18th June 2016 the wedding of Lisa Hornby and Jonathon Burke.

Lisa and Jonny booked me following a fantastic wedding two years ago between their friends Iain and Fiona Hamer. The wedding took place at Eaves Hall near Clitheroe in Lancashire. It was a wedding that will stay in my memory forever. What a party we had, I sang during the drinks reception in the doorway to the hotel and then we started the party before the starters were finished. People sang, danced and I was even asked by the venue to get people to sit down and stop dancing so they could serve lol. After Lisa and Jonny had seen this wedding the pressure was on to create the same atmosphere for their wedding day.

Iain and Fiona Hamers wedding 2014 Eaves Hall Clitheroe.

As you can see from the pictures above I needed to make sure we had another fantastic wedding.

During the planning process for Lisa and Jonnys wedding the instructions were very simple, we want to party! Lisa is a big Michael Buble fan and I knew if their guests were anything like Iain and Fionas and large helping of singalong songs and some indie classics would go down a storm.

I arrived nice and early to Bartle Hall which is only 40 minutes from home to set up for the drinks reception which would take place outside overlooking the lawn. The weather was a bit overcast but I felt that it was warm enough to be outside so took the risk hoping that it wouldn’t rain.

I took a sneak peek at the room set up ready for the wedding breakfast. It looked fantastic and perfectly in keeping with the venue.

The little touches added a real sense of style and attention to detail. I thought the table plan was really different and matched the theme brilliantly.

The outdoor games were in place for the kids (and big kids). I was interested to see how many would turn up to the wedding breakfast covered in grass stains.

The guests began to arrive at 14.15 and so after hearing the bride and groom were running a bit late due to traffic got underway with singing for the drinks reception. With a mix of swing and easy listening music I was there to provide a musical backdrop for people to chat about the wedding and catch up with friends and family. It was great to meet some of the guests before I started singing as it gave me some insight into the kind of people that were attending. I had a good feeling about this bunch and was having a banter within minutes Steve, Kev and Ryan were clearly up for a laugh which always helps to have some victims lined up lol. Once the bride and groom arrived they were whisked away by the photographer and I then moved my equipment into the room ready for the wedding breakfast.

I announced the bride and groom into the room and the place erupted, guests whistled, cheered and clapped the new Mr and Mrs Burke into the wedding breakfast in style to the sound of Stevie Wonder Signed Sealed Delivered. Once sat down it was time to get the party started. I kicked off my set with a swing version of Wonderwall and people were singing as soon as the lyrics kicked in and they realised what song it was. From that point until the desserts guests were, smiling, singing and laughing along with me. It was a real pleasure to be part of such a fantastic day and Lisa and Jonny’s friends and family were clearly here to celebrate. Special mention should be made for bridesmaids Michelle and Sarah. Michelle had me in stiches before I even started by asking me to play “that Whitney Houston song” which one? “you know… baby love” what you mean by Diana Ross and the Supremes? “yeah that one!” The were good sports and were not shy when the microphone was near. I also want to mention the best men, Leon and Ryan. I could tell the Ryan was pretty confident and pretty unfazed about delivering a speech, Leon on the other hand was almost camping in the men’s room. I had a bit of friendly banter with them both during the meal and even got Ryan singing.

After singing through the starter and mains I took a short break before announcing the speeches. First up was Rick father of the bride, his speech was heartfelt and well presented.