Natalie and Paul, Eastwell Manor, Ashford, Kent, 4th September 2010
We’ve arrived early again!! Just in time to sample the delights of the Pavilion’s Hythe Bay Seafood Restaurant and bar. Fantastic food and reasonably priced.!! The Pavilion is attached to Eastwell Manor and houses the gym, swimming pool and golf complex. The whole estate seems to stretch for miles across some of Kent’s most beautiful countryside.
The room where we are to play is also being used for the wedding breakfast and looks very grand. A four-piece string quartet is playing outside the door the music is gently wafting throughout the house. There are other guests here too many of who are here to sample the Manors famous cream teas.
Our set up and sound check in the Rose Garden room was fairly quick. After a short break to change we were ready to begin. The Master of Ceremonies had finished his duties and left the building so just as well we carry a spare. (Our Sound Engineer is an accomplished Master of Ceremonies - and even has the long red coat!) He announced the entrance of the Bride and Groom for their first dance “Stuck On You “ by Lionel Richie a great choice for Natalie and Paul to dance to. “I Aint Got You” by Alicia Keys was the next song chosen by Natalie for a special dance with her father.
The acoustics of this room are great for a band!! The carpeted floor, heavy drapes hang at the windows and oak panelled walls really enhance the sound..ideal conditions!
As soon as the first set was complete the buffet started …. a great choice of the old favourites - toasted cheese sandwiches, bacon buttys, chips and cakes.
Its 22.50 we are just about to finish the second set and the duty manager informs us that the music has to finish at 23.00. !!!!! A short diplomatic discussion ensues and we secure an extension till 11.30!! (We are still not sure that Natalie or Paul were aware the wedding was to finish quite so soon) A quick 5-minute break and we are into the last set and “All the Single Ladies” prompts Natalie to throw her bouquet in traditional fashion.
Back into the music and the dance floor soon fills and stays that way until the last dance. Another great night!
There’s always a bit of time to kill when we finish playing as the evening winds down and guests retire to bed or start to make their way home. We normally use this time to change and prepare for the packing away. As it was such a nice evening and we hadn’t far to travel we decided to sit and relax outside in the moonlight. It was a great opportunity to meet with some of the guests who had enjoyed our performance.
Good luck to Natalie and Paul for the future!!
