Northern Michigan Harpist ~ Wedding Ceremony and Reception at Bay Harbor

Craig and Laura planned their Bay Harbor wedding from the Detroit area.  Northern Michigan is a perfect location for a close-to-home destination wedding, and everyone was able to escape the high temperatures that we've been dealing with this summer.  It rained a bit in the morning and early afternoon, but cleared out nicely for the 4:00 pm ceremony.  A breeze off of Lake Michigan kept the beach wedding comfortable!

With the reception scheduled to immediately follow the ceremony, I set up my Laurel Leaf harp for the cocktail hour at the Bay Harbor Conference Center prior to heading down to Sunset Beach with my BlevinSong harp.  It made the transition between the two locations much easier, and I was able to get music going for the cocktail hour sooner.

Down on the beach, guests arrived to a variety of classical and popular harp music.  The bridesmaids entered to Sting's "Fields of Gold," with "Canon in D" serving as the bride's processional.  During the unity sand ceremony, I played "The Prayer" from Quest for Camelot.  "Trumpet Tune" ended the ceremony, with the guests leaving the beach and heading to the reception down the street at the Bay Harbor Conference Center.

For the cocktail hour, the bride and groom requested that I play all popular music from the 1990's through today.  It might not be what most people expect to hear on the harp, but I love doing the unexpected!  Some of the pieces I played included:

• Collide by Howie Day
• Glitter in the Air by Pink
• Can You Feel the Love Tonight from The Lion King
• Come Away With Me by Norah Jones
• Marry Me and Hey Soul Sister by Train
• Falling Slowly from Once

As a professional harpist, I provide elegant and sophisticated music for weddings at Bay Harbor, on Mackinac Island, and throughout Northern Michigan.  Yes, even on the beach!  Visit my website ~ Northern Michigan Wedding Harpist ~ to find out how to include harp music in your wedding plans!

Kalamazoo Wedding Harpist ~ Ceremony at Stetson Chapel

The beautiful Kalamazoo College was the setting for Brooke & Jarrod's July 21st wedding.  Stetson Chapel, set in the middle of a campus with brick-paved streets, was the location for the ceremony.

As the parents and grandparents were seated, I played "Fields of Gold" by Sting.  The bridal party entered to "All I Ask of You" from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera.  Brooke went a little more traditional with her processional music, and chose "Canon in D" for her entrance.

For the lighting of the unity candle and as the background music while a poem was read, they chose the Styx song "Come Sail Away."  It was this piece that got me the most compliments from the guests!  It is definitely not something that anyone expects to hear on the harp, but it works remarkably well.  The ceremony concluded with the newlyweds and bridal party exiting the chapel to "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz.  From Broadway to classical to classic rock, this ceremony had a great variety of music, with a little something for everyone!

If you are looking for a wedding harpist in Kalamazoo, visit my website ~ Kalamazoo Wedding Harpist ~ for information on wedding ceremony and reception music.  Happy planning!

Harpist in South Bend ~ Wedding Ceremony in the Oliver Mansion Gardens

Lauren and Andrew tied the knot at the Northern Indiana Center for History's Oliver Mansion Gardens this past Saturday.  The wedding was held on the lawn of the Oliver Mansion with the beautiful gazebo serving as the backdrop for the couple. 

The ceremony began with me playing "King William's March" for the bridesmaids, the flower girl, and the ring bearer.  For Lauren's entrance, I played "Canon in D," a classic wedding piece and one of my favorites!  During the ceremony the couple took part in a unity sand ceremony, and the song selected for this time was "Hymne" by Vangelis.  When the couple was announced, the applause began, and the recessional piece, "Down by the Sally Gardens," accompanied them back down the aisle.

If you are planning a wedding at the Oliver Mansion Gardens, visit our website, South Bend Wedding Harpist for more information about having the harp, which is just right for this location, at your wedding!

South Bend Harp Player ~ Wedding Ceremony & Reception Music

Jody and Daniel came to South Bend from Lincoln, Nebraska, for the AYOP Baton Twirling Competition ~ and to get married!  They chose the Oliver Inn Bed & Breakfast as their ceremony venue, with the reception right next door at the historic Tippecanoe Place.

The bride, her matron of honor, and daughters all arrived at the Inn in a horse-drawn carriage.  One of her guests commented that it was just like being sent back in time to the Victorian period!  The song for the wedding party entrance was "The Prayer" from Quest for Camelot, and I played Pachelbel's "Canon in D" as Jody was escorted down the aisle by her daughters.

A family friend sang the Gershwin song "Our Love is Here to Stay" at the end of the ceremony, followed by "All My Loving" by the Beatles as the recessional.  After the postlude (which included "Ave Maria" at the special request of one of the guests), everyone walked next door to Tippecanoe Place.

The reception was held in the ballroom on the third floor of the mansion.  I played a variety of classical, popular, and Broadway songs (some of which inspired a sing-along!), including the groom's request of "Ashokan Farewell." 

Planning a wedding in South Bend?  If you visit my website ~ South Bend Wedding Musician ~ you'll find out more about having a harpist for your ceremony and reception.

Wedding Harpist in South Bend ~ Ceremony at Morris Park Country Club

Emily and Noah had planned an outdoor ceremony on the grounds of the Morris Park Country Club in South Bend, but for the second time in two days, the weather forced another move inside.  When I arrived, however, everything looked beautiful, and I set up the harp outside in the gazebo (so that's why all of the pictures in this post are outdoors - that and no time to take any once we moved!).  As you can see, it's one of the loveliest courses in the area.  Along with the videographers and soundman, I watched as the clouds started to come in and it began to drizzle.

A friend of the bride kept us updated on the contingency plans, and they were going to wait until 5:00 (when the ceremony was scheduled to begin) to make the final call on whether or not it would be moved in the club.  With it pouring rain - and lightning flashing - they didn't have much choice but to relocate everything into the ballroom.  Of course, that meant running across the golf course in the storm, pushing a 6-foot-tall harp! 

The entrance we were sent to in the club didn't connect to where the ballroom is, so it was back outside to bring the harp in the front doors.  By the time I was set up for the ceremony, I was soaked!  Fortunately, the harp has a waterproof cover, so it made it just fine.

The nine bridesmaids entered to "Canon in D" by Pachelbel.  Once they were in place, I switched to the traditional "Bridal Chorus" ("Here Comes the Bride") for Emily's processional.  As the couple performed a unity sand ceremony, I played "Ave Maria."  Emily had planned to arrive at the ceremony in a horse and carriage, but wasn't able to due to moving indoors.  As the newlyweds exited to "Trumpet Tune," the carriage was waiting at the front doors to take them on a quick drive around the neighborhood. 

Even when your plans don't go exactly as expected, I can typically adapt to any last-minute changes!  In South Bend, Notre Dame, and throughout Northern Indiana, I provide the music of the harp for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and other events.  On my website ~ South Bend Wedding Music ~ you'll find more information about music lists, sound clips, and performance venues.

Wedding at Starved Rock State Park ~ Illinois Wedding Ceremony Harpist

Liz & Chris planned a Friday the 13th wedding ~ complete with "broken" mirrors under their centerpieces!  Although they had planned a ceremony outdoors at the Sunrise Shelter, the weather didn't cooperate.  They were able to get some outdoor pictures with their photographer, but ;heavy rain and lightning brought them and the ceremony indoors.  The banquet staff at the Starved Rock Lodge was able to quickly set up a new ceremony site for them in front of the fireplace.  Even though it wasn't what they originally planned, it was still beautiful!

Their bridal party entered to "King William's March," and Liz opted for "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" for her processional.  As the couple participated in a handfasting ceremony, I played portions of Bach's "Arioso" for both the tying and the untying of the purple ribbons.

For the recessional, the bride and groom went with "Canon in D."  Although this is more often used as a processional at the beginning of the ceremony, at a faster tempo it can also be used for exit music!  The flower girls were both fascinated by the harp.  The older one wasn't shy about sitting behind the harp (with my assistance, of course!) and plucking a few strings.  They younger one took a little longer to get used to the idea, but she was all smiles for the cameras once she did!

For both indoor and outdoor weddings (or outdoor weddings that move inside!), having a harpist for your ceremony is the perfect touch of elegance and romance.  Visit my website ~ Illinois Wedding Harpist ~ for details on including harp music in your plans!

Peoria Harpist ~ Wedding Ceremony at Grace Evangelical Church in Morton

Katie and Paul had an absolutely beautiful ceremony at Grace Evangelical Church in Morton, Illinois.  The couple had the help of Sara O'Shea from So-Chic Event Planning to put together their wedding day.  Having worked with Sara in the past, I have to say she does an amazing job of pulling everything together so that the wedding day goes off perfectly! 

The couple, for the most part, selected traditional wedding music.  For prelude music, I stayed with more classical selections such as "Aria from Rinaldo" by Handel and "Arioso" by Bach.  When the ceremony began, I played "King William's March" for the entrance of the bridesmaids and ring bearers.  Katie had selected "Canon in D" from Pachelbel to accompany her entrance.  At the end of the wedding ceremony, the couple went up the aisle together to the song "Great Day."  While not a traditional wedding piece, it is a great recessional selection, and written especially for the harp!

If you are planning a wedding in the Peoria area and need wedding music, please visit our website, Peoria Wedding Harpist for more information about having us provide harp music for your ceremony and reception.

South Bend Wedding Reception Music ~ Harpist at Notre Dame

Following their morning wedding ceremony at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Elizabeth and Dominic joined their guests across campus at the Morris Inn.  Their brunch reception was held under the tent in the Irish Courtyard, where the red flowers and decorations made it feel like Christmas in July!

Harp music greeted the guests as they arrived and throughout the luncheon.  Elizabeth had requested that I play classical, sacred, and Celtic music, along with songs from "The Sound of Music."  It suited them perfectly!  Many of the guests commented on how they recognized most of the pieces I played ~ from transcriptions of famous piano pieces to Irish folk songs. 

They used pre-recorded music run through the venue's sound system for the couple's first dance (to "Holy Family") and for the father-daughter and mother-son dances. 

The versatility of the harp is just right for a wedding reception where there won't be lots of dancing.  It can be both upbeat and soft, while playing lots of different styles of music that your guests will recognize.  To find out more about having a harpist for your reception, visit Notre Dame Wedding Harpist.  I'd love to work with you to customize the music for your wedding!

Harpist in Fort Wayne ~ Lakeside Rose Garden Wedding Ceremony

Jacquee was so excited about having harp music at her wedding ceremony, that she was ready to book me even before her ceremony venue was secured!  She did end up with her first choice of location as well:  the always beautiful Lakeside Rose Garden in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Their bridal party was dressed in the tropical colors of yellow and orange, with splashes of fuchsia and lime green.  Their entrance music was the Welsh folk song "By Kell's Waters," followed by the bride's processional, "Marry Me" by Train. 

During the service, Jacquee and Marlin placed love letters they had written to one another in a wooden box that is to be opened and added to on each anniversary.  They forgot to bring the screwdriver to fasten the lid, so that had to wait until later!  At the conclusion of the ceremony, the couple and their attendants exited to "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong.

Following the ceremony, their guests joined the newlyweds for a reception at the adjacent pavilion in Lakeside Park. 

As a Fort Wayne harpist, I have had the pleasure of performing in all of the favorite wedding venues in the area.  I'd love to work with you to add harp music to your wedding!  A stop by my website ~ Fort Wayne Harpist ~ will allow you to listen to sound clips, view more pictures of my harps, and read testimonials from previous brides.  Please contact me for availability and a quote!

Southwest Michigan Harpist ~ Wedding at the Shadowland Pavilion

Samantha and Aaron had a picture perfect day for their wedding at the Shadowland Pavilion in St. Joseph, Michigan.  The ceremony had plenty of blue skies and nice breezes, not to mention the heatwave finally breaking to provide a perfect temperature!

Samantha and Aaron selected traditional music for their wedding ceremony.  For the entrance of the bridesmaids the couple chose Pachelbel's "Canon in D."  Samantha and her dad came down the aisle to the traditional "Bridal Chorus" (also known as "Here Comes the Bride").  During the wedding, the couple performed a sand ceremony.  While this was happening, I played "The Wedding Song."  Finally, the recessional piece played was "Andiam Mio Tesoro."

If you are interested in having harp music for your Southwest Michigan wedding ceremony, please visit our website, Berrien County Wedding Harpist.

Southwest Michigan Wedding Music ~ Harpist at Willow Harbor Vineyards

The hottest weekend of the summer (so far...) couldn't stop the party for Kimberly & Michael!  They were married on July 7th at Willow Harbor Vineyard in Three Oaks, Michigan.  Like many of the couples I've worked with at the vineyard, they live in Chicago but chose to get out of the city and to the other side of the Lake Michigan for a close-to-home destination wedding.

Samantha from Simply Unforgettable Occasions was their day-of planner, and was able to get some umbrellas set up to provide shade for the harp.  With the extreme temperatures, it just isn't possible to leave the wood harp sitting in the sun for a couple of hours!  With the help of Samantha and her crew, everything was able to go ahead as planned, all while keeping the harp safe.

The matron of honor came down the aisle to "Hymne" by Vangelis, followed by the bride's entrance to "Canon in D."  Although the unity candle didn't stay lit for long - always a hazard with outdoor ceremonies! - "Only Time" by Enya accompanied the ceremony.  Once they were pronounced husband & wife, the newlyweds headed off the the nearby tent for their reception to the Third Movement of "Spring" from Vivaldi's The Four Seasons.

No matter where you live, Southwest Michigan's wine country and beaches make the perfect location for a destination wedding!  Adding harp music to your ceremony and reception makes the whole event even more romantic and memorable.  To find out more about hiring me as the musician for your wedding, visit my website:  Southwest Michigan Wedding Music.

Wedding Harpist in Springfield ~ Ceremony in Washington Park

Michelle and Zach chose to have their wedding ceremony at Washington Park in Springfield, Illinois.  With the scorching hot temperatures, the couple was able to keep their guests comfortable by having the ceremony inside the botanical gardens, while having the benefit of some great photo shots by using the scenery outside.

The couple picked a good mix of traditional and popular music for the ceremony.  The song for the parents' and grandparents' entrance went classical and traditional with "Canon in D," while the entrance of the groomsmen and the groom was more a more popular selection, "Fields of Gold." 

The bridesmaids walked down the aisle accompanied by Bach's "Prelude in C."  Michelle and her father entered the ceremony to the traditional "Bridal Chorus" (also known as "Here Comes the Bride").  During the ceremony, the couple lit their unity candle to "Only Time" by Enya.  The bride and groom walked down the aisle together to the very modern and very popular "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz.

If you are looking for harp music for your Springfield area wedding, please visit our website, Central Illinois Wedding Music.  With a wide variety of music available, you are certain to find may of your favorites on our repertoire lists!

Northwest Indiana Harpist ~ Wedding Ceremony at County Line Orchard

Josie & Arthur are the sweetest couple!  They celebrated their wedding ceremony at the County Line Orchard in Hobart, Indiana, in a (mercifully!) shaded grove among the apple trees.  To combat the high temperatures, they even provided their guests a beverage stand, complete with cool lemonade, water, and iced tea.

Their guests arrived at the ceremony site on trolleys.  With so many people attending, it took awhile to get everyone down to the orchard from the main barn.  Harp music kept the early arrivals entertained as we waited for all of the guests to arrive.  A trolley carrying the bride and bridesmaids followed the final group of guests, and the wedding party came down the aisle to "All You Need is Love" by the Beatles.  Josie's own processional was "Sunrise, Sunset" from Fiddler on the Roof.

Photo by Hullabaloo Photo

During the ceremony, the couple performed a wine sharing ceremony.  While this was taking place, I played Elton John's "Your Song."  The officiant had the guests move to the center aisle prior to the recessional, so the newlyweds would be surrounded by their family and friends as they made their exit from the ceremony.  They headed off to the reception to "I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz.

Video by Pat Pecirno of Chase Video Productions.


Arthur & Josie Arkush from Pat Pecirno on Vimeo.

I am available to provide harp music for weddings throughout Northwest Indiana and Chicago.  Please visit my website ~ Northwest Indiana Wedding Music ~ for more information!

Harpist in Wabash, Indiana ~ Wedding at Hidden Hollows Retreat

Wouldn't it figure, we are in the midst of one of the driest summers in a long time and my June 30th wedding at Hidden Hollows Retreat had to worry about rain!  The owners of Hidden Hollows Retreat were absolutely wonderful to the bride and groom, their guests, and the harpist.  Plenty of umbrellas were passed out as well as make-shift covering provided.  Fortunately, none of this was needed!  By the time the wedding started, we had clear and beautiful skies.

The wedding ceremony was small and intimate.  The couple stayed traditional with the bride walking down the aisle to Canon in D.  The couple then choose King William's March for their recessional.

Once the ceremony was completed, I played as the guests moved from the ceremony site to the cocktail hour site.  During this time, I played a mix of popular and classic music, with selections such as Prelude C, All You Need is Love, What a Wonderful World, and Fields of Gold.

If you would like to know more about having wedding music for your Wabash area wedding, please visit our website, Wabash Wedding Harpist.