In the Fall of 2016, Anne Roos first captured our attention with her gentle manner and thoughtfulness when she inquired about membership in the Tahoe Wedding Industry Group. Within days, Anne had completed the rigorous membership application process, receiving the highest of accolades from former clients and wedding industry colleagues.
Who is this impeccable lady with the cool Celtic harp and gorgeous hats?
Anne Roos is a Los Angeles native who went to North Hollywood high, then slightly westward to UCLA, where she studied a seemingly unlikely duo – Math and Music. But Anne was quick to point out, “Einstein played the violin, so it’s not such a strange combination!”
The love of music was instilled in Anne at an early age, as her father frequently took her to summertime concerts at the Hollywood Bowl. Anne recalls, “I have fond memories of experiencing the L.A. Philharmonic performing classical works, watching the bows of the stringed instruments rhythmically undulate up and down.” Professional musicianship also ran strong in relatives on her mother’s side of the family – a concert pianist, a jazz pianist, a guitarist, and another Celtic harpist in Israel. So it’s obvious that Anne was born to be a musician!
An important turning point in her life came when Anne attended a Winter Solstice Festival, which included an exhibit booth populated with all kinds of Celtic harps. The woman in the booth said, “If you want to learn to play, I can rent a harp out to you and teach you.” Anne remembers thinking to herself, “I have a stressful job. This is exactly what I need.” The rest is history, as Anne got hooked on the harp and her wedding business was born!
Now based in Lake Tahoe, Anne has been creating beautiful music for more than 30 years, with consistent 5-star ratings across social media platforms and a prestigious Grammy® Award to her credit. She stays on top of the latest wedding music trends by perusing lists of popular downloads on iTunes, listening to “Wedding Music Radio” on Pandora, and checking out new movies containing song possibilities for weddings. Anne adds, “Of course, when a couple requests a new song that is not in my repertoire, I quickly order up the sheet music online and create a harp arrangement.”
Photo: Ciprian Photography
When asked what she loves most about working with wedding couples, Anne remarked: “I love the surprise element of creating music organically for weddings. The experience leaves everyone in amazement and touches their hearts in ways that the original recording of the same song can’t duplicate. Frequent feedback from guests is, ‘Wow! I didn’t know you could play THAT on the harp!’” From classical to Broadway, from Celtic to new age, from rock classics to heavy metal, Anne can do it all!
Selecting Music for Your Marriage
So what should you do for your wedding? When guests first arrive at your wedding ceremony location, they are filled with anticipation for your big day ahead. But if they are greeted with dead silence, it’s an awkward feeling. That’s why it’s important to have music in the air, to set the tone for your ceremony. It signifies that “something special” is about to happen.
Your ceremony venue may control the type of music selected for your auspicious occasion. If you are in a house of worship, you may be required to abide by strict rules and regulations. Check with your ceremony site before you have your heart set on a particular selection of music and musicians.
On the other hand, if your ceremony site is in the great outdoors of the Lake Tahoe region, you may select just about any kind of music that you love. There are hundreds of options beyond “Here Comes the Bride,” so consider your favorite songs – whether Top 40’s or classics, just make it sing to you!
No matter what kinds of tunes you choose, your ceremony is typically divided into five musical phases:
- The Prelude Music typically begins 30 minutes before the ceremony. For example, if your invitation indicates a four o’clock ceremony, begin your prelude music at 3:30 p.m. The music welcomes and entertains your guests as the excitement builds. Depending on the length of the songs, you will want to select up to ten pieces for your prelude music.
- The Processional Music is for the Wedding Party to make their grand entrance. This is where the “celebration” comes into play – you definitely want to get your guests’ attention. You typically will select three music pieces: one for your officiant, readers, and groom’s party; another selection for the bridesmaids; and a third selection for the bride’s magical moment as she walks down the aisle.
- During the Ceremony, you may have several opportunities to personalize your musical selections. You could have musicians playing if you choose to have a blending ritual or some other symbolic rite. Also, ask the musicians to play an interlude while readers are walking to and from their seats. Another great moment for music is immediately following your exchange of vows and rings.
- The Recessional Music is played when the wedding couple exits back down the aisle as newlyweds. Making this piece lively and celebratory is definitely the way to go. Your attendants and parents may or may not walk out to this same selection; if not, select two recessional pieces.
- The bucks you paid for ceremony musicians shouldn’t stop here – they should continue playing the Postlude Music as your guests continue to file out of their seats. Festive music should continue until all guests have departed the ceremony area.
If you are planning to have live music for your Lake Tahoe wedding ceremony, please consider Anne Roos and her Celtic harp. Her versatility makes her the perfect choice for every wedding. And if you want to hear more, the harp harmonizes well with just about any instrument. Common choices are the flute, violin, and guitar, but Anne has also played with a piano, sax, percussion, and even a trumpet!
Your selection of ceremony musicians is of course dependent upon your personal tastes. But in any case, music brings a sense of joy that amplifies the amazing experience of a wedding celebration.
Contact Anne Roos
Website: HarpistAnneRoos.com
Email: anne@harpistanneroos.com
Phone: 530-541-2575