November

November 7th we had two weddings, Jenise's wedding at Davis Island Garden Club and also Alexandra's wedding at The Don CeSar.

Jenise had a elegant traditional wedding using the Alafia String Duo at Davis Island Garden Club. This is one of our very favorite venues, the back yard is so serene with the water views and so private.  We love playing there and hope to do many more weddings there in the future!

Jenise's program worked very well with the duo:

Seating of the guests:
Bach Air on the G String
The Four Seasons Spring
Rondeau-Mouret
Winter from the Four Seasons

Mothers' Processional:
Ave Maria

Bridal Party Processional:
The Pachelbel Canon

Bride's Processional:
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring

Unity Sand:
The Lord's Prayer

Recessional:
La Rejouissance

Postlude:
Trumpet Voluntary

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Alexandra was married at the Don CeSar near the pool area.  It was an amazing late afternoon wedding with beautiful weather.  It was absolutely perfect for the trio out on the lawn!  Thank you to Jennifer Fitzsimmons of A Friend of The Bride for coordinating a wonderful wedding- we always enjoy working with you!

Alex picked a very simple program and it was wonderful!  

Ode To Joy - Seating of the Guests

Canon in D- Procession of Bride

La Rejouissance- Recessional

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November 14th we played at Kapok Tree in Clearwater.   Traditional music worked perfectly!

Prelude music - Canon in D (Pachelbel); Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (J.S. Bach), Trumpet Voluntary (Purcell)

Procession of the Wedding Party - Ave Maria (Schubert)
Procession of the Bride:  Bridal Chorus (Wagner)
Recessional:  The Wedding March (Mendelssohn)

Congratulations to all of the lovely couples! We loved working with you!

Late October...

Stephen and Tara were married the 30th of October at the Grand Hyatt in Tampa.  The weather was very hot but they managed to have a beautiful ceremony on the pool lawn followed by cocktail hour indoors outside the ballrooms.  This is a spectacular hotel to hold a ceremony and the trio sounded wonderful!

They chose a non traditional program that was a huge hit! 

prelude Bach Air on the G String
families Bach Largo from the 2 Violin Concerto

bridesmaids Bittersweet Symphony (the Verve)
bride All I Want is You (U2)
recessional/ postlude Stand by me (Ben E. King)

We filled cocktail hour with many selections from Pop music, Broadway and other upbeat songs that kept the crowd entertained.  Congratulations to Stephen and Tara!

More October Weddings

October 25, we were honored to play at Catie and John's wedding at Davis Island Garden Club. Catie is the former Principal flute of The Florida Orchestra and we were thrilled when she asked Alafia Trio to play at her wedding.

They picked out beautiful traditional music:  

Gounod Ave Maria- Seating of the mothers

Procession of bride, groom and daughters: Pachelbel canon

Necklace Ceremony: Claire de Lune

Recessional: La Rejouissance

Postlude: Arrival of the Queen of Sheba

Congratulations on a beautiful wedding and thank you for including us!

November Update ..

What a busy month it has been, hard to believe next week is already Thanksgiving!

October 17 was Vannessa and Kenny's wedding at the Hilton Tampa Westshore.  It was a very cool weekend, but breezy so the wedding was moved inside.  What a gorgeous setting it was and they chose beautiful music! 

Guest enter to Bach Air on G string

Mothers enter to Jesu Joy of Man's

Bridesmaids/groomsmen enter to Bach Largo from the 2 Violin concerto

Bride enters to Canon in D

Sand Ceremony to Lord's Prayer

Bridal party exits to Bittersweet symphony

Guests exit to Eine Kleine Nachtmusik

hors d'oeuvres were served while we played the following selections- perfect! The Bella's Lullaby from Twilight was a huge hit among the guests!

Bella's Lullaby

 Take my Breath away

 Fur Elise

 Clair de Lune

 Under the Boardwalk

 Wonderful Tonight

 Maybe I'm amazed

 Faithfully

Love Story

All my Life

Stand By Me

 Michelle

Congrats Kenny and Vannessa! 

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October 24, we played at St. Mary's Catholic Church in St. Pete for Nicole and Pram's wedding.  It was an amazing experience to play this wedding, the acoustics were perfect! Amber Patricio was the wedding coordinator and did a fabulous job with the flowers and layout! It was a pleasure to work with her!

Nicole and Pram chose traditional music to go with the mass.

1. The Four Seasons Spring
2. Panis Angelicus
3. Bach Air on a G String

Seating of the Mothers and Grandmother - Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring

Seating of the Bridesmaids - Canon in D

Bridal Processional - Trumpet Voluntary

Recessional - The Wedding March

Fall Weddings...

Usually fall means cooler weather... not so this year in Florida! 

Friday evening we played at Amanda and  Andy's wedding reception.  It was at the Marriott Suites on Sand Key at the Watercolors restaurant, on the patio.  It was an intimate gathering and the food, decorations and event planning was top notch, thanks to Jamie of Confetti Events! We arranged The Cure Lovesong and also Smashing Pumpkins Tonight, Tonight as they were very special to Andy and Amanda! Their first Dance was to the trio arrangement of All You Need is Love. 

We also played the following songs:

Pavane (Faure) *

Adagio Cantabile from the "Pathetique" Sonata (Beethoven)

The Girl with the Flaxen Hair (Debussy) *

Entr'acte to Act III of "Carmen" (Bizet) 

Clair de lune (Debussy)

Largo from the "New World" Symphony (Dvorak)

Hungarian Dances (Brahms): Nos. 1, 3, 10, 11

All I ask of You (Phantom of the Opera)

Bachianas Brazileiras No. 5 (Villa-Lobos)

Forgotten Dreams (Anderson)

Laura (Raskin)

"Manha de Carnaval" from "Black Orpheus" (Bonfa)

Misty (Garner)

Memory from Cats (Lloyd Weber)

The Music of The Night (Lloyd Weber)

My Funny Valentine (Rodgers)

One Hand, One Heart from West Side Story (Bernstein)

Eleanor Rigby (Beatles) *

Yesterday (Beatles)

Someone to Watch Over Me (Gershwin)

Stormy Weather (Arlen)

What are you Doing the Rest of Your Life? (Legrand)

Imagine (Beatles)

Endless Love (Lionel Richie)

When I Fall In Love (Nat King Cole)

All My Life (K-Ci and Jo-Jo)

Unforgettable (Nat King Cole)

Sweet Dreams (Eurythmics)

All I Want Is You (U2)

All Of My Love (Led Zepplin)

Wonderful Tonight (Eric Clapton)

Can't Help Falling In Love (Elvis Presley)

La Vie En Rose (Edith Piaf)

The Prayer (Celine Dion/ Andrea Bocelli)

Faithfully (Journey)

Love Story (Taylor Swift)

Chasing Cars (Snow Patrol)

Valse (Amelie)  **

Rainbow Connection (Kermit/The Muppet Movie)

Moon River (Breakfast at Tiffany's)

Don't Stop Believin' (The Wedding Singer)

Unchained Melody (Ghost)

Take My Breath Away (Top Gun)

Gabriel's Oboe (The Mission)

Bella's Lullaby (Twilight)

For Good (Wicked)

For Just A Moment (St. Elmo's Fire)

Romeo and Juliet Love Theme (1968 film) 

Saturday was Michael and Sarah's wedding at Safety Harbor Resort and Spa.  We played their ceremony and also cocktail hour.  They had a lovely ceremony at twilight and their music selections fit perfectly!

Prelude-Canon in D
Families-Sleeping Beauty Waltz
Bridesmaids-All I Ask of You
Bride-When You Wish Upon A Star
Unity Candle-One Hand, One Heart
Recessional-The Four Seasons Spring
Postlude-La Rejouissance

Cocktail Hour was a mix of Broadway and Pop arrangements for string duo. Next weekend we will be playing Vannessa and Ken's wedding at Hilton Westshore. I will be sure to update! 

Until Then, 

Alda

September 26th at the Crosley Estate

Josh and Sterling are getting married this weekend at one of our very favorite venues, the Powel Crosley Estate in Sarasota. They have chosen a traditional yet personal program which we think will work beautifully. Popular music for the guests for the prelude and postlude, and traditional wedding music for the ceremony.

Prelude Music
- When I Fall in Love (Sleepless in Seattle)
- Unchained Melody
- When You Wish Upon A Star (Pinocchio)
-Con te Partiro / Time to Say Goodbye (Andrea Bocelli)
-All I Ask of You (Phantom of the Opera)
-Moon River (Breakfast at Tiffany's)
-Memory (from Cats)

Seating of Parents/Grandparents: "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" (Bach)
Bridesmaids: "Canon in D" (Pachelbel)
Bride: Bridal Chorus "Here Comes the Bride"
Recessional : Mendelssohn Wedding March
Postlude:"Bittersweet Symphony" (The Verve)

Congratulations!!

September Weddings

Brian and Lauren were married September 5th at Van Dyke Methodist Church in Lutz. They decided on a traditional, elegant ceremony and it worked so well!

Prelude Air-Bach
Seating of Mothers Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring- Bach
Lighting of Family Candle Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring- Bach
Processional Pachelbel Canon
Presentation of the Bride Here Comes the Bride
Pastoral Welcome
Giving of the Bride
Pastoral Message
Exchange of Vows
Blessings and Exchange of Rings
Lighting of the Unity Candle Ave Maria- Schubert
Scripture Reading
The Lord’s Prayer
Presentation of Mr. and Mrs.
Recessional Wedding March- Mendelssohn
Postlude Spring from The Four Seasons- Vivaldi

Congratulations Brian and Lauren!!

We're Back...

Alafia Quartet had a lovely summer vacation and we're back! Carlos had a busy summer performing his cello all over Brazil, while Aaron and I spent time in Seattle, Massachussetts and New Hampshire visiting family.  Our next engagement is Saturday, September 5th, a wedding at Van Dyke United Methodist Church in Lutz.  We look forward to a busy fall of gorgeous weddings!  See you soon!

~Alda

July Weddings

July 11th: 

Alafia Trio played at Safety Harbor Resort and Spa for Leigh and Matt's wedding.  The weather was hot and sticky so we were inside.  Leigh chose a beautiful program which worked exceptionally well.  The theme was Tommy Bahama/casual so we wore white polos and khakis which lent to a relaxed feel.

The program was:

Grandparents & Parents:  Claire de Lune

Bridal Party:  Simple Gifts

Bride: Ashokan Farewell 

Recessional: "La Rejouissance" from the Royal Fireworks  

July 18th: 

Alafia Trio began the day with a Krystal and Mike's wedding at First Baptist in Riverview.   They chose Broadway and Disney Love songs as prelude music and followed with a traditional ceremony.

Mothers and Grandmothers: Winter from The Four Seasons

Bridesmaids: Jesu, Man of Joy's Desiring

Bride: Gabriel's Oboe 

Unity Candle: The Lord's Prayer

Recessional: Spring from The Four Seasons

Postlude: All You Need is Love (Beatles)

We also had the privilege at playing at Nikki and Sone's wedding in the afternoon at Mirror Lake Ampitheater in downtown Lakeland.  Unfortunately the weather would not cooperate and the ceremony had to be moved indoors after a downpour drenched the guests.  Luckily we were under a tent and were able to protect our instruments and put them away before damage occurred.  A beautiful ceremony followed inside the Peggy Brown Center.

The program:

Parents and Grandparents: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring

Bridesmaids: Canon in D

Bride: Bridal Chorus (Here comes the bride)

Recessional: Wedding March 

Thanks for reading!

playing between the raindrops

Alafia Trio rocked the house at The Lake Club at Lakewood Ranch last night for the wedding of Meredith and Mike. It looked like it would rain but amazingly held off until AFTER the ceremony!! Perfect!

 Table 6 Productions under the leadership of Jackie Ross did an AMAZING job coordinating this wedding.  The details were exquisite!

The program: 

Prelude: Gabriel's Oboe

Mothers: Jesu Mans Desiring

Bridesmaid: How Beautiful

Bride: Canon

Recessional: Trumpet Voluntary

Cocktail Hour:

Wachet Auf

Rondeau

Winter

Time to say Goodbye

The Swan

Stand By Me

Color my World

Faithfully

Maybe I'm Amazed

Take My Breath Away

Over the Rainbow

Moon River

Way you Look Tonight

Wonderful World

Unchained Melody 

We also had the pleasure of playing Meredith and Mike's first dance, which was Fields of Gold by Sting.  It sounded wonderful with string trio.  An amazing night!

Highlights from last weekend

Saturday June 20th had Alafia String Quartet performing at Palma Ceia Presbyterian for the union of Kathryn and Tyler. Zoe Gallina was the fabulous wedding coordinator and she did excellent work! 

We had the pleasure of accompanying a groomsman on guitar and a friend of the family who sang.  It was a fabulous success, and we received rave reviews from all!  Kathryn had dreamed of these songs at her wedding and we were happy to accomodate her special requests.  The acoustics were phenomenal and the timing was impeccable.  Kathryn entered at the dramatic  moment in "From The Inside Out" and there was not a single dry eye in the entire church!   We were honored to be a part of this special project!

Seating of the families:Here I Am by Shawn McDonald.  
Bridesmaids/ Groomsmen/ Bride: From the Inside Out by Hillsong United.
For communion: It Is Well
Recessional: All You Need Is Love (Beatles)

Postlude: Over The Rainbow

Sunday was another BEAUTIFUL ceremony at Davis Island Garden Club for the wedding of Emily and Brett on Father's Day.  It was very hot outside but they passed out elegant parasols to the guests and kept the ceremony short.  Alafia String Trio performed under the shade of a large tree next to the gazebo.  

Grandparents- Winter From The Four Seasons

Bridesmaids: Rondeau

Bride: Canon

Recessional: Arrival of The Queen of Sheba

Postlude:  Autumn from the Four Seasons- Vivaldi

Highlights from June 13

Davis Island Garden Club was the location for our June 13th wedding. We absolutely adore the Davis Island Garden Club!  

 Cindy of Stonehouse Events was the event coordinator.   She did a fabulous job of setting a beautiful atmosphere- there were pink roses, rose petals and beautiful touches everywhere.  It was gorgeous!!

 Our clients, Jason and Jennifer hired us to play cocktail hour as well as the ceremony.  They were extremely creative with their song selections for the ceremony and it worked beautifully.  By the way, if you have not watched the French movie, Amelie yet, you must watch it! The Valse theme is  hauntingly elegant, whimsical music and set the mood for a beautiful entrance by Jennifer.  The recessional, I Feel Pretty from West Side Story left guests singing as they went to the cocktail hour!   

Prelude: What A Wonderful World
Mothers/Attendants/Family/Bridesmaids: Four Seasons Winter
Bride: Valse from Ameile
Recession: I Feel Pretty

Cocktail Hour Selections:
New York, New York
Paint It Black
Sweet Dreams
Under the Sea
I Got Rhythm
All You Need Is Love
Moon River
I Love Paris
In The Mood
Chicago
Godfather Love Theme
My Funny Valentine
Maria
Tico Tico
La Bamba
Stormy Weather

June 6, 2009 Highlights

Alafia String Trio had the pleasure of performing our first beach wedding of June at the lovely Don CeSar Hotel in St. Pete Beach.  The weather was gorgeous, no rain- and Doug and Laura had an elegant, classic ceremony.  Their music selections reflected this, and they chose:
Prelude- Somewhere over the Rainbow

Seating of the Family-  Jesus, Joy of Man's Desiring

Bridesmaids-  Canon D
Bride-  Bridal Chorus "Here comes the Bride"

Recessional- Wedding March Mendelssohn 

Postlude- What a Wonderful World & Under the Sea

We thought the postlude Under The Sea was especially perfect, as it went well with the beach theme, and sent guests off to cocktail hour with a smile on their faces!

Testing 1-2-3

Hello,
This is Alda, manager of the Alafia String Quartet and I am excited to debut the new Alafia String Quartet blog. I hope to share information about our business, tips and details from upcoming events. Thanks for reading!