Wedding Ceremony Harpist, Starved Rock Lodge, Utica

A cozy late fall set up at Starved Rock Lodge

The bridal couple lives in Ohio, and much of their family is in Minnesota, so they set out to choose a location halfway in between where they could meet, hang out, and celebrate their wedding.  I have been inside at the lodge for a reception before, but never a ceremony.  I thought it looked really beautiful.  Since the wedding guests were staying at the lodge, however, they were already on site when I arrived, and I wasn't able to get very many pictures.  Above, you can see the general set up, and if you check out the picture below, you can see how the fireplace looks when all of the candles are lit.  It was really warm and appealing.  The curtains above actually have white lights hung from them, so there is yet another light feature that I couldn't even get in the photo!

Since the couple had a large extended family, they put together a processional that really showcased everyone!  I played "Moon River" for the couple's parents, "God Bless the Broken Road" for the bridesmaids, and then a traditional Irish slip jig, "Flying to the Fleadh" for two adorable little girls who danced down the aisle!  Next came the ring bearer to the tune, "Simple Gifts", and then it was the bride's turn, and she entered to "Here Comes the Sun" by the Beatles.

For the candle lighting ceremony, the couple chose "The Prayer" and had two of their nieces sing while I accompanied them.  We had a little rehearsal beforehand and, thanks to great preparation by the girls, everything went really well!

I played "Hornpipe" from Handel's "Water Music" for the recessional, and then a few minutes more postlude while the bride and groom dismissed the guests row by row.  It was a lovely Midwestern destination wedding!!

You can begin putting together your dream processional at my website www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com!

The fireplace is even more gorgeous
with all of the candles lit!

Wedding Ceremony Harpist, Chicago Firehouse, Chicago

The front entrance. Also, 
parking for you firetruck 
(not even kidding!)

This is going to be a picture-heavy entry, but it can't be helped. Chicago Firehouse is a super charming, really distinctive venue, and it would be impossible to do it justice without a lot of pictures.  Just as you suspected, this is a converted firehouse, and it is located on the far Northside of Chicago, in the Edgewater neighborhood.  The venue has an agreement with a nearby school, so parking can be arranged, but of course the vintage fire truck that brought the bride to the wedding parked out front.  Did they have a Dalmation dog on the fire truck? Yes, they did.

The side garden with balcony.

To the left of the main doors is a lovely side yard, with a balcony overlooking the space.  Unfortunately, it was raining on this particular day, so we were inside a tent.  A really, really nice tent.

Set up inside the tent.

This bride was perhaps the most creative I have ever seen.  She had amazing decorating ideas, and the tent really just glowed!  She requested that I play a variety of Enya music, and then other atmospheric pieces that would not be recognized by anyone.  She wanted the music to wash over the guests without them stopping to think, "Oh, I know that piece."  It was a lovely, relaxed setting as soon as friends and family stepped into the tent!

Harpist's view.
The sparkly water lanterns were fabulous!

The bride wanted the theme from "Up" for both her processional and her recessional.  I loved the idea, and set about making a second, quieter arrangement for the processional.  It worked really well, and was a perfect reflection of the beautiful bride!

I didn't play inside, but I grabbed a few pictures while the staff was setting up so that you could peek. 

Inside, the view to the front doors,
and of course the fire pole to the right!

Looking at the center of the venue,
the long farm tables worked really well.

It is a long, somewhat narrow space, but really lovely, with high ceilings and lots of vintage charm.  Warm and cozy on a cold, damp night!

Such a beautiful table, and of course
a parasol hanging from the ceiling!

The caterer was a company named "Fig." From the looks of it, they are pretty special, and you should definitely know about them, too! They specialize in weddings and gatherings of 150 and less.  They certainly did a fabulous job setting this intricate table.

If you are looking for an unforgettable location, with a meal to match, I think this combo of venue and vendor could work for you. And don't forget the harp music!