There’s something effortlessly beautiful about weddings at Old Gore by Cripps, a converted Cotswold barn tucked away just outside Cirencester. Surrounded by rolling fields and timeless Gloucestershire countryside, it’s a venue that combines rustic charm with understated luxury — the perfect backdrop for a celebration filled with natural tones, laughter, and, of course, live music.
For JAM Duo, Old Gore is a familiar and much-loved setting. Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of performing at several Cripps & Co venues — from Cripps Barn in Bibury to Stone Barn, Curradine Barns, and Tithe Barn at Bolton Abbey. Each location has its own unique character, but all share that same signature Cripps warmth: beautiful architecture, incredible food, and a relaxed, yet refined atmosphere where live music feels truly at home.
Setting the Scene
Luke and Jamie’s wedding day was a masterclass in elegant simplicity. The colour palette was beautifully natural — olive green bridesmaids’ dresses, oatmeal suits for the groomsmen, and soft tones of beige, sage, and cream woven throughout the floral styling and décor. Everything worked harmoniously with Old Gore’s aesthetic: the honey-coloured Cotswold stone walls, high timber beams, and soft ambient light spilling through the barn’s large windows.
The ceremony took place inside the main barn, where long wooden benches faced a rustic floral arch that perfectly framed the couple. JAM Duo — Jules on piano and Anne-Marie on cello — were positioned halfway down the aisle near the doorway, a favourite spot of ours at this venue. From here, the music carries beautifully throughout the space, resonating with the natural acoustics of the barn while remaining close enough to share in the emotion of the ceremony itself.
Music for the Ceremony
Luke and Jamie chose a wonderful selection of pieces for their ceremony, blending classical elegance with cinematic flair and a few nostalgic favourites. As always, each piece was performed live, arranged by Jules and Anne-Marie specially for cello and piano — creating a uniquely personal soundtrack for the day.
Pre-Ceremony Music
As guests began to arrive and take their seats, we began a 15-minute pre-ceremony set to create an atmosphere of calm anticipation and gentle excitement. The chosen playlist was eclectic, yet seamlessly cohesive — a reflection of the couple’s personality and taste.
- All the Small Things – Blink 182 (2:32)
An unexpected but brilliant choice to start with. Reimagined for cello and piano, this pop-punk classic transformed into something tender and melodic, setting a light-hearted and joyful tone. - Jurassic Park Theme – John Williams (3:12)
Always a favourite with guests, the sweeping cinematic melody filled the barn, giving the moment an almost ethereal quality. - Hero – Enrique Iglesias (3:34)
A romantic ballad perfectly suited to the rich, lyrical tone of the cello. - Jupiter (from The Planets) – Gustav Holst (2:41)
A nod to British classical grandeur — fitting, given that Holst was a Gloucestershire native. - Iris – Goo Goo Dolls (2:38)
Emotional, heartfelt, and one of those songs that never fails to strike a chord. The arrangement for cello and piano gave it a beautiful warmth.
By this point, we were approaching the ceremony start time of 13:57, so we added the Bridgerton Theme to bring the mood gently to a close — a piece that bridges the gap between classical and contemporary, perfectly suited to this kind of setting.
And, if time allowed (depending on the bridal party’s readiness), we had one more piece ready:
- I’ll Be There for You – The Rembrandts (Friends Theme) — a playful and familiar favourite that always raises a smile among guests.
Entrance of the Bride
At exactly the right moment, as the barn doors opened and a hush fell over the room, the unmistakable opening chords of Canon in D – Pachelbel began to flow from Jules’ piano. The arrangement unfolded gracefully as the four bridesmaidswalked down the aisle in their olive-green dresses, each one glowing with excitement.
Then came Jamie, walking arm-in-arm with her father — a moment of pure emotion. The music swelled gently, the cello’s rich tone supporting the timeless progression of the Canon, perfectly timed to their steps. It’s a piece we’ve performed countless times, yet no two moments ever feel the same. This one was particularly moving; you could sense the anticipation and joy in the air.
Signing of the Register
During the signing, we performed two beautiful, reflective pieces chosen by the couple:
- How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
Delicate, heartfelt, and intimate — a perfect soundtrack for those quiet moments as the official paperwork was completed and guests looked on.
As photographers captured the newly-married couple and their witnesses, the music wove gently through the background — never overpowering, but adding a layer of depth and serenity to the scene.
Exit of the Couple
Once the final announcement was made, and the guests rose to their feet, we struck up the joyous opening bars of Dancing in the Moonlight – Toploader. The barn instantly filled with energy and smiles. It’s one of those songs that never fails to capture that post-ceremony happiness — lively, feel-good, and perfect for a newlywed exit.
Luke and Jamie led the way back down the aisle to cheers and applause, surrounded by family and friends, with the music accompanying them into the sunshine outside.
Old Gore by Cripps – A Unique Venue
Old Gore has quickly become one of Gloucestershire’s most sought-after wedding venues, and it’s easy to see why. The converted barn retains its agricultural heritage, with exposed stone walls and high vaulted ceilings, but it’s been thoughtfully reimagined for modern weddings.
The central dining space is complemented by an open kitchen with a wood-fired grill, and the team at Cripps are known for their exceptional menus and attention to detail. From the ceremony barn to the bar area and outdoor courtyard, every part of the venue feels carefully designed to flow seamlessly throughout the day.
As musicians, we particularly love the natural acoustics of Old Gore. The main barn has a warmth that flatters both piano and cello beautifully — the notes resonate gently off the wooden beams, creating a rich, immersive sound that feels both intimate and grand.
Having played across the Cripps collection, we’ve always admired how these venues balance rustic charm with contemporary comfort. Whether we’re performing at Cripps Barn, Stone Barn, or Old Gore, the experience is always professional, polished, and welcoming — qualities that make performing here a genuine pleasure.
Live Music for a Personal Ceremony
Luke and Jamie’s music choices reflected both their individuality and their shared story. From the cinematic sweep of “Jurassic Park” to the emotional depth of “Iris” and “Hero,” every piece felt like a snapshot of their journey together.
At JAM Duo, one of the things we love most about weddings is helping couples translate their memories and personalities into music. Each performance is entirely live — no backing tracks, no samples — just the natural interplay between Anne-Marie’s cello and Jules’ piano, arranged and performed uniquely for each couple.
This approach allows us to adapt in the moment — extending a phrase to suit the bride’s entrance, adjusting dynamics to the mood in the room, or subtly blending songs for transitions. It’s this responsiveness that gives live music its magic; it breathes with the moment and becomes part of the memory itself.
Reflections on the Day
After the ceremony, as guests made their way out into the courtyard for confetti and drinks, we took a moment to reflect on what a joyful, elegant occasion it had been.
Jamie looked radiant in her gown, her olive-green bridesmaids by her side, and Luke’s oatmeal-toned suit tied perfectly into the natural palette. The overall styling — sage foliage, beige linens, and organic textures — created a harmonious balance that suited the venue’s rustic-modern style beautifully.
It’s always a privilege to witness these moments up close — the emotion of the vows, the pride in a father’s eyes, the quiet smiles exchanged between a couple as they sign their marriage certificate. For us, providing the soundtrack to those memories is what JAM Duo is all about.
Thank You
We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Luke and Jamie for choosing JAM Duo to be part of your wedding day at Old Gore. It was a true pleasure to provide the music for your ceremony, and to share in such a beautifully planned celebration surrounded by family, friends, and love.
We wish you both every happiness in your future together — may your life be filled with laughter, adventure, and plenty of dancing in the moonlight.
