When having harp music for your ceremony just isn’t enough harp music, then book it for your cocktail hour, too! Sometimes you don’t have the opportunity to really enjoy listening as you are in the formalities of the ceremony, but can relax and appreciate all of the work you’ve put into planning by the time you get to the reception. Having a harpist there really adds to the ambiance, and you can include more of your favorite songs in the playlist!
This day started with Danielle & Aaron’s ceremony at the Noble Victory Chapel on the grounds of St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy in Delafield, Wisconsin. Modeled after the cathedral in Reims, France, the stonework and stained glass make this a lovely wedding venue.
I played as guests arrived in the sanctuary, including a variety of classical and romantic pieces. The family and wedding party processional was “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts, and Danielle walked down the aisle to the Elvis hit “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”
The recessional to conclude the ceremony was “This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” by Natalie Cole. This song has become a frequent request from my couples this summer! It is certainly a lot of fun to play, and not quite the music people expect to hear on the harp.
Harp postlude music continued until all of the guests had left the church, and then I loaded up the harp to head off to the reception. The celebration continued at The Legend at Brandybrook in Wales. With the harp’s ties to Celtic heritage, this was perfect!
The bride and groom requested pop music from the 1980s through the present day, so I included songs by Elton John, Ed Sheeran, John Legend, Van Morrison, Shania Twain, and James Blunt (among others) in the cocktail hour selections. Harp music doesn’t have to be classical!
As a Milwaukee harpist, I play for weddings and events throughout southeast Wisconsin and the Chicago area. Visit my website ~ Milwaukee Wedding Harpist ~ to inquire for availability and a quote!
