June comes to an end...

This month Divisi Strings kicked off the summer wedding season with 33 events across Houston, Austin, and Dallas. There was almost constant sunshine throughout this month, which provided a lovely setting for these summer weddings. We were fortunate to perform 4 events in the lush woodland environment of Ashton Gardens. We also performed in some of our favorite Austin venues: Allan House and Barr Mansion just to name a few. This weekend we were able to perform at the A.D. Bruce Religion Center of the University of Houston. As Tony and my alma mater this venue is always nice to visit. The Villa Ballrooms, Grace Heritage Center, and the Houstonian were some other venues we delivered our Big Sounds to this past weekend.

Tony and I traveled once again with intern JD to perform a ceremony and cocktail hour in Beaumont. We were looking forward to this event especially because it took place on the steps of the Julie Rogers Theatre. This remarkably charming venue is home to various symphony and ballet orchestras in the Beaumont area.

As we began our drive, we noticed patches of dark clouds in the horizon. The rain was light and sporadic, but for an outdoor wedding this was enough for concern. Upon arrival we drove past the venue and noticed the arrangement of chairs and flowers beautifully adorning the lawn. Our attention shifted back to the skies. The wedding was set to continue as planned with the cocktail hour also outside, around the corner from the ceremony. The street in front of the ceremony was closed so that the attendants could process across the street from a beautifully picturesque cathedral. As we prepared for the ceremony we watched the sky open up to a beautiful sunny afternoon. The couple was married on the steps of the theater with the sun setting softly behind the historic church.

favorite weekend repertoire ingredients: "Billie Jean", "Viva La Vida", "Hey Ya", and "Cry Me A River" are pieces you will more likely hear in a cocktail hour or reception. They are more non-traditional music selections, but work well in any event. We have fun playing them and your guests will notice.

We are looking forward to July 4th! Divisi Strings will keep you posted.

Modern Luxury, TwoBeWed, and RockBand

Modern Luxury's latest Houston Brides issue highlights Divisi Strings in two wonderful
weddings. In addition to our full page ad, this magazine covers us as we play Canon in the chapel and "Paint it Black" at Hotel Zaza.




For Meghan and Brian we delivered our sounds for their picture perfect ceremony at the All Saint’s Catholic Church. They chose our most popular ensemble, the string quartet. This group so easily fits due to its fullness in voicing and variety of repertoire. We sat peacefully in the choir loft, which allowed our music to fill the place. Natalie Dawley and Danyett Baxter from TwoBeWed presented their attention to detail throughout the venue. The beautiful artwork in the sanctuary met with the couple’s elegant style to make for a lovely evening.



The second wedding in this issue carried such a chic and trendy style that Divisi Strings was thrilled to play our part. It was very exciting constructing a program consisting of Outkast, Led Zeppelin, the Doors, and the Rolling Stones. We knew this was going to be down right fun, and our musicians were eager to play.

Kelley and John picked our string quintet for their modish event. This group is very well-suited for the set list of arrangements. The guests were pleasantly surprised as they witnessed the couple, family and friends processing to “Paint it Black”, “Hey Ya”, and “Break on Through”. For the reception Divisi Strings provided a guitar duo playing Latin music into the night. Hosted in Hotel Zaza’s Déjà vu room, the intimate party of guests gathered to have some fun. "Rock Band" was just one of the elements making this event truly memorable. In between the pinball machines and arcade games, Bobbie’s Cake Creations and Events in Bloom provided their creative touches. D. Jones Photography captured the evening beautifully.

Little Black Book

Divisi Strings has just been jotted down in Style Me Pretty's Little Black Book! Divisi has always admired the detail and brilliance that Style Me Pretty applies to their website and blog. They have elevated us to a new light in their very own Little Black Book. This is an exclusive collection of wedding vendors from around the globe, hand-picked and carefully edited.

This aspect of their website is by invitation only. We are proud to be the first group in the entertainment category for both Houston and Austin!

Project Wedding

Divisi Strings has been acknowledged by Project Wedding's Best of 2008! This award is especially dear to us because it is based on sincere client reviews, and only given to the top 5% wedding professionals in their area. We are delightfully impressed with the interest Project Wedding has for bringing the top wedding vendors to real clients nationwide. We humbly accept this award and it is a true honor to be recognized by our clients. THANK YOU!

my best friend's wedding ...

June is in full bloom with the passing of another lovely summer weekend. Divisi Strings had some very exciting events in fascinating places with familiar faces - The Alden Hotel's Veranda was one piece of the elegant puzzle added to our weekend, along with a long time favorite, Ashton Gardens. We also serenaded the columns of Paraiso Maravilla, and performed at the acclaimed Dallas Arboretum. The Dallas Arboretum hosted a famous (wedding) movie moment in the film, Dr. T & the Women. Starring: Richard Gere, Helen Hunt, Shelley Long, and me! Yes you read correctly, I was in a movie with Richard Gere. (But back to our summer weekend)

Tony & I, with founding Divisi member Daphnee, hit the road this weekend and traveled to San Antonio to perform on the Big Day of two very close friends of mine. I knew Sarah from my years at the University of North Texas, and it was a heartfelt privilege to present our music as she took on her new life with husband John Dominguez.

After the wedding we played Cocktail Hour music at a new venue for Divisi. The Radius Cafe is said to be the catalyst for the flow of ideas, community involvement, and interest in culture. The space was very eclectic and complimented Sarah's theme perfectly! Crafted paper flowers ornamented the tables and a Candy "Bar" couldn't have been more delightful. Congratulations Sarah and John. You really are beautiful together!

In Houston our musicians were gaining new experience with a contemporary song list and non-traditional ensemble choice. Violin, Cello, Piano, and Guitar created a very authentic sound while 3 vocalists shared the stage performing "You Raise Me Up", Eva Cassidy's "Songbird", and "The Prayer" made famous by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli. You may not think of having such a diverse group at your wedding, but the musicians loved it and the father of the bride was moved by the experience. This couple knew exactly what they wanted and their music choices fit perfectly within the Westminster United Methodist Church. It was the first time we've seen this configuration, but I have to say that it worked beautifully.

favorite weekend repertoire ingredients: The Prayer, You Raise Me Up, and Songbird. I had never before heard "Songbird" until about 3 months ago. We highly suggest these pieces for the processional or even the unity candle/sand ceremony. All pieces can be played by every ensemble we offer!

Till next time,

Shelli

Another Wonderful Weekend

June 13, 2009 Highlights

Divisi Strings had a beautifully robust wedding weekend! We performed an incredible 7 events in Houston and 2 in Austin. Divisi Strings Dallas got a break for a change. We didn't let the Texas heat get us down with 4 outdoor weddings; Bella Notte in Round Rock, Briscoe Manor of Richmond, just to name a few. Tony and I had the pleasure of performing with intern JD and Divisi founding member Daphnee at one of The Woodlands treasures, The Chapel in the Woods. The Big Sounds of Divisi Strings combined with striking architecture, floor to ceiling stain glass, and a beautiful bride made this Woodlands wedding one for the blogs.

And we would like to congratulate the newly Mr. & Mrs Talosig of Houston Texas, having exchanged their vows at the downtown jewel, The Corinthian. This wedding holds a special place in my heart for Mr. Talosig was one of the most enthusiastic grooms we have met!


And his taste did not disappoint having booked some of Houston most prestigious vendors; Montage Photography, R Cross Productions, and Richard Brown Orchestra for the reception entertainment. And as always, Jackson and Co. exceeded everyones expectations.



It was a pleasure to be in such great company this weekend and we look forward to the next!