speak for themselves, with a simple, lilting beat to dance to.
At Last – Etta James. A gentle, acoustic guitar version of this classic tune is magic. Your audience will be in tears. Oh, the feels.
Everything – Michael Buble. A peppy, fun, upbeat love song that will get everyone’s foot tapping. If you want to choreograph a dance, this is the tune to do it with!
The First Day of My Life – Bright Eyes. A friendly, cute song that has an authenticity to it that’s disarming and beautiful.
To Make You Feel My Love – Adele (Bob Dylan). When the rain is falling on your face/and the whole world is on your case/I would offer you a warm embrace/to make you feel my love. Enough said!
A Thousand Years – Christina Perri. Christina’s heartfelt lyrics and the 1-2-3-1-2-3 rhythm makes this a perfect first dance song.
Stand By Me – Ben E. King. This is a truly timeless classic. Everyone will be singing by the final chorus!
Listen to all of these songs on our new Spotify playlist created just for you!
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Photography: Jen Huang Photography | Entertainment and Acoustic Guitar: Bobby Jo Valentine