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.

Robby & Jessica

I was asked to play solo violin at Jessica and Robby's wedding at Tuscany restaurant in SLC. It turned out to be a gorgeous outdoor ceremony, even though the thunderclouds were threatening to burst above us. Just as I arrived to set up, it started sprinkling. Then it began to rain harder... and harder. And miraculously, it then cleared up just in time!

I played Bach sonatas and partitas, which are always nice for solo pieces. And I enjoyed wearing something besides concert black!

Raji Barbir from TinyComet Photography took these photos. [info@tinycomet.com, (801) 898-9682] After the ceremony, I had the privilege of playing the part of his assistant for the big group shot by holding a branch out of his way. I'm glad I could put my talents to good use!

Posted by Meili.

Becky & Seth

Tonight I had the immense privilege of playing for the wedding ceremony of one of my best friends. We played Over The Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz for the bride's processional. It was so fitting!

Here I am at Becky's bachelorette party: a cooking class at Sur La Table at the Gateway. I was so proud of my tomato florette!

The ceremony was held at A Wishing Place (the Make A Wish Foundation of Utah), where Becky works. She was gorgeous in her tea-length gown.

Aren't they a good-looking couple? Here they are, dancing to The (British) Office's version of If You Don't Know Me By Now. Classic!

Congratulations Becky and Seth! Thank you for asking us to be a part of your beautiful wedding!

Posted by Meili.

Greg & Diana

Tonight we played for an outdoor ceremony at Sugar House Park in Salt Lake City. In this case, the number of guests seemed to be related to the size of the wedding party. There were (I believe) eleven bridesmaids and groomsmen (!), followed by a very handsome ring bearer and sweet flower girl. There were so many guests that extra chairs had to be brought in before the ceremony could begin. This happy couple will be well supported in their new life together.

Cathy. Ashley. Meili. Rebecca

Posted by Meili.