Stanbrook Abbey Hotel, located near Worcester in Worcestershire, England, has a rich and varied history. Originally founded in 1625 in Cambrai, France, Stanbrook was established as a Benedictine convent by a group of English Catholic nuns seeking refuge during a time of religious persecution. The nuns relocated to England during the French Revolution, eventually settling in Worcestershire in 1838. Here, they established a new Stanbrook Abbey and built the Gothic-style abbey and chapel designed by architect Edward Welby Pugin, completed in the 1870s.
For over a century, the abbey served as a place of prayer, scholarship, and sanctuary. In 2009, the Benedictine community relocated to a modern abbey in North Yorkshire, selling the historic property. The abbey was then converted into a luxury hotel, retaining much of its architectural splendor, including Pugin’s Gothic chapel, cloisters, and Victorian interiors. Today, Stanbrook Abbey Hotel combines historic charm with modern luxury, serving as a unique retreat and event venue while preserving the spirit and heritage of the original abbey.
The Wedding
Kerry and Steve
Stanbrook Abbey Hotel
Friday 1 November 2024
Ceremony, Drinks and Meal
Music for the Wedding Ceremony
Starting in the chapel we provided music for Kerry and Steve’s very glamorous ceremony in the beautiful setting of Stanbrook Abbey.
Pre Ceremony
Million dreams (greatest showman)
All of me – John legend
Lucas Graham
Love someone
Always remember us this way – lady gaga
Ava Maria – Schubert
Bridal Entrance
I get to love you – Ruelle
Signing
River flows in you
Canon in D
Exit
Better together – Jack Johnson
For the bridal entrance Kerry had asked us to play around 60 seconds of instrumental introduction before cutting into the original song with vocals at the point she entered. Whilst this sort of live mixing requires several sets of hands given that we are both also playing at the same time, it is something we can achieve for our brides providing we have enough notice of the song and can ensure our arrangement matches up.
The Drinks Reception & Meal
After the ceremony we relocated to where the drinks reception and wedding breakfast was being held. This was quite a distance to carry all our kit, but we had the advantage of the confetti line and group photo being done at the front of the hotel during the time. And so we set to work moving our kit and within fifteen minutes we were back up and playing for the drinks reception.
Some of the songs we included in our set for this point in the day were:
Electric dreams
Can’t help falling in love with you
Love someone – Lukas Graham
Tenerife sea – Ed sheeran
Sky full of stars – Coldplay
Piano man – Billy Joel
Just the way you are – Billy Joel
K Ci & Jojo – all my life
John legend – all of me
Donna summer -I love you always, forever
Somewhere over the rainbow
Just the way you are – Bruno Mars
How long will I love you you – Ellie Goulding
You are the reason – Calum Scott
Time
After time
Can’t help falling in love
Viva La Vida
This was our first visit to Stanbrook Abbey Hotel and we really enjoyed being a part of Kerry and Steve’s wedding. it was our pleasure to provide music for their wedding day and we wish them every happiness as they embark on their married future together.
