Ceremony Harpist, Trinity Episcopal, Wheaton

Trinity Episcopal in Wheaton is available for rent. They have two spaces available, this larger space, and a smaller, historic chapel. When you rent, you get lots of support from the church, including a coordinator named Chuck, who is wonderful. Before posting this, I wanted to make sure that there weren't specific requirements for folks wanting to hold their wedding here, and Chuck assured me that all are welcome 💗💗💗 This wonderful policy meant that all assembled on this day were able to enjoy a blended ceremony that had Christian and Indian traditions. Bollywood for prelude, anyone?

Not quite set up yet, but you can see the basics for sure!

I would love to play for your blended wedding! www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

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!

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 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

Michigan City, Indiana Wedding Ceremony Harpist

Set up at New Creation Vineyard Christian Fellowship

The lovely bride felt a little stressed when she called, because she was planning a wedding at a remote location.  With family and friends spread over the midwest, she and her groom decided to pick a central location, find a church willing to host them, and make travel more equitable for all of those attending.  I travel to Northwest Indiana for a small additional fee, so it was no problem for me.  

As we began planning her music she confided that she had "no idea" what she wanted and felt like she might be unable to make appropriate choices.  A surprising number of brides actually feel that way!  My advice is always the same:  set aside a half an hour and listen to some of the selections on my website.  Keep track of the things you like and the things you don't.  Then, if it is still confusing, we can talk and usually work things out rather easily.  I will make some suggestions based on what you tell me, and things go fairly smoothly.  Or, you will be like this bride who, after listening to the short selections on my site, actually knew exactly what she wanted!  Music shouldn't be scary.  All it needs to do is support the mood that you are hoping for on your wedding day.  I promise not to make it harder than that!!

Visit my website at www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com to find sound samples that will make your music selection process easier!

Wedding Ceremony Harpist, St. Michael's in Old Town

First of all, isn't St. Michael's beautiful in the snow?  I love Winter weddings because they are so romantic and cozy.  St. Michael's is a wonderful option for Catholic couples, because they are willing to host weddings for people outside their own parish.  This ceremony was particularly amazing because the couple had a string quartet on hand!  The acoustics in St. Michael's are just wonderful to begin with, and by the time we had string quartet and harp playing Canon in D, it sounded like the couple had a small orchestra at their wedding!

String quartet just before we began playing together!

Wedding Ceremony Harpist, Riverside United Methodist Church

The regal outside of Riverside United Methodist Church

There are lots of wonderful venues in the greater Chicago area, but not many of them are actual churches with welcoming congregations. Riverside United Methodist Church is a beautiful, distinctive wedding site for many, many reasons.  When you book your wedding here, you will be celebrating in an impressive stone and wood building that features beautiful stained glass all around.  Couples are married by Pastor Douglas Asbury, and he also meets with and counsels the couple before their wedding day.  

My lovely client couldn't quite find the right processional on my website.  She thought maybe Ave Maria, but that can be a tricky song when it comes to fitting into a processional time frame.  We talked a little, and I suggested the newest song I was working on might be just the thing.  I put a bit of speed on the project, and played through the Stevie Wonder tune "My Cherie Amour" for her two days later.  Jackpot! It had just the sentimental, gentle feeling she wanted, and it is now my new favorite processional!

If you would like to talk about your perfect processional, don't go to my website, just call me directly!  I can be reached at (773) 881-0706 most weekdays and some weekends.

My harp is down front on the right, bathed in light!