When you are planning a wedding on Valentine’s Day, you have to plan ahead! Malinda booked me for her February 2026 wedding in March – of 2023!
Holiday weddings and numerically significant dates (such as 10/10 or 2/14) are among the most in-demand dates for Cincinnati wedding venues and musicians. Booking early not only guarantees availability but can also lock in current pricing for future events — an important advantage when planning a luxury wedding experience.
This elegant ceremony and reception took place in the breathtaking Art Nouveau–inspired Continental Ballroom at the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza. The couple embraced a glamorous Roaring Twenties theme, inviting guests to attend in 1920s attire — and many arrived in stunning period fashion. The bride personally curated countless details, from handcrafted program booklets to intricate floral installations, creating a truly personalized celebration.
For the prelude, they requested classical music from the Baroque through the Romantic eras, including “The Four Seasons,” “Clair de Lune,” and “Water Music.” These timeless harp arrangements created an elegant and romantic atmosphere as guests arrived and were seated.
The wedding party and bride all processed to the Celtic Woman version of Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” played by the DJ. When using recorded music, there’s always the possibility that the timing won’t work out exactly – so I had the piece ready to play if it needed to be extended! Fortunately, the bride arrived at the end of the aisle just as the piece concluded.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the joyful recessional featured “Arrival of the Queen of Sheba,” a vibrant and celebratory classical favorite from Handel’s oratorio Solomon. The postlude continued with classical selections, along with a special nod to the couple’s 1920s theme with the jazz standard “In the Mood.”
Live harp music continued as guests exited the ballroom and transitioned to cocktail hour on the mezzanine level, where the DJ prepared an evening of foxtrots and Charleston dancing. The entire celebration perfectly captured the romance and glamour of Valentine’s Day.
As a professional Cincinnati harpist, I love collaborating with couples to design custom ceremony and cocktail hour music that reflects their wedding theme, venue aesthetic, and personal style. From classical wedding favorites to jazz standards, contemporary love songs, and themed events, live harp music creates an unforgettable atmosphere for guests and couples alike.
If you are planning a Cincinnati wedding — especially for a high-demand date or historic venue — early booking ensures the best selection of musicians and entertainment.
Visit my website, Cincinnati Harpist, to inquire about availability, request a quote, or begin planning your custom wedding music experience!
