I joined them for three different parts of their celebration, beginning with a relaxed two-hour drinks reception before returning later to build the energy ahead of the evening party and finally joining the DJ for a full Sax/DJ set.

The brief went from romantic and lighthearted to, in Olivia’s words, “LOTS OF FUNNN!!”

And that pretty much sums up the day.

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Drinks Reception Sax

My first set ran from 2:30pm–4:30pm during the drinks reception.

For this part of the wedding, Olivia & Liam wanted the music to feel fun, romantic and lighthearted. It wasn’t about immediately turning the afternoon into a party; it was about creating an atmosphere while guests relaxed after the ceremony, enjoyed a drink and caught up with each other.

Their music choices were brilliant because they weren’t confined to one particular genre or era.

We had romantic tracks such as Until I Found You, How Long Will I Love You and Lover, alongside Ain’t No Sunshine, Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay and Let’s Stay Together.

Then there were plenty of modern and nostalgic favourites, including Olivia Dean’s Man I Need, All About You by McFly, Accidentally in Love, Unwritten, Mamma Mia and a selection of Taylor Swift.

Liv also particularly wanted Human Nature by Michael Jackson and was so much fun to play this one for the first time!

It created exactly the sort of drinks reception I love playing: relaxed enough that people can talk, but with recognisable music constantly adding something to the atmosphere.

A Soundtrack That Felt Like Them

One of the things Olivia mentioned afterwards was that, despite already having a huge repertoire to choose from, I’d gone away and learnt another song especially for them. I always love doing this where possible.

Your wedding music doesn’t have to be made up entirely of songs that happen to already exist on somebody’s set list. If there’s a track that means something to you, tell me. Sometimes the unexpected choices are the ones that make a wedding soundtrack feel much more personal.

And with everything from Taylor Swift and McFly to Al Green and ABBA on Olivia & Liam’s list, this was definitely a wedding where we weren’t worried about sticking to one genre!

The Wedding Breakfast Entrance

There was one song Olivia & Liam knew they wanted for their entrance into the wedding breakfast:

Jubel – Klingande.

If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll probably know this one gets played quite a lot!

There’s a reason for it.

That opening sax instantly changes the atmosphere, and it’s perfect when a couple doesn’t simply want to walk quietly into the room. The aim here was to get the energy up and make their entrance feel like a proper moment.

Cocktail Hour: Time to Change the Energy

Later that evening, I returned for a 30-minute cocktail hour set from 7:30pm–8pm.

By this point, the job of the music had completely changed.

The romantic atmosphere of the afternoon had done its job. Dinner had happened. Now we needed to get people ready for the party. I think this transition is such an important part of a wedding day. If there’s too long a gap between the wedding breakfast and the evening entertainment, it can be difficult to rebuild the atmosphere later.

Instead, live music can bridge that gap and start moving the energy in the direction you want it to go.

And for Olivia & Liam, we were definitely heading towards a party.

Sax & DJ: LOTS OF FUNNN!!

From 8pm–9:30pm, I joined Enhanced Entertainment for the evening Sax/DJ set. I absolutely LOVE working with these guys!!

This was a completely different side of the wedding.

The playlist says everything: Pink Pony Club, Freed From Desire, Chelsea Dagger, Take Me Home, Country Roads, Fireball, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, Young Hearts Run Free, Teenage Dirtbag, Don’t Stop Me Now, All Night Long and Rasputin.

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Throw in Oasis, old-school R&B, Busted and plenty of crowd pleasers and there wasn’t much room for standing still.

Because Olivia & Liam had guests across a range of ages, having that variety was important. A great wedding dancefloor doesn’t have to stay within one genre. Sometimes the best sets are the ones that jump between decades and styles because there’s constantly another song coming that somebody in the room loves.

The DJ keeps everything flowing while I can move around the dancefloor, interact with guests and add live sax to the biggest moments.

This was the part of the night where everything we’d been building towards throughout the day came together.

From Romantic Drinks to a Full Dancefloor

What I loved about this wedding was that Olivia & Liam didn’t want the same musical atmosphere all day.

And they shouldn’t.

At 2:30pm, soulful sax and relaxed Taylor Swift covers made complete sense.

By 8:30pm, Freed From Desire and Chelsea Dagger made a lot more sense!

Using live music across different parts of a wedding isn’t about repeating the same performance three times. Each set has a different job.

The drinks reception creates atmosphere.

The wedding breakfast entrance creates a moment.

Cocktail hour starts lifting the energy.

And Sax/DJ takes everything into the party.

When those sections work together, the music becomes part of the flow of the wedding rather than simply entertainment added into the timetable.

The Team

Venue: De Vere Tortworth Court, Gloucestershire
Photographer: Matt Tyler
Videographer: Christiaan – Sabi & Saint
Evening DJ: Enhanced Entertainment

Final Thoughts

Olivia & Liam’s wedding showed exactly why I love performing across multiple parts of a wedding day.

We didn’t try to make every section a party.

Instead, the music grew with the celebration: romantic and relaxed during the drinks reception, a burst of energy for the wedding breakfast entrance, a lively cocktail hour and then a completely different atmosphere once the Sax/DJ set began.

If you’re planning your wedding at De Vere Tortworth Court or elsewhere in Gloucestershire and want live sax to take you from the drinks reception right through to the dancefloor, get in touch and let’s start planning your soundtrack.

The post Olivia & Liam’s Wedding appeared first on Alex Rimell Sax.

For couples searching for Shotesham Park wedding sax, this day is a great example of how live music can work across several different parts of a wedding while creating a completely different atmosphere for each one.

And with the spring weather firmly on our side, we were able to make the most of so many of Shotesham Park’s different spaces throughout the afternoon.

A Beautiful Spring Wedding at Shotesham Park

I’ve been lucky enough to perform at Shotesham Park a number of times now, and Rosie & Ezekiel’s wedding was another reminder of why I enjoy coming back here.

The Old Stables feels wonderfully private, surrounded by the Norfolk countryside with the courtyard, lawn and historic buildings all within easy reach of each other.

For this wedding, that meant I could move with the guests throughout the afternoon. We started outside on the lawn for the ceremony, moved into the courtyard for drinks and then headed indoors ready for Rosie & Ezekiel’s wedding breakfast entrance.

Three different parts of the wedding, three slightly different atmospheres, all within the same venue.

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Guest Arrivals: Keeping Things Chilled

I started playing from 1:30pm as guests began arriving ahead of the ceremony.

Rosie & Ezekiel had specifically asked for this part of the day to feel chilled, so there was no need to go too big too early.

Guest arrival music is there to create atmosphere rather than become the focus. People are finding their seats, greeting friends and family and taking in the venue, so the sax can sit naturally underneath everything that’s happening.

Then, as 2pm approached, it was time for the ceremony itself.

The Ceremony

At 2pm, it was time for Rosie & Ezekiel’s outdoor ceremony on the lawn at Shotesham Park, and we couldn’t have asked for a better April day for it.

For this part of the wedding, the music became much more personal. Rosie & Ezekiel had chosen three brilliant songs to soundtrack the key moments of their ceremony, beginning with At Last by Etta James for the walk down the aisle.

It’s a classic for a reason. Romantic and instantly recognisable without feeling overly formal, it worked beautifully on live sax against the relaxed outdoor setting.

During the signing of the register, I played Stand By Me by Ben E. King. This is always a lovely opportunity to include another song that means something to you, while keeping the atmosphere going naturally as the formalities take place.

Then, once Rosie & Ezekiel were officially married, it was time to change the energy.

They walked back up the aisle together to Crazy Little Thing Called Love by Queen, giving the end of the ceremony a much more upbeat, celebratory feel and setting us up perfectly for what was coming next.

From there, it was straight into the confetti at around 2:30pm before everyone made their way towards the courtyard for the drinks reception and that’s where we could start turning the energy up another level.

Singalong Classics in the Courtyard

From around 2:45pm, the courtyard became the setting for Rosie & Ezekiel’s drinks reception.

The Old Stables courtyard is one of my favourite parts of Shotesham Park for live music. Guests can grab a drink, catch up with each other and enjoy the surroundings, while the music fills the space without needing to dominate it.

For Rosie & Ezekiel, we gradually brought more recognisable, feel-good tracks into the set and, importantly, plenty of ABBA.

Their brief quite literally included “Anything ABBA”, which is one I’m always happy to work with!

This part of the afternoon was less about creating a full dancefloor and more about giving the drinks reception some personality. Chilled enough that everyone could chat, but with those songs appearing throughout the set that people couldn’t help singing along to.

A Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! Wedding Breakfast Entrance

At approximately 4:20pm, Rosie & Ezekiel made their entrance into the wedding breakfast to Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! by ABBA with live sax.

Completely different energy from At Last just a couple of hours earlier!

And that’s exactly what I loved about their choices.

Your wedding music doesn’t need to stay within one particular genre or mood. The romantic song you choose for your aisle entrance doesn’t have to dictate what the rest of the day sounds like.

You can walk down the aisle to Etta James and walk into dinner to ABBA. In fact, I’d actively encourage it.

The Team Behind the Day

A huge thank you to everyone involved in bringing Rosie & Ezekiel’s spring wedding together.

Venue: The Old Stables at Shotesham Park
Wedding Coordinator: Charlee Harris — Morello Events
Photographer: Georgia Rachael Photography
Dress: Adella Bridal Couture
Catering: Origin Catering
Hair: Sophie Taylor
Illustrator: Owen Matthers
Florist: Sassy Floral Design

It’s always great working alongside a team who can make all of those transitions between ceremony, confetti, drinks reception and wedding breakfast happen smoothly behind the scenes.

What a beautiful spring wedding to be part of.

Rosie & Ezekiel used live music to soundtrack the whole journey from guests arriving to their entrance into the wedding breakfast, but every section had its own identity. That’s something I always encourage couples to think about.

Rather than asking “What songs should we have?”, think about “How do we want this part of our wedding to feel?”

Once we know that, we can build the soundtrack around it.

If you’re planning your own wedding at Shotesham Park, or anywhere across Norfolk and beyond, and you’re thinking about live sax for your ceremony, drinks reception, wedding breakfast or evening party, get in touch and let’s talk about the atmosphere you want to create.

The post Rosie & Ezekiel’s Wedding appeared first on Alex Rimell Sax.

Vicky and Jack’s wedding at Clevedon Hall was one of those days that had the perfect mix of elegance, fun and full-on wedding energy.

Clevedon Hall is such a beautiful setting for a wedding, and the plan for this one was extra special. Rather than playing the ceremony exit directly from the Orangery, I was waiting in the Great Hall ready to surprise guests as they arrived after the ceremony.

The couple had chosen Mr Blue Sky as their ceremony exit song, and from there the celebration flowed straight into live sax for the drinks reception and cocktail hour.

It was a complete surprise for the guests, which made it even more exciting.

Drinks Reception in the Great Hall

The drinks reception was all about creating that feel-good atmosphere straight after the ceremony.

Guests were arriving and the drinks were flowing. Live sax worked perfectly here, adding energy without taking over the moment. It gave everyone something to enjoy, while still allowing people to chat, celebrate and soak up the setting.

For Vicky and Jack, the saxophone was not just background music. It was part of the surprise, part of the guest experience and a way of setting the tone for the rest of the afternoon.

Wedding Breakfast Saxophone

The performance then continued through into the wedding breakfast, with music chosen to keep the energy lifted between courses and build the atmosphere before speeches.

Vicky and Jack had picked some brilliant songs for this part of the day, including Freed From Desire, which was used for the wedding breakfast entrance, along with a mix of feel-good classics and party favourites.

The soundtrack included everything from One Step Beyond by Madness and Isn’t She Lovely by Stevie Wonder, to Valerie by Amy Winehouse, Can’t Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Valli and Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield .

It was the perfect combination of music for a wedding breakfast that did not feel too formal or static. Instead, the afternoon had movement, energy and personality.

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Getting Guests Dancing Before Speeches

One of the best parts of the day was seeing how much the guests got involved.

Vicky and Jack wanted music that would get people up and dancing in between courses, and that is exactly what happened. The atmosphere built throughout the wedding breakfast, with guests singing, dancing and fully embracing the surprise sax moments.

Before speeches, we finished with Dancing Queen and Bohemian Rhapsody, which had everyone on their feet. It was such a brilliant way to bring that section of the day to a close before moving into the next part of the wedding.

The energy in the room was incredible, and it genuinely felt like the party had started before the evening reception had even begun.

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Why Sax Worked So Well for This Wedding

This wedding was a perfect example of how live sax can be used across multiple parts of the day.

It started as a surprise for guests after the ceremony, continued through the drinks reception, and then became a real feature during the wedding breakfast. Rather than the afternoon feeling like separate sections, the music helped everything flow naturally.

The saxophone added atmosphere, personality and a real sense of celebration. It gave guests something to remember and helped create those big shared moments that people were still talking about afterwards.

For couples who want their wedding breakfast to feel fun, relaxed and full of energy, this kind of setup works brilliantly.

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Vicky and Jack’s wedding at Clevedon Hall was such an incredible day to be part of.

From the surprise sax entrance after the ceremony to the drinks reception, wedding breakfast and everyone dancing before speeches, the whole afternoon was full of joy, energy and unforgettable moments.

A huge thank you to Vicky and Jack for having me as part of their wedding day, and to Kurtis & Danielle Henry for capturing the day so beautifully.

If you are planning a wedding at Clevedon Hall and want live saxophone for your drinks reception, wedding breakfast or evening party, I would love to help create the perfect soundtrack for your day.

The post Vicky & Jack’s Wedding appeared first on Alex Rimell Sax.

Shirley & David chose the stunning Rhinefield House Hotel in the heart of the New Forest for their winter wedding celebration. I met up with them the month before to talk through song choices and how the evening would flow and meet up with their wedding coordinator, Abbie. On the day, I arrived at 5pm to set up the full Sax/DJ Hybrid evening party setup including speakers, lighting and everything needed to transform the room into a proper dancefloor.

By 6:30pm the evening reception was underway, guests gathering with drinks and ready to party!

The First Dance

At 7:30pm, after the cake cut, everyone gathered around for their first dance – Simply The Best – James Bay version.

Such a powerful, emotional choice. Playing live sax over that track added that extra lift as they took to the floor for the first time as husband and wife. And then, straight into Can’t Take My Eyes Off You to open the dancefloor. Instant energy. Exactly what you want.

A Proper All-Ages Party

Shirley & David were clear from our first meeting, they wanted something for everyone.

From feel-good singalongs to dancefloor fillers, we built a set that kept all generations involved.

Their soundtrack had a mix of everything:

• Murder on the Dancefloor
• Build Me Up Buttercup
• Never Too Much
• You To Me Are Everything
• I Wanna Dance With Somebody
• Dancing Queen
• Finally
• Waterloo
• Jubel

The Sax/DJ hybrid format meant we could move seamlessly between classics, disco, 90s, party anthems and modern favourites, with live sax woven throughout to lift every chorus and drop.

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Why Rhinefield House Works So Well

Rhinefield House is a beautiful venue. Grand, romantic and full of character, but it still feels intimate once the dancefloor fills up.

With the lighting in place and the speakers dialled in, the space transformed perfectly for an evening party.

Starting 2026 with a packed dancefloor, big singalongs and a couple completely in their element. I couldn’t ask for more.

If you’re planning your wedding and want a Sax/DJ hybrid party that keeps all ages dancing, I’d love to chat.

The post Shirley & David’s Wedding appeared first on Alex Rimell Sax.

It was great to be back at Clock Barn, a venue that always delivers on warmth and character. And for this one? The black sparkly jacket made its seasonal appearance. December weddings call for a little extra sparkle.

An Upbeat Ceremony Exit

I played for the couple’s ceremony exit, and they chose an absolute feel-good classic:
“This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)” – Natalie Cole

It was the perfect upbeat, joyful moment to kick off the celebrations. Smiles everywhere, guests cheering. Exactly how a recessional should feel.

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Drinks Reception Vibes (With a Festive Twist)

As guests moved into the drinks reception, I kept the atmosphere relaxed but upbeat. A mix of pop favourites blended with a few Christmas touches worked beautifully in the space.

Some standout tracks from the set included:

• Love On Top – Beyoncé
• Treasure – Bruno Mars
• Great Balls of Fire – Jerry Lee Lewis
• Everything – Michael Bublé
• Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Frank Sinatra

It was that perfect balance of classy, fun with some festive songs thrown in for good measure.

One of my favourite details from the day? Each table was named after a different Christmas film, such a simple but brilliant touch that added personality and charm to the whole setting. It’s little details like that which really make a wedding feel personal.

A Proper Winter Celebration

Winter weddings have their own energy. Guests lean into it, the drinks flow, the room feels cosy and full and the dancefloor always seems to come alive that little bit quicker.

Abi & Jordan, thank you for having me as part of your beautiful Christmas celebration. Wishing you both a lifetime of joy (and plenty more festive parties along the way).

Planning a winter wedding at Clock Barn or beyond? I’d love to help soundtrack your day. Get in touch to chat about your plans.

Suppliers

Venue – Clock Barn, Hampshire

Photographer – Paul Stickland

The post Abi & Jordan’s Wedding appeared first on Alex Rimell Sax.

Lizzie & Lee’s wedding at Pentney Abbey in Norfolk was one of those days where every musical choice felt intentional. From festive ceremony songs to a high-energy wedding breakfast entrance.

A Ceremony Full of Personality

From the very start, it was clear this ceremony was going to be something special.

Guests arrived to a mix of soulful, festive and timeless tracks, setting a warm atmosphere inside the stunning abbey. Songs like It’s Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas, Always Remember Us This Way and Close To You created that perfect balance between seasonal charm and meaningful moments.

One of the most personal touches came during the aisle entrance. Lizzie arranged for a recording of her daughter’s voice to be played before she walked down the aisle, a moment that added so much emotion to the ceremony.

The bridal entrance followed to You Make Me Feel Brand New and with live sax layered over the track, creating a really powerful and memorable moment.

Meaningful Music Moments

The signing of the register brought another unique twist.

Alongside a stunning rendition of O Holy Night, Lee’s love of Formula 1 made its way into the ceremony with a version of the F1 theme, adapted into a live sax performance. A completely personal detail and one that made the moment stand out.

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As the ceremony came to a close, All I Want For Christmas Is You sent everyone back down the aisle in full celebration mode.

Drinks Reception Atmosphere

Following the ceremony, the celebrations continued into the drinks reception.

Live sax created a relaxed, feel-good atmosphere as guests mingled, with a mix of soul, pop and classics carrying the energy through the afternoon. It’s always one of my favourite parts of the day where everything feels easy, social and full of excitement.

The Wedding Breakfast Entrance

At 3:45pm, it was time to shift the energy.

The couple made their entrance to Jubel, one of those tracks that instantly lifts the room and with live sax layered over the top, it turned into a proper moment and set the tone for the rest of the celebration.

Lizzie & Lee’s wedding was a great reminder that the most memorable moments often come from the personal touches. The songs that mean something, the unexpected choices and the moments you don’t see coming.

If you’re planning your wedding and want music that feels this personal and memorable, I’d love to help create it.

The post Lizzie & Lee’s Wedding appeared first on Alex Rimell Sax.

From the very first message, it was clear Sam & Sophie had a strong sense of the atmosphere they wanted to create. They booked me for two hours during their drinks reception and into the start of the wedding breakfast, looking for music that felt laid-back, soulful and uplifting. Something that would set the tone for the afternoon without feeling overpowering.

Their words summed it up perfectly: “We’ve had a look at your setlist already and it’s very much aligned with our vibe.”

Drinks Reception & Wedding Breakfast Entrance

As guests gathered for cocktails, the focus was all about creating a stylish but fun atmosphere. Smooth soul, classic pop and feel good favourites flowed throughout the reception which gave people space to chat, sip drinks and enjoy the delicious canapés.

The transition into the wedding breakfast was a real highlight. Sam & Sophie made their entrance to ‘September’ by Earth, Wind & Fire, instantly lifting the energy in the room! Napkins in the air time!

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A Team Effort

Huge credit goes to Tracey, the wedding coordinator at The Hoste! For keeping everything running smoothly and making the day feel effortless from start to finish. It’s always a pleasure working alongside organised, calm venue teams. It makes such a difference to the flow of the day.

Final Thoughts

Sophie and Sam’s wedding was the perfect example of an Autumn wedding done right. From the colours they had chosen for their flowers and decor, to small details like a polaroid camera and entrance shots. It really felt personal to them.

Thank you both for having me as part of such a lovely Norfolk wedding. It was an absolute pleasure.

If you’re planning a Norfolk wedding at The Hoste or anywhere across East Anglia, I’d love to chat about your date.

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Suppliers

Venue – The Hoste

Photographer – Laura – Sonderlust Photography

Videographer – Emily – EJCapture

The post Sophie & Sam’s Wedding appeared first on Alex Rimell Sax.

Grace first got in touch to book me for their ceremony and drinks reception in March 2025. This wedding was particularly close to my heart as my best friend Ellen was Maid of Honour and Grace and David were both in the year below me at school. Playing a wedding where you know the couple so well always adds something extra and this day was full of laughter and genuine warmth.

Parley Manor is such a brilliant Dorset wedding venue with stunning gardens that really shine on a sunny day. It provided the perfect backdrop for a ceremony and drinks reception.

Ceremony Music

Music played a huge role in Grace & David’s ceremony, with each song carefully chosen to reflect their relationship and personalities.

Guests arrived to a mix of romantic and feel-good songs, setting the tone as everyone gathered. Grace then walked down the aisle to Make You Feel My Love by Adele, a beautifully emotional moment that felt intimate and timeless.

One particularly meaningful part of the pre-ceremony was Zelda’s Lullaby from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. A song I learnt especially at Grace’s request for David. It was such a thoughtful choice and a perfect example of how live music can bring personal interests into a wedding in a subtle, heartfelt way.

Grace & David exited the ceremony to Stargazing by Myles Smith, lifting the atmosphere and leading guests straight into celebration mode.

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Drinks Reception

After the ceremony, guests spilled out into the gardens to enjoy a sunny drinks reception. I played a relaxed but uplifting sax set, blending romantic classics with modern favourites to create an atmosphere that encouraged conversation, smiles and the occasional dance. A surprise song (Le Festin from Ratatouille) arranged by Ellen also brought plenty of laughter and smiles whilst they were having photos.

Parley Manor is ideal for this part of the day plenty of space, beautiful surroundings and a natural flow from ceremony to celebration. Live sax fits perfectly here, adding energy without overpowering the moment.

A Day Full of Meaning

This Dorset wedding was a perfect example of how personal music choices can make a day feel effortless and genuinely special. From learning bespoke songs, it was a real privilege to help take the stress out of the music side of the day.

If you’re planning a Dorset wedding and want live sax music that feels personal, smooth and completely stress-free, I’d love to chat about your date.

Suppliers

It was a pleasure to work alongside such a brilliant supplier team:

Wedding Coordinator: Viktorija Jemanova – Parley Manor

Photographer: Libby Clark Photography

Videographer: Neil Collins

The post Grace & David’s Wedding appeared first on Alex Rimell Sax.