Nestled in the heart of the Essex countryside, Houchins in Coggeshall offered the perfect setting for Ellese and Jamie’s unforgettable wedding day. With its charming gardens, rustic-modern barns, and the tranquil ambiance of a true countryside escape, this beautiful venue provided a stunning backdrop for a ceremony that was heartfelt, personal, and full of joy.
For JAM Duo, it was a pleasure and privilege to be part of such a special occasion. With the ceremony held outside under a graceful stretch tent, we set up our Nord Piano 5 and Yamaha Electric Cello in the gardens, ready to provide a fully live soundtrack to the most meaningful moments of the day.
The Ceremony – Elegant, Emotional, and Unforgettable
As guests arrived and took their seats in the serene garden setting, we began our pre-ceremony set with a selection of romantic and reflective pieces. From Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” to “Unchained Melody” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love,”the music created a gentle, welcoming atmosphere as the anticipation grew.
For the bridal entrance, we began with Pachelbel’s Canon in D to accompany the bridesmaids – always a timeless and elegant choice. But what truly stood out was Ellese’s walk down the aisle with her father to “Miserable at Best” by Mayday Parade. This personal and poignant choice perfectly captured the emotional depth of the moment, and Ellese looked absolutely stunning in her wedding dress as she made her way towards Jamie.
During the signing of the register, we continued with “Starlight” by Muse and “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” by Green Day – a mix of uplifting and reflective, as the couple sealed their vows.
To close the ceremony, we played “Dancing in the Moonlight” by Toploader – a joyful, upbeat exit song that set the tone for the celebration to follow.
Drinks Reception – Music in the Gardens
After the ceremony, guests made their way to the drinks reception – also held in the beautiful gardens. With glasses of fizz in hand and the sun shining down, this was the perfect time to transition into a more relaxed and celebratory atmosphere.
We performed a wide-ranging set of songs that reflected Ellese and Jamie’s diverse musical tastes. Highlights included “Forever” by Lewis Capaldi, “Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac, “As It Was” by Harry Styles, and “Sweet Child of Mine” by Guns N’ Roses – all arranged by JAM Duo for live piano and cello.
One particularly touching moment was towards the end of our set when we played “Champagne Problems” by Taylor Swift – a special request to be played late in the reception so Ellese could hear it properly. It was the perfect way to round off our live music contribution, and we loved seeing the couple and their guests enjoying every note.
Other requests such as “Birds of a Feather” by Billie Eilish and “You’re Still the One” by Shania Twain added to the atmosphere, showing just how meaningful and personal the music was to the couple.
About the Venue – Houchins, Coggeshall
Houchins is a hidden gem in Essex, offering a unique blend of historic charm and contemporary style. With a lovingly restored farmhouse, modern barn spaces, and sweeping gardens, it’s a venue that truly has it all – elegance, intimacy, and a welcoming atmosphere. Outdoor weddings here are especially magical, and Ellese and Jamie made the most of everything the venue has to offer.
The acoustic qualities of the gardens and the flexibility of the stretch tent made it an ideal setup for live music, allowing our instruments to resonate naturally without the need for amplification.
Thank You to Ellese & Jamie
We’d like to offer our heartfelt thanks to Ellese and Jamie for choosing JAM Duo to be part of their wedding day. It was a joy to work with such a lovely couple and to help bring their vision for the music to life. Every moment – from the walk down the aisle to the final notes of the drinks reception – was filled with love, laughter, and emotion.
We’re so grateful to have shared in their celebration and wish them all the happiness in the world as they begin this new chapter together.
🎻 Real instruments. Real music. Real moments.
If you’re planning your own wedding and looking for bespoke live music to accompany your day, we’d love to hear from you. Whether it’s under a stretch tent in the sunshine or inside a grand barn, JAM Duo will be there to provide the perfect soundtrack.
