Rachel and Shane McNally were married in St. Joseph’s Church in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, and were moved to tears when relatives and friends from both sides sang a choral rendition of ‘Stand By Me’ during their wedding ceremony.
Ben E. King recorded Stand By Me in 1960, co-writing it with Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller.
Hannah O’Brien, a friend, had spent weeks preparing friends and relatives on both sides to perform the song, and even Rachel’s father took part. She posted a video of the performance on Facebook, describing it as a lovely moment at a wedding ceremony at St. Joseph’s Church in Carrickmacross on March 8, 2019. “Mr. and Mrs. Shane and Rachel McNally.”
Hannah is a member of Starling Blue, a four-piece female vocal harmonic ensemble that attended the wedding. Hannah explained that she understood there will be a lot of singers and musicians at the wedding and wanted to do something special for the happy couple who enjoy music.
“I asked family and friends from both sides, and we held secret rehearsals for 5 weeks running up to the big day, with Starling Blue teaching the harmonies and melody.”
Hannah is a member of Starling Blue, a four-piece female vocal harmonic ensemble that attended the wedding. Hannah explained that she understood there would be a lot of singers and musicians at the wedding and wanted to do something special for the happy couple who enjoy music.
“I asked family and friends from both sides, and we held secret rehearsals for 5 weeks running up to the big day, with Starling Blue teaching the harmonies and melody.”
The video shows visitors of all ages standing up in their seats and beginning to sing before gathering at the altar while Hannah directs the performance, which surprised Rachel and Shane, who are seen wiping tears from their eyes as more people come up the aisle to join them.
Ray Yore captured the video of their performance, asserting that he received a guarantee that it would occur at some point during the ceremony. Ray Yore expressed, “It was an incredible surprise that brought everyone to tears.” It was a stunning homage to the bride and husband.”