Wedding Reception Harpist, Glen Oak Country Club, Glen Ellyn

I had never been to Glen Oak Country Club before, but it is really a beautiful club, with old and new blending seamlessly.  Here, I am set up for the cocktail hour in an older section of the building.  It is hard to tell from the photo, but that is a small balcony just below the chandelier! After cocktails, I moved into the main dining room to play for dinner.  It was a lovely event made even better by the wonderful holiday decorations that the club had put up.

Wedding Ceremony and Reception Harpist, Kenilworth Club, Kenilworth

So, first of all, you should go to the website of The Kenilworth Club, because it is good, and my pictures are not!!  This is a private club in the small North shore community of Kenilworth, and it is a little gem.  I was on hand to play for the short ceremony, and then I continued through the cocktail hour and most of dinner. At that point, many of the guests were up and moving around, and the party switched to recorded music. The couple requested the Sara Bareilles tune, "I Choose You" for their recessional, and it turned out super cute!  I get some of my best repertoire from special requests, that is for sure!

The dividers behind the table lead to additional space.

Wedding Ceremony Harpist, St. Michael's in Old Town

First of all, isn't St. Michael's beautiful in the snow?  I love Winter weddings because they are so romantic and cozy.  St. Michael's is a wonderful option for Catholic couples, because they are willing to host weddings for people outside their own parish.  This ceremony was particularly amazing because the couple had a string quartet on hand!  The acoustics in St. Michael's are just wonderful to begin with, and by the time we had string quartet and harp playing Canon in D, it sounded like the couple had a small orchestra at their wedding!

String quartet just before we began playing together!

The Beautiful St. John Cantius, But, Alas, No Wedding

The fabulous St. John Cantius from the first loft!

Okay, so I wasn't here for a wedding (I was playing Benjamin Britten's Ceremony of Carols), but I couldn't resist posting this photo.  The church recently went through a renovation, and it is incredible!  If you were putting together a group of ten churches not to be missed in the Chicago area, this one would have to be on it.  Plus, after reviewing the parish site, it looks like they might accept couples from outside the parish.  It says they generally don't, and then gives a price for if they do in the very next sentence!  The parish is quite active with special events and concerts throughout the year.  Stop in and enjoy one of the loveliest sacred spaces in Chicago!

Wedding Ceremony Harpist in Alsip Chateau Bu-Sche

A view through the retractable doors to the courtyard.

Chateau Bu-Sche has gone through a lot of changes and renovations over the years, and it is looking really wonderful these days!  Their two main rooms on the first floor open up onto little courtyard areas, and I do mean open up!  Your guest will be in heated or cooled environments (not to mention shade), and yet you will be able to enjoy a garden setting while you take your vows.  Truly, it is a wonderful have-it-both-ways sort of an option!  On this particular day, Linda Veleckis (the violinist) and I played prelude with the doors closed.  Just as the ceremony was about to start, staff came out and smoothly did away with the door.  Temperatures were low this particular evening (just below 50 degrees), so I think the guests were probably glad to be out of the breeze, but the bride and groom will have lovely outdoor pictures!

Harp and violin carry beautifully here!

The inside of this venue just really sparkles, and the white palate is terrific for setting off your wedding colors.  The bride chose traditional favorites including Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring, Bridal Chorus, and The Wedding March and had harp and violin for all of those selections.  For her sand ceremony, she chose the Shania Twain song "From This Moment" for harp solo.  It was a beautiful indoor/outdoor wedding!

Violinist Linda Veleckis, ready to begin!

If you need music for indoors or outdoors, please visit my website: www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com.

Reception Harpist at the Red Lacquer Room, Palmer House

My own little alcove!

Well, once again this wasn't a wedding, but I always feel that if a room is new to me after so many years in this business, then it could be easily overlooked by a bride.  This room is so stunning that it should be known to each and every Chicagoan!  I was playing for a reception hosted by Notre Dame University, and the room easily handled 200 people.  It is such a gracious space, with its own small lobby area, and lounges specifically for the guests being hosted in the ballroom.  It is hard to capture on film, but the room simple glows.  The chandeliers are crystal (natch), but the red pieces you see are not colored crystal, they are enormous garnets!  Apparently about 65 carats each!

Bejeweled Chandeliers!

The entire room just begs that you give yourself up to the color red, so you would need to be rather a bold bride, but I think it could be fabulous!  If you need music for your fabulousness, please visit my website at:  www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com.

Well, you wouldn't expect purple flowers, would you?

Wedding Ceremony Harpist, Riverside Receptions, Geneva

The courtyard at Riverside Receptions in Geneva

I really love Autumn weddings in general, but this one was particularly lovely.  The bride had a great sense of what she wanted, and the event planner, Carlene Smith at Naturally Yours Events, was really terrific. The flowers were spectacular, as the florist (Heidi at FieldAndFlorist.com) has her own flower farm in Barrington and an artist's eye.

Autumn arrangement by Heidi at Field and Florist in Chicago

The courtyard at Riverside Receptions is lovely, but it is a public space. People were kind of randomly coming and going until I began to play. Like magic, all of the wedding guests came and sat down, and the people who didn't belong headed for the exit.  

The bride chose really eclectic music, which I always love.  She had the bridal party enter to The Nightingale, and then she entered to Debussy's Clair de Lune.  I have only used "Clair de Lune" as a bridal procession twice in the last 20 years, but both times the congregations have literally gasped just a little bit. Something about the beautiful bride and Debussy's song about moonlight just really grabs people.  Then, for the recessional, the bride wanted "Tonight, Tonight" by The Smashing Pumpkins.  I was a little worried at first since you don't right away think "harp" when you think about the Pumpkins, but it turned out really well. I'm definitely going to be playing "Tonight, Tonight" whenever I get the chance.

A lovely aisle highlighted by flower petals.

This was my first time working with the event planner, Carlene, so after everything had turned out so beautifully, I was eager to talk to her and find out more about her company.  She described her service as, "Non-traditional, eco-friendly, and a little quirky."  Additionally, she says that couples come to her at all stages in the planning process, with all types of ideas and all budgets.  She says nothing is too out of the box for her staff, and they concentrate on creating a fun and memorable party.  I saw it in action, and I can highly recommend her!

If you just can't imagine "Tonight, Tonight" on the harp, call me directly and I'll give it a go over the phone!  (773) 881-0706.  

Wedding Ceremony Harpist St. Tarcissus

The beautiful St. Tarcissus from the harpist's vantage.

I believe the groom told me that, including the bridal couple, they were expecting 15 people at their wedding ceremony!  The couple wanted a relaxed atmosphere but also, of course, a sense of occasion. I was happy to help, and luckily the harp can really make a large space feel more intimate and warm for a small group.  It was a beautiful ceremony, and the bridal couple looked relaxed and radiant.  Your classic big win!

Gorgeous, bold fall colors!

Visit www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com to plan music for your large or small wedding!

Reception Harpist, Glessner House, Chicago

Glessner House Courtyard.
There's a stairway just to the right of the open door.

First of all, I should tell you that I was not here for a wedding (sigh).  It was a corporate event, and it was lovely, but I kept thinking about how fabulous this venue would be for a wedding!  

If you are not familiar with this historic mansion, it is located on the near South side of Chicago, very convenient to downtown and the expressways.  The neighborhood is really very polished and lovely, and it sounds like there are parking options as well. The staff at the house were super helpful, and they have a wonderful website with lots and lots of options detailed, and prices!! 

The guests I played for had their dinner in the proper dining room, but the courtyard is certainly large enough to set up tables or even a tent.  If you're looking for a distinctive, historic venue, this seems worth checking into for sure!

The formal dining room easily accommodated 50 people.

If you're looking for just the right music to set your perfect mood, please visit www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com.

Wedding Reception Harpist, Chandler's Chop House, Schaumburg

Set up for cocktails in the lounge outside the banquet hall.

This was my second time at Chandler's and my impression remains the same:  this is a well run venue.  The wedding I was to play for was running a bit late, and the staff handled it beautifully.  Once the guests and wedding party were all assembled, the event planner, Farrah Singh of Simply Azure Events kept things moving along smoothly.  

On this visit I was playing for cocktails and then moving in to play for as much of the dinner as possible.  I like their little fireplace area outside of the banquet hall, but it is just a little better in cold months when the fireplace can be in use.  They had sunflowers scattered around inside the fireplace for the Summer, and that was cute.  Once I was in place for the start of the lunch service I played the bride's special request, "Fur Elise". This is a piece generally played on piano, but harpists steal from piano repertoire all the time, so no problem!  It was a lovely late Summer wedding.

If you're planning your Summer wedding, maybe I can help!  www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Wedding Ceremony Harpist Cantigny, Wheaton

The beautiful view from the seating area on the East side of Cantigny.

The Cantigny complex is large and varied.  There are a number of public gardens, picnic groves, a visitor's center, and a historic mansion. I believe they do weddings in several locations, but I have only ever been on the East side of the mansion.  There, you will find terraced lawns that work their way down to reflecting pools and one of the loveliest views around.  This location has the added distinction of keeping all of your guests in the shade, as long as your wedding begins after about 5 pm!

The bride and groom on this day wanted the lovely "Flower Duet" song from the opera "Lakme" for the wedding party, then it was "Bridal Chorus", more commonly known as "Here comes the Bride"!  I was able to include "Bianco Fiore" (as the recessional) to honor some guests who were Italian, and "Evening of Roses" (in the prelude) for some who were Jewish.  Everything was a beautiful reflection of the bridal couple!

If you would like to see if I know any of your favorite songs, please visit my website:  www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

The view as you descend the hill at Cantigny.

Wedding Ceremony Harpist Holy Apostalic Church of the East, Chicago

The musician's view at Holy Apostalic Church of the East

I've only played Coptic Christian ceremonies a few times through the years, so this was a real treat for me.  The bridal couple were both born here, so they wanted the music I played to reflect their Americanism, and then the service itself was conducted in Assyrian, including lots of chanting.  For their processional, we used Pachelbel's Cannon in D, and a new piece that I've not yet recorded, The Nightingale by Deborah Henson Conant.  Afterwards, the couple came to the front of the church and had a receiving line complete with light refreshments served and music provided.  It was a beautiful blend of the old and the new in their lives.

The flowers at the wedding were really very special, so I bothered the busy florists at work and got one of their cards.  They are based in Northbrook, but assured me that they go anywhere.  In addition to their lovely work with flowers, they hung the bunting and assembled the crystal vases on site.  Flowers by K.H. is the name of the firm.

If you are interested in honoring traditions old and new, call me and see what we can come up with together!  I can be reached directly at: (773) 881-0706

The gorgeous flowers continued all the way down the aisle.

Interfaith Officiants

Recently I played an interfaith marriage, and it was the smoothest two officiant wedding I have ever done.  Apparently, these gentleman know each other and do these sorts of services enough that they have the whole thing working really well.  You can reach Rabbi Tillman here, and Father Bernie can be reached through his assistant at Alink@stannebarrington.org.  It was a joyous occasion, and they were fabulous.  It doesn't get better than that!

Cocktail Reception Harpist, Hyatt Regency O'Hare

Set up and ready to play at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare

I have played at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare quite a few times throughout my career, but on this trip I was in an area that I didn't even know existed!  Most of their larger party rooms are to the left as you enter the hotel, but on the right they have quite a few smaller meeting rooms.  In the center of those meeting rooms, they have a lovely open area, and that is where I was playing.  It is a dramatic space as it is open to a large dome overhead.  The dome provides lots of natural light, and the walls surrounding this staircase are done in natural stone, which is a lovely touch.  According to the staff, the wedding I was playing for had about 500 guests, but I think this area would be really nice for a much smaller gathering, too. 

The guest's view from the upper level

If you are thinking of adding live music to your cocktail reception, please visit my website:  www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Armour House Wedding Ceremony Harpist, Lake Forest

The harpist's view of the proceedings at the Armour House!

On my third and final trip to Armour House I was still gathering great ideas for making the long walk for the bridal party seem cohesive and lovely.  Luckily, the bride sent me a list of music that she liked, so we had some great options!  I ended up using two different songs for the bridal party: Trumpet Voluntary and Rondeau.  I started with the Trumpet Voluntary, then moved to the Rondeau, and ended back with the Trumpet Voluntary.  It is a very long aisle, and I am sure the congregation appreciated the variety as the large wedding party made their way down the aisle!  The bride walked to Pachelbel's Canon in D, which is a delightfully long piece that can easily be brought to a close the very moment the bride arrives at her groom's side.

The couple also had a really gorgeous flower arrangement done with petals on the grass.  It marked the spot where the bridal couple stood as they took their vows.  It was so huge that I couldn't quite get it with my camera!

The bridal couple processed to the inside of this flower petal heart!

If you are interested in music for your outdoor wedding, please visit my website at:
www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Armour House Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Harpist, Lake Forest

Set up to the left of the pagoda

My second trip to the spectacular Armour House in Lake Forest found me on the left side of the pagoda.  It was workable, certainly, but I felt farther from the congregation, and I had to turn at an awkward angle to see the wedding party.  Everyone was viewing the harp from the front, which is probably not the most attractive angle on a harp, but I think I am perhaps a little too worried about such things!  Back in reality, it was another gorgeous day, and the beautiful bride choose Pachelbel's Canon in D for her wedding party's walk.  It worked wonderfully.  It is a very long song, and that is a fantastic attribute at the Armour House!  I had plenty of music without making any repeats, and everyone was happy!

This bride also wanted me to play for her cocktail hour on the veranda, and I was delighted to do so.  Guests sipped their champagne and watched the sunset while I played selections from the Great American Songbook by giants like Gershwin and Cole Porter.  Just another beautiful evening at the Armour House!

The bridal couple's view of the harp!

If you need music for your North Shore wedding, please visit:
www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Wedding Ceremony Harpist, St. Vincent Ferrer, River Forest

In place up front by the musician's area.

It is always a pleasure to work in the area's beautiful and historic churches, especially when the staff musicians are as wonderful and welcoming as Camela Daley!  Cami is the Minister of Music at St. Vincent's and she really knows how to put together a beautiful ceremony.  The bride in this case wanted a more modern, meditative mood for her music, so Cami helped her select Hymne by Vangelis, and The Wedding Song by Kenny G., and then brought me in to add to the full, rich sound of the piano.  Since I was playing harp, Cami was also able to play her flute, so the bride had an incredible amount of variety with just the two musicians!  As always with Catholic Masses, I am willing and able to play the mass parts and other musical parts of the service.  The harp can be a terrific addition to a wedding mass, whether or not you have a keyboardist already playing!

My view of the beautiful altar area of St. Vincent Ferrer.

If you would like to hear other pieces for your processionals, visit my website at:  www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Wedding Ceremony Harpist, Riverside United Methodist Church

The regal outside of Riverside United Methodist Church

There are lots of wonderful venues in the greater Chicago area, but not many of them are actual churches with welcoming congregations. Riverside United Methodist Church is a beautiful, distinctive wedding site for many, many reasons.  When you book your wedding here, you will be celebrating in an impressive stone and wood building that features beautiful stained glass all around.  Couples are married by Pastor Douglas Asbury, and he also meets with and counsels the couple before their wedding day.  

My lovely client couldn't quite find the right processional on my website.  She thought maybe Ave Maria, but that can be a tricky song when it comes to fitting into a processional time frame.  We talked a little, and I suggested the newest song I was working on might be just the thing.  I put a bit of speed on the project, and played through the Stevie Wonder tune "My Cherie Amour" for her two days later.  Jackpot! It had just the sentimental, gentle feeling she wanted, and it is now my new favorite processional!

If you would like to talk about your perfect processional, don't go to my website, just call me directly!  I can be reached at (773) 881-0706 most weekdays and some weekends.

My harp is down front on the right, bathed in light!

Wedding Ceremony Harpist, Odyssey Country Club, Tinley Park

My harp near the West Gazebo at Odyssey Country Club

As you can see from the photo, The Odyssey Country Club in Tinley Park is a lovely venue.  My harp is actually on the brick pathway that the wedding party uses, because the ground was really wet that day and I couldn't leave it unattended on the grass.  I eventually set up just to the right of this photo, under a big tree that they have.  There is actually an East Gazebo, too, and they alternate weddings back and forth during the Summer.  That alternation was the problem on this particular day. The bride at the other gazebo started her ceremony a solid hour late.  I am sure my client was frantic, but there really wasn't anything to do.  I kept playing (I always have lots and lots of music with me!) and sent word through her friends that I would be ready to start when circumstances allowed.  I have an overtime clause in my contract, but I would never, never impose it in this situation.  I was delighted to be able to entertain her guests while they waited, and the weather was lovely, so everyone was fairly comfortable.  The music never ran out, both the wedding and the bride were beautiful, and it was another good day.

If you want a live musician on hand to help cope with the unexpected, please visit my website:  www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Armour House Wedding Ceremony Harpist, Lake Forest

Set up to the right of the pagoda in the Armour House gardens.

This Summer I was lucky enough to play at the wonderful Armour House in Lake Forest three separate times!  The house is part of Lake Forest Academy, and they are experts at beautiful wedding ceremonies. Here, on my first trip, I am set up to the right of the congregation, and that was my favorite position.  My camera always has trouble with light and dark, so I look like I am sitting in descending gloom, but that is not how it seemed on site at all!  In this position, I had my best view of the house, and consequently the approaching wedding party.  

The most complicated part of any wedding at the Armour House is the processional.  It is an extremely long walk from the house to the front of the congregation.  If you have even a medium sized wedding party, your processional music could easily clock in at 8 minutes, no problem. Additionally, there is no easy way for the wedding coordinator to communicate with me once we are set up and ready to go.  With good professionals at the helm, though, the long walk can definitely be turned into an advantage!  On this day, the bride chose an Irish air entitled, "The Gentle Maiden".  It is not the longest tune ever written, so I found two different versions and combined them.  Presto!  Enough variation to keep things fresh.  The wedding coordinator (whose name I sadly forgot to collect) had the best solution for keeping me informed about the processional... she sent her assistant down to say, "we're ready to start."  It was low tech, but perfect.  The wedding was as smooth as can be!

A view back towards the house.  Kind of a long walk, right?

If you would like help choosing the perfect music for your walk down the aisle, please visit my website:
www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Royal Melbourne Country Club; Long Grove Wedding Ceremony Harpist

Threatening skies.

I think one of the hardest decisions for any wedding couple is when to switch their outdoor wedding to an indoor location.  Many times, I have seen people agonizing about dicey weather and wondering how long it will take to move their ceremony set up, should that become necessary. At Melbourne Country Club in Long Grove, they really have the resources to smooth over these problems.

We were originally scheduled to be out on the lawn, but then we were moved to this lovely terrace.  Still outdoors, and perhaps with an even lovelier view, but less soggy (it had rained overnight).  From there, the extremely capable staff could have moved us completely indoors in just a few moments.  As it turned out, that wasn't necessary, and the bridal couple was able to have their outdoor wedding after all!

All set up and waiting to see!

If you're looking for harp music for your indoor or outdoor wedding ceremony, please visit my website:

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Manteno Wedding Ceremony Harpist

"The Bowl" at Camp Shaw.  

If you are looking for a stunning natural setting, you may want to consider Camp Shaw in Manteno, Illinois.  The camp is just 7 miles off of Interstate 57, and it sits alongside the beautiful Rock Creek. Weddings are held at "The Bowl" which is accessible by the long staircase shown above, or golf carts that carry people down an access drive.  This is a naturalistic setting and does not feature manicured gardens, but it is so lovely!  The area allowed for a large group of chairs, and the bride and groom stood under an arbor that was put up after I had already started playing.  Probably the best part was the abundant shade which, along with the creek, lowered temperatures about 10 degrees from what the rest of the world was experiencing!

Plenty of room, all with a view of the creek!

Afterwards, guests headed up to the mess hall on the top of the hill for dinner, and then across the footbridge for dancing at yet another pavilion.  Camp Shaw certainly has plenty of room to roam!

Rock Creek from the footbridge.

A long view of the footbridge.

St. Alexander's in Palos Heights

The altar area at St. Alexander in Palos Heights

If you need an experienced keyboard player who can both sing and play for your mass, Andy Perz is a wonderful choice.  Andy has his own church to play for in Glenwood, but he is frequently available for other services as well.  He sings beautifully, and is such a pleasure to have around.  On this occasion, Andy and I played with a fine Irish violinist who was a friend of the family's, and provided a wide range of classical music for their mass.  The bride chose Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring and Canon in D for her processionals, and the sound was rich and full with three musicians on hand.  When the newly married couple was ready to process out, they were led by a bagpiper!

Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites Wedding Ceremony Harpist

This photo was taken at the Hilton Chicago/Magnificent Mile Suites in the Streeterville neighborhood.  Ralph and I were there providing beautiful harp and violin music for the ceremony, but I was really taken by these lovely flower and candle arrangements lining both sides of the main aisle.  What a beautiful way to enhance the bride's entrance!

After the ceremony, Ralph and I headed down the hall to play for the cocktail hour. Additional live music is a lovely way to transition into your reception if it is in the same location as your ceremony.  One minute we were playing "Here Comes the Bride", and the next we were doing "I Get a Kick Out of You".  Harp and violin are terrific for covering the Great American Song Book and giving your cocktail hour a sophisticated sound.

Here is a link to some of the background reception music I frequently play (Ralph is playing on several selections, too):

Reception selections at www.Harp123.com

St. Michael's in Old Town Wedding Ceremony Harpist

The outdoor renovations are complete!

Well, the scaffolding is down at St. Michael's, and the church and square are looking better than ever!  I was here back in April (yep, behind on my blogging), so the trees aren't all quite out yet.  This church has it all: a convenient city location that feels secluded, and one of the most talented music directors you are likely to come across, Daniel Stucker. Daniel is a fantastic musician, and keeps the ceremony full of variation. Harp solo, harp with cantor, harp and piano, piano solo, we did it all! Daniel is a proponent of one of my favorite wedding practices: changing instrumentation when the bride comes in!  This time I played the processional for bridesmaids, and then Daniel started the Canon in D on piano, and I joined him part way through.  With that kind of variation, the music supported the entrance of the beautiful bride, and the moment was perfect!  

If you would like to talk about adding harp music to your wedding ceremony, call and we'll talk!  

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Grand Oaks Pavilion at the Hyatt Lodge Oakbrook

Just outside the Grand Oaks Pavilion

The website for the Hyatt Lodge calls the Grand Oaks Pavilion a "Fairy Tale Setting" and I would have to agree.  This is one of my favorite banquet halls in the entire Chicago area, and a truly one of a kind setting.  Outdoors, there is a lovely patio with towering oak trees above, and lovely plantings all around.  Inside, you no longer have perspective on the trees, as you are in and among them!  My pictures don't really do it justice, but this is definitely a site worth a special trip.  I was set up in the ante room to the banquet hall, which has a fireplace and a nice gathering area, but the light was tricky and I never got a good picture of the harp - sorry!  

Banquet hall as elegant tree house?