September 19, 2009 I had to play at two weddings. It was a tight schedule but still enough time to grab an 'Ice Cap' in between for energy to play at the second wedding :) The first wedding was at Le Jardin (www.lejardin.com) and the wonderful bride had a few extra min to take some photos with harp. She had hired a great wedding planner as well (www.s2event.com). Rosemary kept the day moving smoothly and took care of all the details so the bride could just focus on looking pretty even when the minister was late she managed to keep everyone calm and relaxed while I kepy playing as though nothing was wrong.
The second wedding was at the Pearson Convention Center (www.pearsonconvention.com) right on my home from Le Jardin. That place is a 'happening' location. I walked into one end of the hall and asked three brides who they were before I found the right bride at the opposite end of the hall. Needless to say I walked back to my car and drove to the other end of the building before unloading my harp. When I arrived there was a pianist playing in the center of the hall so guests from all four weddings could hear it. When I walked into my clients reception area I had a feeling that someone was starring at me, you know that feeling you can get when you know someone is looking at you from behind. I turned around and saw two human statues posing perfectly still. It was a bit strange and scary, kinda freaked me out a little because they were covered in body paint. I couldn't stop starring at them so I took their picture because it would last longer ;) From one entertaining moment to another after the couple made their grand entrance and had their first dance I moved my harp into the middle of the dance floor and kept it going through dinner. As I was leaving I noticed a Mexican Band getting ready to begin. The couple definitely had their share of hired entertainment going for them that evening. I had a great time but couldn't wait to get home and kiss my baby girl good night!

August 28 my husband and I along with our daughter arrived home from a long week of volunteer work at Agape Valley Bible Camp (agapevalley.ca) I thought I would include a picture from the last day at camp...it was 'crazy hair day'! Don't worry I would NEVER wear this wig at a wedding unless requested :)
While we were away for camp we stayed at my parent's home in Welland. The camp is a 'day camp' so there are no over night facilities. The very next morning I had to drive back to Welland for a wedding. You're probably asking yourself why I didn't bring the harp with me in the first place? Well that's because you cannot fit a weeks worth of 'stuff', a baby and harp in one car. In fact you can never fit a baby and harp in one car. You can fit a lot in a Toyota Matrix but there is a limit :)
I was so exhausted that morning but ready to play for the lovely Christian couple. It was kind of a family affair because my brother Steve sold them their first home just months before, and my Dad Normand built the groom's parent's kitchen. They both think they got me the 'gig'. However if you want to buy a house or need a new kitchen in the Niagara area visit them at www.wellandhomes.com (Steve) and refaceorreplace.com (Normand) and be sure to let them know where you their name from ;)
So back to the wedding, this couple had a lovely praise and worship time during their ceremony performed by the worship team from their Church. It's always a pleasure to play at a Christian wedding and for guests who can truly appreciate the hymns I perform. Thanks for the referral Dad and Steve, even though I was exhausted I enjoyed the wedding. Further more I thought that the purple dresses with the bright green orchids looked amazing!!!

August 22 I had one HUGE wedding reception to play at. A great looking couple, and a great looking venue with amazing decor. The Terrace (www.infinityeventgroup.ca) is where this wedding took place but with the decor it could have taken place anywhere and it would have been gorgeous. This couple had the longest receiving line I have played for so far this year. With over 400 guests to greet I was exhausted just watching the whole thing unfold. However it looked as though it was going to be a great party and it certainly started off right with a martini bar :) Personally if it had been my wedding I would have avoided the receiving line (as I did at mine) but I have to give them credit for going through with it and surviving it. I just played and played and people just kept coming in through the doors for two hours non stop! Of course you could not plan such an amazing wedding with over 400 guests on your own, you need a wedding co-ordinator. So they hired Amanda Ferri, WPICC Owner & Principal Planner of Ferri-Tale Weddings (www.ferritaleweddings.com) and she did an amazing job making sure everything right down to the place cards were in perfect order. I was watched how hard she worked to keep up with all the guests and the large wedding party and she didn't sweat it at all. As a wedding musician I always feel so much more secure at a wedding when I know they have a planner because than I know for sure everything is going to go as planned, no surprises.
Right after the wedding it was back home to pack me, my hubby and my baby, (and ALL of her stuff) to go away for a week and volunteer at Agape Valley Bible Camp. My husband directs the week and I usually help him but with a baby this year I limited myself to the crafts. Of course it was a 'musical craft' since I was planning it and we made a drum. My dad (a kitchen cabinet maker) helped out by making the frames of the drums and the kids finished the rest of it. Thanks Dad :) refaceorreplace.com

August 15 three more weddings, so I went from being in Hamilton the previous night to Grimbsy the next afternoon, than Orangeville, and lastly Vaughan. Here is the evidence...
First stop Liuna Gardens! www.liunagardens.com I love this place and they love me too. They refer me a lot of work, they are always punctual, the staff are the greatest people to work with, and like Liuna Station the food is awesome! They have the most beautiful back drop of Lake Ontario and the longest outdoor isle I have ever seen! It gives brides plenty of time to enjoy the moment they have been waiting for their entire life! This venue can host small, medium or big size weddings and has several fountains and gorgeous gardens great for pictures!
My dearest friend is getting married there next year and I am her Matron of Honor. It's hard to believe but I have been in 7 weddings. This will be my eighth and my second time being a Matron of Honor. I am really happy I can say I am married or I would have to have another blog about that like the movie '27 Dresses'!

Next was the Millcroft Inn. (www.millcroft.com) They also refer me a lot of work and I enjoy the drive to Orangeville because it is a quite community out of the smog. You can literally see it disappearing in your rear view mirror as you drive out of it. I finally had the lovely opportunity to play in their garden. I have always played in their tent due to uncertain weather. The garden was so private, probably the most private garden I have ever played in. They have it set up so nice and it's very romantic with the sound of the water falls in the background. The Millcroft is a great place to get married if you are having a smaller wedding.
Due to the humidity that day I was sure a string might break and unfortunately I was right. The good thing was that I saw it happening before the string actually snapped. I heard a cracking sound at the first wedding but didn't see anything, than just before I started playing at the second wedding (while guests were arriving for the ceremony)I noticed my 'F' string fraying near the soundboard. I prayed it would last until the ceremony started so I could replace it while the minister was speaking. This worked out well for me in this situation because I was set-up at the back near the entrance of the garden behind the guests so I was no distraction. I was able to replace the string quickly enough to be ready in time for the signing of the register. It was annoying though because for the rest of the day I had to constantly tune it by ear but I was glad it didn't interfere with the ceremony :) Once I had a string break while I was playing for the signing of the register and I had to play without it for the remaining time of the signing and the recessional. That was really awkward!!!
After the ceremony I played for the cocktails which were near the main building (there are many little buildings at the Millcroft and a great spa too!) They served some interesting 'snacks' that I had the pleasure of trying, my favorite was goat cheese on a slice of roasted plum. Not the kind of thing you would think to put together but it was so refreshing on a hot summer day and so delightful they way it melted in your mouth. My husband and I ate their once before for our anniversary so I knew I could trust the strange combination to taste good! I am going to try it at home one day, we love goat cheese!
The last location was very classy. I have played there once before so I was ready for the type of wedding this would be...high class. I had brought a different dress for this wedding because I was to be playing in the middle of the dance floor on a microphone so everyone could hear me play throughout dinner and even in the bathrooms...I think...I wouldn't know for sure though ;) Anyway it required a different dress than the one I had worn all day for the 'garden weddings' and I let my hair down. This venue is the Bellvue Manor in Vaughen. (www.bellvuemanor.com) All I can say about this venue is that I have never tried the food but it looks amazing and the service is 'tops'. It is gorgeous, grand and flawless. Certain things about it remind me of Liuna Station however Liuna has a different type of character because it is an old train station. I don't have pictures of me playing, the lighting was low for dinner so the pictures I do have are a bit dark. However just in case you are wondering the brides bouquet was blue, I loved it! It was full of light blue roses...just my style, (I had a light blue wedding dress). She looked like royalty and maybe she was, I'll never know!
It was a crazy day and I was exhausted, my fingers were numb most of the time I was playing at the last wedding, in fact it felt better to just keep playing so I didn't feel the pain. All I can say after my busiest weekend of the year is...Thanks be to God for safe travels and four happy brides. For the record, I was not late to any of the weddings but the Brides were :)

August 14 and 15 were two great days for weddings. Finally it's mid August and summer has arrived. This has been the worst summer to date for horrible weather since I started playing at weddings. I am blessed that none of my weddings got 'rained out' it just so happened that on the rainy days I had indoor receptions to play for.
This was the weekend of four weddings, four cities, four lovely brides, four great venues, four numb fingers on each hand, and four Advils to get me through the weekend! Three dresses, three hour nap on Sunday, and three days until I would be able to type on the computer again without my fingers hurting. What a crazy weekend!!! The first wedding was an indoor ceremony at Carmen's Banquet Hall (www.carmens.com) The reception area was draped off for the ceremony than guests mingled in the foyer for cocktails while they 'transformed' the reception hall for dinner. The tables were ready, just off to one side of the room. It was done very well and I enjoyed my time there. The harp sounded great in the foyer. This lovely bride had her daughter 'give her away' very appropriate I thought.

August 8 at the Americana in Niagara Falls! (www.americananiagara.com)
A rainy day and a long boring drive from Mississauga to Niagara, drive time 1 hour and 10 min, wipers going non stop both ways, I almost fell asleep to the sound of their rhythm. However the wedding was not boring at all! I met some interesting Americans because the bride and groom were Americans and had their wedding ceremony in a Church on Grand Island but their reception here in CANADA. I also met the principal of Notre Dame in Welland where my brother attended high school and where my oldest nephew is currently attending. Never under estimate what your principal and teachers do on the weekend :) He knew how to have a good time and was the lead of the band that the couple hired, he played keyboard and accordion. Let me know if you want his contact info for a live band in the Niagara area.
Well it was no secret that this bride LOVED PINK! Everything was pink, even the cake! I kinda liked it but would never have gotten away with that on my wedding day :) Love love loved her dress too. Wish I had better pics of it because I am sure it was a designer gown!

August 2, 2009 I played at Liuna Station. This is one of my favorite places to play because not only do they refer me a lot of work but they are hospitable, kind, and polite. The unique characters of this venue being an old train station in Hamilton are like no other venue you will see any where else! One of their rooms can hold up to 500 people, it can be fun when you're asked to play in the middle of the dance floor for the entire dinner hour of that room :) The food is fantastic, I know because I have had the pleasure of eating there a couple of times. Their lobster and steak are mouth watering and the wine is great too! I love working with the staff there, they are a lot of fun and will value the important details of your day. In the new year you may even see some updated pictures on my website from a photo shoot I had taken there. I can't wait to go back, I often play there for Christmas parties. Check them out at www.liunastation.com

July 11, 2009 I rained most of the morning but for this couple the weather cleared up just in time for them to take their pictures. I had the pleasure of playing for their cocktail reception during their receiving line. I also had the pleasure of working with a photographer whom I had seen before. It's always nice to see a familiar face when your at a wedding with complete strangers. Joe Marangi is a great photographer and I am hoping we can make time for him to take our family photos for our first Christmas cards this year! The wedding was in a lovely hall located in Etobicoke, it was the Kings Garden Banquet Hall. www.kings-garden.com It was my first time at this hall but the staff were very hospitable even to me the musician. Thanks so much for the photos Joe because once again I forgot to bring my camera :)

August 1 turned out to be a gorgeous day for a wedding! It didn't start out that way with rain and thunder storms. I was beginning to wonder if this wedding would be my first to get rained out this year but it did not! I played for a beautiful couple in a tranquil and beautiful setting at the Crosswinds Golf and Country Club in Burlington (www.crosswindsgolf.com) They have a new cedar gazebo and it completes the unique 'forest like' setting perfectly, in fact you can still smell the cedar hmmmm! It creates the perfect privacy you would want for an intimate ceremony. Golfing there is great too (so I've heard from my husband) Maybe one evening we will get a 'sitter' and I will have a chance to attest to that statement. The price is right after 3pm. Thanks to Heather the wedding coordinator for the pictures!
Before I sign off I must also tell you I also enjoyed my drive up the escarpment into Campbellville/Burlington. There were a few cute little shops and a great bakery I stopped at after the ceremony. The bakery (I forget the name sorry) had a lot of gluetin free baked goods and breads! What a great place for a Sunday afternoon drive. Just exit onto Guelph Line off the 401 and go towards the Lake and discover it for yourself!

July 18 I had the pleasure of playing for my cousin Kevin's wedding. His mother Cheryl has always had a special place in our families lives. She is a registered nurse and was there for my parents during the time of my open heart surgery when I was three. She is also very talented in other areas, she has made cakes and cupcakes for special family occasions and best of all she made my wedding dress! It was also a special day because for the first time in three years I performed with my cousin Joelle Lehoux. She is working on her Masters of Music Degree in Literature and Performance (She's an opera singer.) We used to always play and sing together as kids and now we enjoy working together on a much more professional level. We had fun practicing in my home while my daughter who is 4 months old also tried to join in. It has been nice to spend time together again, we both forgot how great vocals and harp go together. Congrats Kevin and Carolyn!

In late early April I was at the Bramalea Baptist Church and performed at a Seniors Tea Party. I had no idea until I arrived but it was also Victorian themed and everyone was all dressed up. I was so disappointed that I missed out on an opportunity to dress up however they didn't expect me to and that's why I was not informed. It was a great time, who knew seniors could be so much fun! I played a few hymns for them in concert style but I didn't speak at this event, they had a fantastic guest speaker from Cambridge. It didn't go without mentioning that we had just adopted a baby girl and everyone praised God with me once again for our little miracle. The guest speaker was truly touching as she spoke about grief. Ironic because it was within weeks of a year ago in that very Church I played for my dear 'friend like niece' Catlyn who died of cancer at the young age of 15. In many ways I am still dealing with the grief after having been there for her driving her and her mom back and forth to Sick Kids Hospital for chemo treatments for three years I have a lot of emotional scars! The speaker and her husband also lost a daughter to cancer suddenly and much too young. Through God's help and direction they started a program called 'COPING' which is designed to help people through grief. I was truly blessed by this message and once again I left feeling more blessed by being there than anyone else. God had me right where He wanted me that day for sure.

On May 30 I had the pleasure of going back to a Church I had performed at and shared my testimony with a year ago. They wanted me to go back and play for a 'Secret Sisters' tea party and give an update to my testimony that I gave last year before the adoption took place. I love tea parties and talking about my gorgeous new baby girl so I gladly agreed. It was a great evening with women inspiring women. I was able to inspire the ladies at the Church with the new developments in my testimony of faith as I walk with the Lord through my life here on earth. My friend who invited me to play at the Church also spoke that evening and she was an inspiration too. She talked about how important it is for us women to stick together instead of tearing each other down. Only women can truly understand women and so we need to be there for one another through the good times and the bad. It really spoke to me and made me think about how I should value my relationships with the women in my life. It was a great evening and I was honored to be a part of it and was so blessed by the message, and the encouragement from others to continue in sharing my story. I think 'Secret Sisters' are great, it was how I met one of my dearest friends who I am now going to be a matron of honor for next June! To God be the Glory for another great testimony evening.

July 4, I had two weddings. One in the morning and one in the evening, both ceremonies. Again it was a nice day, I think I am a good luck charm for good weather because I can count on one hand how many times it has rained at weddings I have played at in the past 13 years. Congratulations to the beautiful couples!

It has been a very long time since my last post. I am not remembering to bring my camera to the weddings and I have also been very busy. I have been playing at weddings almost every weekend in June and July and unfortunately don't have many pictures to show for it. I have a good excuse though because in Feb my husband and I adopted a gorgeous baby girl so now I have a 'mommy brain' and forget things so easily! She has also been my priority over things like blogging. The picture with me and her was taken on the first night we brought her home, of course I had to play the harp for her. Since she was so tiny I was able to hold her in one arm and play 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star'.
The wedding I have shown here was a couple from Texas who decided to get married with Niagara Falls as their backdrop on June 27. It was actually one of the only nice weekends we had in June and the weather was as perfect as newly weds looked and the view of the falls behind them.
Funny things happen though at weddings in public 'touristy' areas, random people videotape me and take pictures of me so who really knows where photos of me end up. Some people even think they're being subtle and try to pose nearby me so they have me and themselves in the picture. I just keep playing and try not to laugh because after all these are not wedding guests these are tourists and sometimes they get desperate for pictures.