This delightful couple was married on a rainy autumn day in Vail, Colorado. The trees on the mountainside glowed in a shade of brilliant yellow, set against a moody sky. Nestled in the heart of town, the Vail Interfaith Chapel was a warm and cozy retreat from the wind and rain of the October storm. Our flute and piano duo was the perfect choice for this couple’s joyful personalities.

Flute and Piano Wedding Ceremony Music at Vail Chapel in Vail, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Kerri Carlquist

I agreed to provide sound for the bride’s mother-in-law, who would be singing and playing a few special songs on the guitar. I arrived extra early to set up a music stand, vocal mic, a mic for the guitar, and my bluetooth speaker. Everything sounded amazing at sound check, and then I began to set up our own things to start warm-up, but that’s when things tipped sideways!

The scope unexpectedly broadened when I was asked to provide additional sound for a family niece, for a surprise performance for the bride. This was the sweetest gesture and approved by the wedding planner - how could I say no? This added setup required a third microphone, a microphone stand, and a second speaker. I was thankful that I had brought backups! The scope kept creeping when I found out that the niece wouldn’t be available for sound check or mic-height adjustments. Also, the setup needed to be on the opposite side of the chapel from our performance space, so I was prepared to quickly move to the other side of the chapel to do sound adjustments during the live performance.

Somehow, things tend to work out in the end, and after a few in-the-moment adaptations, everything came together. The performance was beautiful and so meaningful, and I’m glad that I was able to pull off the extra sound requirements. Having family members sing added such a personal touch, and every little moment like this told the couple’s story.

For our portion of the music, our flute and piano duo played a mix of music with Irish, Latin, and classical influences, including Clair De Lune, Entr’acte from Carmen, Southwind (Traditional Irish), Star of the County Down (Traditional Irish), Sicilienne from Pelleas et Melisande, and Dvorak’s Humoresque. The music selections had a timeless and cultural feel that really fit the couple.

The processional choices also captured the couple’s personalities perfectly. Rather than sticking to only traditional selections, they leaned into music that felt joyful and alive. Crazy Little Thing Called Love welcomed the groomsmen with playful energy, while Here Comes the Sun accompanied the bridesmaids and flower girls down the aisle with a sweet and joyful lilt. Then came the bride’s entrance to Marry You by Bruno Mars — a celebratory choice that fit the bride’s personality and positive outlook on life.

During the unity ceremony, our flute and piano duo played a calming version of Schubert’s “Ave Maria” - a beautiful nod to the traditional. The vows were very personal and meaningful, and the couple read more than just their vows. They also read intentions that they had set earlier as part of their preparation for marriage, and these promises were specific in a way that many couples don’t try to sort out until later, after conflict begins.

The recessional was accompanied by joyous clapping and cheers as we played, Just the Way You Are by Billy Joel. This part also required adaptation as the priest changed the planned ceremony flow throughout the service, but we followed along in good nature.

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Vail Interfaith Chapel
Wedding Planner: Petal and Bean
Ceremony Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens
Photographer: Kerri Carlquist

Experience the Joyful Sounds of Flute and Piano.

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Experience the Joyful Sounds of Flute and Piano.