The String Group

Busy Spring!

2010-04-25T12:28:00.000-07:00

We at The String Group have been very busy this spring, although we haven't been blogging about it. We have done three bridal shows and a trunk show, as well as myriad weddings and other events. This weekend alone, we've played at a wedding in Tallahassee, a wedding at the Ponte Vedra Lodge, and the Providence School Council of Honor brunch.

The Ponte Vedra Lodge wedding was in the beautiful Fountain Courtyard overlooking the ocean. The parents, maid of honor, best man, and flower girl all entered as the quartet played Pachelbel's Canon, and the bride entered to the traditional Bridal Chorus. After the kiss, the groom released a bouquet of silver and white balloons before they all exited to the joyful strains of the Bridal March.

An outdoor wedding we played at a private home just a few weeks ago was a great contrast to this very traditional ceremony. At that wedding, the string quartet played a haunting melody as the parents entered. The whole bridal party, including the bride, came in as we played a modern-sounding, edgy piece with the same repeating bass line as Pachelbel's Canon. After the ceremony, the string trio moved indoors to play as the guests ate dinner.

The String Group is looking forward to the summer. We have quite a number of weddings already booked, and we're in the planning stages for a concert of our own!

Lucky

2009-10-10T17:14:00.000-07:00

The String Group has been busy arranging many special request for our brides and grooms! We are always excited to be able to work with our clients to have their favorite songs performed on their wedding day or at there special event for no additional charge.

In September we played at a lovely church wedding at Gray Gables Baptist Church in Callahan, FL. The bride and groom decided to have mostly classical pieces in their ceremony but still wanted to add one of their favorite songs to their ceremony, Lucky by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat. Lucky was performed by our trio as their recessional piece and couldn't have been more perfect for this happy couple, starting their lives as the new Mr. and Mrs.

Another favorite special request for us this year was the Hallelujah Chorus. While the Hallelujah Chorus isn't in any way a modern song - it is not your typical classical piece played at weddings!!! The Bride and Groom wanted to have the orchestral introduction of this song (about 10 seconds of it) played by our string quartet right after their first kiss as husband and wife. This couple and their story to the alter made for this request to be the cutest idea and the guests cheered for this couple while our quartet played the unmistakable, majestic introduction of the Hallelujah Chorus.

Some of this years special arrangements....
Another One Bites the Dust by Queen for String Trio
I'm Yours by Jason Mraz for Harp and Violin
Grow Old with Me by John Lennon for Harp and Violin
For Always by Josh Groban for Harp and Violin
Bittersweet Symphony by The Verve for String Quartet
Come True by Frozen Ghost for Harp and Violin
Remember When by Alan Jackson fir Harp and Violin
Come Away with Me by Norah Jones for String Quartet or Harp and Violin
Memories of Us by Keith Urban for Harp and Violin
Halo by Beyonce for Harp and Violin
Home by Micheal Buble for String Quartet or Harp and Violin
God Only Knows by Beach Boys for String Trio

Beachside Ceremony

2009-10-09T11:28:00.000-07:00

On Saturday night, The String Group provided ceremony music for a wedding at the Sawgrass Beach Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. The quartet performed many of the bride and groom's special request for prelude music as the guests made their way to the ceremony site. Canon in D was arranged for both the Bridal Party Processional and the Bridal Entrance. This arrangement of Canon in D is always a favorite and the song builds beautifully to the grand entrance of the bride. Bittersweet Symphony was also arranged for this couple's Wedding Party Recessional and Entrance of Queen of Sheba was played for the Guest Postlude. The String Group enjoyed providing the music for this lovely beachside ceremony.

Quartet: Breana Mock, Allison Edward, Sarah Perkins and Beth Pope

Music Coordinator: Ashlee Davis

To have The String Group provide music for your special event email info@thestringgroup.com

The Jazz Standard

2009-08-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

The String Group is very excited to introduce The Jazz Standard. Led by David Champagne, The Jazz Standard serves The Florida Panhandle, South Georgia and Northeast Florida. The Jazz Standard's talent, charisma and professionalism will show through in their live performances of jazz standards, swing, blues, bossanovas, and big band music, complete with state of the art lighting and sound. Professional DJ services are also offered alone or combined with live cocktail/dinner music for a low package rate. As a sister company of The String Group, you will now be able to book all of your entertainment needs with one company!

Contemporary Selections

2009-08-16T18:25:00.001-07:00

On a clear Saturday afternoon in Atlantic Beach, The String Group's Harp and Violin Duet played for a lovely wedding ceremony out on One Ocean Club Resort's beach front patio. The bride and groom wanted to use many of today's popular love ballads for their ceremony music and The String Group was excited to provide custom arrangements for their selections! Out of this couple's wish list of songs, we helped them select their ceremony music and then we were also able to arrange many of their remaining request for prelude music.

Special Prelude Arrangements for Harp and Violin by Hannah:
Home as sung by Michael Buble
For Always as sung by Josh Groban
Grow Old with Me as sung by John Lennon
Twilight and Mist (Ludlows) by Horner from Legends of the Falls

Ceremony Selections:
Family Processional: Remember When by Alan Jackson, arr. by Hannah
Bridal Party Processional: Canon in D by Pachelbel
Bridal Processional: Halo by Beyonce, arr. by Hannah
Candle Lighting Ceremony: I'm Yours by Jason Mraz, arr. by Hannah
Recessional: Making Memories of Us by Keith Urban, arr. by Hannah

Harp and Violin Duet: Priscilla and Ashlee

On Site Music Coordinators: Doris and Breana

2009-07-17T17:14:00.000-07:00

On Saturday afternoon, a duet from The String Group provided music for a romantic wedding ceremony on Atlantic Beach! Friends and family gathered close in support and in excitement as the couple said their own wedding vows to one another. We send our best wishes to the new Mr. and Mrs!

Duet: Ashlee and Liz
Music Coordinator: Jody

Trio with Trumpet Peformance

2009-07-14T09:18:00.000-07:00

On Saturday afternoon, The String Group provided ceremony music for a wedding held at TPC Sawgrass. Weddings held at TPC are always spectacular and adding the trumpet to our trio's performance really put this ceremony over the top!

The String Group was more than happy to arrange One Hand, One Heart from Westside Story to be played right before the ceremony began! This song was played at the mother of the bride's wedding and we enjoyed adding this special touch to their wedding day! The parents and grandparents then came into Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring. As a special arrangement, Canon in D was played for the bridal party processional and the bridal entrance! This arrangement flows well and makes for a very dramatic build up to the bridal fanfare. After the trio softly played the beginning of Canon in D for the bridesmaids and flower girls, David transitioned the group to a bridal fanfare for a dramatic Bridal Entrance with all the musicians playing the chorus of Canon in D. During the ceremony, the officiant led the couple to a sand ceremony where the trio played Twilight and Mist from Legends of the Falls. The ceremony ended with a recessional of The Wedding March and a guest postlude of Hornpipe. After the ceremony, Jody and Hannah played for the cocktail hour.

We enjoyed working to make this wedding ceremony all the bride and groom had wished for

and send them our congratulations!

Trio: Ashlee, Hannah and Liz
Trumpet: David
Cocktail Hour: Jody and Hannah
Music Coordinator: Jody

2009-07-08T19:05:00.000-07:00

On a perfect Sunday afternoon, a duet from The String Group provided music for a ceremony held at San Jose Church of Christ.

Seating of Parents and Grandparents: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Bridal Party Processional: Canon in D
Bridal Entrance: Bridal Chourus
Bridal Party Recessional: Trumpet Voluntary

Duet: Hannah and Beth
Music Coordinator: Jody

2009-07-06T16:07:00.000-07:00

On a Saturday Morning, a quartet from The String Group played in the beachfront courtyard of Jacksonville Beach's Casa Marina. This hotel's classic 1920s beauty and charm, combined with its panoramic beach view truly make it a gorgeous place for weddings! The Quartet's performance of many classical wedding favorites set the tone for this lovely ceremony!

Quartet: Breana, Ashlee, Hannah and Liz
Music Coordinator: Jody

2009-07-06T13:21:00.001-07:00

The String Group's Quartet played for a wedding ceremony held at the First United Methodist Church of St. Augustine. This gorgeous historic church and its' wedding coordinator made it a great place for this bride and groom to have the intimate church wedding they had always dreamed of! The Quartet's full sound filled this sanctuary with all the bride and groom's favorite traditional wedding songs. We congratulate the new Mr. and Mrs.!

Quartet: Breana, Allison, Hannah and Beth
On site Music Coordinator: Ashlee Davis
Music Coordinator: Jody Champagne

Amelia Island Ceremony

2009-07-01T08:19:00.000-07:00

On Saturday afternoon, The String Group provided music for a ceremony held at the Ritz Carlton. This gorgeous coastline ceremony truly showed off one of Florida's most beautiful beach front locations - Amelia Island!

Music Selections
Grandparents and Parents Processional: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Bridal Party Processional: Canon in D
Bridal Entrance: Bridal Chorus
Sand Ceremony: Twilight and Mist
Wedding Party Recessional: Wedding March

String Trio: Jesse (violin), Jody (viola), Ethel (cello)
On-site Music Coordinator: Doris
Music Coordinator: Jody, thestringgroup@gmail.com

"Another One Bites the Dust"

2009-06-14T10:16:00.000-07:00

The String Group provided music for a wedding ceremony at the Hammock Beach Resort. Our String Trio played a prelude of classical music and then started the Ceremony with Phantom of the Opera's All I Ask Of You, arranged for The String Group by Hannah. The String Trio then played Horner's Twilight and Mist for The Bridal Party. The Bridal Processional began with a trumpet fanfare played by Ryan with the string trio joining, playing Canon in D as the bride made her way to her awaiting groom. During the unity candle ceremony, our trumpet player with strings played At Last which was also arranged for The String Group by David. After the officiant pronounced the new Mr. and Mrs. the String Trio played a recessional of Queen's Another One Bites the Dust, arranged by Hannah. The String Group enjoyed being apart of another gorgeous Florida Beach Wedding!

Musicians:
String Trio: Ashlee, Hannah and Liz
Trumpet: Ryan
Music Coordinator: Jody

2009-06-08T20:27:00.000-07:00

The String Group provided a harp and violin duet for a wedding ceremony this past weekend at St. Anastasia Catholic Church near St. Augustine. The couple requested a new arrangement for the bride to enter to, Dream Come True by the group Frozen Ghost (not your usual bridal processional). Our arranger and violinist, Hannah was able to arrange this special piece for harp and violin. Hannah and Stephanie performed this Bridal Processional with stunning results; it was absolutely beautiful and provided the unique touch that this couple was longing for! Stephanie also performed a harp solo during communion, Morning Has Broken.
At the last moment Hannah was called upon to play an accompaniment part to a song that the priest was to sing during the ceremony. During the Preists' Solo, Hannah was able to improvise harmonies that went beautifully with this solo. Guests sent their compliments to Hannah for adding this beautifully touch to the ceremony! The special music performed by both Hannah and Stephanie added so much to this lovely ceremony, Thank you Stephanie and Hannah!

Harpist: Stephanie
Violinist: Hannah
Music Coordinator: Jody

Ceremony music
Prelude: Harp and Violin assorted classical pieces
Sponsors and Bridal Party: Canon in D by Pachlebel
Bride: Dream Come True by Frozen Ghost
Recessional: Ode to Joy by Friedrich von Schiller

Later that same day, our String Trio performed for an hour and a half at the reception while the guests had cocktails. It was a pleasure to be a part of this special occasion!

String Trio for cocktails: Breana, Allison and Beth

Lakeside Ceremony

2009-06-07T07:24:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, The String Group provided music for a lovely outdoor ceremony at

Deerwood Country Club.

Seating of Grandparents and Parents: Aria, Handel

Groomsmen and Bridesmaids: Canon in D, Pachlebel

Bridal Processional: Twilight and Mist, Horner

Wedding Recessional: Trumpet Voluntary, Clark

Guest Postlude: Rondeau, Mouret

Trio: Hannah, Ashlee, Liz
On-Site Music Coordinator: Jody
Music Coordinator: Ashlee

Here Comes The Bride!

2009-06-04T21:08:00.000-07:00

After attending their first wedding ceremony, many little girls go home with such a lasting impression of the unforgettable event they had just witnessed! This is also about the time when many girls start dreaming about their BIG DAY! They spend many of their summer play days and time on the playground at school planning and acting out the day they will walk down the aisle to marry their prince charming. After gathering their friends, setting up the ceremony site and deciding 'who gets to be the bride this time', the ceremony begins. The bridesmaids and flowergirls take their places and all of the guest/wedding party (imagining their voices to be a magnificent pipe organ announcing the bridal entrance) join in chorus singing, "Da, Da, Da-Da, Da, Daa- Daaa' Here comes the Bride...."

As their real wedding day approaches, some brides-to-be choose not to use the familiar Bridal Chorus. They find different classical favorites or popular love songs to announce their entrance. Yet, with its' familiar fanfare and melodies, The Bridal Chorus still remains a favorite for many brides and on Saturday another doting father escorted his little girl down the aisle to a very grand processional of this traditional favorite.

As guest made their way into the garden of the Dow Museum of Historic Homes in downtown St. Augustine, our String Trio provided a special prelude of some of the bride and groom’s favorite classical pieces. The Parents and Grandparents were seated as the trio played Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring and Sheep May Safely Graze by J.S. Bach. The trio then transitioned to a Bridal Party Processional of Canon in D.

After the flower girls made their way down the aisle, our trumpet player, David triumphantly began a grand fanfare. The guest stood to their feet and the trio joined David, playing the Bridal Chorus as the bride, with her father by her side made her way to her 'prince charming'! The trumpet announcing the entrance of the bride added that special dramatic touch that this bride was longing for. Later in the ceremony, David also played "The Lord's Prayer" accompanied by our string trio. Upon their first kiss as husband and wife (followed by a high five!), Prince charming escorted his bride out to The Wedding March followed by the wedding party and family.

Trumpet: David
Trio: Breana, Jody, and Liz
On-Site Music Coordinator: Ashlee
Music Coordinator: Jody

Historic Riverside

2009-05-16T20:30:00.000-07:00

Friday evening The String Group played for a wedding ceremony and cocktail hour in Jacksonville's historic riverside. The ceremony took place at Riverside Baptist Church. The church was built in the 1920s and its' sanctuary boasts a Gothic style vaulted ceiling, triple Romanesque windows and many Italian Renaissance-style paintings. The bride was truly a princess is this unforgettable European-inspired sanctuary.

The String Group's Quartet played under a gorgeous carved stone archway while guests made their way into the sanctuary. The Grandparents and Parents entered the ceremony to Bach's Air on G. Canon in D was played for the Wedding Party Processional, and the Bride made her dramatic entrance to the traditional Bridal Chorus. The quartet softly played Twilight and Mist as the bride and groom symbolized their marriage with a unity candle. The Ceremony ended with a recessional of Mendelssohn's traditional Wedding March. After a guest postlude, the Quartet made their way to The Garden Club to play for the cocktail hour. It was a lovely evening and The String Group wishes the new Mr. and Mrs. a beautiful life together!

Quartet: Breana, Ashlee, Jody and Liz
Music Coordintor: Ashlee
On-site Music Coordinator: David

Natural Elegance

2009-05-06T19:09:00.000-07:00

The Ribault Club is located just off Florida A1A, but as you drive down the winding side road past Kingsley Plantation, you are taken to a place where the traffic of the highway and the river are silenced. Weddings often take place beneath an ancient oak, where you can just glimpse the sparkle of the open water through the trees.

The String Group's trio set up on the back porch of the Ribault Club and serenaded guests as they were seated. After playing all the processionals, we softly played Handel's Aria as the bride and groom enacted a salt ceremony. The minister explained that, in ancient times, two people entering into a covenant would each sprinkle salt from their own bags into the other's bag. As the salt mingled, it meant that the covenant could only be broken if each grain of salt could be separated and returned to its rightful owner! At the conclusion of the ceremony, we played Handel's Hornpipe for the wedding party's recessional, and continued with Andrew Lloyd Webber's All I Ask of You as the guests went inside for the reception.

Seating of the Parents: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring; Bach
Bridesmaids and Groomsmen: Canon in D; Pachelbel
Bride: Trumpet Voluntary; Clarke
Salt Ceremony: Aria; Handel
Recessional: Hornpipe; Handel
Postlude: All I Ask of You; Webber

String Trio: Breana, Hannah, Ethel
Music Coordinator: Jody

surf side ceremony

2009-05-04T18:01:00.000-07:00

Saturday afternoon a duet from The String Group played for a wedding ceremony at the Serenata Beach Club in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. The Serenata Beach Club's ceremony site is a gorgeous patio that continues to the dunes of the Atlantic Ocean and provides a breathtaking view of one of Florida's most beautiful beaches.

Our Duet played a prelude of classical music and played Over The Rainbow for the grandparents and parents of the bride and groom. The Wedding Party and Bride came down to Canon in D by Pachelbel. After a recessional of Trumpet Voluntary, guests made their way to the reception to a postlude of Trumpet Tune and Rondeau.

Duet: Ashlee and Anna

On-Site Music Coordinator: Doris

Music Coordinator: Ashlee thestringgroup@aol.com

An Everlasting Love

2009-04-25T17:08:00.000-07:00

Saturday evening The String Group played for a wedding ceremony at Riverside United Methodist Church. Our trio enjoyed playing in this church's sanctuary; stained glassed windows beautifully brought in the setting sun's natural light and the acoustics filled the room with the trio's performances of many traditional wedding favorites.
After a prelude of classical music the grandparents, parents of the bride and groom came down to How Beautiful, a special arrangement for The String Group per the request of the bride and her family. The bridal party made their way into the ceremony to the familiar sounds of Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring and the Bride came down her aisle to Canon in D with a bridal fanfare. During a special scripture reading of John 4, the groom's pastor spoke of his admiration for the bride and groom while the trio and piano softly played The String Group's arrangement of Be Thou My Vision. The bride, groom and wedding party planned a surprise recessional, choreographed to the exciting R&B melodies of Natalie Cole's debut single This Will Be (an Everlasting Love). The trio ended the ceremony with a guest postlude of Hornpipe, Trumpet Tune and Rondeau.'

The String Group enjoyed playing for this joyous occasion

and congratulates the New Mr. and Mrs.

Trio: Breana, Ashlee and Liz

On-Site Music Coordinator: Jody thestringgroup@bellsouth.net

Music Coordinator: Ashlee thestringgroup@aol.com

Grand Opening of Headline Hair Designers

2009-04-24T20:54:00.001-07:00

The String Group had the pleasure to work with new salon owners Jeremy and Cristen Nascimento as they opened their salon, Headlines Hair Designs in St. Marys, Georgia.

Headlines Hair Designers reached out to their local community by choosing to have their grand opening benefit Camden Baptist Church's Bus Ministry. Jeremy, Cristen, and their stylists all spent the evening donating their time and talent, styling hair to benefit this local ministry.

The String Group enjoyed providing music for this event and wishes Jeremy and Cristen many blessings with their new salon!

Duet: Ashlee and Liz
Music Coordinator: Ashlee thestringgroup@aol.com

2009-04-20T13:55:00.000-07:00

The String Group enjoyed coordinating music for a very sweet renewal of vows ceremony. The lovely couple had many of their favorite songs in mind for the ceremony and chose to have the songs played by saxophonist Daniel Baukemper.

The ceremony started with Danny playing Ribbon in the Sky by Stevie Wonder as a special ballet/saxophone selection. After a lovely processional, Danny softly played Lionel Richie's Truly while the bride and groom said their heartfelt vows to one another. The Ceremony ended with Danny playing Here and Now by Luther Vandross as the wedding party, family and guest made their way to the cocktail hour. Once the reception area was set up and the guest had found their seats, Danny played I Believe in You and Me by Whitney Houston while the hostess proudly introduced the wedding party.

The String Group enjoyed providing the special music for this lovely event and sends our best wishes to this sweet family as they continue their lives together.

Saxophonist: Danny Baukemper
On Site Music Coordinator: Ashlee Davis thestringgroup@aol.com
Music Coordinator: Jody Champagne thestringgroup@bellsouth.net

joining their hands, hearts and lives....

2009-04-11T18:04:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, The String Group had a quartet playing at TPC at Sawgrass for a wedding ceremony and cocktail hour. The quartet's prelude of classical music greeted guests as they made their way through TPC's gorgeous Mediterranean revival inspired clubhouse, onto the patio and to the ceremony site. The ceremony began with Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring being played for the grandparents and parents. Pachelbel's famous baroque piece, Canon in D, was played for the Bridal Party Processional, and the Bride made her entrance to Clark's Trumpet Voluntary. The ceremony was overflowing with much love, joy and excitement for this happy couple. After a first kiss and pronouncement of the NEW Mr. and Mrs., the quartet played The Wedding March as a recessional for the wedding party and families.

The celebration continued as the quartet filled the Cocktail Hour with many classical favorites and timeless love songs.

The String Group appreciates all the hard work Leana Gallagher with Amelia Occasions put into coordinating this event. Leana's dedication, expertise and attention to details make for the stress-free wedding day that every bride and groom deserves and longs for!

Laeana Gallagher, Wedding Coordinator

904.556.6235

leana@ameliaoccasions.com

Quartet: Hannah, Laurie, Karen and Ethel

Ashlee Davis, On-Site Music Coordinator

904.483.7546

thestringgroup@aol.com

Lakeside Ceremony

2009-04-10T10:39:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, The String Group played at three different locations. In the early afternoon a trio played at Deercreek Country Club, and then we had ensembles at two evening weddings at TPC Sawgrass and Le Jardin on Park.

Our trio first played at Deercreek County Club for a beautiful lakeside ceremony. After a prelude of classical music, the trio began the ceremony with Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring as the Grandparents and Parents made their way from Deercreek's Clubhouse to the ceremony. The trio then began playing Canon in D for the bridal party and then transitioned to The Bridal March for the Bride! The Ceremony was filled with many loving details; hand written vows, a unity candle and the couple's first communion. The trio ended the ceremony with The Wedding March played for the bride and groom, wedding party and family. Hornpipe was then played while the guests made the way from the ceremony site back to the clubhouse for the reception.

The String Group congratulates this sweet couple and thanks them for allowing The String Group to be a part of their wedding ceremony.

Pictures provided by Kathryn Brown

Trio: Hannah, Karen and Beth

Music Coordinator: Ashlee

Playing for Former President George W. Bush

2009-04-09T05:11:00.000-07:00

Last Month The String Group had the unique opportunity to play for a private luncheon with former President George W. Bush, hosted by Ambassador John Rood. This event was held downtown at The Carling, formally known as The Roosevelt Hotel. Today, The Carling has been renovated into premier upscale apartments and has many great amenities that make it a wonderful location for weddings, receptions and special events. The Carling has been beautifully restored by the Vestcor Company, keeping the building's original 1920's architecture and splendor while bringing many of today's most sought after luxuries to the location.

Our string trio played at the top of a grand marble staircase that led to an open meeting area where the former president and his guests would spend their time together. Our sound was carried throughout the building and filled the downstairs lobby. Once President Bush made his way up the stairs, Ambassador Rood took the time to introduce the president to us. We happily stopped playing and greeted our former president. President Bush was very pleasant,we never imagined how calming and cordial he would be.

The String Group appreciates all the hard work Ambassador Rood and Holly from The Vestcor Company put into organizing this event. We enjoyed being a part of this day and know that President Bush was warmed by the fellowship with friends!

Trio: Ashlee, Jody and Lauren
Photographer: Dan Van Slyke

Beginning in a Garden

2009-04-04T19:24:00.000-07:00

Tucked into the beautiful historic homes in Riverside is Le Jardin on Park, a lovely wedding location. As its name implies, it is a garden set up to cater to the needs of brides and grooms and their families.

Today we had the opportunity to play there, using our bagpipe player for the first time. The bride's family had Scottish roots, and in addition to many of her relatives wearing kilts, she wanted arriving guests to be greeted by the skirl of bagpipes. Walt's sound was powerful enough to be heard by guests all over Le Jardin, and was a very impressive way to begin the afternoon. As the time for the wedding approached, we exchanged the bagpipes for a string trio, to help draw guests into the seating area of the garden.

One of the bride's friends sang a special song for the seating of the parents, and then the string trio played Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring for the bridesmaids and Pachelbel's Canon for the bride herself. During the lighting of the unity candle, we softly played Twilight and Mist, a lovely tune by Horner. The bridal party exited to the strains of the Wedding March, and we continued playing several joyful classical pieces as the guests moved to the reception area.

This wedding was everything you want in an outdoor ceremony--a beautiful location, amazing weather, and a sweet bride and groom.

Bagpipes: Walt

Trio: Breana, Jessie, Anna
On-Site Music Coordinator: Doris

Be Thou My Vision

2009-04-04T07:31:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday night, The String Group played at the beautiful Christ Episcopal Church in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. The trio played a prelude of classical music and then started the ceremony by playing Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring as the grandparents and parents came down; Canon in D was played for the Bridal Party Processional.

The Bride choose to come down to her sweetheart's favorite hymn, Be Thou My Vision. Christ Episcopal Church's Director of Music, Dr. Tim McKee, accompanied on the piano while the trio played the Bridal Processional. We enjoyed arranging and playing this special piece for the Bride and Groom.

After the vows, first kiss and pronounciation of the NEW Mr. and Mrs., Dr McKee played Hornpipe on the church's beautiful pipe organ as a recessional for the Bridal Party and family.

Trio: Breana, Ashlee and Beth
On-Site Music Coordinator: Jody

Dilliard's Bridal Show

2009-03-23T12:45:00.000-07:00

Sunday Afternoon The String Group played at the Avenues mall for Dilliard's Bridal Show. We enjoyed meeting all the sweet couples and vendors invited to the show. Breana, Ashlee and Liz played trio, duet and solo music for this event and look forward to working with many of the couples to provide music for their upcoming weddings

2009-03-20T21:25:00.000-07:00

"If your dilly-dilly heart
Feels a dilly-dilly way
If you'll answer yes
In a pretty little church
On a dilly-dilly day
You'll be wed in a dilly-dilly dress of
Lavender blue"

Lavender-Blue (Dilly Dilly)
Sammy Turner lyrics

Friday afternoon The String Group played for a wedding ceremony at Club Continental in Orange Park, Florida. After a prelude of classical music the ceremony began with the parents being seated to the quartet's performance of Lavender's Blue (dilly, dilly), a sweet English folk song from the 17th century. This piece was played at the request of the bride and specially arranged for The String Group's quartet by Hannah Barrow.

The beautiful french doors leading to Club Continental's courtyard were closed and re-opened for the entrance of the bride, cued by the quartet's start of the traditional Bridal March. The Bride and Groom recited their own heart-felt vows to one another and walked back up the aisle together as husband and wife while the quartet played The Wedding March by Felix Mendelssohn.

The String Group enjoyed being a part of this lovely ceremony and wishes the sweet couple all the best as they begin their lives together!

Quartet: Breana, Ashlee, Hannah and Beth

Music Coordinator: Jody and Doris

Performing in St Augustine

2009-03-10T18:41:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, a quartet from The String Group played at the gorgeous Lightner Museum located in the heart of our countries oldest city, St Augustine. We enjoyed the opportunity to play in such a beautiful garden while being surrounded by such amazing Spanish Renaissance style architecture. We know the friends, family and wonderful couple enjoyed beginning their marriage amongst one of our nations most treasured museums.

The Quartet included Hannah, Ashlee, Jody and Liz. For prelude the quartet performed an assortment of classical pieces and played Ava Maria by Shubert while the parents of the bride and groom entered the garden and took their seats. Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring by Bach was played for the Bridal party and the Bride and her doting father came in to Bach's Brandenburg Concerto with Fanfare. After the very sweet ceremony the bride, groom and bridal party left to La Rejouissance from the Royal Fireworks Music by Handel. To continue the joyous mood the quartet played another one of Handel's works, Horpipe as the guest left the courtyard and proceeded to the reception.

Beaches Chapel

2009-03-09T15:35:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Breana and Anna played a violin and cello duet for Kristen and David's wedding. It was held in the lovely little historic Beaches Chapel in Neptune Beach. The bride had a CD of special music she wanted played for the prelude, so the change in sound when the live music began really signaled the beginning of a special time.

We played Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring as the parents and grandparents were seated, and Twilight and Mist as the bridesmaids and groomsmen came down the aisle. When Kristen appeared in the doorway, silhouetted against the afternoon light, we played a fanfare, and Pachelbel's Canon in D as she came down the aisle. As the happy couple walked up the aisle at the end of the ceremony, we played the Wedding March, followed by Hornpipe as guests exited the chapel.

The ceremony was beautiful, the location was intimate, the couple was glowing, and both families were overjoyed. What more could you ask?

Friday Night

2009-03-07T16:13:00.000-08:00

Last night a trio from The String Group played at Ashlyn and David's wedding in St Mary's, Georgia. The ceremony and reception took place at the couple's home church, Camden County Baptist Church. After a prelude of classical music, the bride and groom's grandparents and parents came down the aisle to Be Thou My Vision, Traditional. Twilight and Mist by Horner was played for the bridal party processional, and Ashlyn came down the aisle to Pachelbel's Canon In D with a Bridal Fanfare. The ceremony also featured special music by a vocal/acoustic group called Breaking Ground from Georgetown Baptist Church in Asheville, NC. We enjoyed hearing their talented voices, moving lyrics and original songs! The trio then played Trumpet Voluntary by Clark for the Bridal Recessional and Handel's Hornpipe for the Guest Postlude. We enjoyed providing music for this sweet couple and know that the Lord is going to continue to bless their lives together.

2009-03-06T06:29:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, The String Group also performed at the Deercreek Country Club for a wedding ceremony. It was a beautiful spring day with a strong breeze to keep the guests cool. Allison played violin, Jody played viola and Liz played cello for this event. The trio played a prelude of assorted classical pieces while the guests were seated, and Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring by J.S. Bach while the family entered. For the bridesmaids, the trio played Canon in D by Pachelbel, and for the bride, the classic Bridal March. The ceremony was beautiful! The bride and groom had a sand ceremony while the minister explained the significance of the mingling sand. Upon exchanging vows (and of course that first kiss as husband and wife) the couple exited to the sound of The Wedding March by Mendelssohn. The guests moved to the clubhouse for the reception while the trio played Hornpipe by Handel.

Lovely Avondale

2009-03-06T05:34:00.001-08:00

Last Saturday Ashlee played at a lovely outdoor wedding for Mary Baer and Marty Fiorentiono in Elizabeth Park. The small park on the St John's River made for a very romantic and intimate event. As the guests were being seated, Ashlee played an arrangement of solo classical music. The Bridal Party entered the ceremony as she played Bach's, Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring and the Bride came down the aisle to Trumpet Voluntary by Clark. After a scripture reading of Matthew 7:21, 24 -27 Ashlee played The Lord's Prayer. The Ceremony was full of joy and excitement for the Bride and Groom . After they were introduced for the first time as Mr. and Mrs. Marty Fiorentiono, Ashlee played Spring from Vivaldi's Four Seasons for the Bridal Party's Recessional. The ceremony and music were brought together beautifully thanks to the diligent preparations and professional work of Mary's Coordinator, Jennifer Symmes*.

After the ceremony Ashlee joined the wedding party and guests to perform at the Reception. The Reception took place at a beautiful historic home in Avondale. As the guests enjoyed great food catered by Biscottis, Ashlee played in the courtyard and Cam from Class Act Jazz Group** played jazz piano inside. The String Group would like to thank Cam for contacting us to do this event! The excitement continued as the Bride and Groom made their way around the reception, speaking with all of the people that had had such a special part in their lives.

Matthew 7:24-27 (NAS)

The Two Foundations

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them,

may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock.
And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house;

and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.
Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them,

will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.
The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house;

and it fell--and great was its fall."

Ashlee enjoyed being a part of this lovely day and wishes the Bride and Groom a marriage filled with laughter and love!

*Wedding Coordinator, Jennifer Symmes can be reached at jsymmes@AccessPR.net

**Jazz Pianist, Cam can be reached at ClassAct@TopHatEntertainment.org 904.583.4457

2009-02-23T09:47:00.000-08:00

On Sunday afternoon The String Group was excited to perform at a beautiful wedding held at the Winterbourne Estate located in Orange Park, Florida. The atmosphere was pleasant and the slight breeze off the St John's River made this wedding one of the most lovely outdoor weddings of the year. The bride was beautiful and radiant.

Our String Trio performed a prelude of assorted classical music, followed by Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring for the Seating of the Mothers and Grandmothers. The Bridal Party entered to Canon in D by Pachelbel, while the Bride came in to the familiar strains of The Bridal March. After the moving ceremony the Bridal Party and Family left to Mendelssohn's Wedding March

Laura (violin), Jody (viola) and Anna (cello) performed at the wedding while David was The String Group's on-site music coordinator.

Thanks to the work of the Winterbourne's Wedding Coordinator; the music provided by our trio flowed well with the ceremony. Our music coordinator was able to work with her to cue our musicians and ensure that all of the music was placed at the appropriate times during the ceremony.

It was a pleasure to be a part of this sweet occasion, and we wish the bride and groom all the best!

Bridal Show

2009-02-22T15:52:00.000-08:00

Today we were at the Premier Bridal Show. Since our first show in February 2008, the Premier Bridal Show has proven to be a valuable way for us to connect with local brides.

We featured our harp/violin duet and trio. Priscilla and Breana played harp and violin. Then for the trio, Breana (violin), Ashlee (violin) and Liz Oatman (Cello). Jody (viola) played in a trio at the Winterbourne Inn this afternoon for Wedding Ceremony and was not able to join us at the show until later.

The booths at the show are always amazing; we enjoy walking around and seeing how the various vendors have decorated their booths. As musicians we have always had the goal that our live musical performances be the primary attraction to our booth. However, at each show we are slowly adding different elements of decor to our booth.

We enjoyed meeting all the brides at the show and look forward to working with them to provide music for their upcoming weddings.

2009-02-20T14:58:00.000-08:00

In 2007, Priscilla Lee (Harp), Breana Mock (violin), Jody Champagne (viola) and myself, Ashlee Davis (Violin) came together to form The String Group.

As friends and musicians we have been performing at weddings and events for over 10 years. The name 'The String Group' came along almost as a default; that is what people would call us no matter what name we picked. We also felt it was a professional name that would be easily remembered.

Along with our musical services, we offer and promote our music coordination service for events. The String Group places great value and attention on building trust and cultivating a relationship with our customers. This is accomplished through the detailed and dedicated services of a Music Coordinator. Music Coordinators help choose the perfect ensemble size and musical selections to compliment any event. They are always there working to make the often challenging task of bringing the music together with an event both easy and memorable!

The day of a wedding, The String Group provides an on-site Music Coordinator whose sole job is to ensure clear communication between the event coordinator and the musicians during the event. We have been praised for our excellent service in this area, as it removes the difficulty of communicating with multiple musicians while coordinating a wedding ceremony

The String Group serves Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia and can be visited on the web at http://www.thestringgroup.com/ or contacted via email at thestringgroup@aol.com

pictures on blog taken by Chris Reinolds Photography http://www.chrisreinoldsphotography.com/