Live music by JAM Duo – Piano and Cello for Ceremony & Drinks Reception
Nestled in the foothills of the Quantocks, Crowcombe Court is one of Somerset’s most elegant country-house wedding venues — a Palladian masterpiece that balances grandeur and warmth in perfect harmony. For JAM Duo, it’s always a pleasure to perform here. The sweeping staircase, the high ceilings, and the gentle acoustics of the entrance hall make it a truly special setting for live music.
On this occasion, we were delighted to provide music for the wedding of Beth and James, a couple whose day was filled with love, laughter, and remarkable attention to detail. Beth, being a professional florist herself, transformed Crowcombe Court into a floral wonderland — light blues and soft creams beautifully complementing the golden tones of the Georgian interiors. Every archway, stair balustrade, and table display seemed to radiate natural elegance.
A Wedding of Style and Substance
From the moment guests arrived, there was a sense of anticipation. The Groom and his groomsmen, dressed impeccably in classic black tie, created a timeless look against the stately backdrop of the house. Beth’s wedding gown was simply breathtaking — a white dress with graceful lines that shimmered as she moved, emphasising the romance and refinement of the occasion.
With eight bridesmaids, including her Maid of Honour, dressed in tones that subtly reflected the floral palette, the bridal party brought soft colour and cohesion to the scene. The entrance hall of Crowcombe Court — where the ceremony was held — felt both grand and intimate, perfectly suited to the combination of strings and piano.
Ceremony Music in the Entrance Hall
For this wedding, JAM Duo (Jules on piano and Anne-Marie on cello) set up midway along the grand entrance hall. This position gave a perfect view of the ceremony space while allowing the music to carry gently throughout the house.
Because the ceremony and drinks reception were both held indoors in adjoining areas, we were able to remain in one location throughout the day — a practical and musical advantage, ensuring smooth continuity and a relaxed flow between parts of the celebration.
As guests took their seats, we began the pre-ceremony music, creating an atmosphere of calm anticipation and romance. The chosen pieces were a wonderful mix of classical and contemporary — a reflection of Beth and James’s varied musical tastes:
- Canon in D – Pachelbel
- Never Enough – from The Greatest Showman
- A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
- Another Love – Tom Odell
- Birds of a Feather – Billie Eilish
- I Get to Love You – Ruelle
Each of these pieces carries emotional weight in a different way. The Pachelbel provided a traditional start, flowing naturally into the modern cinematic energy of Never Enough and A Thousand Years. The mixture of pop and romantic ballads that followed made for a truly personalised soundscape, reflecting both classic and current influences.
A Memorable Bridal Entrance
The moment everyone had been waiting for came as Beth prepared to make her entrance. Accompanied by her father, she descended the magnificent staircase at Crowcombe Court, an architectural feature that seems tailor-made for this kind of moment.
For this special walk down the stairs and through to the ceremony area, the chosen song was “The Nights” by Avicii — a fresh, uplifting choice that perfectly captured the joyful, modern spirit of the couple’s relationship. With Anne-Marie’s cello taking the melody and Jules’s piano providing rhythmic drive, the arrangement gave an unexpected and moving twist to a well-known favourite.
As Beth reached the front, there was an audible sigh of appreciation from the guests — the kind of atmosphere that only live music can create.
The Couple’s Exit
Following the formalities, the signing of the register, and the heartfelt vows, it was time for the couple to make their exit as newlyweds. On this occasion, Beth and James had a very specific request: they wanted the original version of “Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy” played through JAM Duo’s Yamaha speaker system rather than a live arrangement.
We’re always happy to adapt and accommodate unique requests. Sometimes, the original recording simply captures the energy or nostalgia a couple is after — and this was one of those moments. The song filled the hall with cheerful rhythm and brought guests to their feet, ready to celebrate.
Drinks Reception Music
Once the ceremony concluded, guests moved seamlessly into the next part of the celebration — the drinks reception, also held within the main house. Because everything took place indoors, JAM Duo could remain set up and continue to play without interruption.
The playlist for the drinks reception was an upbeat and varied selection designed to keep spirits high while guests mingled, enjoyed cocktails, and admired the floral décor. Here’s a flavour of what we played:
- All You Need is Love – The Beatles
- Half the World Away – Oasis
- Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles
- Ordinary – Alex Warren
- Let It Be – The Beatles
- A Sky Full of Stars – Coldplay
- I Say a Little Prayer – Aretha Franklin
- Wonderwall – Oasis
- Your Song – Elton John
- Accidentally in Love – from Shrek
- Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses
- Bittersweet Symphony – The Verve
- Beautiful Girls – Sean Kingston
- Baby I’m Yours – Arctic Monkeys
- Firestone – Kygo
- The Cave – Mumford & Sons
- Pink Pony Club – Chappell Roan
- Africa – Toto
- Hold On – Wilson Phillips
This blend of soulful ballads, pop anthems, and gentle rock gave a lively and modern tone to the afternoon. The familiar melodies and harmonies of cello and piano filled the space beautifully — the natural resonance of Crowcombe’s panelled rooms enhancing the warmth of the instruments.
A Special Musical Moment
One of the highlights of the afternoon came when Emily, the Groom’s sister, performed a surprise song for the couple. She sang “Truly Madly Deeply” — a deeply personal choice that meant a great deal to the family.
Jules accompanied Emily on the piano, while Anne-Marie stepped back to let the moment belong to voice and keyboard alone. Jules also provided a microphone linked into our PA system, ensuring Emily’s vocals carried clearly through the house. It was an emotional and powerful moment, greeted with huge applause and cheers from the guests.
Moments like this remind us why live music is so meaningful at weddings. The spontaneity, the emotion, and the sense of connection are impossible to replicate in any other way.
Personal Touches and Playful Details
Beth and James’s wedding was full of personality and thoughtful detail. One charming feature was the use of playing cards as guest messages — each card serving as a mini note for the couple to read later. In keeping with our little tradition, we signed the Two of Hearts, our small token of thanks to the couple for choosing JAM Duo to be part of their day.
Another delightful touch was the cocktail bell system — guests could simply ring for a freshly mixed drink, adding a fun, interactive twist to the drinks reception. Combined with the music, laughter, and sunshine streaming through the tall windows, it created a relaxed and festive atmosphere that guests will undoubtedly remember.
Reflections on the Day
Every wedding we play has its own rhythm and energy, but this one stood out for its harmony — both musically and emotionally. The continuity of staying in one space throughout the ceremony and reception meant the music could weave seamlessly through the day, never rushed or interrupted.
Crowcombe Court itself remains one of our favourite Somerset venues. Its historic character, superb acoustics, and accommodating team make it a joy to perform in. The grand staircase, the polished floors, and the soft light filtering through tall windows lend themselves perfectly to the tone of piano and cello.
Beth and James created a celebration that was refined yet full of heart, elegant yet joyfully relaxed — and for us, it was a privilege to be part of it. The combination of exquisite floristry, timeless attire, and expressive music made for a day that captured everything beautiful about live performance and personal celebration.
