I had such a wonderful time planning and playing for Courtney and Raven's wedding! Their ceremony was held at the Congregational United Church of Christ, followed by the reception just a short walk away at Old Brick. Both buildings are right on the University of Iowa campus, so I invited my dad to be my harp roadie for a day (he received his Master's degree in English here in the 1970's). While I played for the ceremony, he tried (unsuccessfully) to break into his old dorm!
The wedding had a Renaissance/gothic theme, and the colors were red and black. For the seating of families, I played "Carolan's Welcome," a piece written by the Irish harper Turlough O'Carolan. As the wedding party entered, the music changed to "Arioso" by J.S. Bach.
When going over the ceremony logistics, Raven mentioned "We have two flower girls that are two and three years old and our ring bearer is going to be about one year old. We are expecting all the joys that come with having little ones in the ceremony." Sure enough, as soon as the flower girls got down the aisle, they had to be led back up the side! Courtney carried the ring bearer, and her processional was another well-known Bach piece, "Prelude in C." Raven chose Pachelbel's "Canon in D" for her entrance music.
The couple wrote their own vows by adapting verses from the Bible. My literary nerdiness loved the fact that they printed them in the program, and footnoted them in the program with the verse! As they lit the unity candle and presented roses to their mothers, I played "Come My Way, My Truth, My Life" by Vaughan Williams. The recessional, "Great Day," sent the newly married couple down the aisle with glissandos. Very harp-y!
When the ceremony was over, I met up with my roadie to move everything down the street to Old Brick. My dad remembered it when it was still the Presbyterian Church! Now, the pews have been removed, and it is a unique and beautiful place to have a wedding reception. With so many churches in the area, it is also quite convenient. We got a few strange looks pushing the harp down the street, but we're used to that! The red and black theme continued through the reception with linens, candles, favors, and the cake.
Instead of a card box, they created a "Card Castle" to fit their theme.
During the cocktail hour, the couple requested that I play mostly popular music, and wanted to be sure I included some Green Day. Guests love hearing songs they know played on the harp, and I often hear some humming along! During dinner service, I switched to classical pieces, with an emphasis on Bach.
I also played for the first dance, which was "Lovesong" by the English alternative rock band The Cure. It sounds surprisingly good on the harp! As I finished, the DJ took over, playing the same song, inviting the families to join the couple on the dance floor.
Planning a wedding in Iowa City? I'd love to provide the music for your ceremony and reception! Visit my website ~ Iowa Wedding Harpist ~ or call 1-877-HARP-578 to discuss the details.
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