The Classic Harpist | Providing Elegant Harp Music for Weddings and Events

East Tennessee Harpist | Johnson City Wedding

Posted on August 19, 2023 by Devon

Katie and David were married at the Carnegie Hotel in Johnson City, Tennessee. The wedding featured an Art Deco-inspired styling, with black, gold, silver, and white colors in the luxurious venue. I provided harp music for the ballroom ceremony as well as the cocktail hour in the hotel’s lobby.

Guests were definitely “wowed” by the set-up and hearing harp music as they entered. You know you’ve made the right choice for wedding music when even your bridesmaids are impressed! Prelude music for guest arrival included both popular love songs and familiar classical pieces.

The families of the bride and groom were seated to “How Beautiful” by Twila Paris. The groom and the couple’s daughter, along with the wedding party, came down the aisle to Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect.” Katie’s own processional music was the Elvis hit “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”

By Amanda May Photos

When the ceremony concluded with the couple’s presentation, the DJ played their recessional. After a couple of pieces for the postlude, I relocated the harp to the lobby to play for the cocktail hour.

As the party started, the bride and groom requested that I play popular songs from the 2000s through the present day. Some of these included:

All is Said and Done by Beyonce
Shallow by Lady Gaga
Chandelier by Sia
Havana by Camila Cabello
Better Together by Jack Johnson
Stay with Me by Sam Smith

Guests love hearing songs they recognize on the harp! A particularly special moment was when the flower girl (the couple’s daughter) caught sight of the harp, and had to come over and see it up close. A quick impromptu lesson, and she plucked a few strings herself!

I play for weddings and other events in the Tri-Cities and throughout Eastern Tennessee, Western Virginia, Western North Carolina, and the Asheville area. Harp music is an elegant addition to any event! Visit my website ~ Tri-Cities Wedding Harpist ~ to check availability and receive a quote.

Posted in Indoor Wedding Ceremonies, Wedding Receptions, Weddings | Tagged carnegie hotel, ceremony, encore, johnson city, reception, tennessee, tri-cities, wedding | Comments Off

Wedding Harpist Toronto | Old Mill Ceremony

Posted on August 18, 2023 by Devon

Trista and Dan held their intimate wedding ceremony and reception at the Old Mill Toronto Hotel. This beautiful historic venue features English Tudor architecture and stunning grounds for magnificent indoor and outdoor photography options.

With family around the globe, they also live-streamed the morning ceremony to those who couldn’t attend in person. They were married in the candlelit chapel, with harp prelude music including Irish folk songs, “City of Stars” from La La Land, “River Flows in You” by Yiruma, and “Starships” by Nicki Minaj.

The parents of the bride and groom entered the sanctuary to Enya’s “Only Time.” There was no wedding party, but the groom got his own processional – “Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms”!

The bride came down the aisle to “All of Me” by John Legend. Although the rest of the music was contemporary or a nod to Ireland, they went traditional on the recessional, and chose Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March.” As your harpist, I can play all of the wedding classics, plus songs you may not expect to hear on the harp!

Postlude music accompanied the guests as they left the chapel and were off to the reception. I play for weddings and other events in Toronto and the GTA. Visit my website {Toronto Wedding Harpist} to learn more and check my availability!

Posted in Indoor Wedding Ceremonies, Weddings | Tagged canada, ceremony, etobicoke, old mill toronto, ontario, penti, toronto, wedding | Comments Off

Omaha Harpist – Wedding at Lucile’s Old Market

Posted on August 15, 2023 by Devon

Emma and Brandon chose the historic area of Omaha’s Old Market for their wedding. At Lucile’s, they had the option of a beautiful courtyard for an outdoor ceremony, with the reception following indoors. It was a little garden oasis in the middle of the city (and on College World Series weekend)!

Harp music filled the space as guests found their seats. For the family processional, they chose to have me play the jazz standard “What a Wonderful World.” The wedding party, including the bride’s three nieces as adorable flower girls, came down the aisle to “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles, followed by the bride to Adele’s “Remedy.”

The ceremony concluded with “Always Be My Baby” by Mariah Carey. Harp music can be classical – but it certainly doesn’t have to be! With the versatility to play contemporary pop favorites alongside traditional wedding classics, you can have a completely customized wedding music experience.

I am available in Omaha and Council Bluffs, as well as throughout eastern Nebraska and western Iowa. I’d love to add harp music to your wedding plans! Visit my website ~ Omaha Wedding Harpist ~ to check availability and receive a quote.

Posted in Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies, Weddings | Tagged ceremony, encore, lucile's old market, nebraska, omaha, wedding | Comments Off

Catholic Wedding Music | La Crosse WI Harpist

Posted on August 15, 2023 by Devon

When planning your wedding music, you need to take into account the venue where your ceremony will be held. Many houses of worship have guidelines you will need to follow, so it’s best to know what those are before making your song choices! With experience playing for weddings of most faiths, I can guide you in that respect and help you come up with music that you love that fits the requirements of your church.

For Catholic weddings, most parishes require the music to be classical or sacred. Elizabeth and Elijah were married at the Roncalli Newman Catholic Church in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and had a friend serve as cantor for their Nuptial Mass. Yes, I can accompany the singer of your choice for your wedding!

As guests were seated in the sanctuary, I played a variety of classical music, including Bach’s “Arioso” and “Prelude in C,” Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy,” and Handel’s “Air” from Water Music. The processional for the wedding party and bride was “Canon in D” by Pachelbel.

They chose the “Mass of Creation” setting, and “Spirit Wind” was the responsorial psalm. For the preparation of gifts and the Eucharist, the cantor sang “The Servant Song” and “Pange Lingua” with harp accompaniment. After communion, I played the Twila Paris song “How Beautiful” as a harp solo.

The recessional to conclude the ceremony was “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by Bach, followed by other uptempo classical music such as “Trumpet Tune” and “Trumpet Voluntary.”

As a harpist, I play for weddings in La Crosse and throughout western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota. If you are interested in having harp music for your ceremony, reception, or other event, please contact me via my website: La Crosse Wisconsin Harpist.

Posted in Indoor Wedding Ceremonies, Weddings | Tagged central wisconsin, ceremony, encore, la crosse, roncalli newman catholic church, wedding, wisconsin | Comments Off

Toronto Bollywood Harpist ~ Reception at Chandni Victoria

Posted on August 10, 2023 by Devon

Anurag and Manreet celebrated their wedding in style at Chandni Victoria in Mississauga! For their reception, they had me set up in the lobby of the hall to provide harp music as guests arrived.

Having spent a couple of years living in and performing all around India, I have a good repertoire of classic and contemporary Bollywood hits in my repertoire. The couple wanted me to play primarily those songs, but also some Canadian and American Top 40.

Some of the pieces I played included “Suraj Hua” from Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gum, “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur, “Marry You” by Bruno Mars, “Pehla Nasha” from Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar, and “Chandelier” by Sia.

I specialize in playing music you might not expect to hear on the harp, including classical Indian and Bollywood songs! Incorporating music from your heritage is a wonderful way to honor family ancestry and traditions. I’m always ready to learn new music that is meaningful to you!

It’s always a delight to share my love of this music in the Toronto area and around the world. If you’re looking for a Bollywood harpist to play for your wedding or event, please get in touch! You can find more information and contact me via my website ~ Toronto Wedding Harpist.

Posted in Wedding Receptions, Weddings | Tagged bollywood, canada, chandni victoria, mississauga, ontario, penti, reception, toronto, wedding | Comments Off

Harpist in Northwest Indiana – Michigan City Wedding Musician

Posted on August 9, 2023 by Devon

Kory and Michael had a beautiful and heartfelt ceremony at the historic Barrelhouse at Zorn in Michigan City. It’s so convenient to have ceremony and reception at the same venue, and the whole complex gave them many options for outdoor photos as well!

As guests arrived and found their seats, the harp prelude music filled the room with classical and jazz pieces. Since they had a small wedding party, they opted to have the same piece, “Canon in D” by Pachelbel, for the flower girl, ring bearer, and grooms. When couples go this route, I reserve the faster, more majestic variation for their entrance. There’s a reason it’s such a popular piece for weddings!

For the unity ceremony, the grooms combined beach glass they had collected in Florida and sealed an anniversary box containing wine and love letters to each other. While this was going on, I played “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran. The recessional was “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”

Yes, I fully support LGBTQ+ couples and love playing for their weddings! Whether your musical tastes lean towards classical or contemporary, we can work together to create the perfect playlist for your ceremony that incorporates your favorite pieces and those that are meaningful to you. For more information or to request a quote, visit my website: Northwest Indiana Wedding Musician.

Posted in Indoor Wedding Ceremonies, Weddings | Tagged barrelhouse at zorn, ceremony, michigan city, northwest indiana, penti, wedding | Comments Off

British Virgin Islands Harpist ~ Caribbean Beach Wedding Music

Posted on August 7, 2023 by Devon

There’s nothing quite so romantic and elegant as harp music for a wedding on the beach! Kelly and Hunter gathered friends and family from near and far to celebrate with them in the British Virgin Islands. Their destination wedding weekend took place at the Rosewood Little Dix Bay in Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda.

The tropical paradise was a luxurious escape and beautiful backdrop for their ceremony and reception. Many guests stayed at the resort or other local accommodations, after taking the ferry over from Tortola, BVI or St. Thomas, USVI. It’s one of those places that the journey is just as delightful as the destination!

Guests arrived at the beachside ceremony, overlooking Little Dix Bay, with harp music setting the scene. For the prelude and guest arrival, I played a variety of classical pieces and popular love songs. The wedding party came down the aisle to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz, followed by the bride to the traditional “Canon in D” by Pachelbel.

It was a highly personal ceremony, as it was officiated by the brother of the bride and photographed by the sister of the groom. For the unity ceremony, they chose to have “Reverie” by the harpist and composer Grandjany played lightly in the background. The recessional was “Prelude in C” by J.S. Bach. I continued postlude music as guests took photos and walked across the beach to the reception.

After the ceremony, the celebration continued at The Sugar Mill Restaurant at the resort. I oftentimes have guests speak to me after a wedding ceremony, wishing they could have heard even more harp music. They’re always delighted when, as at this wedding, I tell them that there will be more for the cocktail hour!

While guests enjoyed drinks and hors d’oeuvres, I played contemporary popular and musical theatre songs the couple requested, including:

Everything (Michael Buble)
You Matter to Me from Waitress
Love Story (Taylor Swift)
Seasons of Love from Rent
The Way You Look Tonight from Swing Time
This Will Be An Everlasting Love (Natalie Cole)
Your Song (Elton John)
You’re Still the One (Shania Twain)
Marry You (Bruno Mars)

Adding the LED lights on the harp changes the vibe from classic to party time! I can even match them to your wedding colors. After the bride and groom arrived at the reception, they shared their first dance and then sat down to dinner. A DJ continued the music for the remainder of the evening.

I play for weddings in the British Virgin Islands (including Tortola & Virgin Gorda), US Virgin Islands (St. Croix, St. Thomas, & St. John), and throughout the Caribbean. If you are looking for a harpist to add a touch of elegance to your wedding, please get in touch! You can view more photos, listen to sound clips, and request a quote at my website: Caribbean Wedding Harpist.

Posted in Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies, Wedding Receptions, Weddings | Tagged british virgin islands, ceremony, destination wedding, infinity, reception, rosewood little dix bay, spanish town, virgin gorda, wedding | Comments Off

Wedding Music St. Louis ~ Harp, Violin, & Cello Trio

Posted on August 4, 2023 by Devon

For this wedding, I was brought in by the violinist and cellist, with whom I had previously played for multiple ceremonies in the St. Louis area. It’s wonderful to collaborate, and perform music that works especially well with other string instruments! The ceremony took place at the DoubleTree Hotel in Chesterfield, Missouri.

For the prelude, we included a couple of classical harp solos (“Clair de Lune” and “First Arabesque” by Debussy), alongside other classical pieces (“Air” from Water Music, “La Rejouissance” from Music for Royal Fireworks, and “Romanza” from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik). We also included several popular selections (“A Thousand Years” from Twilight: Breaking Dawn, “All of Me,” “Somos Novios,” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love“).

The processionals were classical and traditional: “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” for the family seating, “Canon in D” for the wedding party processional, and “Bridal Chorus” for the bride’s entrance. The ceremony concluded with “Rather Be” by the electronic music group Clean Bandit.

More popular music followed for the postlude as guests made their way to the reception, including “All You Need is Love” and “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles.

Whether as a solo harpist or in a chamber ensemble, I love playing for weddings! If you have a particular instrumentation in mind, I can put together the perfect musicians for your event. I can also make suggestions for what would sound best for the type of music you prefer or the venue where your wedding will be. Get in touch via my website ~ St. Louis Wedding Musicians ~ to discuss the details!

Posted in Indoor Wedding Ceremonies, Weddings | Tagged ceremony, chesterfield, doubletree chesterfield, ensemble, missouri, penti, st. louis, wedding | Comments Off

Chicago Harp & Violin Duet – Wedding Music at Morton Arboretum

Posted on July 31, 2023 by Devon

What a beautiful day Abigail and Jame had for their garden wedding at Morton Arboretum! They held their ceremony at the Grand Garden, with cocktail hour immediately following in the Ginko Room. For both, they requested a harp and violin duet. It’s one of my favorite ensembles, and I love working with my colleagues to create beautiful wedding music!

We played duet arrangements of classical pieces such as “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring,” the theme from “Jupiter,” and “Largo” from Handel’s Xerxes for the prelude. The families of the couple came down the aisle to the jazz standard “At Last,” followed by the wedding party to “Prelude in C” by J.S. Bach.

Abigail’s own processional music was “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles. During the ceremony, we played the Rascal Flatts song “Bless the Broken Road” for the unity sand pouring. After the newly-married couple was introduced, the traditional Mendelssohn “Wedding March” was their recessional.

Following the recessional, the violinist made her way to the cocktail hour, so the music could start there while I was continuing postlude music at the ceremony site. That’s one of the big pluses for hiring a duet or larger ensemble! We can cover music for both ceremony and reception without a break in between.

For the cocktail hour, the bride and groom wanted popular songs, mostly from the 1980s and 1990s. Their specific requests included:

Piano Man (Billy Joel)
Uptown Girl (Billy Joel)
Tiny Dancer (Elton John)
All You Need is Love (The Beatles)
Happy Together (Alan Gordon)
We’ve Only July Begun (The Carpenters)
Main Theme from Game of Thrones

They requested the Game of Thrones theme to be the last piece we played, prior to their introduction to the ballroom and dinner service.

Either as a solo harpist or in a duet, trio, quartet, or larger ensemble, I love working with couples to create their perfect wedding music experience. The music you choose can be classical, contemporary, or a mix of everything that is meaningful to you! To start planning with me, contact me via my website: Chicago Wedding Harpist.

Posted in Outdoor Wedding Ceremonies, Wedding Receptions, Weddings | Tagged ceremony, chicago, ensemble, lisle, morton arboretum, northern illinois, penti, reception, wedding | Comments Off

Harpist in St. Louis ~ Catholic Wedding Musician

Posted on July 30, 2023 by Devon

The beautiful Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, near Forest Park in St. Louis, was the venue chosen for Olivia and Kolton’s Nuptial Mass. As in all Catholic churches, the music for the service is required to be classical or sacred. If you are getting married in a church, be sure to check with your priest/pastor or church coordinator to confirm the musical guidelines specific to your house of worship.

As guests took their seats in the sanctuary, I played classical harp solos and sacred compositions. When the families were seated and the wedding party came down the aisle, the music chosen was the hymn “For the Beauty of the Earth.”

Olivia entered to the Debussy piece “Clair de Lune.” Music during the service included Schubert’s “Ave Maria” and “Prayer of St. Francis (Make Me a Channel of Your Peace).” The recessional to conclude the ceremony was another hymn, “How Can I Keep from Singing.”

As guests departed for the reception, I continued classical harp music for the postlude. I play for weddings of all faiths in St. Louis and throughout Missouri and Illinois, and am happy to guide you through the process of selecting music that is both appropriate for your venue and meaningful to you.

Visit my website ~ St. Louis Wedding Harpist ~ to view music lists, listen to audio/video clips, and request a quote for your wedding music!

Posted in Indoor Wedding Ceremonies, Weddings | Tagged ceremony, encore, missouri, our lady of lourdes, st. louis, wedding | Comments Off