Ceremony and Cocktail Harpist, Union League Club, Chicago

 Every area I've been to in the Union League Club has been grand, but the President's Hall was particularly lovely. Unfortunately, things were being set up, and I wasn't able to get a good picture of the fireplace area, so here's a link to the Party Slate listing. The grooms had a special song in mind, Party 4 U, and very smartly also employed a violinist to help round things out. After the ceremony, I stayed in place and played for the cocktail hour. It was lovely, and very refined and relaxed!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Cocktail Harpist, Chicago Hilton and Towers, Chicago

 The Chicago Hilton and Towers is magic, especially at Christmas time! I welcomed guests with Bollywood favorites as they climbed the stairs for the cocktail reception. Because the Normandy Lounge (barely seen through the columns on the right) is open to this area, I was able to point my amp in that direction and provide music to the guests who were already enjoying cocktail hour, too! Of course, I came properly dressed!

Reception Harpist, Palmer House

Harpist's view of this amazing room!

 I haven't been to the Palmer House in a number of years, so I was really looking forward to being in the Empire Room. As with most historic hotels, it is quite an adventure to get a harp to where you are going to be playing, but it is all worth it! I played Bollywood and western favorites for the guests, and even got to sit up on the stage with the couple themselves! 

The sweetheart table is just there on the right of the stage!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony and Cocktail Harpist, Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago

All set up for the ceremony!

 The Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk contains so many options! The music needed for most Hindu ceremonies is fairly limited. I played some prelude for the guests, and then the entrance music for the couple and their families. While they finished their ceremony, I moved down to the Riverwalk, so I could greet the guests with music for the cocktail hour! It was so much fun to watch the guests (many of whom seemed to be from out of town) enjoying the panorama that is the Chicago Riverwalk!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony and Cocktail Harpist, The Farmhouse, Plainfield

This was on October 12 - so gorgeous!

 The Farmhouse in Plainfield was a new venue for me, and I thought it was brilliant. They have everything you need, all in close proximity, and the landscaping was absolutely stunning! I was on the job with the wonderful Sara Vettraino of Belle Music, which was a treat, as well. I love the sound of harp and violin, and Sara is a fantastic musician. We played prelude, and then they had recorded music they wanted for the ceremony. We quickly and quietly moved from the back of the ceremony over to the patio for cocktails. Here's our photo from the end of the evening!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony Harpist, Sarabande, Chicago

 

Sarabande is a really lovely venue on the Northside of Chicago. I had been here for a networking event a few years ago, but this was my first time seeing how it functioned for a wedding, and I was very impressed! First of all, it manages to just glow with soft lighting, which I love. Secondly, the space is really flexible, which is so useful! As if that isn't enough, they also have a large parking lot right across the street! Such an unusual amenity in a city venue!

The couple chose the Lana Del Ray/Disney classic "Once Upon a Dream" and it was absolutely beautiful!

All set up for the ceremony!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony and Cocktail Harpist, Firehouse Chicago

 I've been to Firehouse Chicago several times over the years, and it is one of my favorite venues. First of all, it's gorgeous. But don't forget distinctive, and whimsical. Finally, the staff here are really good, so everything just works. This was the first time I've been here that the bride was able to use the long stairway (sorry, no picture of that), and it was very dramatic! She chose the Mitski song "My Love All Mine", for she and her mother to walk in to, and I think there wasn't a dry eye in the place.

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony Harpist, Hyatt Lodge, Oak Brook

The ceremony site is right next to the lake!

 I have been to the Hyatt Lodge many times, but it never fails to impress. There's even a little portico, so if the weather is wet, I have some options, and could still play for couples that want to go ahead with their outdoor plans. That wasn't an issue on this glorious day! The couple had chosen a variety of Anime and video game music, including "Merry-Go-Round of Life", "One Summer's Day", and "The Great Fairy Fountain". It was fantastic!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony and Cocktail Harpist, Idlewild Country Club, Flossmoor

It's hard to see the creek in the picture, but you are right there!

 This setting, at Idlewild Country Club, is really singular. You're sitting on the edge of Butterfield Creek, amid tall trees, in dappled shade; so essentially, just really gorgeous. It is however, not the easiest setting to bring a harp into! The folks at Idlewild were super helpful, and I was able to make the best of a difficult situation. The toughest part was that I was due back in the clubhouse for cocktails directly after the ceremony! I had some help getting my miscellaneous equipment back up the hill so I could concentrate on just moving the harp, and it was much appreciated. This is a venue where, in the future, only the ceremony OR the cocktails will be able to be booked, but doing either of those will be a real pleasure 💖

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony and Cocktails Harpist, Studio Sunset, Chicago

Studio Sunset is a multiple use location - you can rent it for events or for photography sessions. On this day, there was lots of activity, because the relatives of the couple getting married were setting everything up for them, and this was the only picture that I managed to steal. Luckily, there are tons of good photos of the space available on their website.  Like most micro weddings, the ceremony just glided right into the celebration, and I was delighted to play for both! We also had the lovely Adolfo on hand to officiate!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com
 

Ceremony and Reception Harpist, Garfield Park Conservatory and Charcoal Factory Loft

 Garfield Park Conservatory is an iconic Chicago location, and you can see why in any photo of it, anytime. The Conservatory closed, the staff through up a few chairs, and the couple had a gorgeous ceremony guaranteed - you've got to love that! After pictures, everyone headed over to the Charcoal Factory Loft in Bucktown for the reception. It is a very distinctive venue, and I don't know of anything else like it in the city. They have a charming courtyard, and you definitely feel like you enter another time and place when you are there!

The courtyard, all set up for lounging!

At the Conservatory

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony Harpist, Blackstone Hotel, Chicago

 

I kept putting myself in the picture - not sure why!!

I have ALWAYS wanted to play a wedding in this ballroom, but it never happened until today! The Blackstone Hotel is an absolute icon in Chicago, and I have been in love with this space since the moment I saw it. The shape of it even allows for my favorite set up of all - me a the base of the aisle, off to one side. I can see everything (even when people stand up), and I get to see everyone just as they start down the aisle. That last fact gives me no advantage whatsoever, I just really enjoy it!!💖 

Look at all the details! It looks like a 
wedding cake!!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony Harpist, Chicago Winery, Chicago

All set up in the ceremony space

 This wedding was fantastic! The room was perfect for a beautiful, serene ceremony, and then it became a lively, communal dining space. I love the long tables, and the natural lighting. In addition, the staff was fantastic! There was an issue with transportation (it sounded like the company maybe didn't show?) so the schedule had to be adjusted at the last minute. The venue handled everything wonderfully, and it didn't look like any of the family or guests were upset or troubled. The bride chose "Invisible String" by Taylor Swift, and it worked really well for her entrance with her parents!

Most of the way towards becoming the dining space.

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Cocktail Reception Harpist, Viceroy, Chicago

 The Viceroy on Chicago's Northside just really knocked me out. The veranda somehow serves up equal parts skyline and sky, and is attached to a little jewel box of a room (see below). For a small to medium sized wedding, you just couldn't ask for a more distinctive space. I played upbeat cocktail choices, and thoroughly enjoyed being in this beautiful space!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony Harpist, The Haley Mansion, Joliet

The Haley Mansion is one of my absolute favorite venues, because it really delivers a comfortable and beautiful setting for guests and wedding party. We had perfect weather this day, as you can see, and it was an epic wedding. The coordinator was Malia of Wild Flower Weddings, and she was extremely capable and lovely to work with!

The bride chose "River Flows in You" for her wedding party, and "One Summer's Day" for her procession, and it was magic! Those links will take you directly to recordings on my YouTube channel that I made onsite that day 😊

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony and Reception Harpist, Community House, Winnetka

This is a stunning location, but a very busy one! The tables and decor were still being set until very close to starting time, so I don't have a photo of the entire venue. Suffice to say that it is a lovely garden setting, almost entirely in the shade by a bit later in the afternoon, and the building is nearby with every amenity you might need. I was delighted to play some music for the Nikah ceremony, and then Bollywood and western music for the rest of the evening. I now have about 90 minutes of Bollywood music, some of which you can hear at my YouTube channel:

Bollywood Playlist

The full list of all the Bollywood songs I know can be found at my website:

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony Harpist, Wilder Mansion, Elmhurst

 The Wilder Mansion in Elmhurst is an absolutely breathtaking location. The gardens are incredible, and the tent lets everyone enjoy them in shaded comfort! The bride requested "Enchanted" and "You are In Love" for the processionals (both by Taylor Swift), and they worked out beautifully! We had Hannah of Enchanted Events running everything, so the whole event was smooth and relaxed. This venue is a real winner if you're looking for a garden setting!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony and Cocktail Harpist, At Home in McHenry

This was an absolutely beautiful wedding, but since it was at a private home, I didn't feel right taking too many photos of the area; I figured the Fox River was a safe backdrop, so I just stuck with that. Plus, what a backdrop!! The bride requested the song "All My Days" by Alexi Murdoch. It wasn't available for purchase, but she hired someone to write it out for her, and I have his contact info in case someone else needs it going forward. It was all very sweet, and I was delighted to be part of the couple's plans!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony and Cocktails Harpist, Chicago Athletic Association, Chicago

I loved this micro wedding at the Chicago Athletic Association hotel. This is actually a corner of the lobby, so you are in a public space, but the little alcove gives a nice sense of separation, and the music really helps, too! The bride kept things simple with a few requests from my regular repertoire list for prelude, and Canon in D for her entrance. After the ceremony, we headed across the lobby to the library area, and I played for cocktails. It was festive and perfect!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Orthodox Ceremony Harpist, St George Antiochian Orthodox Church, Cicero

The big chandelier goes on when the bride is
starting her procession!

This was such an honor! Frequently, musicians aren't allowed for orthodox weddings, so I was thrilled when I got the last minute call saying that the celebrating priest had made an allowance! The groom made the initial arrangements, and later in the week I heard from the bride. She had looked at my YouTube channel and decided on "Can't Help Falling in Love" for her processional! As long as you work from my repertoire lists or YouTube channel, lots and lots of last minute arrangements are possible!!

All set to go!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony Harpist, Goose Island Barrel House, Chicago

So much character in this room!

 Goose Island Barrel House is a really distinctive venue, but they don't have a huge internet presence at this point (meaning, I should have taken lots more pictures for this post!). The ceremony space is small, but so lovely. There isn't a lot of room in the front, so the wedding party made the wise decision to have people process up, and then sit down. It worked beautifully! All the hard surfaces made the harp sound terrific, and I brought my bluetooth amp so I could have sound in the front and the back of the long room!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Wedding Dinner Harpist, Swift and Sons, Chicago

This beautiful room at Swift and Sons Fulton Market was perfect for the celebration the couple planned! Large enough to hold their nearest and dearest, yet intimate enough to allow them to spend real quality time with all of their guests. They set themselves up in the round booth you see at the center back of the photo, and frequently had their nieces and nephews come and join for a snuggle or a laugh. It was just the loveliest of wedding celebrations!

Knockout flowers from Oliver Dogwood

I played a lot of Beatles requests, which
was super fun!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony Harpist, Odyssey Venue, Tinley Park

The nearest covered spot
(you can't even see the ceremony site)

Where I ventured out to (once the rain stopped)

This was actually a really hard wedding. I've been to The Odyssey Venue many times, but I just wasn't prepared for the possibility that the client would decide to go ahead with an outdoor ceremony when it was actively raining. Unfortunately, with a wooden instrument, rain is just not something I can withstand. I spent my onsite hour before the wedding desperately trying to figure something out. The venue doesn't have any sort of shelter, and I had only brought a tarp to protect the harp from wet grass below. I was under a staircase for a while, but that was still so far away. During a lull in the rain, I came out to the start of the walkway, put my bluetooth amp as far from me as I could, and used the DJ's mic to go into his system. The DJ was Mathew from Mattrix Music and Entertainment, and he was so much help. It wasn't optimal, and I felt awful that I couldn't supply the music in the way that we had planned, but it was all that was possible. I have a new contract rider in the works for outdoor events, just so that everything will be clear, and hopefully it will be easier to plan for the inevitable challenges that an outdoor wedding presents💙

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony Harpist, Private Home, Lake Villa

 The setting for this wedding was absolutely gorgeous, and only steps from the backdoor of the family's house. The couple chose "Golden Hour" for their attendants to walk in, and it certainly matched the mood perfectly! I travel with a battery powered amp, and it is super useful in situations like these when you want to bump the sound up just a bit, but there isn't an outlet in sight. Just a little bit of amplification, and my harp can handle a large open area like this really beautifully!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Bollywood Harpist, Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center, Schaumburg

I love working with my clients directly, but sometimes it is so much fun to just step into the world of a really accomplished wedding planner, and be part of that vision. Today, I was playing for Victoria Schultz of DVS Events, and the amazing wedding was at the Renaissance Schaumburg. I played 15 minutes of prelude, music for the entrance of the wedding party, and then for the first few minutes of the ceremony. It was glorious!

You can see my Bollywood repertoire at www.Harp123.com

Ceremony and Cocktails Harpist (and Violinist!), Armour House, Lake Forest

I have been to the Armour House quite a few times over the years, and it is a really lovely venue. This wedding was no exception, but what was different is that I forgot to take pictures! Luckily, another vendor took this short video of Jacob Murphy and I warming up for the processional. The selection is "Young and Beautiful" by Lana Del Rey, and it was used for the entrance of the bride.

Violin is a wonderful addition to any wedding or cocktail hour, and Jacob is a fantastic player! Enjoy!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony Harpist, Humboldt Park Boathouse, Chicago

Just waitin' for the wedding!

One of the best part of my job is all the different sorts of weddings that I get to play - I sincerely love them all. This was a last minute add-in to my schedule, and it came on a Monday of all things! As is often the case, I didn't have too many details, I just knew that the bride and groom were going to be rolling up in a bus with all their guests, and I had a playlist from the groom. You can imagine my delight when they showed up in a bus that looked something like this:

And thanks to the groom, I had "Ripple" by the Grateful Dead all ready to go! Some Mondays are just good like that!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony Harpist, Stonebridge Country Club, Aurora

Stonebridge's outdoor area is really stunning

 This was my first outdoor event of the year, and although it was a little chilly, it was so beautiful! The area they have for weddings at Stonebridge Country Club feels nicely out of the way of the normal club business - no golf carts were buzzing by or anything like that. Their website also states that they do accept non member weddings. 

The bride chose "Storybook Love" from "The Princess Bride" for her processional, and I really love that selection. I always feel like you hear a collective sigh of recognition when I begin that piece!

My repertoire lists can help you find your perfect processional, too. They are located near the bottom of the page on my website, in drop down menus. Happy planning!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com