At JAM Duo, we always say that live music has the power to transform a wedding day. For Katie and Connor’s beautiful celebration at Tickton Grange in East Yorkshire, that sentiment couldn’t have been truer. From the moment guests arrived at the elegant Rose Room for the ceremony, to the joyful drinks reception in the Garden Room, our cello and piano duo provided a bespoke soundtrack that reflected the couple’s personality and style.
Tickton Grange is one of those venues that feels both stately and welcoming. A Georgian country house set in acres of gardens and parkland, it has a unique charm that makes it perfect for weddings. The Rose Room, with its soft tones and timeless décor, created an intimate and romantic setting for the vows, while the Garden Room opened up to sunshine, laughter, and clinking glasses after the confetti shot. It was an absolute pleasure for us to return to Tickton Grange — a venue that really lends itself to the beauty of live, acoustic music.
The Arrival
Katie made a stunning entrance before the ceremony had even begun. She arrived in style in a striking black vintage car, the perfect choice to complement the elegance of the venue and the day as a whole. Inside the Rose Room, the anticipation was building as Connor and the guests awaited her arrival.
Katie’s six bridesmaids entered first, bringing warmth and excitement into the room as they walked down the aisle to “At Last I See the Light” from Tangled. Played on our cello and piano combination, this Disney classic brought a sense of magic to the moment — the perfect way to set the scene before Katie herself made her entrance.
Accompanied by her father, Katie then walked down the aisle to “Annie’s Song” by John Denver. This heartfelt melody, one of the most beautiful love songs ever written, felt incredibly moving in the Rose Room. As live musicians, we were able to shape the timing perfectly to her walk, ensuring that the music reached its cadence at the exact moment she joined Connor at the front — something you simply can’t achieve with a backing track.
Ceremony Music
The ceremony itself was full of love and joy, and music was woven into the key moments. For the signing of the register, Katie and Connor chose two upbeat and charming numbers:
- “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” – Queen
- “Kiss the Girl” – The Little Mermaid
These pieces brought smiles to the faces of guests, reminding everyone of the celebratory mood. The cello brought a warm, lyrical quality to Kiss the Girl, while the piano drove the rhythm of Queen’s classic in a light-hearted, romantic way.
For their exit as husband and wife, Katie and Connor picked “This Will Be An Everlasting Love” by Natalie Cole — an energetic, joyful song that lifted the whole room as the couple walked out together into married life. There’s always something magical about that first moment when the applause, the cheers, and the music combine into a wave of happiness.
Drinks Reception in the Garden Room
Following the confetti shot outside, guests gathered in the light-filled Garden Room for the drinks reception. This space at Tickton Grange is ideal for live music — airy, bright, and perfectly sized to allow music to float naturally through the conversations and laughter of family and friends.
We relocated quickly after the ceremony to set up in the Garden Room, and then provided a varied and lively set of music. Katie and Connor had put together a fantastic playlist that blended romance, fun, and a touch of individuality. Highlights included:
- “Game of Thrones Theme” – dramatic and instantly recognisable.
- “Tale as Old as Time” (Beauty and the Beast) – timeless Disney romance.
- “Pink Pony Club” – Chappell Roan’s cult hit, a unique and fun choice.
- “Ordinary” – Alex Warren.
- “Bittersweet Symphony” – The Verve, perfectly suited to cello and piano.
- “Sweet Child O’ Mine” – Guns N’ Roses, reimagined for strings and keys.
- “All About You” – McFly.
- “Dancing in the Moonlight” – Toploader, upbeat and cheerful.
- “As It Was” – Harry Styles.
- “Marry You” – Bruno Mars, always a wedding favourite.
- “Angels” – Robbie Williams.
- “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” – The Proclaimers, bringing some sing-along energy.
- “How Long Will I Love You” – Ellie Goulding.
- “Here Comes the Sun” – The Beatles, ideal for a summer’s day.
- “Brown Eyed Girl” – Van Morrison.
- “What a Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong.
- “Mr Brightside” – The Killers, which never fails to raise a smile.
- “A Sky Full of Stars” – Coldplay.
- “Love Story” – Taylor Swift.
- “Shamrock (Tell Me Ma)” – a lively folksong, great fun for guests.
- “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” – Elton John.
- “Let It Be” – The Beatles.
- “Yellow” – Coldplay.
- “Someone You Loved” – Lewis Capaldi.
This wide-ranging setlist meant that there was something for everyone to enjoy. Guests loved hearing familiar favourites in a new way, with the cello carrying soaring melodies while the piano provided rich harmonies and rhythm.
Why Tickton Grange Works So Well with Live Music
We always enjoy playing at Tickton Grange. The venue offers so many beautiful spaces that complement live performance. The Rose Room is intimate yet elegant, and music fills the space with warmth, making the ceremony feel even more special. The Garden Room, meanwhile, has wonderful acoustics and a bright atmosphere that allows us to create an uplifting backdrop during the drinks reception.
As a duo, our cello and piano combination works perfectly in venues like this. The cello has a rich, emotive sound that pairs beautifully with the clarity and versatility of the piano. Together, we can perform everything from classical to contemporary, Disney to rock, and create seamless transitions between songs. Importantly, our performances are always 100% live — no backing tracks, no pre-recorded music. Just the two of us responding to the moment, adjusting the timing, and bringing music to life in a way that recordings simply can’t match.
A Personal Thank You
We’d like to say a huge thank you to Katie and Connor for choosing JAM Duo to be part of their wedding day. It was such a joy to work with them and to bring their carefully chosen music to life. Their choices for both the ceremony and drinks reception reflected their personalities perfectly, creating a day that was heartfelt, joyful, and full of fun.
Live Music for Your Wedding at Tickton Grange
If you’re planning your wedding at Tickton Grange, or indeed at any venue across Yorkshire or further afield, JAM Duo would love to provide the soundtrack to your day. Whether you want timeless classics, romantic ballads, or unique contemporary choices, our cello and piano duo can create bespoke arrangements that make your wedding feel truly personal.
With our professional presentation, flexibility, and passion for live music, we can adapt seamlessly to different parts of your day — from the ceremony to the drinks reception, the wedding breakfast, or even the evening.
Your wedding music should be more than just background sound. It should tell your story, capture your emotions, and create memories that last a lifetime. And that’s exactly what we aim to do.
JAM Duo
Live Cello and Piano for Weddings
Always Live. No Backing Tracks. Perfectly Timed.
