Weddings come in all shapes and sizes. Some are grand and traditional, some are small and intimate, and others – like Latoya and Kevin’s magical day at Northside Farm in Horsley – burst into life with a full festival spirit. Entitled WedFest, this wedding was vibrant, joyful, and brimming with character. For us at JAM Duo, it was an absolute pleasure to provide live music throughout the day, from the ceremony to the drinks reception and right through the wedding breakfast.
A Festival of Love
Northside Farm is one of the North East’s most enchanting rural venues, with its charming stone buildings, rolling countryside, and friendly atmosphere. Located in Horsley, just outside Newcastle, it is an idyllic spot for couples who want a wedding that feels both rustic and relaxed, yet beautifully stylish.
Latoya and Kevin transformed this special venue into their very own WedFest. From colourful details to the buzzing atmosphere, every part of the day was infused with festival vibes. Guests laughed, chatted, and cheered as music, food, and celebration flowed seamlessly from one part of the day to the next. It was the kind of wedding that everyone leaves with a smile on their face, remembering not just the vows, but the joy and energy of the occasion.
For JAM Duo, weddings with a festival atmosphere are always inspiring. Live music is at the very heart of a festival, and it brings people together in a way that few other things can. With our cello and piano duo, we were able to set the mood perfectly at each stage of the celebration, adapting from heartfelt romance to upbeat fun, and later into smooth, relaxed sophistication.
The Ceremony – Romance in the Ceremony Room
The day began in Northside Farm’s ceremony room, a warm and welcoming space that provides the perfect backdrop for saying “I do.” As guests took their seats, we created a lively pre-ceremony atmosphere with some carefully chosen music that reflected Latoya and Kevin’s personalities.
The playlist before the entrance included:
- “Love and Marriage” – Frank Sinatra
- “Drunk in Love” – Beyoncé
- “One Love” – Bob Marley
- (plus two of our own selections to complement the mood).
These choices were such a wonderful reflection of Latoya and Kevin as a couple – timeless romance, modern passion, and joyful togetherness. Each song brought something different, and our live performance added warmth and immediacy that recordings can never match.
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for – Latoya’s entrance.
Accompanied by her father, she looked absolutely fabulous as she walked into the ceremony room. The smiles, the anticipation, and the emotion in the room all seemed to hold still as we began to play “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley. Few songs capture the timeless romance of a wedding like this one. Played on cello and piano, it took on a soft, lyrical quality that built beautifully as Latoya reached the top of the aisle. Live music meant we could time the phrasing perfectly to her steps, allowing the song to reach its natural cadence exactly as she arrived by Kevin’s side.
During the signing of the register, the couple chose the classic “At Last” by Etta James. This was such a fitting piece – soulful, romantic, and joyful all at once. The cello carried the iconic melody with warmth, while the piano provided the rich harmonic backdrop, filling the room with heartfelt emotion.
Finally, Latoya and Kevin exited the ceremony as newlyweds to “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. The optimism and hope in this piece summed up the joy of the moment perfectly. Guests applauded, cheered, and celebrated as the couple walked out, accompanied by this iconic melody performed live.
Drinks Reception – Festival Vibes on the Terrace
After the ceremony and confetti, guests moved outside to Northside Farm’s terrace for the drinks reception. This was where the festival theme really came into its own. With sunshine, laughter, and glasses of fizz in hand, everyone relaxed into the celebratory spirit.
We set up outside and performed a lively mix of upbeat contemporary covers. The setlist featured everything from modern chart hits to reimagined classics, all arranged for cello and piano. This style of music always goes down well with festival-themed weddings because it’s recognisable and fun, but also unique when performed live on our instruments. Guests enjoyed hearing favourites in a new light, with the cello singing out the melodies and the piano giving rhythmic drive and harmonic depth.
Festival-style weddings thrive on energy and atmosphere. Having live musicians outdoors on the terrace meant that the music wasn’t just a backdrop – it became part of the experience. People swayed, tapped their feet, and even sang along at moments, creating the sense that this was more than a wedding – it was a celebration of life and love with all the joy of a festival.
The Wedding Breakfast – Relaxed Jazz in the Barn
As the afternoon moved on, guests returned indoors for the wedding breakfast in the main barn. This is one of Northside Farm’s loveliest spaces – rustic beams, warm stone, and an atmosphere that balances grandeur with homeliness.
Here, we shifted gears musically to match the change of mood. While the drinks reception was all about upbeat celebration, the meal called for something more relaxed and refined. We curated a jazz-inspired playlist filled with smooth standards and mellow melodies that complemented the meal perfectly.
Our jazz sets usually feature timeless numbers from the Great American Songbook alongside instrumental interpretations of well-loved classics. With the cello taking the vocal-like lines and the piano weaving rich harmonies, the effect is elegant and calming – perfect for dining. Guests could enjoy conversation and good food while the music gently filled the background, adding to the atmosphere without overwhelming it.
The beauty of live music in this setting is the ability to respond to the moment. If the energy of the room shifts, we can adapt seamlessly, playing something more upbeat when needed, or softening the mood during speeches or special moments. That’s something a playlist or backing track can never do.
Festival Vibes at Weddings – Why They Work So Well
Latoya and Kevin’s WedFest is a perfect example of how a festival theme can transform a wedding. Festivals are about community, joy, music, and celebration – all of which tie beautifully into the meaning of a wedding day. For the guests, it’s engaging, fun, and memorable. For the couple, it allows for total freedom of expression.
We’ve noticed a growing trend towards festival-inspired weddings in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. They give couples the chance to break free from formality and embrace something vibrant and unique. Whether it’s outdoor spaces, colourful details, live entertainment, or a relaxed running order, the festival theme creates an atmosphere where everyone feels part of the celebration.
Of course, music is absolutely central to this kind of wedding. Just as no festival would be complete without live acts, no WedFest would feel right without musicians providing that authentic energy. Our cello and piano duo works perfectly in this setting, bridging the gap between sophistication and fun. We can deliver powerful, emotional performances in the ceremony, upbeat anthems for the drinks, and smooth jazz for the meal – giving each part of the day its own soundtrack.
A Personal Thank You
We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Latoya and Kevin for inviting JAM Duo to be part of their special day. It was a privilege to provide the soundtrack to your wedding – from the romance of the ceremony to the festival spirit on the terrace and the relaxed elegance of the wedding breakfast.
Latoya looked absolutely stunning as she walked into the ceremony room – a truly unforgettable entrance that was matched perfectly by her choice of music. Kevin’s smile said it all as she reached the front, and from then on the day flowed with love, joy, and laughter.
It’s always an honour to be chosen to play such an important role in a couple’s wedding, and we are so grateful to Latoya and Kevin for trusting us with their music. We wish them every happiness for the future, and we’ll always remember their incredible WedFest at Northside Farm.
Live Music for Weddings at Northside Farm
If you’re planning a wedding at Northside Farm in Horsley, JAM Duo would love to provide live music for your day. Our cello and piano duo is versatile, stylish, and perfectly suited to both indoor and outdoor spaces at the venue. We can create bespoke playlists that match your theme – whether you’re planning something traditional, modern, or festival-inspired.
We pride ourselves on being 100% live – no backing tracks, no recordings, just the natural blend of piano and cello, perfectly timed and responsive to the moment. From your ceremony entrance to your evening reception, we can provide the music that makes your wedding unforgettable.
JAM Duo
Cello & Piano Duo for Weddings
Always Live. No Backing Tracks. Bespoke, Beautiful Music.
