Vintage Wedding Singer Archives

Wedding Reception at Trump Turnberry Hotel Ayr

October 31, 2016 By Lisa Martin Leave a Comment

The beautiful Trump Turnberry Hotel in Ayr was the setting for a wedding reception I recently performed at. This luxury resort on the Ayrshire coast boasts a championship golf course, a spa, several restaurants, bars, and stunning views over the Firth of Clyde.

The bride-to-be had requested a list of beautiful songs from across many different eras; from old-time classics like ‘I only have eyes for you‘ right through to more modern numbers like Amy Winehouse’s version of ‘Valerie’. She chose the very popular ‘At Last’ for the first dance, and a smashing finishing number for me to add into my set – ‘Enjoy Yourself’ by Jools Holland and Prince Buster. I’d heard this many times on Simon Mayo’s BBC Radio 2 show, and never realised it was originally a 1940s song!

The hotel was very plush, and the staff and event organisers were super-helpful in getting me to the right place and making sure I had everything I needed to set up for the show. Our function room was the perfect setting, with gorgeous views across the golf course.

It was a lovely afternoon and the happy couple looked superb. I wish them all the best for the future.

Vintage Wedding Music at Greywalls Gullane

November 23, 2015 By Lisa Martin Leave a Comment

I performed some lovely vintage style wedding music at the gorgeous Greywalls Hotel in Gullane a little while ago. I was booked to sing 1940s and 1950s classics during an afternoon drinks reception, the day after The Big Day.

After a very pleasant drive along the coast from Edinburgh to Gullane, we arrived at Greywalls, which is a stone’s throw away from Muirfield Golf course. Even though autumn was well on its way we were very lucky with the weather, with clear blue skies and bright sunshine, so I was able to set up outside in the enchanting grounds of the hotel.

Not my car… unfortunately 😉

Greywalls Hotel is a charming place that retains a quiet homely feel while remaining perfectly elegant, inside and out. Built in 1901, it has seen the whole of the 20th century go by, so it seemed very fitting to choose the best of popular songs from throughout the century.

The old-style romantic songs such as ‘The way you look tonight”, “As time goes by” and “Cheek to cheek” seemed to suit the character of the hotel perfectly.

The charming gardens at Greywall Hotel

It was a delightful afternoon, with guests either sitting and listening while they enjoyed their refreshments, or having a little dance when the mood took them.

Sunshine, good music, and great company – what more can you ask for? I think these sunny afternoon gigs are my favourite type of bookings!

Are you looking for ideas for vintage weddings in Scotland? Take a look at this video, which features some lovely vintage suppliers, including elegant bridal dresses, quirky vintage cutlery, delicious cakes, and classy photography – plus me singing one of my favourite romantic ballads ‘What a difference a day makes’.

Vintage wedding at Lanark Memorial Hall

July 25, 2015 By Lisa Martin Leave a Comment

I recently sang at a lovely Vintage style wedding at Lanark Memorial Hall. Vintage weddings seem to be increasingly popular these days, and no wonder, as the fashions and music of the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s lend themselves perfectly to an elegant and stylish wedding day. Bride, Groom, and guests all have plenty of inspiration for their outfits, whether it be from Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant, Grace Kelly or Frank Sinatra.

I was really impressed by Lanark Memorial Hall, not only by the fantastic newly reburbished building, but by the friendly and professional staff who were really helpful from the word go. I was able to park at the back of the hall and load my equipment straight in to the back of the stage area, which made my job SO much easier. The dressing room was perfect as well – clean, tidy, and with everything I needed. Oh, if only every venue was the same!

The beautiful bride Rebecca looked gorgeous in a stunning dress her mother had made. She gave some wonderful touches to the room, making many of the decorations herself, and also had some great unique vintage-inspired ideas such as a cool retro 1950s-style popcorn machine.

I have to say, I don’t think I’ve ever worked with a bride who was so lovely and laid-back! She just floated through the day looking completely relaxed and enjoying every minute, and her little son was equally happy, dancing enthusiastically all night!

I performed songs both old and new for a mixture of guests, some of whom had travelled up from Birmingham – but that didn’t stop them from hitting the dance floor 😉

It was a real pleasure to perform at this wedding amongst such truly lovely people. I wish the happy couple best of luck and all the happiness in the world.

1920s themed party Glasgow

January 23, 2015 By Lisa Martin Leave a Comment

Last weekend I was singing at a wonderful 1920s themed party at the Anchor Line bar & restaurant in Glasgow city centre.

I was asked to provide a musical backdrop which would be reminiscent of a New York speakeasy from that glamorous and exciting era of jazz and prohibition.

1920s parties are currently enjoying something of a comeback, no doubt due to popular TV programmes like Downton Abbey and movies such as The Great Gatsby, and people need little excuse for dressing up as a glamorous flapper girl or a Chicago gangster.

The Anchor Line is a beautiful place which has been converted from the original offices of the old shipping company. Memorabilia such as old menus, photos and news articles are scattered around the walls and give an authentic nautical feel of times gone by.

With the vintage art-deco surroundings it feels like you’re in an elegant ocean liner heading from Glasgow to New York – so it was truly the perfect venue for a 1920s themed party.

The 1920s is one of my favourite eras for music, with its catchy tunes and witty lyrics, and there are a surprising amount of 1920s songs that are still well-known today – in fact most people probably don’t realise they were written so long ago.

Songs like Sweet Georgia Brown, Bye Bye Blackbird, Someone to watch over me, Blue Skies, S’Wonderful, Mack the Knife, Ain’t Misbehavin, I wanna be loved by you, and Side by side have been covered throughout the years by many popular artists, so it is easy to forget that they were written so early in the 20th Century.

The evening was expertly organised by Chloe, who gave me this lovely feedback:

“Just a quick email to say THANK YOU so much for everything on Thursday evening at The Anchor Line, Glasgow – you were absolutely fantastic & fitted into our ‘Gatsby’ theme perfectly! I have had lots of complimentary emails from Brodies hosts & external clients since the event, all echoing that they thought you were superb! I have no doubt we will be in touch again re. future events.”

Vintage Weddings Scotland

February 14, 2014 By Lisa Martin Leave a Comment

Vintage weddings are becoming more and more popular around Scotland these days, as people look to the 1960s, 1950s, 1940s, 1930s and even back to the 1920s for inspiration for their special day. There are some fabulous vintage wedding suppliers in Scotland, so I thought it would be a nice idea to make a video to showcase their creations.

And what better day than Valentine’s Day to spread a bit of retro romance!

For a suitably vintage musical backdrop I chose the 1930s song ‘What a difference a day makes’. Dinah Washington won a grammy award in the 1950s for her bluesy take on this song, and so I chose to perform this version (as opposed to the more disco feel of the 1970s Esther Phillips version) as I thought it provided the perfect romantic sentiment.

The video features some wonderful suppliers of vintage weddings from all over Scotland, including the following:

Gavin Macqueen – an outstanding photographer from Glasgow whose unique, creative style is very much in demand at weddings all around Scotland.

La Belle Epoque – beautifully unique hair adornments reworked from antique pieces by the very talented Miriam Davies-Cole.

Make Believe Events – an extensive range of gorgeous chair covers, linens, and event hire items, together with free design consultation.

Fairy Dust Celebrations – deliciously pretty, these bespoke wedding cakes and favours are all homemade and freshly baked, using the finest of ingredients.

Miss Dixiebelle – Vanity Thrills is head stylist at Scotland’s award-winning vintage hair and beauty parlour. Hair, makeup and nails, together with stunning reproduction dresses, make Miss Dixiebelle your go-to place for that complete vintage look!

Ribbons & Lace – a bridal boutique with a friendly, cosy atmosphere that makes you feel right at home as you take your pick from a stunning array of gowns created by top designers.

A Vintage Tea Party – vintage crockery hire to give your wedding that charming finishing touch!

A big thank you goes out to all the fabulous vintage wedding suppliers for contributing their beautiful images to be featured in this video.

Vintage Wedding Show Glasgow

August 1, 2013 By Lisa Martin Leave a Comment

Last weekend saw me at the Trades Hall in Glasgow as I appeared at a wedding showcase for Freak Music which was part of The Vintage Wedding Show at the Merchant City Vintage Festival.

It was great to see Glasgow packed with all things vintage, with so many people showing up dressed for the occasion. Merchant City was transported back in time as people braved the weather to watch live bands, learn jive dancing and get hair and beauty makeovers. It certainly seems like the Vintage scene is alive and kicking here in Scotland.

First up at our showcase was the quirky and unique fourpiece ‘Banjo Lounge Four’ who performed a great mixture of songs both old and new. Playing banjo, guitar, double bass and drums, they had a cool acoustic sound and made every song their own – from classics such as ‘Just a Gigolo’ to the latest chart hits from artists such as Beyonce and Calvin Harris. We were even treated to a unique take on the theme from Knightrider, via their version of Punjabi MC’s remix ‘Mundian To Bach Ke’.

Next up was little ol’ me! I performed a range of songs from the 1940s and 1950s, and featured some of my favourite wedding songs such as ‘The way you look tonight’, ‘Let there be love’ and ‘At last’. I’m just an old romantic at heart!

Last but not least was the fabulous Swing singer Andy Miller. I’m always glad to get the chance to work with this superb performer, as not only is he a great singer, but he is also a really nice guy – always a bonus in this business! Andy is a true all-rounder, as not only does he do a fantastic Swing show, but he is also in great demand for his Robbie Williams and Michael Buble Tribute shows.

Afterwards I had a wander around to see some of the other exhibitors at the show. Bouquets, cakes, ph otography, f lowers, and of course, wedding dresses – all in a gorgeous vintage style – it makes me wonder why anybody would consider having a ‘normal’ wedding!

Then as luck would have it, I bumped into my good pal and ‘dancer extraordinaire’ John Ritchie from top Big Band ‘That Swing Sensation’.

Fred Astaire eat your heart out!

All in all, the day was a big success, with a great turnout of prospective Brides and Grooms looking for that stylish Vintage touch to add to their special day.

A big thank you goes out to Chris from Freak Music for being on hand throughout the day for help and support.

About Lisa Martin