Braving the traffic for Lollapalooza (which turned out not bad at all), I headed into downtown Chicago for a Friday evening wedding ceremony. It took place in the Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier – a stunning venue!
Usually, downtown Chicago weddings are a logistical nightmare, with parking blocks away, no loading zone, etc., but Navy Pier makes it easy. I was able to unload next to the entrance and take the elevator right up to the Gardens (which were closed to the general public for the wedding), and parking was on site.
To coordinate with their pool blue and black color scheme, they chose the Laurel Leaf lever harp, which is ebony with gold leaves wrapped around the column. This harp is not only beautiful, but has a sound that is impressive and it is more portable than the larger pedal harps.
As the guests arrived, I played “Hymne” by Vangelis and “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by J.S. Bach. For the seating of families, the bride chose “Aria” from Rinaldo by G.F. Handel. The bridesmaids entered to “Canon in D” by Pachelbel, and the bride selected “Pavane Style Renaissance” by Wachs for her processional.
They also incorporated music throughout the ceremony. There was a moment for reflection between the two readings, during which I played “Reverie” by Marcel Grandjany. After the Lord’s Prayer, the couple went to greet their parents, and I played the First Movement of “Spring” from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. The couple was announced and the recessional was the traditional “Wedding March” by Mendelssohn, followed by “Trumpet Tune” as the beginning of postlude music.
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