April 20th was supposed to be my first outdoor wedding of 2013, but the cold temperatures moved the ceremony indoors. Much more comfortable for everyone ~ the harp, too! At Allerton Park in Monticello, Illinois, couples are lucky that the venue includes beautiful indoor options as well as the lovely gardens. Ashley & Paul held their ceremony in the library, with the white marble fireplace as their backdrop.
As I unloaded the harp, I was stopped by a photographer who was at the park taking engagement photos of another couple. I took a break from setting up, and the couple posed for pictures with my Laurel Leaf harp. Have to say that’s a first! I also had the chance to meet up with another Allerton bride, whose wedding I’ll be playing for this May. Along with her fiance and family, she was checking out the various gardens on the visit, choosing the ceremony site from so many terrific options.
Prelude music filled the library as guests arrived for the ceremony, and when everyone was lined up and ready to begin, I transitioned to “Down by the Salley Gardens,” a traditional Irish tune, for the processional of the bridal party. Ashley entered to Sting’s “Fields of Gold.” The groom’s mother (a pastor from Pennsylvania) officiated the ceremony, so it was especially personal and meaningful for the couple.
Following the pronouncement of marriage, they and the wedding party exited to “All I Ask of You” from the Broadway musical Phantom of the Opera. The reception was very convenient ~ right outside the library doors in the main hall of the mansion!
Allerton Park is a very popular venue for weddings in Central Illinois. If you would like to add harp music to your ceremony, reception, or rehearsal dinner, contact me through my website: Central Illinois Wedding Musician for details!
