Chantal Dube ~ Solo Harpist

August 20, 2010

2010-09-15T19:37:00.001-07:00

I got to go back to my home town and into my old neighborhood to play at this wedding. My mom's cousin's daughter was getting married and since my mom was away on vacation and couldn't play the piano for them I represented and played the harp :) It was so great to see some distant relatives and old Church friends again. It was especially nice that my grandparents were guests of the wedding and got to enjoy my performance. Not often do they get to see me play my 'big harp'. Also I found it interesting how the groom (that married my distant cousin) is first cousins to my best friend Rachel whose wedding I was just in. It was really funny that I knew guests on both sides but in two totally different ways. It is a small world after all.

July 31, 2010 Part 2

2010-09-15T19:21:00.000-07:00

On July 31 I played at a backyard wedding in Oakville. I didn't really get to take great pics I only showed one in my previous blog about this day. I commented in the previous blog about the Mother of the Bride who wore a 'Hot Red Dress' that I just thought was so brave and stunning! I am happy to report I have some great pics now thanks to her! Thanks Pam for sending me these fun photos you looked amazing as did your lovely daughter :)

July 30, 31 & August 1, 2010

2010-08-12T19:04:00.000-07:00

This was my busiest weekend of the year to date. Rachel my associate harpist also was busy playing and I myself did four weddings. I played Friday night, Saturday afternoon, Sunday afternoon, than Sunday evening. The first wedding was at the gorgeous Eagles Nest on Dundas. This couple was Persian and in their culture the bridal party does not sit with them at the head table. The head table is set just for them. There were orchids EVERYWHERE at this wedding it was breath taking! They had their first dance as soon as they made their grand entrance for the reception than I played in the center of the dance floor for dinner. It was lovely and everyone enjoyed seeing something different happen during dinner rather than listening to the DJ.
The second wedding I played at was a small back yard wedding. I wished I had gotten a picture of the mother of the bride she looked stunning in a gorgeous red hot dress. Not your typical look for the mother of the bride but she pulled it off and looked amazing! The couple getting married were very happy and emotional so the harp was perfect and not too overwhelming for their intimate ceremony.
The third wedding was at the Caledon Golf and Country Club. They have a great set-up for outdoor ceremonies backing onto the Credit River. Don't bother playing golf there though unless you want a real challenge. My husband tells me it's a difficult hilly and unforgiving course.
The last wedding I did was at the Mississauga Grand. The couple were Serbian and so they displayed a few traditions from their culture I have never seen before. You will see in the pictures that guests get a little silk flower put on them like a corsage and that is to symbolize that they are a part of their celebration. In return they give them money and in addition they still give a cash gift. The Serbian men that are in the bridal party have props like flags and other artifacts. They dress like you see in the pictures I took. I love watching people practice their traditions on their wedding day staying true to who they are and where they came from. I think it is very honorable to their ancestors.
Wow what a weekend! I am thankful God kept me safe on the roads to and from these wedding locations. I am also thankful He has blessed me with the opportunity to provide romance and music at weddings almost every weekend. I love weddings :)

July 25, 2010

2010-07-30T08:37:00.000-07:00

This was the most beautiful bridal shower I have ever played at to date. It was at the wonderful Hockley Valley Resort under their outdoor tent. The weather was perfect and the decor was amazing as well as the food! I enjoyed the setting and the lovely breeze that echoed through the harp strings as I played. It was pleasure playing for such a lovely occasion that meant so much to this mother of the bride and her daughter. What a great way to have to work on a Sunday afternoon :)

July 24, 2010

2010-07-30T08:07:00.000-07:00

Kelly used to be my old boss at Memorial Park Public Pool in Welland when we were lifeguards. Now I got to play for her wedding yeeeeaaarrrrss later :) Funny thing is just two years ago I attended my 'triplet cousins' baby shower/open house and she showed up. I wasn't even planning to go but I happened to be in town so I was thrilled to meet my three new little cousins. Kelly was also not really planning to go but was in town just getting back from a big trip to Europe. Turned out she was my Aunts niece on other side of the family. All the years we worked together we never realized this connection. She knew than she wanted me to play harp at her wedding but no date was set. She almost forgot about me until just a few weeks before her big day and I was so happy I was available to play for her. To my family's surprise there I was at her wedding playing for the reception. The picture is of my Aunt Franny, Uncle Arnold and two of their children with their spouses. It was great to see familiar faces and for them to hear me play since it had been years since they had heard me. They also felt free to make requests which was fun. I enjoyed this evening very much.

July 8, 2010

2010-07-21T20:41:00.000-07:00

July 8, yes a Thursday I played in front of Niagara Falls in the Oaks Garden Theater. It was one of the hottest days of the year so far. Thankfully the harp needs to be in the shade due to the fact that it is made out of wood and direct sunlight would ruin the finish. So with the harp in the shade so was I. Unfortunately the guests were in the sun where the ceremony was set up to take place and only 1/2 of them showed up. The rest watched from the balconies of their air conditioned hotel rooms that overlooked the garden...or at least I think they were...if not I don't know who was?!? They were a lovely couple that were already married in the US and 're enacting' the ceremony for her family that was visiting Niagara Falls from China! I don't know if they had a harpist at their original wedding in the US but I was glad to be there!

Anniversary Dinner for TWO

2010-06-25T12:08:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I got a last minute request to play for a couples 31st Wedding Anniversary! It was so much fun it was the first time I had ever had a request to do something like this. I thought I was going to be nervous and maybe even feel awkward because it was a private dinner in a private dining room set-up just for two of them. It was not awkward at all though. They were the sweetest couple (who will remain nameless). I hadn't really known them before, I had met the husband briefly once but not enough to say I knew him. I had a wonderful time playing selections of music he specifically choose for them and his wife was SO surprised. I felt like I was playing for my parents when they used to listen to me practice over glass of wine (along time ago). A week later I saw the husband again and he told me that the harp music made the evening more special than they could have ever imagined! I was so happy to hear that and thought about how this idea would be great for anyone looking for a romantic way to propose or celebrate in a romantic intimate way. I played at the newly renovated Terrace on the Green www.terraceonthegreen.com which is only 10 min for where I live. I loved the location it is a great venue for an outdoor ceremony and indoor reception.

June 5, 2010

2010-06-09T20:39:00.001-07:00

Can you believe after being in a wedding on June 4 I played at a wedding in Niagara Falls the very next day? Yes I did and the day after that I hosted a baby shower for twin boys :) "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".
This wedding was for a couple who came to the beautiful Niagara Falls from the USA just to get married. They chose the Floral Showhouse (http://www.niagaraparks.com/garden-trail/floral-showhouse.html)as their venue. The weather was perfect, the roses were in full bloom and their pictures are sure to be amazing! The bride arrived in 'class' in a horse and carriage and the couple left together in 'class' in horse and carriage :)

June 4, 2010

2010-06-09T19:57:00.001-07:00

This is my dearest friend Rachel Duhacek's wedding. After a year of planning every detail, four bridal showers and several consultations the big day finally arrived! Everything was flawless even the weather, to God be the glory! With Rachel A. Clingen's flowers and decor www.rachelaclingen.com my associate harpist Rachel Dignard playing the harp for the ceremony it was the most romantic garden wedding I have been too in a long time! Many guests made a point to tell me how amazing they thought my associate harpist Rachel! The ceremony location was none other than my most favorite place to play...Liuna Gardens www.liunagardens.com It is located right on the lake in Stoney Creek. It is the perfect place to have your ceremony, pictures, and reception. If you want the perfect garden wedding this is the place to have it! The flowers/decor were of course better than my friend expected (as I predicted) and the guests thought they were part of a fairy tale...so did I. May Joel and Rachel Greening live happily ever after with God's grace and blessings surrounding them!

Rachel Clingen

2010-06-09T19:31:00.001-07:00

I play at a lot of weddings but this time I am participating in this wedding in a different way. I am the Matron of Honor for my dearest friend Rachel Duhacek. This is my second time being a Matron on Honor and the 8th wedding I have been in! This could be a second career of mine...or not. This post is about a great friend of mine who is a wedding decorator/florist. She has helped me with a lot of great advertising advise in starting my own wedding harpist business and she is more than successful with her business too. Her name is also Rachel. Rachel Clingen even decorated for me at my wedding and many other friends of mine. These photos are from our last consultation at her new shop in Caledon. We love her unique taste and sense of decor. This was one area of the wedding that we were not worried about at all. We knew everything regarding flowers and decor was going to be better than we could have imagined and ever expected. I knew it because when I got married that was the experience I had and I had no doubt it would happen for my friend Rachel too! Check our her blog at www.rachelaclingen.blogspot.com and her website at www.rachelaclingen.com

May 29, 2010

2010-06-09T19:15:00.001-07:00

FOUR WEDDINGS! Don't worry I was only able to play at two of them. My associate harpists Brianne and Rachel played at the other two. I was in Toronto for my first wedding at the Agrilcola Finish Lutheran Church. Than I had a break before traveling to Concord to play at a wedding reception. Rachel played at the Canoe in Toronto http://www.oliverbonacini.com/Canoe.aspx and Brianne was at the Mississauga Grand www.mississaugagrand.com A very busy weekend making sure everyone was where they were supposed to be at the right time. Everything went very well for us all and we all had a great time performing!

May 22, 2010

2010-06-09T19:06:00.000-07:00

May 22, 2010 Congrats Nicole! It was a pity it rained and we were inside. This wedding was at a gorgeous golf course! It was at the Burlington Golf Club www.burlingtongolfclub.com however if you are not a member of this club don't bother even stepping foot onto the property for a drink of water! They were a bit over board on this policy. I arrived early to be sure I knew where I was going and couldn't even relax in the club house for a drink after setting up. They view from the reception hall was amazing and a great location for your ceremony, pictures and reception. I just don't know if you can even have your wedding there if you are not a member.

Mississauga Grand

2010-06-09T18:55:00.000-07:00

Mississauga Grand www.mississaugagrand.com I play here often and if I'm not Rachel Dignard my associate harpist is. They provide our harp music in their lobby for most weddings complimentary to the Bride and Groom. It is a much better option than having a piano like most other reception halls. The harp is a culmination of beauty, romance, and harmonic perfection that adds classical elegance to any occasion. It provides a soothing ambiance unmatched by any other instrument.

November 7, 2009

2010-03-29T17:36:00.000-07:00

This was a lovely wedding and they included some Jewish traditions. Their photographer Norm Rumfeldt from Visual Dynamics Photography (www.visualdynamics photography@sympatico.com) took these lovely pictures for me :) I especially love the close up of the harp. Thanks Norm!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN???

2010-03-29T17:32:00.000-07:00

I had to play at this wedding on Halloween! These were the flower girls that were very excited to be posing for me with the harp! Thank goodness the wedding didn't go too late there was still time for 'tricker treating' :)

2009-10-11T17:00:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-09-14T18:07:00.000-07:00

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!!!

2009-09-09T20:44:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-17T20:11:00.000-07:00

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 :)

2009-08-17T19:53:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-08-17T19:39:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-08-07T16:55:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-07T16:32:00.000-07:00

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 :)

2009-08-06T21:13:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-23T19:20:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-17T19:22:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-07-17T18:12:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-07-14T19:49:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-14T19:18:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-02-18T17:33:00.000-08:00

Every year I play at the Liuna Gardens Valentines Day Dinner and Dance. This year once again it was a lovely evening with great food and my favorite...the chocolate mouse dessert :) I hope everyone had a great Valentines Day!

2009-02-17T18:44:00.000-08:00

Here is an article that an anonymous person wrote from a Church I performed at this past summer. This article is from this website www.youthfaith.org I love to perform and share my testimony with others. My music is a gift that God gave to me and I am so blessed that I must share it with others so they can be blessed too. However I have had many journeys with the harp through God so sharing my testimony and my music is a real pleasure.

Harpist With a Story
Wednesday, July 16 @ 12:26:15 CDT
by youthfaith
It came to my attention that a harpist was going to have special music at our local church. I thought to myself that it would be very interesting. I've never personally seeing a harp, let alone heard the sounds the harp makes.

I had arrived at church that Sabbath morning and received the bulletin for the Sabbath service. I noticed in the bulletin that the same harpist was going to do a sermon as well. Honest truth, I misjudged and misperceived my original negative thoughts. In my mind I thought: why is a harpist doing a sermon? why isn't the harpist sticking to what she knows? Boy was I wrong and humbled at the same time.

The name of the harpist was Chantal Dube. She started out the worship hour with a couple of songs with her harp. The sound was incredible and she was very good at playing the harp. I was amazed, and fell in love with sound the instrument made.

It came the time for the sermon, and Chantal started to talk about her past. I was enchanted of what her life consisted of. Her sermon was inspiring and yet humbling. You know that feeling that you get that God is present. Well during this sermon I can tell you that God was present. She was absolutely 100% genuine, believe me, people can tell when a sermon is counterfeit and or fake. She was incredible and had many people in the audience in tears. Each of her story lines followed by a beautiful instrumental sound with her harp.

I highly recommend her as a guest speaker, and of course as a harpist. You can visit her website at: http://www.chantaldube.com

She also has a CD out, which includes possibly her best work. Chantal's 2008 album is called "Still Moments" and can be purchased online at:

http://shop2.mailordercentral.com/gospel/prodinfo.asp?number=Y-9712

I was very inspired, humbled, and I wished I had the same faith as she does. I personally don't think that I'm physically, mentally, or spiritually strong as her, and probably could not go through what she did. Please have a look at her website and of course the wonderful Gospel CD.

2009-02-17T18:08:00.000-08:00

Here are a few e-mails that I thought I would post about comments I have been getting on my latest CD. Although the CD was not recorded with the purpose of lullaby music in mind, it seems to have worked very well with these little ones. The following are a couple of emails I have received recently from the thankful parents who have this great 'parenting tool'.

Hi Chantal

Here are some photos we took of our little Joshua with your CD. It has been an IMMENSE blessing to us, as we use this often to sooth him to sleep, and it is usually on repeat, so, we go to sleep with it on in the background, and those middle of the night moments are smooth as we are calmed as we recall the words to the hymns as we help him through the night.

This week he has been in the hospital with a respiratory problem (common cold for infants) and we have it playing in the hospital room, and it has been a blessing to us.

We have several more, and if you would like them, possibly for promotional purposes, or whatever, just ask.

THANK YOU!!!
Chris Cairns - Gospel Folio Press

Our baby absolutely loves your music. I put our baby to sleep listening to it tonight she drifted right off to sleep. Thank you very much for the CD.
Susan

Super Bowl Sunday!

2009-02-10T18:25:00.001-08:00

It was Super Bowl Sunday night and believe it or not...I had a wedding to play at. Yes somehow this bride managed to find a guy that wasn't worried about getting married during the Super Bowl. Or maybe he did but they booked the wedding unknowingly :) Well either way they seemed happy and the guests were talking all about the happy couple and of course the Super Bowl. It was a lovely ceremony and reception at Le Parc which has a great indoor facility for ceremonies and dinners.

2009-01-19T15:17:00.000-08:00

So here are some pictures from my first wedding of 2009! It was at the beautiful Millcroft Inn in Alton. It was a small wedding of about 30 people but it was romantic and warm. We had a clear view of the snow and icy water falls outside, but with plenty of candles around the room and a warm fire crackling we were as warm as toast.

Christmas Concerts!

2009-01-03T18:08:00.000-08:00

I have had the opportunity of playing a few concerts this past December. So before I start my January blogs I must share a few stories with you. My favorite concert this year was the Christmas Extravaganza held at Georgetown Alliance Church the last weekend in November. I had the opportunity to share the spotlight with Hiram Joseph. He is a Christian male vocalist with a soothing and soulful voice that made my heart melt. www.hiramjoseph.com We did two concerts that weekend and I truly felt blessed to be able to get to know him and share in our common ministry together. As a solo artist in can get rather lonely in dealing with the stress and pressures but while sharing the concert with Hiram we were able to encourage and pray for one another.
Later in December I did a memorial service at Trull Funeral Home. I have often thought as funeral directors as snobbish people. Needless to say I was not exactly looking forward to this gig especially since I didn't want to get depressed during the Christmas season from the memorial service. However upon arriving at the funeral home I was pleasantly surprised how hospitable they were. They had made room in their indoor parking garage for me to park my car which was a huge blessing because of all the snow we had just gotten. As you can imagine it's very difficult to move a harp around in the snow. They were also very helpful in helping bring all of my things in and walking me through how the service would go. They made me feel very comfortable and they allowed me to display my CD's for sale. I was most of all surprised though when they asked me to stay for a short 'tea' so people could have a chance to meet me. I was really worried about how awkward that would be but prayed for God to give me the wisdom as to how to handle this situation. I walked into the parlor where everyone was enjoying Christmas treats, tea and coffee. The funeral director offered to get me a coffee while I began to work my way around the room introducing myself to everyone. I was touched by how comforting they found my music to be and how it added such a special touch to the service. I no longer felt concerned about getting depressed but selfish that I was worried about how I felt when all of these wonderful people had just loved a loved one. With some I shared my story about how I struggled with grief after losing my 'niece like' friend Catelyn to cancer and with others I just listened to them share about their lvoed ones. I was so happy I could bless people with my gift of music God has given me on that day and in that moment with those grieving people. I felt so good about the experience it felt strange to be payed for it. However I felt even more blessed after being paid that I have such an awesome job. I truly am living the dream...thanks be to God! On my way out one of the funeral directors mentioned to me that he had washed my car. I was so stunned than as I looked at him I replied, "In your suit?" He replied that of course in his suit, that's the way they do everything... in their suits! Wow a free car wash in December I was so excited to tell my parents about this one. So in the end it turns out that ironically enough I had a great time that day at Trull Funeral Home and sold 12 CDs!

A few weeks later I did my last concert of the season for a Senior Citazens Group at the Oakridge Bible Chapel. I had the lovely opportunity of performing with my dear friend Rachel and her mom. I am Rachel's spiritual mentor and she has the voice of an angel so it was great to be able to perform with her. I shared my testimony of faith with the folks and played several Christmas carols for them. Later we were able to join them for a nice Christmas Dinner in the lobby of the Church and I was blessed with good food and good company. It was nice to get encouragment from older and wiser people and also hear that they were encouraged by my ministry however it's not me but He that is within me.

I hope to have some interesting posts in the New Year about weddings I have coming up.

2008-11-13T20:49:00.001-08:00

I am just trying this out and have no idea what to do...this blog is in the making.