A Nostalgic Wedding at the Sebastian in Vail, Colorado: Flute and Cello Duo

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Sebastian in Vail, Colorado, Photo by David Gillette Photography

 

As a flutist, I've had the honor of performing at many weddings, but this cool and rainy September ceremony stands out in my memory as truly exceptional. I loved working with this couple, not only because they were from my long time hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina, but also because they had a truly sweet love story! They were high school sweethearts who lived their separate lives for a long time and then were reunited and finally married. It was written all over their faces how in love they were!

 

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Sebastian in Vail, Colorado, Photo by David Gillette Photography

 

Despite the rainy weather and some family emergencies that caused delays, the wedding finally got underway in the courtyard outside the Lenora Restaurant. As the guests mingled and took their seats, we played warm and romantic music that set the tone for the ceremony to come.

 

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Sebastian in Vail, Colorado, Photo by David Gillette Photography

 

One thing that made this wedding particularly memorable was the couple's love of the singer Sade. They had requested several special arrangements just for flute and cello, and I really enjoyed creating them. The bride even walked down the aisle to one of Sade's most romantic songs, "Cherish the Day”, and they recessed after the ceremony to a lively arrangement of “Thank You” by Led Zeppelin.

 

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Sebastian in Vail, Colorado, Photo by David Gillette Photography

 

But the most touching moment of the day came during the cocktail hour. The groom had requested a surprise song, "By Your Side," which was the bride's favorite Sade tune. The couple had forgotten to include it in the list they gave me, but I was happy to accommodate his secret request. As we played the song, I watched as the bride made her way closer and closer to us, clearly overcome with emotion. Without a word, the couple began an impromptu first dance together to the music, lost in their love for each other. This sweet and unexpected moment gave me goosebumps.

 

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Sebastian in Vail, Colorado, Photo by David Gillette Photography

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Cherish the Day (Sade) - Bride
Thank You (Led Zeppelin) - Recessional

Sample Selections from Prelude and Cocktail Hour Music:
Gavotte (Handel), March in D Major (Bach), Have I Told You Lately (Van Morrison), Kiss of Life (Sade), Pearls (Sade), You and Me (Dave Matthews Band)

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: The Lenora Restaurant
Wedding Planner: Party Girl Events
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Cello Duo
Photographer: David Gillette Photography - thank you for these amazing photos!

 

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Sebastian in Vail, Colorado, Photo by David Gillette Photography

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Sebastian in Vail, Colorado, Photo by David Gillette Photography

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Sebastian in Vail, Colorado, Photo by David Gillette Photography

 

Experience the Luxurious Sounds of the Flute and Cello