Anneliese & Sam’s Wedding at Gileston Manor: A Day of Music and Meaning

A bride and groom have their couple shots at golden hour. They are in a field on their wedding day at Gileston Manor, the sun us shining low in the sky behind them, and they are holding hands and looking at one another

Image credits: L’amore Wedding Photography

Anneliese and Sam celebrated their wedding at the beautiful Gileston Manor during the May bank holiday, and it was such a joy to be part of their day. The venue is absolutely stunning, with its sweeping sea views, lush gardens, and even peacocks wandering around the grounds. It’s one of those places that feels both grand and welcoming at the same time.

The front of Gileston Manor on a wedding day. The manor house is covered in a purple wisteria

Where Did Anneliese and Sam Get Married?

The ceremony was held outside on the lawn, which features a long aisle that’s perfect for making a real entrance. The weather was a little windy, but thankfully it stayed dry, and the setup looked gorgeous. If you’re planning a wedding at Gileston Manor, you’ll know how much the venue itself adds to the atmosphere – it’s a dream location for couples who want something elegant yet relaxed.

A wedding pianist plays a black baby grand piano for an outdoor wedding at Gileston Manor

What Music Did Anneliese Choose for Her Ceremony entrance?

Anneliese had a real love for classical music, so she spent time going through my repertoire list and picking out her favourites. I used these to create a playlist for the ceremony that felt elegant and personal.

As guests arrived and found their seats, I played a selection of classical pieces to set the tone. For her walk down the aisle, Anneliese chose Clair de Lune by Debussy – a piece she’d always dreamed of walking to. When we first met at a wedding show at Gileston Manor, she told me how much this piece meant to her, so I created a slightly shorter arrangement to fit the length of the aisle perfectly.

Listen to my shortened arrangement of Clair de Lune here:

Anneliese walked first, followed by her bridesmaids, and it was such a beautiful moment. For the signing of the register, the couple chose Golden Hour by JVKE and River Flows in You by Yiruma. Both pieces added a modern, romantic touch to the ceremony. Then, for their recessional, they wanted something upbeat, so I played a lively version of Life is a Highway. It was such a fun way to kick off the celebrations.

A bride and groom share their first kiss as a married couple on their wedding day at Gileston Manor

What Was the Drinks Reception Like?

The drinks reception took place on the front lawn, overlooking the sea. With the peacocks wandering around and the manor as a backdrop, it had such a relaxed yet elegant vibe. I moved the piano to the side of the house, where there’s access to power, and played a mix of more upbeat pieces to keep the energy light and fun. Guests mingled, enjoyed the view, and soaked up the atmosphere – it was such a lovely part of the day.

The bride and groom and their bridesmaids and groomsmen have a photo outside Gileston Manor on their wedding day

How Did the Wedding Breakfast Feel Personal?

The wedding breakfast was held in a beautifully decorated marquee, and I set up the piano again to play while guests enjoyed their meal. Anneliese and Sam had requested two special songs; Nice to Meet You by Myles Smith and Accidentally in Love by Counting Crows. I loved learning these pieces and made sure to include them in the set so the couple could hear them, even while they were off taking photos.

It’s always such a joy to include personal requests like these – it’s those little details that make the day feel so unique to each couple.

What Made This Day Special for Everyone Involved?

What really stood out about Anneliese and Sam’s wedding was how much thought they put into every detail. From the music to the venue, everything reflected their personalities and their love story. The atmosphere was warm, joyful, and full of love, and it was such an honour to be part of it.

If you’re planning a wedding at Gileston Manor and want to include live piano music, I’d love to help make your day just as special. Whether you already know what you want or need some guidance, I’m here to make the process easy and enjoyable. Fill out our contact form today, and I’ll send over everything you need to get started.

And if you’re not sure where to start with your music choices, don’t worry! I’ve created the Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Wedding Ceremony Music, which you can download for free by clicking here.