Sigh. My pictures rarely seem to do justice to these beautiful events, but the story's the same again today. This past Sunday, I was thrilled to be part of a mass celebrating 50 years of marriage for couples from all over the Chicago Archdiocese. The mass was held at Holy Name Cathedral, and the celebrating couples filled the entire church! Even immediate family couldn't be accommodated in the Cathedral, so the musicians had the best (and really only) seats available in the house. It was a beautiful mass, featuring a full choir (in white shirts in the foreground of the picture), organ, harp, and violin. Ricardo Ramirez (Director of Music at the Cathedral) kept us all together as we offered Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring, Panis Angelicus, and (of course) Schubert's Ave Maria.
Well, the pictures just can't do it justice. When you're in Preston Bradley Hall at the Chicago Cultural Center, there is truly beauty all around, and that is before you start setting up for your wedding. Built in 1893, the hall features a Tiffany glass dome (backlit so you can always enjoy it), mosaics, ornate chandeliers and sconces, and a view of Millennium Park. It is dazzling. The bride descended the grand staircase to "The Prayer", and Katie from Bliss Weddings and Events kept everything moving along smoothly. The bridal couple were theater folk, so they had lots of talented people in their wedding party, and two attendants actually sang the recessional to a taped accompaniment! They used a really fun tune from the Broadway show "The Wedding Singer" and it was super cute, but it wasn't quite long enough for the entire wedding party and left a fair number of attendants still at the front of the church. No problem, because they had booked live music as well! I finished their recessional to Gershwin's "Love is Here to Stay" and things stayed smooth. Another hallmark of a well planned wedding, really, having all contingencies covered. I couldn't possibly say enough good things about Katie and the way Bliss coordinated the wedding, and their website is really fun. Happily, thanks to Chaplain Tom Brandsness, the ceremony itself was lighthearted and sweet, like the couple themselves!
Okay. So I actually do know it is September. What I am really trying to say is that the Summer just flew by, and early September was kind of lost around here due to the CPS teacher's strike and my kids still being home. Still, I participated in some really wonderful weddings this summer, saw some awesome venues, and met some vendors I am excited to tell you about, so I am going to try and catch up in the next few weeks. Here we go.....
For the past 20 years, I have had the privilege of playing midnight mass on Christmas Eve at All Saints Episcopal Church in Western Springs. This past Christmas, the congregation was thrilled to learn (during the service announcements) that one of its members was newly engaged to be married! Nearly six months later, I was honored to be asked back to play for the happy couple. They choose an arrangement that I have never seen before, but it was really wonderful: they married during a regularly scheduled Sunday Mass! The officiant, choir, altar servers and wedding party entered to the organ playing a standard entrance hymn, then I played for the bride and her escort. The bride choose "Gentle Maiden", which has been sort of the breakout hit of the new options I recorded for the website this Spring (you can listen to it here). I was also able to accompany one of the bride's friends on the Schubert "Ave Maria".
The groom surprised his bride with a bagpiper to lead them from the ceremony to the reception, and I was glad to be able to help them find someone wonderful. If you need additional musicians, I am always happy to help you locate good, reliable options, and there is no charge for my help.
The reception was in the church hall (complete with harp music) and on the church lawn, and a good time was had by all. I generally don't include photos of the wedding party, so as not to invade their privacy, but I am going to make an exception. Below is a picture of Fernie. She is normally a service dog to one of the wedding party, but added "flower dog" to her list of accomplishments on this day. Here, she is relaxing in the shade at the reception, like the rock star that she is.
Well, the picture doesn't quite do the scene justice, but you'll understand once I explain a little. The wedding took place on a beautiful piece of land out in McHenry County (Northwest of Chicago about 90 minutes). It was lovely, and the predicted rain held off, thankfully. You can see a bit of the archway/trellis that the couple used as a focal point on the left, through my harp strings. I was seated on the grass (under a tree), but once you get the harp into place on grass, you dare not take your hand off of it to get a photo! The couple took advantage of one of my options for choosing music........ they left some of it to me to decide! They chose "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" for the bridesmaids, "Canon in D" for the flower girls and the bride, and left the recessional choice to me! When given this responsibility, I always try to choose something that fits in with the other music that is being used. In this case, I went with "Come Ye Sons of Art", a lovely piece by English composer Henry Purcell. It can serve as either processional or recessional, and you can listen to it here. It is not a familiar piece to most people, but I find that it is an immediate favorite once people hear it. The piece was written for Queen Mary's birthday in 1694, so it is a real piece of history, all ready to be incorporated into your own history!
If you would like to hear any of the selections mentioned here, please visit www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com.
It is always a pleasure to work in my own neighborhood, and St. Barnabas is a beautiful church just a few blocks from my house. This wedding was extra special, because the bride and her mother are both accomplished musicians! Because of their wonderful connections with other musicians, we had not only harp on the menu, but flute, violins, piano, organ, trumpet, and a huge choir! I feel I can brag a little on the beautiful bride. She had all of those options at her disposal, but she knew she wanted solo harp for her entrance, and she choose Pachelbel's Canon in D. It is so easy to become overwhelmed when choosing your processional music especially, I think, if you have lots and lots of different options. Start by defining how you want to feel as you are walking down the aisle, and then look for music to match. Once you have a few ideas, go ahead and try walking to them! It might sound silly, but you want music that is easy to move to, and the only way to know for sure is to try it out! If you are lucky enough to have multiple musicians at your wedding, don't hesitate to have them play separately if you want to vary the sound. The perfect setting for your wedding vows won't be far away! Please visit my "Processionals" page for ideas!
On Thursday, May 17th, I had the pleasure of playing for the grand opening of Bella Bleu Bridal in downtown Park Ridge. What a gorgeous place! The store itself is a beautiful vintage building that has been designed and reimagined for elegant bridal shopping. Their slogan is, "After the Dress", so this is where you can find all of the jewelry, hair ornaments, shoes, and bags needed to complete that perfect dress. Additionally, there are fabulous items here for bridal party gifts. I spoke with the owner, Andrea, and some of the sales staff as well. Apparently, the owners have been in the bridal accessories business for quite a while, but sales were online only. The new store in Park Ridge has the feel of a merchant's dream come true, really. No big-box store cookie cutter appearances here! Lots of great displays, and helpful staff to let you know how things can be customized for your wedding. The store is elegant and beautiful, but warm and inviting at the same time. Plus, with its wonderful downtown location (Blu Fish Sushi Bistro just across the street), this store calls out to be part of an afternoon outing!
If you need any help planning your music for your wedding, please feel free to visit www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com.
