When it comes to Gloucestershire wedding venues, few locations rival the beauty and atmosphere of Blackfriars Priory in Gloucester. This remarkable Grade I listed building, dating back to 1239, is steeped in history, offering vaulted ceilings, exposed stone, and a serene enclosed courtyard. For Kate and Joe, it was the perfect setting for a wedding that combined elegance, personality, and a joyful celebration of love.
JAM Duo – piano and cello – were honoured to provide live wedding music throughout their day: for the ceremony, the outdoor drinks reception, and the wedding breakfast back inside the priory’s main barn.
A Historic Wedding Venue in the Heart of Gloucester
Blackfriars Priory is a unique venue that combines medieval charm with modern flexibility. Its tranquil enclosed courtyard is ideal for summer receptions, while its impressive halls provide a grand yet intimate atmosphere for ceremonies and dining.
For musicians, the venue offers wonderful acoustics and a sense of occasion that makes live music feel even more special. With our electric cello, Nord Stage Piano, and black grand piano shell, JAM Duo were able to set up seamlessly in each location, moving with the flow of the day while always maintaining the elegant presence of live instruments.
Ceremony Music – Personal, Emotional, and Timeless
The wedding ceremony was held indoors within the atmospheric priory. Guests were welcomed with a carefully chosen pre-ceremony playlist that blended classical favourites with modern love songs:
- I Giorni – Ludovico Einaudi
- Canon in D – Johann Pachelbel
- Baby I’m Yours – Arctic Monkeys
- Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
- You’ll Never Walk Alone – Rodgers & Hammerstein
That final piece was especially meaningful. Kate requested You’ll Never Walk Alone to be the last song before her entrance, creating a poignant and heartfelt moment for Joe before she appeared.
The bridal entrance followed with a powerful and emotional arrangement of Dreams by The Cranberries – an inspired choice that perfectly captured the atmosphere.
During the signing of the register, we performed:
- Count on Me – Bruno Mars
- Grow Old With Me – Tom Odell
The couple then exited to the uplifting One Day Like This by Elbow, setting a joyful tone for the celebrations ahead.
Drinks Reception in the Courtyard – Sunshine & Song
With the formalities complete, guests spilled out into the sunlit enclosed courtyard for drinks and canapés. The relaxed, outdoor setting gave us the opportunity to perform a vibrant and varied set of music – from soul classics to indie favourites and contemporary pop ballads.
Highlights from the setlist included:
- Ordinary – Alex Warren
- Pink Pony Club – Chappell Roan
- At Last – Etta James
- All You Need is Love – The Beatles
- Lover – Taylor Swift
- Amazing Day – Coldplay
- Friday I’m in Love – The Cure
- Love of My Life – Queen
- Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles
- How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
This mix of songs created the perfect balance of romance and energy, encouraging conversation, smiles, and the occasional singalong as the afternoon sunshine bathed the courtyard.
Wedding Breakfast – A Film & TV Music Quiz
For the wedding breakfast inside the main barn, Kate and Joe introduced a fun and interactive twist. On the back of the order of service, they printed a space for guests to guess the film or TV theme tunes that JAM Duo would perform during the meal.
This turned the music into an engaging part of the dining experience, sparking laughter and conversation around each table. It was a brilliant idea that showed just how creative couples can be when weaving live music into their wedding day.
Some of the themes and favourites we performed included:
- La Vie en Rose
- Moon River
- Mia & Sebastian’s Theme (La La Land)
- Accidentally in Love – Counting Crows (Shrek)
- What Was I Made For? – Billie Eilish (Barbie)
- Pure Imagination (Willy Wonka)
- Never Enough (The Greatest Showman)
- Jurassic Park Theme – John Williams
- A Million Dreams (The Greatest Showman)
- Part of Your World / Under the Sea – Disney’s The Little Mermaid
- The Office Theme
- The Force Theme – John Williams
- Game of Thrones
Guests thoroughly enjoyed the quiz element, and the music provided a lively, entertaining backdrop to the meal of Caribbean-inspired dishes.
Why Live Music Makes the Difference
One of the most striking aspects of Kate and Joe’s wedding was how live music shaped the entire atmosphere. Unlike backing tracks, JAM Duo were able to:
- Time the bridal entrance perfectly, ensuring the music swelled and resolved as Kate reached Joe at the front – something a recording can never quite achieve.
- Adapt to the flow of the drinks reception, adjusting tempo and mood to suit the guests.
- Engage guests during the meal with interactive film themes, turning background music into a memorable shared experience.
Live musicians bring flexibility, elegance, and a sense of occasion that pre-recorded music simply cannot match.
Thank You
It was a true privilege to perform for Kate and Joe’s wedding at Blackfriars Priory, Gloucester. Their choices of music were personal, unique, and joyful, and we loved being part of their celebrations from the first note of the ceremony to the final chords of the meal.
We would like to thank Kate and Joe warmly for choosing JAM Duo, and we wish them every happiness for the future.
Planning Your Own Wedding at Blackfriars Priory or in Gloucestershire?
If you’re considering live music for your wedding ceremony, drinks reception, or wedding breakfast, JAM Duo can provide the perfect soundtrack. With our unique blend of piano and cello, we tailor our music to reflect your style, venue, and personality.
