I always admire the couples who are able to put together a wedding right around Christmas. With so much to do in the way of holiday preparation, it’s a lot of work to add a wedding in with everything else! Those that are able to do so do have the bonus of having their venues already beautifully decorated and spending extra time with family.
Susie and Jeff had their ceremony on the Friday after Christmas at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Peoria. Looking up in the balcony, I was quite surprised to see a harp up there ~ it’s not often that I arrive at a venue that has a harp just sitting around!
It was an intimate group of friends and family that gathered, and they booked not just a harpist, but a harp & violin duet! This ensemble has proved to be a consistent favorite with brides and grooms.
We played prelude music as the guests found their seats in the sanctuary. When we received the signal that everyone was ready to begin, we switched the music to “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.” This piece by J.S. Bach was the processional for the pastor, groom, and wedding party. Susie and Jeff each had one attendant, plus three adorable flower girls in sparkly gold dresses.
Susie’s processional was “Canon in D” by Pachelbel. If you want something that is classical and familiar, but not too traditional, this piece is perfect! During the ceremony, we played Train’s “Marry Me” for the lighting of the unity candle and “Hey Soul Sister” for the recessional. There were some chuckles from the guests when they recognized the piece. It works surprisingly well as an instrumental piece, and you can have your wedding music be as unpredictable as you’d like!
For weddings in Peoria and throughout Central Illinois, I work as a harpist, either as a solo musician or with any ensemble of your choosing. To find out more about your wedding music options, visit: Peoria Wedding Music.
