When the groom wants to surprise his bride with harp music, we make it happen! It took some doing (like hiding the harp and tuning it in a storage room at the venue!), but she was delighted when she made her entrance to the ceremony!
The ceremony and reception were both held at Bella Terre Vineyards in rural Glenwood, Iowa. This Italian-inspired venue is a short drive from Council Bluffs and Omaha, and the outdoor ceremony space has a beautiful view over the southwestern Iowa fields. Inside, it’s like stepping out onto a village piazza!
After stealthily tuning the harp and moving it outdoors, I played the prelude music as guests found their seats. The bride was part of choosing the music, but she thought it would be played by a DJ. So she still selected the music for the ceremony – it was just live instead of recorded!
Prelude music included “What a Beautiful Name it Is,” “Castle on the Hill,” “I’m So Blessed,” “Beautiful Things,” and “Goodness of God” – a blend of worship music and contemporary love songs! For the family seating, they chose “Love Me Like I Am” by For King and Country.
The wedding party processional was “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles, and Keeley came down the aisle to “What a Wonderful World.” During the unity cross ritual, the background music was “Good, Good Father” by Chris Tomlin.
The recessional to conclude the ceremony was “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz. Cocktail hour was planned for outdoors, but the high temperatures sent everyone inside the hall – so I followed with the harp!
I continued to play up until the wedding party introductions, with songs selected by the parents of the bride. Some of their requests were “Someone Like You,” “Moon River,” “You are the Sunshine of My Life,” “Brown Eyed Girl,” and “You are the Reason.” Something from many different eras that guests of all ages would recognize!
If you are planning a wedding or event in the Omaha area, I would love to collaborate with you and add harp music to the celebration! I play for all types of functions throughout Western Iowa and Eastern Nebraska, so get in touch with me via my website – Council Bluffs Harpist – to request a quote!
