Christmas Elegance Abounds at Addison Oaks Buhl Estate

What can be more picture perfect then a historic estate home, lit up with lighted garland on a snowy evening?  The Buhl Estate at Addison Oaks park was a photographers dream for Shannon and David’s wedding.   The gorgeous estate and its gardens during the summer months are just two of of the reasons this estate ranks high on the wedding venue list. The phenomenal staff is yet another reason. Always efficient, Dan, Lois and their staff do an awesome job orchestrating the facility for weddings.

Shannon and David’s wedding had a behind the scenes helper who acted as our contact throughout the planning stages.  Sue Delpup, David’s mother, was heavily involved in the planning of the day.  Roy Thomas officiated the wedding with his usual tenderness interspersed with humor and joy for the occasion. David and Shannon chose every song we performed including Butterfly Waltz for Shannon’s processional to Shut Up and Dance for their delightfully fun recessional.  

We wish this lovely the couple the very best as they begin their life’s journey together!

Addison Oaks – Buhl Estate 

Roy Thomas of Marry Us in Michigan

Come Dream with Me As I Have Dreamed of You

It was a gorgeous setting in the Conservatory of the Royal Park Hotel for Raquel and Chris’s wedding the week prior to Christmas. The couple designed all the table décor and alter area themselves. We were struck by the elegance and uniqueness of each table that maintained a theme of the couple’s interests. While the room was beautifully appointed, the help of their friend Susan Korwin, and the Royal Park Coordinator, Janet Engelhardt, insured that the remaining elements proceeded smoothly.

We had the pleasure of playing for the ceremony, cocktails and through the dinner. Classical music was an excellent complement to the ceremony in the Conservatory. We played the music of Bach, Handel, Vivaldi and Debussy.  Raquel was stunning in a Christmas red gown as she processed to Bach’s Arioso.  Before Chris’s vows he told Raquel that “I won your heart with poetry” and proceeded to recite poetic verse as his vows. Prior to the exchange of rings, Raquel’s daughter, Gabrielle Kitto, sang a sweet acapella  rendition of Barbara Streisand’s “I’ve Dreamed of You”.  With these two touching moments, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

Following the ceremony, we played a wide variety of Christmas, contemporary and nostalgic music. We took a few requests and accompanied Chris and Raquel’s first dance with “What a Wonderful World”.  We had a great time and enjoyed being a part of this family’s celebration. Congratulations to Chris and Raquel!

Royal Park Hotel

 

Rondo Honored with The Knots “HALL OF FAME” Award

We received a tremendous honor this week!  The Knot is an online site that provides vendor information, reviews and ideas for every possible aspect of ones wedding day. Each year, this online wedding site holds a “best of weddings” competition.  Reviews from former clients are the way in which you accumulate votes.  We are so proud to have been a winner of the Best of Weddings for several years running.  This Hall of Fame trophy was awarded to us for having been voted the “BEST” by real newlyweds four or more times. While the trophy is lovely, its the fact that our former clients are so pleased with our string quartet services that they will take the time to write us a glowing review. Our 5 Star designation, the highest possible, is a point of pride for us.  We consider it an honor to be a part of any couples wedding day and work diligently to provide the best possible musical experience.  The music is a critical part of a wedding day and one that should hold memories for the newlyweds and guests alike. If you are looking for wedding music, check out any of our 70 reviews on The Knot.

Rondo String Quartet on The Knot

If you’d like to learn even more about us and hear sound clips, visit our website!

Rondo String Quartet

We look forward to writing and posting pictures about YOUR wedding day here soon!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rustic Barn Weddings Are Increasing in Popularity and Offer Many Options

Weddings typically are associated with white churches and fancy banquet halls. But for many brides, a countryside barn is the new hotspot to be wed. The trend for rustic weddings has become increasingly popular in Michigan and is not a passing fad. Whether it is on reality TV wedding shows or in bridal magazines, barn weddings can be found just about anywhere a person looks. One example is the Calf Barn at the Van Hoosen Farm in Rochester Hills. Built in 1927, the Calf Barn that has a capacity of 150 guests. This adaptively reused building is fully handicapped accessible and is located conveniently across the street from the Van Hoosen Farmhouse.

Located in historic Stony Creek Village, the 1840 Van Hoosen Farmhouse was home to five generations of the Taylor and Van Hoosen families and has been carefully preserved and furnished with antiques belonging to the families. Amanda and Jacob choose this venue because of its flexibility. The farm has a lovely white gazebo but threatening weather led to their decision to move the wedding indoors. Lilac was the color theme represented in the bridesmaids dresses and bouquets created by Floral Designs by Lori. Anthony Lambert of The Gala House officiated the ceremony and recited the touching “These Are the Hands” poem. Coordinators Jackie Gignac  and Jenna Raschke gave the couple great advice on the weather and helped us with cues and set up.

If you are considering a historic barn wedding but want modern amenities with a clean, open room feel, consider Van Hoosen Farm in Rochester Hills.

Thank-you Amanda and Jacob for allowing us to be part of your day.  Best wishes!

Van Hoosen Farm

Floral Designs by Lori

Anthony Lambert

 

Picturesque Twin Lakes Golf Club Hosts Wedding Reception

Scenic beauty in a country club atmosphere, that’s what makes Twin Lakes one of the most popular venues in Metro Detroit. Brett and Kathryn were married at their local church and chose to have their cocktail hour and reception at Twin Lakes.  The cocktail hour was held on the patio by the large gazebo. We played music by the Beatles, Clapton, Elton John, Bruno Mars, Dave Matthews and Journey while the  guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres with a waterfront view.  The reception was held in the Grand Ballroom which boasts fifteen-foot ceilings and chandeliers throughout the room. The ballroom has large picture windows that overlook the gazebo and private lake, surrounded with scenic woodlands.  Sandy Piper of The Camera Chick was making use of the elegant setting and getting some awesome photos of the wedding party and guests.  Best Man and Brett’s brother, Eric, gave a humorous speech followed by the sweet reminisces of Kathryn’s Maid of Honor and best friend, Kelsey.  Brett’s surprised his new wife with a performance of “At Last” by Coroneta Davis.  This was a highlight for us and we were honored with the opportunity to accompany this extraordinary woman.  What a great beginning for this young couple.  Congratulations Kathryn and Brett! 

Twin Lakes Golf Club

The Camera Chick

A Noon Wedding in Formal Flower Garden at Buhl Estate of Addison Oaks

Mark and Jessica had a beautiful day for their noon wedding in the garden of the Buhl Estate.  While the garden itself is beautiful, the couple wisely chose Viviano Flowers to add their special touches to the gazebo.  Viviano has the reputation of being one of the best floral vendors in the business.   Their service and professionalism is the key!   There have been times when florists are moving the arrangements into place while we are tuning to play.  Not the case with Viviano.  Viviano staff make it a point to arrive early enough set up their arrangements and be completed before the arrival of guests.  We spoke with Steve from Viviano and he told us that  Viviano keeps a floral decorator on hand at the store during engagements so that if there is an last minute emergency, someone is there who can prepare what is needed and drive out to the venue.  That’s the kind of service that builds a reputation. Also on hand was Officiant, Mikie Bartee.  It’s always a pleasure to see an officiant maintain the focus on the couple and their relationship.  Mikie led an elegant ceremony that showcased why he is a favorite among couples. It is his belief that the Wedding Officiant is not the star of the show, but rather functions to make sure the ceremony flows smoothly and shines brightly on the Bride and the Groom.

The couple chose to keep the ceremony traditional with the Bridal Chorus for Jessica’s processional and the Wedding March for the couple’s recessional.  For the cocktail hour however, we spiced it up with Lady Gaga, Adele, Katie Perry, Coldplay, Led Zepplin and Journey.  Simeon Margarites of Dj Slimz Mobile Entertainment took over for the reception and had the party going immediately.  We could tell they were in for a great afternoon.  Our thanks to the staff of Buhl Estate.  They are always efficient and helpful and we truly enjoy playing there each and every time.  We send our best wishes to Mark and Jessica as they begin their lives together.  The couple plans to begin their journey as husband and wife with a honeymoon in Jamaica! 

Vivano Flowers

Mikee Bartee

Dj Slimz Mobile Entertainment

Morning Garden Wedding Shines at Wyndgate Country Club

Nathan and Kiersten had a beautiful morning for their outdoor garden wedding at Wyndgate Country Club in Rochester Hills.  Nathan’s brother, Aric, officiated the ceremony with tradition and humor.  As the picture show, Florist Crissy Marble, created stunning arrangements using succulent plants.  We have never seen arrangement like this and appreciated the uniqueness of the idea which she carried into the bridal bouquets.  Amanda Powell and her staff did a phenomenal job orchestrating this garden ceremony.  It is always a pleasure to work with her and we appreciate her commitment to detail and assistance.  Kiersten and Nathan chose contemporary music for their wedding day.  We played “Can’t Help Falling in Love” for the mother’s seating, “A Thousand Years” for the bridal party and “Such Great Heights” for Kiersten’s processional.  The ceremony was held under the chuppah, lovingly designed and created for the couple by Aviva.  The ceremony concluded with the Jewish tradition of “breaking the glass”  followed by the cheers of “Mazel Tov” and our playing “Viva la Vida” by Coldplay.  Following the ceremony, guests were invited to follow renowned Aaron Jonah Lewis, the “fiddler” to the reception.  It was a well planned ceremony filled with special moments.  We send our best wishes to Nathan and Kiersten! 

Wyngate Country Club

Aaron Jonah Lewis

 

Newly Renovated Buhl Estate at Addison Oaks Sets Elegant Tone To Any Event

The Buhl Estate on the grounds of Addison Oaks County Park has been beautifully renovated to reflect its classic rich history dating back more than 100 years. The elegant and distinctive English Tudor-style manor home is set amidst dramatic willows and surrounded by a formal flower garden.  Rachel and Taylor were married in the flower garden by Pastor Gregg who spoke with great feeling and emotion.  We played the traditional Bridal Chorus by Wagner and Wedding March by Mendelssohn that seems to be coming back into favor among young couples.  Following the ceremony, we played the cocktail hour in the newly renovated banquet room.  The guests were very receptive to our contemporary songs and especially loved Game of Thrones Theme, Clocks by Coldplay and others.  If you are looking for a banquet venue, we highly recommend The Buhl Estate! It’s the picture-perfect location for any special occasion; whether a small intimate gathering in the garden room with its stone fireplace; or a lavish wedding, banquet, or reception in the banquet room overlooking one of many spring-fed ponds.  Congratulations to Rachel and Taylor! 

The Buhl Estate at Addison Oaks

Rochester Community House and Beautiful Spring Day Make a Winning Combination for Outdoor Wedding

Early summer days in Michigan can be idyllic and Erin and Justin had a perfect day for their outside wedding at the Rochester Community House.  During the ceremony, we sat in the new gazebo decorated in the “shabby chic” effect with burlap and lace.  The couple chose several of our frequently requested contemporary songs for use in their ceremony including “Till Kingdom Come” by Coldplay, “Book of Love” by Peter Gabriel, “Just the Way You Are” by Bruno Mars and “Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton.  It was obvious that many of the couples family members and friends were involved in making the day a charming success.  We were fortunate to have Kelly, the couple’s friend, help us with cues at the start of the ceremony.  Thank you, Kelly!  Erin’s father had two responsibilities for the day; walking his daughter down the aisle and officiating the ceremony.  The entryway and hall leading to the reception, decorated by family and friends, was stunning!  Following the ceremony, we played on the deck for the cocktail hour and had the surprise of meeting a bride who has booked us for her wedding in September!  She was a guest at Justin and Erin’s wedding and got a preview performance.                                                   Best wishes to Erin and Justin! 

Rochester Community House

 

 

 

Wedding is a Full Family Event at River Crest in Rochester Hills

Congratulations to April and Bill on their wedding at River Crest Banquet Center.  Set alongside the Clinton River, the groom’s brother is owner/manager of River Crest so this was a family event from start to finish.  The maid of honor, dressed in an elegant gown, entered to Trumpet Voluntary while April chose the Kanon in D for her bridal processional.  Mike Fry officiated and we sent the couple out with Bittersweet Symphony by the Verve.  We had fun playing contemporary songs chosen by the couple throughout dinner.  Rob Meilke of Special Moments Entertainment took over the music after dinner and had the fun group on their feet and dancing for the evening.

River Crest Banquet Center

Special Moments Entertainment