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Set in the heart of Dorset, Parley Manor is one of those wedding venues that feels like it has everything – elegance, history, and glorious gardens that seem made for a summer celebration. This Georgian manor house, surrounded by four acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, provided the perfect backdrop for the wedding of Nicola and Thomas.

From the garden ceremony to the outdoor drinks reception and the marquee wedding breakfast, JAM Duo – cello and piano – were delighted to provide live music throughout the day. Their thoughtful song choices, combined with some truly personal touches, made this a wedding to remember.


The Ceremony – A Garden Marquee Filled with Music

The ceremony took place in a romantic marquee set within the gardens of Parley Manor. As guests gathered and awaited the arrival of the bride, JAM Duo created a serene and emotional atmosphere with a carefully chosen selection of pre-ceremony music:

Pre-Ceremony

  • Halo – Beyoncé
  • Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol
  • What Was I Made For? – Billie Eilish
  • Lost Without You – Freya Ridings
  • Someone You Loved – Lewis Capaldi

When the moment came, Nicola made her entrance to a beautiful rendition of Wings by Birdy, perfectly capturing the romance of the occasion.

For the signing of the register, we played:

  • Birds of a Feather – Billie Eilish
  • Ordinary – Alex Warren

The ceremony concluded with an energetic and unexpected twist – the couple’s exit to Still D.R.E. by Dr Dre. This brought smiles all round and set a joyful, celebratory tone as the newlyweds led their guests out into the sunshine.


Drinks Reception – Music on the Lawns

Following the ceremony, guests moved onto the lawns of Parley Manor to enjoy drinks, canapés, and plenty of sunshine. JAM Duo relocated seamlessly to provide a vibrant mix of romantic ballads and upbeat favourites.

Highlights included:

  • A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
  • Beautiful Girls – Sean Kingston
  • Beneath Your Beautiful – Labrinth
  • Pink Pony Club – Chappell Roan
  • Wildest Dreams – Taylor Swift
  • Dancing on My Own – Calum Scott
  • Lost – Dermot Kennedy
  • You’re Still the One – Shania Twain
  • Feel the Love – Rudimental

The relaxed atmosphere of the gardens, combined with the music, made this part of the day particularly special – filled with laughter, chatter, and the joy of friends and family celebrating together.


Wedding Breakfast – A Marquee Filled with Soundtrack Favourites

For the wedding breakfast, guests were welcomed into another marquee within the grounds. Here, JAM Duo provided a varied and heartfelt programme of music that reflected the couple’s wide-ranging tastes – from classical-inspired themes to modern chart hits and film favourites.

The set included:

  • Love Story – Taylor Swift
  • Save Your Tears – The Weeknd
  • Anyone – Justin Bieber
  • Lord of the Rings: The Shire & May It Be – Howard Shore & Enya
  • Demons – Imagine Dragons
  • Hero – Enrique Iglesias
  • Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
  • Chandelier – Sia
  • Dancing in the Moonlight – Toploader
  • Shallow – from A Star is Born
  • Make You Feel My Love – Adele
  • If I Ain’t Got You – Alicia Keys
  • Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers
  • Yellow – Coldplay
  • The Scientist – Coldplay

The music helped to weave a beautiful atmosphere through the meal, supporting conversation while still giving moments of recognition as familiar melodies floated through the marquee.


Special Touches

Every wedding has its unique moments, and Nicola and Thomas’ celebration included two particularly memorable details:

✨ An Owl Ring Bearer – As a surprise for their guests, the wedding rings were delivered by an owl, flying gracefully down the aisle to the delight of everyone present. It was a magical moment that perfectly suited the garden setting.

✨ Personalised Gift Bags for the Musicians – Nicola and Thomas also showed us an incredible kindness. Each of us was given a bag of snacks to enjoy during the day, but with an extra special touch – the bags were printed with our names and JAM Duo’s name. Jules had a bag marked “Jules, JAM Duo” and Anne-Marie’s read “Anne-Marie, JAM Duo.” This was such a thoughtful gesture, and one we will always remember.


Reflections on the Day

Performing for Nicola and Thomas at Parley Manor was a genuine privilege. The venue itself is stunning – with its Georgian elegance, blooming gardens, and airy marquees – but it was the warmth and personality of the couple that made the day so memorable.

Their music choices reflected both romance and individuality, from Wings and Birds of a Feather to the iconic Still D.R.E.exit, creating a soundtrack that truly belonged to them.


Thank You

We would like to extend our warmest thanks to Nicola and Thomas for inviting JAM Duo to be part of their wedding day. It was a joy to provide the soundtrack to such a beautiful occasion, and we wish them every happiness in their future together.


Planning Your Own Wedding at Parley Manor or in Dorset?

If you’re looking for live wedding music in Dorset or beyond, JAM Duo can provide elegant, bespoke music for your ceremony, drinks reception, and wedding breakfast. With our blend of piano and cello, we help to create unforgettable memories and add that personal touch to your day.

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