Wedding Mass Harpist, Church of the Holy Family, Chicago

Just awe inspiring!

The Church of the Holy Family is a really interesting institution. It serves the community of St. Ignatius College Prep, but doesn't have a neighborhood congregation. Because of that, it is available to host important life events for Catholics from other parishes, including weddings! Their website does an excellent job of outlining both the procedure and the costs, so I encourage you to visit it if this is an option for you. It was my first time playing here, and I would highly recommend it to anyone; what a pleasure!

I had actually played for the bride's wedding shower, so she and her mom were well acquainted with my repertoire! We chose classical things for the actual wedding, but Holy Family was super flexible about having some popular songs in the prelude, which was, I believe, appreciated by the bridal couple. Just really a lovely experience from beginning to end, and a wonderful way to ring in the New Year!

If you're planning a Catholic ceremony or mass, I would love to help! www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com.

Christmas decorations are one more benefit
of a New Year's Eve wedding!

Ceremony and Cocktail Harpist, Chevy Chase Country Club, Wheeling

This room is so warm at night; it just glows!

 

This was an emotional one for me, just because this bride was the first of my clients to have to cancel her wedding, way back in the early part of the pandemic, March 2020. She had a specific vision for her wedding (which okay, that's kind of everyone), and it kept being impossible to access as the pandemic and scheduling intervened. So the day finally came together, and you know what? It was perfect. Chevy Chase was beautifully decorated for the holidays, the wonderful coordinators kept things humming along like clockwork, and I think the bridal couple was delighted. Happy ending for sure!

If harp music would help your happy ending, please visit my website: www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com.

Wedding Ceremony Harpist, Saint James Chapel, Chicago

A stunning little jewel box!

It is always a pleasure to be at Saint James Chapel! The chapel was built between 1917-1920, and features stained glass modeled after the famous windows of Sainte Chapelle in Paris. The musician's loft there is large and couples frequently choose to have the harp upstairs. Yes, you lose the visual effect of the harp, but the music sounds like it is drifting down from the heavens, and that is worth it!! 

I am always happy to coordinate music with your regular church musicians, or outside people. When planning a religious service, it is probably best that we email or speak on the phone. I am easy to reach at reneewilsonharp@gmail.com or (312) 860.4997. I am always delighted to talk about wedding plans!
 

Ceremony and Cocktail Harpist, Deer Path Inn, Lake Forest

The ceremony used Windsor II, with Windsor I as an
entry area.

It has been a fair number of years since I've been to the Deer Path Inn, and it was so wonderful to see what an elegant venue it remains! The Windsor Rooms are incredibly versatile, and I love how the entire area has its own impressive entry. The bride's family were classical music fans, so they wanted me to save the popular choices for their cocktail hour, and play all classical music for the ceremony prelude. They used "Air from Water Music" for the bridal party, and the bride chose to walk to the traditional "Bridal Chorus". It was truly lovely, and I did a quick move into the bar area in Windsor I to start some livelier cocktail music. 

Live music programming can be anything you want it to be, and I would be delighted to help you set your perfect mood. Please feel free to reach out to me and discuss your plans directly. I can be reached at (312) 860.4997.

Bollywood Harpist, The Ivy Room, Chicago

Set up for a short program and dinner music.

I have a small (but growing!) Bollywood repertoire, and it has become a very popular option for my clients in the past few years. Frequently, they will request that I play classical and American pop selections for the first part of the event, and then reveal the Bollywood repertoire as a surprise for their guests. On this evening, the host was celebrating an engagement in their family at the Ivy Room, and I began by playing the cocktail hour in their lower level bar area.

The lower level bar/cocktail area.

Towards the end of the cocktail hour I moved upstairs so that I could greet the guests with music when they entered. The host wanted me to talk just a little about my specific harp, and how it is constructed, so I combined that with the Bollywood selections she had requested. I finished up with some dinner music, and everything moved along seamlessly!

If you would like to incorporate some Bollywood into your event, my repertoire is listed on my website: www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com.

Cocktail Harpist, Ignite Glass Studios, Chicago

Positioned just inside the dining area 
to greet guests.

 This was my first time at Ignite Glass Studios, and it is a beautiful location. The bride had hoped to be outside, but the weather was just cold and windy enough that the guests briefly looked outside, and then wanted to relax indoors. I actually changed locations slightly several times, as the guests sort of worked things out on their own. They weren't technically supposed to come into the dining area, but the venue was relaxed about it, so all was good! The bride wanted "Phantom of the Opera" selections in recognition of her grandmother's favorite musical, so I worked a bunch of those into my more contemporary playlist, and everyone got to hear things that were important to them!

Please visit my website to see if my repertoire list is a fit for your event: www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com.

The unused outdoor space was still stunning
to look at!

Ceremony and Reception Harpist, At Home in South Barrington

Set up to greet guests in the entryway.

This really was so much fun! I was initially hired because the beautiful bride had always wanted to enter to a specific Bollywood tune played on harp. Once we knew I was going to be on hand for the ceremony, we started to build the plans out from there! I started in the entryway, playing as guests arrived. Next, I moved closer to the outside deck for the bridal procession. Then I relocated a third time so that I could play in the entryway, but run my amp around the corner so as to effectively be in two rooms at the same time! My battery powered amp is a great tool for quite a few situations. You can go ahead and put me where you like, with no consideration for power availability, and my longer cord allows for some creativity for where the sound ends up!

If you would like to discuss plans for your specific event, we can always talk through the possibilities. I am available at (312) 860-4997.

Ceremony Harpist, Ravisloe Country Club, Homewood

The courtyard here is just amazing!

Ravisloe Country Club in south suburban Homewood seems like an overlooked location sometimes, but it has one of the most beautiful outdoor locations out there. Stunning ivy covered courtyard, with a view out to the tree lined course.

The bride enters from the side of the building, 
with a beautiful tree lined backdrop

The staff quickly flipped the courtyard to cocktails (you can see the cocktail musicians setting up in the above picture), and the magical evening really got going!

If you're looking to set a magical tone for your wedding, please take a look at my website for options: www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Wedding Ceremony Harpist, Chevy Chase Country Club, Wheeling

And it was beautiful!!

 

I've been to Chevy Chase Country Club fairly often over the years, but this was my first time doing an outdoor ceremony. I believe this area is considered the "First Tee". It had been absolutely pouring rain about an hour before, so it felt almost miraculous when the clouds parted and the sun came out! 

The wedding coordinators at Chevy Chase really are wonderful, and the ceremony went off super smoothly. The couple specifically wanted "Wildest Dreams", and that sounds really fun on harp!

The wedding party emerges from the
landscaping near the back of the area

If you would like to shop for your favorite music on harp, please visit: www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com for ideas.

Catholic Mass Harpist, Winnetka

The absolutely stunning Faith, Hope,
and Charity Church in Winnetka

 

It is always a pleasure to play for a Catholic wedding, whether it is the full mass (as was the case here), or the simpler wedding ceremony. Additionally, I am happy to come and play with the regular musicians from the parish, or work as the only instrumentalist with your cantor. I have several Catholic hymnals, and generally only need a short conversation with someone from your parish to make sure that I am able to supply the specific music they are accustomed to. On this day, the harp was used throughout the mass, and the highlight was certainly when the bride took flowers to Mary, while the tenor and I performed Ave Maria. 

If you're considering adding harp to your wedding, please visit my website: www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony and Cocktail Harpist, Cuneo Mansion and Gardens, Vernon Hills

 

I love how you can't see anything beyond the grounds!

I hadn't been to the Cuneo Mansion in years, and the way they use the grounds has really changed (definitely for the better). Some of the garden areas look a little unfinished, but the overall view is really lovely. Communication from where the bridal party is gathering can be pretty challenging here, so that's definitely something to keep in mind. The bride chose "Runaway" for her entrance, and it was very dramatic (in the best sense!). After the ceremony, I moved into the house for the cocktail hour, and played while the guests explored the mansion.

Just me and the suit of armor!

It's easy and economical to add a cocktail hour to your ceremony! My prices are listed at www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com, so you can always get the information you need!

Cocktail Harpist, Empress Banquets, Addison

 

This particular client had a really great, rowdy band ready to play Eastern European favorites for the reception at Empress Banquets (I know because I got a chance to hear them warming up, and they were fantastic!). Sometimes, it's nice to have a mix of moods, and harp was just perfect for cocktails. People rested up, kicked back, and got ready to go the distance as the evening unfolded. Perfection.

You can check and see if my music looks right for the mood you are planning at www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Cocktail Harpist, The Armour House at Lake Forest Academy, Lake Forest

The veranda is the perfect place to tuck a harp!

 

This wedding was such a pleasure, because I had actually been present when they got engaged! The groom had planned a fantastic proposal in summer 2020, and the couple invited me back for their cocktail reception at The Armour House. Repeat customers are always a pleasure, but this was just a delight! The little veranda is perfect for a harp, as I caught people going in and out, as well as those who stayed on the patio. The Luniks Entertainment DJ set up my built in mic so that the sound was relayed inside, too. The groom thought to plan some special requests, so I now know "Wildest Dreams", and it sounds great on harp!

Harpist's view!

Special requests are always available, and you can learn about the process on my website: www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony Harpist, at Home in Batavia

This beautiful little gazebo helped mark the ceremony site.

I love seeing my clients find ways to celebrate even when coronavirus restrictions are a struggle! This lovely couple had married in church, but faced a strict limitation of who could attend. To get around that, they planned an additional short service that included vows, and went straight into a phenomenal outdoor celebration! I was delighted to be part of their ceremony plans, and the harp music definitely gave everything a nice structure and a bit of formality. The start of a beautiful evening for sure!

My website includes repertoire lists that you may find helpful in planning your ceremony: www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony Harpist, Morton Arboretum, Lisle

 

There aren't many ceremony sites that have great views no matter what direction you look, but Meadow Lake Point at The Morton Arboretum is definitely one of them! This stunning location provides shade for most everyone, and great sight lines for the harpist trying to get the music timed just right, so perfect all the way around!

Let me help you match your perfect location with your perfect music choices! www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony and Cocktail Harpist, Country Coach House, Burlington

The ceremony space is truly lovely!

The Country Coach House is a brand new wedding venue in the far northwest town of Burlington. I spoke to the owners, and the business grew out of hosting their own daughters' weddings on their property, and getting further inquiries from friends and family. It is truly charming, and worth the drive!

Right next to the ceremony site is this rustic little barn,
complete with chandeliers!

After the couple's ceremony, a food truck pulled up to feed the guests and start the party! 

Cocktail hours are an easy add-on to your ceremony, and frequently available as a last minute addition. Please see my website, www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com for details!

Ceremony Harpist, Schram Memorial Chapel, Glenview

The chapel in all its beautiful simplicity.

 I was delighted to get a chance to see the gorgeously renovated Schram Memorial Chapel located on the old Glenview Naval Air Station property. It really is a beautiful, comfortable space, with room for 150 guests. I think it would be especially lovely for smaller weddings, because it has such an intimate feel!

Let me know if I can help you plan your wedding music! www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony Harpist, County Line Orchard, Hobart, Indiana

Apple trees on one side, and shade trees on the other!

This venue was a revelation! County Line Orchards really has the perfect outdoor wedding figured out. I stopped in at the barn/reception venue to meet with the mother of the bride and check in with the wedding coordinator. The barn was super cute, and had all the facilities you need for (of course) the reception, but also a lovely ceremony if the weather was uncooperative. Next stop: one of their two wedding ceremony groves. As you can see, it was absolutely lovely. They even had the transportation down for the guests, like the hayrides of yore, but much neater!

 

If you need help putting together your perfect playlist, check my website for ideas! www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com 

The wedding grove is really private!

 

Fantastic transit via tractor!

Bridal Shower Harpist, The Peninsula Chicago

A beautiful sunlit room with great views!

 

It was such a thrill to be part of the team at The Peninsula Chicago, even if it was just for one morning! The room was exquisite, and the guests relaxed while I played classic love songs. Harp is perfect for a Sunday morning when everyone would like to wake up gently! Without my amp, you can easily place me close to your guests and not worry that I will overwhelm the conversation. I definitely looking forward to playing for the wedding ceremony later this year!!!

If you would like to see all the variety of songs I play, please visit my website: www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com.

Had to get my picture with the icon!

Ceremony Harpist, Mistwood Golf Club, Romeoville

You're overlooking the golf course lake...wow!

I thought the view on the Mistwood Golf Club patio was one of the loveliest I have ever seen! Situated between two buildings of the complex, it provides a fair amount of shade as the afternoon progresses, and the landscaping is really beautiful. You are near enough to the parking lot that it is super convenient, but the landscaped path and archway make it seem tucked away. Such a treat for all involved!

If you would like to add music to your dream location, my repertoire lists can help! www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Guests and the bridal party enter through a landscaped path
and archway (see it in back?)

 

Ceremony Harpist, Artifact Events, Chicago

The catwalk you see in the middle of the
picture is part of the processional path!

This was my first time to this amazing venue, and Artifact Events certainly has a lot to offer. The ceremony space is just really grand; so much so that it is impossible to get all of the wonderful elements in a single picture! My favorite is the nice long walk for the processional...more time to admire the wedding party and bride! The groom turned out to be a big fan of the singer and harpist Joanna Newsom, and he really wanted to include some of her music (in an instrumental version) in the ceremony. We spent some time discussing the possibilities, and decided on "Sprout and the Bean" for the processional. I am happy to report that it worked beautifully!

If you have a non-traditional wedding song in mind, you might be able to make use of my special request process. See more information in the FAQ section of my website at www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com.

Multiple levels for all you'll need!

 

Ceremony Harpist, Odyssey Venue, Tinley Park

A lovely lake view!

The Odyssey has two pavilions, and this is the east one. The weather was stunning, and I was happy to play from my old school R and B repertoire, including a new special request for me: Caught Up in the Rapture by Anita Baker! It has been a few years since I've been to the Odyssey, and the landscaping on this side is looking really great now. One of the nicest features of this venue is the long walk for the bridal party... you know I like those dramatic entrances!

If you need the perfect song for your dramatic entrance, my website can help: www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

And landscaping along your procession!

 

Ceremony Harpist, Lincolnshire Marriott Resort, Lincolnshire

Near the mandap, but with a great view
of the procession!

I have driven by the impressive tent at the Lincolnshire Marriott Resort many times, so it was a thrill to finally get a chance to set up and play! Of course I brought my Bollywood repertoire, and played both prelude for the guests, and some wonderful music for the couple and their wedding party during the processional. 

If you have plans to integrate contemporary American music and Bollywood classics, I would love to help! You can see a list of the Bollywood pieces I know at my website, www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

A wider view of the beautiful tent!

Ceremony Harpist, At Home in Morton Grove

 

At home weddings are just so lovely and personal, and this one was no exception. The groom met me out front in shorts to help with the load-in! The couple chose classical music for their processional, and asked me to play "Terrapin Station" by the Grateful Dead for the recessional. After the ceremony, they relaxed on the deck with their guests, and I provided some cocktail music to get the evening truly underway. 

If you are a lover of the Grateful Dead, I now have a selection for you!! You can peruse my repertoire list for other off-the-beaten-path selections at www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Reception Harpist, Rialto Square Theatre, Joliet

The cocktail space is in the balcony lobby, 
overlooking the main floor.

I have played on the stage of the Rialto Theatre before but, like most musicians, it never occurred to me to go out to the public spaces. You can imagine how delighted I was to discover that they are a treasure! The bride was a fan of all things Disney, so I worked plenty of those selections in amongst other classic American love songs. It was a magical night in a magical space. Truly nothing else like this venue in our area!

Always feel free to let me know what music is special to you and your family. Part of hiring a harpist is getting a personalized playlist that is exactly right for your wedding. My website makes a great starting point: www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Eventually, I turned the harp around to play down to
the reception. The harp makes quite an impression
even from a distance!

 

Ceremony and Reception Harpist, The Grove, Glenview

It's been far too long since I've been to The Grove, but it was such a pleasure to see some of the wonderful changes they've made! As you can see from the pictures, The Redfield Estate and the surrounding grounds really make for a fairytale impression!

After the ceremony, guests were able to stop by the patio for a drink, and then stroll over to the new reception structure for brunch. It was a warm day, but things were shady and cool inside the pavilion!

Cocktail music is listed at my website, so you can easily decide if your music needs extend beyond the ceremony! www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

 

Ceremony Harpist, Thompson Hotel, Chicago

The room is quite narrow, and probably best for one
person down the aisle at a time!

The Thompson Chicago has a number of really lovely smaller spaces, and they can be configured in a variety of ways. What you see here is the combined Chelsea and Factory private dining spaces. It is a slightly smaller footprint than the 3rd floor space, and a completely different decor, so... options!

This was a rescheduled pandemic wedding, and we all know some of the pressures that can come with that! The bride chose "Moon River" for her wedding party, and Canon in D for her entrance. It seemed like the perfect combination of tradition and wistful optimism for a new beginning in these strange times.

Let me help you capture your mood in music? www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Windows the entire length of the room.

 

Ceremony Harpist, At Home in Burr Ridge

 I set up on the back patio and started with an hour of cocktail music as the guests visited before the ceremony. When it was time for the ceremony, I moved to the back of the property, and soon the music was beckoning the guests to head around the tent and take a seat for the wedding. The bride wanted the traditional Canon in D for the processional, but also loved the Bob Seger tune "Living Inside My Heart" from the 1986 movie "About Last Night". A guitarist played and sang the special song during the ceremony, and I played an instrumental version for the recessional! Perfect!

The selection of 80's sheetmusic available online is excellent, so if you have a song from your past that is special, there's no reason not to include it in your plans! Who knows, maybe I already know it! www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com