Ceremony Harpist, Cantigny Park, Wheaton

I have played at Cantigny multiple times, but this was my first time at the Rose Garden. It is certainly a lovely location, and the ceremony was beautiful. The bride chose "Turning Page" by Sleeping at Last for her processional, and it was very sweet! The full sun was a big challenge, but I had my brand new stroller sun shade so I could still read my iPad, and that was a big help!

This helped the iPad not overheat, and cut down
on glare so I could still read it!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony Harpist, Prairie View, Cantigny Park, Wheaton

 The Prarie View area of Cantigny Park is really lovely. Normally weddings are set up facing the other direction (see photo below), but this couple wanted a long processional, so this was perfect. It was important to the couple to have "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" in several sections of the wedding, and I was happy to do that. For their special requests, they wanted Taylor Swift songs, so I've added "Lover" and "Enchanted" to my repertoire now!

The advertised "prairie view"!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

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 Ceremony and Cocktail Harpist, Danada House, Wheaton

Absolutely perfect weather!

This was the latest outdoor wedding I have agreed to play in quite a while, and I was glad that I did.... the weather was beautiful! Of course, it is very reassuring to know that you have all of the resources of the Danada House available if necessary! The bride chose an eclectic mix of classical and popular music for her ceremony, but was thrilled to find that I have a small selection of Bollywood tunes available as well. So the ceremony reflected the shared American heritage of the couple, but the reception was able to fold in the additional Indian heritage of the groom and his family. Brilliant, and inclusive, and who doesn't love that! 

If you think you might be interested in Bollywood music, you can find a sampling on my YouTube channel!

The bridal party processed to the ceremony from the house,
and we all returned there for cocktails.

The guests, and then the bride and her father used this pathway!

Wedding Ceremony Harpist, Cantigny, Wheaton

It is really hard to get a complete perspective on Cantigny.
My harp is in the extreme right hand corner of the shot.

Cantigny is an amazing spot for a wedding. It is somehow vast and impressive while also being intimate. The park does an amazing job keeping visitors behind the wedding party, so as soon as the bride descends the stairs you really feel you have all of this splendor to yourself.

This ceremony was unusual in the fact that I accompanied two fabulous young high school students. They were students of a friend of the bride's, and they both sang and accompanied themselves with guitars. I always figure that my job in these circumstances is to let the soloists shine, and it was certainly very easy to do with these young men! Originally we had planned to have me fill out the accompaniment to "Hawaiian Wedding Song," but since they were already at my house rehearsing, we also tried "Can't Help Falling in Love" and it went super smoothly. A quick call to the bride, and I was added to that for the wedding day, also.

If you are going to have a soloist for your wedding day, I generally arrive a few minutes earlier than normal so that we can run things again. Safely is definitely my motto for weddings! The boys handled the special music with me nicely, and I filled in with prelude and recessional (Bruno Mars!). Total teamwork success!

If you would like to discuss having me accompany your special guests, just call! (773) 881-0706.

Wedding Ceremony Harpist Cantigny, Wheaton

The beautiful view from the seating area on the East side of Cantigny.

The Cantigny complex is large and varied.  There are a number of public gardens, picnic groves, a visitor's center, and a historic mansion. I believe they do weddings in several locations, but I have only ever been on the East side of the mansion.  There, you will find terraced lawns that work their way down to reflecting pools and one of the loveliest views around.  This location has the added distinction of keeping all of your guests in the shade, as long as your wedding begins after about 5 pm!

The bride and groom on this day wanted the lovely "Flower Duet" song from the opera "Lakme" for the wedding party, then it was "Bridal Chorus", more commonly known as "Here comes the Bride"!  I was able to include "Bianco Fiore" (as the recessional) to honor some guests who were Italian, and "Evening of Roses" (in the prelude) for some who were Jewish.  Everything was a beautiful reflection of the bridal couple!

If you would like to see if I know any of your favorite songs, please visit my website:  www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

The view as you descend the hill at Cantigny.