The harp is a beautiful and elegant choice as a solo instrument, but works equally well in combination with others! For this wedding ceremony and cocktail hour, Annelise and Tom chose a classical trio of harp, violin, and cello.

The Red Crown Lodge on the shores of Trout Lake was the setting for the outdoor ceremony. It’s an historic corporate retreat, and is a lovely and peaceful space that showcases the best of the natural beauty of Northern Wisconsin.

Our trio played prelude music as guests were seated for the ceremony. They requested classical music prior to the service, including Handel’s “Air” from Water Music and “Jupiter” from The Planets by Holst. For the family seating, we played the 3rd movement of “Spring” from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons.

As the wedding party came down the aisle, we played the J.S. Bach piece “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” followed by “Canon in D” for the bride’s processional. During the unity ritual, they went with something more contemporary – “I Cross My Heart” by country artist George Strait.

The recessional was the traditional “Wedding March” by Mendelssohn, which we followed with “Rondeau” by Jean-Joseph Mouret.

I continued to play solo harp selections for the postlude while the violinist and cellist relocated to the space near the tent for cocktail hour. When you hire a group of musicians, we can cover more than one space simultaneously! Since the harp takes a bit longer to move, I play at the ceremony site until all of the guests have exited. Meanwhile, the other musicians are already welcoming guests to the cocktail hour with music there!

We set up outside the beautifully decorated clear tent to play for the cocktail hour prior to dinner. With this shift, the music style shifted also! Classical at the ceremony, now contemporary for the reception. There was popular music from the 1950s through the 2020s, so something guests of all generations would recognize.

Some of the pieces we included were “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” “I Choose You,” “Perfect,” “Three Coins in the Fountain,” and “Here Comes the Sun.” Classical instruments don’t play only classical music! We customize your playlist to include your favorites and special requests.

Northern Wisconsin is full of beautiful venues to celebrate your wedding, and I’d love to bring harp music to the party! Choosing either solo harp or a larger ensemble, we work together can create the perfect soundtrack for your wedding day, with a variety of classical, jazz, pop, and world music options available to you. Visit my website ~ Northern Wisconsin Harpist ~ to start planning!