Autumn and Nathan gathered with friends and family to celebrate their wedding at Schwarz Barn in rural Highland, Illinois. This venue is an easy drive from St. Louis, and features a rustic barn and a lakeside ceremony setting.
With rain off and on all day, they originally planned to move the ceremony indoors to the loft. I brought two harps with me, so set up one downstairs where I’d be playing for cocktail hour, then took one upstairs for the ceremony. That would make the transition between the two elements quicker, and I wouldn’t have to worry about wheeling the big harp down the stairs with guests around!
Fortunately, there was a break in the weather just as the ceremony was supposed to begin. With a quick wipe-down of the chairs (and a harpist very grateful to have a second instrument along!), everyone headed to the lake for the now outdoor ceremony. My carbon-fibre harp is not only light and easier to transport, it isn’t affected by rain, so it’s perfect for iffy weather situations!
The family members of the couple came down the aisle to “Because You Loved Me” by Celine Dion. “A Thousand Years” from Twilight: Breaking Dawn was the wedding party processional, and the bride chose the traditional “Bridal Chorus” for her entrance.
They also went classical for the recessional, with Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” Everyone went back inside for the cocktail hour, where my other harp was already set and ready to play. For this time, the couple requested classical music as well.
For weddings in St. Louis, the Metro East, and throughout Missouri and Central/Southern Illinois, I love working with couples to provide a custom harp music experience for their wedding day! To learn more and request a quote, please visit my website: St. Louis Harpist for Weddings.
