Devin & Theresa

We played a lovely wedding ceremony for Devin and Theresa at Cottonwood Presbyterian Church this afternoon. Devin's sister is my close friend; we go back many many years, to junior high school! So when she learned that her brother did not have plans for music during his ceremony, she called us. Anna and Michelle both gave birth to beautiful baby girls very recently, so Brittany and Marie subbed for them. We love our dependable substitutes! And Brittany is also a close friend of the groom's sister!

We played Pachelbel's Canon in D for the wedding party's procession and Arioso by Bach for the bride. With the church's acoustics, the solo violin was gorgeous! At the presentation of the newly married couple, we played Mendelssohn's Wedding March.

Meili. Maureen. Brittany. School chums.

Posted by Meili

Joanna & Steve

We always enjoy playing at Log Haven in Millcreek Canyon. Even on a hot July evening, Joanna and Steve's outdoor wedding was a delight. The abundant shade and the cool canyon breeze couldn't have been more perfect.

For their ceremony, we sat under this regal evergreen. We played Handel's La Rejoussance for the procession of the three flower girls and one ring bearer, and the bride and groom, who descended the steps together.

We played Purcell's Trumpet Tune for the recessional, then a few more celebratory pieces while they took photos and moved to the outdoor patio for dinner.

We had a great time accompanying the meal, and an even better time eating it! Yes, the bride and groom invited the quartet to take a break and enjoy some dinner. We all agreed that it was perhaps the very best wedding meal we have ever eaten. Delicious!

For the couple's first dance, we played John Lennon's Grow Old With Me. They foxtrotted around the table and kissed when their guests tapped their water glasses. It was a beautiful wedding. Thanks, Joanna and Steve, for asking us to be a part of it! Best wishes to you.

University of Utah Convocation

Today, we returned to Meili's alma mater to play for the University of Utah College of Engineering Convocation. We were fortunate to have a few friends among the graduates, including our violist's husband and the husband of a violinist who substituted with us a few months ago. (Our violist Michelle asked Marie to fill in for her in order to be able to support her husband as a member of the audience. Sam substituted for Anna.)

We sat on the stage and welcomed the graduates during their processional with several pieces of light, happy music. After listening to the speakers, we played through much of our repertoire while accompanying the presenting of the diplomas. The graduates' recessional was so quick that we only had time to play one piece, but it was my very favorite part of the event. Rarely do we encounter a situation where Mozart's Eine Kleine Nachtmusik is appropriate, but the graduates' recessional just happened to be the perfect moment for this exciting, up-beat, slightly raucous number.

Congratulations, class of 2011!

Jill & Geddes

This was our view of the happy couple's ring ceremony festivities on the 9th floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. We played 2 special pieces for them. One was a processional composed especially for them by Steven Smith and the other was the Beatles "All You Need is Love" for their recessional. Prior to the ceremony we provided prelude music and afterward played as the wedding attendees wished their congrats to the bride and groom.

Thanks to Leisha who filled in for Meili (who just had her baby). Leisha is also pregnant so we had 3 expectant mothers performing once again!

~Posted by Cathy

Hannah & Adam

Soft, dense snowflakes were falling as we left the Orangerie, but that didn't discourage the bride and groom from continuing with their photo shoot in the gardens.

Hanna and Adam's wedding was lovely and happy. Held before giant east-facing windows which captured the chilly beauty of the Wasatch Mountains, the ceremony was officiated by Bishop John Bytheway. I clearly remember a fireside that I attended as a teenager at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, where this local religious leader entertained us with stories of teenage angst and self-acceptance.

As we were preparing to begin our prelude music, Bishop Bytheway approached us to discuss the logistics of the ceremony. As it was his first time conducting a wedding, and definitely not our first time playing at one, we were able to give him a few tips! Our 9 years of experience paid off today when Cathy suggested that his concluding words be an introduction of the happy couple as the new "Mr. and Mrs..."

Meili plans to have her baby in two days, but she loves playing weddings so much that she decided to keep today's appointment. Anna is also pregnant. And today, Michelle announced to the group that she is also going to have a baby! So 75% of Strings of Elegance is now pregnant!

Anna (5 months) * Michelle (4 months) * Meili (9+ months)

Congratulations Hanna and Adam, and best wishes in your life together!

Brian & Hadley

We were honored to provide the music for the wedding of Brian and Hadley this weekend. They had a beautiful Catholic wedding ceremony at the historic St. Mary's Old Town Chapel in Park City, Utah. As the wedding party walked down the aisle, we played Someone to Watch Over Me. And for the bride's processional? Bittersweet Symphony by The Verve! It is always fun for us to learn a song by special request. It makes the ceremony so personal.

Brian and Hadley looked radiant together, and so happy. Congratulations and best wishes to the newlyweds!

Snow Horse Gallery Opening

The Davis Arts Council requested we play during the grand opening of a new art gallery on the evening of Saturday, January 22, 2011 at the Davis Conference Center in Layton. What a classy way to celebrate the visual arts!

Cathy Marlor, Sarah Silva, Michelle Brown, Anna Smith

Posted by Cathy

Salt Lake's Premier Wedding Show

We've been playing for this wedding show at the beautiful Joseph Smith Memorial Building every year since its inception (2003).

This year we played in the afternoon on the stage in the Empire Room (located on the first floor) where there was yummy food being served to wedding show guests.

Strings of Elegance ~ Empire Room
Saturday, January 22, 2011

Posted by Cathy

Steve & Shelli

Tonight we were honored to provide the music for a wedding ceremony and reception of one of the kindest couples we have ever met! We played the music for the ceremony from the bride's dressing room where a balcony overlooks the gathering area below. For the reception, we moved downstairs to a more central location where we could witness the comings and goings of the guests as we played. Together with their children, Shelli and Steve are now a family of nine!

Congratulations to the happy couple and their new family!

Photos courtesy of Jocie McCune

jociemccunephotography.com