Mollie & Joe's Wedding at Hodsock Priory

When people talk about wedding venues, there is often a running joke that you can judge how good a venue is by the length of its driveway. Well, if that is true, then Hodsock Priory is setting the bar pretty high.

As I made my way down the beautiful tree-lined drive on the morning of Mollie and Joe's wedding, I knew I was in for a special day.

I was booked to perform for their ceremony, drinks reception, and evening guest arrival, and from the moment I arrived, everything pointed towards a fantastic day ahead.

The weather was absolutely glorious. In fact, in the bride's own words, perhaps a little too glorious!

With temperatures soaring, Mollie and Joe made the decision to host their ceremony indoors in one of Hodsock Priory's stunning air-conditioned rooms. It turned out to be a very wise decision, and throughout the day, many of us found ourselves taking the occasional refuge from the heat inside.

The ceremony itself was beautiful, emotional, and full of lovely moments.

It was also full of a couple of unexpected crashes... literally.

The aisle was lined with gorgeous glass candle vases, which looked absolutely stunning. Unfortunately, one of the groomsmen clipped one on his way down the aisle, earning himself the first smash of the day. Not to be outdone, the groom managed to take out another during the register signing.

Thankfully, both moments were met with plenty of laughter and were styled out perfectly. One of those little wedding day moments that everyone will remember for years to come.

The couple chose some absolute ceremony classics, all of which worked beautifully in the space. I'll share some of their song choices below for anyone looking for wedding music inspiration.

Once the newlyweds had officially tied the knot, it was time for a quick dash across to the outdoor drinks reception area.

Now, this is where I perhaps made a questionable life choice.

I decided it would be a great idea to set up in direct sunlight.

Don't worry, my equipment was safely positioned in the shade because we cannot risk the speaker overheating. For some reason, however, I didn't extend that same level of concern to myself.

When I say it was hot, I mean HOT.

By this point, I think every supplier, guest, and family member was operating on a combination of sunshine, determination, and ice cream.

Despite the heat, the drinks reception was absolutely lovely. Acoustic favourites filled the garden while guests relaxed, chatted, and enjoyed the sunshine. It was one of those wedding afternoons that felt effortlessly relaxed and joyful.

Before long, it was time to help gather guests and guide everyone through for the wedding breakfast.

I then took the opportunity to recharge, rehydrate, and cool down for a couple of hours.

Now, I pride myself on my stamina when it comes to wedding performances, but I won't lie, this was a true test. Secretly, I was rather grateful not to be performing throughout the meal so I could top up my water levels and prepare for the evening ahead.

As temperatures edged towards 30 degrees, I made what can only be described as another bold decision.

I returned to my sun trap for two final 45-minute sets.

The original plan had been for these performances to act as the party starter before the evening celebrations. However, after a quick reality check from everyone involved, we all agreed that it was simply too warm to expect people to be throwing shapes on the dancefloor.

Instead, we adapted.

I extended the laid-back acoustic vibe, mixed in some familiar party favourites, and created the perfect soundtrack to a gorgeous summer evening.

It went down an absolute treat.

Guests soaked up the sunshine, sang along from their seats, and enjoyed every minute of it.

By the end of the day, I finally caught a glimpse of myself in a full-length mirror and realised I had well and truly caught the sun.

Let's just say there may have been a little strategic editing involved when processing my photos afterwards!

Mollie and Joe, along with all of their wonderful family and friends, had the most incredible day. The heatwave may have challenged us all, but it certainly didn't stop everyone from having the best time.

Hodsock Priory provided the most beautiful backdrop, and as the evening sun began to set, it produced some of the most stunning golden hour photographs I have ever seen.

A huge shoutout to the wonderful Melissa for capturing them so perfectly.

It was a pleasure to work alongside such a fantastic team of suppliers, and an even bigger pleasure to be part of Mollie and Joe's wedding day.

Thank you both for having me.

Ceremony Setlist Inspiration

Guest Arrival:

Better Together: Jack Johnson

Greatest Day: Take That

Stand By Me: Ben E King

How Long Will I Love You: Ellie Goulding

Speechless: James TW

Make You Feel My Love: Adele

Aisle Entrance:

Can’t Help Falling In Love: Elvis Presley

Register Signing:

I Wanna Grow Old With You: Westlife

Can You Feel The Love Tonight: Elton John

Exit/Recessional:

World Of Our Own: Westlife

Supplier Credits

Venue: Hodsock Priory – @hodsock.priory

Florist: @olivarabloomsweddingsevents

Photography: @melissasadlerweddings

Videography: @jp.videography.lincolnshire

Content Creator: @bysophieanna

Dress: @wed2b

Hair: @helensutcliffehair

Makeup: @muasophiehealey

Alterations: @prettypanachebridalwear