Springfield IL Wedding Music | Villa Maria & State House Inn Wedding

Out at Villa Maria on Lake Springfield, the cicadas were thick!  The outdoor wedding ceremony went ahead as planned anyway, and the guests just kept brushing them off.  The maid of honor had to keep a close watch on the bride's veil - the giant bugs seemed to like it!

When we arrived (extra early, as always) at Villa Maria, they landed on our car and we could see them swarming around the ceremony site.  I stayed inside with the windows rolled up as long as possible!  

The bridal party entered to Bach's "Arioso" and the bride's processional was "Canon in D" by Pachelbel.  I had a cicada land in my hair during the bride's entrance, but there was nothing I could do about it then.  It was caught and was making a terrible chirping sound, and as soon as I was done playing, got it out!  Occasionally, one would land on the harp strings and make a bit of sound.  I've had my harp played by the wind, but this was the first time it was played by a cicada!  During the ceremony, a friend of the couple sang "Ave Maria" accompanied by a pianist.  The recessional was an upbeat "Ode to Joy". 

After the postlude, we loaded up the harp and drove to the State House Inn, where the reception was taking place.  I provided background music for the cocktail hour, including:

• At Last by Etta James
• Clocks by Coldplay
• I'm Yours by Jason Mraz
• In My Life by The Beatles
• My Heart will Go On from Titanic
• Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers
• What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
• When You Say Nothing At All by Paul Overstreet
• Yesterday by The Beatles
• You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban
• Your Song by Elton John
• Time to Say Goodbye by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman

Dinner and dancing music, along with uplighting, were provided by Ball Photography and DJ Service. 

Photo: Ball Photography & DJ Service

The room was absolutely beautiful - lighting makes a big impact, and the silver Chiavari chairs finished the look.  Hopefully we'll get to work together again soon!  Jeff and I would love to provide elegant harp music for your wedding ceremony or reception anywhere in Central Illinois.  Please visit our website:

Springfield Illinois Wedding Music

or call 1-877-HARP-578 for more information on having harp music for your event.

Photo:  Ball Photography & DJ Service

Anniversary Party ~ Springfield, IL Harpist

On Friday, I was hired by the daughter-in-law of the celebrating couple to provide harp music for the party she was hosting for them on Sunday afternoon.  It's never too late to call and check our availability!

In honor of their 60th anniversary, family and friends gathered in Springfield, Illinois, to enjoy a luncheon reception and have family photos taken.  I played as the guests arrived and during the luncheon.  The room was decorated in lavender, sage and yellow ~ the colors that they used for the original wedding.  The chair sashes held a purple pansy, and the centerpieces were forsythia and other yellow spring flowers.  There was even a two-tiered cake for the guests to enjoy!

When I play for anniversary parties, I always make some music selections that were popular when the couple got married.  Songs such as "Earth Angel", "Blueberry Hill" and "Some Enchanted Evening" are a hit!  They are familiar to the guests of honor, and well suited to the harp.

We are available to provide harp music for events throughout Springfield.  Please visit our website, Springfield Harpist, for more information!