Richard Elliot presents his wife Camella with her 50th birthday cake (Photo by David Hopley)
By Melanie Maxwell
Saxophonist Richard Elliot invited family and friends to celebrate his wife Camella’s 50th birthday at their Escondido, California, home on Saturday, April 4.
Richard and Camella Elliot dancing (photo by David Hopley)
In addition to the couple’s five children (Candice, 25; Bub, 21; Mikayla, 16; Eli, 15; and Julian, 10), Camella’s parents (Cam and Dolly Vidal) and her sisters (Kim Kemp and Lani Calgaro), Steve Chapman and his wife Lori Stoll, Leslie and Scott Pedersen, Kathy and Willie Payne, and Kelly Cole were among the revelers dancing to a poolside DJ and partying from sunset till a near eclipsed moon rose in the star-filled sky.
Camella and Richard Elliot dancing with partygoers, including Camella’s father Cam Vidal, far right (photo by David Hopley)
Guests were treated to hand-passed caprese and pancetta bruschetta appetizers, an open bar, pizza from Red Oven Artisanal Pizza (baked fresh onsite), and white birthday cake.
Camella Elliot toasting with shots of tequila at her 50th birthday party (Photo by David Hopley)
As guests arrived, Camella led them on a tour of their 10-acre property, which includes a newly planted vineyard. A few steps from the sprawling patio area, infinity pool, jacuzzi and bar, guests could feed friendly goats, two alpacas, a miniature horse, goats, bunnies and a pig housed in pens.
Craig Collier of Smooth Jazz News and Scott Pedersen of Scottland Concerts (Photo by David Hopley)
The family’s indoor pets include two dogs, Moose (a Newfoundland) and Lucy (an English bulldog) and another pig, 3-month-old Dora, who was dressed for the occasion in a frilly pink tutu.
Willie and Kathy Payne (Payne Pest Management) celebrating Camella Elliot’s 50th birthday (Photo by David Hopley)
Although Camella’s glamorous style is quite stunning when she accompanies her husband to the GRAMMY awards or other public appearances, she is equally adorable kicking off her Christian Louboutin heels, slipping on some jeans and boots and cleaning the animal pens. Lisa Douglas, Eva Gabor’s character in the 1960’s TV sitcom “Green Acres,” could have learned a few things about country life from the birthday girl.
Camella Elliot introducing her new pet pig, 3-month-old Dora, to partygoers (Photo by David Hopley)
Kelly Cole with her husband and their grandaughter (Photo by David Hopley)
So, when it came to choosing an appropriate 50th birthday gift for his wife, Richard didn’t make a trip to the jeweler. Instead, he decided on a shiny, brand-spanking-new John Deere tractor for her. And, of course, she loved it!
Lori Stoll with Leslie and Scott Pedersen checking out the alpacas and other outdoor animals (Photo by David Hopley)
Richard Elliot at home with his pet alpacas in Southern California
Camella enjoying her 50th birthday gift from husband, Richard Elliot, a John Deere 4×4 Gator utility vehicle (Photo by David Hopley)
Happy birthday, Camella Elliot!
Happy late 50th Camella!!! When I lived in Oceanside, it was just 21 mils from the Elliot home; I never went there. Richard and I are buds…….my FAVE male SJ Saxer………Take Your Time Bro!!!!