One of the things I enjoy most as a wedding harpist in Winona is that every celebration has its own personality. Each venue offers a different setting, every couple brings their own vision to the day, and every wedding creates memorable moments that are uniquely their own. A recent wedding at Signatures Restaurant at The Bridges Golf Course in Winona, Minnesota, was a wonderful example.
With beautiful views of the golf course and an inviting outdoor patio, the venue provided a wonderful setting for an early summer wedding ceremony and cocktail hour. The combination of scenic surroundings and live harp music created a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere that perfectly suited the occasion.
Expecting the Unexpected
One of the things couples often don’t see is everything that happens before guests arrive.
When I uncovered my harp before this wedding, I was greeted with an unexpected surprise: FIVE broken strings. One is bad enough, but FIVE?! The changing temperatures and humidity of this time of year can make this happen, but I think this does set the no-one-wants-it record of the most for me in one day.
For most people, that might sound like a disaster. Fortunately, it’s one of the reasons professional wedding musicians always arrive well ahead of schedule.
Because I had allowed plenty of time before the ceremony, I was able to replace all five strings, carefully tune the instrument, allow the new strings to settle, and tune again (and again!) before the first guests took their seats. By the time the prelude music began, the harp was performing beautifully, as if nothing had happened.
It’s a reminder that experience and preparation matter. Whether it’s weather, traffic, equipment, or the occasional broken string or five, arriving early allows time to solve problems quietly behind the scenes so couples can simply enjoy their wedding day without worry.
A Timeless Classical Ceremony
For the ceremony prelude, the couple selected an elegant collection of classical music that complemented the peaceful outdoor setting.
The processional featured one of the most beloved wedding pieces ever written: “Canon in D” by Johann Pachelbel. Rather than beginning with the well-known, triumphant section immediately, I started with the quieter opening variations for the seating of family members and the wedding party. As the bride made her entrance, the music naturally built into the familiar, majestic melody, creating a beautiful sense of anticipation and arrival.
Following the ceremony, the celebration concluded with “Wedding March” by Felix Mendelssohn, sending the newlyweds back down the aisle with joyful energy.
Guests continued enjoying live classical music during the postlude, including favorites such as “Trumpet Tune” by Henry Purcell and “Trumpet Voluntary” by Jeremiah Clarke.
These timeless works provided an elegant conclusion to the ceremony while guests congratulated the couple and the celebration began.
A Cocktail Hour Filled with Familiar Favorites
As guests mingled on the patio for cocktail hour, the music shifted from classical repertoire to a collection of recognizable love songs spanning multiple generations.
One of the wonderful things about the harp is its versatility. While many people naturally associate the instrument with classical music, it is equally at home performing jazz standards, film music, Broadway favorites, and contemporary pop arrangements.
The cocktail hour featured selections including:
· “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
· “Say You Won’t Let Go” by James Arthur
· “As Time Goes By,” made famous in the film Casablanca
· “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from The Lion King, by Elton John
· “Love Story” by Taylor Swift
Alongside these favorites were popular songs from many different decades, creating an atmosphere that appealed to guests of every age while providing a sophisticated musical backdrop for the celebration.
Why Live Harp Music Fits Golf Course Weddings So Well
Outdoor venues like Signatures Restaurant at The Bridges Golf Course are especially well suited to live harp music. The instrument’s warm, resonant tone blends beautifully with the natural surroundings, adding elegance to ceremonies and cocktail hours while enhancing the relaxed atmosphere of an outdoor celebration.
Book Live Harp Music for Your Wedding
Whether accompanying an intimate ceremony or setting the mood for cocktail hour, the harp complements the beauty of your venue and creates an experience that feels timeless, welcoming, and memorable.
If you are planning a wedding at Signatures, elsewhere in Winona, throughout southeastern Minnesota, or anywhere beyond, I would love to help create the perfect soundtrack for your celebration! Please contact me for availability and a customized quote for wedding music in Winona, throughout the region, or for destination weddings anywhere in the world.
