Congratulations to Dana and Justin on their wedding celebration. Known for its concert series, the Crofoot Ballroom on Saginaw Street in Pontiac, has two outstanding coordinators, Kristen and Mary, whose efforts make special events like weddings a winning combination. The ballroom was decorated with paper lanterns in shades of purple and pillar aisle candles. The chuppah or canopy used in Jewish weddings, was located on the stage and draped in baby’s breath. This couple definitely had it all together. We loved their fun programs, shakers and sign (see photos) that greeted guests encouraging them to “unplug” and enjoy the evening. They kept the day fun by having the bridesmaids in purple dresses all of the same length but individual in style. The groomesmen wore matching grey Converse sneakers with torquoise laces. And it looked fabulous with their grey suits. While we played many slow, romantic pieces for as guests arrived, the ceremony was fun-loving with Stand By Me for the bridal party, Barry White’s “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love” for Dana’s entrance and “Raider’s of the Lost Ark” from Indiana Jones for the recessional. A cocktail hour was held in the Vernor’s room and we went all out playing our classic rock repertoire. Ted Nugent’s Fred Bear received many passing compliments as did Kasmir and Moondance. We were even able to fulfill a personal request for the Beatles “Eleanor Rigby”. We’ll be back at the Crofoot for more weddings this summer and are looking forward to it. Thank you Justin and Dana for starting off our wedding season with a bang and best wishes as you begin married life.
Fun Was The Focus at Pontiac’s Crofoot Ballroom Wedding and Reception
Spring Day Heralds Wedding at St. Lawrence Church
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Congratulations to Natalie and Aaron on their wedding this past weekend at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Utica. It was a gorgeous day both inside and outside the church as the church was decorated with black and white pew bows to compliment the bridal party dresses. The couple chose the traditional style wedding with Canon in D for the bridal party’s processional and Wagner’s Bridal Chorus for Natalie’s entrance. Mike Roth, music director at St. Lawrence, provided the communion music while his wife sang and we played along with them. We’ve enjoyed working with Mike before and were delighted to hear that he has a band, Cosmic Groove, which books for weddings, private parties and other special occasions. We wish Aaron and Natalie the very best as they begin their life together.
Cheers of “Mazel Tov” at Troy Marriot Wedding
Congratulations to Lynn and Michael on their wedding at the Troy Marriot this month. This was a traditional Jewish ceremony led by Rabbi Robert Gamer of Congregation Beth Shalom. We performed the Jewish song Dodi Li for the families and bridal party’s processional. Lynn walked to the traditional Yerushalayim Shel Zahav which included the Circling of the Bride and Groom. Following the breaking of the glass and cheers of Mazal Tov, we played Simon Tov as the couple recessed.
Annie Joshua, wedding coordinator for the Troy Marriot, was a great help as we relocated for the cocktail hour. We changed music styles and got the celebration moving with Greenday, Taio Cruz, Coldplay, Katy Perry , the theme from Games of Thrones and more. We had several guests peek over our shoulder to confirm what they were hearing and then smile and nod as if amazed. Yes, a string quartet can perform more than classical music. In fact, it’s what we love to do! The reception and dinner continued with the outstanding music of Cancel Monday’s. This is band we have personal experience with and applaud their success and growing reputation.
We wish Michael and Lynn the very best as they begin their journey as husband and wife. We are always honored with the privilege of making the music a memorable part a couple’s wedding day.
Conservatory Provides Tropical Feel for Winter Wedding
Congratulations to Casey and Julio on their wedding at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor. As the pictures show, the conservatory was spectacular and created a tropical effect in the middle of winter. The couple involved their beautiful children in the ceremony and made truly made it a family affair with a sand ceremony. We performed the traditional Bridal Chorus and Wedding March for the processional and recessional while adding Taylor Swift’s Love Story and the Beatles Here Comes the Sun for a taste of the contemporary. We’ve had the pleasure of playing at the Gardens several times now and whether it’s inside or out in the garden itself, the staff is always helpful and competent. Congratulations to Julio and Casey on their wedding and best wishes as they begin their new journey as a family.
Warm Welcome at First Baptist Church of Howell
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While the majority of our engagements are weddings, we sometimes get the opportunity to perform in a different setting. The Sunday before Christmas, we were invited to play the church service for the First Baptist Church of Howell. As you would expect, we played many traditional carols and hymns with the congregation sometimes joining us in song. We also performed selections from Vivaldi’s Gloria and Handel’s Messiah. Music Director, Charles Johnson, did a wonderful job organizing the service and we send our thanks to Diane Ives, accompanist for her involvement as well. We had many kind compliments from congregation members following the service and were truly honored to be a part of their Christmas worship season.
Historic Holly Hotel Venue for Festive Wedding
The historic Holly Hotel was the site for Jennifer and Christopher’s wedding celebration this past weekend. Michigan’s Holly Hotel is no longer an inn but instead a nationally-known American restaurant, listed on the United States Register of Historic Places. In September, 1992, the Holly Hotel was selected by the George Bush Campaign Committee as the only dinner location during President and Mrs. Bush’s Michigan whistle-stop campaign. Every state governor since 1979 has dined at the Holly Hotel. The delicious aromas of the brunch scheduled to be served after the noon Christopher and Jennifer’s wedding were enticing and confirmed the reputation of the acclaimed Classic and Creative American Cuisine is offered by the hotels professionally-trained chefs. The wedding ceremony was led by Reverend Gerald O’Grady and assisted by his wife, Lucy. We always appreciative of their efficient planning that helps the ceremonies they conduct to proceed flawlessly. The couple chose an eclectic mix of music for the seating of the guests, including Waltz from Sleeping Beauty, Wind Beneath My Wings, Canon in D and In My Life by the Beatles. When it came to the ceremony itself, they chose the traditional route with Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring for the bridal party’s processional, the traditional Bridal Chorus for Jennifer’s walk down the aisle and the Wedding March for their recessional. We entertained the guests with some holiday music as the exceptional staff set up tables for the brunch. We send Christopher and Jennifer our best wishes as they begin their lives together during this beautiful holiday season.
Wedding on First Night of Chanukah at Adat Shalom Synagogue
Congratulations to Heather and Jeffrey on their wedding this weekend. It was an elegant affair rich with tradition and celebration. On this first night of Chanukah, Rabbi Aaron Bergman and Rabbi Daniel Syme shared the joy of uniting this beautiful couple in marriage. Together, the Rabbis represented the congregations of both Adat Shalom and Temple Beth El. The synagogue and chuppah or canopy were beautifully decorated for the occasion with pink roses, candles and stunning trees that graced the entrance and held the place cards for the guests. Under the expert guidance of Pat Blackwell, Amy and the staff from Party Assurance, the ceremony began with the procession of the family. We played the traditional Jewish wedding music of Erev Ba, Erev Shel Shoshanim, Y-did Nefesh and Bashana Haba. Heather was elegant as she processed to Dodi Li. Cantorial Soloist, Hazzan Daniel Gross, presented a gorgeous performance the Seven Blessings. It was a ceremony rich in personal touches, stories, family reminiscence and love. Following the breaking of the glass, we joined Mr. Gross on the celebratory Simon Tov. We wish Jeffrey and Heather much joy or in Hebrew, simcha, as they begin their married life together. 
Wedding Brings Unexpected Repertoire Addition To Our Quartet
Congratulations to Maggie and Jason on their wedding at Temple Emanuel in Oak Park. While we had the pleasure of playing classical music for the seating of the guests, the couple chose a unique song for the entrance of the family and bridal party. Apparently, “Fred Bear” by Ted Nugent has special meaning for Jason and his Mother. It was not one that we had in our repertoire but thanks to our arranger, we were able to play it. It was such a big hit that the couple asked us to play it again as Jason and Maggie were greeting their guests following the ceremony. We welcome the opportunity to widen our repertoire with new music and thank Jason and Maggie for bringing “Fred Bear” to our play list. Best wishes to them!
Classic Elegance Sets Tone for Intimate Wedding at Oakhurst Country Club
Congratulations to Jaclyn and Chris on their beautiful wedding this past weekend at Oakhurst Country Club in Clarkston. We have played four wedding in the past six weeks at Oakhurst and there is a comfort to walking into a venue where the staff are familiar faces and say “hello again!” as you pass. Regina is always consistently excellent and clear with her cues. Playing frequently at Oakhurst gives us the pleasure of seeing how each couple decorates the venue and makes it a personal extension of their personalities. As you can see from the picture, the small tin buckets with baby’s breath were darling on the chairs. The candles against the simple backdrop of the pine woods set the tone for an intimate and elegant event. The Rev. Gary Friske officiated the ceremony which included the reading “I Carry Your Heart” by E.E.Cummings and the popular wedding scripture, I Corinthians 13. The family and bridal party, wearing classic short dresses, walked down the aisle to “The Ludlows” a theme song from the Brad Pitt movie “Legends of the Fall”. The young ring bearer, Jace, did a great job and looked so handsome in his suit. Jacklyn looked classically elegant in her gown as she processed with her father to Andrew Lloyd Weber’s “All I Ask of You”.
Following the ceremony, we had a great time playing a mix of contemporary and nostalgic music for the cocktail hour. We received several compliments and thoroughly enjoy our evening with these two lovely families. We extend our very best wishes to Jaclyn and Chris as they begin their lives together. 
A Sentimental Surprise for Couple’s Recessional at Oakhurst Wedding
Congratulations to Taylor and Tim! They were married last week at Oakhurst coordinator for Oakhurst Country Club in Clarkston. Regina, wedding coordinator for Oakhurst, does a great job keeping things running on time. We’ve performed there several times this summer and will be back for another wedding next week. Having worked with her now several times, we appreciate her efficiency and watchful eye. At the couple’s request, we played All I Ask of You, Music of the Night, Memory and Can’t Help Falling In Love as part of the guests seating. The family was seated to The Prayer from the movie, Quest for Camelot while Taylor processed to Jesu, Joy. Ethan, cousin of the bride, played guitar and sang “I’ll Be” by Edwin McCain for the lighting of the Unity Candle. With Tara and Ethan’s planning, we were able to be part of a surprise for the newly married couple. For their recessional, we accompanied Ethan while he sang, You Raise Me Up. Taylor was certainly surprised and touched as this song has special meaning to her. Following the ceremony, the guests enjoyed a reception there at Oakhurst Country Club. Congratulations and best wishes to Tim and Taylor!
Oakhurst Country Club
