Vendor Spotlight: Flutist Marinda Tran
Flutist Marinda Tran offers wedding ceremony and cocktail party performances to play the songs of your love story. Her deeply emotional playing and explorative nature mean there’s no limit to what genres you may request. If you desire a duo, trio, or quartet, Marinda Tran delights in bringing together an ensemble of gifted musicians just for you.
What made you get into the wedding industry?
The songs from your wedding day will stay with you for the rest of your life. Everyone who loves you will remember the memory of your moment when they hear these songs. Weddings are so intimate and personal – I appreciate the trust brides have in me. When brides invite me into the room with such important people in their lives, and I get to witness them be so stunning and emotional, I feel so invested in their love. My favourite songs to play are about love. And after living abroad for two years and collaborating with international musicians, I grew very fond of learning new genres of music.
As an award-winning classically trained musician, the wedding song requests are fun and easy for me. I can give my emotions to the music and spare a second to look up at the audience as I play, receiving the way the music hits them.
What makes you differentiate from other vendors?
Music wise:
It surprises me that it’s rare to have a flutist like me who can play any genre & song request. Ask me to play a song, I’ll find the sheet music on my iPad & I’m ready to riff and groove with you.
Style/Personality wise:
I love to be part of the occasion and wear a dress that matches the theme of the wedding.
I adore my brides so much. I’m very happy to arrive early and join the bridal party in hair & makeup if they feel that connection with me.
I’m very personal. Music is so personal. Music means something. You deserve the song that means the most to you on your wedding day, and you deserve someone who absolutely adores you to play from that heart.
What other fellow wedding vendors do you recommend?
Jennifer from Sheer Elegance & Design. When I made the back cover of the Modern Bride Planner 2023 Edition, it was Jennifer who gave me a floral-arched stage framed with candles. She and her wedding planner, Paulette, took care of the stage setting through a full two-day event. They were both like moms to me, really looking out for me and helping me feel confident. I’ve overheard the way they talk to my brides, and they’re so informative, guiding, and reassuring. They hold good standards for you and won’t let you drop your bar while also being very mindful of your budget.
Toni Rose Muah Makeup Artist. Toni’s company led the makeup and hair for the Modern Bride Wedding Show. By Day 2, she had invited me into hair & makeup alongside her models, and I felt like a star. The artist from her team who worked magic on me was Victoria Palermo. Toni Rose Muah is so responsive, generous, and kind. I saw her direct a whole room of models and makeup artists while also ensuring her own wedding show booth was stunning and experiential. I respect her organization, clarity, and efficiency on the business side. Then on the personal side, I knew as soon as I met her that she has an appreciation and sensitivity to everyone. I saw how she took care of her makeup artists and me. I trust her.
What are the perks of booking with you?
Music:
As an award-winning classical musician, many of my summer orchestra friends are now international touring artists. This means if you want a duo, trio, or quartet, I can arrange the world-class talent you really deserve at your wedding at a price range that surprises wedding planners. (Booking me now before Hollywood poaches me is a good idea.)
I continue to study with the flute teachers who guided me to my awards because music is a lifelong mastery.
I’m flexible with music requests and highly-skilled at playing — including last-minute requests.
Appearance:
I like to wear silk dresses to weddings that match the theme of the wedding. 🙂
Extending the Spotlight:
While I present as an elegant flutist in the front, behind the scenes, I am an impressive connector. Working with me means that behind the scenes, I’m lining up special treats for the brides in my circle. I just love extending the spotlight.
Wedding Vendor Network:
As a rare talent, I have a lot of wedding vendors approaching me.
So when a bride approaches me because their heart resonated with me, but they’re still looking for a venue, wedding planner, decorator, makeup artist, etc. I can personally introduce them to those who have guided and supported me. The people in my circle have big hearts.
What’s the coolest wedding you’ve ever attended?
Obviously the first wedding I played. Honestly, it was special to me because my little sister put flowers in my hair. She & I are both talents — her talent took her to Japan for architecture. I really miss her. Part of why I love the wedding industry is because it’s like a sisterhood I really adore.
What is your favorite wedding trend for 2023?
Candles lighting the path to the altar. It’s so beautiful to me.
What wedding planning advice would you give engaged couples?
Don’t be shy to approach vendors because you’re worried about the budget. The right vendors for you will still want to support you in any way they can. If for some reason, it becomes that hiring your dream vendor isn’t possible, at the end of the day, you expressed appreciation for their work. That acknowledgement means a lot to us.
I’m really sensitive at wedding vendor shows and my feelings get a bit hurt when someone turns their eyes. On the flip side, I am SO HAPPY when a bride shares their love song with me/ their dream “walking down the aisle” song. Honestly, as an artist, connecting and exploring music that means something to you is so fun for me.
