When the Music Matters: Wedding tunes from my favourite kind of wedding

There’s something special about every wedding I play for — but every so often, a couple’s eyes light up when they start talking about the music. They don’t want background noise because music sits at the heart of their celebration. It's their live wedding music and they know that choosing the right wedding ceremony songs can turn a moment into a memory — and those are the weddings that stay with me long after the last note fades.

When music means something

For some couples, music is the very first thing they want to sort when they get engaged — and they’re absolutely my kind of people!

Often the hardest part is narrowing it down because they have so many favourite tunes. The good news? If you book me for your drinks reception and wedding breakfast, I’ll be playing for a few hours — which means we can fit in a whole bunch of your favourites. And honestly, nothing’s off limits. (Go on, try me!)

The stories behind the songs

Sometimes a couple chooses a particular piece — one of those wedding tunes that already means the world to them. It begins with a simple message: “Could you play this for when we walk down the aisle?” and then they tell me why it matters.

It might be a song by the first band they saw together, their football team's anthem (I had that one recently!) or something with lyrics that hold real meaning. This is your day and these are your meaningful wedding songs. Once, I played a song that had been one their parents’ first dance at their own wedding — a lovely nod to family and tradition that had everyone smiling through tears.

And sometimes, one partner keeps their aisle music a surprise for the other — that moment of recognition is always priceless.

Bringing your wedding ceremony songs to life

When couples really care about their music, I find myself caring even more (I'm probably not your typical classical wedding pianist). I’ll research different versions of their songs, experiment with ways to make them work beautifully on piano, and rehearse until everything feels seamless.

Sometimes I’ll adapt a heavy rock song into something elegant for the ceremony, or blend two pop melodies together so their favourites flow as one. It takes time, but it’s a joy — a chance to bring their personal stories to life through music.

More than background music

Music is such a huge and important part of my life, and it’s incredibly exciting when a couple feels the same. Music should never just be background noise.

When it means something — when it connects to who people are and what they love — that’s when it truly shines.

Those are the moments that remind me why I do this. Because when the music matters, it becomes more than just part of the day — it becomes part of the memory itself.

A keepsake to treasure

For couples who’d like a lasting reminder, I can even offer bespoke recordings of the music I played on their wedding day — beautifully presented on a custom-designed handmade wooden USB stick in a matching box. It makes a lovely keepsake, or the perfect first-anniversary gift — something timeless to keep those memories alive.

If you’re planning your wedding and want your ceremony songs to tell your story, I’d love to hear your ideas. Get in touch — I can’t wait to hear your choices.