A sunlit celebration with live cello and piano in the walled garden
There are few wedding settings as enchanting as the walled garden at Ufton Court, especially on a warm summer’s day. With sunlight streaming over the historic stone walls, the scent of flowers in bloom, and the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze, it provided the perfect backdrop for Lottie and George’s outdoor ceremony and drinks reception.
For JAM Duo, it was a joy to provide the soundtrack to such a special occasion. From the very first notes before the ceremony through to the last moments of the drinks reception, every piece was performed live on piano and cello – no backing tracks, no hidden technology, just the pure sound of two instruments blending together to create something beautiful and personal.
A Stunning Arrival
Guests gathered in the garden as anticipation built for the arrival of the bridal party. The warm summer air carried a sense of excitement, and as we began playing, everyone settled into the atmosphere.
Lottie made her entrance in a beautiful vintage car, the kind of detail that perfectly matched the romantic, timeless setting of Ufton Court. Stepping into the walled garden, she was greeted not just by family and friends, but by music carefully chosen to tell her story.
Ceremony Music – Blending Tradition and Personality
The couple’s ceremony music was as thoughtful as it was original.
Pre-Ceremony
Guests were welcomed with an uplifting mix of classics and contemporary favourites, setting a tone that was relaxed, fun, and unmistakably Lottie and George:
- All the Small Things – Blink 182
- Beautiful Girls – Sean Kingston
- Your Song – Elton John
- Accidentally in Love – Shrek soundtrack
- Stand By Me – Ben E. King
This eclectic selection brought smiles all around – proof that wedding music doesn’t have to be overly formal to be meaningful.
The Processional
The processional was beautifully staged as a blend of two songs. First, the mother of the bride, groom, and bridesmaids entered to Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles – a perfect choice for the bright summer’s day. Then, as the moment arrived for Lottie to walk down the aisle, the music shifted seamlessly into You’ll Never Walk Alone. On cello and piano, this piece took on a heartfelt, powerful quality that made her entrance deeply moving.
Signing of the Register
During the signing, we performed:
- Let it Be – The Beatles
- Everywhere – Fleetwood Mac
Both songs carried a warmth and timelessness, offering a perfect backdrop while guests quietly watched on.
Exit of the Couple
As the ceremony concluded, the newlyweds walked back up the aisle to Dancing in the Moonlight by Toploader – an upbeat, joyful track that captured the spirit of celebration.
Drinks Reception – Sunlight, Music, and Celebration
After the ceremony, guests spilled out into the gardens for drinks and canapés. The walled garden was glowing in the summer sunshine, and JAM Duo moved seamlessly into position to provide music for the next part of the day.
The playlist Lottie and George selected for their drinks reception was vibrant, fun, and wonderfully varied. It included a mix of romantic ballads, upbeat anthems, and timeless classics – songs that everyone recognised, arranged beautifully for piano and cello.
Highlights included:
- Feel the Love – Rudimental
- Love Story & Lover – Taylor Swift
- Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield
- Friday I’m in Love – The Cure
- Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Frankie Valli
- All You Need is Love – The Beatles
- Sweet Child of Mine – Guns N’ Roses
- Paradise & Yellow – Coldplay
- Signed, Sealed, Delivered – Stevie Wonder
- This Will Be an Everlasting Love – Natalie Cole
There was something for everyone in their setlist, and on cello and piano, even the most upbeat pop tracks took on an elegant, timeless quality – ideal for a summer wedding.
Live Music – 100% Authentic
One of the things we love most about weddings like this is the opportunity to remind people of the power of live music. At JAM Duo, we never use backing tracks or pre-recorded accompaniments. Every note is played live, in the moment, shaped by the atmosphere and the emotion of the day.
For Lottie and George’s wedding, this meant we could time each entrance perfectly, adjust to the pace of the bridal party, and create seamless blends between songs. It also meant their drinks reception music felt organic and alive – not just a playlist, but a performance that evolved with the day.
On cello and piano, even well-known songs like Sweet Child of Mine or Friday I’m in Love are transformed. Stripped back to melody and harmony, they become rich, lyrical pieces that suit the intimacy and joy of a wedding day.
Ufton Court – A Historic Setting
We can’t talk about Lottie and George’s wedding without mentioning the venue itself. Ufton Court, a Tudor manor house set in Berkshire’s countryside, is a truly remarkable place for a wedding. Its walled gardens are both private and picturesque, offering couples the chance to hold outdoor ceremonies surrounded by flowers and historic stonework.
For musicians, the acoustics of the walled garden add something special – the natural reflections of sound carry the cello and piano beautifully, ensuring that every guest can hear the music without overwhelming amplification.
A Day to Remember
Lottie and George’s wedding at Ufton Court was a day full of sunshine, joy, and unforgettable music. From the vintage car arrival to the Beatles processional and the Toploader exit, every detail reflected the couple’s personality and taste.
For us at JAM Duo, it was a privilege to provide the soundtrack – live, bespoke, and beautifully arranged. No backing tracks, no compromises, just the authentic sound of piano and cello filling the summer air.
Congratulations once again to Lottie and George – thank you for allowing us to be part of your incredible day.
