There are some weddings that feel truly unforgettable, not just for the couple and their families, but also for everyone lucky enough to be part of them. Hannah and Tash’s wedding at The Pheasantry Brewery in Newark was one such day—a celebration filled with laughter, love, and the unmistakable power of music to create memories that will last a lifetime.
As JAM Duo—Jules on piano and Anne-Marie on cello—we had the privilege of providing music throughout their wedding, from the ceremony through to the drinks reception and into the wedding breakfast. Despite the weather keeping events indoors, the day was nothing short of magical. The rustic charm of the brewery, the terracotta colour palette, and the joy of two brides celebrating their love created an atmosphere of warmth and celebration.
The Pheasantry Brewery: A Unique Rustic Wedding Venue
Tucked away in the Nottinghamshire countryside near Newark, The Pheasantry Brewery is an increasingly popular wedding venue thanks to its unique blend of rustic charm and contemporary comfort. Originally a working brewery, the venue has been thoughtfully adapted to host weddings and events while still celebrating its brewing heritage.
The exposed beams, brickwork, and industrial-chic details combine beautifully with softer touches such as warm lighting, generous florals, and the flexibility to style the space to match each couple’s vision. For Hannah and Tash, the venue became the perfect backdrop for their rustic terracotta theme.
- Bridesmaids looked striking in terracotta dresses, perfectly complementing the warm tones of the room and floral arrangements.
- The groomsmen and male guests in navy blue suits created a classic contrast, balancing the colour scheme with elegance.
- The brewery’s large indoor space offered both intimacy and atmosphere, ensuring that even with the rain outside, the wedding day unfolded seamlessly.
The Pheasantry Brewery is also renowned for its hospitality and, of course, its craft beers. Guests not only enjoyed a wonderful setting but also a taste of what the venue does best—bringing people together to celebrate.
A Ceremony Full of Meaning
Every wedding ceremony has its own story, and Hannah and Tash crafted theirs with a mix of personal touches, humour, and heartfelt emotion. Music played a central role in creating the mood, and it was our pleasure to bring each moment to life.
- Tash’s Entrance: The day began with a smile as Tash made her entrance to “I’ll Be There For You”—the iconic Friends theme tune. It was a playful, lighthearted choice that immediately set the tone for a joyful celebration. The familiar notes brought warmth and laughter from the guests, and it was a perfect reflection of Tash’s fun and vibrant personality.
- Hannah’s Entrance: For Hannah, the music turned tender and romantic. She walked in to a specially arranged blend of “Lover” by Taylor Swift, seamlessly woven into “Can’t Help Falling in Love”—a timeless favourite. This combination captured the essence of love, commitment, and devotion, leaving not a dry eye in the room.
- Signing of the Register: During the signing, we performed “Birds of a Feather” and Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” These songs balanced gentle intimacy with soaring passion, marking the moment with beauty and gravitas.
- Couple Exit: Perhaps the most unique musical choice of the day came for the recessional. Hannah and Tash chose “Marching on Together,” the anthem of Leeds United. It was a bold, joyful exit that had guests smiling, clapping, and joining in as the newlyweds left the ceremony space together.
From start to finish, the ceremony reflected not just tradition but personality. Each piece of music told part of their story, and it was an honour for us to be the soundtrack to those precious minutes.
Drinks Reception: Bringing the Celebration Alive
With the rain persisting outside, the drinks reception was held indoors. Far from being a compromise, the brewery’s spacious interiors provided a welcoming setting where music, conversation, and laughter filled the air.
We performed a varied setlist that showcased both romantic melodies and upbeat, lively tracks:
- Beautiful Girls – Sean Kingston
- The Force Theme – from Star Wars
- Until I Found You – Stephen Sanchez
- Firestone – Kygo
- One Day Like This – Elbow
- Another Love – Tom Odell
- Dreams – Fleetwood Mac
- Game of Thrones Main Theme
- And a handpicked upbeat playlist tailored to the energy in the room
What made this part of the day particularly special was the way guests reacted. From quiet conversations accompanied by gentle background music, to bursts of laughter and applause at the recognition of certain songs, the music created a flow that carried everyone effortlessly into the celebrations.
By weaving in well-known themes from film and television alongside contemporary pop and classic ballads, we were able to appeal to every generation present. It’s always a joy to see grandparents smiling at Fleetwood Mac, while younger guests perk up at the unmistakable Game of Thrones theme.
The Wedding Breakfast: Setting the Tone for a Feast
As guests moved through to the wedding breakfast, the energy lifted once again. The brewery’s rustic space came alive with candlelight, terracotta décor, and the buzz of happy conversation.
Hannah and Tash chose to make their entrance as newlyweds to “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”—a perfect upbeat track to kickstart the meal with fun and flair.
Throughout the meal, we performed an eclectic mix of music that reflected the couple’s diverse tastes:
- Beautiful Crazy – Luke Combs
- Pink Pony Club – Chappell Roan
- All the Small Things – Blink 182
This combination of heartfelt country, quirky indie-pop, and nostalgic pop-punk ensured that the music during dinner was just as distinctive as the rest of the day. Subtle yet vibrant, our arrangements for cello and piano allowed guests to enjoy their conversations while still appreciating the atmosphere that only live music can bring.
One of the unique things about JAM Duo is our ability to adapt the style of our performances depending on the setting. At The Pheasantry Brewery, our gloss-black piano shell added a touch of sophistication to the rustic surroundings, blending elegance with charm. It provided a visual centrepiece that looked right at home amidst the terracotta theme.
Styling and Atmosphere
Hannah and Tash’s vision for their wedding was clear and beautifully executed. The terracotta and rustic theme ran through every detail:
- Bridesmaids in terracotta dresses brought warmth and richness to the room.
- Navy suits on the men offered contrast and depth, enhancing the rustic palette.
- Décor combined terracotta tones with natural textures, candles, and florals that tied the brewery’s character to the couple’s style.
The result was a wedding aesthetic that felt both modern and timeless, reflecting their personalities while harmonising with the unique venue.
The Brides: A Stunning Duo
Of course, the heart of the day was Hannah and Tash themselves. Both brides looked absolutely radiant in their white dresses. Standing together, they perfectly embodied the love, strength, and joy that the day was all about.
What struck us most was the way their personalities shone through in every detail: from their music choices to their styling, their laughter during the drinks reception, and the way they looked at one another throughout the day. It was a wedding full of authenticity, reminding everyone present that love is at its most beautiful when it is true to itself.
Reflections on the Day
Looking back, what makes Hannah and Tash’s wedding stand out is how music, venue, and atmosphere blended together so seamlessly. At JAM Duo, we always say that live music can transform a wedding day, and this celebration was the perfect example:
- Music shaped each stage of the day, from the playful to the profound.
- The Pheasantry Brewery provided a space that was versatile, welcoming, and full of character.
- The styling brought warmth and personality that matched the joy in the room.
Despite the weather moving everything indoors, the day never lost its sparkle. In fact, it highlighted how important it is to choose a venue that works beautifully in all conditions—and The Pheasantry Brewery certainly delivered.
Why Choose Live Music for Your Wedding?
Hannah and Tash’s day also demonstrates why live music makes such a difference to a wedding. Pre-recorded tracks can never capture the timing, emotion, and spontaneity that comes from two musicians performing in the moment.
With JAM Duo, every arrangement is bespoke, every cue is perfectly timed, and every note is played live. Whether it’s adapting a pop-punk anthem for cello and piano, blending two songs seamlessly for a bridal entrance, or creating a subtle underscore during a meal, our music becomes part of the day’s story.
For couples like Hannah and Tash, that means:
- Aisle walks timed to perfection.
- Unique arrangements tailored to their taste.
- A warm, live atmosphere that recordings simply cannot replicate.
Final Thoughts
Hannah and Tash’s wedding at The Pheasantry Brewery will stay with us for a long time. It was a celebration full of individuality, love, and laughter, brought to life through carefully chosen music, a stunning venue, and two brides who radiated happiness.
For us as JAM Duo, it was an absolute privilege to be part of the day—to share in the emotion of the ceremony, the vibrancy of the drinks reception, and the atmosphere of the meal. We wish Hannah and Tash a lifetime of happiness together, and we thank them for allowing us to provide the soundtrack to such an important chapter in their story.
