Ceremony, Drinks Reception & Wedding Breakfast Music by JAM Duo
December weddings always seem to carry a little extra atmosphere with them – shorter days, softer light, and a sense of closeness that feels especially suited to live music. Lottie and Yama’s wedding at Upwaltham Barns was a perfect example of that winter warmth, combining relaxed celebration with beautifully chosen music and a wonderfully welcoming venue team.
Having performed the day before at Farbridge, we stayed overnight locally at Premier Inn Arundel, which gave us the chance to slow things down slightly before another busy wedding day. We spent the evening exploring Arundel, enjoying dinner in town and visiting a local vineyard’s tasting room – a lovely way to ease into the next day and one of those unexpected pleasures that come with wedding weekends away.
A winter palette with rich, confident colour
From the moment guests began arriving at Upwaltham Barns, it was clear that Lottie and Yama had a strong visual sense for their day. The colour palette was both classic and striking: navy suits for the groom and groomsmen, a timeless ivory wedding dress for Lottie, and bridesmaids in rich burgundy and maroon tones that worked beautifully against the rustic textures of the barn.
That combination of deep winter colours and soft neutrals suited the season perfectly and added depth to the already characterful setting. Upwaltham Barns has a way of feeling both grand and relaxed at the same time – a space that doesn’t need over-styling to feel special.
Music across the whole day
We provided live cello and piano music for three key parts of the day: the ceremony in the Wedding Barn, the drinks reception in the same space, and later the wedding breakfast, where we relocated across the courtyard.
From a logistical point of view, this flowed very smoothly. The venue team were incredibly kind and helpful throughout the day, assisting with timings, access, and making sure everything felt unhurried – something we always appreciate when multiple set-ups are involved.
Pre-ceremony music: relaxed, modern, and welcoming
As guests took their seats in the Wedding Barn, we played a carefully chosen mix of contemporary love songs and modern piano-led classics. The pre-ceremony selections struck a lovely balance between recognisable and atmospheric, setting a relaxed tone without pulling focus.
The music included:
- Love Story
- River Flows in You leading into Canon in D
- A Thousand Years (Piano Guys version, arranged by JAM Duo)
- I Giorni
- Accidentally in Love
It was a wonderful blend – romantic, gently upbeat in places, and perfectly suited to a December afternoon. Guests were smiling, chatting quietly, and settling into the space as the anticipation built.
Lottie’s entrance: Iris
For her entrance, Lottie chose Iris – a song that works beautifully on cello and piano. It has a natural sense of lift and emotion without feeling overly formal, and it suited the character of the day perfectly.
As she appeared in the barn, there was an immediate hush in the room. From where we were positioned, it was one of those entrances where time seems to slow slightly – the music unfolding naturally as everyone took in the moment.
Signing the register: cinematic warmth
For the signing of the register, the couple opted for two contrasting but complementary pieces:
- Maestro from The Holiday
- So Easy (To Fall in Love)
Maestro always works beautifully in barn spaces – cinematic, warm, and gently expansive. Paired with the lighter, soulful feel of So Easy (To Fall in Love), it created a relaxed interlude before the ceremony concluded.
A joyful exit: I’m In Love With You
The couple exited the ceremony to I’m In Love With You, which brought a real sense of energy and happiness into the space. Guests immediately responded – smiles, laughter, and that unmistakable feeling of celebration beginning in earnest.
Drinks reception: upbeat, varied, and full of personality
After the ceremony, guests remained in the Wedding Barn for drinks, and we continued playing as conversations flowed and glasses were raised. Lottie and Yama’s drinks reception playlist was wonderfully eclectic, moving easily between pop, indie, classics, and festive nods.
Across the reception, we played music including:
- Dancing in the Moonlight
- All About You
- All the Small Things
- Christmas Is All Around
- Pink Pony Club
- Sweet Child O’ Mine
- Tenerife Sea
- I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)
- Eye of the Tiger
- Midnight Train to Georgia
- Chasing Cars
- Mr Brightside
- Africa
- How Deep Is Your Love
This kind of playlist works especially well during drinks receptions – plenty of recognisable moments, gentle nostalgia, and the occasional upbeat lift that brings the room together without overpowering conversation.
Moving across the courtyard for the wedding breakfast
Later in the afternoon, we relocated across the courtyard to provide music for the wedding breakfast. Upwaltham Barns makes this transition feel very natural, and the change of space gave the day a clear sense of progression.
The couple very kindly made sure we were looked after with a meal, which is always hugely appreciated during long winter wedding days. Little gestures like that never go unnoticed and make such a difference.
Wedding breakfast music – and a lovely request
For the meal, we continued with any favourites that hadn’t yet been played, alongside additional selections chosen specifically for this part of the day. These included:
- Feels Like I’m Falling in Love
- Bittersweet Symphony
- Dancing On My Own
- Demons
- I Have Been Waiting for You
- Signed, Sealed, Delivered
- Wonderwall
- Both Sides Now
- Here Comes the Sun
- Perfect
- Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
- Love of My Life
- Can’t Take My Eyes Off You
- Silent Night
During the meal, a guest asked if we could play something by Alexis Ffrench. We were more than happy to oblige, and it was a lovely moment of connection – made even better when the same guest very kindly bought us both a gin and tonic as a thank you.
A personal connection close to home
One of the quieter pleasures of this wedding was discovering a personal connection that we hadn’t expected. Lottie and Yama have recently bought a house in Ewhurst, just a few miles from Cranleigh, where Jules grew up.
Several guests were also Old Cranleighans, having attended Cranleigh School – the same school Jules attended in the late 1980s. It was one of those small-world moments that made the day feel unexpectedly familiar and personal.
A genuine thank you
Lottie and Yama, thank you so much for choosing JAM Duo to be part of your wedding day. We truly loved every aspect of this celebration – from the music choices and the relaxed atmosphere to the warmth of your guests and the kindness shown to us throughout the day.
Upwaltham Barns were also a pleasure to work with, and we’re always grateful to venues that make musicians feel so welcome and supported.
We wish you every happiness in your new home and in the many years ahead together.
