Surprise Harpist for Wedding Drinks Reception at Moor Hall Hotel
It was my first time being hired as a surprise gift – Claire and Carl’s wedding reception at Moor Hall Hotel in Sutton Coldfield.
Weddings can be extremely expensive celebrations of love, even if you are not hiring a castle, the grounds and the entire military brigade. Not only do you have the cost of the venue, wedding attire, flowers, photographer and food, then there are the “extras” such as thank you gifts, alcoholic drinks and entertainment.
It’s no wonder live music for the wedding ceremony, drinks reception or wedding breakfast is far down on the priority list.
Jean and Roy got in touch regarding their daughter Claire’s wedding in September, enquiring about the cost to have me play as a surprise during the drinks reception. What an honour! To know a bridal couple really wanted to hear beautiful harp music during their drinks reception, and that a member of their family was in a position to give such a personal and memorable gift, was so sweet.
The location was particularly special for me as well, because Moor Hall is the first Midlands hotel my husband and I stayed at in England when we moved to this country over 12 years ago!
The wedding was at a church in Coseley, followed by a lovely drinks reception, meal and disco at Moor Hall Hotel. I was positioned in the conservatory, so when the bridal couple arrived, via vintage car on the grassy back yard, they immediately heard the harp music wafting through the air.
“Thank you so much for playing at Claire and Carl’s wedding on Sunday. Claire was thrilled with her surprise – and we have had so many lovely comments from our guests saying how beautiful the music was! For us our highlight was when our beautiful granddaughter was captured by you and we were thrilled that you invited her to play twinkle twinkle little star! I know this has been captured on photographs and Claire will post some with you shortly. We have also got video shots too!
Claire and Carl’s highlight was when they were having photographs on their own in the breakfast suite and all they could hear was you playing – sorry I never got the chance to say goodbye – by the time we had photographs taken we were ushered into the wedding breakfast for the line up – and yes we were delighted that you played for us and was part of our special day.”
Kids sometimes get a bit bored with all the picture taking, and the bride’s beautiful little girl was no exception. Partway through my performance of Danny Boy Evie came over to the harp and watched intently. I played Twinkle Twinkle Little Star for her which led to her singing along and then taking a turn pulling some of the harp strings. Maybe she’ll take up the harp one day!
If you are interested in a price for your wedding, or as a surprise, please get in touch.
You may also like
"Everyone was very much impressed with the music, especially as it was the first time many of them had seen a live harpist." Officer Patrick Mulligan
