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!

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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.

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Wedding Ceremony Harpist in Alsip Chateau Bu-Sche

A view through the retractable doors to the courtyard.

Chateau Bu-Sche has gone through a lot of changes and renovations over the years, and it is looking really wonderful these days!  Their two main rooms on the first floor open up onto little courtyard areas, and I do mean open up!  Your guest will be in heated or cooled environments (not to mention shade), and yet you will be able to enjoy a garden setting while you take your vows.  Truly, it is a wonderful have-it-both-ways sort of an option!  On this particular day, Linda Veleckis (the violinist) and I played prelude with the doors closed.  Just as the ceremony was about to start, staff came out and smoothly did away with the door.  Temperatures were low this particular evening (just below 50 degrees), so I think the guests were probably glad to be out of the breeze, but the bride and groom will have lovely outdoor pictures!

Harp and violin carry beautifully here!

The inside of this venue just really sparkles, and the white palate is terrific for setting off your wedding colors.  The bride chose traditional favorites including Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring, Bridal Chorus, and The Wedding March and had harp and violin for all of those selections.  For her sand ceremony, she chose the Shania Twain song "From This Moment" for harp solo.  It was a beautiful indoor/outdoor wedding!

Violinist Linda Veleckis, ready to begin!

If you need music for indoors or outdoors, please visit my website: www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com.