English Wedding DJ France
Where are you based?
I’m from the UK originally. I spent 10 years in Nice, south of France from 2010 onwards which is where I began working on destination weddings. Since 2020 I spend the winter months back at home in London. From April to October every year, I live in my apartment in the south of France and am effectively to be classed as a French based vendor – all my quotes include local travel and accommodation, and all my sound and musical equipment is based in France. This means less stress from my wedding clients having to worry about missed flights etc!
Where do you perform?
I perform all over the world. Most recently I have performed in the Maldives, Dubai, Jordan, Beirut, San Francisco, The Amalfi Coast, Lake Como, Amsterdam and Berlin.
I have held several DJ residencies in several private members clubs in London, and most recently held a piano residency in Harrods private shopping department. However, my main job is working on destination weddings in the south of France, which I’ve done since 2010.
What do you play on the piano during cocktail hour(s)?
Until recently, the most popular style on piano was a light background jazz, found most regularly in luxury hotel bars. However, the recent trend leans towards popular songs played in an ambient / classic way (think Bridgerton / Piano Guys type requests). I’m equally happy performing both styles.
Do you take requests on piano for ceremonies?
Yes, every client is unique and has their own personal ideas for ceremonies. I can perform in any style, and take requests in advance for processional, recessional and signing of the register songs. It’s usually good to include 10 minutes of piano whilst guests arrive too.
Do you take requests for DJ sets?
Yes – I work with every client to tailor setlist completely to their tastes. No two wedding set is ever the same, and you’ll know your guests better than anyone. It’s always important to have some degree of flexibility as judging the crowd is a huge part of any good DJ’s skillset, but sharing a Spotify playlist of your favourite songs, as well as some ‘must plays’ for certain sections of the night is a good way to get us all on the same page! I love liaising with clients up to the wedding day to nail that perfect set.
Do you perform with saxophonists?
I do. It’s become really popular over the last few years at weddings, especially for clients who were originally looking for live music with a band, but prefer a DJ for the flexibility and playlists. A saxophonist (just like my piano sets) is a great way to include live music on the wedding day.
One thing to note – sax really works with house / EDM or any dance music where there is a consistent beat. It really doesn’t lend itself to hip hop / R&B / older classics, so be wary of that before going down that route. If the playlist suits though, it can be awesome! Saxophonists will always be booked separately to me (I’m happy to recommend some), but most are completely comfortable performing with any DJ – we usually meet 10 minutes before the set and it works perfectly.
How often do we need to book in advance?
Summer dates were always incredibly popular, but since the backlog caused by a couple of interrupted covid years, I’m now receiving approximately 50 enquiries per weekend date from April – October. I’d recommend booking at least 6 months in advance, but often my schedule is practically fully booked by the end of the previous calendar year. Cancellations and date changes do happen though, so always get in touch to find out.
How do we book you?
Get in touch by email here. I’ll send through my pricing, which ranges from individual services to all day packages. If we’re all happy that it’s a good fit, I’ll need your contact details to send through my contract. Payment terms are 50% as an initial downpayment to confirm any booking, with the remaining balance payable 1 month before the event. My company is UK based and all my pricing is in sterling.
Where do most of your clients come from?
I work almost entirely for a English speaking wedding clientele from the UK, Ireland, USA, Singapore and Australia.
Do you have any videos of your performances?
Weddings are always tricky to get good footage from, as the videographers are (for all the right reasons) focused on the bride and groom, and most tend to leave after the first dance. There is some footage available on my instagram here, and highlight videos such as this footage from Chateau de Robernier.
Do you MC?
I’m comfortable on the mic and happy to do announcements but I’m not a DJ who constantly talks over the music or offers a comprehensive MC service. It’s usually far better and more personable to have a close friend take over those duties.