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!

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Sunday Mass With a Bonus Wedding!

For the past 20 years, I have had the privilege of playing midnight mass on Christmas Eve at All Saints Episcopal Church in Western Springs. This past Christmas, the congregation was thrilled to learn (during the service announcements) that one of its members was newly engaged to be married!  Nearly six months later, I was honored to be asked back to play for the happy couple.  They choose an arrangement that I have never seen before, but it was really wonderful:  they married during a regularly scheduled Sunday Mass!  The officiant, choir, altar servers and wedding party entered to the organ playing a standard entrance hymn, then I played for the bride and her escort.  The bride choose "Gentle Maiden", which has been sort of the breakout hit of the new options I recorded for the website this Spring (you can listen to it here).  I was also able to accompany one of the bride's friends on the Schubert "Ave Maria".

The groom surprised his bride with a bagpiper to lead them from the ceremony to the reception, and I was glad to be able to help them find someone wonderful.  If you need additional musicians, I am always happy to help you locate good, reliable options, and there is no charge for my help.

The reception was in the church hall (complete with harp music) and on the church lawn, and a good time was had by all.  I generally don't include photos of the wedding party, so as not to invade their privacy, but I am going to make an exception.  Below is a picture of Fernie.  She is normally a service dog to one of the wedding party, but added "flower dog" to her list of accomplishments on this day.  Here, she is relaxing in the shade at the reception, like the rock star that she is.

If you need more information on hiring a harpist, please visit www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com.