When you can’t get enough harp music at just your ceremony, book me for your cocktail hour, too! This is especially true if there are music restrictions in place at your ceremony venue (typically if in a house of worship). That way, even if your favorite songs aren’t permitted at your ceremony, you can still hear harp covers of them at your reception! I can play for cocktails, dinner, or both – and even your first dances!
Savannah and Thomas were married at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Fenton (near Flint). They chose the newly-restored Chapel of the Holy Innocents for their ceremony, rather than the current, more modern church. There was a wedding happening in that sanctuary at the same time, so ushers made sure guests were attending the correct ceremony!
Every church is different, but most allow only classical or sacred music during the Mass. However, some are a bit more flexible with the processional music prior to the beginning of the service. That was the case here, so the couple got approval for some popular music selections: “Marry Me” by Train for the family seating and “Have I Told You Lately that I Love You” for the wedding party processional. Savannah came down the aisle to “In My Life” by The Beatles.
Without a cantor, the responsorial Psalm was spoken and the Mass parts were chanted by the priest. I can play for those to be sung or you can opt for a non-musical setting of the liturgy – your choice!
They did have music for the offertory (“Amazing Grace”) and during the Eucharist (“One Bread, One Body”). Then for the recessional once the Mass had ended, it was back to popular music with another Beatles hit – “Here Comes the Sun.”
I continued with harp postlude music as guests exited the chapel, and then moved the harp over to the reception at The Holly Vault in Holly, Michigan. This former bank building from the 1800s has an excellent layout for a reception, with lots of alcoves and small seating areas, along with a larger banquet hall, so there are several options for decorating and event flow. I was set up just inside the front door, by the piano and the windows overlooking the downtown main street. There’s even an original bank vault!
For the cocktail hour, I played as guests were served appetizers and drinks, and the music requested was from the 1960s through the 1980s. I was sure to include Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” which the couple had wanted during their ceremony, but the song wasn’t allowed during the Mass.
I play for weddings and other events in the Flint area, as well as in Lansing, Detroit, and throughout Eastern and Central Michigan. If you are looking to hire a harpist, please visit my website {Eastern Michigan Harpist} to inquire!
