This is one of the two playlists my darling dearest & I developed for the Love Songs CD set that we gave as a wedding favor to some of our guests. Below, you’ll find the songs accompanied by the commentary we wrote on why we chose each song!
1.  When You’re Gone by The Cranberries (4:57) – This was our ode for five years of our relationship as we sustained a long-distance relationship. We’ would be remiss if we didn’t include at least one faraway love song on a mix about us!
2. Wouldn’t It Be Nice by Beach Boys (2:21) – A song we used to sing about the future, but now the future is now!
3.  Don’t you Worry ’bout a Thing by John Legend (4:47) – Originally a Stevie Wonder song (Go Motown!), this version combines some serious favorites: a. Todd’ LOVES John Legend and b. this cover was recorded for the soundtrack to a Will Smith movie, whom Joan and all of the Stoltmans love!
4. Â You Didn’t Have to Be So Nice by The Lovin’ Spoonful (2:26) – Joan sings this to Todd because he is so nice!
5. Got My Mind Set On You by George Harrison (3:53) – One of Todd’s favorite songs! And so much fun to sing along to!
6.  Rhode Island Is Famous For You by Erin McKeown (2:46) – This is a great song to sing to, and we sing it all the time! Really! We first heard it when Joan was living in Brooklyn in 2008 in the Kristin Chenoweth’ show Stairway To Paradise, and this song has been a part of our lives on an almost weekly basis ever since!
7. Everyday by Rogue Wave (3:44) – A sensitive cover of a a cute Buddy Holly love classic from 1957.
8. Â I Want To Hold Your Hand by T.V. Carpio (2:47) – A beautiful cover of one of Todds fav Beatles songs from one of Joans fav movies, Across The Universe.
9.  You’ve Made Me So Very Happy by Blood, Sweat and Tears (4:19) – The lyrics to this 1969 hit say it all for us.
10. I’m A Believer by The Monkees (2:49) – Joan was raised on the Monkees, so this was one of the first songs about love she probably ever heard. And since Joan and Todd were pretty much a love at first sight story, this song really works for us!
11. Oh Yoko by John Lennon (4:16) – This is a song that holds a very special place in our hearts because it is so palpably a song between two people in love. You can’t help but smile at the love coming out of that chorus! Hence, this song is also our first dance at the wedding!
12 . “A” – You’re Adorable by Perry Como and The Fontane Sisters (2:26) –  We hope you learn the lyrics so you can sing-a-long! But then again we don’’t so you can make up lyrics like Joans does (“best made-up lyrics ever: “’C Youre Incredible).
13. Apple Blossom by The White Stripes (2:13) – Todd hearts the White Stripes, and Joan hearts Todd. What more is there to it?
14. Concrete + Clay by Unit 4 + 2 (2:17) – Oh, isn’t this song fun!? It’s from the Rushmore soundtrack (thanks, Matt!), and it is too cute!
15. Elenore by The Turtles (2:17) – Best lyrics ever: You’re my pride and joy, et cetera. We love it!
16. Â Don’t Be Shy by Cat Stevens (2:50) – We chose this beautiful Cat song for our processional at our ceremony today because of these lyrics: Love is better than a song. Love is where all of us belong.
17. Â Annie’s Song by Sunshine Club (2:47) – This is the greatest love song ever written, and though John Denver created an incredible original, this cover has a fragile sensitivity to it that we really love. RIP J.D.!
18. Â Two Of Us by Aimee Mann and Michael Penn (3:31) – A sweet, light duet from the I Am Sam soundtrack. We heart Beatles, and Joan hearts Aimee Mann.
19.  Knocks Me Off My Feet by Stevie Wonder (3:36) – This is Joan and Todds song. If we weren’t so totally awkward slow dancing because of our height difference, we would have danced to it at the wedding. It’s okay though, we’ will dance to it in the kitchen for years to come.
20. Â Higher and Higher by Jackie Wilson (2:53) – Our recessional!
21.  If I Were A Carpenter by Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash (3:01) – Joan loves Bobby Darin’s original version, but Todd loves Johnny Cash, so this was a compromise. It’s not sooo bad to hear two lovers sing this….
22. Â I Married Joan Theme (0:39) – Wendy sang this to Todd when we got engaged!
23.  Storybook Love by Willy Deville (4:24) – Theme song from Joans ultimate favorite movie The Princess Bride. It’s a chill-inducing ending to the love story of all love stories.
BONUS! : Â The Muppet Marriage Montage from the film Muppets Take Manhattan
