Ceremony Harpist, Double Tree Hotel, Alsip

Set up at the one of Double Tree ballrooms, ready for the ceremony!

This was one of those times where the music wasn't initially what I expected, but I wanted to follow the couple's wishes because, well, yeah. The couple wanted Coldplay's "A Sky Full of Stars" for the bride to walk in to, and "A Thousand Years" for their recessional. I have, most often, used those two choices for exactly the opposite ceremony jobs! Upon reflection, though, a slower "Sky Full of Stars" was really appealing and effective, and I just started "A Thousand Years" at the chorus, and I thought it worked great! In the end, they had really personalized music, and I got to look at those pieces in a different way. It was pretty fun.

The Double Tree by Hilton Hotel in Alsip is a really appealing venue. The Banquet area has a separate entrance with easier parking nearby, and the hallways are a wide and comfortable location for your guests to gather if you need additional space. They were able to do a really quick turn around of the room, so the ceremony, cocktails, and dinner reception were all in the same room. Nice!

Harpist's view of the room.

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony Harpist, NoMi, Chicago

Set up in the Art Gallery for the ceremony.

The private dining rooms at NoMi Kitchen are a really wonderful venue for smaller weddings. This, however, did not end up being a smaller wedding! As the Art Gallery became standing room only, I was concerned, but there is really no way to go and find anyone to voice your concerns to at that point, so I just kept playing. Once the ceremony started, I couldn't actually hear anything that was being said at the front, so it was really tense trying to get my cues. 

Sometimes my clients are almost apologetic if they send me schedules and programs ahead of time.... I actually love it! The more information that I have, the better! I think if the officiant is aware that I am waiting for a music cue, things are apt to go more smoothly, especially if we are not able to speak beforehand. If I were able to add "check in with the harpist" to the do-to list of every officiant, many possible catastrophes would be averted! Unfortunately, by the time the officiant arrives, I am often already playing, and I think they are reticent to interrupt. In the end, the bride looked beautiful, and I think I got my cues right. Sometimes, that is the best outcome we can all hope for!

This is mostly where I was. There is actually a small
alcove to a hallway, and I was pushed back a little
further into that.