Prelude harpist, Pickerill Estate House, Yorkville

There's an area surrounded by trees on
one side of the house

This was my first time to the Pickerill Estate House, and it was lovely. The soon to be wed couple wanted recorded music for their walk down the aisle, but they brought me in to play live music while the guests assembled. I have a lovely repertoire of classic R and B, and I mixed it with some more current favorites so everyone got to hear something they knew. It was a beautiful day!

There's a lovely covered patio on the other side!

Ceremony Harpist, Assumption Catholic Church, Chicago

The gorgeous ceiling at Assumption Catholic Church

The musical needs at a Catholic wedding ceremony or mass are very specific! I have a long history of playing in the Catholic Church, and even own a set of the Gather Comprehensive Hymnals, so I am well prepared to jump in and help! The major need today was for prelude, as the ceremony started almost an hour late. I kept playing, and I think that helped everyone stay calm! When it was time, the large wedding party came in to Cannon in D, which is an excellent choice when you have a processional that you know will be quite long. I was also happy to play Ave Maria, when the bride brought flowers to the Mary Shrine. It was lovely!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony and Cocktail Harpist, Firehouse Chicago, Chicago

Glorious early summer wedding!

 There's something about Firehouse Chicago that is hard to put your finger on - just a warmth that lends a relaxed vibe to any event. This particular event seemed to include a lot of folks from the immediate neighborhood, so it was extra relaxed! The wedding party bounced down the aisle to "You're My Best Friend" by Queen, and the bride walked to "A Thousand Years". I stayed after the ceremony, while they celebrated with cocktails, and then they headed inside for dinner. If you're looking for a lovely venue for a small to midsized wedding, you definitely should have this place on your short list!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Cocktail and Introduction Harpist, Bridgeport Art Center, Chicago

 This absolutely gorgeous wedding was at the Bridgeport Art Center. I started in the cocktail room, just opposite the elevator. At the Bridgeport Art Center, the elevator is kind of famous, because there is usually a bar set up inside! By the time guests got a beverage on their way up, and then were greeted by a harpist as soon as the elevator doors opened, they knew they were in for an epic evening! I played Bollywood favorites mixed with a few western choices for all of cocktail hour. When the curtain to the dining room opened, I quickly changed orientation, so I could play for the bride's entrance - it was a lovely touch!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Wedding Ceremony and Cocktails Harpist, Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago

The Fountain Room at Garfield Park

This was already my second time to Garfield Park Conservatory in 2026! I really like ceremonies with the fountain as a backdrop, and guests were able to enjoy the show room next door for cocktails, so they got a really nice feel for the venue in general.

The couple requested I learn "To Zanarkand" for the wedding party processional, and I think it came out really nicely. They used "Zelda's Lullaby" for the bride's processional, and "Married Life" from "Up" for the recessional. It reflected them, and that is always the best thing!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Anniversary Party Harpist, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Oak Brook

The family arrived super early, so I wasn't able to get pictures of the space, but here I am ready to play Bollywood music for the couple's 50th anniversary. The guests really enjoyed hearing something they never had before (Bollywood selections on harp), and I even learned a special song for the celebrating couple!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony Harpist, Garfield Park Conservatory, Chicago

 Garfield Park Conservatory is just a revelation every time you visit, and it is such a pleasure to play for weddings there! This beautiful wedding featured "To Zanarkand" from Final Fantasy for the wedding party. It was a special request (meaning I had never played it before), and they really loved it! Here is a video of me right after I learned it, if you are curious:

 https://www.youtube.com/c/chicagoweddingharpistreneewilson

What special request would you have me learn??

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com