Tomoko Sato, Harpist

      serving Orange County and Los Angeles County

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Add a touch of elegance and beauty on your special day. The harp's rich sonority and graceful appearance will be a beautiful addition to the perfect setting. The harp is suitable for both indoor and outdoor weddings- at a peaceful and religious ceremony in a church, at a garden ceremony at your favorite restaurant, or at a cliff on a beautiful hill overlooking the ocean.

 

Service by Tomoko

 

Musical Choices

Choose from Harp Solos, Harp & Flute or Harp & Violin Duos, Harp, Flute and Cello Trios. The harp can also accompany a singer during a ceremony.

Free Consultation

Wedding couples are welcomed to come for a consultation at no charge. This is a great way to listen and choose your ceremony music on the harp, whether it's classical, romantic, traditional, and/or non-traditional songs.

Large Repertoire

Choose from Classical, Popular Standards to Contemporary, Broadway, New Age, Jazz, Celtic/Irish, Religious and Sacred, and International music. Classical music is suggested for the ceremony, and Popular Standards are more suitable for the cocktail hour. Requests are welcomed if asked in advance of the event.

Professionalism

The highest standard of harp performance is provided. In addition to excellence in performance, you can expect clear communications throughout the planning process up to the day of the event, as well as timeliness at the event and proper attire.

Personalized Service

Music will be customized to fit the style of your wedding ceremony. Music for other instruments and different genres can be arranged for the harp.

 

Ceremony Music

Prelude                                                                                                                                     

Approximately half an hour of music is being played while guests are being seated. Selections are usually classical or popular love songs, including you and your family's favorites.

Music for Grandparents and Mothers                                                                                                                     

One same song will be played for all the family members.  i.e. 'Jesu, Joy of man's desiring', 'Air on G'

Music for the Minister and Groom's men                                                                                                           

When the minister and groom's men are walking separately from the bridesmaids, they usually walk with the song for the mothers due to a short distance.  i.e. 'Variations on a theme of Paganini', 'All I ask of You'

Music for Bridesmaids, Ring Bearer and Flower Girls                                                                                          

Often times a slow song is selected for their entrance. i.e. 'Canon in D' 'From this Moment On'

Processional                                                                                                                                                  

Bride's Entrance- the traditional song, 'Bridal Chorus' or other non-traditional songs, 'Trumpet Voluntary', is played.

Music During the Ceremony                                                                                                                             

Music is played during the Flower Presentation, Unity/Sand ceremony, and Communion, or for a dedication of a special song to the couple. i.e. 'Ave Maria' 'Lord's Prayer' 'Arioso'

Recessional                                                                                                                                                 

Couple's Exit- The traditional song, 'Wedding March' or non-traditional songs, 'Ode to Joy' 'Hornpipe' from Water Music is played followed by postlude music.

Cocktail Hour/Reception

Tomoko can also play for cocktail hour and/or reception. This is recommended for small wedding parties, or those who like to have intimate and quiet gathering during the meal.

Other things to keep in mind (Important!) 

 

Booking - Harp services can be booked one year in advance. Early bookings are recommended especially during the wedding season (April- October) and Christmas season. 

Shading  - When having the ceremony outdoor, it is required that the shading is provided, since the harp is extremely sensitive to the direct sun. The ground need to be solid, flat, and dry (no grass). If on the grass, Harp can be placed on the concrete platform and requires at least 6 by 4 space. 

Amplification - Amplification fee is included in the service. It is useful for a party of 100 or more, or when it is an outdoor event.

Parking - When possible, please provide the best parking for the harpist. Due to its size, transportation can be difficult if parking is far away from the event site. Also, please notify any inconvenience at the location, especially stairways, Failure to do so may delay the contracted performance time. Thus, consideration for a good parking and extra hands are highly appreciated. 

Rates - The standard wedding ceremony fee includes the consultation and amplification. Rates differ depending on the type of events, length, times, and location. Please understand that there may be an additional charge for long-distance travel, relocation of the event from one place to another, location with stairs, and other inconveniences. Also, please note that the quoted rate is not guaranteed until the contract is signed. 

How It Works

Please call/e-mail Tomoko with the date, time and location of your wedding along with your day/night phone numbers. She will contact you regarding the availability, fee, and other information. Upon agreeing on the service, she will fax/send a contract stating the wedding date, location and other necessary information for the event. Once a copy of the contract and a deposit is returned, the service is confirmed. 

You are welcomed to come for a consultation at no charge. Tomoko will play the standard wedding music during this time and answer any questions you may have. 

Tomoko can be  reached at (949) 250-4810.

*When emailing, please indicate "Harp service" and the Date of the event at the subject.

*Sometimes server may be down. If you do not hear from me in two days, please call.      

                                       

Testimonial 

17 October 2005   I just wanted to send a quick email to thank you for playing at my wedding at Coyote Hills on October 2. You did a phenomenal job! All of the music was beautiful and really helped set the the tone for the ceremony. Everyone commented that you did such a nice job and that they enjoyed the music. Thank you again and we will happily refer you to our friends as they get married! Best regards, Jennifer (Harris) Kelly 

19 Jul 2006 Tomoko, Thanks so much for making my wedding ceremony so special on July 9. The music was beautiful, and I especially appreciate your adding the Old Irish Blessing with such late notice. It was wonderful! Thanks again for your professionalism and talent. I truly enjoyed having your music as an important part of my ceremony. Love, Megan Higgins

29 Oct 2007 First, of all I want to thank you so much for being a part of my daughter's wedding. YOU WERE AWESOME!!!!!!! I would highly recommend you to anyone interested in harp music. Theresa Chapman

15 Feb 2008 Tomoko: It was such a pleasure to meet you last night. My wife and I so enjoyed your music during dinner, it made a wonderful evening spectacular!!!! I look forward to giving your number to brides and grooms in the future that might be interested in your music for their wedding day. You have a great web site. I hope to hear you again soon. Reverend Gary and Wendy Tucker

 

Tomoko is recommended by weddingministers.org and brides from knott wedding 

 

Thank You Note