Chicago Harpist ~ Church Dinner in Willowbrook

The Friday evening before St. Patrick's Day, the members of the Victory Orthodox Apostolic Faith Church gathered at Ashton Place in Willowbrook to celebrate their new pastor's first year with the congregation.  With honored guests from throughout the Chicago area and downstate Illinois, the appreciation dinner was a great success! 

I played harp music ~ mostly hymns and spirituals ~ during dinner service, and then a special piece to honor the pastor.  For that moment, I chose the beautiful "Deep River, My Home is Over Jordan."  It's not only a lovely piece, but is very well adapted to the harp! 

If you are planning a corporate reception, family dinner, or any special occasion, having a harpist provide the music for your guests adds an extra touch of elegance and sophistication.  Visit my website, Chicago Harpist, for details!

Chicago Harpist | Leap Day Wedding in Naperville

Stacy & Alec will never forget their anniversary ~ February 29th!  Even though Leap Day fell on a Wednesday this year, they chose the memorable date to gather with family and friends and celebrate.  The venue for the entire event was Naper Settlement in Naperville, Illinois.  The ceremony took place in the Century Memorial Chapel, then the reception followed just a short walk away in the Pre-Emption House Tavern.

Century Memorial Chapel was built in 1864, and was relocated to Naper Settlement in 1970.  It's a beautiful venue for a wedding!  The ceremony got started a little behind schedule due to a left-behind flower girl dress, but I just kept the prelude music going until the officiant let me know that everyone was ready to begin.  The families and bridal party all entered to Pachelbel's "Canon in D," and Stacy chose the traditional "Here Comes the Bride" for her processional. 

During the ceremony, the couple surprised their parents by presenting them with roses as I played "The Prayer" from Quest for Camelot.  After the vows and ring exchange, the couple lit the unity candle to "Winter" from Vivaldi's The Four Seasons.  The recessional was "Trumpet Tune," which sent guests out of the chapel and over to the reception.

Guests enjoyed appetizers and cocktails in the Tavern of the Pre-Emption House.  This building also serves as the visitor center for Naper Settlement museum village, and is a re-construction of the original 1834 building.  As everyone gathered, I played a variety of popular, Broadway, and Irish folk songs. 

Planning a wedding in Chicago?  A harpist can provide all of the music for your ceremony, cocktails, and dinner!  Visit my website, Chicago Wedding Harpist, for information on wedding packages, song lists, and venues.

Elegant Bridal Expo ~ Harpist in Springfield, IL

Along with a large group of wedding photographers, caterers, planners, and other vendors, Jeff and I participated in the Elegant Bridal Expo last Sunday.  Held at the downtown Hilton hotel in Springfield, Illinois, it was a great success!  We enjoyed meeting with so many brides-to-be and chatting for a few minutes about their wedding music. 

We held a drawing for a free hour of harp music at a wedding reception, and our lucky winner will be getting married in April 2013 at Hill Prairie Winery in Oakford, Illinois.  We're looking forward to the celebration!

Photo credit:  Fusion Productions

Fusion Productions also created this video of the show:


Elegant Bridal Expo from Fusion Productions on Vimeo.

Jeff and I still have some openings for 2012 weddings, and we are actively booking 2013 dates.  If you are looking for a harpist in Central Illinois, don't wait long to contact us!  Visit our website, www.TheClassicHarpist.com and fill out the contact form to receive a customized quote for your event.