Manteno Sportsmen's Club, Manteno Wedding Ceremony Harpist

Manteno Sportsmen's Club, the patio on the lake.

So we were supposed to be outside, and it should've worked out; it was only early October after all.  Then things took a turn, and it was just a little too wet, a little too cold, and the bride made the hard call to move everything indoors. This is right about the time that you end up being super glad you booked live music, because nothing can warm up a space faster than live music.  This particular bride was a musician herself, so she had me for the wedding ceremony and cocktail hour, and then a live band for the party.  Clever girl!  So outside, it drizzled and blustered, and inside we had a lovely ceremony featuring Irish music to honor the bride's heritage, and everyone celebrated. 

If you would like me to be part of your, "take what comes, but let's have a great time" plans, please write me!  Renee@Harp123.com

Set up for the inside ceremony.

Manteno Wedding Ceremony Harpist

"The Bowl" at Camp Shaw.  

If you are looking for a stunning natural setting, you may want to consider Camp Shaw in Manteno, Illinois.  The camp is just 7 miles off of Interstate 57, and it sits alongside the beautiful Rock Creek. Weddings are held at "The Bowl" which is accessible by the long staircase shown above, or golf carts that carry people down an access drive.  This is a naturalistic setting and does not feature manicured gardens, but it is so lovely!  The area allowed for a large group of chairs, and the bride and groom stood under an arbor that was put up after I had already started playing.  Probably the best part was the abundant shade which, along with the creek, lowered temperatures about 10 degrees from what the rest of the world was experiencing!

Plenty of room, all with a view of the creek!

Afterwards, guests headed up to the mess hall on the top of the hill for dinner, and then across the footbridge for dancing at yet another pavilion.  Camp Shaw certainly has plenty of room to roam!

Rock Creek from the footbridge.

A long view of the footbridge.