Barlow Reception

We were thrilled to be invited to play for another wedding reception at this Layton residence — we played for the bride's sister's reception a few years ago. The bride and groom looked stunning and happy. We played a variety of pieces to fit the mood of the party which included Tchaicovsky's Sleeping Beauty Waltz so some of the little girls at the reception could dance... so cute!

Cromar Hall Wedding

Spring is such a beautiful time of year for an outdoor wedding. We provided ceremony music for an intimate wedding at Tuscany Restaurant in Holladay today. Surrounded by their closest friends and Family the bride and groom tied the knot in the garden outside the restaurant.

The couple chose Handel's Water Music for their processional. The bride and her Father walked down the aisle to Canon in D. The beauty of the outdoors mixed with the program and music created an atmosphere of love and a memorable day.

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!