There’s something undeniably special about a wedding set deep in the Sussex countryside, and Rowena and Daniel’s day at Highley Manor had that perfect blend of elegance, warmth and relaxed celebration. We were delighted to return to this lovely venue, bringing our cello and piano duo to both the ceremony and the drinks reception.
A Peaceful Morning at Nymans
We arrived in the area with plenty of time to spare, so we stopped at Nymans Gardens for coffee and cake before heading to the venue. It was a particularly nostalgic detour for me — I lived in Surrey as a child and often visited Nymans with my grandparents. Wandering through those familiar pathways again felt like a gentle pause before the excitement of the wedding day ahead. Little moments like that always seem to make a performance feel even more personal.
Ceremony in the Baronial Hall
Rowena and Daniel chose the Baronial Hall for their ceremony — a space full of character, with warm wood panelling and soft light that set the perfect tone for live music. We set up with our electric cello, Nord piano inside the gloss-black piano shell, and our Yamaha sound system to give the room a rich, clear sound without overpowering the intimacy of the moment.
The guests took their seats as we played a hand-picked set of pre-ceremony pieces:
- Wildest Dreams – Taylor Swift (Bridgerton style)
- Shallow – Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper
- Tale as Old as Time – Beauty and the Beast
- Turning Page – Twilight
- At Last – Etta James
Four bridesmaids walked ahead of the bride, setting the stage for a beautiful entrance. Rowena then made her way down the aisle to A Thousand Years (Piano Guys) — always a timeless choice, and one that suits cello and piano perfectly.
During the signing of the register, we played:
- Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
- Perfect – Ed Sheeran
And as the newlyweds exited, the whole room lifted with This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) by Natalie Cole — the perfect joyful send-off.
Swift Relocation for the Drinks Reception
As the confetti shot took place outside, we quietly moved across to the main entrance hall. Highley Manor has a wonderful sweeping staircase at the rear of the room, and our music seemed to sit beautifully within the acoustics of the space.
Music for the Drinks Reception
Rowena and Daniel asked for a lovely mix of classical, cinematic and contemporary songs — a playlist that always works well as guests relax and chat. We played continuously for 90 minutes, including:
- Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles
- The Shire & May It Be – Lord of the Rings
- Love Me Like You Do – Ellie Goulding
- Africa – Toto
- Birds of a Feather – Billie Eilish
- Canon in D – Pachelbel
- River Flows in You – The Piano Guys
- A Sky Full of Stars – Coldplay
- Viva La Vida – Coldplay
- Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder
- Marry You – Bruno Mars
- Dancing in the Moonlight – Toploader
It was a lovely atmosphere — relaxed, cheerful and full of that soft buzz that makes drinks receptions so enjoyable to play for.
A Beautiful Day for a Wonderful Couple
Highley Manor was the perfect setting for Rowena and Daniel’s wedding, and it was a joy to be part of such a warm and thoughtful celebration. The couple were so kind throughout, and we’re truly grateful they chose JAM Duo to provide the music for their day.
We wish them every happiness for their future together.
