Today is a happy day- I’ve been married for 2 months! [It’s probably not normal to celebrate every month, but we do! : ) An excuse to get flowers and go out for dessert- I’ll take it! But, more importantly it’s Rachelle’s Birthday!!! Wishing her the happiest of birthdays filled with much love, laughter and cake!!
Day 20, meet Wendy Goodwin with Effesenden Music!
Champagne: How did Effesenden get started?
Effesenden: I started Effesenden in 2002 after finishing my master’s degree. There’s an element in classical music that is very cut-throat and negative and I wanted to do something that was creative, relational and positive. I was already playing violin and singing for a lot of my friends’ weddings so it was really just a matter of formalizing it.
Photo by Shelly Perry
Champagne: When did you discover your love for music?
Effesenden: I started taking violin lessons at the age of three because my older brother played and I wanted to do everything he did but it gradually morphed from something I did to something I loved. So many amazing memories in my life with friends and family have involved music—it’s always been about joy and community.
Champagne: How would you describe your musical style?
Effesenden: I actually do three different styles of music—classical violin, which is what I majored in, jazz violin & vocals, and acoustic music (which would include Irish, Scottish, Bluegrass and Country.) I assemble musicians to play with me according to what style I’m doing—that could mean anything from a string quartet to a bluegrass band. Both style and size of the ensemble can vary greatly.
With every song I play I try to be really expressive and capture the heart of the piece—whether that’s a fun, upbeat fiddle tune that makes the flower girl dance or a rich, sophisticated classical melody for the seating of the grandmothers. I ask myself “What does this song need?” and try to go there.
Champagne: What would you tell someone to look for when trying to find a live musician for their ceremony?
Effesenden: First off, the demo music should sound great! If you get a chance to hear the musicians live-at a trade show or in another setting like a club or concert or even a church service, you can see what kind of stage presence they have. Secondly, look for professionalism throughout your experience with the company: helpful, prompt correspondence, professional looking website, contract, etc. Finally, are they nice people? While you’re not going to spend as much face time with your musicians as your photographer, they are going to likely be up front during your ceremony as well as likely interfacing with your other vendors such as the officiant, caterer and videographer. When vendors work together well with the shared goal of making your day amazing, it almost certainly will be!
Photo by Lauren Brooks Photography
Champagne: Do you have a list of songs you know or can you learn new music for clients?
Effesenden: Yes and yes! We have a really extensive, eclectic list of music ranging from classical standards like Canon in D to funky string quartet arrangements of Journey and AC/DC songs to bluegrass and Irish fiddle tunes. Couples can either choose from our current repertoire or craft an entirely new playlist of songs. We arrange songs specifically for our ensemble so whatever songs you choose, we’re going to figure out how to capture the spirit of those tunes with the instrumentation you select.
Champagne: What do you do, when you’re not doing what you do?
Effesenden: I tour and record with a contemporary Celtic trio and perform with several local groups as well. My husband and I love to travel, backpack, run, bike and savor a good mocha right here in Portland. I have a 19 month old toddler and I love being a mom more than I ever imagined was possible!
Photo by Soren Coughlin-Glaser
Photo by Eric Cable Photography
Champagne: Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know?
Effesenden: I think our youtube video (look for Effesenden) really captures the spirit of what we do. We shot in some super crazy locations like just above a waterfall and right on the edge of a cliff over the ocean. . . so if we’re willing to do that, we are probably up for almost anything!
Photo by Shelly Perry
Champagne: Thank you, Wendy [Effesenden Music], for telling us more about your company! Make sure to check out their website, become a fan on facebook and follow them on twitter!
Day 19 of 30: Anne Adams Photography
Day 18 of 30: Paparazzi Tonight Photo Booth
Day 17 of 30: Timberline Lodge
Day 16 of 30: hi, friend.
Day 15 of 30: Byron Roe Photography
Day 14 of 30: Francoise Weeks
Day 13 of 30: phresh catering
Day 12 of 30: Carroll Myers
Day 11 of 30: Ryan Ricketts Photography
Day 10 of 30: Floral Designs by Alicia
Day 9 of 30: Domaine Margelle
Day 8 of 30: Crave Catering
Day 7 of 30: Pro Djs Oregon
Day 6 of 30: O’Brien Event Rentals
Day 5 of 30: Lauren Brook Photography
Day 4 of 30: Fleur:ology Wedding + Event Floral Design
Day 3 of 30: Pure Space
Day 2 of 30: Celebrate Life Photography
Day 1 of 30: Paper Bloom
Last year’s 30 days of vendors
What is 30 days of Vendors?
We look forward to seeing you again tomorrow! Thank you for stopping by our blog! Happy Planning!
Cheers,
Mandi, Rachelle & the Champagne team
P.S. Oregon Bride Magazine just opened up the voting for this years “Best Of” issue. Make sure to go vote for your favorite wedding vendors!! We appreciate you all helping us win “Best New Wedding Vendor” last year! We’d love to win best planner this year- one can dream! : )
