Originally, this was supposed to be one of Jeff's weddings, but I had a last-minute cancellation, so I decided to accompany him. When I spoke to Carrie, the bride, earlier in the year, she let me know that the harp had to be taken to the ceremony site either by golf cart or chair lift. I had to see this happen!
Carrie and Steve are from the Chicago area, but chose to get married in Glen Arbor, Michigan, at the Homestead Resort. Northern Michigan is beautiful in the fall, and makes a perfect location for a close-to-home destination wedding. The venue was beautifully decorated, with lanterns as part of the centerpieces, and a rustic styled wedding cake on a bark-covered cake stand.
Unfortunately, the weather didn't cooperate for the ceremony to take place on top of Bay Mountain, and it was moved inside Camp Firefly, where the reception was also taking place. Even though I didn't get to take a harp up a chair lift, it was good that both of us were here for this wedding. With the logistics of getting the ceremony and reception in the same room, there wasn't much space for the harp!
We had to set up across the room on the dance floor, where I could only see the middle of the aisle. To time the music appropriately, I need to be able to see when the bridesmaids and bride enter, and also when they arrive at the front. With the set-up, this just wasn't possible.
Fortunately, we worked it out so I would do the actual playing for the wedding, and Jeff would be set up where I could see him, and he could see the processionals. From where he sat, he was able to signal me for music changes.
The guests arriving were able to enjoy harp music as they found their seats. The bridal party was brought to the lodge in a shuttle, and the five bridesmaids came down the aisle to "Canon in D" by Pachelbel. Carrie went for the traditional "Here Comes the Bride" for her processional. The recessional was the Beatles' hit "All You Need is Love."
After the ceremony, guests began the cocktail hour on the patio as the reception hall was re-set for dinner. It was cold and rainy, so the staff from the Homestead Resort made sure it was done quickly so everyone could get back indoors! When it was set, the guests came back in the banquet room, and I played through the remainder of the cocktail hour, entertaining with popular songs ranging from the 1970's through the present.
For weddings in Northern Michigan, please contact me about providing harp music for your ceremony and reception. You'll find more information on my website: Northern Michigan Wedding Harpist. I'd love to work with you and personalize the music for your big day!
1 comment:
Great post! Thanks for coming to see us.
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