When it comes to weddings, few venues match the stunning charm of Beaconside House near Bideford in Devon. Nestled in the countryside, with rolling hills and breathtaking gardens, it’s the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable celebration. For Holly and Stephen’s big day, the weather was on their side – clear blue skies and glorious sunshine created the ideal setting for their romantic outdoor ceremony and drinks reception.
JAM Duo were delighted to be part of this special occasion, providing live cello and piano music for both the ceremony and the drinks reception. Our mission was simple: to add elegance, emotion, and atmosphere through music while making everything seamless and stress-free for the couple.
An Outdoor Ceremony in the Horseshoe Garden
Holly and Stephen exchanged their vows in the Horseshoe area of the gardens, surrounded by family, friends, and panoramic views of the Devon countryside. The ceremony had a relaxed, intimate atmosphere, and the music choices made it deeply personal.
For Holly’s grand entrance, we performed “Young & Beautiful” by Lana Del Rey. The soft, romantic cello lines intertwined with the piano accompaniment to create a cinematic moment as she walked down the aisle. It set exactly the tone Holly had imagined – emotional yet elegant.
During the signing of the register, we kept the mood reflective and uplifting with two beautiful pieces:
- “Golden Hour” – JVKE
- “All About You” – McFly
Both tracks gave the ceremony a contemporary and heartfelt touch, with our arrangement for cello and piano adding a rich, warm texture that filled the garden perfectly.
As the newlyweds made their exit as husband and wife, we brought the energy up with “We Found Love” by Rihanna – a joyful and celebratory choice that perfectly captured the excitement of the moment.
Drinks Reception Music in the Gardens
Following the ceremony, the celebrations moved seamlessly into the drinks reception, which took place in front of the main house. Guests mingled in the sunshine, enjoying champagne and canapés while we provided a live soundtrack that ranged from modern pop to timeless classics.
Because of the hot weather, we set up under the shelter of a large tree – a spot that not only kept us cool but also created a charming setting for our performance. One of the great advantages of JAM Duo is that we’re fully equipped for outdoor weddings. With our professional battery pack, we can perform anywhere on the grounds without needing access to mains power. Whether it’s a garden, courtyard, or even a woodland ceremony, our setup allows us to deliver the same high-quality sound without interruption.
During the drinks reception, we performed an eclectic mix of songs to keep the mood vibrant and romantic, including:
- “Birds of a Feather” – Billie Eilish
- “Beautiful” – Bazzi
- “A Million Dreams” – The Greatest Showman
- “Pure Imagination” – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
- “Girls Like You” – Maroon 5
- “Halo” – Beyoncé
- “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” – The Lion King
- “I Wanna Love You” – Akon
- “Marry You” – Bruno Mars
- “Cry Me a River” – Justin Timberlake
- “Fly Me to the Moon” – Frank Sinatra
- “Happy” – Pharrell Williams
- “Stand by Me” – Ben E. King
- “Say You Won’t Let Go” – James Arthur
- “Faded” – Alan Walker
- “I Like Me Better” – Lauv
- “Beautiful Things” – Benson Boone
This carefully curated selection gave something for everyone – from soulful ballads to playful pop hits – while maintaining an elegant and romantic atmosphere that perfectly suited the surroundings.
Professionalism and Flexibility on the Day
One of the things we pride ourselves on as wedding musicians is our ability to adapt. Weddings are live events, and they require more than just musical skill – they demand professionalism, flexibility, and experience.
For Holly and Stephen’s wedding, this meant:
- Setting up discreetly and efficiently in the gardens before guests arrived.
- Adjusting our performance position to ensure we stayed comfortable in the heat while still being perfectly placed for everyone to hear us.
- Using our portable battery power to perform without any need for extension leads or external electricity – giving the couple complete freedom in choosing their outdoor locations.
This level of preparation ensures that couples like Holly and Stephen never have to worry about the logistics of their music. Our goal is simple: you choose your songs, we take care of the rest.
A Perfect Day in Every Way
Holly and Stephen’s wedding was everything you’d hope for: romantic, joyful, and unforgettable. The outdoor setting at Beaconside House provided a stunning stage for their vows, and the music brought every moment to life. From the cinematic beauty of “Young & Beautiful” to the playful energy of “We Found Love” and the relaxed atmosphere of the drinks reception, we were honoured to be part of such a magical day.
To Holly and Stephen – thank you for choosing JAM Duo to be part of your wedding. It was a privilege to share in your celebration and to provide the soundtrack to such an important chapter in your lives.
Why Choose JAM Duo for Your Wedding?
Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, JAM Duo bring more than just music – we bring expertise, reliability, and an unforgettable live experience. With our ability to perform anywhere – indoors or out – without mains power, we can adapt to the unique flow of your day.
From classical elegance to modern love songs, we craft bespoke playlists tailored to your tastes and your wedding atmosphere. For Holly and Stephen, that meant a mix of chart-toppers, movie favourites, and soulful ballads, but every wedding is different, and every setlist is unique.
If you’re getting married at Beaconside House – or any venue across Devon, Cornwall, or beyond – we’d love to help you create the perfect soundtrack for your day.
