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