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Can You Have a Harp at Your Red Rock Canyon Wedding?

5/13/2022

Red Rock Canyon is a scenic destination for weddings on the west side of Las Vegas, just 30 minutes from the Strip. Having harp music for your Red Rock Canyon wedding will only enhance the drama and uniqueness of what is already an unforgettable backdrop for a wedding ceremony.

Harpist at a Red Rock Canyon wedding ceremony

Getting to the Ceremony Site

If you have been researching the Red Rock Canyon Boardwalk for your wedding or elopement venue, then you probably already know that it's a bit of a trek up to the site! But I'm here to tell you that, absolutely yes, you can have harp up there! I always arrive early to wedding ceremonies, but the Red Rock Canyon Boardwalk is a special case, so I allow extra time for the walk up there. Check out these pics I took while heading up to the ceremony site recently:

Harp in its waterproof blue covers on a dolly, being moved up the Red Rock Canyon Boardwalk.

Harp on a dolly just outside the Red Rock Canyon Boardwalk wedding ceremony site.

I use a dolly to cart my harp up the boardwalk. That's my dress hanging off the left side of my harp covers! (Message me for my super stealthy outfit change routine--I don't want to get my dress dirty and wrinkled during the walk up with the harp!)

Preparing for Your Red Rock Canyon Wedding

Here are some ways that I come prepared for Red Rock Canyon Boardwalk in particular:

I bring along ice packs for the iPad that I use for sheet music. This is to prevent the iPad from overheating in the sun--it gets really bright up there!
I wear sunscreen and bring a spray bottle in my bag to reapply to my shoulders. (I learned this the hard way after getting a sunburn the first time I played a Red Rock Canyon wedding!)
I of course wear sunglasses, which I take off during the ceremony for aesthetic reasons. These are great for before and after the ceremony so that I'm not squinting into the bright Las Vegas sun.

If you're planning your Red Rock Canyon wedding, I highly recommend that you make sure to have sunscreen and sunglasses on hand for yourself--and remind your guests of this, as well. Even outside of summer, it can get really hot in Las Vegas, and no one wants a sunburn as a memento of the wedding! (Some extra water bottles are always a good idea, too.)

Here are a few shots of the harp set up before the guests and other vendors have arrived. How gorgeous is that background?!

Live Music at Red Rock Canyon

There are some definite advantages to having live harp music at your Red Rock Canyon wedding.

Live music sounds amazing in an outdoor space.
The harp always sounds great outdoors and is visually stunning.
Unlike a playlist and speaker, I can adjust timing for the unusual aisle setup at the Boardwalk.

Depending on when the guests arrive at the Boardwalk, there may need to be a lot of prelude music or only a little. My experience playing at Red Rock Canyon is that I need to have flexibility with the length of the prelude, as the timing can vary from what the planner or coordinator expects. Everything depends on when the guests arrive at the site, and then the aisle setup is different from other venues. As a live musician, I can adjust in the moment to make everything flow naturally so that the guests won't even realize if the timing ends up being slightly different than anticipated.

Harpist, wearing a champagne colored dress, playing for a wedding ceremony at Red Rock Canyon.

Kristie's Experience at the Boardwalk

I am thrilled to have played several weddings at the Red Rock Canyon Boardwalk. Here are two reviews from recently married couples who hired me as their ceremony harpist:

I had spoken to Kristie months before my event, opted for another harpist - they were double booked, another harpist - let down. Reached out to Kristie, a week before the event, who was still in touch and giving me advice ref harpists despite not being her client! Within minutes she had called to talk.

I didn't want to ask too much from her as she would only have a week to practise brand new songs, however she insisted, even though she admitted they weren't in her current repertoire, nor songs she even knew. During the call Kristie sightread the songs to me, which if you don't know, takes immense proficiency.

It was a pleasure to have her there playing on the day!

--Stephen H., Cactus Collective Red Rock Canyon Boardwalk wedding

Harpist standing with her harp at the Red Rock Canyon Boardwalk

Kristie was THE BEST addition to my wedding. All my guests absolutely LOVED her and only had good things to say. She + the Red Spring Boardwalk backdrop are a perfect match.

Kristie also had great communication skills and was willing to work with me on songs I requested!

I am so grateful she played at my wedding and I highly recommend her to anyone!

--Vivian L., Red Rock Canyon Boardwalk wedding with Custom Las Vegas Weddings

Booking Harp Music for Your Red Rock Canyon Wedding

Please use my Contact Form to ask any questions you may still have about harp at your Red Rock Canyon wedding--or if you're ready to check my availability for your date!

Flower arrangement and aisle at the Red Rock Canyon Boardwalk wedding ceremony site

Harpist in a champagne dress with her harp at Red Rock Canyon

Red Rock Canyon Boardwalk ceremony venue seen through the harp strings

Contact Kristie

10 Harp Songs for a Twilight Themed Wedding

5/2/2022

Are you a Twilight fan? Wondering which Twilight songs will work for your wedding? This post is for you!

Note: You can of course pick and choose which of these selections you would like for your wedding... you don't have to fully commit to Twilight for all your wedding songs! This is simply for inspiration 💜

Edward and Bella at their wedding ceremony in the Twilight movie, Breaking Dawn Part 1.

Prelude Song Selections

I play prelude music on my harp as guests arrive, before the ceremony begins. Depending on the venue, the prelude may be anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. Here are 5 great Twilight themed prelude selections that work on the harp:

I'm a huge Twilight fan! Are you?
Click on the chat bubble and let me know if you're #TeamEdward or #TeamJacob!

Decode, by Paramore: This modern/alternative rock song was written especially for the original 2008 Twilight movie and was an international hit.

Claire de Lune, by Debussy: This is the piano piece playing on Edward's sound system when Bella visits his room for the first time. It's absolutely gorgeous on the harp!

Bella's Lullaby: This piece, composed for the movie by Carter Burwell, is the song Edward composes for Bella.

New Moon (The Meadow): This piece by Alexander Desplat is featured in New Moon. It's sweetly romantic 😍

Renesmee's Lullaby: This song for Edward and Bella's daughter is just lovely.

Twilight Themed Wedding Processionals

Most weddings need two processionals:

The first is for important family members and the wedding/bridal party to walk down the aisle.
The second processional is for the bride (or marrier) to walk down the aisle.

Here are 4 breathtaking processional songs from Twilight:

Canon in D, by Pachelbel: In the book, Rosalie played Canon in D for Bella to walk down the aisle. This is the absolute most popular selection for the wedding party processional at real-life weddings.

A Thousand Years, by Christina Perri: This song has been a popular bridal processional choice since it was released in 2011, and it sounds amazingly lush on the harp.

Turning Page, by Sleeping At Last: This was Bella's wedding processional in Breaking Dawn Part 1. It could also be used as a prelude song.

My Love, by Sia: Featured in the Eclipse soundtrack, this would be an out-of-the-box idea for a wedding processional, but I'm *here* for it! I love, love, love this song!

Twilight Themed Wedding Recessional

The recessional is the exit music played as the married couple "recesses" down the aisle.

Pro tip: Until the last 15 years or so, it was traditional to have a recessional followed by a postlude, which was a separate song for the guests to formally exit. But it's now more typical to have one song for the recessional that keeps playing as the guests head to the cocktail hour/reception.

Flightless Bird, American Mouth, by Iron & Wine: This song is my personal favorite Twilight anthem! It's used at the end of the original Twilight movie when Bella tells Edward she wants to become a vampire. And it reappears in Breaking Dawn Part 1 as Bella and Edward's wedding dance song. (Supposedly, this song ended up in the first Twilight movie because Kristen Stewart happened to be listening to it during filming!)

I'm a huge Twilight fan myself, so I'm 100% on board to incorporate any or all of these songs into your wedding ceremony! If you'd like to see some other song options, check out my Wedding Songs page. Or maybe you'd like to learn more about having harp at your wedding--I have a blog post all about that!

You can get in touch with me by texting 702-707-4225 or using my Contact Form. Can't wait to hear from you!

Contact Kristie

How Does the Harpist Fit into My Wedding Timeline?

4/22/2022

One of the top questions I receive from couples and their event planners is: When will you arrive to set up for my wedding?

The short answer to that is: at least an hour before my play time. But are you wondering what is involved in my setup (and how I move my giant instrument)? I'm going to walk you through it below, so read on!

Harpist setting up and tuning for an event in Las Vegas

How I Move the Harp

At over 6 feet tall, the harp is much taller than I am! It's also quite awkward, with much of its weight at the bottom. I could never carry it more than a couple inches at a time! So I use a dolly especially designed for the harp to easily wheel the harp from point A to point B.

The blue covers you see in this picture, taken outside of my condo on the way to a wedding, are waterproof and slightly padded. The three wheels on each side of the dolly rotate as I navigate stairs.

I have a station wagon that I use to transport my harp to weddings and events. (The harp would also fit into an SUV or minivan.) Check out the pics for how perfectly the harp and accessories fit into my car! I have lots of practice 😎

Harp, covered and ready to go to an eventPicture

I wear pants as I head out, so that I don't trip over my dress or get it wrinkled or dirty while moving and setting up the harp.

I shoot to arrive at the venue a minimum of an hour before I expect to begin playing. This may vary slightly depending on how far the venue is from my home and how difficult I anticipate load-in being. Some venues, like Emerald at Queensridge and Lakeside Weddings, are a short walk from my parking spot to where I will perform. But at many venues on the Strip, it can take 15-30 minutes or even longer to make the trek!

Harp loaded into a car and ready to be driven to an event

At the Venue

Once I've arrived at the venue and unloaded, I change from pants into my gown. The down time gives the harp a chance to acclimate to the temperature and humidity at the venue. Then I tune the harp so it will sound pretty for your wedding.

Did you know that the harp has 47 strings and that I tune each and every string every time I play for a wedding or event? Even a slight change in temperature or humidity throws off the tuning of the harp, so it's best to tune the harp on location and just a few minutes before play time.

I'm pretty quick at tuning after *many* years of practice, so it only takes about 5 minutes. Here's a picture of me tuning for an event at the new Illuminarium Las Vegas:

Harpist tuning at an event in Las Vegas, Nevada

Tuning before an event

After tuning, I usually have some downtime before I begin playing the prelude music before the ceremony.

I set up amplification, if needed.
I take a few pictures and double check that my setlist is organized on my iPad.
I check in with the officiant and wedding planner/coordinator to make sure I know any special cues for the wedding. For example, I check with the coordinator for their cue to begin the processional. And I always ask the officiant what their last words will be before I should begin playing the recessional.
Also, it's not unusual for family members of the couple to come and say hi--they're excited for the big day and are often curious about the harp, as not every wedding has a harpist!

A little note: My favorite weddings always have a professional wedding planner and/or day-of coordinator! These lovely wedding pros ensure that all the elements of the wedding flow smoothly and seamlessly.

I am ready to play the prelude 30 minutes before the scheduled ceremony time. I begin playing at that time or whenever guests begin arriving. I suggest choosing about 5 songs for the prelude music. Depending on your venue, I will play 10-30 minutes of prelude music as your guests arrive. Prelude music may be classical, pop, or anything else you choose. I have a sampling of songs on my Wedding Songs page, or you may choose any song you like!

Are you wondering whether I'm available to play for your wedding date? Text me at 702-707-4225 or use the Contact Form to check my availability. I will be thrilled to hear from you!

Contact Kristie

FAQ: Does the Harp Need to Be Amplified?

4/18/2022

Couples and clients often wonder whether the harp needs to be amplified. The short answer is: usually the harp doesn't need amplification, but it depends on the venue.

At an Outdoor Venue

The harp naturally projects well in an outdoor setting. For most outdoor weddings, amplification is unnecessary.

I would consider using my amp in the following circumstances:

If there is a water feature (waterfall, etc.) at the venue.
If there is a large distance separating the placement of the harp and the guests.
If it is usually windy on the wedding day.

All of these circumstances could make it more difficult to hear the harp.

Harp with amplification at Emerald at Queensridge, an outdoor venue in Las Vegas.

Harp with amplification setup at an outdoor wedding with water feature, Emerald at Queensridge.

At an Indoor Venue

At an indoor venue with good acoustics, for example a church, amplification is rarely needed.

I recommend using amplification for the harp at many indoor venues in Las Vegas, for example:

At an indoor wedding venue, such as the ballroom at Emerald at Queensridge or Fabrizio Banquet Hall.
At a private home (depending on the size and acoustics).
At a hotel ballroom (often used for corporate events as well as for weddings).

Guest Count

An important consideration for using amplification for the harp is the guest count. If you have under 50-75 guests at your event, the acoustic sound of the harp will be perfect--gently accompanying the conversation of your guests. But if you have 100 guests or more, light amplification is helpful so that the harp can be heard even as the party is ongoing.

How It Works

I bring my own mic and amp upon request. I can also hook up to a house system or your DJ's speakers for a more dramatic effect.

When using amplification, my goal is to make it seem to your guests as if it isn't even there. I never set the sound to an overwhelming level, and I keep it as visually unobtrusive as possible. (My mic even lives inside the harp and is invisible to you and your guests!) The amplification of my harp is a discreet *enhancement* of the sound, just one of the many details that help make your wedding day seamless, elegant, and polished.

Harpist set up at Emerald Queensridge, with an amplifier to the side.

This photo is courtesy of M Place Productions.

Don't worry--I don't expect you to be an expert on harp amplification! If you think you may need amplification for your wedding or event, please use the contact form or text me at 702-707-4225, and we'll discuss.

5 Reasons Your Wedding Needs a Harpist

9/6/2019

The average couple just has their DJ play songs for their ceremony, but having a harpist at your ceremony will make your wedding unique, elegant, and unforgettable! Here are 5 reasons to book a harpist for your wedding ceremony.

Harpist playing for a wedding at the scenic Red Rock Canyon Boardwalk

1. "Wow" Factor

A live harpist has a “wow” factor that a DJ can’t replace. You and your guests will never forget the elegant sound and look of a harpist at your wedding ceremony. Live harp music brings a magical ambiance and charm. Plus, you’ll get fantastic photos and video!

2. Flexibility

A live harpist can adjust their timing to fit exactly what is needed for your ceremony on the spot. They can make your processional super short or extremely long without being boring. This is great in the event that, say, your flower child takes a detour on their way down the aisle! A live harpist will help your ceremony run smoothly.

3. Customized, Beautiful Songs

A really excellent harpist can play just about any song you would like and make it sound amazing! Romantic songs like John Legend’s “All of Me” and “A Thousand Years” from "Twilight" are dreamy on the harp. And for Classical music like Pachelbel's "Canon in D," solo harp can’t be matched by a DJ or another instrument.

4. Personal Touch

A live harpist brings their own personality and style, adding a personal touch to your ceremony. Here's a recent review:

Kristie was absolutely amazing... She was mesmerizing to listen to & indeed lit up the room. Everyone loved her dazzling performance.
--Sumbla Tufail

5. Your Unique Style and Vision

Finally, think about your unique style. What image do you want your wedding ceremony to project? Do you want it to feel elegant? edgy? magical? romantic? You can let your harpist know the vibe you are looking for, and they can make sure to enhance the style of your wedding! Check out this testimonial:

I was honestly blown away at the professionalism and talent from this amazing beautiful harpist!

Not only did she go above and beyond by playing a list of songs I requested, but she even LEARNED custom songs that I had written to be played at our special celebration.

Her harp playing was so beautiful, she was the highlight of the entire evening! Guests still text me with rave comments about the wonderful harp playing we had!

--Nika Grace

How to Hire an Amazing Harpist in Las Vegas

Hi! I'm Kristie, and I provide unforgettable wedding ceremony music in Las Vegas. I'd love to hear what songs you are dreaming of for your wedding! Reach out using the form below.

Contact Kristie

LGBTQ+ Certified inclusive professional harpist

8/8/2019

LGBTQ+ Certified Inclusive Equally Wed Pro seal

I am extremely pleased to add Equally Wed Pro's LGBTQ+ Certified Inclusive Professional credential to my resume!

This course has been on my radar since earlier this summer. I have always considered myself to be an inclusive professional and believed that love is love, but I knew this course would be a great way to expand my education. I feel even more confident now about working with LGBTQ+ couples in Las Vegas!

A friend asked me why I took this course, asking whether it makes a difference whether I'm playing Pachelbel's "Canon in D" for a cisgender, straight couple or an LGBTQ+ couple. Of course, no matter who I'm playing for, I'll always play my best, and the harp will always be beautiful! LGBTQ+ wedding music is simply wedding music, after all! But LGBTQ+ couples face unique challenges and biases in celebrating their love. I want to be known as a professional who can be relied upon to be inclusive and welcoming to LGBTQ+ couples.

If you're an LGBTQ+ couple looking for an inclusive wedding harpist in Las Vegas, please reach out. I'd love to discuss how I can help make your wedding stunning and unforgettable!

3 Steps to Book a Harpist for Your Las Vegas Wedding

5/26/2019

Step 1: Reach Out

Are you interested in booking me to play for your Las Vegas Wedding? Email, text, or use the contact form to check my availability.

Step 2: Choose Your Songs

Let's talk about the songs for your wedding! ?

I have some songs listed here, but that's just scratching the surface of the songs you could choose for your ceremony. I've played everything from Zelda theme music to traditional/Classical music to Enya to Game of Thrones.

I would love to hear what you have in mind for your unique wedding! Wondering what can work on the harp? The sky is the limit!

I would be happy to set up a virtual consult to discuss and play options for you.

Wedding harpist at The Doyle in Downtown Las Vegas

Step 3: Enjoy Your Wedding!

You and your guests will enjoy personalized harp music that sets the tone for your wedding day. ?

Do you have some amazing, romantic ideas for your wedding songs? Reach out below, and let me know your ideas!

Contact Kristie

Playing Harp for Weddings

5/23/2019

Harpist at an outdoor wedding ceremony at DragonRidge Country Club

Photo credit: Moxie Studio Photography

I’m so excited about my new website! I’ve played harp professionally for 20 years for everything from baby showers to corporate events on the Strip. But my focus here is on weddings.

At a wedding, I feel joyful and honored to be a part of such an intimate, meaningful occasion. And I take pride in tailoring the music selections to reflect each couple’s personalities and style.

At my very favorite weddings, the song selections are eclectic and fit the couple's personalities. The couple and their guests are enthusiastic about music and how it makes the wedding ceremony magical and unforgettable.

Can You Have a Harp at Your Red Rock Canyon Wedding?

Getting to the Ceremony Site

Preparing for Your Red Rock Canyon Wedding

Live Music at Red Rock Canyon

Kristie's Experience at the Boardwalk

Booking Harp Music for Your Red Rock Canyon Wedding

10 Harp Songs for a Twilight Themed Wedding

Prelude Song Selections

Twilight Themed Wedding Processionals

Twilight Themed Wedding Recessional

How Does the Harpist Fit into My Wedding Timeline?

How I Move the Harp

At the Venue

FAQ: Does the Harp Need to Be Amplified?

At an Outdoor Venue

At an Indoor Venue

Guest Count

How It Works

5 Reasons Your Wedding Needs a Harpist

1. "Wow" Factor

2. Flexibility

3. Customized, Beautiful Songs

4. Personal Touch

5. Your Unique Style and Vision

How to Hire an Amazing Harpist in Las Vegas

Contact Kristie

LGBTQ+ Certified inclusive professional harpist

3 Steps to Book a Harpist for Your Las Vegas Wedding

Step 1: Reach Out

Step 2: Choose Your Songs

Step 3: Enjoy Your Wedding!

Contact Kristie

Playing Harp for Weddings

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