RIP Quartet Bag

We carry our stands and music in a heavy, large, red bag with wheels. Because I have space in my garage and my trunk, I have lately been the designated bag handler. I always thought it was an awkward thing to haul around because it is difficult to lift into the car, and stairs are always an issue. Despite this, it was a loyal and helpful bag, and it had a beautiful life... until Meili's husband ran over it.

For the last few gigs, one wheel has been barely hanging on, but today, while we were dragging it up some stone steps, it gave up the ghost. We quickly passed through the five stages of grief.

Denial

Anger

Bargaining

Depression

Acceptance

Posted by Meili.

Allison & Nicholas

Our second wedding today was at beautiful Memory Grove. I love playing at this historic and stately location. The wedding guests sat facing this grand structure.

The minister was eloquent and the bride and groom were glowing. But my favorite part of this special ceremony was the flower girl. (In the photo below, she is sitting on her grandma's lap on the front row, behind the bridesmaid in yellow.) She walked down the aisle just ahead of the bride and ceremoniously dropped all her flower petals right in front of the minister. Then, as the bride stepped over the petals and took her place alongside her groom, the little lady said in a proud not-whisper, "I dropped my flowers for you!" When the bride smiled and nodded, she continued, "Why do you have to walk on flowers?" At this point, she wanted to keep having a conversation with the bride, but everyone was trying to shush her, which made her innocent little lip stick out and her chin quiver. After being consoled by the bridesmaid in the yellow dress, she went to sit with her grandma, and she seemed to enjoy the rest of the ceremony.

After the minister finished asking the bride and groom if they would take the other as their lover, partner and friend, she addressed the flower girl, who walked to the front. The minister asked her if she would accept Allison as part of her family. She happily replied that she would. Then the minister asked the same of Allison, who agreed. This is the part of the ceremony that brought a tear to my eye. I hadn't realized she was the groom's daughter until then. It was so sweet.

Heather & John

Today was a special day for us; we played two weddings! The first was a festive outdoor wedding ceremony at a cute residence in Millcreek. The decorations were playful. The chocolate fountain, which was sitting about 2 feet behind us, was fragrant and tempting. And the ceremony was quick!

Paul Cardall

7 1/2 years ago, Strings of Elegance was invited to play for a charity dinner with Richard Paul Evans to raise funds for a new Christmas Box House. Paul Cardall was one of the featured musicians and I remember thinking how amazing he was at the piano. He did some improvisation with suggestions from the audience. A couple of years ago I discovered that we share the same aunt through marriage (she is also a fantastic pianist).

Paul Cardall, Shannon, Cathy, Michelle, Amelia, Richard P. Evans

Wednesday, March 20, 2002

Weber State University

For a long time Paul needed a new heart and in September of 2009, he got one. This is him holding his old heart after surgery.

I am so happy for Paul who is now home with his family. It was an honor to play music with him many years ago and to be informed of this wonderful news.

Posted by Cathy

Ashley & Chad

Tonight we played for a beautiful reception at the Utah County Courthouse.

Meili, Cathy, Michelle, Tamra Baca (our featured cellist)
~
We had a fun drive to and from Provo. I always enjoy catching up. It was really fun to play with Tamra - thanks for filling in!

Posted by Cathy

Elizabeth & Ratha

This weekend I was invited to play with a group of musicians from college for our friends wedding. KaraLyn and Richard, now married with 5 children, went to school with all of us at Ricks College (1997-1999). And then Elizabeth and Jennifer were both in my first quartet at Utah State University: All Occasions String Quartet (1999-2001). So this is us 10 years later...

Elizabeth, Cathy, KaraLyn, Richard, Jennifer

Playing prelude music before the ceremony...

After the ceremony, we enjoyed a wonderful luncheon in beautiful Idaho country. Congrats to my friend and her new hubby!

Posted by Cathy

Kaylie & Luis

On Labor Day, Kaylie and Luis had a beautiful, religious wedding ceremony at The Castle (fka Castlebrook) in Layton. It was a nice day for an outdoor wedding; a gentle breeze complimented the mild temperature of late summer. During the ceremony, we enjoyed our view of this little guy:

The happy couple met seven years ago in drama class, where they played the part of husband and wife! (This little tidbit rang true with me; as a member of my high school choir and orchestra, I had many friends in drama.) They had three adorable flower girls and two dapper ring bearers. Three if you include the puppy who walked down the aisle on a leash between the other two.

After we finished playing, we were walking out as a mariachi band was walking in. Fantastic!

Posted by Meili.