What is your most memorable wedding?
My most memorable wedding has to be when a traindriver and her fiancé (also a traindriver) got married at Merewood Hotel, Windermere.
They chose for their ceremony exit music 'Love Train', to which I added the colossal sound of a USA freight train's hooter, much to the astonishment of all the guests! The bride went on to play a pioano duet with me - 'Freight Train Boogie' which brought the house down!
Describe your style in 5 adjectives.
Professional, personal, bespoke, caring, concerned
What about your business are you most proud of?
The quality of my playing
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Always, always, always insist on LIVE MUSIC for your extra special day!
What is your favourite personal touch you have seen at a wedding?
six tiny bridesmaids and page boys (three of each) creating havoc for the bride as she made her bridal entrance into the ceremony room!!
Describe your typical process with a couple.
I reply to an enquiry with a list of my packages and prices - 8 to choose from these days! Then, when they have decided which package(s) they would like, I draw up a contract and we each sign the contract on payment of my fee, which is usually due around three months prior to the wedding date.
After that, we talk about the couple's ceremony music choices. Sometimes I will send them some audio snippets to let them know exactly how I play certain songs, or I direct them to various websites where they can hear me play.
What makes a romantic first dance?
Old, but oh so good!... Sinatra singing 'The Nearness of You'...unbeatable!