I first met Charlee and her family at a wedding expo when our booths were next to each other. She and her family run a bridal shop in Taylorville, and they enjoyed listening to harp music all afternoon. When she began making her wedding plans, Charlee knew exactly what she wanted for ceremony music! It’s a special pleasure to be selected to play for someone else who is in the wedding business. They see the best (and worst!) of wedding vendors, so I was thrilled to be her choice musician.
Charlee & Chase were married on her family’s farm outside of Stonington. The weather was perfect: comfortable temperatures, a light breeze, and enough clouds to provide shade over the ceremony site.
Their ceremony decor (from Signature Event Rental) was all rustic and country chic. Perfect for the setting! You can see more pictures on their Facebook page. Signs along the road directed guests to the farm, and the ceremony site featured wood doors and a gazebo with a vintage chandelier.
I played prelude music as guests were brought from the parking area in a golf cart, and then transitioned to “Glitter in the Air” for the wedding party processional. The bridesmaids, flower girl, and ring bearers (carrying a sign saying “Here Comes the Bride”) all entered to this piece. Charlee had known from the very beginning of her planning that her processional would be “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Timeless and classy!
During the ceremony, the mothers of the bride and groom did a blessing of the hands. While they were doing the reading, I played “All I Ask of You” from Phantom of the Opera lightly in the background.
The unity candle was lit to “The Luckiest” by Ben Folds. They had their candles contained in lanterns, so they actually didn’t blow out! After lighting the candles, the couple presented flowers to their families.
“I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz was their recessional. I continued to play upbeat popular songs as the guests left the ceremony and made their way to the reception in Mt. Zion. The postlude continued even into a good portion of the bridal party photos ~ a great way to keep everyone calm and relaxed during what can be a stressful time!
In Taylorville and throughout Central Illinois, I play the harp for wedding ceremonies and receptions. If you are interested in having a harpist for your wedding day, please visit my website ~ Central Illinois Wedding Music ~ and contact me for more information and a quote!
