She confesses, though, that being a wedding singer is an absolute dream job.
With a vocal and acting career spanning 20 years and professional credits taking her from the Sydney Opera House to TV screens, Georgie left her home town on the Mornington Peninsula shortly after schooling to study music and work in live theatre around Australia. Returning five years ago, she now resides in Mount Martha, which is music to the ears of locals discovering her singing talents. Georgie’s signature Hollywood style brings class to any function, her audience-winning performances making her a popular choice for weddings.
“I never actually set out to be a wedding singer,” she said. “It’s something that’s kind of found me. People kept asking if I did weddings, so I thought I’d give them a crack. I love the energy of weddings. It’s a huge day which has usually been planned with such love and care, and it’s my job to ensure the ambience is set and the vision of the couple brought to life through music. Living on the Peninsula, I get the relaxed, beachside vibe couples are after. I can tailor the music to suit, whether it’s a laid-back acoustic set as guests arrive or something more classic and romantic for the ceremony.”
Georgie sings all the contemporary songs couples love but says her true style leans towards vintage: “1940s, ’50s and ’60s, with classics from artists like Doris Day, Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra; timeless songs full of romance and charm.” Nonetheless, she’s able to accommodate all tastes. “I always take requests in the lead-up too. I love a good ’70s tune, and as a Millennial I’m not afraid of a ’90s throwback if it fits the couple’s style and preferences. If it makes people say ‘I love this song!’ then it generally makes the cut.”
Proving she’s prepared to go the extra mile to make the day special, Georgie meets couples well before their big day either via a Zoom call or a coffee catch-up. That way she can get a feel for the style of music they prefer and any special songs that have personal meaning to them. When it comes to the actual event, she said: “I go with the flow. It’s all about reading the room, really. I’m happy to have a chat, share a laugh, but I also know when to take a step back and let the music just be there to enhance the mood.”
This dream job isn’t completely without its challenges though. “I once performed at a flower show – beautiful, but not ideal when you’re allergic to most flowers. Needless to say I now take a few antihistamines before any wedding that might come with a lot of blooms – in other words, all of them.”
The rewards of the job, however, are significant. Of her onstage vantage point, she said: “It always warms my heart to see the parents of the bride or groom sharing a slow dance to a classic song they loved when they were young and in love themselves. Those moments feel really special.”
Georgie’s gigs also include markets, birthday parties, retirement villages, and performances with her vintage trio The Treblettes, but weddings are definitely becoming a fun and meaningful part of the mix.
If you’re planning a wedding or any other special event and want a touch of vintage charm, check out Georgie’s Instagram and Facebook accounts @georgiewalkervocals, visit her website at georgiewalker.com.au or drop her a line at hello@georgiewalker.com.au
