Image credits: Shrigley Wedding Photography
When Nicola and Varun got in touch to book live piano music for their wedding day, they already had a clear vision of how they wanted their music to feel—elegant, romantic, and full of personal touches. From a beautiful summer drinks reception on the terrace to a lively wedding breakfast inside the marquee, every musical choice reflected them as a couple. But it was their first dance that truly stood out as a moment to remember.
A Unique First Dance: Live Piano Meets A Cappella Vocals
First dances are always special, but Nicola and Varun had something truly unique in mind. They had fallen in love with Alicia Keys’ If I Ain’t Got You—specifically, an a cappella version that featured only vocals with no instrumentation. Their vision? To combine that vocal track with live piano accompaniment, creating a one-of-a-kind musical moment for their first dance.
It was a request I’d never had before, but I was absolutely up for the challenge! The key to making this work was perfect timing. I rehearsed with the DJ ahead of time to ensure that when he hit play on the vocal track, I would start playing the piano part in sync. There was no room for error—the music and the track had to flow seamlessly together.
On the night, as the first notes played and the couple stepped onto the dance floor, it was pure magic. The combination of Alicia Keys’ soulful vocals and the richness of live piano created an atmosphere unlike any other. It was intimate, emotional, and entirely personal to them—a first dance that none of their guests had ever seen before and one they’ll never forget.
The Soundtrack to a Beautiful Summer Wedding
Nicola and Varun’s wedding day began with a church ceremony before guests arrived at the stunning Quendon Hall for their reception. The sun was shining, and the drinks reception took place on the terrace, where I played a mix of upbeat and feel-good songs the couple had chosen, including:
- Dancing in the Moonlight – Toploader
- A Thousand Miles – Vanessa Carlton
- Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles
- Paradise – Coldplay
- Shape of You – Ed Sheeran
- There She Goes – The La’s
- Yellow – Coldplay
About half an hour before guests were due to move into the marquee for the wedding breakfast, a couple of the groomsmen kindly helped me move the grand piano. This gave me just enough time to set everything up before the newlyweds were announced into the room to Ain’t No Mountain High Enough—a perfect high-energy entrance that had their guests clapping and cheering.
During the wedding breakfast, I played a mix of the couple’s favourites, creating a warm and elegant atmosphere. Their setlist included everything from timeless classics to contemporary love songs:
- Better Together – Jack Johnson
- Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Frankie Valli
- Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
- All of Me – John Legend
- Can You Feel the Love Tonight – The Lion King
- Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol
- Clair de Lune – Debussy
- Fly Me to the Moon – Frank Sinatra
- Perfect – Ed Sheeran
- What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
- Your Song – Elton John
…and so many more! Each song added to the relaxed yet refined feel of the day, allowing guests to enjoy their meal while surrounded by beautiful live music.
Why Live Music Makes Your Wedding Unforgettable
Nicola and Varun’s wedding was a perfect example of how live music can elevate those key moments of the day. Whether it was the romantic piano melodies during their drinks reception, the uplifting entrance into the wedding breakfast, or their truly unique first dance, live music made each moment feel even more special.
If you’re currently planning your wedding music and not sure where to start, our Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Wedding Ceremony Music is here to help! It’s packed with inspiration and practical advice to make choosing your songs easy and stress-free. Download your copy here and start curating the perfect soundtrack for your big day!
