Ceremony and Cocktail Harpist, Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk, Chicago

All set up for the ceremony!

 The Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk contains so many options! The music needed for most Hindu ceremonies is fairly limited. I played some prelude for the guests, and then the entrance music for the couple and their families. While they finished their ceremony, I moved down to the Riverwalk, so I could greet the guests with music for the cocktail hour! It was so much fun to watch the guests (many of whom seemed to be from out of town) enjoying the panorama that is the Chicago Riverwalk!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony and Cocktail Harpist, The Farmhouse, Plainfield

This was on October 12 - so gorgeous!

 The Farmhouse in Plainfield was a new venue for me, and I thought it was brilliant. They have everything you need, all in close proximity, and the landscaping was absolutely stunning! I was on the job with the wonderful Sara Vettraino of Belle Music, which was a treat, as well. I love the sound of harp and violin, and Sara is a fantastic musician. We played prelude, and then they had recorded music they wanted for the ceremony. We quickly and quietly moved from the back of the ceremony over to the patio for cocktails. Here's our photo from the end of the evening!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony Harpist, Sarabande, Chicago

 

Sarabande is a really lovely venue on the Northside of Chicago. I had been here for a networking event a few years ago, but this was my first time seeing how it functioned for a wedding, and I was very impressed! First of all, it manages to just glow with soft lighting, which I love. Secondly, the space is really flexible, which is so useful! As if that isn't enough, they also have a large parking lot right across the street! Such an unusual amenity in a city venue!

The couple chose the Lana Del Ray/Disney classic "Once Upon a Dream" and it was absolutely beautiful!

All set up for the ceremony!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony and Cocktail Harpist, Firehouse Chicago

 I've been to Firehouse Chicago several times over the years, and it is one of my favorite venues. First of all, it's gorgeous. But don't forget distinctive, and whimsical. Finally, the staff here are really good, so everything just works. This was the first time I've been here that the bride was able to use the long stairway (sorry, no picture of that), and it was very dramatic! She chose the Mitski song "My Love All Mine", for she and her mother to walk in to, and I think there wasn't a dry eye in the place.

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony Harpist, Hyatt Lodge, Oak Brook

The ceremony site is right next to the lake!

 I have been to the Hyatt Lodge many times, but it never fails to impress. There's even a little portico, so if the weather is wet, I have some options, and could still play for couples that want to go ahead with their outdoor plans. That wasn't an issue on this glorious day! The couple had chosen a variety of Anime and video game music, including "Merry-Go-Round of Life", "One Summer's Day", and "The Great Fairy Fountain". It was fantastic!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony and Cocktail Harpist, Idlewild Country Club, Flossmoor

It's hard to see the creek in the picture, but you are right there!

 This setting, at Idlewild Country Club, is really singular. You're sitting on the edge of Butterfield Creek, amid tall trees, in dappled shade; so essentially, just really gorgeous. It is however, not the easiest setting to bring a harp into! The folks at Idlewild were super helpful, and I was able to make the best of a difficult situation. The toughest part was that I was due back in the clubhouse for cocktails directly after the ceremony! I had some help getting my miscellaneous equipment back up the hill so I could concentrate on just moving the harp, and it was much appreciated. This is a venue where, in the future, only the ceremony OR the cocktails will be able to be booked, but doing either of those will be a real pleasure 💖

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Ceremony and Cocktails Harpist, Studio Sunset, Chicago

Studio Sunset is a multiple use location - you can rent it for events or for photography sessions. On this day, there was lots of activity, because the relatives of the couple getting married were setting everything up for them, and this was the only picture that I managed to steal. Luckily, there are tons of good photos of the space available on their website.  Like most micro weddings, the ceremony just glided right into the celebration, and I was delighted to play for both! We also had the lovely Adolfo on hand to officiate!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com