Day 21 - Learned the Hard Way - HARPRIL 2026

Day 21 - Learned the Hard Way
When I first started playing for weddings and events, I would get paid when I arrived.
That worked… until one particular wedding.
I showed up and asked about the check.
“Ask mom.”
“Ask dad.”
“I think it’s in the truck.”
“The truck is locked… who has the keys?”
Meanwhile, it was time for me to start playing.
Not wanting payment issues to delay a wedding, I went ahead and set up. It was a windy day, and at one point the wind was actually playing my harp strings for me… just not any of the songs the bride had requested.
Then, during the prelude, someone finally brought the check and set it on the grass next to my music stand.
And the wind?
It took that too.
Thankfully, I was able to grab it quickly, tuck it safely into my music book, and keep playing.
That was the day I realized… there had to be a better system.
Now, after 15+ years, I require a 25% deposit to book, with the remaining balance due two weeks before the event. It makes everything smoother—for me and for the client.

And that wasn’t the only lesson.

​At another wedding, I played the bride’s entrance music… and the bride didn’t walk in.
I kept playing. And playing. Then finally ended the piece. Still nothing.
I looked at her mom, and she said, “the bride’s song!”
That was the bride’s song.
Turns out, they had added children to the processional and hadn’t told me—so the order had changed completely.
Now, I always make sure I have the coordinator’s contact information ahead of time and confirm the final plan before the ceremony begins. Because sometimes things change… and not everyone gets the memo.

Some lessons you only have to learn once.

Wedding Ceremony at the Botanical Gardens in Dothan, AL.