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!

Vow Renewal Harpist, Lincolnshire Marriott, Lincolnshire

Just a beautiful setting!

The lovely woman who was planning this had done without the music she wanted at her original ceremony, and she was not going to go without this time! Originally scheduled for Spring 2020, she was absolutely a delight through all of the uncertainty and rescheduling, and I felt so lucky to be able to play for her! The Lincolnshire Marriott helped by providing a beautiful room that was larger than what would've been needed in pre pandemic times. Everyone was distanced and safe, and ready to celebrate the couple's happy union! Besides picking out "Air" from Water Music to process to, the bride also requested a special song for her young grandson (You've Got a Friend in Me), to make him feel included in all of the plans. Once the reception started, I played a variety of classical music and love songs, including "Color My World," which was the couple's special song back in the day. 

You can check my repertoire list for your special song, but I also learn special request music! www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Wedding Ceremony Harpist, Lincolnshire Marriott, Lincolnshire

"On the Greens" at Marriott Lincolnshire

So I've actually been here before, but it was too wet to go with the original outdoor plan that day.  This time around, the weather really cooperated, and I think I got to see the site at its finest.  I was working through an agent, Lise Gilly, so while I did not speak to the bride directly, I had great information on what she wanted.  The bride specified 5 songs for her prelude, but that was enough for me to know the types of things she liked and fill in a bit when we needed more.  She mixed classical and pop, so "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" came just before the "Iz" version of "Over the Rainbow"!  The guests mingled under the tall trees, and enjoyed the cold beverages that the hotel had set up for them.  When it was time for the ceremony to begin, I could actually see the bride emerge from the hotel across from where we were set up.  There is rather a long walk, across a parking area and then lawn, so I played a little of "Trumpet Voluntary" and then shifted to "Here Comes the Bride" when it was time for the congregation to stand. It was a beautiful ceremony, and so much fun to finally see the Lincolnshire outdoor space in action!

As a side note, you really might like to check out Lise's other musical offerings.  She fronts a really phenomenal Latin group, Grouppa Cha Cha, and represents other jazz and classical groups as well.  Sometimes, especially if you are unsure what you want or need, it can be really helpful to work through an agent, and Lise is a wonderful one!

Playing With Legos at the Marriott

It is always so much fun when couples showcase their shared interests and passions with those gathered to celebrate their union, and this wedding has so many fun components!  First, they hired the musicians separately, but (as often happens) we already knew each other anyway! They had a wonderful violinist named Jeff Yang all set to play both the ceremony and reception.  For their processional music they chose the adorable "Concerning Hobbits" from the Lord of the Ring movies, and the addition of the violin really made their selection perfect!  For their unity ceremony, they chose neither candle nor sand, but went with....... wait for it......... LEGOS!!  

Apparently the couple are big lego fans, and the officiant (Anita at Anitaweds.com) had the lovely idea of incorporating that into the ceremony.  Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate, so we were inside rather than at the hotel's outdoor space, but the reception was in a cute tent set in a green space that allowed for enjoying the garden without everyone being soggy.  At the reception, Jeff and I played lots of fun "Great American Song Book" selections;  wonderful songs by Gershwin and Cole Porter.  Plus, there was wedding cake made to look like giant lego blocks!

If you would like to hear more violin selections for your wedding, please visit my website at www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com.