It was another perfect outdoor wedding! Jill and Trevor celebrated with family and friends at Eagle Ridge Resort outside of Galena. This quaint northwest Illinois town is an easy getaway from many Midwestern cities, and has plenty to do for visitors. It is like a close-to-home destination wedding!
The ceremony and cocktail hour were both held outside on the deck overlooking Lake Galena. Harp prelude welcomed guests as they found their seats, and when the wedding coordinator had everyone lined up and ready, I switched to “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles for the wedding party processional. Jill chose “Marry Me” by Train for her grand entrance.
The ceremony officiant was a friend of the couple, ordained by the Universal Life Church. In speaking with the couple’s DJ prior to the ceremony, I found out that he had gotten ordained a few years earlier as a back-up. Guess what – I’m “ordained,” too! The officiant is the only person you can’t have a wedding without. Since we are both the types to have back-ups for our back-ups, we did this for our future couples. I certainly hope I never have to step in for a missing officiant, but if I do, it’s legal!
“Marry You” by Bruno Mars was the couple’s music choice for the recessional. A quick turn-around of the harp to face the guests in the tent, and I was playing for the cocktail hour. They requested more contemporary pop music to start the party, so I included favorites from Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Adele, and Taylor Swift – songs guests were sure to recognize!
If you are looking for a wedding musician in Galena (or anywhere in Illinois, Wisconsin, or Iowa), please visit my website ~ Galena IL Wedding Harpist ~ to get in touch!
