Groovin On a Sunday Afternoon at Ellis Square

Yesterday was such a Groovy day!

The newly renovated Ellis Square is smack, dab in the center of

 'where it's happening' in Savannah.

City Market is on Ellis Square, has plenty of shops and good restaurants and always seems to have some sort of 'live music' going on.  Paula Dean's 'Lady & Sons' is right around the corner, lively Broughton Street is one block down.  And.....the Andaz Savannah anchors one corner.

The Andaz was having their 1st Bridal Expo so I RSVP'd Ann Mashburn, the Catering Sales Manager,  then waltzed my happy self, along with my friend/videographer Annie, over to Ellis Square for the 1st annual Andaz Bridal Expo.

I like the Andaz approach and concept of using local produce and vendors to service their hotels so, at the Expo on Sunday, I happily munched all of Chef Lauren's delectable creations!   Everything on the menu is supported by local farmers. 

I nibbled delicious cheese from Sweet Grass Dairy up on the terrace. 

 and tried lamb from Hunter Cattle Co.  (a first for me) in the ballroom.

Photo by DreamWeaver Photos

I met and fell in love with Adam Turoni, Savannah's Chocolatier   He still had silver sparkles on his face (so cute) from dusting the Dark Chocolate Silk Filled Bullets.  The Golden Baileys Truffles left me speechless. 

They are 'OMG DELICIOUS'! 

Jamie Weaver with Dreamweaver Photos was there with the DreamWeaver Photo Booth.  
I know for a fact she's an angel/photographer! 

and check out Chris Dooley......duets with an amazing violinist....
what more could a harp girl ask for?

Seems a bit serendipitous that Avia Napa and Avia Savannah were renovated and rebranded with the Hyatt boutique brand 'Andaz' at the same time, and that I claim both cities as my own! 

I know....the renovation/joining happened in spring last year.

so... I'm a bit slow.

Wednesday's Weddings for Warriors

Last Wednesday 
I had the honor and privilege of playing for three simple but beautiful weddings.  

The Weddings for Warriors project provides 
free wedding ceremonies and vow renewals to active duty US military personnel.   

I get emotional about military personnel......so  

I volunteer. 

I love it.  

I cry..... 

every year....

 good, grateful tears.  

 Wesley Monumental is the beautiful church I've played in for the 2012 and 2013 Weddings for Warrior events. 
 Theses amazing photos were taken by Cassandra McDaniel, 
one of the wonderful photographers who volunteered their time and talent.  

Photograph by Cassandra McDaniel

This photo was taken by Adina Estes At Frilly Bloomers, who is amazing on so many levels.  Flower guru, coordinator, photographer....what else does this woman do!?

The project involves so many volunteers.  Check out the list!  
These folks LOVE what they do!
The wonderful Becky Byous heads it up and  

she deserves a medal!

I took this pic...it's my favorite, probably because it makes me smile. 

  The photographer is directing the shot but who knows.....maybe there's a squirrel loose!

Playing Around Savannah

 The weather here in Savannah has been amazing this week!  

So yesterday, I threw the harp in the back seat and took off to find a little 

Savannah adventure.

The Fragrant Garden is a peaceful oasis amidst the hustle bustle of 

Forsyth Park here in Savannah.

Though the large Forsyth fountain is what most folks picture when they

 imagine a wedding in Forsyth Park.... 

The Fragrant Garden is beautiful, intimate AND....

 in Forsyth Park! 

It's also right across the street from the fabulous Forsyth Park Inn 

(I am dying to play in their courtyard!)

  

Where in the World?

Last Saturday, I thoroughly enjoyed going into Bonaventure cemetery, finding a perfect place, setting up my big ole' harp and toodling my fingers.

Visiting, touring, wandering, strolling, riding in a tour bus......folks stopped to comment, gawk, point, even strum the strings.  Such an easy way to meet people!  I sit in one place and play.....and they come to me!  Drawn by the sound.  I LOVE it!

Enjoyed it so much that I'm feeling the need for adventure again.  I'm becoming an adventure junkie!

It's a bit difficult to 'sneak' anywhere with 6 feet of carbon fiber/wood/metal and vibrating string so I should probably ask for permission (if necessary) to play.....wherever it is that the wild winds of fortune take me next time.

Where SHOULD I go???