This summer evening wedding at the Highlands Ranch Mansion belonged in a storybook. The lush gardens and golden afternoon light backed by the dramatic mansion was the perfect setting for this couple’s vows. The Highlands Ranch Mansion features historic architecture, sweeping lawns, and old, majestic trees. It’s a quiet retreat from modern life, with gracious, old-world elegance and vibrant gardens.

It was an unusually rainy summer, with clouds coming through every afternoon, and on this day, Colorado decided to keep us on our toes. We kept our instrument cases ready, and even had to do a quick pack-up as a brief rain shower moved through. Then, we continued to play prelude music as the guests mingled in the garden at the ceremony site. Despite the weather, we played every song selected by the client - a little classical, a little Sinatra, a little Beatles, and even some Counting Crows and Beauty and the Beast.

Shortly before the ceremony began, we heard a distant boom of thunder and the wind became extremely gusty. We crossed our fingers for the weather to hold off as the processional began with “Young and Beautiful” by Lana Del Rey. When it was time for the bride’s entrance, we segued into the favorite Canon in D, as she was escorted by her father. I was in love with the bride’s dress - very simple with voluminous folds of satin, always falling around her perfectly.

The ceremony was accompanied by high winds, but the rain held off. The officiant’s shared history with the couple added an extra layer of meaning and detail to the Christian ceremony. The kiss was our cue to launch into “At Last” by Etta James for the recessional, and it was such a romantic feel as the couple recessed back down the aisle.

Afterwards, we continued with postlude music, having fun with the jazzy and upbeat selections that the couple made. Guests enjoyed the sounds of “All You Need Is Love,” “It Had to Be You,” and “It’s De-Lovely” as they had a joyful send-off. Just as we were wrapping up, the thunder boomed and the rain started, and everyone retreated indoors, as a rainbow arced across the sky.