Photo by Rob Coca Creative
I met Joy at a number of local WIPA events. I just loved her energy and heck, we lived in the same neighborhood. I knew she was a violinist, but I didn’t realize that she got her doctorate. Talk about passion! Without further ado, excited to shine a very bright light on Dr. Joy Yamaguchi, Founder & Artistic Director of LAVANDULA STRINGS!
Photo by Pedro Sanchez
What was the path that led you to become a wedding musician?
My path to becoming a wedding musician has been a winding journey through performance, education, and entrepreneurship. I began studying violin at a young age, which eventually led me to pursue a doctorate in classical violin. Along the way, I had the privilege of studying with extraordinary musicians, performing chamber music, and exploring the many ways music can bring people together.
Throughout my career, I've also had the opportunity to work with several larger entertainment companies, which gave me valuable insight into the wedding industry from both the artistic and business perspectives. While I learned a great deal from those experiences, I began to recognize something that felt missing: the personal connection between the musicians and the couples we were serving, as well as a greater emphasis on the people behind the music.
I wanted to create something where couples felt genuinely seen and heard, where their stories and musical preferences were at the center of the experience. Equally important to me was building a business that treated musicians and artists with respect, offered fair compensation, and recognized the artistry and labor that goes into every performance.
That vision became Lavandula Strings. Today, I wear many hats as founder, artistic director, and violinist, but at the heart of everything is a desire to create meaningful musical experiences while building a community where talented musicians can thrive.
What excites you about weddings?
I love that every wedding has its own story. No two couples are alike, and I think music is one of the most beautiful ways to reflect that individuality.
There is something incredibly special about watching a familiar piece of music take on an entirely new meaning because of the moment in which it is heard. A song that might have been playing in someone's headphones for years suddenly becomes central to their wedding ceremony. I love helping couples find those moments and bring their ideas to life through music.
I also love the collaborative nature of weddings. Working alongside planners, designers, florists, photographers, and other artists to bring someone's vision to life is incredibly rewarding. There is so much creativity and care that goes into these celebrations, and I love being part of a team that makes something meaningful happen.
Ultimately, I get to combine my love of music with the opportunity to be part of one of the most significant days in someone's life. That never gets old.
Photo by Vanilla Film
What do you look for in a couple?
I love working with couples who are excited to make their wedding their own. Whether they gravitate toward timeless elegance, something unconventional, or a beautiful blend of different cultures and traditions, I love when couples aren't afraid to let their personalities shine through.
I especially enjoy couples who appreciate the artistry of live music and see it as more than just background entertainment. Some of my favorite collaborations have come from couples who bring us a song that holds a special memory, ask us to arrange something completely unexpected, or trust us to help create a musical experience they hadn't quite imagined yet.
I also value open communication and collaboration. I want couples to feel comfortable sharing their ideas, asking questions, and knowing that there is a real person behind the business who genuinely cares about making their day special.
Ultimately, I want the experience of working with Lavandula to feel just as thoughtful and personal as the music itself.
What is the greatest compliment you've ever received?
I think the greatest compliment is when someone tells me that the music made them feel something they weren't expecting to feel.
As musicians, we spend so much time thinking about the technical details: the phrasing, the balance, the preparation, and the countless hours of practice that go into a performance. But the most meaningful part is always what happens on the other side of that work. When someone is moved to tears, when guests stop mid-conversation to listen, or when a couple tells us that a particular song made the moment feel even more meaningful, that's everything to me.
I also find it incredibly meaningful when musicians tell me they feel valued and supported working with Lavandula. I believe that when artists are treated well, they have more room to bring their creativity, care, and best work to the table. Creating that kind of environment is something I'm just as proud of as the performances themselves.
What do you desire for your business?
My vision for Lavandula Strings is to continue growing while remaining deeply personal. I want to build a collective that is recognized not only for its musical excellence, but also for its creativity, warmth, and thoughtful approach to every event.
I'm excited about expanding into new markets, collaborating with incredible planners and creative teams, and continuing to build a repertoire that allows us to bring almost any musical vision to life. We love the intersection of classical music and contemporary culture, and I want Lavandula to continue pushing those boundaries.
Just as important is the kind of business I want to build behind the scenes. I want to create meaningful, sustainable opportunities for exceptional musicians, with fair compensation, clear communication, and an environment where artists feel respected and supported.
I genuinely believe that the experience we create for couples is directly connected to the experience we create for our musicians. When artists feel valued, they can do their best work, and that ultimately means a better experience for everyone.
More than anything, I hope Lavandula continues to be a place where artistry and meaningful human connection are equally valued.
Joy, that’s awesome. What are you grateful for?
I'm incredibly grateful for the people who have shaped my journey as a musician and the community I've been able to build along the way. Music is such a collaborative art form, and none of what I do would be possible without the talented musicians, mentors, colleagues, couples, and creative partners who bring their energy and artistry to every project.
I'm especially grateful for the musicians who have trusted me with their time, talent, and creativity as Lavandula has grown. Building something together with people who genuinely care about their craft is one of the most rewarding parts of this work.
I'm also grateful that music has allowed me to experience so many different places, cultures, and communities. From performing in concert halls to intimate celebrations, I've been reminded again and again that music has a remarkable ability to connect people across backgrounds and experiences.
And, of course, I'm grateful to the couples who trust us with such meaningful moments in their lives. It's a privilege I don't take lightly.
Photo by Rob Coca Creative
Any recent cause for celebration?
There have been quite a few exciting milestones for Lavandula Strings! We've been expanding our presence in New York and California while continuing to grow our work in Colorado and beyond. This year, we've had the opportunity to collaborate with some wonderful planners, designers, and creative teams, including an amazing presentation with New York Bridal Fashion Week.
I'm particularly excited about the direction the business is taking. We're continuing to grow our roster of talented musicians, expand our repertoire, and explore new creative collaborations. It's been rewarding to see something that began as a small creative vision develop into a growing community of artists.
I'm also celebrating the opportunity to build Lavandula more intentionally. It’s creating a business that reflects not only my artistic values but also the kind of environment I want to foster for other musicians. Seeing that vision take shape has been one of the most meaningful milestones for me.
CHECK OUT JOY & LAVANDULA ONLINE: