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