Wedding Ceremony Harpist, Cantigny, Wheaton

It is really hard to get a complete perspective on Cantigny.
My harp is in the extreme right hand corner of the shot.

Cantigny is an amazing spot for a wedding. It is somehow vast and impressive while also being intimate. The park does an amazing job keeping visitors behind the wedding party, so as soon as the bride descends the stairs you really feel you have all of this splendor to yourself.

This ceremony was unusual in the fact that I accompanied two fabulous young high school students. They were students of a friend of the bride's, and they both sang and accompanied themselves with guitars. I always figure that my job in these circumstances is to let the soloists shine, and it was certainly very easy to do with these young men! Originally we had planned to have me fill out the accompaniment to "Hawaiian Wedding Song," but since they were already at my house rehearsing, we also tried "Can't Help Falling in Love" and it went super smoothly. A quick call to the bride, and I was added to that for the wedding day, also.

If you are going to have a soloist for your wedding day, I generally arrive a few minutes earlier than normal so that we can run things again. Safely is definitely my motto for weddings! The boys handled the special music with me nicely, and I filled in with prelude and recessional (Bruno Mars!). Total teamwork success!

If you would like to discuss having me accompany your special guests, just call! (773) 881-0706.

Chicago Wedding Reception Harpist, Lost Marsh, Hammond, Indiana

Alas, a stolen photo.  This was the room I was in, and it was beautiful.
It was also filled with very early people by the time I got there, so no harp photo!

It is never too late to call and check on my availability. When the soon-to-be-married couple heard that the musicians they were expecting to play their reception were not going to be able to appear, they gave me a call. I just happened to have the date open, and I was happy to fill in. When someone calls last minute and I am not available, I always email them a list of other harpists, so there is help available regardless. If you really want to add live music to your wedding, it is generally just a matter of making enough calls, and getting someone to supply you with reliable people to contact!

Lost Marsh is a really lovely facility in Northwest Indiana, with expansive views in all directions. I was able to plug into the D.J.'s system, and I played popular music, mariachi music, and even a couple of the bride's favorite bossa novas.  When the calls come in at the last minute, the clients have to choose from the repertoire I already know, but I know a lot of music :)

I am pretty fast at returning emails, but you can always feel free to call, too. Sometimes (especially when things take an unexpected turn) it can be nice to hear an actual human voice!

Email:  reneewilsonharp@sbcglobal.net
Phone:  (773) 881.0706 or (312) 860.4997

Wedding Ceremony Harpist, Lake Katherine, Palos Park

The stunning Lake Katherine

Besides being beautiful, Lake Katherine is so very convenient. If you were able to turn around in this picture, you would see a really fantastic party facility with proper running water and a lovely view of the lake. I have been in this facility numerous times for parties, but it is always wonderful when the weather cooperates and you can be lakeside. On this gorgeous day, the only problem we had was a parade of geese that thought they would "play through." The photographer and I (both on site early) gently discouraged this, and all was well!

If you would like to add live music to your outdoor event, please visit www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com.  Goose wrangling provided completely free of charge!