Congratulations Lisa and Derek!

I played for a Valentine's themed wedding at St. Mary's Chapel in uptown Charlotte. I always love an opportunity to play at St. Mary's because the acoustics are perfect for the harp, making the sound clear and rich. St. Mary's Chapel is over 100 years old and considered historic by the city with all of its original flooring and seating. It is quite charming and very popular for a smaller ceremony.

The chapel was decorated in red, white, and pink for Valentine's Day. There was a line of small tea candles held by crystal candle holders sitting on the railing behind me. The tiny pink and red candles added a sweet and romantic background for the couple. I played all of my favorite romantic classical pieces for the prelude such as Satie's "Gymnopedie" and "Spring" from the Four Seasons. (www.ncharp.com/music)

Lisa had chosen for the mothers to be seated to Pachelbel's Canon in D. The bridesmaids and 2 adorable flower girls entered to "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by Bach. Lisa made a grand entrance across pink, red, and white flower petals to Beethoven's "Ode to Joy".

The couple had requested that I play their special song during the lighting of the unity candle. The song was Allison Kraus' "When You Say Nothing At All" and it adapted beautifully to the harp. I began playing softly as the minister spoke about the significance of a unity candle and then filled the chapel as the couple lighted the candle. I could hear the bride begin to cry as I played the chorus and when I finished I looked up at her and with tears in her eyes she quietly thanked me.

The couple made their recessional as husband and wife to the traditional "Wedding March". Following the ceremony I spoke briefly with the bride who told me that the music was "perfect". Here is the feedback that she left on my gigsalad profile: (http://www.gigsalad.com/nc_harp_charlotte)

"Kirsten was amazing. The music was perfect. I really wanted a specific song to be played, she arranged and learned the song just for our ceremony! The guests loved the elegance and class her music brought to our special day!"

The opportunity to enhance a couple's wedding day with music that will touch their hearts is the reason that I absolutely love my job!

Thank you to Lisa and Derek for inviting me to be a part of your special day. Best wishes for a wonderful future!

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Congratulations Lauren and Michael!

Lauren and Michael were married on November 7, 2009 at the Bell Tower in Salisbury, NC. This was an unusual and very romantic location for a ceremony. The ceremony was set in the early evening when the light was perfect and the air was cool and still. The mothers and grandmothers were seated to Ave Maria and the wedding party processed in to Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring. Lauren, escorted by her brother, walked down the aisle to Canon in D by Pachelbel. After the new couple joined hands, I played "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". Lauren chose this song because it had always been special to her and her father. Since her father had passed away, this was a special way for her to honor him during her ceremony. The day was clear and the air had been still the entire time that I had been playing. As soon as I began to play "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" the wind began to blow and the leaves rustled loudly. I believe that many of Lauren's guests felt her father's presence at the ceremony. This was a memorable and beautiful moment for the couple's family and guests.

The couple chose "Gavotte" as their recessional. This is an upbeat and joyful harp solo. Please visit www.ncharp.com/music for samples of "Gavotte" and many other pieces.

Thank you to Lauren and Michael for allowing me to be a part of your special day! Best wishes for a happy future together!