Performing at a Wedding at Dutch Harvest Farm

Recently, I had the pleasure of performing at a wedding held at Dutch Harvest Farm in Lansing, NY, a stunning venue nestled along the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail. As a classical and jazz guitarist, I’ve played at many weddings over the years, but this one stood out for its combination of natural beauty, atmosphere, and the connection I felt with the couple and their guests.

The Ambience

Dutch Harvest Farm is a hidden gem that you might not fully appreciate until you step onto its grounds. The venue is set on 50 acres of land with wooded surroundings, creating a sense of seclusion and intimacy. One of the highlights of the location is that it’s so close to the lake, and even though you can’t see the lake, you do feel that refreshing lake breeze, which adds a perfect touch to an outdoor event in summer time.

The venue’s combination of rustic charm and natural elegance really sets it apart. From the moment I arrived, it was clear this would be a special event. I set up on the lawn near the ceremony area as the guests began arriving, taking in the expansive views of the property. The trees and cascading falls that run through the grounds offered the perfect backdrop to the day.

Classical Guitar Prelude & Ceremony

As guests made their way to their seats, I played pop tunes on classical guitar, creating a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere.  I like playing classical guitar is at weddings because of the instrument’s warmth and air of sophistication. For this event, I selected pieces that were gentle yet elegant, making sure the music helped create the perfect ambiance without overpowering the natural beauty of the surroundings.

The highlight of the ceremony for me was performing the bridal processional. The bride had requested “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”, a song made famous by Elton John, from Disney’s The Lion King. This was a new addition to my repertoire, and I was thrilled to be asked to play it.

Learning this song for solo guitar was an enjoyable challenge. I spent time arranging it in a way that would flow smoothly and highlight the melody while maintaining the harmonic richness of the original. Performing it live, I felt a connection to the emotional significance it held for the bride and groom, and it was clear from the guests’ reactions that it added a magical touch to the ceremony. The moment the bride walked down the aisle to the familiar notes, there was a palpable sense of emotion in the air.

Cocktail Hour

For cocktail hour, I moved to the patio area, where I played solo guitar while the couple took photos and mingled with their guests. The patio at Dutch Harvest Farm offers a gorgeous view of the grounds, and by this time, the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over everything. It was the perfect backdrop for the more festive instrumental pop / rock tunes, for which I used my Gibson 335 electric guitar.  The couple had requested two iconic songs: “Hotel California” by The Eagles and “I Shot the Sheriff” by Bob Marley. These requests allowed me to pivot into a more relaxed, fun vibe, which was exactly what the couple had envisioned for this part of the event.

Playing “Hotel California” on the guitar always brings a smile to people’s faces. It’s one of those timeless songs that resonates across generations, and I could see many guests nodding their heads along to the familiar tune.  I enjoyed improvising on its chord changes with no other accompaniment, and I caught a bit of it in a selfie video that I posted on Instagram.

“I Shot the Sheriff”, with its reggae feel, added a different energy to the cocktail hour. It was fun to bring that rhythm to life in a way that still felt intimate and suited the setting. It’s always a pleasure to see guests’ faces light up when they recognize a song they love, and these two tracks were no exception. As people mingled and enjoyed their drinks, the music helped keep the atmosphere lively yet relaxed.

Why Dutch Harvest Farm is a Perfect Venue for Weddings

Performing at Dutch Harvest Farm was an unforgettable experience. The venue itself, with its natural beauty and versatility, provided the perfect setting for a day that felt both intimate and grand. From playing classical guitar during the prelude to the emotional processional, through to the fun of the cocktail hour and the elegance of solo jazz guitar on the patio, it was an honor to be part of such a beautiful day.

The staff at Dutch Harvest Farm were incredibly professional and easy to work with, ensuring that the event went off without a hitch. Their attention to detail and their commitment to making sure the couple’s vision was brought to life made my job as a musician that much easier. It’s always a pleasure to work with a venue that understands how important music is to the flow of a wedding, and Dutch Harvest Farm certainly delivered on that front.

Having performed at many venues across the region, I can confidently say that Dutch Harvest Farm is one of the best. Its combination of natural beauty, versatile event spaces, and proximity to both Ithaca and the lake make it a prime location for weddings. The fact that the venue offers both indoor and outdoor options means that couples can have the wedding of their dreams, no matter the weather.

The spacious event barn, with its ability to accommodate over 280 guests, offers plenty of room for a grand celebration, while the surrounding gardens and patios provide more intimate spaces for reflection and connection. For anyone looking to get married in the Finger Lakes region, I can’t recommend Dutch Harvest Farm highly enough.

If you’re considering Dutch Harvest Farm for your wedding, you won’t be disappointed—it’s the perfect place for a celebration filled with love, joy, and music.

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