60th Wedding Anniversary Harpist, Papa Joe's, Orland Park

Papa Joe's private banquet room.

I was kind of a last minute addition, and that was fine by me! Preparations had been chugging along bit by bit over time, as the party was meant to be a surprise for the anniversary couple, but they hadn't yet thought about music.  Papa Joe's already features live music (a pianist) on Saturday nights, but the couple's daughter thought it would be fun to have music right in the room where they would be celebrating.  In these situations, I generally arrive well before the guests of honor, and play for the party goers as they get ready to surprise the arriving couple.  It turns out that the 60th anniversary couple did not have any special songs, so I started out with "All You Need is Love" by the Beatles and went from there.  It was a casual party, and everyone was in high spirits.  Of course we had "Here Comes the Bride" for the entrance of the guests of honor, and indeed they were surprised!  

And yes, the green centerpiece is a palm tree.
They were adorable!

Wedding Ceremony and Reception Harpist, Gibson's, Chicago

A private room for two (and harpist) at Gibson's

This was so much fun.  The bridal couple, proudly managing two careers and six children between them, recognized that a traditional wedding was perhaps not the best fit for them.  Instead, they slipped away to the near North side, where they were met by a judge (to marry them), a harpist (to set the mood), and a wonderful steak house (to provide the celebratory dinner).  The bride wrote to me just 9 days ahead, but it was plenty of time!  I was actually able to get a few special requests worked up, too.  

The couple wanted all popular tunes, and had very eclectic tastes! Among my favorites of their special requests were "Make Me Feel Your Love," "Breathe," and "I Got You Babe."  The number one winner for the evening was, however, "Hotel California," by the Eagles.  It sounds just fabulous on harp, and was a big favorite of the newly married couple.

I played as the couple met with the judge who performed their ceremony, and then started again with "Love Me Tender" just as they were pronounced husband and wife.  They took photos and then Gibson's began their dinner service.  They ate, and visited, and even danced to harp music.  I played things from their request list, and then sometimes played them again; it was a pleasure to make everything fit just right for them!  Meanwhile, the seamless Gibson's service had them feeling relaxed and cared for.  Such a lovely start to their new lives together!

If you've got your own ideas of what would be just right on the harp, give me a call!  We'll work up a list!