Glamorous décor, delicious food and colorful flowers can only go so far when planning one of the most important days of a bride and grooms' life. Years from now, friends and family won’t be reminiscing about how delicious your caterer was, but instead will remember how they felt that special day. A great way to set the mood and create an unforgettable event is music. I had the pleasure of speaking with Veronica Martell, an expert in creating life-long memories.
Starting at a ripe young age, Veronica lent her pipes to the church choir before stepping out on her own at the age of eighteen. After ten years in the biz and an impressive career that includes recording four CDs and performing across the globe with the likes of Tony Bennett, Donna Summer and John Mayer, you would think this songstress would call it quits. Quite the contrary: she’s just getting started.
Within the last two years, Martell has partnered up with equally impressive vocalists and musicians Justin Matthew, Lawrence Clayton and Tess Santos to form Veronica Martell Entertainment. This all-inclusive entertainment company has everything a bride and groom could want including an orchestra, classical division, lighting, staging and more.
From 80’s rock to Motown, the talented Veronica Martell and her rockin’ band will have everyone out of their seats and on the dance floor, even your grandparents!
What’s your favorite style of music?
Being in a cover band you get to play a lot of music you don’t necessarily listen to which I love. I love all music, but when I’m at home I listen to mostly jazz and R&B.
What was your first job/ how did you get into this business?
I was eighteen years old and a friend of mine asked me if I wanted to perform at an event. I knew five songs and it was very intimidating being that it was my first experience.
If you weren’t a musician, what would you have done?
Gone to law school.
What was your wedding song?
We kind of had the anti-wedding. It was just 50 of our closest friends and family at a dinner party. We had a pianist as our entertainment.
Two things we don’t know about you?
I was a fitness competitor several years ago and I like to cook!
Live music or a DJ?
Live music.
Outdoor wedding or indoor wedding?
That’s tricky, if the weather is perfect, an outdoor wedding.
What do you love most about your job?
I always joke with people and say I go to parties for a living, but I think having the privilege of bringing happiness and joy to a couple on one of their most important days is amazing.
What’s the funniest thing you have experienced at a wedding?
I think choreographed dances are always fun when the couple pretends to have a slow dance then break into a fast-paced dance. I was at one wedding when the groom and his groomsmen all dropped their pants and were wearing matching boxers, which was funny.
What was the most moving thing you have experienced?
A groom brought out his mother who was in a wheelchair for a dance. He was twirling her around and at one point picked her up and held her, it was beautiful and so sentimental.
What was the most unique song requested by a bride and groom?
Fourth of July by Shooter Jennings. It wasn’t a bad song, just a real upbeat country song for their first dance was unexpected, but there are no rules you have to follow.
What are some trends you’ve noticed this year?
I would say people are going back to traditional dances. I’ve also noticed that couples have done away with formal introductions of the bridal parties. I would also say that couples are really customizing what they want to hear and what their friends want to hear; they are really getting involved in the whole process.
Advice for brides and grooms?
I always try to give couples guidelines and options, like get an idea of what size band would work well with their wedding. For example, suggesting a three-string brass band if they wanted music for their ceremony. A lot of couples already know what they want, so I want to get a real sense of who the couple is and what types/styles of music they like.
There’s nothing worse than an empty dance floor, so leave it to the experts at Veronica Martell Entertainment to get your guests out of their seats and on the dance floor for a night they will always remember. You’re feet may hate you, but they’ll get over it.
Visit https://www.veronicamartellentertainment.com/ for more information.