Champaign-Urbana Harpist ~ Holiday Party at the IHotel

For my first holiday music outing of the year, I played for the employees of Yahoo! at their December 1st party.  The event was held at the IHotel, right on the University of Illinois campus.

The attendees were serenaded by harp music, played with props in a photo booth, enjoyed dinner & drinks, and were entertained by a magician.  Their planning team put together an unforgettable night!

At holiday parties, I play a variety of seasonal music ranging from traditional Christmas carols to popular songs like "Frosty the Snowman."

If you'd like to add harp music to your company party, family gathering, or church service, please contact me!  You'll find more information on having a harpist at your event on my website:  Champaign-Urbana Harpist.  Happy holidays!

Battle Creek Harpist ~ Wedding Ceremony & Reception Music

After having the first two weekends of November wedding-free, I was glad to be back behind the harp for Brittani and Evan's wedding!  They held both their ceremony and reception at the Potter's House Church in Battle Creek, Michigan.

As their guests arrived, I played a variety of classical and sacred pieces.  For the entrance of grandparents and parents, they chose "Winter" from Vivaldi's The Four Seasons.  The bridal party ~ including a precious ring bearer who stopped at the top of the aisle to take a picture ~ entered the sanctuary to Pachelbel's "Canon in D."  The church's organist played "Here Comes the Bride" for Brittani's processional.

During the ceremony, the pastor's wife and one of the groomsmen sang.  That is a wonderful way to include musical friends and family members in your wedding, without stressing them with providing all of the music for the service!  The recessional was "At Last."  Once the wedding party and families exited, they had recorded music ready to go as I moved the harp downstairs.

The reception of hors d'oeuvers and wedding cake was also enhanced with  harp music.  Again, the music was from the classical and sacred genres, and included:

• Cantique de Jean Racine
• His Eye is on the Sparrow
• Finlandia
• Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
• Prelude in C
• The King of Love My Shepherd Is

If you are planning a wedding in Battle Creek, please contact me about providing harp music for your ceremony and reception!  Music options range from traditional to contemporary.  You'll find additional information on my website:  Battle Creek Wedding Harpist.

Northern Indiana Harpist ~ Catholic Wedding Music in Plymouth

I met with Kristen and her mother back in September so she could choose her wedding music.  She wasn't familiar with the titles of the pieces she liked, and it can be somewhat overwhelming to try and figure it out on your own!  During our consultation, she was able to hear several different options for each time during the ceremony that requires music, and choose the pieces she liked best.

Her wedding ceremony took place at the beautiful St. Michael's Catholic Church in Plymouth, Indiana, on the last Saturday of October.  With a large guest list (over 250 at the ceremony), we planned for a half-hour prelude as they arrived.  With that many people attending, it sometimes takes extra time to get everyone in and seated!  The prelude consisted of sacred and classical harp music.

Kristen assigned a friend to cue me when they were ready to begin.  Even more helpfully, the cantor stood next to me and gave me a "play-by-play" of the processional.  I could just keep my eyes on the music and strings, and not have to count the bridesmaids as they came down the aisle!

For the seating of families, Kristen chose "Pavane Style Renaissance" by Wachs.  The music for the entrance of the bridal party was "Canon in D" by Pachelbel.  The flower girl and ring bearer (who ran most of the way!) also came in to this piece.

The bride's processional was a sped-up version of "Hymne" by the Greek composer Vangelis.  One of the best things about live music is being able to adjust any piece you choose to be a little faster or slower ~ and I can always time the music to end as soon as you arrive at the altar.

During the service, I played while the cantor sang the responsorial psalm and the Alleluia.  The recessional was Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring."  I continued upbeat postlude music as the bride and groom dismissed their guests.

Playing for weddings in Northern Indiana, Southwest Michigan, and throughout the Midwest, I can provide the music for your entire wedding ceremony or Nuptial Mass.  Visit my website ~ Catholic Wedding Harp Music ~ for details!

Wedding Harpist in Fort Wayne ~ Ceremony at Foster Park's Bridal Glen

Kate & Michael's ceremony was my last outdoor wedding of the year.  With the intense heat over the summer ~ and then the early fall chill ~ I'll be glad to retreat to climate-controlled churches and banquet centers for the next few months!  Fortunately, the weather was pleasant for their October 20th wedding in the Bridal Glen of Fort Wayne's Foster Park.

I played background music as guests arrived in the garden and found their seats.  Kate's bridesmaids & "bridesmen" entered to Bach's "Prelude in C."  I had a "bridesman" in my own wedding, so you know I love non-traditional wedding parties!  The bride's entrance music was Pachelbel's "Canon in D."

During the service, the couple combined green & black sand as part of their unity ceremony.  While they were doing this, I played "Your Song" by Elton John.  The recessional they chose is one of my personal favorites:  "Rainbow Connection" from The Muppet Movie!  

Whether you prefer the traditional wedding music, something completely unexpected, or a mix of both as Kate & Michael did, the harp can provide all of the music for your wedding ceremony!  Visit my website ~ Fort Wayne Wedding Music ~ for more information on having a harpist for your wedding.

Peoria Wedding Harpist ~ Ceremony Music at Luthy Botanical Gardens

Autumn is definitely in the air!  This past weekend brought in cooler temperatures, along with the beautiful fall foliage.  Robin and Jason were married in the rose garden at Luthy Botanical Gardens in Peoria, Illinois.  The sun was out while I was setting up, but disappeared behind clouds just before the ceremony began.  We all shivered through it, but at least it didn't rain!

It's always a special pleasure to play for weddings at Luthy ~ it was where I played for my first wedding for someone I didn't already know!  After a few early ceremonies for friends and family members, that was my first wedding as a professional harpist.  I was a music student at Bradley University at the time, and I love that being a wedding harpist now my full-time job!

The aisle was lined with pumpkins and potted mums, and they had a table set up for the unity candle.  With the wind, it was a good thing that they had the candle enclosed!

The wedding party entered to "Canon in D" by Pachelbel.  The bridesmaids had ivory shawls to wear over their purple dresses, but Robin didn't have that option!  She looked lovely in her lace dress as she entered to the traditional "Bridal Chorus" by Wagner.

As the couple lit the unity candle, I played Sting's "Fields of Gold."  The recessional was "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by J.S. Bach.  I continued to play as the guests were dismissed from the ceremony and the wedding party made their way to the trolley that would take them to the reception.

Planning a wedding in Peoria?  Visit my website ~ Peoria Wedding Harpist ~ for details on including harp music in your ceremony and reception plans!

Pittsfield Harpist ~ Wedding Ceremony & Reception in Central Illinois

Katie and Josh celebrated their wedding in style!  Their ceremony took place at St. Agnes Church in Belleview, Illinois, just over the Calhoun County line.  This old brick country church is no longer used for regular services, but is the perfect quaint location for a wedding!

Their black and white flower arrangements were dripping with crystals, and they had candles throughout the sanctuary.  As their candle lighters made their way through the church, I played "At Last" by Etta James.  The grandparents were seated to "What a Wonderful World," followed by the parents' seating to "Wind Beneath My Wings."

Katie chose the traditional "Canon in D" for her bridesmaids' entrance, and the Wagner "Bridal Chorus" for her processional.  At the beginning of the ceremony, the bride and groom lit a memory candle to "You Raise Me Up," a beautiful piece sung by Josh Groban.

Music for the unity candle lighting was the country ballad "I Cross My Heart," and the recessional was "Can't Help Falling in Love."  Their ceremony was a wonderful mix of the traditional and the contemporary!  As the couple exited the church, their guests showered them with streamers.

Following the ceremony, I took the harp over to Heartland Lodge in Nebo, Illinois.  The reception was in a tent on the lodge's lawn.  The black & white theme continued in their linens, centerpieces, chandelier, and even the dance floor! 

Inside the lodge, they had a candy buffet and family wedding pictures going back several generations.  Everyone loves those 1970's wedding hats!  I played as guests arrived and enjoyed the cocktail hour.  For this gathering time, I played a variety of popular songs from the 1960's through today. 

If you are planning a wedding in Central Illinois or Eastern Missouri, contact me about having harp music for your ceremony and reception!  More information can be found on my website:  Pittsfield Illinois Wedding Music.

Champaign-Urbana Harpist ~ Wedding at the Homer Lake Forest Preserve

Homer Lake Forest Preserve is beautiful ~ especially in autumn just as the leaves are starting to turn!  I worked with the bride's mother, Tereasa, to plan her daughter's wedding music.  The ceremony took place on the lawn of the Salt Fork Center, overlooking Homer Lake. 

Things got off to a late start, but the guests were kept entertained with harp music while the waited for the ceremony to begin.  One guest even made a request ~ "Stairway to Heaven" ~ and I played it for him!  Not your typical wedding repertoire, but the guests really got a kick out of it. 

The wedding party entered to "Canon in D" by Pachelbel.  The bride made her big entrance in a horse-drawn carriage, then came down the aisle to the traditional processional, "Bridal Chorus" by Wagner.  The couple performed their unity sand ceremony at the same time as their pastor did the readings.  All of this was accompanied by "My Heart Will Go On" from Titanic on the harp.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the wedding party exited to "Trumpet Tune" and the bride and groom enjoyed a short ride around the lake in the carriage.  The reception followed in the Salt Fork Center

For weddings in Champaign-Urbana and throughout Central Illinois, contact me about having harp music for your ceremony and reception!  You'll find more information on my website: Central Illinois Harpist.

Quincy Harpist ~ Reception at the Town and Country Inn and Suites

In late September, the delegates of the Western Catholic Union gathered in Quincy, Illinois, for their convention.  I was selected to provide the music for their dinner at the Town and Country Inn and Suites last Thursday evening.

They requested that I play all sacred music and hymns, and some of these selections included:

• Amazing Grace
• As the Deer
• Steal Away
• Deep River
• There is a Balm in Gilead
• When Peace, Like a River
• Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven

With all of the classical and popular music I typically play for events, this wasn't my standard repertoire.  When I play for churches, it's usually only a couple of pieces ~ this was two hours worth of everyone's favorite hymns!  It was a nice change of pace from the music I more regularly play.

In addition to corporate events and church services, I also play the harp for wedding ceremonies and receptions in Quincy, Hannibal, and throughout Illinois and Missouri.  If you are interested in enhancing your event plans with live harp music, visit my website ~ Quincy Harpist.

Northeast Indiana Wedding Harpist ~ Ceremony at Pokagon State Park

I have played for many weddings on the sundeck of the Potawatomi Inn, but this was the first time the weather wouldn't cooperate for Becky and Jimmy's outdoor ceremony.  Fortunately, the Lake James Ballroom is still a beautiful place to get married when the rain keeps everyone inside!

The room was partially set up for the reception, with chairs arranged on the dance floor for close family.  All of the other guests sat at their assigned tables.  The parents and grandparents of the couple entered to "King William's March," followed by the bridal party processional of Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring."

Becky opted for "Canon in D" for her processional.  During the ceremony, the couple placed love letters they had written to each other in a box.  As they did this, I played "Prelude in C" ~ another Bach piece.  The traditional "Wedding March" by Mendelssohn was the recessional, and I kept the upbeat mood going with the postlude as the guests exited the ballroom and went through the receiving line.

After their ceremony, I was off to Canton, Ohio, for my own brother's wedding!  As a professional harpist, I am available throughout the Midwest and beyond for wedding ceremonies and receptions.  Please visit my website ~ Wedding Harpist ~ for more details!

Wedding at Lavender Crest Winery ~ Harpist in the Quad Cities

Lavender Crest Winery is a beautiful venue for a wedding ceremony!  Close to the Quad Cities, it's the perfect rustic but elegant location, with lots of lovely settings for photographs. 

This was my second wedding at the winery, and this time I was met by a very friendly cat!  He might have snuck in some of the formal portraits taken by the couple before the ceremony, but he stayed away from the rest of the action.  He was definitely intrigued by the harp! 

 

While I was setting up, the groom also posed with the harp.  He was especially excited to hear some of the music he selected for the ceremony, including "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Axl Rose that I played for the seating of the families.  Wedding music doesn't have to be traditional!

The wedding party entered to "Fields of Gold" by Sting, and the bride's processional was "All I Ask of You" from Phantom of the Opera.  The bride's father escorted her down the aisle, and also performed the ceremony. 

As the couple did their unity sand ceremony, I played "Angel" by Sarah McLachlan.  They and their guests exited the ceremony site and headed off to the reception to "Great Day" by Nancy Gustavson.  This piece was written especially for harp, and makes perfect use of glissandos to create an upbeat and joyful mood.  It makes a great non-traditional recessional!

From rock ballads to classical pieces, I can provide the perfect musical soundtrack for your wedding day.  You can fully customize the music that is played to match your tastes and vision for your ceremony.  Visit my website ~ Quad Cities Wedding Harpist ~ to contact me for details!

Peoria Harpist ~ Program for a Reunion of the 14th Armored Division

In a summer and fall full of weddings, playing a program for the 48th reunion of the 14th Armored Division was a nice change of pace!  These veterans of World War 2 fought under General George Patton in Europe, and were named the Liberators, as they entered and freed the citizens and POW's held in detention camps.  They met in Peoria, Illinois, this year, and I provided entertainment for their first evening in the city.

Following a dinner at the Four Points Sheraton, I played a program of folk songs, jazz standards, and familiar songs from Broadway and the movies:

• Loch Lomond (Scottish folk song)
• Suogan (Welsh folk song)
• O Danny Boy (Irish folk song)
• Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany's
• Can't Help Falling in Love
• Edelweiss from The Sound of Music
• My Way
• Autumn Leaves
• Unchained Melody
• When You Wish Upon a Star from Pinocchio
• Somewhere Over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz

I loved speaking with the veterans and their families following the program!  They had so many amazing stories to tell ~ including one gentleman who was a member of a barbershop quartet that toured up and down the East coast singing for radio stations in the days of the radio drama.  They were able to get an up-close look at the harp, and some even had their picture taken with it!

In addition to my performances at private events, I am also available for presentations about the harp and private concerts for community groups, churches, and schools.  You can contact me through my website ~ Peoria Harpist ~ for additional information and availability.

Notre Dame Wedding ~ Reception Music at the South Dining Hall

On September 15th, I had the pleasure of providing the background music for the wedding brunch of Johanna & Angelo at the South Dining Hall on the campus of Notre Dame.  Their wedding ceremony was at 9:00 am at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, and they treated their guests to an on-campus brunch prior to their evening reception.

It doesn't happen very often that I get to play for the wedding of another harpist ~ there just aren't that many of us around!  Johanna played the harp through college, and at the brunch, we found out that we had the same teacher!  She was a member of the Notre Dame band during her time at the university. 

Merry Me Events assisted with day-of coordination and also provided the beautiful flowers and decor.  When you are planning your Notre Dame wedding from out-of-state as Johanna did (all the way from California!), it's so helpful to have someone in town to take care of all the little details for you. 

The bride requested that I play all classical music through the meal, so I got to bring out some of my favorite harp pieces that I don't have the opportunity to play that often.  After the guests had left the dining hall to take the shuttles back to the hotel, Johanna's family encouraged her to play something for them.  I know there will be some great pictures of her sitting behind the harp, even if it had been awhile since she played! 

If you are planning a wedding at Notre Dame or St. Mary's, I'd love to work with you and provide the music for your ceremony or reception!  Visit my website ~ Notre Dame Wedding Music ~ for details, and contact me to check availability and request a quote.