Business Details
18 Years
experience
Elegant Wedding String Quartet in Chicago
The White Lake Quartet is a distinguished string ensemble dedicated to elevating wedding ceremonies and events with timeless musical artistry. Founded in 2008 by violinist Erica Henkins and violist Christine Wiest, our group combines decades of collective experience to deliver performances marked by elegance and precision. Our musicians, each with over 15 years of expertise in wedding music, specialize in creating bespoke soundscapes that reflect each client's unique vision. We offer personalized consultations to guide couples through ensemble size options, repertoire selection, and logistical planning. With a repertoire spanning classical masterpieces to contemporary arrangements, we cater to diverse tastes while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.Our commitment to reliability ensures seamless coordination from initial inquiry to the final note of your event. Based in Chicago but serving national and international venues, we bring both local expertise and global perspective to every performance. Our team's extensive orchestral and educational backgrounds enhance our ability to meet the nuanced demands of wedding music. We pride ourselves on transparent communication, flexible customization, and meticulous attention to detail. Whether performing as a quartet, trio, or duet, we remain dedicated to making your celebration unforgettable through music.
Services
String Quartet
Wedding Ceremonies
Cocktail Hour Music
Music Consultations
Song Arrangements
Rehearsal Coordination
Travel Services
Deposit Booking
Repertoire Selection
Event Customization
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- Our musicians have performed at 400+ weddings since 2008
- Personalized music consultations guide ensemble size and repertoire choices
- Extensive repertoire spanning classical, jazz, pop, and custom arrangements
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees for Chicago city events
- Flexible booking process with 24-hour response guarantee
What people say
Strikingly beautiful performances
Personalized music selections
Professional and reliable
Seamless coordination
Unforgettable melodies
Services
String Quartet
Our premier string quartet features two violins, viola, and cello for complete harmonic richness. Ideal for wedding ceremonies and formal events, this configuration delivers the full breadth of classical repertoire while accommodating contemporary requests. The quartet's versatility makes it perfect for creating sophisticated atmospheres during ceremonies, cocktail hours, and receptions.
Wedding Ceremonies
Customized musical accompaniment for wedding ceremonies including prelude, processional, recessional, and postlude segments. We work closely with couples to select appropriate pieces that reflect their personal style while maintaining traditional ceremony flow. Our experience ensures perfect timing and coordination with event timelines.
Cocktail Hour Music
Elegant background music for post-ceremony cocktail hours and receptions. Our repertoire includes jazz standards, popular classics, and light contemporary arrangements that create a refined ambiance without overpowering conversation. Available in quartet, trio, or duet configurations to suit venue size and budget.
Music Consultations
Personalized guidance for selecting appropriate music and ensemble size. Our consultants help navigate repertoire choices, coordinate with venue requirements, and ensure musical selections match event tone. Unlimited email and phone consultations included with booking to guarantee perfect musical alignment with your vision.
Song Arrangements
Professional arrangement services for special song requests not in our standard repertoire. For a small fee, we adapt popular songs, family favorites, or cultural pieces into string arrangements suitable for your event. This service allows couples to incorporate personally meaningful music into their ceremony or reception.
People
Christine Wiest
Violin/Viola
Co-founder with 15+ years of wedding music experience. Holds Masters in Viola Performance from DePaul University. Former Civic Orchestra of Chicago member. Teaches violin/viola lessons in western suburbs.
Jonathon Wiest
Cello
Co-founder and cellist with formal training from Temple University. Combines orchestral experience with film composition expertise. Also contributes to construction/remodeling projects in Naperville, IL.
Questions
What ensemble sizes do you offer?
We perform as quartets, trios, or duets depending on your venue size, budget, and musical preferences.
Can you play modern songs?
Yes! We arrange contemporary pop, rock, and film music in addition to classical repertoire for weddings.
Do you travel outside Chicago?
We travel to suburbs and destinations nationwide with advance coordination for travel fees.
How far in advance should we book?
We recommend booking 6-12 months ahead, though we accommodate shorter timelines when available.
What's included in wedding packages?
Ceremony music with automatic discount for extended cocktail hour/reception performances.
How do we select music?
We provide comprehensive repertoire lists and personalized consultations to help choose appropriate selections.
