Wedding Ceremony Harpist, The Joinery, Chicago

A really interesting space with an industrial vibe.

Okay, so I almost didn't post these pictures because I feel like they kind of don't do The Joinery justice. It was a beastly hot day in June, and also super gray out. There is a lovely courtyard area just outside of this room, but it just wasn't much use on this day. Later on when the Persian wedding got going, the whole space was colorful and vibrant, but during set up it was kind of drab. You have to look hard to even see the harp hiding off to the right in the picture because it is so dark. In some ways, though, I think that may be helpful to know about this venue.

I suppose it is possible that the bridal couple wasn't using some available lighting, but I think it more likely that you are meant to design your own lighting scheme here. It is a good blank canvas, and what you do with it is going to be completely yours. 

In this case, they warmed it up with friends, family, and wonderful Persian wedding elements that were new to many of those in attendance. They relied on music to bring in American cultural themes, and chose "I Will" by the Beatles, and "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz for their processional and recessional. It was a wonderful representation of them as a couple, and a total joy to be a part of!

Harpist's view!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Wedding Ceremony Harpist, City View Loft, Chicago

A super interesting, sunlit space.

This was my second time at City View Loft, and it was good to see their other large space. Or at least I think this is their other large space. I found their site to be a little confusing, and I didn't manage to find this space mentioned specifically at all. Maybe you have access to it when you are having dinner upstairs? It seemed like there were smaller conference type rooms tucked here and there also, so I guess I just really need to get someone to talk me through it at some point.

What I can tell you is that the acoustics are great, and the light is phenomenal. All the makings of a fantastic ceremony close to downtown, but not so close that no one can park. There is just a lot to like here!!

Strictly speaking, the view isn't as good as upstairs, but
it is nice to see so much sky!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

All Saints Episcopal Church, Western Springs

Harpist's view! 

This was such a pleasure. I have played for this congregation on Christmas Eve for over 25 years! Every few years I get invited to play for them at some other time of year, and I always love it. Seeing all of them turn out to celebrate a marriage was just a completely joyful experience. The couple chose a variety of music from an old fashioned hymn (Shall We Gather By the River) to a modern love song (All of Me, sung by a family friend with harp accompaniment). In between, they wanted the Bach Prelude #1 and Trumpet Voluntary. For the Bride's walk, she chose Storybook Love from "The Princess Bride". I find that to be an endearing piece for many people, and it makes a really wonderful processional.

The fence outside the church was decorated!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Wedding Ceremony Harpist, Avalon Manor, Merrillville, Indiana

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This was my first time to Avalon Manor, but I frequently work in Northwest Indiana. This was a lovely ceremony where the mother of the bride took care of everything so that the bride could concentrate on just enjoying her day!

One of the things I liked best about Avalon Manor was the natural light from the big windows. The purple theme and the wonderful flowers looked terrific in the natural light!

The aisle was marked with
huge flower arrangements on pedestals!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Reception Harpist, Hyatt Lodge, Oak Brook

One of the most distinctive venues in the west suburbs,
at Hyatt Lodge you feel you are in the trees!

It is always a pleasure to return to the same venues year after year and find them looking well kept and still very much themselves! Hyatt Lodge is certainly in that category for me. There is not another venue that gives you the feeling of being in the woods as this one does, and the vista down to the lake is unmatched. The slightly irregularly shaped room lend an intimacy that is hard to get in other banquet rooms. Overall, I think it is definitely worth a trip to see if you are a tree lover!!

In the other direction, you see through the trees down to the lake!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com