Some weddings just have an atmosphere that you can feel from the very first moment — a sense of story and imagination woven through every detail. Summer and James’s wedding at Kirkby Fleetham Hall in Northallerton was exactly that: beautifully romantic, cinematic, and full of heart. With touches of The Lord of the Rings throughout, it was a day that felt both elegant and enchanting — and we were delighted to provide the live music to bring it all to life.
The Ceremony in Kirkby Fleetham Church
The wedding ceremony took place in the charming church at Kirkby Fleetham Hall, a picturesque and intimate space just a short walk from the main house. The air was filled with quiet anticipation as guests arrived, and the acoustics of the church provided a warm, resonant sound for our piano and cello duo.
For this wedding, we performed on our Nord piano (without the piano shell) alongside Anne-Marie’s Yamaha electric cello, allowing us to balance beautifully with the natural sound of the space.
When the moment arrived, Summer walked down the aisle to “Into the West” by Annie Lennox — the hauntingly beautiful song from The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Its gentle melody and emotional depth made for the most breathtaking bridal entrance; a true goosebump moment.
During the signing of the register, we performed two pieces that perfectly captured the romantic, cinematic mood of the day:
- Maestro – Hans Zimmer (The Holiday)
- All I Ask of You – Andrew Lloyd Webber (The Phantom of the Opera)
Each one blended gracefully with the atmosphere of reflection and joy in the church.
To close the ceremony, we performed “At Last” by Etta James — a timeless classic that filled the space with warmth and celebration as Summer and James made their exit as husband and wife.
Organ Music During the Service
In addition to the cello and piano music, I was also invited to play the church organ for three hymns chosen by the couple and their families:
- Shine Jesus Shine
- We Vow to One Another (to the tune of I Vow to Thee My Country)
- Jerusalem – Parry
There’s something uniquely powerful about hearing an entire congregation sing together — and it was lovely to blend those traditional moments with the more cinematic and contemporary pieces elsewhere in the ceremony.
Drinks Reception in the Hall
Following the service, we moved quickly to the main house at Kirkby Fleetham Hall, setting up in the grand hallway to provide live music for the drinks reception. The atmosphere was relaxed and joyful as guests mingled, enjoyed champagne, and admired the subtle Lord of the Rings touches that appeared throughout the décor.
Our drinks reception set reflected both Summer and James’s love of film scores and their appreciation for beautiful instrumental music. It was a true celebration of the cinematic and the emotional — music that tells stories.
Drinks Reception Setlist (Live Performance)
- Concerning Hobbits – Howard Shore (The Lord of the Rings)
- Music of the Night – Andrew Lloyd Webber (The Phantom of the Opera)
- Think of Me – Andrew Lloyd Webber (The Phantom of the Opera)
- 1917 / Come Back to Us – Thomas Newman
- Hedwig’s Theme – John Williams (Harry Potter)
- The Ecstasy of Gold – Ennio Morricone
- He’s a Pirate – Klaus Badelt (Pirates of the Caribbean)
- Midsomer Murders Theme
- The Imitation Game – Alexandre Desplat
- I’m Forrest… Forrest Gump – Alan Silvestri
This playlist captured that mix of drama and delight that suited the day so well. Guests immediately recognised many of the themes, and it was lovely to see smiles of recognition each time a familiar melody began.
Soundtrack Highlights from Our Collection
To complement the live performance, we also curated a range of our cinematic recordings on SoundCloud, giving Summer and James even more choice from our extensive repertoire. Highlights included:
- Accidentally in Love (Shrek)
- Across the Stars (Star Wars: Attack of the Clones)
- City of Lovers (James Bond: Casino Royale)
- Cornfield Chase (Interstellar)
- Gabriel’s Oboe (The Mission)
- Now We Are Free (Gladiator)
- Married Life (Up)
- Golden Hour (JVKE)
- What Was I Made For? (Barbie)
and many more from our extensive film-inspired collection.
This thoughtful mix of live and recorded inspiration reflected the couple’s passion for film music — especially The Lord of the Rings — and gave their wedding day a deeply personal soundtrack.
A Perfect Setting at Kirkby Fleetham Hall
Kirkby Fleetham Hall is one of those North Yorkshire venues that feels made for intimate, character-filled weddings. The combination of the church and the main house gives couples the best of both worlds: a beautiful traditional ceremony space just steps away from elegant reception rooms with plenty of light and charm.
From the moment we arrived, the team at the venue were incredibly welcoming and helpful — even with our quick turnaround between the church and the hall. The acoustics in both spaces were a joy to work with, and it was wonderful to fill them with music from so many different eras and genres.
Thank You
Our heartfelt thanks go to Summer and James for inviting JAM Duo to be part of their wedding day. It was an unforgettable celebration full of love, imagination, and cinematic magic — and it was a true pleasure to provide the soundtrack to such a memorable occasion.
If you’re planning your wedding at Kirkby Fleetham Hall…
…and would love to include elegant live music inspired by film, classical, or contemporary love songs, we’d be delighted to be part of your day. JAM Duo (Jules Addison – piano, Anne-Marie Humphries – cello) perform at weddings across the UK, bringing the perfect blend of sophistication and emotion to every celebration.
Venue: Kirkby Fleetham Hall, Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Live Daytime Music: JAM Duo – Piano & Cello
