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Engaged to be at your wedding day

Preparing for your big day can be an overwhelming task.

For some, music will be a crucial part of the ceremony, drinks reception or later on. They’ll have so many ideas they don’t know where to start.

For others, music is a lovely mysterious entity – something they like, but don’t have the confidence to choose what works for or reflects them as a couple… maybe like choosing some new glasses or car! (I always like bringing someone along with me for a much needed second opinion.)

I thought it’d be nice to take you through the process of a recent wedding I was hired to play and sing at; to give you an idea of what can be involved when hiring a musician!

Jennifer Maslin

It usually starts with an email describing the date music is needed for, which part of the day, the rough amount of time required, and possibly the type of music desired; voice, violin, solo or ensemble.

Lyrae duo

Some clients like to come see me live at a public event to get a better idea of my style and performance. Some are happy to listen to my SoundCloud account or watch me on YouTube before they make a final decision!

All being well, we then finalise the details between us, laid out in a performance agreement. This is so that we’re both on the same page about the important bits. The date is secured with a deposit. You don’t need to have everything nailed down before this though: We can always decide on exact music choices nearer the time – or change them if you like! The final balance is cleared a week before the wedding day by BACS, or in cash on the day if this offers more peace of mind.

I’ll check in with you during the week leading up to your big day so you are confident there will be no hiccups on the day itself.

And then we’re off!

The day’s arrived: I’ll make sure to arrive an hour before I’m set to play. It usually takes half an hour tops to set up, so there’s leeway for any unforeseen changes or obstacles.

I’ll arrive at the venue and speak to the front of house staff, events manager or wedding coordinator. We’ll double check and reconfirm where I’m to set up and then I’ll bring in all my music equiment! (Reserved parking near to the loction where I’m performing is always very much appreciated.)

This wedding was hosted by Chilston Park Hotel for Michelle and James. Reception drinks were to be in the beautifully festive Marble Lounge.

And the ceremony in the stately Fitzhammond Suite.

I was to play solo violin with backing tracks for the ceremony prelude as guests waited, the bridal entrance, signing of the register and exit music.

I set up my violin and amplifier at the back of the room with a clear view of the door from which the bridal party would enter.

The amp offers a few advantages: an output for the backing tracks, a little reverb/ echo to make the violin sing even more, and a little volume boost. If there are a lot of bodies in a carpeted room, they do tend to absorb more of the sound than one with wooden flooring and hard furnishings. They also tend to produce quite a bit of chatter whilst waiting for the bride!

Music played during this part of the day included:

  • Well-known, light classical pieces whilst guests waited
  • Entrance: Ave Maria set by Gounod to Bach’s Prelude in C
  • Signing of the register:
    – The Swan by Fauré
    – Adagio from Khachaturian’s Spartacus
    – Salut d’amour by Elgar
  • Exit: Mendelssohn’s Wedding March from A Midsummer Night’s Dream

With the lovely couple married – and the help of the groomsmen – I then relocated and set up for the reception drinks in the Marble Lounge! A cosy spot next to the gorgeous Christmas tree and fire, in good view of guests but tucked out of the way.

Whilst guests had their group photo taken on the front terrace, I quickly did a soundcheck so that I was ready to serenade the wedding party during the reception drinks.

Many thanks to the member of staff from Chilston Park who took my photo. Now all good to go!

For this more relaxed part of the celebrations, I sang a selection of my favourite jazz standards, and with the youngest and oldest wedding guests gathered around me and the fire. Here you can see me serenading the smallest of the flower girls just out of sight of the camera. (No, it wasn’t the Nutcracker in case you’re confused!)

After an hour and a half, the reception drinks came to an end. There had been a lot of lovely smiles aimed my way throughout my performance and some friendly thank yous and goodbyes as guests made their way through to the wedding breakfast.

It was then time to pack up, have a late lunch in front of the fire – kindly provided by Michelle and James – and have a little wander around the venue to soak up the happy, Christmas atmosphere.

My job done, I said my goodbyes and left to the sound of happy chatter of a party in full swing.

And home to take off my heels and return to cosy slippers!

It’s always lovely to hear from couples after the event. Michelle very kindly emailed me just a couple of days after and it made my day:

Our guests were blown away…. You are so talented and we’re so glad to have found you. Fans forever! xxx

Michelle

If you’d like to discuss music options for your wedding day, or any special family event, please do get in touch! I’d love to hear from you.

Hire Jennifer for your Wedding, Reception or Event

Jennifer is an extremely versatile Singer and Violinist and is available to book for your event

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Watch and listen to Jennifer on BandCamp, YouTube and Soundcloud

Jennifer Maslin
5.0
Based on 25 reviews
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Clare Narramore
Clare Narramore
12:11 09 Jan 24
Jenny played at a 70th birthday celebration in Tunbridge Wells and it was delightful. It set a perfect background atmosphere to the evening.Jenny was easy to communicate with, getting back to me very quickly, and her fees were very reasonable for her time. Thankyou!
Steven Peterson
Steven Peterson
15:18 25 May 23
Jennifer was a special part of our magical day. She was extremely patient with me changing my mind and switching music choices close to the wedding date and was very helpful and reassuring. Multiple guests told us how they really enjoyed listening to her play the violin with one moved to tears by a particular song played (A Thousand Years). It sounds very magical on the wedding clips and Jenny is just the loveliest person to have at your special day. I highly recommend Jenny for all your music needs.
marketing wfhythe
marketing wfhythe
09:19 11 May 23
Jennifer enhances our customer's dining experience with her dulcet tones. We are privileged to have her as one of our resident performers in the restaurant; she has a beautiful voice!
Mary Chandler
Mary Chandler
07:55 31 May 22
Jennifer played the violin and sang at our wedding and was absolutely brilliant. We received so many compliments from our guests on her stunning voice and lovely playing, and to top it off she's a really friendly and accommodating person. Thanks again, Jenny, for making our day extra special x
Susanna Busi Jacobsohn
Susanna Busi Jacobsohn
12:02 22 Aug 21
Jennifer was a perfect choice when we were planning for our event at our Vineyard Busi Jacobsohn. We had a pre-war car party with picnic and Jennifer was singing jazz songs which we all loved, and perfect match to the day. We would not hesitate to engage her again. Susanna Busi Jacobsohn
Vicki Thompson
Vicki Thompson
09:57 02 Jun 21
Jennifer has the most delightful personality and smile. Gracious and most off beautifully talented. Her voice is outstanding and her talent on the violin admirable. Jennifer dated to the personality of our group and dinner party. Mixing some traditional Italian themed violin and adding some jazz style singing. We al danced and sang with her. It made our Birthday dinner party absolutely perfect.
Luisa Santos-Stephens
Luisa Santos-Stephens
14:56 20 Nov 19
Jennifer is an incredible singer. We had her with Cafe Society to play at my 40th and it was everything I could dream off- they played beautiful music, and brought a very good vibe to the party. All the guests talked about how great they were, with a repertoire of very nice songs which we loved to listen to, but at the same time allowing us to keep the conversation going. I can’t recommend her enough.
Lisa Purcell
Lisa Purcell
19:34 03 Sep 19
Jenny sang beautifully at our wedding in August 2019! She moved many members of the congregation to tears with her amazing singing. We absolutely loved it and would highly recommend her. Each time we meet up with friends and family that were there, they all comment on how amazing her singing was and how much they enjoyed it! She sang a Maori love song perfectly - commented the relatives from New Zealand! X
Rachel McGuckin
Rachel McGuckin
16:06 27 Jun 19
Jenny was the absolute highlight of our wedding ceremony. We picked some tricky songs and she had the whole audience joining in at the chorus. Luckily they didn't join at all points because it gave everyone a chance to hear her beautiful voice as well! I can't recommend highly enough.
Kate McNamara
Kate McNamara
14:36 12 Jun 19
Jenny was amazing from the moment I enquired about her playing the violin at our wedding ceremony. So quick to respond, helpful, friendly, flexible & professional, and was able to recommend songs and even learnt a new song for the exit music.I was so confident that she had everything under control which was invaluable and it was something on the day that I knew I just didn’t have to worry about.Jenny is so talented and it really added to the ceremony, I am so pleased that I found her! Thank you so so much!
Aimee Curry
Aimee Curry
13:56 15 Feb 19
We highly recommend Jenny! She played amazing violin music beautifully at our wedding. Jenny was so lovely and was so approachable and helpful to plan our ceremony music which was a highlight of the day and also the drinks reception music.
T Whyte
T Whyte
19:17 30 Jan 19
Jenny sang at our wedding - her music set the tone and made for a truly special experience. She has a beautiful voice, is very easy to work with, and worked seamlessly with our (very exacting) venue to get everything just right. Thank you Jenny!
ZARA JONES
ZARA JONES
17:39 07 Aug 18
Absolutely beautiful! Jenny played at my wedding ceremony last week and it was stunning! She has a huge variety of songs to choose from and our guests loved them all! She was professional and came early to set up. We could not have wished for more. Added a lovely touch to our day!
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