Hailing from Jackson, Mississippi, Mandy Mangrum Jones began studying harp in 2002. In the same year, she participated in Louisiana Harp Rally and received first place as well as the “Outstanding Musician” award. Mandy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from Louisiana State University and a Master’s degree in Music Performance with a concentration on harp and a minor in Music Education at the University of North Texas where she studied with Dr. Jaymee Haefner. Mandy has performed in Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, and Texas. She has performed with Country Music superstar, Tim McGraw as well as perform for the First Lady of Texas, Anita Perry. She has also performed the National Anthem for the Mississippi Braves.
Premier Bride of Mississippi and Premier Wedding of Mobile Bay writer, Jenny Cox Holman, interviewed Mandy to find out more about her experience as a harpist for wedding ceremonies and receptions.
Mandy, how long have you been in business and how did you get started?
I have played the harp for weddings for about 13 years now. I started taking harp lessons in high school and went on to get my Bachelor of Music degree and Master of Music degree.
What do you like most about what you do?
I love getting to meet the bride and groom and hearing their story. One bride told me her and her groom’s first date was to the Twilight movie so she requested “Thousand Years,” the Twilight theme song, to be played as her processional. I thought it was really sweet.
Tell us about you and your company: what you do, special services, products, exclusives, etc.
I am very versatile in what I play and for the type of event I can play for. I not only have played weddings, but also, rehearsal dinners, bridesmaids’ luncheon, and the reception. As for special services, I can play either solo or with another instrument. I have played with organ, piano, violin, flute, and soloists. It is really up to the bride and her preference of music and the sound she wants.
If you could give a bride one tip/one bit of advice, what would that be?
If I could give a bride a bit of advice it would be to choose music that fits with you and your groom and the theme of your wedding day. If you’re having a traditional wedding then choose traditional music. If you and your groom love Broadway musicals, then choose music from your favorite musicals.
Lindsay Vallas Photography
Do you have any funny stories to share (no names please)?
A funny story happened to me when I played this one wedding in an open field out in the middle of nowhere. It was a beautiful setting and the ceremony went great. After the ceremony the guests made their way to the area that was set up for the reception, myself included with harp in tow. I set up and began to play background music as guests mingled and ate. As the sun went down, the bugs came out and although I had bug spray on, it only seemed to attract them. It got to the point that I could hardly play for swatting off mosquitos, at which point the bride’s grandmother came up to me and offers her “special bug repellent.” Out of desperation I took her up on it. So, as I start to play “Unchained Melody” this sweet grandmother starts lathering my arms up with her “special repellent.” Looking back, I’m not sure her “special bug repellent” did any good but I am sure I looked pretty silly having the bride’s grandmother covering my arms in lotion as I played the harp!
Would you like to book Mandy Mangrum Jones for your wedding festivities? Email MississippiHarpist@gmail.com or visit her website for more information.