Julie and Karl, Moxhull Hall, West Midlands, 19th September 2010
The morning started brilliantly. Literally.. Then it turned to a typical autumn day, grey and wet.
Our journey was straightforward and uneventful. We had been asked in the week to link to a new site that gives up to the minute (well 3 minute old!) traffic information. We haven’t linked to any site yet that we’ve not had some experience of so we thought we best to try it out. I need say no more than we arrived 2 hours early!!! So I guess. www.frixo.com is more than worth a plug it does exactly what it says on the tin. Well done Peter Green.
Moxhull Hall sits in its own grounds among the trees on the outskirts of Sutton Coalfield and is quite close to the motorway network and international Belfry Golf Course, however there was no noise or stray golf balls!!
A dedicated Marquee sits in beautiful landscaped gardens and is linked to the Hall by a long tented walkway. Small white paper bags with perforated heart shapes, lit by tea-lights from within, lined the route.
As we arrive the guests are all seated waiting for the arrival of Karl and Julie who are just about to enter the marquee through a double glazed anti room into a large satin lined dining area. We sneak a quick peek through the curtain from behind the bar… above hangs a row of impressive crystal chandeliers. The tables look beautiful set with white linen and decorated with a mass of flowers.
Behind the top table we see there is another area containing a full size white grand piano, two very unusual zebra skin tall back chairs and pieces of modern art.
We are to set up while the guests are eating as the dance area is separate to the dining area and faces across, rather than down the length of the marquee. This is a good idea as it means if you just want to sit and talk while the band or disco play you are not subject to the full volume of the PA as you are sat at right angles to it.
Once the wedding breakfast gets underway the Hotel’s wedding organiser shows us to our stage and dressing room. Set up, ready to sound check and an hour until the first dance we decide to eat. So we head off into the tangled one-way system of Sutton Coalfield. Fortunately we find a Pizza Express fairly quickly. Forty-five minutes and 6 pizzas later we are on our way back to Moxhull Hall.
We sound check to that old favourite Sweet home Alabama and then we are ready to go. The guests seem at ease and gather on the dance floor, cameras ready for the cutting of the cake.
We are sharing the night with Tall Order Road Show who play the first dance “Greatest Day “by Take That. We follow close behind, and start the first set with a song for the Bride Julie and her Father “My Girl” by the Temptations.
We have had a few requests of late for a song for Bride and Father and of course we are always happy to oblige. Both Julie and Karl are confident dancers and delighted their guests with several dance routines.
We played three sets and finished with an encore Chelsea Dagger by The Fratallies. We then sat to relax while Tall Order Road Show took over to played the last couple of wind down slow dances where people could say there thanks or have that last smooch before retiring for the night.
Thanks to those who commented on our performance. It was great playing in the Marquee!! Especially when the guests were so receptive and clearly enjoy the music and the Hotel staff so helpful.
Karl and Julie are staying at Moxhull Hall for a few days rest then off to the Bahamas for their honeymoon cruise. I’m sure the captain will enjoy their company! They are such a lovely couple.
Congrats Julie and Karl
More photos from this event can be seen here on our Facebook Page
