On a glorious summer’s day in Poole, Dorset, we had the pleasure of providing live music for the wedding of Lorna and Tom at the stunning Italian Villa within the historic Compton Acres gardens. This was our second time performing at this wonderful venue, and it was every bit as magical as we remembered.
From the elegance of the ceremony to the relaxed atmosphere of the drinks reception, the day was filled with love, laughter, and of course, music.
The Wedding
Lorna and Tom
Thursday 7 August 2025
The Italian Villa, Compton Acres, Poole
Ceremony and Drinks Reception
The Ceremony – Indoor Elegance with Garden Views
The ceremony took place in the ground floor room of The Italian Villa – a beautiful space flooded with natural light and offering enchanting views over the gardens. We set up with our Electric Cello and Nord Stage Piano towards the back of the room, giving us a perfect vantage point to provide music without obstructing the view of the couple or their guests.
Lorna looked absolutely stunning in her beautiful wedding dress, radiating joy as she prepared to walk down the aisle. The music chosen for the ceremony was a perfect reflection of the couple’s personalities – a blend of cinematic scores, pop classics, and timeless love songs.
Pre-Ceremony:
- Jurassic Park Theme – John Williams
- Africa – Toto
- Lord of the Rings: The Shire – Howard Shore
- Bitter Sweet Symphony – The Verve
- I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing – Aerosmith (Arranged for Cello & Piano)
Bridal Entrance:
- Can’t Help Falling in Love blended into Canon in D
Signing of the Register:
- You’ve Got the Love – Florence + The Machine
- Signed, Sealed, Delivered – Stevie Wonder
Couple Exit:
- This Will Be an Everlasting Love – Natalie Cole
It was a real joy to perform the couples choice of music for their ceremony, moving from atmospheric instrumental arrangements to upbeat celebratory numbers as the couple left the room to great cheering and applause.
A Unique Confetti Moment
After the ceremony, we were part of something a little different – and rather special. Lorna and Tom requested live music for the confetti line on the grand steps outside The Italian Villa, leading down into the gardens. This was a first for us, and while it meant we had to relocate extremely quickly, we were more than happy to rise to the challenge.
The chosen song was:
- All You Need Is Love – The Beatles
As guests gathered, and confetti fluttered in the summer breeze, the opening notes of this Beatles classic filled the air, adding a touch of pure romance and fun to the moment. It was a magical scene – one that we’re sure will stay in everyone’s memories for years to come.
Drinks Reception in the Gardens
Following the confetti celebrations, we continued to perform during the outdoor drinks reception, entertaining guests as they enjoyed champagne, canapés, and the sunshine. The gardens at Compton Acres provided a stunning backdrop – vibrant blooms, elegant pathways, and, of course, the Italianate architecture framing the occasion.
Our setlist for the drinks reception included a mix of modern favourites, timeless classics, and a few unexpected surprises:
- Pink Pony Club – Chappell Roan
- All About You – McFly
- Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen
- Game of Thrones Theme – Ramin Djawadi
- I’ll Be There for You – Friends Theme
- Angels – Robbie Williams
- Brown Eyed Girl – Van Morrison
- 2002 – Anne-Marie
- L-O-V-E – Nat King Cole
- Dancing in the Moonlight – Toploader
- Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield
We loved seeing guests singing along, tapping their feet, and occasionally breaking into a dance. The mix of upbeat pop, soulful ballads, and TV theme tunes made for a lively, relaxed atmosphere.
The Italian Villa & Compton Acres – A Dream Wedding Venue
For those who haven’t yet discovered it, The Italian Villa is an award-winning wedding venue nestled within the exquisite gardens of Compton Acres, Poole. The building itself is inspired by Tuscan architecture, with arched windows, balconies, and stone terraces that give it a timeless elegance.
Inside, the ceremony spaces are bright and airy, with large windows offering garden views and creating a light-filled setting perfect for romantic moments. Outside, couples and their guests can explore over ten acres of manicured gardens, from the Japanese Garden with its tranquil koi ponds to the colourful sub-tropical planting.
The Italian Garden, where Lorna and Tom held their drinks reception, is one of the most beautiful spaces we’ve performed in – a perfect blend of architecture and nature, offering endless opportunities for photographs and relaxed celebration.
It’s no surprise that this venue is so highly regarded; it combines the charm of a European villa with the lush beauty of English gardens, making it ideal for couples seeking elegance, romance, and a touch of the unexpected.
Music to Match the Day
One of the joys of performing at weddings like Lorna and Tom’s is the opportunity to tailor the music precisely to the couple’s vision for their day. Their choices blended cinematic themes, romantic pop ballads, and classic love songs, creating a soundtrack that was uniquely theirs.
The decision to include music for the confetti moment was particularly inspired – it brought an extra sparkle to a tradition that’s already joyful, and it made the moment feel even more personal.
We also loved how the drinks reception playlist reflected their personalities: fun, eclectic, and uplifting. There was something for every guest, from grandparents humming along to Nat King Cole to friends joining in the chorus of “I’ll Be There for You.”
Our Thanks to Lorna & Tom
It was a genuine pleasure to be part of Lorna and Tom’s wedding day. From the emotional ceremony to the laughter-filled drinks reception, the atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and full of love.
We’d like to thank them both for choosing JAM Duo to provide their wedding music, and for trusting us with such important moments – including that unique confetti song! We wish them every happiness for the future and hope their lives together are filled with as much joy as we witnessed on the day.
Planning Your Wedding at The Italian Villa?
If you’re considering The Italian Villa or another venue in Dorset for your wedding, live music can add a truly unforgettable touch. Whether it’s a romantic cello and piano arrangement for your bridal entrance, an upbeat classic for your confetti throw, or a lively set to accompany drinks in the sunshine, we can help you create a soundtrack that reflects your style.
We bring our own professional instruments – including a Nord Stage Piano and Electric Cello – and can adapt to indoor and outdoor settings with seamless transitions. Our repertoire spans classical, pop, film scores, and jazz, giving you complete flexibility to design your perfect wedding soundtrack.
