Live Ceremony & Drinks Reception Music by JAM Duo
Old Gore by Cripps is a venue that never fails to impress. Nestled in the beautiful Cotswold countryside just outside Cirencester, it combines rustic charm with a contemporary finish — a perfect backdrop for weddings that want both character and style. JAM Duo have been fortunate to perform here several times in recent months, and it’s always a pleasure to return. The team run the day with absolute precision, the setting is stunning in every season, and the flow between ceremony and reception spaces works seamlessly for live musicians.
For Rachel and Jonty’s wedding, Old Gore was dressed in a rich autumnal palette — a thoughtful combination of burnt orange, rust, burgundy, creamy whites, and natural greenery. The groom and groomsmen wore deep green suits that echoed the surrounding Cotswold landscape, while the bridesmaids looked striking in elegant burgundy dresses. It was a colour scheme that suited the venue perfectly and brought a warm, romantic depth to the entire day.
We were delighted to provide live music for both the ceremony in the Ceremony Barn and the drinks reception in the bar area. Below is a detailed look at the music Rachel and Jonty selected and the atmosphere created across each part of their celebration.
The Ceremony in the Old Gore Ceremony Barn
The Ceremony Barn at Old Gore is one of the venue’s most recognisable features — a beautifully restored space with natural textures, soft lighting, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. With its exposed beams and neutral palette, it creates the ideal acoustic environment for live cello and piano.
For this wedding, we performed using our Nord piano and Yamaha electric cello, arranged in a discreet position within the barn to allow maximum sound projection without ever distracting from the ceremony itself.
Pre-Ceremony Music
Rachel and Jonty selected an elegant mix of classical and contemporary pieces, all arranged by us for piano and electric cello:
- Bluebird – Alexis Ffrench
- Your Song – Elton John
- Due Tramonti – Ludovico Einaudi
- Arrival to Netherfield – Jean-Yves Thibaudet / Dario Marianelli (from Pride & Prejudice, 2005)
This curated selection set a refined and emotionally rich tone as guests arrived. The Marianelli soundtrack pieces are particularly beautiful in a barn setting — timeless, cinematic and full of gentle movement. Combined with the warmth of the electric cello, the music created a calm and intimate environment ahead of the ceremony.
Bridesmaids’ Entrance
Two bridesmaids entered ahead of the bride, accompanied by Arrival to Netherfield. Its delicate piano motifs and flowing cello lines created a natural progression toward the main moment of the ceremony.
Entrance of the Bride
For Rachel’s entrance, the couple chose:
The Secret Life of Daydreams – Jean-Yves Thibaudet / Dario Marianelli (Pride & Prejudice)
Arranged for cello and piano by JAM Duo.
This is one of the most evocative pieces from the soundtrack and suits the romance of a walking aisle perfectly. The gentle rise and fall of the melodic lines worked beautifully with Rachel’s entrance as she walked with her father. Marianelli’s music always adapts wonderfully to cello and piano, and in the Ceremony Barn, it felt truly atmospheric.
Signing of the Register
Once the couple were seated for the signing, we transitioned to:
- Book of Love – Peter Gabriel
- Giorni Dispari – Ludovico Einaudi
Both pieces support the calm, reflective tone of the moment. Book of Love is always a favourite — understated but full of warmth — while Giorni Dispari added a contemporary classical feel that complemented the style of their earlier musical choices.
Couple Exit
For their exit, Rachel and Jonty chose an uplifting modern classic:
One Day Like This – Elbow
This is an excellent choice for the recessional. It’s joyful, expansive, and instantly recognisable. Played on piano and cello, it creates an energetic yet elegant send-off as the couple walk back down the aisle to greet their guests.
Drinks Reception in the Bar Area
After the ceremony concluded, guests moved through to the bar area for drinks, canapés, and conversation. Old Gore’s layout allows for a natural transition between spaces, and we were able to relocate quickly without interrupting the flow of the afternoon.
For the drinks reception, Rachel and Jonty requested a contemporary mix with a touch of cinematic and alternative influences. This worked perfectly for the lively social atmosphere, offering familiar melodies while still keeping the music fresh and engaging.
Their playlist included:
- Wildest Dreams – Taylor Swift
- Fate of Ophelia – Taylor Swift
- Sweet Disposition – The Temper Trap
- Believe – Cher
- Pink Pony Club – Chappell Roan
- Sun Down – Joel Schoch (from Far: Lone Sails)
- Come What May – Moulin Rouge
- Dancing in the Moonlight – Toploader
- Nothing Else Matters – Metallica
- Kiss Me – Sixpence None the Richer
- Sweet Child O’ Mine – Guns N’ Roses
This set had a strong modern identity — a blend of atmospheric, upbeat, nostalgic, and romantic tracks. It gave guests an enjoyable variety while still feeling cohesive and well-paced.
We particularly enjoyed performing Sun Down from Far: Lone Sails. Although the sheet music isn’t widely available, we were able to create an arrangement that captured the tone and character of the original. It’s always exciting when couples bring unique personal choices into the drinks reception, as it gives the music a distinctive stamp that reflects their personalities.
Chappell Roan’s Pink Pony Club added a fun contemporary moment, while Sweet Disposition, Wildest Dreams, and Kiss Me offered romantic, recognisable melodies that worked beautifully as the afternoon unfolded. As always, we adjusted our dynamics to the space and energy of the room — keeping the sound present but never overpowering conversation.
About Old Gore by Cripps
Old Gore is one of the Cotswolds’ most stylish and well-run wedding venues. It combines the rustic feel of a converted barn with high-end finishes, modern lighting, and excellent acoustics. The venue’s layout — with the Ceremony Barn, bar area, and main dining space — allows each part of the day to have its own character while maintaining a cohesive flow.
From a performance perspective, the venue is a pleasure to work in. The Ceremony Barn offers a natural resonance that suits our cello and piano arrangements beautifully, while the bar area provides a warm, relaxed atmosphere for drinks reception music. The staff are always well-organised and supportive, ensuring that the day runs seamlessly for couples and suppliers alike.
We always look forward to returning here, and it was especially lovely to be back again so soon.
A Warm Thank You
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Rachel and Jonty for choosing JAM Duo to be part of their wedding day at Old Gore. Their music selections were thoughtful, personal, and beautifully suited to the atmosphere they wanted to create. It was a pleasure to perform for such a wonderful couple in a venue we know and love.
We wish them every happiness for the future and hope the music we played remains a memorable part of their celebration.
