A Calming Sacred Wedding at Spruce Mountain Ranch in Larkspur, Colorado: String Trio + Piano

String Trio + Piano Wedding Ceremony Music at Spruce Mountain Ranch in Larkspur, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Katie Corinne

 

On a brisk May day, I found myself traveling to the idyllic Spruce Mountain Ranch in Larkspur, Colorado. My string trio and pianist were gathered to play music for a traditional Christian wedding ceremony. The setting was in a beautiful indoor space with gorgeous acoustics for our music, and pastoral views of rolling hills outside the large roll-up door.

 

String Trio + Piano Wedding Ceremony Music at Spruce Mountain Ranch in Larkspur, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Katie Corinne

 

In the weeks leading up to this special day, I enjoyed working closely with the groom on the music selections. One of his requests was that I arrange a number of hymns to accompany the ceremony, specifically during the congregation's singing and the communion. He also expressed a desire to enhance our traditional string trio with the inclusion of piano, providing a traditional accompaniment for the singing. The piano combined with our strings gave a full orchestral sound that perfectly complimented the congregational singing and prelude music.

 

String Trio + Piano Wedding Ceremony Music at Spruce Mountain Ranch in Larkspur, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Katie Corinne

 

The bride also had a special request that lent a unique touch to their wedding. She had chosen a processional song – the meditative 'Spiegel im Spiegel'. This song is traditionally played with a violin and piano, but it can also be played with other instruments. In this case, the couple requested the song be performed with my cello, accompanied by piano. Unlike a traditional processional, the bride wanted the serene melody of 'Spiegel im Spiegel' to play throughout the entire wedding party's entrance, culminating in her entrance at a precise moment 6:50 into the song. Thanks to a metronome, meticulous planning, and the skilled coordination of the wedding planner and DJ, the timing was executed almost flawlessly. The tranquility invoked by the music left the guests in a state of peace and calm, and when the processional was over, you could hear a pin drop.

 

String Trio + Piano Wedding Ceremony Music at Spruce Mountain Ranch in Larkspur, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Katie Corinne

 

The entire service was tied together with music and filled with spiritual readings, hymn singing, and the sacred rite of communion. I loved playing my cello along with my team on the day of the wedding, and it was so satisfying to see this couple’s wedding day vision come to life!

 

String Trio + Piano Wedding Ceremony Music at Spruce Mountain Ranch in Larkspur, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Katie Corinne

 

String Trio + Piano Wedding Ceremony Music at Spruce Mountain Ranch in Larkspur, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Katie Corinne

Sample Prelude Music Selections:
Stand by Me (Ben E. King), Southwind (traditional Irish), Across the Stars from Star Wars, Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis), I’ve Got You Under My Skin (with piano), What a Wonderful World

Wedding Ceremony Music Music:
Spiegel im Spiegel - Cello and Piano Duet: Wedding Party + Bride
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (Piano and Strings) - Congregational Hymn Singing
Be Thou My Vision (Piano and Strings) - Congregational Hymn Singing
Praise God from whom all Blessings Flow and Abide with Me (Strings): Communion
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bach): Recessional

String Trio + Piano Wedding Ceremony Music at Spruce Mountain Ranch in Larkspur, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Katie Corinne

 

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Spruce Mountain Ranch
Wedding Planner: Flourish Event Company
Ceremony Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - String Trio + Piano
Photographer: Katie Corinne

 

String Trio + Piano Wedding Ceremony Music at Spruce Mountain Ranch in Larkspur, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Katie Corinne

 

Enjoy the Peace of Sacred Music on our String Trio.

 

String Trio + Piano Wedding Ceremony Music at Spruce Mountain Ranch in Larkspur, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Katie Corinne

String Trio + Piano Wedding Ceremony Music at Spruce Mountain Ranch in Larkspur, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Katie Corinne