A Cotswolds celebration filled with butterflies, music, and love
The Cotswolds is a part of England that never fails to inspire. With its rolling hills, honey-coloured stone villages, and timeless beauty, it has become one of the most sought-after wedding destinations in the UK. For Tracey and Ben, the choice of Charingworth Manor as their wedding venue brought together the best of the Cotswolds – history, charm, and breathtaking surroundings.
The Venue – Charingworth Manor
Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds, Charingworth Manor is a stunning country house hotel with over 700 years of history. Built from the golden Cotswold stone that characterises the region, the manor is surrounded by lush gardens and panoramic views across the Gloucestershire countryside.
For couples, it offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and elegance. Outdoor ceremonies here feel intimate and romantic, framed by gardens that change beautifully with the seasons. On Tracey and Ben’s wedding day, the grounds were alive with summer colour – and as guests gathered for the ceremony, butterflies danced gracefully across the garden, adding a magical touch to the setting.
Ceremony Music – A Beautiful Beginning
For JAM Duo, it was an honour to provide the soundtrack to Tracey and Ben’s ceremony in the garden. With the summer sun overhead and guests seated in the tranquil surroundings, the atmosphere was already full of anticipation.
The bridal party’s entrance was a carefully planned moment:
- Flower Girls & Bridesmaids: A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
- Entrance of the Bride: Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
Tracey looked absolutely radiant as she entered with her father, her beautiful dress catching the light as she walked through the garden. The combination of cello and piano gave both pieces a rich, timeless quality, adding depth and elegance to the moment.
As the ceremony concluded, the newlyweds walked back down the aisle to Ed Sheeran’s Perfect – an upbeat, joyful choice that celebrated their new life together.
Drinks Reception – Contemporary Sounds in the Cotswolds
After the ceremony, guests moved seamlessly into the drinks reception, also held in the garden. With the manor as a backdrop and the Cotswold hills stretching into the distance, it was the perfect setting to enjoy champagne, canapés, and live music.
Jules and Anne-Marie performed a carefully chosen set of contemporary songs, arranged for piano and cello. These arrangements transformed well-loved hits into something elegant and atmospheric, perfectly suited to the relaxed garden setting. From romantic ballads to upbeat favourites, the music provided a soundtrack that felt personal, joyful, and celebratory.
Live Music, Live Atmosphere
One of the hallmarks of a JAM Duo wedding is that everything is performed 100% live – no backing tracks, no hidden accompaniments, just the authentic sound of cello and piano. This means every piece is perfectly timed to the moment, whether it’s the bride’s entrance, the couple’s exit, or a lively drinks reception.
For Tracey and Ben’s wedding, this flexibility allowed us to create seamless transitions, shaping the atmosphere in real time to reflect the flow of the day. The result was music that felt organic, heartfelt, and entirely unique to their celebration.
A Day to Remember
Tracey and Ben’s wedding at Charingworth Manor was a true Cotswolds celebration – filled with beauty, laughter, and love. From Tracey’s breathtaking entrance to the couple’s joyful exit, the soundtrack to the day reflected their personalities and created lasting memories for everyone present.
As the butterflies fluttered across the garden and guests relaxed in the sunshine, it was a reminder of how live music can transform a wedding. For us at JAM Duo, it was a privilege to be part of such a special day.
Congratulations once again to Tracey and Ben – we wish you every happiness in your future together.
Spotlight on Charingworth Manor
Charingworth Manor is one of the Cotswolds’ hidden gems. Dating back over 700 years, this historic manor house is built from the region’s iconic honey-coloured stone and has long been a landmark of Gloucestershire’s rolling countryside. Originally a medieval estate, it has been carefully preserved and enhanced over the centuries, blending traditional charm with the comforts of a modern country house hotel.
Set amidst acres of beautiful gardens and with sweeping views across the Cotswold hills, the manor offers an idyllic setting for weddings. Couples can exchange vows indoors in elegant, wood-beamed rooms or outdoors in the gardens, surrounded by timeless English scenery.
As a wedding venue, Charingworth Manor combines history, romance, and flexibility. Its character-filled spaces and stunning grounds provide the perfect backdrop for every part of a wedding day, from intimate ceremonies to summer drinks receptions alive with butterflies and birdsong.
For couples dreaming of a Cotswold wedding, Charingworth Manor offers both grandeur and intimacy – a place where centuries of history meet the beauty of the present day.
