LOLLY & BEN
Sunshine and wedding sax at Bassmead Manor Barns
Bassmead Manor Barns · near St Neots, Cambridgeshire
October doesn’t always bring outdoor drinks-reception weather, but Lolly and Ben’s wedding at Bassmead Manor Barns gave us glorious sunshine. I was booked to play saxophone for their afternoon drinks, and being able to set up outside made it such a lovely start to the celebration.
As they came out of the ceremony and into their confetti moment, I was ready to take things straight into live sax. Blue skies, the beautiful barns and everyone coming together — it looked fantastic.
Live sax for an outdoor drinks reception
For this part of a wedding, I love putting together music that feels relaxed but still has plenty of personality. Lolly and Ben’s afternoon began with a mix of acoustic-style covers and familiar songs from artists including Luther Vandross, Nat King Cole and Stevie Wonder.
It was a chance for everyone to enjoy a drink, catch up and settle into the afternoon, with live sax woven through it all. The setting at Bassmead Manor Barns, near St Neots in Cambridgeshire, was gorgeous, and the venue team were fantastic throughout.
From soulful classics to Afrobeat favourites
While the wedding photographs were being taken, I moved into some atmospheric Afrobeat versions of “Wonderwall” and “Baker Street”. Those familiar melodies with a different groove are such good fun to play, and they brought another feel to the afternoon without turning it into an evening party.
Then there was “Pink Panther” — a tune that always goes down an absolute storm. The children were dancing, and it was lovely seeing guests of different ages getting involved in the music.
A little first dance for Lolly and Ben
One of my favourite moments was Lolly and Ben having a little boogie together while I played. It became their own impromptu, private little first dance to the saxophone. Those unplanned moments are often the ones that stay with me after a wedding.
The cocktails looked amazing too, and there were beautiful details all around the venue. It was an afternoon with so much to enjoy, from the sunshine outside to those small moments between the couple.
Before I left, Lolly and Ben came over to tell me how pleased they were. Guests also stopped to say how much they’d enjoyed the sax as I was packing up. That is always such a lovely way to finish a booking. Thank you both for having me as part of your day.