Ceremony Harpist, Morton Arboretum, Lisle

This was a gorgeous wedding at The Morton Arboretum, but it was crazy busy! We were supposed to be outside, but rain was threatening, so we moved inside. I know the harp looks like you would just grab that one thing and be off, but I have tons of other equipment - cases, extra strings, music stand etc. The Founder's Room was quite the hub of activity, as the other vendor's pulled the decorations and chairs inside, too. So, no picture of the amazing room, as it was a work in progress all the way up to when we began playing. Oh, that's right! It was a "we" job, in this case, the wonderful violinist Sara Vettraino of Belle Music. If you're thinking of having strings at your wedding, harp and violin is a fantastic combination!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Wedding Ceremony Harpist, Morton Arboretum, Lisle

This was a new location for me at the lovely Morton Arboretum. We were behind the Thornhill Education Center, and off in a little grove of trees - perfection! The bride was concerned about the long walk from the center, not wanting the music to be repeated before she actually arrived at the aisle, so we hopped on a phone call and worked out a plan. Phone consultations, where I play for you over the phone, are always a great option if there are questions or concerns!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

This little guy was "Ring Security" LOL

Ceremony Harpist, Fragrance Garden, Morton Arboretum, Lisle

The Fragrance Garden at the Morton Arboretum is a charming location for a small ceremony! The bride made good use of her 2 special requests, and had the love theme from "Jane the Virgin" for her processional, and "Like a Star" for her recessional. The guests relaxed before and after the ceremony in the gorgeous garden, and it was a lovely start to the couple's new life together!

If you would like to see if I already know your special song, visit my website: www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Wedding Ceremony and Reception Harpist, Morton Arboretum, Lisle

60 chairs fit easily

The Morton Arboretum has so many stunning locations, but the Fragrance Garden is my absolute favorite for smaller weddings. If you schedule a morning time it is fairly quiet, and you can really enjoy the easy access while still feeling like you are in a private garden.

Plenty of room for the harpist!

Afterwards we headed across the road to a reception at the Sycamore Room. Guests had access to the patio, and then came inside for a buffet lunch.

The amazing views continued!

If you need help planning music for your ceremony and reception, I would be delighted to help! www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony Harpist, Morton Arboretum, Lisle

 

There aren't many ceremony sites that have great views no matter what direction you look, but Meadow Lake Point at The Morton Arboretum is definitely one of them! This stunning location provides shade for most everyone, and great sight lines for the harpist trying to get the music timed just right, so perfect all the way around!

Let me help you match your perfect location with your perfect music choices! www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Wedding Ceremony Harpist, Morton Arboretum, Lisle

Morton Arboretum rain site

Well, it wasn't supposed to be like this, but Summer 2019 seems to be rather on the wet side. I was glad that the Arboretum had a rain site, and that the rain was coming down straight enough that it was practical for us to be out at all!

This particular bride had some very special music planned. She walked down to the "Flower Duet", and she had two friends there to sing it to harp accompaniment. They were phenomenal singers, and the whole thing was really memorable, if a little soggier than everyone would've liked!

Here is a link to me playing a solo version of the "Flower Duet". It is a really wonderful piece, even without the singers!

Luckily, there were at least a few flowers behind where the
bridal couple would be standing!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Cocktail and Reception Harpist, Morton Arboretum, Lisle

My position for cocktails. You can get a glimpse of the Ginkgo terrace beyond.

I have actually been to the Arboretum before, but always on the other side of the highway at the Thornhill Education Center. This was my first time in the Ginkgo room, and I was really impressed! First of all, I should mention that is was just beastly hot on this particular day, so I think the guests really enjoyed having the option of being out on the terrace, or enjoying the amazing view from the air conditioned Ginkgo Room! The staff expertly turned the public area just outside the Ginkgo Room into a cocktail venue, and everything was set to begin as the Arboretum closed to the public for the day.

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get a photo of the dinner reception area (as it was filled with guests by the time I moved in) but the view is show stopping, and worth a trip to see for yourself.  

For my part, I try to change things up as much as possible. My cocktail selections include elegant standard by Gershwin, more recent popular tunes like "Marry You", and things you would never expect like "Be My Baby" by the Ronettes!  For dinner, I often play well known classical melodies, but that choice is really for the client, as additional popular selections can be really lovely, too.

You can hear some of my cocktail repertoire on my YouTube channel:  youtube.com/c/ChicagoWeddingHarpistReneeWilson.