The Arbors – Cleveland, NC

There’s something wonderfully romantic about a winter wedding. Maybe its the way witnessing true love gives you such a warm and cozy feeling…even in January♥ I had the absolute BEST time playing this weekend for a lovely ceremony held at The Arbors in Cleveland, NC. I really love playing at new venues, and this, quite literally, was BRAND new – I believe this wedding was one of the first to be held in the newly built Pavillion. Besides being all shiny and new, the decorations were lovely, the bride was lovely, and all 1000 candles lit in the huge stone fireplace added to the loveliness (number of candles exaggerated…slightly).

I always enjoy playing the classics, but I really love breaking away from tradition every now and again. It makes a wedding ceremony so special when the bride and groom have chosen songs that express who they are! I loved the song choices:

Pre-Ceremony Music ~ Here I played a nice mix of classical and modern music (Prelude in C by Bach, Finlandia by Jean Sibelius, and When You Say Nothing At All by Allison Krauss)

Seating of Grandparents and Mothers ~ Till There Was You (M. Willson)

Processional (Attendants & Bride) ~ River Flows In You (Yiruma) a.k.a “Bella’s Lullabye” from Twilight

Unity Candle ~ Minuet (N. Gustavson)

Recessional ~ Awake My Soul (Mumford and Sons)

In addition to the ceremony, I was asked to play some background music for the reception. Here I played some modern love songs and classical pieces while the guests enjoyed wedding cake and cappuccino.

A big congratulations to the happy bride and groom as they start their lives together!

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Coming Soon – Chocoholic Frolic!

If you love to eat chocolate (and only crazy people don’t) mark your calendars now for the “Chocoholic Frolic” on Februay 9, 2012! For this tasty event, about 15 esteemed eatery vendors will be serving as much chocolaty delicousness as you can handle. Raffle prizes will be given out from places like Best Buy and Trader Joe’s (to name a few), as well as romantic background music provided by ME! Did I mention all this is for a good cause? Proceeds from the evening will go to support the good work of the Union County Literacy Council, which provides reading and writing instruction for adults.

I really hope you’ll join us from 6-8:00pm at Dale Jarrett Ford on Highway 74 W in Indian Trail. Tickets are just $25 in advance ($30 at the door). What a great Valentine’s date! See you there!!

 

2011 – A Good Year!

We’re a couple days into 2012 already, but I didn’t want to miss the chance to celebrate 2011 a little! Starting a new year always brings about some reflection, especially for sentimental souls such as myself…

First off, I’d like to congratulate all those who tied the knot in 2011, and have just rang in the first new year of their married lives! Many best wishes for the upcoming year, and as you will be celebrating your first anniversary in 2012. A high percentage of the events for which I perform are wedding ceremonies and receptions, and I consider it the highest honor to have been asked to play for all those special moments in time.

After tidying up my 2011 gig calendar, I’m happy to report that last year I performed for about 30 events. The types of events ranged from wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours, receptions,  private dinner parties, rehearsal dinners, funeral services, tea parties, church events and a datenight at Chick-fil-A to top it all off. My trusty Pontiac Vibe (which fits a pedal harp in the back without an inch to spare) jetted me off to Mooresville, NC, Rock Hill, SC and everywhere in between. About 1750 miles, all told! And of course I can’t neglect to mention the music! Reviewing my song list in 2011 would be a little like spinning the radio dial….country, classical, easy listening, heavy metal, folk, hymns, modern pop. And I wasn’t always flying solo – I also had the chance to play with vocalists and flutes.

I’m looking forward with GREAT anticipation to what 2012 has in store for me and my harp!