I was recently invited to sing at a corporate event for start-up Fleximise in London. London can be a tricky place to play in terms of access and loading in and out, and this gig certainly lived up to that theory – it was on the 38th floor of the Heron Tower! The staff were tremendously helpful as I loaded my gear into the lift and headed up to the location.

The event was organised by my friend Caz, who I met at a May 2021 wedding. The purpose of the evening was for the company to link up with brokers and other clients, all while enjoying spectacular views and canapés courtesy of Sushisamba. My music added a bit of extra flavour to proceedings.

As I tend to do, I started my set with some more chilled numbers before gradually ramping up the liveliness. It all went well, so much so that I was invited to stay to perform an extra set!

It is a prestigious location; there was a proposal in the restaurant while we were out on the balcony (she said yes).

As the sun set, we were treated to fantastic views over the capital, including the Gherkin, Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf. It’s certainly high up and not for the faint-hearted, but this was a special and memorable gig in a unique setting.

Though I am most accustomed to performing at weddings, my songs are also suited to corporate events and all sorts of occasions. Contact me to learn more.

I could, of course, sit here all day and talk about the virtues of hiring an acoustic guitarist and singer such as myself to come and perform for you on your big day (!) but I want to dedicate this post to talk about some of my industry colleagues, suppliers that I would recommend very highly. While I would encourage you to book me for your ceremony, reception drinks, wedding breakfast or first dance, I’m also a huge fan of these other professionals – I guarantee that they’ll do a great job for you. Find yourself a wedding entertainer below…

Greg Camburn

Nick Brown

Zoe Alexandria

Greg Camburn

Greg is a phenomenal saxophone player and a great guy! You can’t beat a bit of sax, and Greg is accustomed to playing along with a DJ to really get the evening celebrations started. He has also played for drinks receptions and ceremonies. Some sure fire wedding entertainment for your ears and dancing feet.

Lovelight Entertainment

Dean and his team are exceptional DJs that pull out all of the stops to ensure you have a great night. Their rigs are exceptional, using premium Martin Audio speakers. They will be sure to rock your reception (using plenty of decibels). You can’t go wrong with them, whether you are looking for wedding entertainment local to you, or in London. A DJ really is an essential part of a wedding day, even if you are combining it with wedding entertainment bands or solo singers. Lovelight offer the ideal solution when it comes to DJ entertainment for weddings.

Zoe Alexandria

Zoe is simply fantastic. She is able to take requests on the spot and performs a huge selection of music on piano. She has played in Radio 1’s Live Lounge before and it is easy to see why. A ‘luxury wedding pianist with a twist’ as she puts it. If you are stuck for wedding entertainment ideas, look Zoe up.

Nick Brown

Bring a touch of magic to proceedings with Nick Brown. Nick is a close magic specialist and is vastly experienced in entertaining guests. Magic and music go wonderfully side by side you know (deliberate hint). Nick is great for the daytime or evening wedding entertainment. If you are short of wedding entertainment ideas, he’s a solid bet.

There are a whole range of different options to choose from to keep your guests entertained, no matter where you are in the UK. Along with the formalities and the food, entertainment is one of the most memorable parts of any wedding day, so having some surprises up your sleeve can really pay off. Live music and magic are a sure fire way to have your guests talking about your wedding for many months to come. Wedding entertainment hire can be a complicated business; I hope the names above offer you a good place to begin.

Have any questions? Please fill out my contact form – it would be great to hear from you.

I often ask couples what sort of music they like, and while it can be difficult to think of a specific song on the spot, it’s easier to pinpoint your favourite artist. Naturally Ed Sheeran is a firm favourite of many of my clients. The Suffolk-born sensation has had countless hits, and many of them are very well-suited to weddings. Here are some ideas:

1. Perfect

The song that is *perfect* as a first dance or aisle anthem. Ed at his most romantic, singing with gusto about the woman he loves.

2. Thinking Out Loud

I regard this as the OG of wedding songs, along with A Thousand Years by Christina Perri and All Of Me by John Legend. Beautiful lyrics, expertly written.

3. Tenerife Sea

“You look so wonderful in your dress.” It doesn’t get much more ‘wedding’ than that! A really endearing choice for one of the key parts of your day.

4. Lego House

One of Ed’s earliest and finest compositions, from his debut album +. This is very well suited to a solo acoustic guitar and vocal performer.

5. Shape Of You

It’s not just about the soppy tunes at a wedding – we need something to dance to! This song is one of the most streamed of all time and is sure to get your guests moving.

6. Castle On The Hill

Released at the same time as Shape Of You, Castle On The Hill tells of Ed’s upbringing but the big singalong chorus can make it a sure fire hit at a wedding.

7. Cold Coffee

One of Ed’s lesser known songs, composed with Amy Wadge (Amy also co-wrote Thinking Out Loud). Simple and effective, with a lovely melody.

8. Sing

Another dance floor banger. Ed really made the most of working with Pharell Williams, who has brought out all the liveliness with this song.

9. The A Team

Not necessarily wedding fodder but it’s an Ed Sheeran classic, winning the Ivor Novello award for songwriting. One of those ‘haven’t heard it for ages’ iconic pieces of music.

10. You Need Me, I Don’t Need You

This song is great fun, with the potential for rapping and looping. It’s one of Ed’s oldest songs and brought him international fame and recognition. See how many lyrics you can remember.

11. I See Fire

Made famous in The Hobbit movie franchise, this is a soft and lilting song that is surprisingly well-known.

12. Photograph

*Don’t mention the lawsuit*. This is archetypal Ed Sheeran writing at its finest, with a great singalong falsetto chorus.

13. Don’t

A slightly aggy song, but a good one all the same! Ed showing his feisty side. This song can easily be mixed with others into a funky mashup.

14. Galway Girl

Not my favourite Sheeran tune, but plenty of people seem to like it! He goes back to his Irish roots to deliver this feelgood jig.

15. How Would You Feel (Paean)

Channelling the Van Morrison vibes, this is an enchanting piece of songwriting that works brilliantly as a first dance.

Ed more or less has something to fit every mood, for every part of your big day. Go and check him out! And if you’d like to hear a clip of any one of these songs, get in touch with me here.

Road trip! It was a real pleasure to sing at Gareth and Millie’s wedding in the heart of rural Cornwall. The journey down had to be completed the night before, and I found an excellent place to stay at a B&B in Devon. The sun came out as soon as I arrived at Trevenna, and it promised to be a gorgeous day.

Guests were really in the swing of things come the evening.

A blazing hot day in the perfect setting.

My first set was pre-ceremony, as guests gathered for a drink. It’s a slightly unusual time for me to play but the couple wanted to make the most of having me there and it was good fun. Almost the entire wedding party had travelled from the Bishop’s Stortford region in Hertfordshire, so all guests were keen to get the celebrations underway as soon as possible.

Once the ceremony had taken place on the picturesque lawn, I played my second set for afternoon reception drinks. Trevenna was becoming a real suntrap by now, and guests spread themselves out on the grass.

The sprawling fields of Cornwall.

Guests made the most of the lawn.

The wedding breakfast was beautifully laid out.

Expert photographer Tom Halliday was on hand to secure the snaps.

Before long it was time to head in for the wedding breakfast. I played a progressively livelier set, including some new songs such as Head and Heart by Joel Corry and MNEK, and Watermelon Sugar by Harry Styles.

Once speeches were complete, guests had another opportunity to venture outside and enjoy some cocktails.

My final duty was to play a party set to follow the first dance. Naïve by The Kooks has been popular of late, as has a mashup of Shape Of You / No Diggity / No Scrubs. There was just enough time to squeeze in a beer before packing up. Another terrific day and I got to see a new part of the English countryside. Win-win.

There really are some spectacular venues in the south east of the UK, and one such setting is Knebworth House & Barns in Herts. Autumn had set in, providing the perfect backdrop for the wedding of Danni and Stuart.

The couple had booked me to perform during their ceremony, afternoon reception drinks and wedding breakfast. Danni walked down the aisle while I sang Amazed by Lonestar, then I performed I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You by Elvis Presley and Have I Told You Lately by Van Morrison during the signing of the register. The newly-married pair then exited the ceremony to Stand By Me by Ben E. King. All of these songs are classic suggestions that were a pleasure to play.

Knebworth Barns offers plenty of good opportunities for photos outside, so Danni and Stuart headed out with their guests to achieve those key shots. Once they returned to the barn, I performed a chilled out set as reception drinks and canapés were served. Before long, it was time to head in for the wedding breakfast.

Sometimes my shirts clash quite spectacularly with the carpet!

This was an ideal, cost autumn wedding.

Knebworth House is a stunning sight.

Danni & Stuart walked in to the wedding breakfast while I sang Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison. The couple chose to have speeches at the beginning of the meal rather than the end. Once the father of the bride, the groom and the best man had done their bit, I played an increasingly lively set during the meal, culminating in It Must Be Love by Madness and Faith by George Michael.

A rustic barn hosted the drinks reception.

Stuart and Danni chose some great songs.

The couple had their names up in lights, complemented by a delicious cake.

As the evening guests drifted in, it was time to really get the party started, and my work was done!

Are you searching for an acoustic guitarist and wedding singer to add some sparkle to your big day in Hertfordshire? Contact me here.

It’s not often that I venture to Kent for a wedding, but what a pleasure this was, and what a venue! Preston Court is a sprawling estate located not far from Canterbury and features a lovely main house, outside barns and a quaint courtyard. The owner of the venue is also a steam train enthusiast, and has an impressive collection of locomotives spread around the place.

For Sarah and Sam, I was booked to play during the wedding ceremony and the afternoon reception drinks. The ceremony took place on a little island surrounded by water and accessed via a white bridge. Guests were seated on the other side of the water, while the bridal party, including those who were performing readings, made their way onto the island. The couple chose A Thousand Years by Christina Perri for the procession, Perfect by Ed Sheeran and The One by Kodaline for the signing of the register, and Crashed The Wedding by Busted for their exit. The Busted choice was a particularly interesting one – not often that I play Busted at a wedding but it was good fun!

A picturesque setting for a wedding.

The ceremony took place on a small island.

Reception drinks then took place, initially on the lawn. I remained on the island and played a few more songs. Then the rain started to fall, so the wedding party decided to move onto the courtyard. There was plenty of entertainment to enjoy in that area, including a carousel, hoopla and various other fairground attractions. It’s a good idea to have plenty for guests to do during this time, keeping them occupied before the wedding breakfast starts. I decided to join guests in the courtyard and play some songs acoustically and unamplified. Requests included Frank Turner and Foo Fighters, another two artists that rarely get an outing at weddings. Very refreshing.

There was plenty to keep guests busy in the courtyard during reception drinks.

Guests prepare to throw confetti.

The sun came out for Sam and Sarah.

Are you planning a wedding in the south east of the UK? Thinking about booking live music for the big day? Contact me here.

I’ve already been fortunate to perform at several weddings in Italy, and now I was invited to travel to Croatia to play for Megan and Nick. Cavtat, on the Adriatic Coast, is a stunning town and the setting of Hotel Croatia could not have been more beautiful.

The couple had booked me for the full day, including ceremony, afternoon drinks reception, wedding breakfast and first dance. Guests gathered for the ceremony in all manner of formal and informal attire, and the groomsmen were wearing full black tie. Fair play to them – they looked great but must’ve been boiling!

Before long the ceremony was underway, and was conducted in Croatian as well as English. The couple chose

The picturesque wedding ceremony.

I played instrumental music as guests took their seats.

The town of Cavtat is a real gem.

I sang as Megan and Nick exited the ceremony.

The wedding breakfast took place by the water.

My friend Cass was a great help on this trip!

The best man delivers his speech.

Nick and Megan prepare to cut the cake.

The lovely couple and myself, complete with strapped up leg : /

May I Have This Dance by Meadowlark for Megan to walk down the aisle to, When We Were Young by Adele and Lego House by Ed Sheeran for the signing of the register, and This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) by Natalie Cole for their exit.

The drinks reception and canapés then got under way, with the local beer tasting especially great in the heat! Local DJ Petar had set up speakers all around the hotel complex, while I brought my guitar on the flight with me along with mic and leads. Having equipment at the venue and a native speaker on hand to coordinate it is so helpful. Added to this, I am still on crutches at the moment after breaking my ankle, so having my friend Cass there to assist was also hugely appreciated.

A spectacular cake cutting.

Croatian DJ Petar got the party started.

After the drinks were over, we headed down by the waterside for the wedding breakfast. The sun was starting to set and the tables were laid out wonderfully. I played a more lively set during the meal, including my Craig David medley. One of the young guests came up to the mic and we sang A Thousand Years together, which was very sweet.

Next up were the speeches, and then we moved to the middle level of the hotel for the final part of the evening: the cake cutting, first dance and party. Megan and Nick chose Can’t See Straight by Jamie Lawson as their first dance, and then Petar rounded off the evening with the dance floor crammed full. Nick surprised Megan with a saxophonist, another lovely moment.

All in all it was an absolute pleasure to sing at this wedding. Are you getting married abroad? Looking for live music? Contact me here.

Wedding Singer Cambridge

It was my first time travelling to Bassmead Manor Barns in Cambridgeshire, and what a venue! It has a very rustic feel but is also contemporary. Jasmine and Allan chose well.

I was booked to perform as a wedding singer in Cambridge during the ceremony, afternoon drinks reception / canapés, during the wedding breakfast and for the first dance. Jasmine had chosen an instrumental version of You Are The Reason by Calum Scott to walk down the aisle to. I then played Someone Like You by Van Morrison and Lego House by Ed Sheeran while the register was signed. The newly-married couple exited the ceremony room to Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher by Jackie Wilson, a great exit song choice, as I discussed in my recent choosing ceremony music post.

The wedding party then broke out into the courtyard for photos, while drinks and other refreshments were served. It was a nice bright day with a lovely blue sky, making the photographer’s job that bit easier. I played a set inside the barn during this time as friends and family drifted around and caught up with each other.

Before long it was time to sit down for the wedding breakfast in the barn, which had been very tastefully decorated. I played a wide range of songs during this time, progressing into more lively material as the day wore on. This worked out well, as some of the guests started singing and jigging
along.

My final duty was to perform the first dance, which followed the cake cutting. Jasmine and Allan chose I Won’t Let You Go by James Morrison as their first dance, another strong selection. Other couples were then invited to join them on the dance floor as the DJ got the evening under way.

I perform live music for wedding ceremony. You can have your own choice of wedding march in song and exit songs for wedding that’s meaningful to you. No matter what type of music you choose, make sure it reflects who you both are as individuals and together as a couple.

Cambridge Wedding Entertainer

For couples looking for the perfect Cambridge wedding entertainer, you can always count on me. I am an experienced wedding entertainer in Cambridge, you can find exactly what you need to make your special day one-of-a-kind. By playing your favorite music on your big day, I can help create lasting memories with your loved ones.

Are you looking for a live singer for your ceremony, drinks reception, meal or first dance? Tell me about your plans by getting in touch here.

Your wedding day is one that you will never forget, and it all begins with the ceremony. There are two main types of wedding ceremony: one that takes place in a church, and one that does not – often referred to as a civil ceremony.

A civil ceremony is conducted by a registrar or celebrant, and there will be a second registrar present to ensure that the official documents are signed properly and the marriage is properly recorded. This ceremony generally includes a declaration that both parties are free to marry, an exchange of vows and rings, and sometimes readings by guests. Over the years I have heard very formal and sincere readings that cite everything from classical poetry to Winnie The Pooh.

A church ceremony tends to be longer than a civil ceremony, and may also include readings by the priest who is officiating, as well as the singing of hymns.

Weather permitting, it is lovely to be able to have your ceremony outside, as long as the location has been duly sanctioned and licensed for marriages.

Celebrants are brilliant at putting the couple at ease and injecting humour into proceedings.

So how does music fit in to all this? In my time performing as a wedding singer and acoustic guitarist I have played during many marriage ceremonies. The most common times to have live music during a wedding ceremony are for the entrance of the bride, the signing of the register and for the exit of the newly-married couple. I generally advise that couples select four songs: one for the entrance of the bride, two for the signing of the register and one for exit.

It can be quite nerve-wracking to tie the knot, but the joy afterwards is clear to see.

A wedding ring is an unbroken circle and symbolises never-ending love.

There are endless options to choose from when picking songs, and it very much depends on the individual taste of the couple. Emotional and stirring music is very effective for the entrance of the bridal party, with popular choices being ‘A Thousand Years’ by Christina Perri and ‘Tenerife Sea’ by Ed Sheeran. Sometimes an instrumental with no singing can be effective, but often songs are chosen for the power of their lyrics (Tenerife Sea’s opening is ‘You look so wonderful in your dress / I love your hair like that’). Live music really is the best choice for this special moment, and tends to get a few tears rolling!

Although some prefer the grandeur of a church wedding, civil ceremonies can be just as spectacular.

I am often asked whether I can sing as guests take their seats before the bride appears. Even though it can be effective to do this, I advise that it is best to save the singing until the bride arrives, as singing earlier than this will lessen the impact of the entrance. Not to mention the fact that guests have only just arrived and will be more concerned with greeting friends and family and finding a seat than they are about being entertained at such an early stage.

Songs during the signing of the register work very well. Guests can be left wondering what to do with themselves while the signing takes place, as no photos are permitted until the marriage certificate has been finalised. Live music is therefore an excellent option, and I have performed all manner of laid-back tunes during this time. Popular choices include ‘Only Love’ by Ben Howard, ‘Better Together’ by Jack Johnson and ‘Perfect’ by Ed Sheeran.

Once the signing of the register has concluded and guests have had a chance to take photos, the person responsible for conducting the ceremony will ask guests to stand, before announcing the newly-married couple for the first time. The couple, followed by flower girls, page boys, bridesmaids and groomsman, will then exit the ceremony room, followed by all guests.

Live music is the ideal way to conclude the ceremony, usually with a nice upbeat number. ‘Happy’ by Pharell, ‘Best Of My Love’ by The Emotions and ‘Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher’ by Jackie Wilson are good examples. The classic is of course ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered’ by Stevie Wonder.

And then it’s on to the drinks reception and the rest of the day!

Thinking about live acoustic music for your wedding? Looking for a wedding singer? Contact me here.

It’s always nice getting out to see new places and playing at new locations. Visiting Greenwich Yacht Club on the south bank of the river Thames for the wedding of Kim and Will was a lovely day out! The couple wanted acoustic guitar music for their ceremony, drinks reception and first dance, plus an additional evening set to keep guests entertained.

Kim chose ‘Grow Old With Me’ by Tom Odell to walk down the aisle to, and ‘Marry You’ by Bruno Mars to walk back down as a newly-married couple. The clubhouse of the yacht club provided the perfect setting for the ceremony; plenty of natural light and splashes of colour. It was a very informal, relaxed setting and guests really enjoyed chilling out in the sunshine during the afternoon.

After the ceremony, I moved outside onto the decking to play some more songs while guests had canapés and reception drinks. Old school songs such as ‘All You Need Is Love’ by The Beatles and ‘Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic’ by The Police went down particularly well. To fit with the informal vibe of the day, there wasn’t a traditional sit down meal as such, but a BBQ instead. The sun was out and it is always pleasant to be beside the water; we had the O2 on one side of us and the Thames Barrier on the other.

It was a very chilled out yet moving ceremony.

The sun setting on the Thames is a beautiful sight.