Ceremony Harpist, St George Greek Orthodox Church, Chicago

The last wedding of the 2024 season was so much fun! Now in general, I wouldn't be allowed to provide music for the wedding in a Greek Orthodox Church, but apparently, it is okay if I sit just outside the door, and play towards the church!! I was absolutely delighted to do so, and there were a number of really lovely things that happened at this wedding. First of all, the beautiful bride was pulling up as I was unloading, so I got all of my last minute instructions from the sweetest, most reliable person ever! Then I find out that the "flower bros" are full grown men, who have worked up a whole routine to "You're My Best Friend" by Queen. I was there so early that we even got to do a little rehearsal! Finally, positioned as I was, I was close enough to see the bride's face as she crossed the threshold of the church, and headed up to marry the love of her life. <sigh> Perfection!!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony Harpist, Private Home, Michigan City, Indiana

 

This was my final outdoor wedding of the 2024 season, and it was a stunner! The client's home was situated on a private lake, so of course we had the ceremony where that incredible view could be enjoyed! I have a large repertoire, and it is always rewarding when couples find things there that they might not have asked for otherwise. In this case, it was the Metallica song "Nothing Else Matters", and it went over big with the folks in attendance that day - such a pleasure!!

You'll find repertoire lists on my website, near the bottom of the page on drop down menus.

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Reception Harpist, Bridgeport Art Center, Chicago

This wasn't a wedding, but rather a celebration of Adolfo & Co's 15 year business anniversary! Adolfo and I had done a wedding together earlier in the season, and he kept my card. When he was ready to gather the people who are important to him, he decided harp music would be fun, so I was hired. It is always an honor when you are chosen by another wedding professional, and I was delighted to play for this special celebration!

www.Harp123.com

Ceremony and Cocktail Harpist, Oscar Swan Country Inn, Geneva

There are several areas to choose from, but we were in the back.

Geneva and the Oscar Swan Country Inn are at the very edge of my travel zone, but I do like a nice drive in the country! The fall weather just barely held for them (I had my harp briefly covered at one point), and it was a beautiful ceremony. The couple chose "Storybook Love" for their wedding party processional, and it was very sweet! Then, I stayed right where I was, turned my amp up just a little, and went directly into cocktail music. They included playful things like "Despacito" and "You're My Best Friend", and it was a lovely, easy transition into the celebration!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Cocktail Reception Harpist, Drury Lane, Oak Brook

The lobby for the ballroom is very large!!

The Drury Lane complex has so many facilities! I have been here several times, but there have always been too many people around to allow for a photo. On this day, I was playing Bollywood reception music as people arrived, and got themselves settled with a little food and drink. Then, they passed by me again as they headed into the main reception. It is a lovely use of the harp, and helps everyone settle into an evening of delightful things!

My Bollywood repertoire is listed at my main website:

www.Harp123.com

Ceremony Harpist, St Cecelia, Mt Prospect

The beautiful sanctuary at St Cecelia

The couple decided not to have a full mass, but wanted to add to the occasion with live music. They chose harp and violin, and violinist Jacob Murphy added so much! The mother of the bride wanted to be sure there was no "sad music" as they are all criers, but that was no problem. They used Canon in D for the processional, and the wonderful "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz for recessional - no crying needed!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony Harpist, Portiuncula Chapel, Oak Brook

This is my third time to the Portiuncula Chapel at Mayslake Peabody Estate, and it is always a thrill. The chapel is tiny, as you'll see in the photos below, but absolutely charming. On this particular day, the couple had been planning to go to the courthouse, but their family convinced them that a small wedding would be lovely, and it was! The family chose mostly things from my repertoire, but also wanted to hear "Everything" by Michael Buble, and I was delighted to learn it.

If you are looking for someplace for your micro wedding, you really might love this venue!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony and Cocktail Harpist, Beau Chateau, Alsip

I was delighted to be back at a classic south side venue, and see it renewed and looking better than ever! This used to be Chateau Bu-Sche, but since August of 2023, it is Beau Chateau Banquets, and it is fantastic. If you have never been on the property, there are extensive green areas, and the landscaping is really beautiful. You can see in my photos that the all white really sets up a lovely canvas where all of your color choices will really pop. On this day, the groom had his own song ("Ribbon in the Sky"), and the wedding party entered from the garden area at the back of the hall to "Halo". The bride stayed traditional, with "Bridal Chorus" and "Wedding March" for the rest of the ceremony. Afterwards, I went right into cocktail music, and guests mingled while the new couple took their pictures on the grounds. It was fantastic!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony Harpist, Brookfield Zoo, Brookfield

Through the trees, was the beautiful Swan Lake

I hadn't been to the zoo in years, and certainly never with my harp! The ceremony began just as the public was leaving the park, and since we were in a far corner, it was completely private. Afterwards, guests toured the park as the vendors relocated to the Swan Pavilion for the reception. No pictures of that, so sorry! It was a beautiful, magical place for a wedding!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony Harpist, Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe

I was actually off to the side, but moved here 
to get the photo.

Midway through the week I got a call that a harpist had dropped out, and asking would I be able to cover? Of course! You never do seem to get more information than that, but it isn't really necessary. I just put my head down and start learning the music! This particular venue can be a really long roll with the harp, so I'm not sure I will be back, but it was ever so lovely!

Wedding Brunch Harpist, Grand Oaks Pavilion, Hyatt Lodge, Oak Brook

The Grand Oaks Pavilion is an iconic spot for events in the Chicago area; there's just nothing else quite like it. It nestles into the trees in the most wonderful way, but there is also a nice view of the little lake, too! On this morning, the couple was having their western wedding ceremony down by said lake, and then they all climbed the hill to the wedding brunch. At the couple's request, I played mostly pop music, but added in a few Bollywood tunes as a way to transition into the full weekend of Indian wedding festivities!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony Harpist, Freedom of Grace Full Gospel Church, Chicago Heights

Just a stunning church from where I sat!

This was such a wonderful ceremony! The bride had requested that everyone come in black, so we all looked good, too! Mostly, the bride wanted me to play prelude, which I was happy to do. When I checked in with the sound people, it turned out that they also wanted me to play the recessional! We eventually decided on "Halo", using an intermediary to go and get the bride's thoughts. I also learned "Merry Go Round of Life" because it is one of the couple's favorites, and it sounds fantastic on harp!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony Harpist, Oak Park Country Club, Oak Park

The Oak Park Country Club has an amazing rooftop veranda for their wedding ceremonies, and it boasts a sweeping view of the grounds. The bride choose "Halo" for her wedding party to process to, and I am really happy with the new arrangement that I put together. I will definitely be posting that to my YouTube channel soon!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Bridal Shower, Innsbrook Country Club, Merrillville, Indiana

This was my first time at Innsbrook Country Club, and I was so impressed! It is the perfect, sunny location to host a daytime event, and this shower was fantastic! The theme was the movie "My Best Friend's Wedding", and I played quite a bit of music from the movie - "What the World Needs Now", "Say a Little Prayer", "The Way You Look Tonight", and "I'll Never Fall in Love Again". Harp music can be a wonderful way to set the mood for you and your guests!

www.Harp123.com

Ceremony Harpist, Idlewild Country Club, Flossmoor

Idlewild Country Club, in the south suburbs, is a really gorgeous venue! I love all of the natural light, and the greenery that you can enjoy while still being cool and comfortable. Additionally, you are the only event here, so you can really enjoy yourself and not worry about how your plans will intersect with someone else's plans! They told me that they do work with clients who are not members of the club, so I think this is a fantastic place to consider!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Pre-Ceremony Reception Harpist, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Chicago

This was absolutely brilliant. There were rules in place that would not allow me to play inside, so the couple had me play outside, both before and after their ceremony! Guests mingled on the front steps and enjoyed champagne and harp music until it was time to go in and celebrate the couple. It set a joyful tone for the nuptials, and I could not have loved it more!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony Harpist, The Grove (Redfield Estate), Glenview

 

I love the storybook charm of the Redfield Estate at The Grove! It is always a luxury to have the facilities you need near a beautiful natural area, and this location really delivers. The couple chose "I Will Follow You Into the Dark" by Death Cab for Cutie for their fairly long processional, and it worked really well. So nice to have 3 verses and choruses for what is a bit of a longer walk at The Grove. The bride entered to "Claire de Lune", and it was romantic and perfect!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Bollywood Harpist, Donald E Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont

This was an enormous, joyful, Indian wedding, but it can be hard to get a good picture.... I actually come to the convention center towards the end of the evening to provide music when the guests are getting their desserts from the buffet. I am set up facing a curtain that will be opened when the time is right, so it looks a little odd in photos! At least in this photo, you can see some of the amazing dessert options behind me! 

I have a fun set of Bollywood hits that I love playing, and am frequently available for the later jobs even at the last minute. Don't hesitate to call if you find you would like to have harp music at your reception!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Bridal Shower Harpist, The Drake Oak Brook, Autograph Collection

This lovely bridal shower was a tea, and I think many people associate The Drake  downtown with tea service and harpists! The two hotels are no longer owned by the same company, but you can see many features in the suburban location that remind you of the downtown hotel. I hadn't been in years, and was pleased to see what a wonderful property it continues to be!

I played love songs as everyone chatted and celebrated the soon-to-be married couple, and it was a delight!

Harp music is perfect for a bridal shower! There's more information at my website: www.Harp123.com

Ceremony Harpist, Cantigny Park, Wheaton

I have played at Cantigny multiple times, but this was my first time at the Rose Garden. It is certainly a lovely location, and the ceremony was beautiful. The bride chose "Turning Page" by Sleeping at Last for her processional, and it was very sweet! The full sun was a big challenge, but I had my brand new stroller sun shade so I could still read my iPad, and that was a big help!

This helped the iPad not overheat, and cut down
on glare so I could still read it!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony Harpist, City Hall Events, Chicago

 

This was my first time at City Hall Events, and it was amazing! It's a big space, but they have their own house sound system, and a sound professional to get me all squared away. The space allows for a long processional, and the couple choose 3 different songs for their processional - "Hallelujah", "Moon River", and "Can't Help Falling in Love". It was beautiful, and fit them perfectly! When the bride arrived under the chuppah, I played "Evening of Roses" while she walked around her future husband. It was touching, and dramatic!

How can music enhance your ceremony? www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

It's a big place - can you find the harp??

Ceremony Harpist, Mio Modo, St Charles

 

It was so much fun to be part of the very first wedding to take place in the newly remodeled Mio Modo event space! It is a really flexible, beautiful space, and has a nice long aisle, which only enhances the processional, for sure. The bride chose two Luke Combs pieces, "Better Together" and "Beautiful Crazy", so my country music choices have now increased. She also wanted a mash up of "Here Comes the Bride" and "Wildest Dreams" that she saw on YouTube for her entrance, and that was super fun!

Do I know any of your favorite songs? www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Bridal Shower Harpist, Redstone American Grill, Oakbrook Terrace

I was delighted to be a late stage addition to the bridal shower plans for a lovely couple in the Redstone American Grill private dining area. I always have over 8 hours of music up and ready to go at any time, so I can create a play list on the spot that will cater to the people I see in the room. Extra bonus points if the attendees start giving me feedback about what music they appreciate!

It is really never too late to add live music! www.Harp123.com

Ceremony and Cocktail Harpist, Bridgeport Art Center

 

The Bridgeport Art Center is one of those venues that is so large and impressive that is is difficult to capture in a photo. I played for the ceremony from this large space near the back, and then was able to move about 10 feet into the next room for the cocktails! It was a smooth, and beautiful start to the evening!

Impossible to get in the photo, but the view is amazing!!

They requested formal black, which is always
an elegant option!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Bollywood Dinner Music Harpist, The Old Post Office, Chicago

The Old Post Office is a large space, so the couple used harp music to warm it up and welcome their guests! I started out facing this way, so I could greet guests as they made their way into the main seating area. You can see the mandap if you peek behind the curtains!!

Then I turned around so I could welcome them back in after introductions, when they were enjoying the buffet dinner and dessert! Once again, I was working with and for the wonderful DJ Kazi, so the sound would be equal to the large event!

You can see my Bollywood repertoire listed at www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

 

Vow Renewal Harpist, Bolingbrook Golf Club, Bolingbrook

The patio at the Bolingbrook Golf Club is really the loveliest! The club does a great job of having staff available for whatever is needed, and you are mere steps from anything you might wish for. Afterwards, I saw their porch out back - it's a total wow! Vow Renewals can be a different sort of a thing, as the couple is actively living their married life while still planning for the ceremony. Frequently, I have found that the music gets added in a little later than for first time vows, but that's no problem! I have a large repertoire of things you can pick from, even when your big day is just around the corner!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Bollywood Dinner Music Harpist, Shalimar Banquets, Addison

I had never seen Shalimar Banquets completely opened up before, and it was lovely! I was there to provide Bollywood favorites mixed in with some western pop songs, and it worked out beautifully! I was supported by the wonderful DJ Kazi, who made sure the harp sound was able to be heard in such a large space!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com