Naturally, I am biased, but I believe the guitar to be the perfect instrument for wedding music. Its incredible versatility provides a vast repertoire spanning five centuries - everything from beautiful Renaissance lute music and traditional folk, right up to 21st century modern tunes. From a practical point of view, the guitar is one of a very few truly solo instruments and thanks to its size and portability, the guitarist can squeeze into the corner of the smallest of venues - then, when the ceremony is over, quickly and discreetly move to the cocktails room without interfering in the smooth running of your wedding day.
I have considerable experience performing at weddings. I will take the time to discuss your exact musical requirements and if required, offer advice and suggestions regarding suitable pieces for the different stages of the ceremony. I have a large repertoire to draw from which can be tailored to suit individual tastes and preferences. If, however, there's a particular piece you have in mind which isn't in my repertoire, I may be able to prepare it for you (subject to time available and suitability of the piece for solo guitar). Please click on the link on the right for my current wedding repertoire. The 2nd link lists some popular ceremony suggestions, should you require some inspiration. Examples of some of the pieces can be found on the audio and video pages.
Usually, I play the ceremony music on a 10-string classical guitar, which is quite a unique and versatile instrument. When playing during cocktails or the wedding breakfast, I use both classical and acoustic guitars in order to cover a variety of musical styles. Guitars are not particularly loud instruments and so a little amplification is usually required to gently lift the music, however, at no time will the music be too loud.
Finally, music is my livelihood, so I can guarantee a high level of professionalism throughout (please see the testimonials below). When a firm booking is made, I provide a written contract which gives piece of mind to everyone concerned. Meanwhile, if you have anything you'd like to ask, please contact me.
Testimonials
"I first heard Jim play at our friend's wedding and asked the bride for his number immediately. He was perfect to play for my husband's birthday as I had organised a banquet style dinner and asked Jim if he could do a cross of Baroque and Celtic sounds. He lived up to all my expectations and I would have been very happy not to talk to any of my guests and just listen to him play with a glass of wine in hand. Always professional and thoughtful, he played during dinner and beyond. I now have to throw another party so we can hire him again! Thank you Jim."
Denise & Sam - Midhurst, West Sussex 2012
"When we first heard the music that we wanted Jim to play in our ceremony it gave us both butterflies. The sound from the 10-string guitar was so delicate and beautiful. When I walked into the room the music was so romantic and was just magical. A perfect level of sound to enhance the occasion. Lots of people commented on how wonderful the music was. We watched our ceremony again recently and it's so lovely to hear the atmosphere. It really made a difference compared to recorded music. Jim is very professional and hugely talented. I like the fact we tailored the music to suit our ceremony and to make our day so special. I would highly recommend him."
Jo & Darren - Chichester, West Sussex 2011
"Having Jim as our guitarist was wonderful. We met beforehand so that everything was individually tailored to our tastes. The ceremonial music was beautiful and timed to the service which took away a lot of worry on the day and the mix of Spanish, classical and contemporary repertoire created a warm ambience which we felt made the occasion even more unique and special. We would definitely highly recommend him."
Holly & Abs - Yateley, Surrey 2011
"We chose you to perform at our wedding as you play a lot of your own contemporary compositions rather than just the traditional classical pieces but we were incredibly impressed with your repertoire, even being able to take requests including an obscure Spanish classical piece which you performed faultlessly. It was a lovely day and both Carmen and I really appreciated your contribution and flexibility on the day, and all of the guests commented very favourably on your performance. It was the perfect sunny summers day, with in our view, the perfect audio backing track! Many thanks!"
Carmen & Nick - Brockenhurst, Hampshire 2011
“We booked Jim to play at our wedding on recommendation and we were not disappointed. The music was perfect and really complemented our ceremony. Jim is a true professional and we have already passed his details on to my cousin, who is getting married later this year.”
Claire & John – Buriton, Hampshire 2011
"We really enjoyed having Jim play at our wedding ceremony and cocktail reception. He was very professional and the music was perfect for our intimate wedding. We booked him on short notice, but he was very accommodating and even produced a recording of one of his songs for me when I couldn't find a sample myself."
Lesley & Graham – Ottershaw, Surrey 2010
“We booked Jim on recommendation from friends to play guitar during our wedding ceremony. The music was exactly what we wanted and Jim was professional throughout. I have no hesitation in recommending him.”
Gina & David – Farnham, Surrey 2010
“Thank you so much, Jim. The guitar music you played really contributed to the wonderful atmosphere at our wedding reception. We have passed your details on to a few friends.”
Jane & Richard – Mandarin Oriental, London 2010
“We have no hesitation in recommending Jim. The music at our wedding was absolutely perfect and Jim was very accommodating whenever we changed our minds about which pieces to have! Thanks again.”
Charlotte & Stephen – Guildford, Surrey 2010
“I booked Jim to play at my husband’s 50th birthday party. The music was perfect and the atmosphere was lovely. Many of our friends commented on Jim’s playing. He was courteous, friendly and professional at all times. (Bill wants lessons now!).”
Janet & William – Bagshot, Surrey 2009
“Thank you for playing at our wedding reception. The beautiful music was exactly what we wanted and really helped set the mood. Many thanks and we will be recommending you to our friends.”
Sarah & Graham – Epsom, Surrey 2009
