Hey, hey, heyyyyy! My name is Jessica (aka Wayfaring Wanderer) and I am a free-spirited photographer who loves working with couples, individuals, and families who are committed to travel, adventure, and laid-back lifestyles. I've lived in the Boone, NC area since 2005 and I'm known for capturing the spirit of the folks I photograph—the expressions, gestures, and details that are outward expressions of our innermost selves. While I'm primarily a wedding + elopement photographer, I also love working w/ individuals/couples/families that are traveling to the High Country area to getaway to the mountains. I absolutely love what I do and am so grateful to work with some of the most amazing people in one of the most beautiful places EVAR. Let’s go on an adventure!
April 1, 2016
Maureen Renihan and Friends Jazz Band was started because the singer wanted to offer something unique that wasn’t already being done in the music community. Her sound is described as nostalgic and romantic which is perfect for weddings and other events, upscale and casual. She has an AH-MAZING voice and plays with some extremely talented musicians from all over NC!
Maureen discovered how much she loved singing with a live band while working as an actor. It came naturally since she had experience doing musical theater. After singing with other bands here in the High Country she decided to put together her own group that features rotating musicians and began playing at venues around the Boone and Blowing Rock areas.
You can see her perform at a number of different venues around town on a regular basis. And Maureen also travels down the mountain for shows on occasion, too. I enjoy going to see her with friends on Wednesday’s for Jazz Night at The Local to hear her beautiful music. I’m excited to share this behind-the-scenes interview about how and why Maureen Renihan & Friends Jazz Band got started.
I want to showcase passionate professionals in the wedding industry that help bring the day of your dreams to life. There are real people behind these businesses and I want you to get a glimpse of how they got started and why they do what they do. I hope you enjoy this behind-the-scenes interview series. I’m so excited to spotlight these High Country Creators.
I started out as an actor and worked at local theaters when I met musicians who invited me to sing with them. After singing with a live band I was hooked and couldn’t get enough. I already knew a lot of tunes from my time in musical theater and realized how much fun I could have taking on different interpretations of the music.
I had been singing with other bands and wanted a bit more control over the material I would perform and the style in which I would perform it. So, a musician friend encouraged me to seek out my own opportunities. I started contacting venues and finally got my foot in the door. I found some places that really embraced what I do and I eventually established a regular presence at those venues. Once I had a taste of success, I just kept going and it really has been so empowering doing what I love to do professionally.
I heard about High South Event Professionals and started following some of the wedding vendors through social media. I was in awe of the teamwork, beauty, talent, and creativity involved in the photography, decor, flowers, and cakes. I realized my music is very nostalgic and romantic and I imagined it would be a perfect fit for weddings. I feel energized and inspired by others’ creativity and emotion and I’m drawn to it. I think it has to do with my theatrical background and the excitement of putting things together behind the scenes and having an amazing end product to share.
Finally performing a specially requested song and seeing how much it means to people.
I am somewhat of a scatterbrain and once inspiration hits, I find it difficult to focus. I over-think.
There’s such a great opportunity with jazz to connect younger generations with older generations. Time and time again, I will hear someone say that they want to bring their parents to hear us because this is the music they would love. What better way to share and connect with your loved ones than through familiar classics? It’s a way to reflect the couple’s unique personal style and bring people together.
RELATED LINK: High Country Creators: Boone Photo Booth
I had a limited budget, but I wanted to have a string quartet. In order to keep expenses low, I hired students. Now, many students are responsible, but I would recommend hiring full-time professionals. Unfortunately, my quartet arrived late and I was told about it just a few minutes before they arrived and it was time to start walking down the aisle. I had a “show must go on” mentality, but luckily it all worked out. I also hired a dj who happened to play remixes for most of the reception. I wish I had asked him for his list of tunes ahead of time. He did play everything we specifically asked for, though, so I would highly recommend giving as many specifics as you can with that.
We’re both nature lovers, so we had an outdoor ceremony at a beautiful rustic venue in the mountains of Western Pennsylvania. We’re also easy going people who love tradition as well as letting loose and having fun. My dad always played classical music when I was growing up, so having a string quartet was important to me. My old theater pals sang and read poetry. The reception incorporated everything from Hank Williams to B-52’s. Our first dance was “I Only Have Eyes for You,” but we say our official song is “Rock Lobster.” It was a day mixed with tradition, humor, and fun.
Look around at everything and everyone – especially your future spouse and take it all in. Just breathe. This is your special day.
Stop crying already; you’re messing up your make-up.
Wayfaring Wanderer! Miss Match Rentals, Casa Rustica Catering, Fuschia Moss Floral Design, Events by Elizabeth Ashley, The Whole Shebang, A Bushel and a Peck, Beautiful Bride, Hallmark Cakes, Desi’s Floral and Design, Revival Photography
Jessica is extremely down to earth. She is like a good friend that will let you know what’s working and what’s not. She knows when to be a go-getting pro and when to be fun and free. She oozes creativity and has a gift for catching the essence of who and what you’re all about. She has an eye for beauty. I always say that a musician’s personality comes out through their playing. Jessica is a beautiful person and her light, joy, and sense of adventure come through in her photography.
Hear Maureen & Friends live and in-person every Wednesday for
Jazz Night @ The Local in Boone, NC from 6:00-9:00 pm
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Maureen Renihan | 828-406-4264
My name is Jessica and I’m a wedding, engagement and lifestyle photographer based in Boone, NC. I’m known for capturing the spirit of the folks I photograph–the expressions, gestures, and details that are outward expressions of our innermost selves. I love working with couples, individuals and families who are committed to travel, adventure, and laid-back lifestyles. If you think we might be kindreds, I invite you to connect with me!
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Thank you so much for taking the time to contact me. I'm truly grateful to do what I love and I appreciate your time and consideration in advance! My response time is 24-hours for all wedding, engagement, and family photography inquiries. I look forward to connecting with you soon! In the meantime, let's be friends on Instagram. I love sharing a behind-the-scenes look at life in Boone, NC as a wedding photographer!
call or text 828.773.8764 | email: wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com | get in touch
call or text 828.773.8764
email: wayfaringwanderer@gmail.com
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