Fiona's speciality is weddings - whether it be the Ceremony, Drinks Reception, Wedding Breakfast or the whole lot and she prides herself on providing a personal service which guarantees client satisfaction.
She can also bring her pick up and amp along, which then gives the Harp an extra boost of musical power over any noise going on!
So you've chosen the date and venue, what could be more atmospheric and original than having a harpist to entertain you and your guests? Fiona explains her role at a typical wedding:
Ceremony
30 minutes before the ceremony, I will play quietly in the background, as guests arrive and settle. Then, the entrance of the bride - this is a selected piece of music discussed beforehand and is played until the bride reaches the alter. During the signing of the register, 2 to 3 pieces of selected music are played. Then I play whilst the married happy couple make their exit.
Drinks Reception
Light background music - this can be purely classical, or upbeat, and more recognisable pieces of modern music can be played. The choice is yours. Sometimes, guests approach me with questions regarding the harp, which I am more than happy to answer for them.
Wedding Breakfast
Whilst guests settle into their designated places and are commencing their meal, you will find the harp provides a perfect atmosphere. Inevitably, you will have people who are meeting each other for the first time and the harp can be a good focal point for conversation. I finish my performance 10 minutes before the speeches are due to start. This is to minimise disruption and to allow a discreet exit for both myself and the harp.
An explanation of the lead up to the 'big day'!
This part explains the whole process!(I thought it would be helpful to write down the whole process of when you decide to book me, to the wedding day! Hopefully, this should help answer any queries that you may have – but don’t be afraid to ask if not!)
You’ve made the initial enquiry and I hope that my information is useful to you. The demo CD I will send should give you an idea of how pieces sound on the Harp – feel free to pass it between all the families to listen to!
If you decide to book me and send your booking fee, I then send you a receipt and booking forms to sign (one to return).
We then have a chat about any musical preferences that you may have, or I can suggest items to listen to (Classic FM and borrowing CDs from your local library are a good cost effective idea, as buying wedding CDs can be expensive and not all pieces are suitable to play on the Harp!)
If couples wish to visit me at my house and go through their chosen music, then they are welcome to – although this is not obligatory.
Due to my work schedule, I have to keep this visitation to no more than an hour per couple and they must have a rough idea of what they’d like to hear me play for them beforehand.
Once music is chosen, then all’s set for the big day!
Between the time of booking me and your wedding day, I remain in contact and please feel free to email or call me with any queries – no matter how small the query, as it could be important!
On the wedding day itself, I play straight through (I need a 15 min break if it’s for the ‘whole day’ package) and am open to guests asking questions, or even wanting a go!
I know a selection of nursery rhymes and TV tunes for children too, as they usually show an interest and it’s always nice to show them the instrument quickly!
I’m easy-going by nature and would like to think of myself as approachable and friendly and have built up my business of playing the Harp to suit whatever the couple require and try to treat them as I would want to be treated, if it were my wedding day!