Some weddings stay with you not because of their scale, but because of their intimacy — and Hebe and Joshua’s ceremony at the historic Windsor Guildhall was one of those beautifully personal moments we felt truly honoured to be part of. With just eight people in attendance, including the couple, our role was to be woven gently into the ceremony itself, creating a musical atmosphere that felt elegant, heartfelt and very much part of the occasion.
A Rainy Windsor Arrival (and a Spot of Jigsaw Hunting)
The weather was relentless that day — torrential rain from the moment we set off — so we gave ourselves a few extra hours to make sure the motorway delays didn’t cause any stress. As it happened, everything ran smoothly, and we found ourselves in Windsor with time to spare.
That gave us the chance to enjoy a relaxed lunch in a local café and pop into a few of Windsor’s excellent charity shops. These are always brilliant for picking up jigsaws, which have become something of a shared hobby for both of us. It was a lovely little pause before we headed over to the Guildhall to set up.
We were also extremely grateful to Windsor Parish Church (St John the Baptist) for allowing us to use the organist’s parking space — a small gesture that made loading in so much easier, especially in such dreadful weather. It’s a church I know well: I was Director of Music there during my university years at Royal Holloway back in 1994, so being back in the area always feels a little nostalgic.
The Historic Setting of Windsor Guildhall
Windsor Guildhall is one of those venues where the walls feel steeped in history. It has been the backdrop for countless civic events, royal occasions and nationally significant moments. Most famously, it was the venue where King Charles III married Camilla, and later the site of Elton John and David Furnish’s civil partnership, making it a globally recognised landmark for both tradition and progression.
Its elegant interior, with high ceilings and golden-framed portraits, creates a grand yet intimate atmosphere — perfect for a small ceremony carried by live music.
Setting Up at the Front of the Ceremony
For Hebe and Joshua, the brief was simple: keep everything close, warm and personal. They invited us to set up right at the front of the ceremony with our gloss black piano shell, Yamaha electric cello and compact Yamaha sound system.
In such a small gathering, music becomes incredibly exposed — every note has space to breathe — so we crafted a classical and gently expressive programme that suited the room beautifully.
Pre-Ceremony Music
As guests arrived and settled, we performed:
- The Swan – Saint-Saëns
- Jupiter – Holst
- Ballade pour Adeline – Richard Clayderman
- The Blue Danube – Strauss
- Swan Lake Suite – Tchaikovsky
This selection created exactly the right atmosphere: graceful, reflective and quietly uplifting.
Entrance of the Bride
Hebe walked in to Pachelbel’s Canon, a timeless choice that suited the elegance of the Guildhall perfectly. Played on electric cello and piano, it filled the room with a warm, resonant sound without overwhelming the intimacy of the moment.
Signing of the Register
During the signing we played:
- Edelweiss
- Ellan Vannin
Both pieces felt tender, peaceful and fitting for such a heartfelt ceremony.
Couple Exit
For their exit, Hebe and Joshua chose Amazing Grace — a beautiful and meaningful way to close the ceremony as the couple walked out together into married life (and, unfortunately, still into the rain!).
A Beautifully Personal Ceremony
Everything about this wedding felt thoughtful, gentle and deeply personal. We were made to feel so welcome, and it was a privilege to be included so closely in such an intimate celebration.
To Hebe and Joshua — thank you for choosing us to be part of your ceremony. It was a joy to perform for you, and we wish you both every happiness for the future.
