The Classic Harpist | Providing Elegant Harp Music for Weddings and Events

Minnesota Wedding Harpist ~ Rochester MN

Posted on July 15, 2024 by Devon

I love non-traditional weddings! In any way that makes sense for you as a couple, your wedding should match your personalities and preferences. Sometimes that’s the location, the timing, or the music – or maybe a bit of all of it!

Although Saturday weddings are typical, weddings on other days of the week have become more common. Along with that, early morning ceremonies are a lovely new trend! With a daytime wedding, you can have your pick of venues and wedding professionals, without competing for their calendar space with hundreds of other couples wanting Saturday evenings. And who doesn’t love brunch?

A coffee house with a patio makes perfect sense for a more casual morning wedding. Marissa and Ben opted for the Forager Brewery and Cafe in Rochester, Minnesota, for their celebration, where guests gathered outside for their 8:30 am ceremony. I do think this holds the record for my earliest wedding start time – and they ran perfectly on schedule!

Prelude music began as guests arrived, and then I switched to “Andiam mio tesoro” for family seating. The wedding party (which included the bride’s dog) came down the aisle to “Pavane Style Renaissance.” Marissa’s own processional was “Love Me Like You Do” by Ellie Goulding.

They chose “Concerning Hobbits” from The Lord of the Rings for the unity ritual and then concluded the ceremony with the Scottish folk song “Loch Lomond” for the recessional. I played postlude as guests began to mingle and enjoy the passed hors d’oeuvres, until a guitar player took over for the remainder of the social hour.

No matter the size, location, or style of your wedding, harp music adds the perfect touch! Your music is completely up to you, and all of my couples choose each piece I play for their ceremonies. You can find more information and inquire about availability on my website: Minnesota Wedding Harpist.

Posted in Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies, Weddings | Tagged ceremony, forager brewery, minnesota, penti, rochester, wedding | Leave a comment

Wedding Harpist in Rockford | Pavilion at Orchard Ridge Farms

Posted on July 12, 2024 by Devon

It was one of those “will it or won’t it?” weather days! We kept having these really brief but really strong downpours in the hours leading up to the wedding ceremony – which was planned for outdoors at the lovely Orchard Ridge Farms in Rockton, Illinois. I waited to set up until they made the call to definitely move ahead with the ceremony outside. With the threat of rain still a possibility, I used my carbon fiber Infinity harp. This way, I could keep playing even if the weather changed on us!

I love having this harp available for my outdoor weddings. It removes so much stress from the day, as your music can continue even if it’s raining. It is also much easier to move around and I can access set-up locations that the heavier harps can’t get to. It’s the ultimate wedding music insurance policy!

The father of the groom officiated the hilltop ceremony. The families were seated to the 3rd Movement of “Spring” from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. The wedding party processional was “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” followed by “Can’t Help Falling in Love” for the bride’s entrance.

To conclude the ceremony, they chose a song made famous by the Italian opera singer Andrea Bocelli, “Con Te Partiro (Time to Say Goodbye).” I played other popular songs as guests were dismissed to the reception in the banquet hall below.

As a professional wedding harpist, I delight in working with couples to create a music soundtrack to remember. My couples always choose each song for the highlighted moments of their ceremonies, and their choices range from traditional to completely unexpected (but always personally meaningful to them!). Visit my website ~ Rockford Wedding Musician ~ to learn more!

Posted in Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies, Weddings | Tagged ceremony, infinity, northern illinois, pavilion at orchard ridge farms, rockford, rockton, wedding | Leave a comment

Chicago Wedding Harpist ~ Ceremony & Cocktail Hour Music in Oak Park

Posted on July 8, 2024 by Devon

Caitlin and Jon were married in beautiful Oak Park at the Pleasant Home/John Farson House. It was a hot summer day, but the shade provided on the porch where the ceremony took place certainly helped keep harp and harpist comfortable (and in tune!).

They had originally planned multiple songs for the different parts of the processional, but when they ran through it at the rehearsal, they realized it wasn’t as long as they had anticipated. With only one bridesmaid plus the flower girls coming down the aisle before the bride, it didn’t take much time! Worried that switching songs would sound a bit choppy, the bride emailed me the day before her wedding to make a switch, playing “Always Remember Us This Way” by Lady Gaga for the entire processional, not just her own entrance.

The songs they had previously chosen (“Harvest Moon” by Neil Young and “Lovesong” by The Cure) I made sure to include in the prelude as guests were seated on the mansion’s porch.

To conclude the ceremony, they opted for the traditional classical piece, Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March.” But that wasn’t the end of the harp music for the day! I continued playing popular, musical theatre, and jazz selections through the cocktail hour up until everyone gathered for dinner inside.

I’ll often have guests approach me after the ceremony, saying how much they enjoyed the harp music. They are even more excited when I tell them that there is more to come for cocktails! Having that extra hour or two also allows you to include more of your favorite songs in my playlist – especially if you are getting married in a house of worship that has some restrictions on music that can be played during the ceremony itself.

As a Chicago wedding harpist, I love playing for ceremonies and receptions in the city and throughout the suburbs! On my website ~ Chicago Harpist for Weddings ~ you can review song lists, listen to audio samples, and request a quote for your event.

Posted in Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies, Wedding Receptions, Weddings | Tagged ceremony, chicago, northern illinois, oak park, pleasant home, reception, wedding | Leave a comment

Detroit Wedding Music – Harp & Violin Duet

Posted on July 2, 2024 by Devon

Harp and violin is by far my most requested ensemble, and I love to collaborate with my professional musician colleagues! For this wedding, we had a unique set-up. The entire wedding celebration was held at The Shinola Hotel in downtown Detroit. There was a pre-ceremony cocktail hour in the Salon with the ceremony following in the Birdy Room.

The couple wanted music for both locations, so I brought two harps! This allowed me to have one already in place for the ceremony and then have another for cocktails without having to relocate while guests were also moving in between the spaces.

I set up my Venus Penti harp for the ceremony, and used my Heartland Infinity for cocktails, which allows for much more freedom of movement and takes up a smaller amount of space – which was at a premium!

When guests started to be seated, there was violin solo music playing. With two musicians, you can have music at the same time in multiple places! I joined for a couple of harp and violin duets to complete the prelude music before the processionals.

The families of the bride and groom were seated to “Never Seen Blue” by Tori Amos. There was no wedding party, so the bride followed immediately after to “Promises” from the Broadway musical Hadestown.

Obviously not ones for traditional wedding music, they chose “This Must be the Place” by Talking Heads for their recessional! We continued with other pop songs as guests headed off to the reception.

Yes, classical instruments can play non-classical music! I love working with my couples to create their unique wedding playlists, either for solo harp or with one of the ensembles I offer. Visit my website ~ Detroit Wedding Harpist ~ to plan your perfect ceremony soundtrack!

Posted in Indoor Wedding Ceremonies, Wedding Receptions, Weddings | Tagged ceremony, detroit, eastern michigan, ensemble, reception, the shinola hotel, wedding | Leave a comment

Wedding Music in Grand Rapids ~ Frederik Meijer Garden Ceremony

Posted on June 25, 2024 by Devon

Enrique and Erich planned for an outdoor ceremony on the Padnos Rooftop Garden at the Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, but the rain started falling shortly before the ceremony was to begin. I had already started the prelude music, so quickly moved the harp to a small overhang where I could keep it dry.

Fortunately, the venue has many indoor options as well, so the couple opted to relocate the ceremony to one of those spaces. We waited just inside from the rooftop garden doors while a downstairs room was arranged to accommodate the ceremony.

With everyone lending a hand to get all of their decor and family heirlooms set in the new location, everything was able to go ahead as planned. We had a beautiful view of the gardens, while staying dry and cool inside!

I played “River Flows in You” and other pieces as prelude, then “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers for the wedding party and Erich’s processionals. Enrique and his mother walked down the aisle together to “Unchained Melody.”

Their ceremony was a heartfelt blending of two families and cultures, and included a unity sand pouring and presentation of roses to the grooms’ mothers to Schubert’s “Ave Maria.” They also requested “All I Ask of You” from Phantom of the Opera to be played lightly under their spoken vows.

For the recessional to send them out as a newly-married couple, I played “A Thousand Years” from Twilight: Breaking Dawn, followed by other upbeat selections as guests congratulated the couple and headed off to the reception.

I provide harp music for weddings in Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan for all couples. Visit my website ~ Grand Rapids Wedding Music ~ to contact me and start planning your wedding ceremony soundtrack!

Posted in Indoor Wedding Ceremonies, Weddings | Tagged ceremony, encore, frederik meijer gardens, grand rapids, wedding, west central michigan | Leave a comment

Summer Solstice Party at Nemacolin Resort ~ Harp Duets

Posted on June 24, 2024 by Devon

If there is anything more impressive than having a harpist at your event, it’s having two harpists! And that was just the beginning of the over-the-top experiences guests were treated to at the Summer Solstice party at Nemacolin Resort in Farmington, Pennsylvania.

To celebrate the reimagining and reopening of the Chateau, an exclusive group of guests enjoyed a weekend full of music and entertainment, sporting events, and culinary delights, all hosted by Jimmy Fallon. Each night concluded with a surprise musical guest.

The two-harp duet was the first thing guests saw upon entering the Chateau on Friday afternoon. The harps provided the frame for a large floral installation centered around the Nemacolin bird logo. Dressed in matching gold formal gowns, we played classical pieces, jazz standards, and pop songs as guests arrived.

Harp Duet at Nemacolin Summer Solstice Party

Following a re-set for the evening, we returned to play for the welcome party, which also featured Italian dancers, “fauns” on stilts, living statues, and aerialists performing from the roof and down the side of the building. All of this was the opening act for the night’s feature performer, Lionel Richie!

Whether you are planning a simple wedding ceremony or a large-scale corporate extravaganza, I can provide the perfect harp music to fit your theme, level of formality, and style. Working as a soloist or with other musicians, I can craft the perfect soundtrack to your celebration, and harpists are always appreciated and remembered by guests.

To inquire for availability and rates, please visit my website: Pittsburgh Harpist. I play throughout Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, and West Virginia, as well as across the US and Canada and globally for destination weddings and events. A harpist (or two, or three!) is always a good choice!

Posted in Corporate Events | Tagged corporate, ensemble, farmington, grand opening, harp duet, nemacolin woodlands resort, pennsylvania, pittsburgh, summer solstice | Leave a comment

Nebraska Harpist ~ Lincoln Wedding Music

Posted on June 19, 2024 by Devon

Jon and Mary had a beautiful and meaningful ceremony at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, where they were surrounded by friends, family, and much-appreciated air conditioning! The prelude began as guests arrived in the sanctuary.

As guests were seated, I played the bride’s special requests of “Edelweiss” from The Sound of Music, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz, “Pie Jesu” from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Requiem, and the hymn “Be Thou My Vision.”

The family and wedding party entered to Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” followed by the bride to “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran. When you are getting married in any house of worship, there can be musical guidelines that you’ll need to follow. I made sure this song would be allowed, and it was! Much better to know in advance if you’ll need to have a back-up piece in mind.

They requested that I play “Love Divine, All Love’s Excelling” lightly under the vows, then “Ave Maria” by Schubert for the unity sand. The recessional to conclude the ceremony was another hymn, “For the Beauty of the Earth,” followed by “All Things Bright and Beautiful” and other upbeat selections as guests exited the church.

I play for weddings and other events in Lincoln, Omaha, and throughout Nebraska. You can find more information and request a quote at my website: Lincoln Nebraska Harpist.

Posted in Indoor Wedding Ceremonies, Weddings | Tagged ceremony, holy trinity episcopal, lincoln, nebraska, penti, wedding | Leave a comment

Branson Wedding Music ~ Harpist at Glass Haus

Posted on June 18, 2024 by Devon

The Glass Haus wedding venue is a stunning location overlooking Table Rock Lake. In Blue Eye, Missouri, it’s far enough away from Branson that it’s serene and peaceful, but close enough to be convenient for guests to visit the attractions there, too!

Bridget and Matthew held their ceremony on the outside deck, with the reception following inside. I played as guests arrived and stayed in the shade waiting for the ceremony to begin. Fortunately, there was plenty nearby for both harp and guests to keep as cool as possible in the 90-degree temperatures!

For the processionals, the couple opted to have a DJ play instrumental versions of “Here Comes the Sun” for the family and wedding party and “Until I Found You” for the bride’s entrance. As they signed their marriage license, I played the Elvis song “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” During quiet times of the ceremony, it’s nice to have some background music to fill in what could be an awkward silence!

Back to the DJ for the recessional – “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole. Following the recessional, I continued to play on the patio for some formal portraits, and then relocated the harp inside for cocktail hour.

Throughout, I played a variety of pop, Broadway, and jazz music, and was sure to include several Taylor Swift songs at the bride’s special request!

As a professional wedding harpist, I play for ceremonies, receptions, and rehearsal dinners in Branson and throughout Southern Missouri and Northern Arkansas. If you would like to learn more about having a harpist for your wedding, visit my website at ~Branson Wedding Musician~ to request a quote!

Posted in Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies, Wedding Receptions, Weddings | Tagged blue eye, branson, ceremony, glass haus, missouri, penti, reception, wedding | Leave a comment

Harp and Violin for a Wedding in Marietta

Posted on June 17, 2024 by Devon

There are so few “perfect” days for outdoor weddings. They are often too hot, too cold, too rainy, to buggy – but not for Molly and Eric! They were married lakeside at The Farmer’s Daughters and Son outside or Marietta on the most beautiful June afternoon.

They chose a harp and violin duet to provide their wedding ceremony music. This is by far my most requested ensemble! The two instruments together are a lovely combination of sounds, and you can listen to several clips of this duo (and others!) on my audio samples page.

With the processionals chosen by the couple covering popular songs of many eras, we did the same for the prelude music as guests arrived at the ceremony. For the seating of parents and grandparents, we played “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles.

The wedding party processional was “Dancing Queen” by ABBA (yes, that can be wedding music!) and Molly’s entrance was to the Elvis hit “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” During the unity glass ritual, we played “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran, and then “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” as the recessional.

Whether you prefer pop or classical music – or a mix of it all! – the harp and violin duet is an excellent choice for your wedding music. The harp has an impressive visual element, and the soaring melodies of the violin over harp accompaniment are the epitome of romance! Visit my website ~ Southeast Ohio Harpist ~ for details. I play for weddings, either as a solo harpist or in other ensembles, throughout Marietta, Southeastern Ohio, and the Parkersburg, West Virginia, areas.

Posted in Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies, Weddings | Tagged ceremony, encore, ensemble, marietta, ohio, the farmers daughters and son, wedding | Leave a comment

Chattanooga Wedding Harpist ~ Wedding at the Hunter Museum of American Art

Posted on June 6, 2024 by Devon

Art museum weddings are so beautiful – and this one was no exception! Taking place in the Grand Foyer of the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga, Maddie and Connor held their ceremony with a view of both the art inside and the Tennessee River outside.

As guests arrived, harp music filled the hall for the prelude. The family processional was “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” by the contemporary worship band Hillsong UNITED, followed the the wedding party to “Concerning Hobbits” from Lord of the Rings.

Maddie’s own processional was a song most often used at the end of the ceremony for the recessional (Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March“), but it can be used for the bridal entrance, too. Your wedding music is for you, and should be exactly what you want!

For the recessional, they chose “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole. This song is becoming one of my most requested this year, and I’ve performed it as a harp solo (like for this wedding) and as a duet with a violinist and with a pianist. Each ensemble gives the same music a different sound!

I play for weddings in Chattanooga and throughout East Tennessee, North Georgia, and North Alabama. To find out more or request a quote, visit my website: Chattanooga Harpist for Weddings.

Posted in Indoor Wedding Ceremonies, Weddings | Tagged ceremony, chattanooga, encore, hunter museum of american art, tennessee, wedding | Leave a comment