Ceremony, Drinks & Meal Music by JAM Duo
Some wedding days are marked by sunshine, others by showers—but what really makes a celebration memorable is the love, the people, and the music that carries it all. For Rebecca and Nicholas’ wedding at The Mill in Stone, Staffordshire, the weather brought plenty of rain, yet that only made the atmosphere inside all the warmer and more joyful. JAM Duo were delighted to provide live music for the ceremony, the drinks reception, and the wedding meal, ensuring that every part of the day was filled with beautiful sounds, even as the rain tapped gently on the windows.
A Personal Connection: St Michael’s Church, Stone
As this wedding was close to Anne-Marie’s roots in Stafford, we took the chance to visit St Michael and St Wulfad’s Church in Stone before the big day. This historic parish church is one of Staffordshire’s gems, with origins dating back to the Saxon period. Over the centuries it has been restored and extended, but it still retains a sense of timeless presence at the heart of the town.
Visiting St Michael’s added a special layer of connection to this wedding in Stone, and it was lovely to reflect on the history and community spirit that the church represents before heading to The Mill to perform.
The Venue: The Mill, Stone
The Mill Hotel and Restaurant in Stone is a stunning waterside venue set along the Trent and Mersey Canal. Once a working corn mill, the building is steeped in history—its roots stretching back hundreds of years when the River Trent powered its grinding wheels. Over time, the mill evolved into a welcoming venue with characterful interiors, original beams, and beautiful views of the surrounding Staffordshire countryside.
Today, The Mill is a perfect choice for weddings, combining rustic charm with modern facilities. Its indoor ceremony and reception spaces came into their own on this rainy day, offering warmth, character, and a sense of intimacy for Rebecca and Nicholas’ celebrations.
The Ceremony
Rebecca and Nicholas had chosen a wonderfully thoughtful and varied selection of music for their ceremony, and it was a privilege to bring these songs to life on cello and piano.
Pre-Ceremony Music
As guests arrived and took their seats, we set the tone with:
- Teenage Dirtbag – Wheatus
- Perfect – Ed Sheeran
- Yellow – Coldplay
- She Will Be Loved – Maroon 5
- A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
This combination of romantic ballads and nostalgic favourites created a welcoming atmosphere and built anticipation for the bride’s entrance.
Bridal Entrance
Rebecca looked truly lovely in her dress as she entered the room. She chose a blend of two stunning songs for her entrance:
- Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
- I Get to Love You – Ruelle
Played live on cello and piano, this transition was timed perfectly to match her walk down the aisle—soft, elegant, and emotional in a way only live music can achieve.
Signing of the Register
For the signing, we performed:
- Memories – Maroon 5
- Amazed – Lonestar
Both are heartfelt love songs that offered a reflective interlude before the couple’s joyful exit.
Exit Music
The ceremony concluded on a high note with Wildest Dreams by Taylor Swift—an upbeat and romantic choice that lifted the mood and set the stage for the celebrations to follow.
The Drinks Reception
With rain keeping everyone indoors, the drinks reception took place in the cosy and characterful spaces of The Mill. Live music played a key role in enhancing the atmosphere, bringing energy and elegance to the mingling of guests as they enjoyed canapés and champagne.
JAM Duo’s cello and piano combination is ideal for this setting: our sound is rich and warm, filling the room without overpowering conversation. Guests could chat easily, but always with a live soundtrack weaving seamlessly in the background.
The Wedding Meal
For the wedding breakfast, we continued to perform live, moving smoothly from the drinks reception into the dining space. One of the benefits of booking JAM Duo is our flexibility—we can adapt quickly between different areas of a venue, keeping the music flowing without disruption.
During the meal, we curated a set that combined upbeat numbers with romantic classics, ensuring there was a joyful energy to accompany speeches, toasts, and laughter. Live music during the meal adds an extra layer of sophistication, turning dinner into a shared experience rather than just a pause before the evening party.
The Importance of Music on a Wedding Day
Music is one of the most powerful elements of a wedding. It sets the tone, carries the emotion, and makes memories that last long after the day is over. At JAM Duo, we believe live music transforms the experience in ways a playlist never could:
- Timing and Flow: A bridal entrance played live is perfectly matched to the pace of the aisle walk, with a natural cadence as the bride arrives at her groom.
- Atmosphere: Music fills those quieter moments, whether it’s while guests are waiting, during photos, or as meals are served, creating a seamless celebration.
- Personal Connection: Live performance feels unique, personal, and special—it shows your guests that every detail of the day has been thoughtfully considered.
At Rebecca and Nicholas’ wedding, this was especially clear. From the romance of the ceremony to the energy of the drinks reception and the joy of the meal, music gave each part of the day its own soundtrack.
Always Live, Always JAM Duo
When couples book JAM Duo, they know exactly who will be performing: Jules on piano and Anne-Marie on cello. We never use backing tracks, never contract our work out, and never rely on deps. Every note is live, shaped in the moment, and delivered with care and professionalism.
At The Mill in Stone, this commitment to live performance meant the music was perfectly timed and tailored, adjusting naturally to the atmosphere of the day. Rain may have kept us indoors, but the warmth and energy of live music ensured that every space felt vibrant and full of celebration.
Thank You
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Rebecca and Nicholas for choosing JAM Duo to provide the music for your special day. It was a joy to be part of your celebrations at The Mill in Stone, and to share in the love and happiness of your wedding.
Rebecca looked beautiful in her dress, and it was an honour to accompany such a wonderful couple through their ceremony, drinks reception, and wedding meal.
Final Thoughts
A rainy day in Staffordshire became a day of love, laughter, and music thanks to Rebecca and Nicholas, The Mill in Stone, and the power of live performance. Weddings are about more than just moments—they are about atmosphere, connection, and memories. And nothing supports that better than live music.
Whether indoors or outdoors, in barns, churches, hotels, or stately homes, JAM Duo bring elegance, romance, and joy to weddings across the UK. Always live, always personal, and always committed to making your day unforgettable.
