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

From time to time we receive lovely thank you cards and emails from our special couples and we have just received a card from Barbara and Steve who were married at The Upper House in Barlaston.  Thank you so much for sending such a beautiful card with your encouraging kind words.  We really appreciate you contacting us after your wedding and we love to hear how you enjoyed your day.  Thank you so much for getting in touch with us here at Quartet Cabaret, and may we wish you both many happy years together.xxxx

We love to play @The Upper House,  Barlaston.  First of all the building lends itself so well to accommodating a string quartet and the acoustics are perfect to making the strings resonate beautifully.  Secondly, the staff at the Upper House are wonderful and create a lovely atmosphere.  They really go out of their way to look after you.  Last weekend we played there for their wedding fayre and we are looking forward to playing for quite a few weddings next year at the Upper House. 

We met lots of wedding suppliers there and all of good quality. 
There was:-
Alison O@Mara of www.alisonomarafloraldesign.co.uk
Enchanted table designs, www.enchantedtabledesigns.co.uk
James Barlow The Wedding Singer www.theweddingsinger.uk.com
Chris Stokes an amazing magician and illusionist www.chrisstokesmagic.co.uk
Wayne Shelton, the Staffordshire Toastmaster www.staffordshiretoastmaster.com
Dave Dee Disco Hire www.davedeediscos.co.uk
Kim Shaw photography www.kimshawphotography.co.uk
A shoe boutique www.shoebeedoo.co.uk