Ceremony Harpist, Saint Gertrude's, Chicago

The amazing St. Gertrude's on Chicago's north side!

This was my first time to this lovely church, and it was a really rewarding experience. Catholic churches frequently have wonderful musicians already in place, so my job is to come in, blend in, and try to be helpful. On this day, that meant coordinating with their pianist, and switching over from a few of my regular arrangement to arrangements that she had. It is important for everyone to be playing from the same music, and she had to coordinate with the violinist as well! The pianist did a beautiful job getting me everything that I needed, and we even had time to run a few things when I arrived.

The sound of the piano, harp, and violin in the huge church was absolutely stunning, and the pianist made good use of the extra musicians throughout the mass. Thanks to wonderful leadership on the part of Saint Gertrude's pianist, the bride had really exceptional, one of a kind music for her wedding!

Set up for the processional up front.

If you are thinking of having harp, you do not need to only have harp! I am always delighted to work with other musicians!
www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony Harpist, Brookdale, Vernon Hills

Set up along Little Bear Lake behind the facility

If the venue is one you are not familiar with, that is because it is a retirement community!! The mother of one of the grooms lives here, and they wanted to make it as easy as possible for her to attend the wedding. Of course, it was an extra bonus that the facility has such a lovely patio with a stunning view! My impression from working with them was that having their ceremony in a non traditional setting allowed it to fall together really quickly, and it certainly turned out exceptionally beautifully!

Since one of the grooms plays guitar, the music was super important. He wanted to make sure that the choices for the processional were not truncated to the point of being unrecognizable, so we worked hard to get all of the timing worked out. When the big day came, everything went according to plan, and the extended family seemed to enjoy the event all the more for the ease it provided their matriarch. I could not recommend a retirement home setting for a wedding more; this was a creative solution that really worked for all concerned!!!

Looking back into the shady patio area, you can just make out my harp!

Are you planning a wedding in an unusual venue?  Let me help!! Renee (312) 860-4997.

Cocktail Harpist, The Meadows Club, Rolling Meadows

Set up outside the banquet room.

I have been to The Meadows Club several times now, and it is always so much fun! When I first saw their cocktail space (see below), I was worried that it wouldn't work well for harp, but I was wrong! The weddings I have played here have all been East Asian weddings, so I have played Bollywood selections interspersed with American pop tunes. The long reception area creates sort of a gallery where guests get a drink and then stroll along stopping to visit and listen. My unusual mix of tunes seems to amuse everyone, and I have had some of the most positive comments from guests at this venue!

This gives you some idea of the size, but there is still more space
in the other direction!

I currently have 40 minutes of Bollywood music, and I try to add something new each season. You can hear how this translates to harp at my YouTube channel. Look for the "Bollywood Songs" playlist!