Wedding at Meyer’s Castle ~ Northwest Indiana Harpist

Jane, the mother of the bride, contacted me about providing harp music for her daughter’s ceremony, and I was delighted to work with both of them for the wedding at Meyer’s Castle!  Located in Dyer, Indiana, you wouldn’t believe that this peaceful and romantic venue is only a short distance from downtown Chicago.  My favorite part of playing for weddings here is having the sound of the harp competing with that of the peacocks!  We had one that made himself right at home in the middle of the ceremony:

The weather was questionable all day, but did manage to clear in time for the evening ceremony to take place outside as originally planned.  Shannon & Brendan’s ceremony took place in front of the gazebo in the circular drive in front of the castle.

To celebrate the Irish heritage of the families, I included several Celtic folk songs in the prelude music as guests found their seats.  The prelude also included some popular songs (“Have I Told You Lately That I Love You,” “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “Stand by Me,” and “Stairway to Heaven” ~ one that was particularly enjoyed the groomsmen!) that didn’t make the final cut for inclusion in the ceremony itself.

“Lark in the Clear Air,” another Irish folk song, was the music that accompanied the seating of the groom’s mother, and the bridesmaids entered to Enya’s “Only Time.” Shannon was escorted down the aisle by her mother to “Canon in D” by Pachelbel.  A bit of a classic in a ceremony with mostly non-traditional music!

Between the two readings, they requested a musical interlude (“Can’t Help Falling in Love“).  This is a great way to include more music in your ceremony, and to give yourself some time to just relax and enjoy it!  As the couple lit their unity candle, I played “Unchained Melody,” then “Down by the Salley Gardens” during the Celtic handfasting ceremony.

The recessional was “Trumpet Voluntary” (with some well-timed fanfare assistance provided by the resident peacocks!) followed immediately by the Beatles’ hit “All You Need is Love.”  The postlude extended into a bit of cocktail hour, and included more Irish songs.  Other popular songs played here included:

• Let Me Call You Sweetheart
• Feelin’ Groovy (59th Street Bridge Song)
• Butterfly Kisses
• A Thousand Miles

For weddings in Chicago and Northwest Indiana, contact me about including a harpist in your ceremony plans.  From popular to classical to ethnic music, you can completely customize your wedding music to fit your ceremony and unique tastes.  More information on my website:  Northwest Indiana & Chicago Wedding Harpist.