The Mere Court

by admin // September 26, 2023 // Comments off

I am delighted to be one of the recommended suppliers at the Mere Court Hotel near Knutsford. I can often be found playing the piano at the regular open evenings or wedding fairs. Both myself and my husband Mark the Piano Guy https://www.thepianoguy.co.uk love playing at The Mere Court as it is a very versatile welcoming and pretty wedding venue in Cheshire. https://www.merecourt.co.uk

Liz Hendry Wedding Pianist at The Mere Court

Using a Piano at The Mere Court

When booking a pianist at The Mere Court, there are several areas available for your wedding ceremony and my piano can be set up in any of them. I always work with a ‘Dutch grand’ electric white baby grand piano which is portable and can be moved around the venue as necessary. Moving the piano takes about 10 minutes. Couples often book me for their ceremony and drinks reception, or their ceremony and wedding breakfast, or some book me for the whole of their daytime. I am keen to help take the stress out of choosing ceremony music, by offering a FaceTime consultation to give advice and play examples for my clients.

Music for the drinks reception adds a lovely, classy ambience during photographs and mingling, and music throughout the wedding breakfast adds a beautiful soundtrack to the meal, adding background music without dominating too much.

The Conservatory

The conservatory is a beautiful light room that is often used for larger weddings ceremonies and is used for most wedding breakfasts. I can set up anywhere within this room.

The Arboreum

Another popular ceremony location at the Mere Court is the Arboreum which is a lovely room for up to 80 guests. I have played for many ceremonies using my Dutch Grand in the Arboreum but if you are close to capacity on your numbers I can also use a white piano on a stand which takes up much less room.

Cheshire Pianist Liz Hendry at The Mere Court

Smaller Piano in The Arboreum at The Mere Court

The Dunkerley

This recently refurbished room has a lovely contemporary look and can hold up to 100 guests. It is a great setting for exchanging your vows.

Mere Court Pianist Liz Hendry in The Dunkerley

Outside in the Gardens

In the summer months, when the weather is fine, a beautiful option is to get married in the gardens at The Mere Court. The grounds are truly amazing for an unforgettable wedding ceremony. I am able to set up and play for your wedding outside as long as it is dry.

I have also played for drinks receptions outside at The Mere Court on dry days. If the weather is changeable and guest are popping in and out of the bar area, I can set up in the bar with the windows and door open, so that the music can be heard all around.

Feedback from recent weddings at The Mere Court

Amy and Josh Healey

I was delighted to play for the wedding of Amy and Josh Healey.

Liz Hendry Wedding Pianist with Mr and Mrs Healey

They got married in the Dunkerley and had a lovely wedding breakfast in the Conservatory. Song choices included Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis Presley) Pointless (Lewis Capaldi) Perfect (Ed Sheeran) Marry You (Bruno Mars) and The Climb (Miley Cyrus.)

Amy was kind enough to leave me a google review saying, “Liz played for our ceremony and wedding breakfast on Sunday and well she was absolutely amazing! Blended in so well and the music was just lovely. Such a lovely lady was a pleasure to have her at our special day. Would recommend her to everyone! Xx“

Photo by https://rickdellphotography.co.uk/

Michelle and Luke Brooman

Mr and Mrs Brooman were married recently in a stunning outside ceremony, and I was delighted to play for them all day, for the outside ceremony, outside drinks reception, and the delicious wedding breakfast in the conservatory.

Liz Hendry Pianist with Mr and Mrs Brooman

Song choices included A Thousand Years (Christina Perri) Heaven (DJ Sammy) and Symphony (Clean Bandit.) Michelle was kind enough to give feedback on my Facebook page, saying “Thank you so much Liz for playing at our wedding. You was absolutely amazing and everyone commented on what a special touch you was to our wedding day. I couldn’t recommend you enough to anyone.”

Alesha and Rob McMahon

It was lovely to play for Alesha and Rob in the Mere court bar area for the drinks reception and the wedding breakfast in the conservatory.

Mr and Mrs McMahon asked for a wide selection of music during their wedding breakfast. I included Sky Full of Stars (Coldplay) Wings (Birdy) Wildest Dreams (Taylor Swift) and One Day Like This (Elbow) Alesha wrote a recommendation on my Facebook page saying, “After seeing Liz at a wedding fair we knew that she would be a wonderful addition to our wedding day. Liz Played during our drinks reception and wedding breakfast and lots of our family and friends passed on how much Liz added to the atmosphere. Thanks so much Liz xx” For more of my reviews visit https://www.lizhendry.co.uk/category/reviews/

Dream wedding at Bartle Hall

by admin // August 3, 2022 // Comments off

In July I played for an absolute dream wedding at Bartle Hall for Melissa and Paul. I was delighted to play outside for both their ceremony and drinks reception.

The whole day was just wonderful with all guests having an amazing time with this gorgeous couple! During the drinks reception there was a fabulous white bouncy castle for the kids to play on whilst the guests relaxed with drinks. This was from The Luxury Occasion Company https://m.facebook.com/luxuryoccasioncompany/

There are so many ceremony options at Bartle Hall. The Manor House, The Barn and several beautiful spots throughout the gardens.

Working with
M and G Wedding Photography
A & A Video
Make It Stand Out

Dream wedding at Bartle Hall — Dream wedding at Bartle hall

Here I am with Melissa and Paul who both looked amazing on the day. Melissa was kind enough to say ”Thank you so much Liz, you were absolutely incredible.”
https://www.facebook.com/550264785019549/posts/pfbid01Dsu9c9AtFfPFnAcRDBACuGxkqPT6bgL4XLBfr21b9GMGBUSWrFm4GuDwYLoCGPal/?d=n

Find out more about Liz and Mark, who play the piano at Bartle Hall at http://Www.livepiano.co.uk

Larkspur Lodge Wedding

by admin // August 12, 2021 // Comments off

Carl and Rachel’s beautiful Larkspur Lodge wedding!!!!
I love visiting new venues and wow, what an amazing place!! It was my first visit to Larkspur Lodge and I was blown away how lovely this venue is with a really unique ceremony room and a gorgeous and stylish wedding breakfast and bar area!

Live Piano Ltd at a Larkspur Lodge wedding

The staff here made me really welcome and were super organised!

The Your Ceremony team did a fantastic job as usual and made this ceremony so special for Carl and Rachel!https://yourceremony.org.uk/

Beautiful Larkspur Lodge Wedding Music

I loved playing Jurassic Park and lots of alternative tunes chosen by this lovely couple.

Mr and Mrs Whitfield getting married at Larkspur Lodge

Larkspur Lodge Wedding Suppliers

Other suppliers included
Little Wren Photography
and Perfect Bouquet Full Of Flowers who added to the beauty of this venue with some fabulous arrangements in beautiful colour combinations.https://www.perfectbouquet.co.uk/

Liz Hendry Wedding Pianist with Rachel and Carl

Mrs Whitfield said, “Thank you so much Liz! Everyone told us how beautiful your music was and they absolutely loved the Jurassic Park entrance. You really helped to make the day feel extra special.” Xxx (Instagram- lizhendry_pianist)

Congratulations to Rachel and Carl and I wish you a lifetime of happiness! Liz x😀🎹

A song for walking down the aisle

by admin // January 25, 2020 // Comments off

Possibly the most important decision for any couple about to marry, is choosing a song for walking down the aisle.

Who walks down the aisle and who waits?

Traditionally the groom waits for the bride at the alter, in church. With civil ceremonies the groom waits for the bride at the end of the aisle, where the registrars are placed. An old-fashioned tradition seems to be that the groom shouldn’t turn around and look at the bride until she is next to him but this is outdated, and I can’t imagine a bride doesn’t want to be seen by her groom as she walks down the aisle looking so beautiful! These days children are often included in this lovely moment which makes it all the more special.

Same Sex Weddings

In more recent years this walk down the aisle takes many forms, especially with same sex weddings. I have played at weddings where one partner has waited for the other or sometimes both partners walk down the aisle, either separately or together. This decision should be made based on making the ceremony feel special, and whatever makes both partners feel comfortable. One of the most important factors to consider when walking down the aisle is the song.

Popular in 2019 for walking down the aisle

I have compiled list of all the songs chosen for me to play on the piano, for walking down the aisle, during 2019.

The most chosen song, which has been popular for a number of years is ‘A Thousand Years’ by Christina Perri from the Twilight films. I played this for 15 wedding ceremony entrances this year. It was also requested by countless couples where I was playing during the drinks reception or wedding breakfast. It is a very popular and beautiful wedding song.

Also popular for walking down the aisle in 2019 was Pachelbel’s Canon (5 weddings) for a more traditional entrance. Jonathan Cain’s Bridal March (5 weddings) is also popular for a traditional entrance with a modern twist.

A Song For Walking Down The Aisle – 2019 list.

Here is a list of all songs for walking down the aisle, requested in 2019, starting with the most chosen songs.

A Thousand Years – Christina Perri (Twilight)

Pachelbel’s Canon

Bridal March -Jonathan Cain

How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding

Just The Way You Are- Bruno Mars

Can’t Help Falling in Love- Elvis Presley/ Hayley Reinhart

Perfect- Ed Sheeran

Heaven- Bryan Adams/ DJ Sammy

Wonderful Tonight- Eric Clapton

A Million Dreams (Greatest Showman)

Thinking Out Loud- Ed Sheeran

Beauty and the Beast (Disney)

Halo- Beyoncé

The One- Kodaline

Kissing You – Des’ ree (Romeo and Juliet)

A Whole New World (Disney)

All of Me- John Legend

From This Moment- Shania Twain

Love You Til The End- The Pogues (P.S. I Love You)

Rewrite The Stars (Greatest Showman)

Latch – Sam Smith

Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler (Beaches)

Hedwig’s Theme (Harry Potter)

Every Time We Touch- Cascada

Turning Page – Sleeping at Last (Twilight)

You’re Still The One- Shania Twain

Love is All Around- Wet Wet Wet (4 Weddings and a Funeral)

Always- Blink 182

Someday My Prince Will Come (Disney)

Too Close – Alex Clare

Primavera- Einaudi

I hope this gives you some ideas when thinking of a song for walking down the aisle and as always, I would advise keeping it live, as having a live musician can have a wonderful impact on your wedding ceremony!
Happy Wedding Planning!

Liz Hendry

Musical Christmas Wedding, Mottram Hall

by admin // December 12, 2016 // Comments off

When I arrived at Cheshire Wedding Venue, Mottram Hall on Saturday, I discovered a winter wonderland full of beautiful trees and glamorous guests ready for this Christmas wedding. Elizabeth and Christopher Redfern had chosen this amazing place to say their vows, with some of the best suppliers in the North West Wedding Industry playing a part in their special day. I was booked to provide wedding piano music for their ceremony and drinks reception.

Liz Hendry Wedding Pianist with Liz and Chris Redfern on their wedding day.

I was thrilled to be working alongside one of our industry friends Stefan Remneson of YSD Media who was capturing this special day with both photography and videography.

Liz Hendry Wedding Pianist with Stefan from YSD Media

The room was dressed by Last Memories by Alison who is a regular at Mottram Hall.

Room dressing by Lasting Memories by Alison with backdrop provided by Lee Knight (Knights of Disco)

White Baby Grand Piano from The Live Piano Experience at Mottram Hall.

Alison also provided the venue with the amazing trees that can be found in each room, all dressed in a different theme and enhancing a Christmas wedding.

Remembrance Day Tree

Alice in Wonderland tree

The guests all looked wonderful, dressed in dinner suits and beautiful evening dresses as if they were attending a fabulous film premiere.

Liz was a stunning bride and a big music fan. She surprised Chris by asking me to play ‘Everything I do ‘ by Bryan Adams as she walked down the aisle in the St. Andrews Suite. I also arranged ‘This is the One’ by The Stone Roses to play during the signing, as another surprise, as this is one of Chris’s favourites.

Liz Hendry about to play for the wedding of Liz and Chris at Mottram Hall

‘The guests then retired to The Garden Room where they mingled during photographs whilst I provided a variety of piano music in the background. Everything from Christmas songs to rock classics, recent chart hits to Disney favourites. After a group photograph at the front of the hall, a number of guests returned to the garden room asking for requests and sing-alongs.

Great guests having a sing along with Liz Hendry Wedding Pianist.

They had a great time singing along whilst I played Oasis hits, Christmas Classics and Elton John songs. Here is a selfie with these lovely guests who were great fun and a pleasure to play for.

Chris and Liz Redfern had a wonderful Christmas Wedding at this beautiful venue and I was pleased to provide wedding piano music for them. I wish them a lifetime of happiness!

Liz Hendry, The Live Piano Experience x

Picture taken by Lasting Memories by Alison of this gorgeous family who had their special day at Mottram Hall.

Peckforton Castle wedding pianist

by admin // November 25, 2016 // Comments off

Liz Hendry Wedding Pianist

Peckforton Castle wedding pianist Liz Hendry

Liz Hendry was joined by her husband and business partner Mark the Piano Guy for this lovely wedding at Peckforton Castle.

Liz performed for the ceremony in the stunning hall. She started playing as the guests sat and the beautiful bride arrived in a horse drawn carriage provided by The Ostler carriages.

Mark The piano Guy mingled with the guests getting this footage for this beautiful video. Then he performed outside for the drinks reception in his inimitable fun piano/vocal style.

Liz and Mark shared duties during the wedding breakfast with Liz performing her more ambient style during starters and main course then Mark getting the crowd singing along during dessert.

Enjoy the video!

Park Hall Wedding Pianist Liz Hendry

by admin // November 25, 2016 // Comments off

Liz Hendry Wedding Pianist

Park Hall, Chorley, Lancashire

“Liz Hendry put on a spectacular performance on our wedding day. Her music set the atmosphere during our big day and made it so special and romantic. Our guests were singing along during the wedding breakfast and they all commented on how amazing Liz was. Liz is an extremely talented and genuinely lovely person, she is very professional and organised and we had nothing to worry about when it came to our wedding music. We picked some music that was not on Liz’s set list and it was not a problem.”

Why did you book Liz Hendry for your wedding at Park Hall?

“Liz is extremely talented and friendly. She is a lovely person and we instantly liked her. The piano is such a romantic instrument it be played at a wedding. Liz has very fair prices and booked us in professionally and quickly with no stress. She provided us with all the information we needed but we didn’t feel pressured. Nothing was too much trouble and we are very grateful!”

Mrs Keeley Eccleston

Click here to see more about this amazing wedding venue

Wedding Pianist at Overwater Hall

by admin // November 6, 2016 // Comments off

As a wedding pianist working mostly in the Lancashire, Cheshire, Merseyside and Manchester area, I was delighted to have the chance to return to Overwater Hall. A beautiful, Lake District wedding venue that is a hidden gem for more intimate weddings. The scenery alone will leave you astounded. It is a gorgeous 18th century hotel, with award winning catering, stunning rooms and an attentive and friendly management team. It was lovely to work with Stephen Bore, and Angela and Adrian Hyde. Check out the venue at http://www.overwaterhall.co.uk/

The Bride

I was contacted online by Polly Barrett who was looking for a modern wedding pianist, able to play a selection of more alternative music, including rock and heavy metal. She particularly loves ‘Everlong’ by the Foo Fighters. My varied musical background and training means that I am able to adapt many musical styles for the piano. I am especially keen to play music from this genre, being a fan of rock music myself.

The Venue – Overwater Hall

I was welcomed to Overwater Hall by Stephen with an offer of help and a lovely cup of tea. My portable, electric, white baby grand piano fitted perfectly in the stylish lounge/welcome area where I was able to play for guest arrival before the ceremony, and throughout the drinks reception. Polly and Chris were married here and then mingled with their guests in the fabulous surroundings with glasses of champagne and lovely cream soda cordial from ‘the re-hydration station.’ They also spent some time in the lovely grounds here with Jono Symonds Photography, working his magic to capture some lovely memories from their day. When chatting to Jono, he mentioned what a delight it was to take photographs at Overwater Hall due to the stunning scenery. The different stylistic elements in each of the rooms also make for really interesting photography. I have added the beautiful photograph that Jono posted on facebook of Polly and Chris.

I would like to congratulate the new Mr and Mrs Walton, thank them for booking me and wish them a long and happy marriage. I am hoping to return to Overwater Hall soon (not just for the lovely sandwiches and cups of tea) but to be able to work in such wonderful surroundings. It was an absolute pleasure, especially with all the staff at the venue being so welcoming, friendly and helpful.

Liz Hendry x

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