As guests gathered in the chapel, the prelude consisted of mostly classical songs plus "Goin' to the Chapel" as the final song before the processional. The families of the bride and groom entered to "Canon in D" and as the aisle runner was pulled by the bride's sons, I switched to "Trumpet Tune," the piece that continued through the entrance of the groom and the officiant. Sandy opted for the traditional "Bridal Chorus" for her processional.
During the ceremony, the bride and her sister lit a candle in memory of their parents, with light harp music in the background. The couple and their children also participated in a sand ceremony, combining all six jars of sand into one larger vase for display in their home. As they did this, I played an instrumental version of "One Hand, One Heart" from West Side Story. When her part was complete, the groom's daughter, Amy, sang the piece with harp accompaniment. Following the vows and ring exchange, Amy and I did another selection, "The Wedding Song" by Paul Stookey.
For the recessional, the couple exited to "Trumpet Voluntary." When they reached the back of the chapel, I faded out the music so their guests could hear them ringing the steeple bell. Once that was concluded, I resumed the music for their families to exit. Then it was off to the reception!
Having harp music for your cocktail hour is the perfect way to extend the ambiance the music creates at the ceremony into the celebration. The room at Silver Lake Country Club overlooked the golf course, and was decorated in rich gold tones. The fireplace was burning and was a welcome sight as the day got colder! The music for the cocktail hour was a variety of popular, jazz, and Broadway songs. I love to play pieces that people recognize ~ especially ones they don't expect to hear on a harp!
If you are planning a wedding in the Chicago area, visit my website (Chicago Wedding Harpist) for more information on having a harpist for your ceremony and reception.
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