Prestonfield House Wedding

On the 7th September we played at the spectacular Prestonfield House near Edinburgh. This was the first time we had played there, and it was amazing, like nothing you've ever seen before! For Mhairi walking in we played Moon River, and then during the silent prayer, at the signing of the register and for their exit we played a selection of Josh Groban songs that they had had specially arranged. We also accompanied the hymn, In Christ Alone.
The couple have since sent us these kind words -

Dear Annemarie, Fiona and the Cairn Quartet,

Just back from honeymoon and wanted to thank you all for the beautiful music for our
wedding at Prestonfield on Sunday 7 September. You were absolutely breathtaking and
even better than we'd imagined so thank you so much.


From the pieces you played before our ceremony, to the special arrangements during
our ceremony (including our hymn In Christ Alone which sounded wonderful) everything
was perfect.

Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany's (which I walked down the aisle to) and You
Raise Me Up by Josh Groban (which was played during silent prayer) especially were
both huge hits with our family and friends and there wasn't a dry eye in the house
at those points.

We have had so many compliments on the music we just had to let you know how happy
we were with it and also to let you know that it was an absolute pleasure to work
with you. Your customer service and whole approach was fantastic - so friendly and
helpful - nothing was too much trouble and your calming and laid back manner
was much appreciated!

We wouldn't hesitate to use you again or recommend you to friends and family (in
fact I recommended you to a colleague Melissa Ferrie a number of weeks ago who
has since booked you for her wedding at the Botanics in Glasgow this autumn).

Our photographs should be ready any day now so I'll forward the link to our web
gallery as soon as they are ready so you can see yourselves on camera and perhaps
use a photograph on your blog.

Take care, speak to soon.

With love from Mairi & Paul Gordon xxx

Glasgow University Chapel Wedding

On the 23rd August we played at the lovely Glasgow University Chapel. It is one of my favourite places to play as it is where my parents were married! For Joanne walking in we played Pachelbel's Canon, at the signing of the register we played Braveheart, and then the couple were piped out by a friend. The hymns were accompanied by the organ. We then moved outside to the cloisters to play for their drinks reception.

Brig o doon weddings

On both the 17th and 23rd we played at Brig o doon House. One of our favourite venues, it never seems to rain there! On the 17th the bride was Diane Ring, and she walked into Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen. We then played Stand by Me and God Only Knows by the Beach Boys at the signing of the register and All You Need is Love and Somewhere Beyond the Sea for their exit.
On the 23rd, Diane Doherty walked in to Pachelbel's Canon, at the signing of the register we played Songbird and for their exit we played Here Comes the Sun.

One Devonshire Gardens Wedding

On the 16th August we played at the prestigious One Devonshire Gardens. For Lynette walking in we played the traditional wedding march, Spring at the signing if the register and the traditional exit wedding march for their exit. On this occasion we were playing with Emma Peebles, Paul Livingstone and Katie Rush.

Hill of Tarrit Mansion wedding

On the 8th August we played at the beautiful Hill of Tarrit Mansion near Cupar in Fife. The house is a trust house and the wedding was held in the gardens. We played outside on the steps for the ceremony, where we played Pachelbel's Canon for the bride's entrance, then Vivaldi's Spring at the signing of the register, and Salut D'Amour for their exit. We then moved onto the lawn for the drinks reception. On this occassion we were playing with Jo Wylie and Ian Watson.

We have since received this lovely message!

We are just writing to express our deepest thanks for your lovely performance at our
wedding ceremony at the Hill of Tarvit in Cupar on the 8th of August. Many of our
guests commented on how much they enjoyed listening to you during the
following drinks reception.

We would like to wish you all the very best for future successes.

Kindest Regards

Justin & Jennifer

Turnberry Hotel Wedding

On the 2nd August we played for the wedidng of Claire and Phil at Turnberry Hotel. For Claire walking up the ailse we played Pachelbel's Canon, O Mio Babbino Caro for the signing of the register and the traditional Wedding March for their exit. We then played for their drinks reception outside, with stunning views out over Arran!
On this occassion we were playing with Ian Watson and Jo Wylie.

We have since received this lovely email from Claire!

Guys,

Just an email to say thanks for the wedding. Everyone loved you and the music was
excellent. Thanks ever so much.

Thanks

Claire and Phil

Crieff Hydro Wedding

On the 1st August we played at Crieff Hydro. For Wendy walking down the ailse we played Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring, Air on a G String at the signing of the register and Hornpipe for the couple walking out. It was a lovely day, especially since the couple's children were able to spend it with them. We then played a good mixture of pieces, as well as the playlist they had sent, for the drinks reception and wedding breakfast. On this occassion we were playing with Katie Rush and Paul Livingstone.

We also received this lovely email from Wendy following the event!

Hi Fiona,
I just wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed the music last Friday. I didn't get a
chance to speak to you myself because you were continually playing (hats off to you
all) or I was being the busy bride/mum. You were so fantastic and made an excellent
start to the day.
I wish you all well in your future careers.

Thanks again,
Wendy

Brig o doon wedding

On the 30th July we played for the wedding of Pamela and Ian at Brig a doon hotel. Pam had asked if we could play a couple of songs to accompany a singer, so after a rehearsal prior to the ceremony, we played Kissing You by Desiree with the singer Joanna while Pamela walked down the aisle, and Songbird with Joanna singing for the signing of the register. For the couple walking out they had asked for Jurassic Park, as it had a lot of sentimental meaning after spending a fantastic day at Disneyland listening to it!
We then played for their drinks reception, and while the guests were being seated for dinner. On this occassion we were playing with Katie Rush and Nicola Connell, and the events manager commented that we were one of the best quartets she had ever heard play at the hotel!

'The Drum' Wedding

On 26th July we played for the wedding of Lindsay and Alexander at 'The Drum', Edinburgh. The Drum is a beautiful counrty house which is the family home of Alexander, and the ceremony was held outside in front of the house, with the bridal party on the steps leading up to the house. For the bridesmaid's walking up, we played Salut D'Amour, and then played Pachelbel's Canon for Lindsay walking up the ailse. At the signing of the regsiter we played Air on a G String and for the couple walking back down the steps, down the ailse and onto the lawn we played 'All You Need is Love' by the Beatles (like in Love Actually.)
We then moved onto the lawn for the drinks reception, where we all got a wee bit of a tan! We played mostly jazz, which seemed to be going down well with the guests.

Cornhill House Wedding

On 25th July we played at the beautiful Cornhill House. It was the hottest day of the year so far I think, and it was absoutely stunning (as was the bride, Leigh!) For Leigh walking in she had asked to have arranged 'Falling Slowly' from the film 'Once' which was a fantastic choice. We then accomapanyed a singer for 'Come to a Wedding' (sung to the tune of Morning has broken). We then played 'Falling Slowly' again for them walking out (after a moment of confusion between ourselves and the piper!) We then moved out on the veranda for their drinks reception where we played a mixture of jazz, tangos, classical and The Beatles.
We also recieved this lovely feedback from the bride!

You were absolutely wonderful and so many people commented on 'Falling
Slowly'...from what I hear it started quite a few tears!

Thank you so much for playing so beautifully!

Best wishes,

Leigh & Chris

St. Anthony's, Balfron/The Barony Wedding

On 24th July (after a week off!) we played for the wedding of Natalie and Andrew. It was an incredibly sunny and warm day, and they had chosen to get married in a beautiful church in Balfron. We played classical music for the guests arriving, and then a piper friend of Natalie's (who also happened to be one of the priests taking the ceremony!) piped her down the ailse. We accompanyed 3 hymns throughout the service, 'Be Still for the presence of the Lord', 'Let the be love shared among us', and 'Bind Us Together Lord.' At the signing of the register we played the whole 6 minutes of Pachelbel's Canon (perfect timing) and the couple were then piped back out (after a quick change from the priest!)
We then moved onto The Barony in Glasgow for the drinks reception and wedding breakfast, where we played a good mixture of everytthing. On this occassion we were joined by Elaine Sexton.

Lochgreen House Hotel Wedding

On 11th July we played for the drinks receptiona and dinner of Caroline and Stuart. It was a beautiful sunny day and so we played outside on the patio for the drinks reception, and played a mixture of jazz, tangos, rags and more popular numbers. We then moved inside for the dinner, and played to welcome guests into the dining room, and then played 'Can't Take My Eyes Off of You' for Caroline and Stuart walking in. We then played a mixture of Classical, Opera and traditional.
We particularly enjoyed the day as Caroline had been so lovely to organise everything with, and we had the met the couple previously.
On this occassion we were playing with Emily Carr and Elspeth Luke.

Norton House Hotel wedding

On 6th July we played for the wedding of Nicola and Darren at Norton House Hotel, Ingelston. For the bridesmaid walking down the ailse we played Gabriel's Oboe, followed by Pachelbel's Canon for Nicola walking down the ailse. We then played Air on a G String at the signing of the register. The couple were piped out, and then us and the piper took it in turns to play at the drinks reception. On this occassion we were playing with Jo Wylie and Helena Flint.

Glenskirlie Castle wedding

On Sunday, the Cairns returned to one of their favourite venues, Glenskirlie Castle for the wedding of Anne Curry and Graham.
We played Canon for Anne walking up the aisle, Coldplay's Yellow for the signing of the register and All You Need is Love by the Beatles for their exit music. On this occasion, Annemarie and Alan were joined by Katie Rush from the Cairn's "All Girl" Quartet and Fiona Ritchie on cello. Due to a late bus arriving from the Southside of Glasgow, the quartet amused the guests with a selection of lively Mozart, and light Jazz.

Culcreuch Castle wedding

On 28th June the string trio were playing at the lovely Culcreuch Castle in Fintry. Nicola walked down the ailse to Pachelbel's Canon, and walked out to Eine Kleine Bricht Moonlicht Nicht Musik (the piece that encompasses both Mozart's Eine Kleine and Scottish traditional music!) For the signing of the register the trio accompanied a singer, who sang 'Come What May', after a rehearsal prior to the ceremony.

Solsgirth House wedding

On 28th June we played for the ceremony and drinks reception of Louise and James at Solsgirth House, Dollar. Louise had had 2 specific pieces of music arranged for the ceremony, Will Young's 'All Time Love' for her walking down the ailse, and Feeling Good by Nina Simone for the signing of the register. They then walked out of the chapel to Good Day Sunshine by The Beatles. This was an apt choice as when the ceremony started it was drizzling with rain but by the time they were walking back down the ailse it was nice and sunny, so much so that we then moved out onto the veranda to play for the guests sipping champagne on the grass!
We were playing on this occassion with Emily Carr and Catherine Robertson.

Pollok House wedding

On the 21st June we played for the wedding of Kenny and Chatsuda at Pollok House. We played for the ceremony, drinks reception and after dinner drinks. For the ceremony and drinks reception the couple had chosen mostly classical music for us to play, and for the ceremony itself we played Handel's Largo. After the drinks reception we had a 2 hour break while the party had their dinner, and we played mostly jazz and more popular tunes for their after dinner party, held in the scullery downstairs.
On this occassion, Lamond Gillespie was playing with us as Alan was playing in the RSAMD Opera.

Norton House Hotel wedding

On 21st June we played for the wedding ceremony and drinks reception of Karen and Ben at Norton House Hotel, Ingelston. It was a fantstic day, and on this occassion the musicians playing were Katie Rush, Dyzelle Sutherland, Kirsty Brown and Robert Anderson.
Following the wedding, Karen sent us a lovely Thank You email with some great comments, and here it is!

Hi All

Just back from Honeymoon and wanted to say a big thanks to you all for the
wedding music.

In the lead up to the day both Fiona and Annemarie were really friendly,
helpful and professional.

You really did us proud, I know you had a bit of a hard time as I was late to
the aisle (I was ready at 1.55pm but they didn't come and get me and then the
Registrar took ages!!)

Would absolutely recommend you and if you need anything completed for VOWS
etc just give me a shout.

Thanks again you really did make it special.

Karen

Lochgreen House Hotel Wedding

On 20th June we played at a beautiful church ceremony at the Holy Family and St. Ninian's church in Kirkintilloch. It was a lovely ceremony, and although it was long the minister was great and really had everyone listening all the way through. For the signing of the register and the communion, we accompanyed a singer, who was singing Panis Angelicus and Ave Maria. We had been sent the music by the bride, and then we had a rehearsal on the day with the singer and it all went brilliantly!
Laura, the bride, walked down the ailse to Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring and walked back out to the Arrival of the Queen of Sheba. Although there were hymns the organ was playing for these, and we sang along!
We then moved onto the Lochgreen House Hotel for the drinks reception.

Laura later sent us this lovely email to thank us!

Dear All,

I'm so sorry I've not been in touch! Have been meaning to write for ages!
I was delighted with your performance on our wedding day - it made the mass
so special. You accompanied Toby so fantastically well, and all after just
one rehearsal with him - amazing! Thank you for going above and beyond and
learning the Panis Angelicus and the Ave Maria for me. It's so clear on the
DVD and brings back lovely memories. It was the one bit of the ceremony
that nearly brought a tear to my eye!
It's a shame we didn't get to hear much of your performance at the hotel as
we were away having pictures done - I knew that would happen! All my
friends and family have said how lovely it was to have you playing in the
background during the drinks reception.
I have a couple of pictures you might like for your blog - will email them
over this week.

Laura
x

Western House Hotel Wedding

On May 25th we played for the wedidng ceremony and drinks reception of Hazel and Joe at Western House Hotel, Ayr. Hazel had actually only booked us the week before the wedding, but with her help we managed to get everything organised pronto and the day was fantastic. The ceremony was being held outside, and enjoyed the views of a lovely water feature and Ayr Racecourse. Although it was a really sunny day, it was incredibly windy and we didn't have any clothes pegs with us so it was quite amusing watching us trying to keep our music down! Definately learnt our lesson for the next outdoor wedding! For Hazel walking down the ailse we played the traditional wedding march by Wagner, then for the signing of register we played Gabriel's Oboe (which we played twice through), and the couple walked out to The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba. We then moved onto the bandstand to play for the drinks reception, and the couple had chosen a list of songs from out playlist. All the songs were modern and pop songs, and it was a really good fun afternoon!

On this occassion we were playing with Emma Peebles, a postgraduate student from RSAMD, as Annemarie was at her niece's christening in Ireland.