Here's a picture of the sand mixed by the two families of Emma and Phil at their beautiful wedding at Comberemere Abbey. It was lovely to see the little ones taking their turn pouring their coloured sand into the jar. A beautiful way to symbolise the two families joining together as one. And I couldn't resist a photo of the beautiful doves that were released that afternoon as well. The doves came from Shropshire White Doves. They didn't seem to mind the music. I think they quite liked it. If you would like a dove release at your wedding get in touch with Shropshire White Doves at www.shropshirewhitedoves.co.uk.

The ceremony took place in the Glass House at Combermere Abbey and the acoustics were perfect for the quartet.  We played beautiful classical music as the guests arrived including The Wedding Song by Stookey and Anne's Theme by Hagood Hardy.  These are two of our favourites and they really set the tone for a very special occasion.  The beautiful bride and all her bridesmaids walked up the aisle to Pachelbel's Canon and we all timed the finish as she came to the front ready to take her vow.

We managed to capture a beautiful shot of the gorgeous bride cutting the cake and what an amazing cake it was! Twelve tiers high!

We're the other side of the cold weather now, well we hope so at least.  However, the snow was heavy leading up to the wedding of James and Channel on Saturday and it was touch and go if any of us were going to make it, let alone the guests.  We were watching the news reports and looking at the motorway webcams continuously leading up to the big day.  Thankfully for two days it stopped snowing and the motorways were clear, only a chance of freezing rain.  We braved the icy conditions and drove to Worcestershire.  All arrived safely and 90% of the wedding guests too.  It was a beautiful day and we played a newly commissioned piece written especially for the entrance of the bride.  It was Warmness on the Soul by Avenged Sevenfold.  She walked in to the music playing the words "I Give My heart to You". A very special moment indeed.  The happy couple walked out to the music I'm Yours by Jason Mraz as their guests through confetti and lavender.  Here we are just after the wedding party left for their reception.

Thank you so much Michelle and Stefan.  It was a beautiful wedding on a beautiful sunny day and we wish you a happy life together full of laughter.

Thank you Mr and Mrs Taylor, your wedding was absolutely magical and thank you very much for inviting us to play for you.   We wish you lots of happiness together xxx

The Quartet gently played Come Away With Me by Norah Jones @The Upper House, Barlaston as the beautiful bride walked in through the white frosted doors to a packed room full of guests.  The couple said their first vows and and a romantic reading was given then it was time for the rings and the best man came forward, arm outstretched, heavily white gloved.  At that moment the frosted doors swung open from the back of the beautiful orangery and in swooped a  magnificent and  beautiful owl called Alfie, bearing the most important items for the ceremony.  It landed happily on the best man and was rewarded with a tit bit for his work.  Everyone gasped in awe at this beautiful sight and we all knew how special this moment was.  It was a lovely surprise for the bride and the guests and there were a few shed tears.  The quartet had never witnessed this happening at a wedding before and it really made the special occasion that extra bit special.  After the ceremony the guests enjoyed having their photo with the owl and the children were able to hold him.  There were two owls that came out to say hello and mingle with the guests and stunningly beautiful they were too.  I have their details below if you would like them, to arrange a lovely surprise for someone special too.  www.theowlringbearer.co.uk

We have never played in a Tipi tent before and were wondering what it was going to be like.  Would it be cold? Dark? dreary?  Well none of these and we were pleasantly surprised.  It was amazing!  The atmosphere inside was magical with fairy lights everywhere and around every pole.  It was cosy and yet spacious enough to cater for 100 guests.  It had its own dance floor and flooring throughout with a bar at one end and an open log fire blazing opposite creating a very special atmosphere.  We loved playing inside too and used our Maui 5 PA system with our microphones.  We added a touch of reverb just to produce the right acoustics and at the end of the wedding breakfast we played the bride and grooms favourite song accompanied by loud singing from the guests.  It was ELO's Mr Blue Skies. It was marvelous.  After we left the DJ took over and new guests arrived to dance the night away.  We didn't want to leave but thoroughly enjoyed playing in a Tipi tent.  If you are thinking of holding your special event somewhere different then check out their website. www.bigchieftipis.com

When the weather is just perfect, it is such a joy to play outside and no where could be better than by the vintage inspired bandstand at the gorgeous Pendrell Hall in Staffordshire!  We always come prepared with sunglasses and pegs for the music in case it is a little breezy so there is no need to worry if you decide to have your ceremony amongst the trees and butterflies.  At Pendrell Hall we picked just the right spot for a magical ceremony.  Close to where the guests were seated and in glorious shade.  Just something that we need to have so that our instruments do not get damaged by the heat of the sun.
For more details about weddings at Pendrell Hall please visit their website http://www.pendrellhall-venue.co.uk

 
The Upper House Hotel is steeped in local history, built in 1845 for Josiah Wedgwood’s grandson Francis.  It has been lovingly converted into a luxury hotel set among 10 acres of woodlands and beautifully landscaped gardens.

We have had the wonderful opportunity of playing several times at this fabulous location and we often relax after our performances in the beautiful peaceful drawing room, snuggling up to the large open log fire whilst enjoying a cream tea and a sandwich or two.   The service and food is excellent here, the staff so pleasant and the gardens magnificent particularly in summer creating the perfect backdrop for photographs.

There is a beautiful conservatory called the Novello Room in which the ceremonies for weddings take place.  It is beautiful and light and on a warm summers day the doors open wide onto the patio and gardens beyond.  The views from the terrace are stunning.  But not all of the wedding ceremonies are held here.. there is an elegant pagoda among the greenery where if you like you can have your ceremony there with the bluebells and bumble bees.

To find out more about The Upper House you can visit their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/upperhousehotel/ or their website www.theupperhouse.com

Sarah Jackson and Dave Lycett  in the Novello Room at the Upper House, Barlaston