We started by providing some gentle music as guests entered the room - this helped to create a calm atmosphere which soothed nerves in the build up to the ceremony. We then played for the various points during the ceremony itself before relocating to a different part of the venue. Our three hours of playing was spread across four hours so we took one of our breaks as all the guests went outside for photographs (the weather being just a little too cold for us to join them). We then continued during the wedding breakfast, with the music projecting perfectly in the room without being overbearing or inhibiting conversation.

The 3 hour meal was interspersed with speeches and each one had a special musical introduction which the quartet supplied. The whole event had a marvellous atmosphere and we were very pleased to be part of the proceedings!

When the ceremony had concluded, we moved to a corner of the entrance hall and accompanied the drinks reception, playing a lively and varied set of music so that there was something for everyone.

The reception drinks lasted in the region of two hours and we played next to a television screen which showed a changing collage of photographs of the bridal couple. The music adding a soothing backdrop and point of interest for the many babies and young children present. We ended our 3 hour slot just as guests were lining up, ready and eager to enter the wedding breakfast.

We performed as a violin and cello string duo, providing a musical accompaniment for the guests as they made their way into the ceremony room. We also played Pachelbel’s Canon in D for the entrance of the bride (the bride and groom coming down the aisle together), Delibes’s Flower Duet for the signing of the register and Mendelssohn’s Wedding March for the exit of the married couple.

We continued to play as guests made their way outside for formal photos and finished just before the beginning of the wedding breakfast.

The bridal couple had chosen to enter to the eternally popular Canon in D by Pachelbel which was proved to be a very emotional piece for some guests who seemed genuinely moved by the music. 

After the ceremony, we re-located to an open plan area next to the bar and performed a wide variety of lively, upbeat music which helped to create a more celebratory mood.

We then continued in an adjacent area (next to the bar), playing throughout the drinks reception and finishing for the speeches which took place immediately after the receiving line. We spoke with many of the guests, who enjoyed listening to us and were interested to know how the pieces of music were arranged for this combination of just two instruments.

We then re-located to the conservatory area which was admittedly a tight squeeze, even for a string duo. It was just as well we were not playing as a string quartet as the adjacent bar area remained open to members of the public and therefore we couldn’t have used this space to play in, had there been four of us.

Overall, the music was a very well appreciated addition to the day and we received many positive comments from the bridal couple and wedding guests.

We played prior to the wedding service (as a laptop was set up to allow friends and family from abroad to view the ceremony via skype) and we also performed at various points throughout the ceremony itself (the couple opting to omit a formal entrance).

Afterwards, everyone relocated to a different part of the campus and enjoyed canapes and drinks. We set up in a corner and played a more modern selection of music. The balance was struck between keeping it energetic and lively without imposing on the guests (so that it was still a background ambience). A lovely event which we both thoroughly enjoyed!

We began playing before the ceremony to create an elegant atmosphere as guests arrived and were seated. The couple had elected to use some special tracks played on a CD during the ceremony itself and our playing was to resume immediately after the wedding service in an adjoining room. Soon, guests were called out for photographs at the front of the building and we joined them outside to keep everyone entertained whilst they waited to have their photographs taken. As it was a sunny day, the only shade was afforded by two pillars situated either side of the entrance. We placed ourselves either side of the entrance door and played as guests went in and out of the house, receiving many positive comments as people passed by!