Ceremony and Cocktail Harpist, Union League Club, Chicago

 Every area I've been to in the Union League Club has been grand, but the President's Hall was particularly lovely. Unfortunately, things were being set up, and I wasn't able to get a good picture of the fireplace area, so here's a link to the Party Slate listing. The grooms had a special song in mind, Party 4 U, and very smartly also employed a violinist to help round things out. After the ceremony, I stayed in place and played for the cocktail hour. It was lovely, and very refined and relaxed!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Cocktail Harpist, Chicago Hilton and Towers, Chicago

 The Chicago Hilton and Towers is magic, especially at Christmas time! I welcomed guests with Bollywood favorites as they climbed the stairs for the cocktail reception. Because the Normandy Lounge (barely seen through the columns on the right) is open to this area, I was able to point my amp in that direction and provide music to the guests who were already enjoying cocktail hour, too! Of course, I came properly dressed!

Reception Harpist, Palmer House

Harpist's view of this amazing room!

 I haven't been to the Palmer House in a number of years, so I was really looking forward to being in the Empire Room. As with most historic hotels, it is quite an adventure to get a harp to where you are going to be playing, but it is all worth it! I played Bollywood and western favorites for the guests, and even got to sit up on the stage with the couple themselves! 

The sweetheart table is just there on the right of the stage!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

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