Most people think of a destination wedding as heading off the the Caribbean for an intimate ceremony on the beach, but that isn’t always the case! Charlie and Michelle chose to make their destination…Cleveland, Ohio!
As musicians, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was the natural choice for their wedding venue. Friends and family traveled with them from San Diego (and other points around the globe) to celebrate on the shores of Lake Erie.
I was so excited when Michelle contacted me about playing for her wedding ceremony! Not only would her wedding be at a fantastic venue, but she is a harpist herself. I knew she’d have amazing ideas about her music selections, too!
My ebony Penti harp fit in perfectly with the modern venue and the black and red decor. The theme carried throughout the event, from the red lights and roses on the chuppah to the record disc charges on the dinner tables.
Guests arrived on the main level of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where a Paul McCartney impersonator entertained them during the cocktail hour. Then it was upstairs to the 3rd floor bridge for the Jewish wedding ceremony.
As guests found their seats, I played rock ballads and other popular songs, including “Tiny Dancer,” “Endless Love,” “Here Comes the Sun,” “Yellow,” “Sweet Child o’ Mine,” and “Bohemian Rhapsody.” The Queen hit inspired a bit of a sing-along – it just can’t be helped with that one!
Guests loved hearing such unexpected music from a classic instrument like the harp! When the families were ready to be seated, I played “Time of Your Life.” The wedding party (including a ring bearer who wasn’t too sure about stepping on those flower petals!) entered to “Isn’t She Lovely.”
Michelle told me that, ever since she started taking harp lessons at age 7, it was her dream to walk down the aisle to “Michelle” by The Beatles. On that Saturday evening, it happened!
The Rabbi began the ceremony, which included the seven blessings (translated by friends and family members) and the traditional breaking of the glass. The ceremony concluded with a joyous singing of “Mazel Tov” before the band downstairs enticed everyone to the reception with “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas.
I am available to provide harp music (classical or not!) for weddings in Cleveland or anywhere in the world. Travel and destination weddings are welcome, no matter where they are! Visit my website ~ Destination Wedding Music ~ for details and to receive a quote.
