Mhairi & Tom Tie the Knot at Boconnoc Estate in Cornwall

FPM Music Management
Apr 27, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Feb 19

Every now and then, a wedding feels less like a formal occasion and more like a headline festival.

Mhairi and Tom’s big day at Boconnoc Estate had it all—a surprise set from the groom, flares lighting up the sky, a cardboard cut-out celebrity, a dance floor that didn’t quit, and a touch of Cornish drizzle...

If Glastonbury did weddings, this would have been it.

Made for Wedding Weekends

Boconnoc isn’t just another venue—it’s one of those places you arrive at and instantly know it’s going to be special. Tucked away in south-east Cornwall, it’s all sweeping parkland, big skies and relaxed Georgian charm.

With exclusive hire, the estate feels like yours. Guests can stay on site, celebrations can stretch across the weekend, and if you want to go big with a house party, there’s plenty of space to do it.

Wide aerial landscape of rolling parkland and trees surrounding Boconnoc Estate

There’s even an 800-year-old church in the grounds, idyllic indoor and outdoor ceremony spots, and a Stable Yard that’s perfect for a laid-back pre-wedding get-together. Emotional ceremony by day, full festival by night—Boconnoc handles both effortlessly.

The Groom’s Secret Set

Midway through the evening, Tom stepped forward with a guitar. Teaming up with Tim from Over the Threshold—Tom playing, Tim singing—he surprised guests with stunning renditions of Love Story by Taylor Swift and Somewhere Only We Know by Keane.

The house fell silent. It was heartfelt, confident and brilliantly delivered. The look on Mhairi’s face said it all.

After more than 10 years performing at weddings across the South West, the Over the Threshold team know these unexpected live moments are the ones guests remember forever.

Rain, Romance, and Umbrellas

Cornwall delivered a drizzle-heavy backdrop, but it only added to the atmosphere. Clear umbrellas made for stylish photographs, and the couple’s dog made a charming appearance during the drinks reception—nearly stealing the show.

As guests gathered, the sound of bagpipes carried across the estate as the couple celebrated their nuptials. Amid Boconnoc’s historic surroundings, it felt dramatic, emotional and completely fitting.

House Energy at Full Volume

With over 100 guests in the daytime and another 70 joining in the evening, the party vibe built naturally.

Over the Threshold performed two one-hour sets from 8.30pm to 9.30pm and 10.30pm to 11.30pm, with a well-timed break for the evening buffet. The first dance—Always Remember Us This Way from A Star Is Born by Lady Gaga—was performed live and set the tone beautifully before the tempo lifted and the dance floor filled.

First dances are a big part of what the band do, carefully arranging each song to suit the couple and the space. In a setting like Boconnoc Estate, those moments really land.

By the second set, the dance floor was heaving. Sing-alongs, serious shapes and some genuinely impressive breakdance moves kept spirits high right through to the DJ set, which included crowd-pleasers and classics from John Denver and Johnny Cash. The 12.30am finish came around far too quickly.

Expert Planning from Arrival to Encore

Access via the rear of the house made the load-in straightforward, with a short walk to the performance space. Huge thanks to Jasmine and the Boconnoc team for keeping everything running flawlessly—and to the caterers for keeping the band well fed.

With years of expertise, Over the Threshold know that smooth timings, great sound and a discreet set-up make all of the difference—so couples can simply enjoy the moment.

Their Words, Not Ours

We had the absolute pleasure of having Over the Threshold play at our wedding. Hands down the best wedding band we’ve ever experienced, so many of our guests were genuinely surprised at how good they were. Incredibly talented musicians, fantastic array of songs, really nice guys and had an effortless charm and connection with our guests to ensure everyone was up dancing and enjoying the night. They also allowed me to play a couple of songs for my wife with them, which we both will never forget. Wouldn’t think twice about having them perform at any event.

— Tom, 12th April 2025

A Wedding with Real Heart

Mhairi and Tom, now officially Mr and Mrs Popham, created a celebration that felt completely personal. They embraced the weather, surprised their guests, and gave everyone a story to take home.

Most of all, they filled one of Cornwall’s most beautiful private estates with warmth, personality and non-stop energy.

If you’re planning your wedding at Boconnoc or anywhere else in Cornwall and want experienced musicians who can deliver emotional first dances, surprise sets, and a packed dance floor until midnight, Over the Threshold would love to be part of it.

Get in touch to find out more.