We always love getting to know a little bit more about our favorite vendors and this week is no exception. Read on to learn more about Josée Weigand from Nashville’s Viva La Strings!
What was your dream job growing up?
I always knew I wanted to do something in the arts. I always thought being an actress sounded so glamorous, but I was way too shy to ever consider that a real option. I was also very interested in dance, specifically ballet. My main dream was to play violin in a symphony or for an orchestra on Broadway in New York.
What does a typical wedding day look like for you and the Viva La Strings group?
A typical wedding day for me consists of 1.) assembling the sheet music selections into binders for my musicians, 2.) emailing my musicians a PDF of what to expect when they arrive 3.) packing extra business cards, my instrument, stand, and other accessories and finally 4.) getting dressed myself (wedding musicians normally wear all black, but on occasion we get to wear something with a little more pizazz). The bulk of my work has already been done by the time the wedding day arrives.
How did you get into the music business?
I’ve always been involved in the pairing of music performance and music business. In high school I lead and managed a string trio in my hometown in Wisconsin. We would play for weddings, parties, special events, and formal dinners. Over the years I’ve definitely gotten better at the organizational side of things, and thankfully so, because I recently took over a friend of mine’s company, Viva La Strings, Nashville, which deals with events and weddings on a much grander scale.
How long have you been in business? Why did you decide to start a Viva La Strings?
I’ve been with my current business less than a year. I didn’t start the business I currently run, but I did fight hard for the management position when the Nashville branch was looking for a new team member. There is a certain freedom I’ve found when running your own business and I decided to pursue this career in Nashville because the wedding and event business has always seemed appealing to me.
What is your favorite part of a wedding day/event day?
My favorite part of a wedding day is after myself and the other musicians have played all the prelude and the processional music and we can finally have a moment to watch the happy couple during the ceremony. And I love checking out every bride’s dress!
Who would be your dream celebrity to play for?
I think playing for Taylor Swift’s wedding would be absolutely astonishing! She would probably have the most gorgeous venue and dress and I imagine the whole wedding would be a giant party.
If you could go anywhere tomorrow, where would you go?
I would go back to London, England. I was there about a year ago and had the absolute best time. I love the culture, the music and art scene, the museums, the food, and all the history.
What is Viva La Strings’ most requested ceremony song?
Definitely “Canon in D” but “Can’t Help Falling in Love” is a close second!
Thank you to Josée for letting us learn a little bit more about one of our favorite musician groups! We can’t wait to work with you again soon!
