A Simply Stunning Jewish Wedding
Jodie & Sam Popeck

Jewish Wedding Band

It’s always lovely to look back and reminisce about the wonderful weddings and events that we’ve had the pleasure of performing for – yet some really stand out in our memory. Two years ago today, on the 10th june 2018, we had the absolute pleasure of performing for a couple who are so clearly perfect for each other that we will never forget their wedding. Jodie and Sam Popeck’s whole day was nothing short of sublime, and the love that radiated from them both was palpable and felt by everybody fortunate enough to be in attendance.

The Chuppah & Drinks Reception

Jodie and sam chose the atmospheric, contemporary wedding venue ’The Brewery’ in London. With its natural wood floor, exposed beams and bare brick walls, this iconic venue is wonderfully striking, and provided an alluring backdrop to the production that we would be installing for our performance. The room was already adorned with beguiling blooms by funky flowers when we entered, and the overall effect was outstanding. As always when we arrive at our venue for the day, we like to assess our space and see how we will be able to make the most of the room during our performance – (Jam Hot do not simply stand on the stage to perform, the whole space is a platform to entertain!) and we found this to be a dynamic, interesting space for a celebration.

Whilst we set to work setting up our sound and lighting, Jodie and Sam were about to undertake their hugely anticipated traditional Jewish Chuppah ceremony. Although we didn’t see Jodie until after the ceremony, it’s not hard to imagine how her husband-to-be, friends and family felt when they first laid eyes on this stunning bride as she walked down the aisle between her proud parents Mandy and Anthony. Aside from the fact that she was simply glowing with happiness and love – she was a vision of perfection (if my little girls had seen her, they would have called her a princess without a moments’ hesitation!). From her beautifully regal Maggie Sottero dress from Mia Sposa, to her elegantly flowing hair by Blow Ltd and flawless make-up by Jamie Lerner and Emma Cook – she was simply gorgeous! Sam looked handsome and exquisitely smart alongside his groomsmen in their sharp, stylish suits from Tux Lux.

After an emotional and heartfelt Chuppah complete with one smashed glass, the new Mr and Mrs Popeck joined their guests in the garden for their beautifully sunlit drinks reception. Our Sax and Keys duo created a dreamy ambience with their acoustic, laid back performance of well-known songs amidst the backdrop of new friendships being forged, and old ones being caught up on.

Evening Reception & Simcha Dancing

Mr and Mrs Popeck booked the perfect package for their big day, consisting of our 10 Piece Band, Acoustic Duo, full sound and our ‘concert style’ lighting package. We were all set-up, with the room looking incredible by the time the drinks reception was reaching it’s end. Our talented lighting engineer from our production suppliers Artisan Productions set the scene magnificently, with mesmerising beams and twinkling lights that drew a gasp from every guest that entered the room. We wore our signature black, white and gold costumes, and waited dramatically on stage whilst the guests entered to find their seats and await Jodie and Sam’s entrance.

The hugely experienced and well-known Howard Robbins performed as master of ceremonies for this memorable day, and the room literally exploded with cheers and applause as he introduced the entrance of the new Mr and Mrs Popeck. Whilst this joyful cacophony of celebration ensued, we welcomed Jodie and Sam with a live rendition of ’This Will Be’ by Natalie Cole – always a fabulous song choice! This led into our much revered live Simcha Dancing medley, and as we jumped around the stage, the guests jumped aground the dance floor, lifting Jodie and Sam up on chairs, and singing along with gusto!

Once everyone was out of breath and had ‘cheek-ache’ from smiling too much, it was time to sit for the starters! The wonderful Adam Zeitlin catered for Jodie and Sam, and the food looked out of this world! Following this, and an entertaining speech from Jodie’s father Anthony, it was time for jam hot to take to the stage again to perform the first dance. Their choice was the classic ‘Let’s Stay Together’ by Al Green, and there weren’t many dry eyes in the room as this couple so obviously in love, took to the dance floor for this notable moment. Surrounded by Sam’s parents Mandy and Philip, Jodie’s parents and everyone else who loved them – it was time to truly start the party!

A raucous 30 minute band set followed, where we introduced ourselves properly in the best way we know how to – by drawing everyone to the dance floor like a magnet with our famous medleys and audience participation! Soon it was time for the meal to continue, so we departed for a little rest before our next appearance. When we climbed on that stage again, it was truly time to turn it up to the next level! The energy and enthusiasm from Sam and Jodie’s nearest and dearest made for an insane party atmosphere that no one wanted to end – everyone joined in with our choreography, sang along and made us feel wholly welcome and appreciated – what a night!

The whole day was captured by well-known and very talented photographer Gantcho Beltchev, who we’re always honoured to work alongside. The wonderful videographers Minty Slippers shot and edited jodie and sam’s mesmerising wedding video – I’m sure you’ll agree that the photographs and footage are nothing short of magical!