Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at The Chapel at Beaver Creek and Beano’s Cabin, Photos by Paula Bartosiewicz, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Autumn came late in Beaver Creek this year, and the peak autumn foliage arrived just in time for this couple’s mountain wedding ceremony. But the story doesn’t start there! On the bride’s visit to Beaver Creek, she heard a pianist singing and playing praise music at the chapel and thought she sounded like an angel. The moment she heard Emma Waldorf perform, she knew that she needed to incorporate her music in her ceremony.

From the Bride:

“INCREDIBLE! Christen was beyond professional and top-notch. Having strings at my wedding was always one of my dreams, and Christen exceeded every expectation! She played every song I had envisioned and worked with me seamlessly to bring all my ideas to life. I could not have asked for a better violinist and cellist.”

The bride then reached out to me, to see if we could collaborate with Emma for the ceremony, and of course, I was all in. Because Emma’s background was more in worship and praise music than classical performance, this collaboration took a little extra care behind the scenes. I provided piano parts for all of our shared music, and used my personal background as a church pianist to guide the preparation process, so that her music would blend seamlessly with our violin and cello duo.

The entire vision came to life on a beautiful September day at The Chapel at Beaver Creek. As guests began to arrive for the ceremony, the sounds of violin, cello, and piano welcomed them and filled the chapel. The bride requested blend of classical favorites and Christian worship music for the prelude, and we played favorites such as Amazing Grace, Be Thou My Vision, Canon in D, and Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring.

The ceremony began with the seating of the family, which was set to “What a Beautiful Name.” Then came “The Blessing” for the wedding party — a striking entrance for a large group that included 11 groomsmen and 13 bridesmaids, all dressed in black, along with flower girls and a ring bearer. After a calm and worshipful ceremony, we played “Love Story” by Taylor Swift, to send the guests off to the reception, which took place at Beano’s Cabin, even higher up the mountain.

As the cocktail hour began, we set up on the porch overlooking the lawn and reception area. The air was cool, crisp and fresh - something that I love about living in Colorado. We accompanied the setting with a relaxed and playful mix of romantic favorites, pop songs, and feel-good classics, including The Sound of Music, Wildest Dreams, Can’t Help Falling in Love, Young and Beautiful, Daylight, Enchanted, Sky Full of Stars, A Thousand Years, Here Comes the Sun, and Love on Top.

As the celebration continued, we were asked to play for additional time, and we were happy to accommodate with the extra music that we always include in our set lists. As we wrapped up, guests were ushered inside for dinner as the sun dipped below the mountain peaks.

It was such a memorable day because the bride and groom didn’t just choose pretty music - they personalized the music to themselves, their music preferences, and their faith.