LOGISITICS FOR YOUR HARP MUSIC ON THE WILLOW PATHWAY
- Stretchy Time - I won't be watching the clock too closely!
- My harp is very portable so I can carry it quite happily from the Ceremony room to the drinks reception space. Plus I can also play outside.
- If your Ceremony & Drinks Reception are happening in two separate venues such as a church followed by a hotel, then there will be small re-location charge of £30.
- Check to see if your venue is on my list of venues within that 45min drive-time boundary.
- I am more than happy to travel with my harp further than the 45mins drive time to get to your wedding, and I frequently do. Just let me know where your venue is and I will let you know what the travel costs would be.
- Travel is charged at 45pm per mile for the full amount of mileage, outward and return journeys.
- If you have more than 80 guests, I will need to bring along my amplifier or PA so that I can be absolutely sure that all your guests will hear me and my harp.
- This costs £40 for the extra set-up and transport of equipment.
CHOOSING YOUR HARP MUSIC ON THE WILLOW PATHWAY
- My playlist is huuuuuuuge! And it grows every year with songs being added by couples such as you. Hope on over to The Harpinator to hear some of this playlist and view a full list.
- We use the Open Harp Surgery (See below) to choose the Ceremony Music.
- I have online forms for you to fill in for other aspects of the day's music such as the Drinks Reception, and the pre-Ceremony playlist.
After looking through the list you might not be able to find your special song. Well, no worries, as I can see if I can learn it for you. Hopefully you can see from the playlist that no request is too crazy seeming. Don't think "Harp Music", think "Music on the Harp" - what would your favourite song sound like on my harp? That's the magic!
Extra songs are charged at £10 per song.
For your Ceremony it is absolutely essential that you are fully involved in the process, but this does require a little bit more work on your part. Panic not, because we shall get together over tea and cake at one of my Open Harp Surgeries, where, along with some other couples, we will go over your special music.
- I am a singer as well as a harpist, so if there is a special song that you want people to really take notice of in the Ceremony, then it's a good idea for me to sing it. [Ceremony Only]
- Instrumental music is the standard option for the Drinks Reception.
- It is possible for me to sing during the Drinks too, but I will need to bring amplification to ensure that I can be heard easily by all your guests. This involves an extra set-up and transport cost of £40.
THE WILLOW PATHWAY
CEREMONY MUSIC INCLUDES
- Background instrumental harp music as the guests gather in the ceremony space.
(Usually a maximum of 20mins depending on when the venue send the guests through, how close the gathering area is to the ceremony area, and how on time the bridal party is!) - The Big Entrance Number!
(If you have an entire squadron as a bridal party, or a very large and long aisle, then you might even have time for 2 pieces of music on the harp.) - Optional Solo in place of a reading.
(If you have a particularly special song you want people to listen to in full, this is a good idea) - Something for the signing of the registers.
(We usually need 3 pieces of harp music here) - The Big Exit
(For when you take your first steps together as a married couple to the rapturous applause of your guests!)
DRINKS RECEPTION MUSIC INCLUDES
- Background instrumental harp music immediately following the ceremony, as you and your guests mingle over bubbly and canapés.
(I just need a little time to move and re-set up my harp!) - You choose the Music.
I have an online form that you can fill in if you wish, or you can leave it me to create a varied playlist for you and your guests - Have a go on the harp.
(If you have children present at your big day then often they are drawn like a magnet to the harp. Towards the end of my time playing and shortly before the guests are ushered through for the banquet, I might invite them to have a go and this also allows a photo opportunity. I leave it to the end as especially young children will think they can come up and play it anytime even if I'm playing! You can have a go too of course.) - Right up to the Banquet
(I will keep playing until the venue directs your guests through to the Banquet. On a couple of occasions because of the weather or the layout of the venue I have played the second half of the drinks reception in the Banquet space.) - Obligatory Harp Selfie
(Before you go through for the meal, come over and we can have a photo together, you two and my harp & I.)
Willow
The Whispering Tree
Gaelic: Saille (pron. Sal-yer) / Latin: Salix
This symbol is from the Druidic Tree Alphabet dating from 300CE known as, Ogham (pron. Oh-um).This is a simple system of lines carved into mainly wood but also stone (which is how it survives).
Other Associations
- Planetary body: The Moon
- Element: Water
- Seasonal Festival: Beltane (May Day)
- Celtic Celebrity: Cerridwen & Brighid
- Stone: Moonstone
- Fauna & Flora: Hawk, Hare & Primrose
Willow Lore
Willow, from which the bards of old made their harps is Sacred to the Moon and water, and symbolizes creative inspiration, intuition, harmony and the deep tides of emotion. The willow can bend without breaking and this flexibility points to the graceful love and responsive energy she brings, allowing us to flow and adjust to life’s tides.
Meanings: Resonance, harmony, and flexibility.
Willow Magic
The Whispering Tree Spell
On a full moon, stand beneath a willow, and blow a kiss to the moon. Speak your wish aloud as you weave a knot in one of the supple branches, then say:
“Under the Lady’s moon, shining so bright,
Willow tree, hear my request on this night.
In this willow tree, I now leave a marker,
Grant me love and joy and laughter.
By the Sacred Three,
So may it be”