Live Ceremony Music by JAM Duo – Piano & Cello
A Grand Setting for a Norfolk Wedding
Situated just a few miles south of Norwich, Dunston Hall Hotel is one of East Anglia’s most popular and picturesque wedding venues. This magnificent Grade II-listed Elizabethan-style mansion sits amid 150 acres of beautifully landscaped parkland, offering sweeping lawns, mature trees, and elegant period architecture. Its red-brick façade and impressive gables create a striking first impression, while inside, rich wood panelling and high ceilings provide a sense of heritage and refinement.
For couples seeking a venue that combines country-house charm with modern hospitality, Dunston Hall is an inspired choice. The hotel offers a range of ceremony and reception spaces, on-site accommodation for guests, and a professional events team known for their attention to detail – everything needed for a seamless wedding day.
As professional wedding musicians performing across the UK, JAM Duo – Jules Addison (piano) and Anne-Marie Humphries (cello) – have visited many outstanding venues, but Dunston Hall always stands out for its blend of grandeur and warmth. The acoustics of its ceremony rooms lend themselves perfectly to live strings and piano, allowing music to enhance the atmosphere without overwhelming it.
Ceremony Music by JAM Duo
For Victoria and Carl’s wedding, JAM Duo provided music exclusively for the ceremony, which was held indoors at Dunston Hall. The setting was both elegant and intimate, framed by soft lighting and floral accents that reflected the couple’s classic style.
As guests took their seats, the mood was already serene. Our pre-ceremony set created a welcoming ambience as friends and family gathered to await the bridal party:
- At Last – Etta James
- Beauty and the Beast – Alan Menken
- I Giorni – Ludovico Einaudi
- Nuvole Bianche – Ludovico Einaudi
- Unchained Melody – The Righteous Brothers
This sequence balanced timeless romance with contemporary elegance: the soulful tone of At Last flowed naturally into the cinematic beauty of Beauty and the Beast, while the meditative piano lines of I Giorni and Nuvole Bianche provided a tranquil interlude. The closing Unchained Melody offered a familiar warmth just as the formalities began.
The Bridal Procession
When the moment arrived for Victoria’s entrance, excitement filled the room. The procession order was charmingly choreographed: three page boys led the way together, followed by three bridesmaids, before the bride herself appeared.
For this special entrance, the chosen piece was Pachelbel’s Canon in D – a timeless favourite that remains one of the most requested pieces in our repertoire. The combination of piano arpeggios and lyrical cello melody created an atmosphere of grace and expectation. The music swelled naturally as Victoria reached the front, marking a perfectly timed and emotional moment.
Signing of the Register
During the signing of the register, the couple selected two heartfelt songs that reflected their shared tastes in music and film:
- Can You Feel the Love Tonight – Elton John
- I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing – Aerosmith
These arrangements translated beautifully to piano and cello. Can You Feel the Love Tonight carried gentle warmth and optimism, while I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing provided a cinematic intensity that closed the ceremony on a tender note.
The Couple’s Exit
For the couple’s joyful recessional, JAM Duo performed “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” – a lively, upbeat finish that sent guests into applause. The rhythmic piano and bright cello harmonies gave this Motown classic a sophisticated twist, celebrating the newlyweds’ first moments as husband and wife.
A Memorable Moment Outside
Although our musical role concluded with the ceremony, we had the pleasure of witnessing the confetti shot outside the front of Dunston Hall as we began to pack away. Against the backdrop of the hotel’s grand façade, the scene was filled with colour and joy – a wonderful image that captured the excitement of the day.
One delightful detail we particularly appreciated was the personalised welcome sign, which read “Welcome to Victoria’s Wedding – featuring Carl”. It brought a playful, light-hearted touch to the elegant surroundings and reflected the couple’s sense of humour and individuality.
Why Dunston Hall is Ideal for Wedding Music
From a musician’s perspective, Dunston Hall offers excellent practical and acoustic qualities. Ceremony rooms within the main house are spacious yet intimate, allowing sound to carry naturally without the need for amplification. The hotel’s team ensures smooth transitions for setup and pack-down, and there is convenient access for instruments – a detail that makes a big difference when working to tight wedding timelines.
The surrounding Norfolk countryside adds to the venue’s appeal, with its peaceful setting and easy access from Norwich city centre. Many couples choose to make a weekend of it, enjoying the hotel’s leisure facilities, golf course, and spa, alongside their wedding celebrations.
For those considering live music at Dunston Hall, JAM Duo’s combination of piano and cello fits the aesthetic perfectly – romantic, versatile, and always live. Whether for ceremony, drinks reception, or wedding breakfast, the duo’s repertoire spans classical favourites, contemporary love songs, and elegant instrumental covers that complement the refined character of the venue.
Professional Live Music for Ceremonies Across Norfolk
Weddings like Victoria and Carl’s highlight what live music can bring to a ceremony – not just sound, but emotion and presence. Every entrance, every pause, every exit feels natural and human when the timing is guided by musicians who are watching and responding in real time.
At JAM Duo, we pride ourselves on ensuring that every cue – from the bridal entrance to the final applause – is perfectly timed. We never use backing tracks or digital accompaniments: all our performances are 100% live, arranged and played by Jules and Anne-Marie.
For couples planning weddings in Norfolk, Suffolk, or the wider East Anglia region, JAM Duo regularly perform at venues such as Dunston Hall, Oxnead Hall, Holkham Hall, and Elms Barn, offering tailored music packages for ceremonies, drinks receptions, and wedding breakfasts.
A Note of Thanks
It was a privilege to be part of Victoria and Carl’s wedding day. The warmth of their guests, the elegance of Dunston Hall, and the thoughtful details throughout the ceremony made it a memorable occasion.
As we packed away our instruments and watched the confetti celebration unfold outside, we were reminded once again of why we love what we do – creating live music that becomes part of people’s most important memories.
Thank you, Victoria and Carl, for choosing JAM Duo. We hope you enjoyed our music and wish you every happiness for the future.
