10.10.2025
Sophie & Ollie
Coombe Lodge, Bristol
Some weddings feel special from the very first conversation and Sophie & Ollie’s celebration at Coombe Lodge was exactly that. Not only was it set against one of the most picturesque wedding venues in Bristol, but it also had a deeply personal tie to us at Anthem Function Band. I had the honour not only of providing the band for the wedding, but also being Ollie’s best man for the day, making this one that really stood out in a busy calendar of weddings and events.
Nestled in the rolling countryside just outside Bristol, Coombe Lodge offers sweeping views across the Blagdon Lake and Mendip Hills. The combination of elegant interiors and natural beauty made it the perfect setting for a wedding that felt both refined and completely relaxed. From the moment guests arrived, there was an unmistakable warmth in the air — the kind that only comes from a celebration filled with genuine connection.
Setting The Tone With Live Piano
After the wedding ceremony, the drinks reception began in style, with our solo pianist performing in the venue’s stunning foyer on a grand piano. This part of the day is always about creating an atmosphere, and for Sophie and Ollie, the goal was something sophisticated yet familiar. Solo piano is perfect for that balance and is able to both fade into the background or be centre of attention.
Guests gathered with drinks in hand while recognisable melodies drifted through the space. Sophie had highlighted her love of the Bridgerton soundtrack and how it takes modern pop songs and arranges them with a more classical twist. We followed this theme which added a nice personal touch while still complementing the elegance of the surroundings. It was a beautifully understated start that allowed conversations to flow while gently building anticipation for the evening ahead.
Features
A Showband Designed for the Perfect Party
For the evening celebrations, Sophie & Ollie chose our 6-piece band line-up, featuring female vocals, saxophone, guitar, keys, bass and drums. This combination brings both versatility and energy — ideal for weddings where the brief is simple: keep the dance floor full!
Working closely with the couple, we shaped a setlist that reflected their taste and guaranteed those big, shared moments with family and friends. Crowd favourites like Dancing Queen, Shake It Off and Unwritten kept the energy high and the room buzzing, while the guests noticed personal connections to many of the song choices. The mix of genres meant every guest had their moment, from all-out dancing to full-volume singalongs.
Features
A Dance Floor That Never Stood Still
From the very first set, it was clear this was going to be a lively crowd!
One of the standout moments came when the band stepped off stage and into the crowd, forming a conga line that weaved its way around the entire room. It’s these spontaneous, interactive moments that elevate a great party into something unforgettable. Guests weren’t just watching — they were part of the experience.
The combination of live saxophone, dynamic vocals and a tight rhythm section kept the momentum building throughout the night. Every song felt like it landed exactly where it should, creating a seamless flow from one highlight to the next.
An Ending Full of Emotion
As the night drew to a close, there was just about time for one for the road. Sophie & Ollie had chosen You’ve Got The Love by Florence + The Machine as their final song of the night and it was the perfect choice to bring everyone together for one last moment on the dance floor.
Guests instinctively formed a circle around the couple, creating an epic, end-of-the-night atmosphere. With voices raised and arms around each other, the entire room shared in that final song. It felt like a collective celebration of the day, the music and, most importantly, Sophie & Ollie themselves.
It was the kind of ending you can’t plan, only hope for — and a perfect reflection of a wedding that was as joyful, personal and unforgettable as they come.
KIND WORDS
Thank You To Anthem, Our Day Was Perfect!
Having seen Anthem perform on a number of occasions it was never a question that we would have them perform for our big day. Communication was seamless from start to finish, no question was a silly question and when timings on the day went a little out the window, Anthem were amazing, our events coordinator spoke directly with them and nothing was shown to be an issue to us which took away any stress. We had the absolute best day and all our guests loved the evening with the band who all looked like they were having the time of their lives as we all were! Our guests loved the conga the guitarist started and just getting our guests involved. Thank you to all at Anthem, our day was perfect!
Sophie & Ollie
Why Choose Anthem?
At Anthem Function Band, we’re passionate about creating those electric moments that transform weddings into extraordinary celebrations. From our flexible band lineups and interactive performance style to our professional production packages and seamless DJ integration, we’ve spent over a decade perfecting the art of live wedding entertainment.
We’d love to discuss how we can help bring your vision to life. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, our experience performing at venues across London and throughout the UK means we understand the nuances of creating exceptional entertainment experiences.
Explore our videos to see our interactive performance style in action, discover more about our approach, or get in touch to start planning your unforgettable wedding entertainment.
Ready to discuss your 2026 wedding entertainment?
Suppliers
Venue: Coombe Lodge, Bristol
Entertainment: Anthem Function Band
Event Production: Anthem Function Band
Photographer: Amber Louise
Videographer: One Stag Productions
Florist: Bristol Floral Design
Dress: Belle Of The Ball Bridals