Rachael Brentwood

Hi Ella & Meg, First of all, congratulations to you both on your beautiful wedding! I'm very sorry about the blown out tyre. As you say, it was out of my control, but it didn't stop me feeling terrible about it. I felt very lucky that on this occasion I was booked for your drinks reception, and you weren't depending on me for the ceremony. Just to put you in the full picture, I was on my way from Manchester to your venue in Yorkshire, and I hit something in the road. My tyre immediately blew out. The first thing I did was to ring the three harpists I know in Yorkshire, to see if anyone could get to your wedding in my place. Unfortunately no-one could - that was always a long shot. The next thing I did was to quickly ring round the mobile tyre mechanics in the area to see who could get there the quickest. I didn't use my RAC membership because I know from experience that they wouldn't have arrived in time to get me to your wedding. I chose instead to spend almost my entire fee on an independent tyre person, to give me the best chance of getting over to you. Next, I rang your venue to keep everyone informed. I offered you the option of you cancelling your booking and giving you a full refund, or swapping your booking to have the music through the meal instead of the drinks reception, giving me more time to get there. You chose to have music through the dinner. I contacted Encore booking support team next to keep them in the loop. I sat by the side of the road for nearly two hours waiting for the mobile mechanic, meanwhile my harpist friends in Yorkshire were putting word out to their networks too, in case the mechanic didn't fix me up in time to get there for your dinner. He promised he'd be there within the hour but he wasn't, and it was pretty stressful (and cold) not knowing when he would turn up. Thankfully he arrived at the last minute and I rang your venue again as I set off to confirm my ETA and generally keep everyone informed at all times. Please know that I did absolutely everything I could to cause the minimum of disruption to your day. However, I'm so glad that you enjoyed the music through the dinner. I was very happy (and relieved!) to be there playing for you! I wish you both all the very best for you future together, thanks again for choosing me to be part of your special day ❤️