Hello friends!
One of the best things a wedding coordinator or planner can do for their clients is to offer suggestions of trusted, valuable, reliable vendors for couples needing to put together the last pieces of their planning puzzle. Through both my work in weddings as well as my lovely non-profit 9-5, I’ve gotten to know some really wonderful people who are invested in making your big day all it should be!
When you book me as your coordinator, you’ll gain instant access to my trusted list of preferred vendors - NONE of which you need to use, but ALL of whom I can 100% vouch for. And before you even ask - because it’s definitely a thing in our industry - I get absolutely zero kickbacks on these referrals. There’s nothing in it for me except my sincere desire to pair you with a vendor who will work for you, and whose work ethic I can stand behind. Often, hiring one of my trusted vendors adds a useful shorthand to the planning process. If I’ve already worked a wedding or two with the photographer you’ve booked, chances are we get along, speak the same professional language, and will cut right to the chase to get shit done for you, our beloved clients!
With all of that in mind, I’m pleased to introduce what I hope will be a monthly feature on the blog - VENDOR SPOTLIGHTS!
I’m thrilled to begin this series highlighting a wonderful artist and musician. With my connection to one of the world’s top conservatories for dance, drama, and music, you can absolutely count on me for superior artist recommendations! From jazz and opera singers, string or jazz quartets, solo pianists, harpists, or guitarists, I’ve got you covered! Without further ado, read on for more info on the talented and generous classical guitarist, LUCAS PULLIN.
Q: Thanks for being the first of my vendor spotlight series! Can you tell my readers what led you to the weddings, specifically, and how long have you been in the industry?
A: I have been playing weddings within the NYC area since 2011 through The Juilliard School Office of Career Services. As a Juilliard alumnus, they offer students and alumni performance opportunities. From my first wedding performance, I’ve fallen in love with working on providing that magical musical moment for my couples at their ceremonies!
Q: What do you love most about being a wedding musician?
A: For me, The best part of a wedding ceremony is its beginning - that moment of silence before the prelude or processional piece, where guests feel their heart beat a little bit faster. Music is just another spark and it sets the actual beginning of the ceremony.
Q: Tell me about your most memorable and fun wedding.
A: My most remarkable experience was to perform for a couple where the bride not only holds a very important event planner job, but also worked on planning her own wedding! [Full Disclosure: This bride is ME! Lucas was our ceremony musician, and he totally rocked it! His custom arrangements for not one but THREE songs for our ceremony, coupled with his existing rep of classical guitar music as our guests arrived, set the scene and mood perfectly.] I was given perfect timings for my arrangements and I felt the most comfortable to perform and finish the arrangement precisely with her last steps to the altar. Stephanie and Patrick picked me as their ceremony musician and it was such a pleasure.
Q: What does a typical wedding day look like for you?
A: I arrive at the venue ahead of time to prepare my music and find my sitting spot (as a classical guitarist, I need to sit to play properly). A talk with the event planner is crucial for knowing the correct cues to begin each song. My priority on the day of the wedding is to make these contacts efficiently so I have my fingers and music ready for the ceremony!
Q: What is the best part of your job, as a wedding musician?
A: My instrument is the classical guitar. If I'm performing solo, I usually bring a small amp with me and I only need an outlet and an armless chair to perform. The guitar can play and sound like a "miniature orchestra" so the possibilities are endless! I love making custom arrangements of any music on the guitar, from Bach to Bon Jovi. Please don't hesitate to ask me about any arrangements for the guitar!
Q: From your experience, what should couples ask a potential musician in the interview process?
A: During the first conversation with the musician, couples should not feel shy! If you know the music you want, it can definitely be done! If you don't yet know your choices, we will work together! If there is a song, a feeling, a mood...I'll help you make it yours!
Q: What makes you unique from other wedding musicians?
A: Along with my classical training and the ability to arrange music, I can play a little bit of jazz tunes and bossa nova, from my birth country Brazil. After most ceremonies I've performed at, I also provide the cocktail hour music, mixing classical music with other genres.
Q: Do you have any special discounts or offers for your services at this time that my readers should know about?
A: I offer a great package deal if you book me for both the ceremony AND the cocktail hour!
But don't just take my word for it - listen to some of the beautiful music he's arranged for wedding ceremonies, or hear some of his Brazilian repertoire, too!
Want to hire Lucas for your upcoming wedding? Reach out to him HERE and be sure to mention my name in your inquiry.
See you next month with another excellent vendor!
xoxo,
