Saturday, February 24, 2024

Ceremony and Cocktail Harpist, Air BnB, Chicago

I was set up in the huge entryway

My first wedding of 2024 was fantastic! The couple rented an Air BnB in the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago, and invited their nearest and dearest to come celebrate for the entire weekend! The enormous staircase made for a perfect entrance for the bride ("Golden Hour" was the song), and they requested their "prelude" music be moved to after the ceremony for a little cocktail music. I was happy to oblige, and everything went beautifully!

I am excited for the amazing wedding season to come - contact me if you'd like to add music to your plans: www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Sunday, December 10, 2023

Ceremony and Cocktail Harpist, theWit, Chicago

The ceremony space is small, but lovely!

This was my first time to theWit in downtown Chicago, and I thought it provided a fantastic boutique hotel wedding experience. This lovely room has a distinctive State Street view, and a lighted arch as the focal point of the room. This was a smaller wedding, and the space was so warm and inviting for the wedding party. Afterwards, I moved into the adjoining balcony overlooking the lobby, where guests enjoyed cocktails and more music!




Cocktail hours are an easy add-on for any ceremony! See my website for more info and prices www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Saturday, November 11, 2023

Ceremony Harpist, Westin Chicago Lombard, Lombard

You have to search for the harp a bit, but I needed to get
all of the flowers in the picture!!

The Westin Chicago Lombard is a really lovely venue, and much of that is due to the staff. They were readily available, and so very helpful. Because I have a Bollywood repertoire, I frequently get called for weddings that are combining some Southeast Asian traditions into an otherwise Western ceremony. In these cases, it is always good to have input from the folks who know the space the best, so that I get myself positioned correctly in the room. Everything was incredibly smooth, and the results were just what the bride had in mind!


For more information on my Bollywood selections, please visit www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Friday, October 20, 2023

Rehearsal Dinner Harpist, Avec, Chicago

I couldn't even get all of the table in the photo!!

Live music can enhance so many aspects of a wedding, so I was delighted to be called for this rehearsal dinner. The private dining space at Avec is spectacular, and I especially love how the entire party sat down to this one communal table 💕

Saturday, October 14, 2023

Cocktail and Dinner Music Harpist, Victoria in the Park, Mt Prospect

And..... introducing my new harp!

Victoria in the Park was another new venue to me! I have driven by this area so many times, but I had no idea there was a lovely wedding venue behind the little lake! I started upstairs, in the winding area they use for cocktails. It was so nice to greet the guests with harp music as they ascended the stairs. Later, I moved downstairs and played a mixture of classical and popular tunes as dinner was served. Harp music is terrific at a dinner reception, and the soothing sounds allow the guests to easily visit while they eat. 

On a personal note, I have added a new harp to my offerings. It is available only for indoor jobs, but it has a lovely, full tone, and I am looking forward to playing it for many engagements to come! It is a Lyon and Healy Style 30, built right here in Chicago!


www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Sunday, October 8, 2023

Ceremony Harpist, Prairie View, Cantigny Park, Wheaton


 The Prarie View area of Cantigny Park is really lovely. Normally weddings are set up facing the other direction (see photo below), but this couple wanted a long processional, so this was perfect. It was important to the couple to have "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" in several sections of the wedding, and I was happy to do that. For their special requests, they wanted Taylor Swift songs, so I've added "Lover" and "Enchanted" to my repertoire now!


The advertised "prairie view"!

www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com

Saturday, October 7, 2023

Ceremony Harpist, La Pergola, Galleria Marchetti, Chicago


I have been to Galleria Marchetti many times over the years, and I think the La Pergola space is my favorite, with its roll-away roof! It was a chilly fall this year, but having the protection of the walls really helps with comfort, while still giving a very outdoor feel. The team from Anticipation Events kept everything running smoothly while I played prelude and processional music. The bride choose special music for her family (Can't Help Falling in Love) as well as her bridal party (A Thousand Years), which I always think is a sweet way to bring in family members!


www.ChicagoWeddingHarpist.com