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Weddings

About

Dr. Vanessa Fountain (née Sheldon) is an award-winning harpist servicing Palm Springs and San Diego (plus other areas by request) who can enhance the mood of your wedding with her classical, jazz, pop, and rock styles on a variety of different harps. She specializes in composing and transcribing and enjoys the challenge of reinventing music for her harp.

Experience
Dr. Vanessa Fountain has been a professional pedal and Celtic harpist for over 15 years. At age 19, Dr. Fountain was honored as the youngest doctoral graduate at the University of Arizona, where she received her Doctorate of Musical Arts in harp and musicology. She has performed across the world, including China, South Africa, and Washington D.C. for people like Maya Angelou, Tippi Hedren, Florence Henderson, and Oprah Winfrey.

Services Offered
Dr. Vanessa Fountain can accompany ceremonies, cocktail hours, receptions, and rehearsal dinners, as well as provide liability insurance and travel upon request. Her artistic vision and harp technique allow her to play in a variety of genres, including Celtic and Latin. Depending on the number of musicians, arrangements include instrumental-duos, instrumental-solos, or instrumental-trios. Couples also have the option to ask Dr. Fountain to learn new songs. Instruments include:

  • Cello
  • Harp
  • Piano
  • Violin
  • Woman-owned
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Frequently asked questions

Which of the following are included in the price of your most popular wedding package?

Ceremony Music
Cocktail Hour Music
Learn New Songs
Reception Music

What ceremony music arrangements can you provide?

Instrumental - Solo
Instrumental - Duo
Instrumental - Trio

How many musicians are in your band(s)?

1 - 3

What instruments does your group play?

Guitar
Harp
Piano
Violin

What services do you provide?

Ceremony Music
Cocktail Hour Music
Learn New Songs
Liability Insurance
Reception Music
Rehearsal Dinner Music

Reviews of Dr. Vanessa Fountain, Harpist

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Erin Sent on 03/22/2022
5 out of 5 rating

Added even more beauty to my wedding

Dr. Vanessa was great from the beginning! Getting into contact with her was so easy and her response times were always prompt. We were able to decide everything within a couple of emails! Before my wedding, Vanessa checked in with me about my wedding color scheme and what to wear. Even though I didn’t particularly have one, I really appreciated the thoughtfulness!

On the day of the wedding Dr. Vanessa provided us with heavenly sounds. My mom told me she began weeping before I was even in view because of the beautiful harp music! It added a special touch that doesn’t always transfer with prerecorded music.

I would highly recommend Dr. Vanessa for your wedding! It will feel like a dream 💫
H
Heather Sent on 03/22/2022
5 out of 5 rating

A magical day with Magical music!

Dr. Fountain, with her harp, made our entire experience wonderful and beyond perfect. She is punctual, flexible, and a musical artist. Mt husband and I are beyond thankful that she said yes to our event. We will indeed be keeping her number and calling again. Huge thanks for helping make our day that much more special, for us and our family.
D
Dan D. Sent on 03/14/2022
5 out of 5 rating

She's the best!

Vanessa is amazing! She's quick to e-mail and takes calls, which is huge for us because we're BIG on communication. She laid out everything she can do and offered to do some custom covers as well. she's FANTASTIC! Happy to recommend her!
M
Megan Sent on 10/27/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Fabulous Harpist

Vanessa was delightful to work with. She’s professional, showed up on time, prompt and easy to communicate with and so extremely talented. The music she played on her harp for our wedding was heavenly and absolutely perfect. Do not hesitate to book her for your event!
M
Megan Sent on 10/18/2021
5 out of 5 rating

The perfect addition to any ceremony

Dr. Fountain’s playing was probably the thing that people raved about the most in terms of my wedding. The ceremony space was already so ethereal, and her music was just the cherry on top! From our first interaction, she was professional, responsive, and incredibly nice. Once my wedding producer took over, he told me the exact same things about her, and how she was the easiest vendor to work with. Thank you, Dr. Fountain, for helping me to create a day that was beyond what I dream of as a little girl.
Amber
Amber Sent on 09/29/2021
5 out of 5 rating

Rivera 2021 Catholic Ceremony

Vanessa was wonderful in every aspect! Her music list was perfect!! I had last minute music changes, and I was so stressed, but Vanessa was completely flexible/professional and adjusted. In the end my ceremony needs were met, and it was perfect! I would highly recommend Vanessa, not only was she great but she added to my special day! Thank you so much!
B
Barbra Sent on 11/19/2020
5 out of 5 rating

Nice wedding music

I do recommend Dr. Vanessa Sheldon for weddings. She is professional. Good contact, great music and beautiful instrument harp you can add to your scenery!
K
Kevin Sent on 07/13/2020
5 out of 5 rating

Talented harpist!

For a backyard family event (25th wedding anniversary), Dr. Vanessa Sheldon played the harp during our cocktail hour and was absolutely superb. Very talented and professional, she set the perfect tone for an elegant evening. I deeply appreciated that she also provided a list of songs in advance to customize her performance, and was also willing to take requests or learn new songs in advance. Great to work with and smooth communication!
C
Colleen Sent on 11/24/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Wedding Harpist

Her expertise and beautiful talent added the perfect ambiance to our wedding ceremony! She was lovely to work with and even played a song of our choice not included in her repertoire!
E
Erica Sent on 11/18/2019
5 out of 5 rating

Malia and Eric Indian Wells, 11/9/2019

Dr. Vanessa Sheldon, was a perfect add on to Malia and Eric's wedding. She played the harpist so gracefully and everything fell into place with her beautiful melody.
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Awards

70
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2020 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2019 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2018 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2017 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2016 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2015 Winner
WeddingWire Couples' Choice Awards 2014 Winner

Professional Network & Endorsements

1 Endorsement
Sweet Smiles Artistry Sweet Smiles Artistry Wedding Hair & Makeup

To any Bride looking to book a harpist for their wedding: Dr. Vanessa Sheldon is the harpist to go with! She will add a touch of elegance to any event!

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