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Celestial Strings and Ceremonies Harpist

Top Performer

Jacksonville, FL

Contact for rates

Harpist

Travels up to 500 miles

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Celestial Strings Harpist

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I love harps!

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Wedding at Memorial Park, Jacksonville, FL

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Wedding in Thomasville, GA

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Wedding at Botanical Garden, Winter Park, FL

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Sun City Hilton Head, SC

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Bonnet Creek Resort at Disney

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Overview

Celestial Strings and Ceremonies is the music and wedding ministry of Rev. William and Susan Reister. Pastor Bill Reister provides the elegant music of the harp for weddings, receptions, banquets, cocktail hours, parties, worship services, school programs, retirement communities, funerals, birthday parties, grand openings, holiday events, inspirational programs, and other social occasions. Susan Reister provides organ, piano, or keyboard music upon request for social occasions and has more than 30 years of experience in her field. Pastor Bill also officiates for dozens of weddings each year. He will be pleased to consult with you personally to plan the music for your special event.

Reviews

27 reviews

Madelyn N.

March 16, 2026

Incredible Harpist Who Made Our Wedding Magical

We had the pleasure of having Pastor Bill Reister play the harp at our wedding, and he was absolutely wonderful. From the start, he was very communicative, responsive, and easy to work with, which made the planning process so smooth. His talent is incredible, and the harp added such a beautiful and elegant touch to our ceremony. All of our guests commented on how amazing the music was. We’re so grateful he was part of our special day and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a talented and professional harpist!

Hired as: Harpist

Jennifer G. W. P.

April 28, 2025

Verified review

Celestial Strings

Rev. Reister was wonderful. I love his music. Everyone enjoyed him; he did an excellent job for this wedding.

Hired as: Harpist

Celestial Strings and Ceremonies Harpist

Thank you Jennifer. It was a pleasure to provide music for the wedding. They are a lovely couple and I pray for God's blessings on them. I look forward to working with you again. Pastor Bill Reister,
Celestial Strings harpist

Traci

March 24, 2025

Verified review

Excellent

We enjoyed his playingvforbour 39th anniversary. Wonderful!!!!

Hired as: Harpist

Zuleyka M.

February 18, 2025

Verified review

Simply Magical

Thank you, Pastor Bill, for such an amazing service. Your melody made our Event even more Magical. We would definitely keep using your service for future events and most importantly recommend you. Super professional and on time.

Hired as: Harpist

Celestial Strings and Ceremonies Harpist

Thank you very much, Zuleyka, for your kind words and for the opportunity to play the harp at the wonderful Quinceanera for your daughter Arielys. I am so pleased that you and your guests enjoyed the music. It was truly a magical night. Even though my Spanish is limited I was deeply moved and -misty-eyed as I witnessed the ceremony and pageantry. It was also fun to include a number of songs from Hispanic culture. My only regret is that I didn't have the opportunity to greet you , your husband, and your daughter personally. After moving the harp etc. I didn't want to keep you from your guests. I was also happy to listen to your pastor as he blessed you and all in attendance. God be with you always. Pastor Bill

Ann D.

October 24, 2024

Verified review

Phenomenal Harpist

I absolutely loved having Pastor Bill play the harp at my wedding ceremony. He was cordial and caring throughout all interactions I had with him, from our initial consultation phone call to the day of. He was on time and prepared and had thought out all the logistics of transporting his incredible harps! He played every song I requested and even learned a song I requested! His playing was beautiful and exactly what I envisioned for my wedding. I would hire him again in a heartbeat for any event. Thank you so much Pastor Bill!

Hired as: Harpist

Celestial Strings and Ceremonies Harpist

Ann and Christian, thank you for your kind words and great review. Your heartfelt words mean the world to me. They also help my potential clients know that they can trust me. You are such a lovely couple, and God smiled on you with perfect weather for your wedding at the stunning home beside the water in Berkley Hall. Susan and I are so happy for both of you. May the Lord bless you with "every good and perfect gift from above." Bill & Susan

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Booking information

Price range: Contact for rates

Languages: English , Spanish

Gig length: 30 - 240 minutes

Unions: American Harp Society (non-union)

What to expect

The harp is an elegant instrument which is frequently mentioned in the Bible. The peaceful sound of the harp provides a relaxing experience for clients and guests. When you receive the musical services of Celestial Strings you can depend on Pastor Bill and Susan to arrive at least 90 minutes prior to the event. For weddings a minimum of 30 minutes of pre-service music is provided. Amplification is provided for all events. With a large repertoire of classical, traditional, sacred, and popular music for the harp, organ, piano, or keyboard, the music selections will be pleasing to the guests. A personal consultation is available to assist in planning the event. Regular communication via phone and email prior to the event assures the client of a satisfying experience. The Salvi pedal harp is used for most events but a Triplett Eclipse lever harp or a Salvi Julia lever harp are used for beach weddings or other events where a more portable instrument is required. Client reviews are available.

About

Celestial Strings is the music ministry of Rev. William Reister, an ordained Lutheran Christian minister, and his wife, Susan, an organist and pianist with more than 35 years of experience. Pastor Bill is a harpist, vocalist, and pianist with many years of experience as a soloist and member of choral and instrumental ensembles: Wartburg College Castle Singers, Concordia Seminary Choir, Victorian Carolers etc. He is a member of the American Harp Society and plays for dozens of events each year including weddings, banquets, worship services, community groups, private parties, retirement communities etc. He plays a Salvi Orchestra pedal harp and also performs on his Celtic lever harps. He welcomes the opportunity to play the harp for your elegant occasion. He provides amplification if needed with a top of the line Bose amplifier for indoor events and an excellent Rowland battery powered amp for outdoor engagements. He is also available to officiate weddings or conduct funerals in addition to playing the harp. A wedding package is available which includes pre-service harp music, piano, organ or keyboard music by Susan, and officiating by Pastor Bill.

Educational programs featuring the harp are also available. Call to request a complete listing of available programs or to create one for your group or organization. The music of the harp will add elegance to your special event as it has for the hundreds of venues where Pastor Bill has performed in the last 12 years. A list of previous events or a demo CD is available upon request. He has performed for numerous conventions and conferences and at hundreds of venues from South Carolina to South Florida including, to name a few, One Ocean Spa, Hospice of NE Florida, Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Queen's Harbor Yacht and Country Club, Children's Home Society, Osprey Cove Country Club, Jacksonville Electric Authority, Southside Baptist Church, Town and Country Funeral Home, San Jose Elementary School. Please call or e-mail him today to reserve the date for your special event. Ask about special rates for non-profit organizations, clergy, and the military.

Additional booking notes

Salvi Orchestra Semi-Grand pedal harp (46 string), Triplett Eclipse Lever harp (38 string), Salvi Julia Celtic Lever Harp (34 string), Dusty Strings Lever harp (26 string); Korg X-3 Synthesizer, Korg Triton Music Work Station, Yamaha Portable Grand (88 key) electronic keyboard, Roland VA 76 Keyboard, Bose Tower Amp with Tonematch engine, Roland Cube Street battery powered amp

Services offered

Harpist Children’s Music Harpist Keyboard Player Classical Pianist Pianist Celtic Music Irish / Scottish Entertainment Organist Gospel Music Group Holiday Entertainment Wedding Singer Educational Entertainment Wedding Officiant Christian Speaker

Upcoming booked events

June 2026

06

Saturday

Wedding Reception

3:30pm - 5:00pm

•

Hilton Head Island, SC

13

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

1:30pm - 2:30pm

•

St Marys, GA

Past booked events

April 2026

18

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

4:00pm - 5:00pm

•

Orange Park, FL

December 2020

25

Friday

Christmas Day Service

9:30am - 11:00am

24

Thursday

Christamas Eve Service

7:00pm - 8:30pm

17

Thursday

Wedding Ceremony

3:30pm - 5:30pm

12

Saturday

27

Sunday

Wedding Ceremony

5:30pm - 7:00pm

26

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

All-day event

15

Tuesday

Inspirational Program

6:30pm - 8:00pm

13

Sunday

Iowa Inspirational Program

3:30pm - 5:30pm

August 2020

15

Saturday

Funeral/Memorial Service

6:00pm - 6:15pm

•

Daytona Beach, FL

July 2020

11

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

4:30pm - 7:00pm

June 2020

21

Sunday

Memorial Service

12:00pm - 1:00pm

13

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony & Cocktail Hour

4:00pm - 7:00pm

May 2020

02

•

Tavares, FL

28

Saturday

Talent Competition

7:00pm - 8:00pm

•

Jacksonville, FL

21

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

6:00pm - 7:00pm

•

Jacksonville, FL

December 2017

25

Monday

Christmas Day Service Jacksonville FL

9:30am - 11:00am

24

Sunday

Christmas Eve Service Jacksonville FL

7:00pm - 8:30pm

20

Wednesday

Harp Program at Brookdale Southside

3:00pm - 4:00pm

12

Tuesday

Harp Program at Jacksonville Healthcare

10:00am - 11:00am

03

Sunday

Christmas Party

5:00pm - 9:00pm

November 2017

14

Tuesday

Harp Program at Jacksonville Healthcare

10:00am - 11:00am

October 2017

10

Tuesday

Harp Program at Jacksonville Healthcare

10:00am - 11:00am

September 2017

20

Wednesday

Harp Program at Brookdale Southside

3:00pm - 4:00pm

12

Tuesday

Harp Program at Jacksonville Healthcare

10:00am - 11:00am

08

Friday

Dinner Party

5:00pm - 6:30pm

•

Ponte Vedra, FL

August 2017

08

Tuesday

Wednesday

Funeral/Memorial Service

7:00am - 8:30am

•

Jacksonville, FL

11

Tuesday

Harp Program at Jacksonville Healthcare

10:00am - 11:00am

08

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

7:00pm - 7:45pm

•

Jacksonville, FL

March 2017

29

Wednesday

Harp Program at Brookdale Southside

3:00pm - 4:00pm

28

Tuesday

Harp Program at Jacksonville Healthcare

10:00am - 11:00am

February 2017

17

Friday

Luther Hymn Festival, Jacksonville, FL

10:30am - 12:00pm

14

Tuesday

Harp Program at Jacksonville Healthcare

10:00am - 11:00am

11

Saturday

Wedding in Winter Park, FL

3:30pm - 4:30pm

January 2017

30

Monday

Harp Program at the Shepherd's Center

12:30pm - 1:15pm

10

Tuesday

Harp Program at Jacksonville Healthcare

12:00pm - 1:00pm

December 2016

24

Saturday

Christmas Eve Service at Westminster Woods, Jacksonville, FL 2:30PM

7:00pm - 8:00pm

23

Friday

Wedding Ceremony

7:00pm - 8:00pm

•

Jacksonville, FL

21

Wednesday

Harp Program at Brookdale Southside Assisted Living, Jacksonville, FL 3PM

7:00pm - 8:00pm

04

Sunday

25

Saturday

Wedding at the River House, St. Augustine, FL 6:30PM

7:00pm - 8:00pm

22

Wednesday

Harp Program at Brookdale Southside Assisted Living, Jacksonville, FL 3PM

7:00pm - 8:00pm

11

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

4:30pm - 6:00pm

•

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

04

Saturday

23

Saturday

Wedding Ceremony

5:30pm - 6:30pm

•

Jekyll Island, GA

12

Tuesday

27

Saturday

Wedding in Daytona Beach, FL 3PM

7:00pm - 8:00pm

09

Tuesday

Harp Program at Jacksonville Nursing and Rehab, Jacksonville, FL 10AM

7:00pm - 8:00pm

08

Monday

Arioso - J. S. Bach
Cannon in D - J. Pachelbel
O Perfect Love - Joseph Barnby
Trumpet Voluntary - Jeremiah Clarke
Bridal Chorus - Richard Wagner
The Wedding March - Felix Mendelssohn
Finale from Royal Fireworks - G. F. Handel
Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring - J. S. Bach
Trumpet Tune - Henry Purcell
Largo - G. F. Handel
Ode To Joy - Ludwig Von Beethoven
The Prayer - Carole Sager
All I Ask of You - Lloyd Webber
You Are My All in All - Dennis Jerning
Etude #3 - Chopin
Dreaming of You - Tom Snow
The Lord's Prayer - Malotte
Ave Maria - Schubert
Annie's Song - John Denver
A Time for Us - Nina Rota
The Wind Beneath My Wings - Larry Henley
Morning - Edvard Grieg
Can't Help Falling in Love - George Weiss
Somewhere Over the Rainbow - Harold Arlen
Hello Young Lovers - Rodgers & Hammerstein
Be Our Guest - Alan Menken
A Whole New World - Alan Menken
Theme from "Ice Castles" - Marvin Hamlisch
My Sweet Lady - John Denver
BeThou My Vision
The Wedding Song
The Rose - Amanda McBroom
St. Anthony's Chorale - Brahms
The Sound of Music - Rodgers & Hammerstein
From This Moment On - Shania Twain
Scarborough Fair
My Favorite Things - Rodgers & Hammerstein
My Own True Love - Max Steiner
Great Is Thy Faithfulness - William Runyan
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing - Robert Robertson
I Sing Praises to Thy Name - Terry MacAlman
Celtic Meditation - Turlough O'Carolan
As the Deer - Martin Nystrom
Hornpipe - Henry Purcell
Simple Gifts (Lord of the Dance)
Clair De Lune - Claude Debussy
Love Divine All Loves Exceling
You Are My Star - William Mahan
You Changed My Life (A Wedding Song) - William Mahan
The Royal Dream
Andante from Sonata in A - Mozart
Romance - Carol Wood
Sleepers Awake - J. S. Bach
Sheep May Safely Graze - J. S. Bach
Warm Sienna - William Mahan
Greensleeves
Bittersweet - Kim Robertson
The Windows of Paris - William Mahan
All in a Garden Green - John Playford
Inis Siar - Thomas Walsh
Promises - Rojean Loucks
Amazing Grace - John Newton
Celebration - Rojean Loucks
The Water is Wide
Chorale - Linda Wood
Concert Etude - Susann MacDonald
Sonata No. 9 - Mozart
Minuet - Johann Kuhnau
Now Strike the Harp
Let It Be Me - Gilbert Becaud
I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry - John Ylvisaker
Where River Turns to Sky - Sharon Thormahlen
This is My Father's World
To a Wild Rose - Edward MacDowell
Air - Monteclair
Carolan's Dowry - Turlough O'Carolan
Windward Island's Magic - Randall Hartzell
The Ash Grove
In the Valley - Janice Glover
Moonlight - Susann MacDonald
Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor - Irving Berlin
Sweet Is My Ladye Love - Valerie Von Pechy
The Sea - Palmer-Lethco
Act of God - Sharlon Thormahlen
Processional - Linda Wood
Canyon - William Mahan
This is My Country - Don Raye/Al Jacobs
I Cannot Live Without Thee - Rev. William Reister
God Bless the U.S.A - Lee Greenwood
Now Strike the Harp Gladly
Nyth Y Gwew (A Welsh Folksong)
Introduction, Theme, and Variations on an English Folk Song - William Mahan
Sorrow - Rojean Loucks
Fanny Power - Turlough O'Carolan
Happy Birthday to You!
Some Enchanted Evening - Rodgers and Hammerstein
An Iowa Winter - William Mahan
Sakura - Japanese Folk Song
Angels in Waiting - Rev. William Reister
Many, many, more selections

Influences and inspiration

The music of many harpist historical and contemporary have influenced me playing as a harpist. Irish harpist Turlough O'Carolan is my favorite harpist from antiquity. The music of contemporary harpists William Mahan, Sharon Thormalen, Rojean Loucks, Kim Robertson, Sunita Staneslow, Sylva Woods, Ray Pool and many others provide me with a rich variety for my performances.

Setup requirements

Electrical outlet is preferable, but optional

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