Funks Grove Wedding ~ Harp Music for a Chapel in the Trees Ceremony

If you've never ventured out to Funks Grove, make it a priority on your next drive down I-55!  Just south of Bloomington-Normal, and on Route 66, you'll find a little church in the middle of a nature preserve.  In addition to the historic church, there is also the Chapel in the Trees, where Brandy & James were married. 

The pews are logs of American Red Elm, and they were covered in white so the guests didn't have to worry about their wedding clothes!  Brandy had so many unique decorations, all adding to the rustic setting.  From family wedding pictures to architectural artifacts, they came together to make a beautiful backdrop for the ceremony.

While I was starting the prelude, they were still having some difficulty with the sound system the family had brought in for the officiant (the bride's step-mother) to use.  I volunteered the amplifier I had used for the previous night's beach wedding, and they were able to plug the microphone directly into it.  Since it is battery-powered, they didn't even have to worry about running extension cords everywhere.  Good things come from not unpacking the car in between weddings - or at least that's what I'm going to tell my husband from now on!

As guests arrived, the music chosen was all popular songs, including "Tiny Dancer" by Elton John and "Nothing Else Matters" by Metallica.  Yes, Metallica - on a harp! 

Along with many pieces for just the harp, I also worked with a friend of Brandy's who plays the violin.  We collaborated on several pieces during the ceremony, including "Canon in D" for the wedding party processional and "Not Fire, Not Ice" by Ben Harper for the bride's entrance.  During the unity sand, we played Enya's "Only Time," followed by "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles for the recessional.  If you have family or friends who would like to play for your wedding, but you don't want to put the burden of doing all of the music on them, this is a wonderful arrangement.

Postlude music was also popular songs, which played as the guests made their way across the street to the picnic shelter for the reception.  The harp is the perfect addition to a wedding in the Funks Grove Church or the Chapel in the Trees.  I am available throughout the Bloomington-Normal area for wedding ceremonies and events, and you can find more information on my website:  Central Illinois Wedding Music.