I didn't start out planning to sing at weddings. I came up through competitive cheerleading (world champion, if we're counting) and theatre, so performing under pressure, reading a room, and making sure everyone's having the time of their life isn't new to me. It's just the stage that's changed.

These days, I'm the guy with the acoustic guitar, doing the songs you actually want to hear rather than a generic "wedding singer" set list. Over 200 weddings in, at venues from Apton Hall to Crondon Park to Essex Yacht Club, and I still treat every one like it's the first: because for that couple, it is.

What I'm known for

Turning up prepared, not just present. I read the room and adjust on the fly, quiet acoustic set during drinks reception, more energy once the dancefloor opens, whatever the day needs. And I'm the reason more than one guest has said: "Wait, is that actually him singing, live?"

What it's like working with me

Easy, honestly. No diva requests, no disappearing acts. I'll talk you through song choices without pushing my own taste on you, I'll turn up early and sorted, and if something changes on the day (timings slip, weather turns, someone's uncle wants a request), I'll roll with it without making it your problem. A few of my couples have booked me again for birthdays and christenings after the wedding, which tells you something about how the day went.

How I make each wedding special

I ask about you before I ask about the setlist. Your story, your music taste, the songs that mean something rather than the songs that are "supposed" to be at a wedding. That's the difference between background music and a soundtrack that's actually yours.

Jordan Richards Music is based in Brentwood, Essex, and offers wedding music services.