Live Ceremony, Drinks & Wedding Breakfast Music by JAM Duo
Every wedding we are invited to perform at is unique, but Samantha and Simon’s celebration at Ash Barton Estate in Devon was a truly special occasion. With an outdoor ceremony under a stretch tent, a courtyard drinks reception, and a lively wedding breakfast in the party barn, their day unfolded across three distinct spaces—each with its own character, atmosphere, and energy.
Jules (piano) and Anne-Marie (cello) from JAM Duo were delighted to provide live music throughout the entire day. From the intimate moments of the ceremony, through the relaxed courtyard mingling, to the upbeat dinner soundtrack, we seamlessly moved between the three locations to ensure there was never a break in the flow of music.
This is exactly what JAM Duo love to do: enhance each part of the wedding with carefully chosen, beautifully performed live music that perfectly suits the moment.
The Venue: Ash Barton Estate
Nestled in the rolling hills of North Devon, Ash Barton Estate is one of those rare wedding venues that feels both rustic and luxurious. Known for its flexibility and laid-back charm, it offers couples the freedom to create a day that truly reflects their personality.
The estate features expansive grounds, a characterful courtyard, and its legendary “party barn” where couples can celebrate into the night. Unlike some more formal venues, Ash Barton has a relaxed, festival-like vibe: couples can host outdoor ceremonies, enjoy drinks in open courtyards, and then dance the night away in the barn.
For Samantha and Simon, this versatility was perfect. They wanted an outdoor ceremony under a stretch tent, an intimate courtyard drinks reception, and then a big, joyful meal with their guests in the barn. JAM Duo were thrilled to provide the live music to bring these spaces to life.
The Ceremony – Music with Heart
The ceremony is the emotional heart of the wedding day, and music plays a crucial role in setting the tone. Samantha and Simon had a beautiful playlist in mind—romantic, soulful, and modern—each piece chosen with care.
Pre-Ceremony Music
As guests gathered beneath the stretch tent, we set the mood with:
- Fix You – Coldplay
- Next to You – Bruno Mars & Lady Gaga
- Birds of a Feather – Billie Eilish
- I Say a Little Prayer – Aretha Franklin
This mix of contemporary favourites and timeless soul classics created a warm and uplifting atmosphere while guests waited for the bride’s arrival.
The Bridal Entrance
Samantha made her entrance to Halo by Beyoncé. On cello and piano, this powerful anthem becomes deeply romantic, filled with soaring harmonies and elegant phrasing—the perfect way to accompany her walk down the aisle.
The Signing of the Register
For the signing, the couple chose If I Ain’t Got You by Alicia Keys, a heartfelt and soulful ballad that gave guests a chance to reflect on the love being celebrated.
The Exit
As the newlyweds walked out as husband and wife, the joyful strains of You’re My Best Friend by Queen rang out, sending everyone into the courtyard with smiles and applause.
Live music ensures these pivotal moments flow seamlessly, with every note timed perfectly to the pace of the ceremony—something a backing track could never achieve.
The Drinks Reception – Energy and Elegance
After the ceremony, guests gathered in the courtyard for drinks and canapés. This is often when the couple are whisked away for photos, so music plays a key role in keeping guests entertained and setting a joyful mood.
Samantha and Simon wanted a mix of upbeat pop, indie, and soul to keep the energy alive. Over 90 minutes, we performed an eclectic set that included:
- Everybody Wants to Rule the World – Tears for Fears
- Dancing on My Own – Robyn
- Dynamite – BTS
- Cheap Thrills – Sia
- Confident – Demi Lovato
- Enjoy the Silence – Depeche Mode
- This Life – Vampire Weekend
- Jamming – Bob Marley
- If This Ain’t Love – Spiller
- I’ll Be There for You – Friends Theme
- All You Need Is Love – The Beatles
- Always Be My Baby – Mariah Carey
- Pink Pony Club – Chappell Roan
- As It Was – Harry Styles
- Chandelier – Sia
- Dance Monkey – Tones and I
- Dreams – Fleetwood Mac
- In My Life – The Beatles
- Sweet Disposition – The Temper Trap
- Your Song – Elton John
- Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses
- Three Little Birds – Bob Marley
This selection had something for everyone: sing-along favourites, nostalgic hits, and current chart-toppers. Guests chatted, laughed, and tapped their feet in time with the music as glasses clinked around the courtyard.
The versatility of cello and piano allows us to cover such a wide range of genres, from rock and indie to pop and soul. Played live, these songs feel fresh and intimate—familiar enough for guests to recognise instantly, yet unique in our instrumental style.
The Wedding Breakfast – A Celebration in the Party Barn
After drinks, everyone headed into the party barn for the wedding breakfast. The barn is one of Ash Barton’s highlights: rustic beams, a celebratory atmosphere, and the perfect setting for laughter and speeches.
For this part of the day, Samantha and Simon asked us to keep the energy upbeat, with a playlist of 80s and 90s classics, pop hits, and a few guilty pleasures. This music added a sense of fun and kept the atmosphere buzzing as plates were served and glasses raised.
Our set included:
- The Power of Love – Huey Lewis
- She Drives Me Crazy – Fine Young Cannibals
- Need You Tonight – INXS
- Footloose – Kenny Loggins
- You Make My Dreams – Hall & Oates
- Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) – Eurythmics
- Sledgehammer – Peter Gabriel
- September – Earth, Wind & Fire
- Mr Blue Sky – ELO
This was an absolute joy to perform. There’s something about hearing these songs live on cello and piano that instantly lifts the room. Guests sang along between courses, and the buzz of excitement carried naturally into the evening celebrations.
Seamless Transitions Across the Day
One of the benefits of booking JAM Duo is our ability to move quickly and easily between locations. At Ash Barton, this meant providing a continuous flow of music from the ceremony to the courtyard to the barn, without disruption.
We bring all our own equipment, including a Yamaha electric cello, Nord piano, and professional amplification. For outdoor performances, we use our own power pack, meaning we’re not limited by socket locations. This flexibility allows us to adapt to each venue and keep the music flowing no matter where the day takes us.
Guests often tell us how much they appreciate the seamless atmosphere—music following them from space to space, making the entire day feel cohesive and thoughtfully curated.
Why Live Music Made the Difference
Throughout the day, music was more than just background—it was an integral part of the experience.
- For the couple: It ensured their chosen songs were played with sensitivity and timing, particularly at the ceremony. No awkward fade-outs, no mismatched tempos—just perfect live accompaniment to life’s most important moments.
- For the guests: It provided entertainment, sparked conversation, and gave them something memorable to enjoy while the couple were busy with photos.
- For the atmosphere: It added elegance, romance, and energy to each part of the day, creating a celebration that felt alive from start to finish.
Thank You
We would like to extend our warmest thanks to Samantha and Simon for choosing JAM Duo to provide the live soundtrack to their wedding day. It was a joy to perform for you and your guests across three wonderful settings at Ash Barton Estate.
At JAM Duo, our music is always live—never backing tracks, never deps, always Jules on piano and Anne-Marie on cello. Together, we create elegant and engaging performances that make weddings truly unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
Samantha and Simon’s wedding at Ash Barton showcased everything we love about performing at weddings: a couple with a clear vision, a beautiful and versatile venue, and the opportunity to enhance every stage of the day with music.
From Beyoncé’s Halo to Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds, from Fleetwood Mac to Earth, Wind & Fire, their playlist reflected their personalities perfectly—and we were honoured to bring it to life.
If you’re planning your wedding and looking for live music that can adapt seamlessly across ceremony, drinks, and meal, JAM Duo would love to be part of your day. With our combination of cello and piano, we bring sophistication, flexibility, and unforgettable live music to weddings across the UK.
