Wedding Harpist in Fort Wayne ~ Ceremony at Foster Park's Bridal Glen

Kate & Michael's ceremony was my last outdoor wedding of the year.  With the intense heat over the summer ~ and then the early fall chill ~ I'll be glad to retreat to climate-controlled churches and banquet centers for the next few months!  Fortunately, the weather was pleasant for their October 20th wedding in the Bridal Glen of Fort Wayne's Foster Park.

I played background music as guests arrived in the garden and found their seats.  Kate's bridesmaids & "bridesmen" entered to Bach's "Prelude in C."  I had a "bridesman" in my own wedding, so you know I love non-traditional wedding parties!  The bride's entrance music was Pachelbel's "Canon in D."

During the service, the couple combined green & black sand as part of their unity ceremony.  While they were doing this, I played "Your Song" by Elton John.  The recessional they chose is one of my personal favorites:  "Rainbow Connection" from The Muppet Movie!  

Whether you prefer the traditional wedding music, something completely unexpected, or a mix of both as Kate & Michael did, the harp can provide all of the music for your wedding ceremony!  Visit my website ~ Fort Wayne Wedding Music ~ for more information on having a harpist for your wedding.

Northeast Indiana Wedding Harpist ~ Ceremony at Pokagon State Park

I have played for many weddings on the sundeck of the Potawatomi Inn, but this was the first time the weather wouldn't cooperate for Becky and Jimmy's outdoor ceremony.  Fortunately, the Lake James Ballroom is still a beautiful place to get married when the rain keeps everyone inside!

The room was partially set up for the reception, with chairs arranged on the dance floor for close family.  All of the other guests sat at their assigned tables.  The parents and grandparents of the couple entered to "King William's March," followed by the bridal party processional of Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring."

Becky opted for "Canon in D" for her processional.  During the ceremony, the couple placed love letters they had written to each other in a box.  As they did this, I played "Prelude in C" ~ another Bach piece.  The traditional "Wedding March" by Mendelssohn was the recessional, and I kept the upbeat mood going with the postlude as the guests exited the ballroom and went through the receiving line.

After their ceremony, I was off to Canton, Ohio, for my own brother's wedding!  As a professional harpist, I am available throughout the Midwest and beyond for wedding ceremonies and receptions.  Please visit my website ~ Wedding Harpist ~ for more details!

Fort Wayne Wedding Music ~ Harpist at Colonial Oaks Golf Club

Amanda & Joseph enjoyed a beautiful day for their September 8th wedding!  Although the wind muddled the officiant's microphone and almost took down the arch, that's nothing compared to the rain and extreme heat we've dealt with all summer!

As guests arrived, I played a variety of classical pieces and love songs from  Broadway musicals.  The bridal party entered to the traditional "Canon in D" by Pachelbel, and the bride's processional music was Schubert's "Ave Maria."

The ceremony included a handfasting, during which the bride and groom literally "tied the knot" using purple, green, and white ribbons.  After they were presented to their guests as the Mr. & Mrs., I played "Trumpet Tune" for the recessional.  Other upbeat classical pieces followed, as their guests made their way to the clubhouse for the reception.

If you are planning a wedding in the Fort Wayne area, contact me about having harp music for your ceremony or reception!  Visit my website for more information:  Fort Wayne Wedding Harpist.

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!

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.

Wedding at the Lakeside Rose Garden ~ Fort Wayne Harpist

The Lakeside Rose Garden in Fort Wayne, Indiana is a beautiful location for a wedding. With the reflecting pool and pergola, it makes a perfect backdrop for your ceremony!  By planning an early morning ceremony, they were able to avoid not only the summer heat, but also the crowds in the garden.

Melissa and Mike had taken a more traditional approach to their wedding music.  The wedding party came in to Hymne, while the bride came down the aisle to Canon in D.  The bride and groom performed a rope braiding ceremony.  While this was happening, I played Schubert's Ave Maria.  For the recessional, the bride and groom walked down the aisle together to Trumpet Tune. 

If you are planning a wedding in Fort Wayne, please visit our website, Allen County Wedding Music for more information on adding harp music to your ceremony or reception!

Fort Wayne Wedding Music ~ Ceremony at Goeglein's Homestead

Tim & Kurt had hoped for an outdoor wedding at the Goeglein Homestead gazebo, but the high temperatures and threat of rain moved the ceremony indoors.  Even though it was the back-up location, the decorator made it look beautiful!

As guests arrived, I played many Baroque-era pieces ~ Tim is a big fan of Bach!  Some of these pieces included "Impertinence" by Handel, "Sheep May Safely Graze" by Bach, "Fur Elise" by Beethoven, and "Finale" from Royal Fireworks Music by Handel.  The ceremony was delayed a bit in starting, but I kept playing until everyone was ready to begin.

The wedding party, followed by Kurt seating family members, entered to Bach's "Prelude in C."  Tim's processional music was "Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme."  I have to say that of everything Bach composed, this piece is my personal favorite!

At the conclusion of the ceremony, I played "Aria" from Handel's Rinaldo as a recessional.  Guests headed to the adjacent room for the reception, and the wedding party went outside for a few pictures at the gazebo.  Even though the weather kept the ceremony inside, they were still able to take advantage of taking the formal pictures in the garden.  A perfect solution for a questionable weather situation!

As a Fort Wayne wedding harpist, I have had the pleasure to play for wedding ceremonies and receptions throughout Northeast Indiana.  If you would like more information on having a harpist for your wedding, please visit my website ~ Fort Wayne Wedding Music!

Harpist in Northeast Indiana ~ Wedding at Pokagon State Park

Emily and Adam celebrated their wedding at the Potawatomi Inn in Angola's Pokagon State Park.  The ceremony was on the outdoor deck overlooking the Lake James, with the reception indoors in the ballroom.  Since it was such a hot day, I kept the harp indoors as long as possible before moving it outside.  The guests stayed in the air conditioning until the last minute, too!

For the seating of parents and grandparents, I played "Try to Remember" from The Fantasticks, and the bridesmaids came down the aisle to "Arioso" by Bach.  Instead of flowers, the bridesmaids and bride carried parasols.  Perfect for keeping cool!  Emily's music choice for her entrance was Handel's "Largo" from the opera Xerxes.  The ceremony concluded with "King William's March."

Throughout Northeast Indiana, I am available to provide harp music for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and other events.  Visit my website ~ Northeast Indiana Harpist ~ for details!

Tippecanoe Place Wedding ~ Reception Harp Music in South Bend

Harp music is not just for wedding ceremonies ~ you can bring the elegance and romance of the instrument into your reception as well!  Elizabeth and Brano celebrated their wedding at Tippecanoe Place in South Bend, Indiana.  The former Studebaker mansion, it has been converted into a fine dining restaurant that also hosts weddings and banquets.

As guests entered the lobby, they were greeted by harp music.  Elizabeth requested that I play a variety of music, encompassing the classical, popular, jazz, and Celtic genres.  Servers passed margaritas and appetizers, and the guests were able to tour the mansion at their leisure.  The wedding party was introduced as they descended the grand staircase into the lobby.  During toasts & speeches, the groom especially thanked members of his family who had come all the way from Croatia to be there for the wedding.  I continued playing through dinner service in the dining rooms on the main level. 

One of my favorite moments of the night was being approached by a bride whose wedding Jeff played for a couple of years ago ~ just upstairs in the 3rd floor ballroom!  It's wonderful to hear our clients' fond remembrances of their wedding music, and Jeff and I are so grateful to have been such an important part of the weddings of so many wonderful couples.

Planning a wedding reception?  Having a harpist is the perfect finishing touch!  Visit my website, South Bend Harpist, for more information and to contact me about pricing and availability.

Fort Wayne Harpist ~ Wedding Ceremony at St. John's Lutheran Church

Cary and Amber's wedding day started with a bit of hitch.  Unfortunately, the bride forgot her slip, which caused a delay.  No worries for the guests, because the harpist came more than prepared to provide enough prelude music while they waited for the ceremony to begin!

Once everyone was in place and set to go, I began by playing "Til There Was You" from The Music Man for the entrance of the families.  The bridesmaids' entrance was accompanied by "Can't Help Falling in Love."  For the bride's entrance, she came down the aisle to "Canon in D."

During the ceremony, I played "Unchained Melody" for the lighting of the unity candle.  I played the Etta James song "At Last" for the bride and groom as they recessed down the aisle for the first time as a married couple.

Even with the delayed start, I still had more than enough music for postlude as the guests were excused.  Both the prelude and postlude included a mix of classical and pop music, including songs such as "Your Song" by Elton John, "Love Story" by Taylor Swift, and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz.

If you would like more information about having a harpist for your wedding, please visit our website, Fort Wayne Wedding Music.

Foster Park Wedding ~ Harpist in Fort Wayne, Indiana

The Bridal Glen in Fort Wayne's Foster Park is a very popular location for weddings.  It is beautiful and secluded, so passing cars don't even know there is a wedding taking place!  The entire garden offers many backdrops for your photos as well.  Friday afternoon was hot and humid, but the gazebo provides enough shade to keep the harp (and harpist!) comfortable.

Megan was a very emotional bride - I love happy tears!  As her bridal party entered, I played "The Prayer" from Quest for Camelot.  The bride's entrance music was Enya's "Only Time."  There was supposed to be a moment of reflection following the second reading, but the officiant passed over it.  Instead, I played the piece ("Canon in D") for that time lightly in the background as the parents joined the couple at the front for a final blessing.  Quickly switching to the recessional music ("Fields of Gold" by Sting), the couple and their guests exited the ceremony.

Looking for wedding music in Fort Wayne?  Visit my website, Fort Wayne Harpist, for more information about having live harp music for your ceremony!

Wedding Harpist in Fort Wayne ~ Baker Street Station Ceremony

If you've never had the chance to visit the Baker Street Station in Fort Wayne, go!  It is a beautifully restored train depot that not only houses offices, but also opens up the grand lobby for weddings and other private events.  I was the harpist for a wedding there last Sunday, and it is stunning!

I was booked for this wedding only a couple of weeks in advance, but the mother of the bride and I were able to get all of the wedding music planned quickly by email.  Although prime Saturdays fill up six months to a year in advance, I occasionally have availability for last-minute bookings on Fridays, Sundays, and throughout the week.  It's never too late to contact me about providing your wedding music!

The room was decorated for the reception with teal and purple, and most of the guests sat at the dining tables for the ceremony.  Special chairs were reserved up close for the families.  The two bridesmaids entered to Fields of Gold, followed by the bride's entrance to Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring.  As the couple lit the unity candle, the hymn O Perfect Love played.  The recessional concluding the ceremony and sending the guests to the cocktail hour was Trumpet Tune.

As a Fort Wayne harpist, I've played for weddings and other events throughout the city, including at Foster Park's Bridal Glen, Lakeside Rose Garden, the Allen County Courthouse, and the Embassy Theatre.  Call 1-877-HARP-578 or visit my website, Fort Wayne Wedding Harpist, for information on having a harpist for your special day!

Fort Wayne Wedding Music - Harpist for Wedding Ceremony

It is always a good time when you have a wedding ceremony where you get to play some Eric Clapton, Stairway to Heaven, and a sprinkling of a couple Beatles songs!

For Joe and Brittney, the selection of wedding music included many great rock classics such as Wonderful Tonight, Stairway to Heaven, All You Need is Love, and Something.  While many of the songs that were selected were already part of my repertoire list, a couple of them were special requests that I was able to arrange for harp just for their wedding.

As for the ceremony itself, the bridesmaids entered to Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton.  Brittney entered into the sanctuary to the song Bella's Lullaby from Twilight.  The couple had a unity candle ceremony, for which Something by the Beatles was played.  At the end of a beautiful wedding ceremony, the couple exited to Time to Say Goodbye!

If you are looking for more non-traditional music for your wedding service, we can put together a great wedding package for you!  Visit our website, Fort Wayne Wedding Harpist, for more information.

Winona Lake & Warsaw Wedding Harp Music

What's better than a harpist at your wedding?  How about two harpists at your wedding!  The bride was moved to tears when she found out from her mom that there would be two harpists for the ceremony.

For Shelli and Justin's big day at the Hillside Amphitheatre on the shores of Winona Lake, we played "Canon in D" for the bridesmaids, flower girls, and ring bearer.  Shelli entered to the traditional "Bridal Chorus".  During the ceremony we played "I Cross My Heart" for the unity sand ceremony.  Finally, the bride and groom exited to "Because You Loved Me".

If you are thinking about something special and unique for your wedding or event, why not consider a harp duet?  Visit our website:  Northern Indiana Harpists.

Fort Wayne Harpist | Allen County Courthouse Wedding & Reception

The Allen County Courthouse in Fort Wayne is an amazing venue for your wedding ceremony and reception.  Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my camera with me to my May 14th wedding, so if you want to see pictures of the inside, you'll have to check out my blog post from a wedding I played there last September. 

This wedding was set up a little differently, with the ceremony taking place under the center rotunda.  The guests were seated all around the platform set up in the middle for the bride & groom.  This gave more of the guests a front-row seat for the vows! 

All of my contact for this wedding had been with the mother of the bride (Rhonda), who is also a musician.  In addition to all of the duties and stress of being the mother of the bride, she also sang for the ceremony!  I played harp for the ceremony, along with flautist Jenny Robinson (from the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and IPFW).  A harp & flute duet is a beautiful and elegant ensemble.  Mozart even wrote a concerto for this combination!

The harp & flute started the prelude with the Welsh lullaby "Suogan".  Rhonda and her duet partner then sang "All I Ask of You" from Phantom of the Opera; we followed with an instrumental Gershwin song "Embraceable You".  One more vocal duet, "Unforgettable", then the harp & flute finished up the prelude as the rest of the guests arrived.

The parents of the bride and groom entered to a vocalist singing the Josh Groban song "You Raise Me Up".  With a cue from the wedding planner, we began the processional music for the bridal party:  "Air on the G String" by J.S. Bach.  This piece really comes to life when a sustaining instrument (like the flute or a violin) playing along with the harp, keeping those long melodic lines going. 

The bride had one request for the ceremony music.  Her processional was kept a secret from everyone until she actually walked down the aisle.  She even instructed the DJ to play a different song for the rehearsal!  When the big moment finally came, "1234" by the Plain White T's was her choice.  It was a perfect blending of live music for most of the ceremony, with one favorite song in its original format - the way you are used to hearing it.

During the ceremony, I accompanied Rhonda singing Malotte's "The Lord's Prayer", and a guitarist played and sang "Marry Me" by Train during the lighting of the unity candle.  The recessional was the traditional Mendelssohn "Wedding March". 

At the conclusion of the ceremony, I took the harp upstairs to provide background music for the cocktail hour.  Like the prelude, this was mostly popular love songs with a few well-known classical pieces mixed in. 

If you are looking for a Fort Wayne Harpist, please contact us!  From the Courthouse to the Rose Garden to the Bridal Glen in Foster Park, we have played for weddings and parties throughout the city.  We would love to add the special touch of harp music to your event!

http://www.theclassicharpist.com/
1-877-HARP-578

Open House Music - Columbia City Indiana Harpist

I've played for three harp solo concerts at the Peabody Public Library, but this event was different - it was an open house and celebration for the construction of a new addition onto the library.  This included meeting rooms, a computer classroom, offices, and an auditorium.

I played outside of the auditorium as guests toured the new facility, both before and after the dedication of the addition.  It was a very appreciative crowd, and I played a wide variety of music - from Beethoven to Styx!  It's always so much fun to watch little children seeing a harp for the first time.  They are always somewhat timid (after all, the harp is three times their size!), but excited when I can play them some Disney or popular songs they recognize.

The harp is not just limited to weddings - it can enhance any event from a retirement party to a trade show!  Visit http://www.theclassicharpist.com/ for more details

Auburn, Indiana Harpist ~ Duesenberg Museum Wedding

On New Year's Eve, Jeff & I were the harpists for a wedding reception at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum in Auburn, Indiana.

For the cocktail hour, we were set up in the showroom of the museum, surrounded by classic cars.  The harps looked (and sounded) amazing in there!

The music we played included popular songs from the 1950's to today.  We always try to play something that guests of all ages will recognize and appreciate!  We moved the harps inside the banquet center to provide music as everyone enjoyed their dinner. 

On New Year's Eve, it's not just a wedding, it's a party.  They were ready for the celebration with a balloon drop!

Planning a wedding or event in Northeast Indiana?  Contact us for more information about harp music and how we can fit in with your plans.

Northeast Indiana Harpist