Ceremony Harpist, Georgios Banquets, Orland Park

 

I haven't been to Georgios in years, and I don't think I've ever seen this particular room. The clients had decorated so beautifully, and they had definite ideas of what they wanted - which I always love! I played the normal prelude music that I would provide, but I was not needed for the processional, which is unusual. But. The bride wanted me to play underneath the entire wedding ceremony, which I was happy to do! She particularly wanted Ruelle's "I Get to Love You", and I learned "Overjoyed" by Stevie Wonder, because I thought it would be lovely, and it really was!!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

60th Wedding Anniversary Harpist, Papa Joe's, Orland Park

Papa Joe's private banquet room.

I was kind of a last minute addition, and that was fine by me! Preparations had been chugging along bit by bit over time, as the party was meant to be a surprise for the anniversary couple, but they hadn't yet thought about music.  Papa Joe's already features live music (a pianist) on Saturday nights, but the couple's daughter thought it would be fun to have music right in the room where they would be celebrating.  In these situations, I generally arrive well before the guests of honor, and play for the party goers as they get ready to surprise the arriving couple.  It turns out that the 60th anniversary couple did not have any special songs, so I started out with "All You Need is Love" by the Beatles and went from there.  It was a casual party, and everyone was in high spirits.  Of course we had "Here Comes the Bride" for the entrance of the guests of honor, and indeed they were surprised!  

And yes, the green centerpiece is a palm tree.
They were adorable!

Gwen, The Hero of Two Locations!

Our target location (Palos Country Club gazebo) under threatening skies.

The situations don't really get more difficult than this one:  a light rain starting just as the musicians begin to arrive for an outdoor wedding. Lucky for us, wedding consultant Gwen English is the kind of person you want on hand when the difficult decisions need to be made. Knowing that the couple really wanted to be outdoors, she completed her set up there early, and then turned her attentions toward transforming the large room overlooking the golf course at Palos Country Club into a beautiful wonderland of flowers and candlelight, just in case we were kept indoors.  Unfortunately, I didn't manage to get a photo of the set up, since just as soon as it was completed the doors swung open and we began to play.  We, in this case, were a trio:  harp, flute, and violin.  It was a magnificent wedding, salvaged from soggy prospects.  Gwen works through the South Loop Floral and Events Gallery, and I can tell you that besides being delightful, she has enough imagination, foresight, and work ethic to keep anyone's wedding on track for memorable and amazing.

Gwen English, with a relieved groom!

For additional information on wedding music, please visit:

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com