Birkdale Golf Course – Huntersville, NC

I played for a lovely autumn wedding this weekend! Though the day was definitely crisp (the way fall weather is intended to be!), the skies were blue and the sun was shining as the happy couple said their I-Do’s. Such a pretty ceremony, set right off the golf course at Birkdale in Huntersville.

The couple chose more traditional music for their special day, which I thought fit the atmosphere perfectly:

Pre-Ceremony Music ~ Here I played a mix of classical and modern

Seating of Grandmothers/Mothers ~Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bach)

Attendant’s Entrance ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel)

Bridal Entrance ~ Trumpet Voluntary (Purcell)

Sand Ceremony ~ Ave Maria (Schubert)

Recessional ~ Wedding March (Mendelssohn)

An Extra Special Wedding – Rochester, NY

While all the weddings I perform for are special, the one I played at this past weekend had quite a bit of “extra-special-ness”! I had the distinct honor of being asked to play for my brother Joel and his bride Maegen’s big day in Rochester, NY. It truly was a fabulous wedding weekend, since all 3 of my siblings were there, and we had a great time celebrating together. For me, it was great to be a performer AND a guest this time.

Now you may be wondering how I traveled to from NC to NY with my 6 foot tall/70 lb instrument – well, I didn’t! We were able to rent a terriffic harp for me to use, eliminating the need to put mine on an airplane (yikes). If you are also wondering if I can perform for your wedding in Jamaica or Paris, the answer is a resounding YES (I’d actually be pretty excited about that!)…..for a small fee (think: travel and harp rental).

Joel and Maegen wanted a ceremony with a classic feel, but with more individuality than the popular songs you hear at most weddings. They did a great job choosing music that fit what they wanted perfectly:

Pre-ceremony ~ I played a mix of some classical music with love songs that I thought matched their other ceremony music: Arioso (Bach), Come What May (from Moulin Rouge), Forever And A Day (Jewel)

Processional (Attendants and Bride) ~ Dawn (from Pride and Prejudice)

Unity Candle Lighting/Reading ~ The Swan (Saint Saens)

Recessional ~ Chapel of Love (performed by The Dixie Cups)

Congratulations to my brother Joel and my new sister-in-law Maegen!

Sans Souci Farms – Sumter, SC

Earlier this year, I had the chance to be a part of an amazing wedding package giveaway. Entrants submitted essays describing how they met, and were chosen by vote.  In addition to harp music by moi, the winning couple also received a veil for the bride from Fascinating Creations , a getaway skirt for the bride from Laurel and Fife, and incredible wedding pictures by Emily Lapish Photography. Congratulations are in order once again to Crystal & Nat, lucky winners and happily married sweethearts!!

This wedding fit the definition of “wonderful”! Not only was the weather amazingly perfect, but I was wowed by the gorgeous view and rustic setting at Sans Souci. The bride and groom did a great job planning a fun ceremony with a country feel, right down to the bride’s chic cowgirl boots 🙂

The music was no exception! In addition to myself, a band also played some hymns and worship music right before the ceremony began.

Pre-Ceremony Music ~ To create a romantic, country atmosphere the couple and I chose some great songs that fit just right: A Little More Country Than That (sung by Easton Corbin), Suds In The Bucket (sung by Sara Evans), Sweet Caroline (Neil Diamond), God Gave Me You (Dave Barnes), When You Say Nothing At All (Alison Krauss), Whatever It Is (Zac Brown Band)

Seating of Grandparents/Mothers & Attendant’s Processional ~ Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Bride’s Entrance ~ Bridal Chorus (Wagner)

Recessional ~ At Last (sung by Etta James)

Dennis Vineyards – Albemarle, NC

There’s nothing quite like stepping out of your car into a beautiful grape vineyard – beautiful scenery and the lucious smell of grapes ripening on the vines! I was so glad to play at the lovely Dennis Vineyards in Albemarle this weekend! I actually played there last fall as well, which you can read about here. Though it was a little on the chilly side, and quite breezy, a few gusts of wind can’t stand in the way of true love ♥

The bride and groom chose fabulous music to match their fabulous venue…a wonderful mix of traditional and modern:

Seating of Grandparents/Parents ~ Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bach)

Attendant’s Processional ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel)

Bride’s Processional ~ Whatever It Is (Zac Brown Band)

Unity Cross Ceremony ~ When You Say Nothing At All (Alison Krauss)

Recessional ~ Ode To Joy (Beethoven)

Sorry no picture this time. Unfortunately the wind was so unpredictable that I couldn’t risk my harp toppling over to take a photo.