Dayton Grey Music is a national finalist at The Wedding Industry Awards
Dayton Grey Music first started in 2013 when Dayton was 32. "I was very shy, hence the late starts," says Dayton. "I initially performed as part of a duo named Domino with my close friend Helen Hale. Considering my shy nature, I was surprised to find myself so at home on stage, and I soon gained confidence! It wasn’t long before I added new solo shows A Tribute To The Legends of Soul & Motown, For The Love of Luther (Luther Vandross Tribute) and Old Skool Flava (classic R&B). This month, I debut Ocean Devotion (Billy Ocean Tribute).
"In 2014, I performed my first wedding as a soloist. The feeling was like no other! Eager to explore my place in the industry, I took part in several wedding fairs. Things took off quickly and all subsequent bookings came from recommendations, guests from previous weddings, social media, or TV shows.
"Then the pandemic hit. The impact on our amazing industry was devastating. It didn't just affect suppliers financially. Weddings planned by couples for years were suddenly, and heartbreakingly, cancelled and rescheduled only to be cancelled again. My wife and I spent countless hours consoling devastated couples, rearranging their original suppliers and being a soundboard during difficult times. One of my couples originally from the UK (now living in Dubai) came back to stay with their family. The groom contacted me, and we planned for me to do a surprise doorstep performance for his bride-to-be on the date I was supposed to sing at their wedding! Her reaction was priceless, and it was a moment I'll never forget!
"As a supplier, my wife and I become emotionally invested in each couple's special day. Being chosen is such an honour, one we never take for granted. Throughout the process, we create great relationships with the couples, so they feel like they are speaking to a trusted friend, rather than a service provider. I’m often rebooked to sing & DJ at their future events, christenings, birthdays, anniversaries. That's such a magical feeling!
"In 2021, I was awarded Wedding Musical Act of the Year in the West Midlands by The Wedding Industry Awards. Being my first time nominated, winning was a huge surprise! I was delighted to win the title again last month, for the second consecutive year! I'm now a national finalist, and the winner will be announced on February 23rd, 2022.
"In addition to performing covers, I write and record original music. Two recent collaborations with writer/producer Alex Lloyd went straight to number one in the Amazon Music charts! During the lockdown, I was approached to be the male lead of a new national theatre show, Endless Love. Phenomenal vocalist, Leanne Sandy, will perform Diana Ross' songs while I present Lionel Richie's hits. I feel privileged to have this opportunity and cannot wait to premiere the show at the Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering, on 26th February, 2022.
"Throughout my career, I’ve been blessed to share the stage on several occasions with Ray Lewis, former lead singer of The Drifters, invited to be an industry expert judge on BBC1’s All Together Now, and performed as a mystery singer on BBC1’s I Can See Your Voice. This month, I will be appearing on ITV's new primetime show, Starstruck. It has a real nostalgic Stars In Their Eyes feel! Olly Murs hosts and the panel features Jason Manford, Beverley Knight, Sheridan Smith, and Adam Lambert."
Something old, something gone: The British wedding traditions on borrowed time
New Aspall research reveals the wedding traditions that are being dropped - from the bouquet toss and choreographed first dances, to the father-of-the-bride speech - and the modern alternatives taking their place. Speeches given only by men (36%), a choreographed first dance (34%) and the formal receiving line (30%) are among the wedding traditions that couples are keenest to ditch, a new study reveals. Wearing a veil, the 15-minute father-of-the-bride speech with no speech from the bride, and the traditional tiered fruit cake are also increasingly falling out of favour as Brits tie the knot, researchers found.
READ ARTICLE
New app launches to simplify one of marriage’s biggest admin headaches
Changing your name after marriage can mean updating details with countless organisations, from banks and subscriptions to official documents and employers. New app Name Change Navigator aims to make the process easier, guiding newlyweds through each step from one platform. Founded by Rebecca Dainton, Head of Product at Flutter UK & Ireland, the app was created to reduce the stress and mental load associated with name changes. It supports a range of naming journeys, including traditional surname changes, double-barrelling, blended surnames and other choices following marriage, civil partnership, divorce or personal identity changes. The launch comes as younger generations increasingly rethink traditional naming conventions, with technology offering a more streamlined approach to this often-overlooked part of newlywed life.
READ ARTICLE
Flawsome! reveals 81% of Brits say weddings don't need to be perfect to be memorable
Growing frustration with wedding perfection culture is reshaping how couples plan their big day, with sustainability, guest experience and authenticity becoming increasingly important, according to new research from Flawsome!. A national study of 2,000 UK adults found that 81% believe a wedding does not need to be perfect to be memorable, while 71% say social media has increased pressure on couples to create a "perfect" day. Sustainability is also becoming a key consideration, with 52% saying it is important when planning a wedding. Yet wedding waste remains widespread, with 41% of respondents having seen food and drink thrown away at weddings, while 32% recalled single-use decorations being discarded and more than a quarter had seen flowers go to waste.
READ ARTICLE
Holmer Park Health Club & Spa Launches Search for Hereford's Local Heroes
Holmer Park Health Club & Spa in Hereford is celebrating the unsung heroes of its local community with a new search for wellbeing heroes. Residents are invited to nominate someone who deserves a little recognition and some well-earned time to relax, whether they're an NHS worker, carer, teacher, volunteer, supportive friend or simply someone who has gone out of their way to do something kind. Three winners will be selected by the Holmer Park team in October, with each receiving a complimentary spa day for themselves and a guest. The award-winning spa offers a thermal suite with a heated swimming pool, hydrotherapy spa pools, sauna and aroma steam rooms, plus relaxing lounges and poolside spaces. Nominations close on 30th September.
