Daytime Ceremony & Drinks Reception Music | 10th March 2026
Tucked away in the North Devon countryside, Ash Barton Estate is one of those rare wedding venues that feels both expansive and deeply personal. On 10th March 2026, we had the pleasure of returning to provide live piano and cello music for Chloe and Tom’s wedding day—an occasion full of colour, personality, and beautifully considered musical choices.
From the atmospheric setting of the Threshing Barn to the relaxed courtyard drinks reception, this was a day where music was not just present, but carefully woven into every transition.
A Unique Devon Wedding Venue Full of Character
Ash Barton Estate offers something quite different from the more traditional country house venues. It’s eclectic, slightly bohemian, and full of spaces that feel adaptable rather than fixed.
The Threshing Barn, where Chloe and Tom’s ceremony took place, is particularly striking. High ceilings, exposed beams, and a sense of openness make it ideal for live music. Sound carries naturally without feeling overwhelming—perfect for the balance we always aim for between presence and subtlety.
Everything at Ash Barton is also wonderfully close together. With parking right beside the barn and all key locations within easy walking distance, it allows the day to flow effortlessly. That ease of movement becomes especially important for live musicians, as it means we can transition smoothly between parts of the day without disruption.
Setting the Tone: Pre-Ceremony Music in the Threshing Barn
As guests arrived from 1pm, we began with a carefully chosen set of pre-ceremony music that immediately reflected Chloe and Tom’s personalities.
Their selections blended cinematic, modern, and nostalgic influences:
- Across the Stars – John Williams
- Ezio’s Family – from Assassin’s Creed II
- Music from The Lord of the Rings (The Shire, May It Be)
- Friday I’m in Love – The Cure
- Accidentally in Love – Counting Crows
This kind of programme works beautifully in a space like the Threshing Barn. The cinematic pieces add warmth and atmosphere, while the contemporary tracks create a sense of familiarity for guests as they take their seats.
There’s always a moment before a ceremony where everything settles. Conversations soften, people become more aware of the space, and the music gently holds that transition. This is where live performance makes a real difference—it allows the timing to breathe naturally rather than feeling fixed or mechanical.
A Brilliantly Choreographed Entrance
Chloe and Tom had planned one of the most memorable ceremony entrances we’ve played.
Rather than a single processional piece, their entrance unfolded in stages:
- Adult Flower Boy – Man! I Feel Like a Woman! – Shania Twain (blended into Accidentally in Love)
- Flower Girls & Bridesmaids – Everywhere – Fleetwood Mac
- Bride’s Entrance – At Last – Etta James
This kind of structure is where live musicianship becomes invaluable. Rather than stopping and starting tracks, we were able to blend each section seamlessly, adjusting tempo and timing to match exactly what was happening in the aisle.
The shift into At Last for Chloe’s entrance was particularly special. After the energy and colour of the earlier entrances, everything softened and focused. It’s a piece that naturally creates space—and in that moment, the whole room leaned into it.
Signing the Register: Intimate and Expressive
For the signing, Chloe and Tom chose a trio of soulful, expressive songs:
- So Easy to Fall in Love – Olivia Dean
- Baby I’m Yours – Arctic Monkeys
- If I Ain’t Got You – Alicia Keys
This part of the ceremony is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most important musically. It needs to feel warm and reflective without drawing attention away from the moment itself.
The piano and cello combination works particularly well here—rich enough to carry emotion, but subtle enough to sit in the background as guests watch and take in what’s happening.
A Joyful Exit into the Devon Countryside
The ceremony concluded with:
- Dancing in the Moonlight – Toploader
There’s something about this song that instantly lifts the atmosphere. As Chloe and Tom walked back down the aisle, the mood shifted from stillness to celebration, and you could feel the energy ripple through the room.
That transition—from ceremony to celebration—is one of the most important musical moments of the day, and this was a perfect choice.
Drinks Reception in the Courtyard
Following the ceremony, we moved outside for the drinks reception. With Ash Barton’s flexible layout, this shift felt completely natural—guests spilling out into the courtyard, drinks in hand, conversation starting to build.
For this part of the day, Chloe and Tom asked for a wide-ranging, upbeat mix, and this is exactly where JAM Duo thrives.
Contemporary & Crowd-Favourite Highlights
We began with a lively, familiar set including:
- Sweet Disposition – The Temper Trap
- Angels – Robbie Williams
- As It Was – Harry Styles
- Dreams – The Cranberries
- Iris – Goo Goo Dolls
- Paradise – Coldplay
These are the kinds of songs that immediately connect with guests across generations. Even without lyrics, people recognise them within seconds—and that recognition creates a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere.
Irish Influence & Family Connection
A particularly lovely touch was the inclusion of Irish music to reflect Tom’s family background:
- Tell Me Ma
- The Wild Rover
- Galway Girl – The Kilkennys
- Grace – The Dubliners
These pieces brought a completely different character to the set—more rhythmic, more communal, and full of warmth. You could feel guests responding differently to them, with a sense of familiarity and connection that added another layer to the reception.
A Subtle Country Influence
Chloe and Tom also leaned into a soft country-inspired feel for parts of the drinks reception:
- The Cave – Mumford & Sons
- Beautiful Crazy – Luke Combs
- Pink Skies – Zach Bryan
- Forever After All – Luke Combs
- Music by Chris Stapleton
Arranged for piano and cello, these songs take on a completely different quality—less about the original production, more about melody and harmony. It creates a softer, more atmospheric backdrop that suits outdoor spaces perfectly.
Why This Wedding Worked So Beautifully
What made Chloe and Tom’s wedding particularly effective from a musical perspective was the clarity of their vision combined with flexibility.
They gave us:
- A clear sense of style (cinematic, modern, country, Irish influences)
- Specific key moments (entrance structure, signing music, exit)
- Freedom to shape the drinks reception flow
That combination allows us to do what we do best—respond in real time, adjust to the atmosphere, and ensure the music always fits the moment.
Live Music at Ash Barton Estate
Ash Barton Estate is an excellent venue for live musicians, particularly for daytime wedding music:
- Strong acoustics in the Threshing Barn
- Flexible outdoor spaces for drinks receptions
- Easy logistics for setup and transitions
- No restrictive sound limits, allowing music to feel natural
For couples planning a wedding here, live piano and cello works beautifully across both indoor and outdoor settings, maintaining continuity throughout the day.
A Final Thought
Chloe and Tom’s wedding was a perfect example of how thoughtful music choices can shape the entire feel of a day without ever feeling overbearing.
From the cinematic calm of the pre-ceremony to the joyful energy of the courtyard reception, every section had its own identity—yet it all felt connected.
That’s always the goal.
JAM Duo at Your Ash Barton Estate Wedding
If you’re planning your wedding at Ash Barton Estate and are looking for live music that feels natural, flexible, and completely tailored to your day, we’d love to be part of it.
Whether it’s a carefully timed ceremony, a relaxed drinks reception, or both, we bring a fully live piano and cello performance that adapts to your setting, your guests, and your vision.
