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GARETH & KATHERINE

Barn ceremony and sunshine sax at Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel

Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel

By Spencer Moran

My first visit to Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel was for Gareth and Katherine’s wedding, and what a lovely introduction to the venue. A beautiful barn ceremony, glorious October sunshine and an afternoon of live sax made this such an enjoyable day to be part of.

They booked my afternoon drinks package with the ceremony add-on, giving us the chance to make the music personal from the moment guests arrived through to the celebrations outside.

Spencer playing saxophone beneath timber beams and fairy lights in the barn at Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel
Photo: Samantha, duty manager at Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel.

Live sax for a beautiful barn wedding ceremony

I played from an elevated stage in the barn, starting with 30 minutes of music as guests took their seats. The room had a really elegant atmosphere, and it was lovely to see people nodding along and clapping between songs before the ceremony began.

For Katherine’s walk down the aisle, I played an acoustic saxophone cover of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love”. It’s a song I love performing for a bridal entrance, and it suited this setting beautifully.

Once Gareth and Katherine were married, we changed the mood with Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered” for their exit: a joyful start to the celebrations.

A surprise song for the confetti moment

As everyone headed outside for the confetti, I played “Je T’aime”. Gareth had been trying to remember a particular song he wanted for this moment, and this was the one. Getting that choice right made it a lovely surprise for him and added another personal touch to the day.

Spencer playing saxophone outside the farmhouse during Gareth and Katherine’s drinks reception
Photo: Samantha, duty manager at Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel.

Chilled Ibiza sax for the afternoon drinks reception

With the sun shining, the drinks reception had that relaxed, holiday feeling. I mixed chilled Ibiza-style poolside sax with Afrobeats and familiar pop covers over house beats, keeping the music flowing as guests enjoyed the afternoon.

That mix works so well for a wedding drinks reception: recognisable melodies, a little rhythm and plenty of space for everyone to chat and enjoy being together. The farmhouse backdrop and beautiful weather made it an especially lovely place to play.

Wedding guests enjoying the sunshine and live sax in the farmhouse courtyard
Photo: Samantha, duty manager at Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel.
Live saxophone outside Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel on a sunny October afternoon
Photo: Samantha, duty manager at Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel.

A warm welcome at Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel

A big thank you to Samantha, the venue’s duty manager, for taking the photographs featured here. All the staff were so helpful, and I’d love to return for another wedding.

Since Gareth and Katherine’s day, I’ve already had two enquiries about my full live DJ and sax package at the venue. It would be brilliant to bring the evening party side of what I do here as well.

Thank you, Gareth and Katherine, for having me play such a special part in your day.

THE WEDDING TEAM

  • Venue: Donington Park Farmhouse Hotel
  • Photography: Samantha, venue duty manager
  • Live sax: Spencer Sax · Afternoon drinks package with ceremony add-on