Playlist Series: How To Pick The Perfect Wedding Ceremony Songs with Gabi Cross

For Gabi Sullivan Cross and her now-husband, Chad Cross, music isn’t just a background element, it’s the rhythm of their lives, the soundtrack to their love story, and the pulse that brought every moment to life during their wedding celebrations. For the occasion, the bride wore a structured, corseted Vivienne Westwood gown, paired with a dramatic, translucent veil cascading over her head and shoulders, edged with delicate lace. The setting (a rose-hued terracotta building and lush garden) might have you believing the couple had wed somewhere in the Mediterranean, though it was on Australia’s west coast. The wedding ceremony song choice was fitting.

Soundtracking the Aisle

As Gabi walked down the aisle, the air was filled with the hauntingly beautiful notes of a piece by German-British composer and pianist Max Richter, a nod to Chad’s love for classical music. And that was no coincidence.

This song that accompanied Gabi’s walk down the aisle was performed by a live string quartet, an idea the couple had envisioned from the very start. “When we got engaged, I already knew I wanted a string quartet,” Gabi says. “Last year, I surprised Chad with tickets to a Hans Zimmer concert — a candlelit picnic with a string quartet. It was such a special moment, and it inspired us to bring that same feeling to our wedding.”

Though they created the playlist together, Gabi credits Chad as the driving force. “He’s the type who always needs music playing,” she laughs. “He listens to everything (all genres) and it’s just constant.” Their shared passion for music brought depth to their selections. “Our taste has evolved since we met,” Gabi explains. “Now it’s like we’ve morphed into one person musically.”

Led by Personal Memories

Some songs were chosen for the memories they carried. “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Valli is super important to us,” Chad says. “We used it for the second look and the cake cutting. It just feels like us.” Their travels also played a role. “We’ve done so many trips with Gabi’s cousins, who are more like best friends,” Chad shares. “Songs like Sugar Man take us straight back to Greece with them. It’s those kinds of tracks that bring all the memories flooding back.”

The playlist came together naturally, compiled over car rides and quiet moments at home. “If we heard something we loved or that brought back a memory, we’d add it,” Gabi recalls. They also drew inspiration from their love of movie scores, with Gabi sneaking a piece from Interstellar into the ceremony as a surprise for Chad.

Cue the DJ

After the quartet, a DJ took over to guide the reception’s energy. “We gave him about 30 songs but let him have creative control,” Gabi says. Chad adds, “He even mentioned that some of the songs weren’t ones he’d normally play at weddings, but our mix and his choices worked perfectly.” Tracks like Seabird by The Alessi Brothers and Cool Down the Pace added depth, while At Last by Etta James provided a timeless first dance moment.

Music brought everyone together, from intimate family moments to joyous celebrations. “When Human by The Killers came on, my mom and I danced together, it was so special,” Gabi says. “I’ve been to three Killers concerts with her, so sharing that moment at the wedding was amazing. And seeing her light up when Dolly Parton played was unforgettable.”

“Stay true to your preferences. Play what feels right for you and your story. In the end, their music choices infused every moment with meaning, creating a melody as vibrant and personal as their love story.”

TikTok, An Unexpected Source of Inspiration

The evening flowed seamlessly, with timeless choices creating a nostalgic dinner playlist and lively tracks energizing the dance floor. “It wasn’t too loud or overpowering, and everyone loved it,” Chad says. “People gushed about the reception music – it was just perfect. The DJ then played to the crowd’s energy, including the older generations. Even if it wasn’t always our style, maybe a bit too mainstream at times, seeing everyone have fun was all we wanted.”

Gabi’s advice for couples planning their playlist? “Start with inspiration — TikTok is amazing for finding ideas. But most importantly, stay true to your preferences. Play what feels right for you and your story.” In the end, their music choices infused every moment with meaning, creating a melody as vibrant and personal as their love story.

How to Curate a Wedding Playlist That Feels Entirely Your Own

1. Let your story lead
The most memorable playlists aren’t built from trends, they’re personal. Choose songs that trace your shared history, from road trip anthems to pieces that recall specific people or places.

2. Start early, build slowly
Some of the best picks emerge over time. Keep a running list and add tracks you discover on quiet evenings at home, on drives, or during celebrations with loved ones.

3. Mix the meaningful with the unexpected
Balance iconic love songs with surprising additions that reflect your personality: a cinematic score, a nostalgic childhood favorite, or even a live version of a track you both love.

4. Consider live music for emotional depth
A string quartet or solo instrumentalist can transform a familiar piece into something transportive. Use it to elevate key moments like the ceremony or first look.

5. Trust your DJ, but give them a compass
Curate a mood board of 20 – 30 songs that reflect the vibe you’re after, then let your DJ shape the flow. The best results often come from a balance of structure and spontaneity.

6. Don’t forget the dance floor
Make space for everyone. Wven if a few tracks lean more mainstream than your usual taste, choose joy over perfection. Seeing your guests light up is part of the magic.

7. Stay true to your sound.
Pull inspiration from platforms like TikTok or movies you love, but don’t lose sight of what matters most: music that feels like you.

To discover more about Gabi Cross, visit her Instagram.