A Sacred Catholic Wedding Ceremony at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado: String Quartet

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

In early autumn, our string quartet played for a peaceful and traditional wedding ceremony at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado. It was a full Catholic Mass, and our music perfectly complimented the sacred feel of the service.

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

As befitting the serene church setting, our string quartet played hymns, sacred classical music, and selections from Handel’s Water Music as guests arrived. Anticipation for the ceremony peaked as two cantors (singers) and the pianist performed The Summons to signal tat the ceremony was about to begin.

Throughout the ceremony, the cantors and pianist performed the liturgical music in beautiful harmony. Our quartet joined them for the communion song, which was “One Bread, One Body”, and also for “Kyrie, Gloria”. When all seven of us performed, it sounded a little like heaven, as our music carried throughout the church.

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

Confronted with limited space within the church, I created a novel approach to cello bowing, adapting my technique to accommodate the flow of people. As congregants made their way back to their pews after receiving communion, I greeted them with a warm smile to let them know that they could come by. Then I did an upward bow motion to let them them to glide by without interruption.

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

Sample Music from the Prelude:
Simple Gifts, O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing, Blessed Assurance, Handel’s Water Music (La Rejouissance, Bourree, Hornpipe in F, Coro, Air in F, and Hornpipe Finale)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Sheep May Safely Graze (Bach): Seating of the Family and Wedding Party
Bridal Chorus: Bride
Kyrie, Gloria: During Ceremony
One Bread, One Body (Talbot): Communion
Wedding March (Mendelssohn): Recessional

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

After the ceremony, we all drove to Ski Tip Lodge in Keystone to play music for the cocktail hour. Here, we changed the mood completely, and played pop and country music as guests mingled on the lawn and enjoyed cocktails and refreshments. They particularly requested Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and the Beatles. Even though it was late September in the Colorado mountains, the day was beautiful and sunny with a brilliant blue sky.

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

Sample Music from the Cocktail Hour:
Accidentally in Love (Counting Crows), Butterflies (Kacey Musgraves), Lover (Taylor Swift), Just the Way You Are (Bruno Mars), Ten Minutes Ago from Cinderella, How High the Moon (Ella Fitzgerald, Tennessee Whiskey (Chris Stapleton), What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

Wedding Vendors:
Ceremony Venue: Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge
Reception Venue: Ski Tip Lodge
Wedding Planner: Pink Champagne Events
Photographer: Laura Foote Photography

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

Elegant Music in Any Style.

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

String Trio Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge

String Trio Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Chelsea Sliwa Photography

I enjoyed playing my cello along with my string trio for this beautiful summer wedding ceremony in the Colorado mountains. The rain showers cleared up just in time for the guests to enjoy the fresh mountain air and sweeping views before the ceremony started.

Our trio played prelude music as the guests arrived, and we continued to play through the cocktail party. The bride wanted a rustic and relaxed feel for her wedding celebration, but also something elegant and fun. She chose a list of her favorite classical music for the prelude, and then we played upbeat pop and rock music as the guests enjoyed cocktails.

String Trio Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Chelsea Sliwa Photography

String Trio Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Chelsea Sliwa Photography

The bride also had a very few special song requests that i arranged just for her wedding, to add a lovely personal flair. These songs were “I Choose You: (Sara Bareilles), “Time to Say Goodbye” (Andrea Bocelli), “Separate Ways” (Journey), and “All of Me” (John Legend).

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Choose You (Sara Bareilles): Parents, Officiant, Groom, Wedding Party, Flower Girl (cute lab dog!)
A Thousand Years (Christina Perri): Bride
Marry You (Bruno Mars): Recessional

String Trio Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Chelsea Sliwa Photography

String Trio Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Chelsea Sliwa Photography

Selections from the Prelude and Cocktail Hour Music:
Spring and Autumn from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Rondeau (Mouret), Ave Maria (Bach), Time to Say Goodbye (Andrea Bocelli), Separate Ways by (Journey), All of Me (John Legend), Shallow (Lady Gaga), At Last (Etta James), All you need is Love (Beatles), Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Star Wars Main Theme, What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: The Lodge at Breckenridge
Wedding Planner: Hourglass Productions
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - String Trio
Photographer: Chelsea Sliwa Photography - Thank you for these beautiful photos!

String Trio Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Chelsea Sliwa Photography

String Trio Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Chelsea Sliwa Photography

Our String Trio Can Be Elegant or Fun, or Anything in Between!

String Trio Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Chelsea Sliwa Photography

String Trio Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Chelsea Sliwa Photography

String Trio Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Chelsea Sliwa Photography

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Reception Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Photo by Andrea Stark Photography

From the Groom:

“Christen and her musicians are amazing! They played recently at our July wedding in Breckenridge and the music was beautiful. She even learned a couple of specific songs that we asked for, and our guests loved the mix of contemporary songs they played during the ceremony and part of the reception. Christen was so nice and we are so thankful her and her string quartet crew were a part of our day. Highly recommend!!”

Our string quartet had a wonderful time playing music for this wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception! We played a short prelude of classical and traditional music, and then switched to upbeat contemporary music for the cocktails and reception. The “Flower Boi” played his part perfectly and made us all laugh!

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Photo by Andrea Stark Photography

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Photo by Andrea Stark Photography

As we played “Forever, and Ever, Amen” during the prelude, I heard a hint of singing from the guests. During the reception, the singing was a little louder while we played “Just the Way You Are”. I couldn’t resist, and we launched into “Take Me Home, Country Roads'“, and the whole room erupted in enthusiastic, off-key singing!

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Photo by Andrea Stark Photography

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Photo by Andrea Stark Photography

We continued playing lively contemporary music and finished with a requested encore performance of “Take Me Home, Country Roads”. There was so much energy throughout the evening, and we were enjoying playing so much, that we didn’t realize how hungry we had become. The couple had arranged for us to eat food from the buffet afterwards and it was very welcome gesture.

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Photo by Andrea Stark Photography

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Photo by Andrea Stark Photography

Wedding Ceremony Music:

Bittersweet Symphony (Verve) - Wedding Party
All of the Lights (Kayne West) (slow section) - Bride
Overjoyed (Matchbox 20) - Recessional

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Photo by Andrea Stark Photography

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Photo by Andrea Stark Photography

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Photo by Andrea Stark Photography

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Photo by Andrea Stark Photography

Wedding Vendors:

Ceremony and Reception Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - String Quartet
Venue: The Lodge at Breckenridge
Photography: Andrea Stark Photography - Thank you so much for these beautiful photos!

The signage at this wedding is worth highlighting - it was delightful and nerdy!

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Photo by Andrea Stark Photography

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Photo by Andrea Stark Photography

Our String Quartet is equally comfortable playing elegant classical music and rocking out on contemporary tunes!

Flute and Cello Duo Wedding Ceremony and Brunch Music at Carter Park Pavilion in Breckenridge, Colorado

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Brunch Music at Carter Park Pavilion in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

It was a cool and crisp July morning at Carter Park Pavilion in Breckenridge, Colorado - the perfect day for a wedding! The groom’s favorite instrument is the flute, and the bride’s favorite instrument is the cello, so our flute and cello duo was the just the right fit for their wedding music.

We played a mix of classical music and hymns as guests arrived and as they enjoyed brunch afterwards. It was a casual ceremony, and everyone was relaxed and having a wonderful time.

An older couple came up to us and requested “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by Bach, which was the song that they had walked down the aisle to on their own wedding day! As we played they sat and listened with their arms wrapped around each other, and their love for each other was sweet and inspiring!

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Brunch Music at Carter Park Pavilion in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

From the Bride and Groom:

“Christen brought her musical beauty to our wedding in Breckenridge Colorado in July 2021, and I am so glad we selected her and her colleague. She played during the prelude and following the ceremony. In fact, the bride's mother is a music director one of the toughest critics around! - and she had high, high praise for Christen. The music was unobtrusive physically yet utterly beautiful aurally - and really made the event feel extra special. Thank you so much!” - Brad and Krista

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Brunch Music at Carter Park Pavilion in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Sample Prelude and Brunch Music Selections:,
Chorale from Cantata #140 (Bach), Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bach), For the Beauty of the Earth, Morning Has Broken, All Things Bright and Beautiful, Autumn (Vivaldi)

Ceremony Music:
Spring from the Four Seasons (Vivaldi) - Bride and Groom escorting parents
Ode to Joy (Beethoven) - Recessional

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Carter Park Pavilion
Live Music: Flute and Cello Duo - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens
Wedding Planner: Sparrow Event Planning

Experience the Beauty of our Flute and Cello Duo

Flute and Violin Duo at a Rental Home in Breckenridge, Colorado

Flute and Violin Wedding Ceremony Music in Breckenridge, Colorado. Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Our flute and violin duo was the perfect fit for this intimate early spring wedding ceremony in Breckenridge, Colorado. I’m beginning to think of this beautiful rental home as the “Breckenridge Wedding Rental”, because it’s become a popular venue for weddings.

This busy bride was excited to have the beauty of live music for her wedding ceremony, but other than her choice of Pachelbel’s Canon in D for her walk down the aisle, she left the music selections to me. I put together a beautiful music program that I felt matched her joyful personality and the rustic and stunning Colorado mountain setting.

Flute and Violin Wedding Ceremony Music in Breckenridge, Colorado. Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

A fresh blanket snow had fallen the night before, and the ceremony setting looked just like Christmas despite the April calendar date. It even started to lightly snow towards the end of the ceremony, and the effect was magical!

We continued to play after the ceremony as guests mingled indoors and enjoyed refreshments before the dinner was to be served. I was so glad that our music put a smile on everyone’s faces and made the event feel so joyful and festive.

Our flute and violin duo is the perfect music choice for an intimate wedding ceremony.

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge in Colorado

Flute and strings by christen stephens, string quartet wedding ceremony music at the lodge at breckenridge in breckenridge, Colorado

From the Bride:

“Christen and her quartet played for our wedding on 11/10/19. She was so easy to work with and incredibly detail oriented. She was also very responsive and answered my questions and requests usually within the hour. The group sounded fantastic and all the guests enjoyed the wide selection of music. The best part was that I knew I didn't have to worry about a thing on the big day. Thanks, Christen!” - Laurel R.

Our beautiful string quartet is a traditional ensemble, but don’t let that fool you, because we can play just about any kind of music from classical to pop, rock, and jazz.

Learn more >

Flute and strings by christen stephens, string quartet wedding ceremony music at the lodge at breckenridge in breckenridge, Colorado

In mid-November, I had the honor of playing my cello along with my string quartet for my friend Laurel’s wedding ceremony and cocktail hour. I was so happy to have the opportunity to participate in her wedding celebration in such a meaningful way.

It’s hard to know what kind of weather to expect in the mountains in the middle of November, but the day turned out to be absolutely perfect with bright sun and temperatures in the 50’s.

Laurel is a vocalist and former music teacher, so since she knows and loves music, she chose a wonderful and varied music set list for her ceremony and cocktail hour. For her ceremony, she chose a set of mostly Baroque and classical music, and then during cocktails, she chose pop music, romantic songs, jazz, and country songs.

Flute and strings by christen stephens, string quartet wedding ceremony music at the lodge at breckenridge in breckenridge, Colorado

Sample Selections from Prelude Music:
Selections from the “Four Seasons” (Vivaldi), Salut d’Amour (Elgar), La Vie En Rose (Luis Guglielmi), Suite #3 (J.S. Bach)

Wedding Processional Music:
Bride - The Wedding from Legends of the Fall
Recessional - Hornpipe from Water Music (Handel)

Samples from Cocktail Hour Music:
Don’t Stop Belivin’ (Coldplay), Sweet Child O Mine (Guns ‘N Roses), And So it Goes (Billy Joel), All of Me (John Legend), What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong), Take Five (Dave Brubeck), Here Comes the Sun (Beatles), Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis)

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - String Quartet
Venue: The Lodge at Breckenridge
Photographer: ELD Photography
Officiant: Adorkable Weddings

Flute and strings by christen stephens, string quartet wedding ceremony music at the lodge at breckenridge in breckenridge, Colorado

Flute and Violin Duo Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Music at The Sevens in Breckenridge

Colorado flute and violin wedding ceremony music

Colorado flute and violin wedding ceremony music

Colorado flute and violin wedding ceremony music

Wedding Ceremony Music: Canon in D (Pachelbel): Seating of the parents, bridesmaids and groomsmen River Flows in You (Yiruma): Bride's Processional Ode to Joy (Beethoven): Recessional

Samples from Prelude Music: Trumpet Tune (Purcell), Minuet (Boccherini), Amazing Grace, Air from Suite No. 3 in D (Bach), Allegro Non Troppo (Bach)

Samples from Cocktail Hour Music: Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis), Si Bheag, Si Mhor (Irish Air), Allegro from Spring (Vivaldi), Andante from string quartet Op. 29 (Schubert), Postcard to Henry Purcell from Pride and Prejudice, What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong), A Thousand Years (Christina Perri)

Vendors:
Wedding Planner: Love Leigh Weddings and Events
Venue: The Sevens
Photographer: Bergreen Photography
Ceremony and Cocktail Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens (Flute and Violin Duo)
Band: Narrow Gauge Band

Make your wedding come to life with the joyful music of my flute and violin duo.

Colorado flute and violin wedding ceremony music

Colorado flute and violin wedding ceremony music

Colorado flute and violin wedding ceremony music

Colorado flute and violin wedding ceremony music

Flute and Harp Wedding Ceremony Music at Ten Mile Station in Breckenridge, Colorado

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

In late summer our flute and harp duo played for a wedding ceremony at Ten Mile Station in Breckenridge, Colorado. This busy destination bride relied on her mom to handle most of her wedding planning and her mom did an amazing job with everything including the timeline, decor, and last minute details. The ceremony was outdoors on the patio, and as the guests arrived in shuttles, our duo greeted them with classical music to set the mood. At the bride's request, we finished with "The Lord's Prayer" right before the ceremony began. After the ceremony, we moved indoors to play a mix of classical and contemporary music during the cocktail hour.

Sample Prelude Music:
Adagio (Bach), Sheep May Safely Graze (Bach), Piano Concerto No. 21 (Mozart), Arioso (Bach), The Lord's Prayer (Malotte)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Hornpipe (Purcell) ~ Family and wedding party
Canon in D (Pachelbel) ~ Bride
Meditation from Thais ~ Knot tying ceremony
Simple Gifts ~ Recessional

Sample Cocktail Hour Music:
Clair De Lune (Debussy), Flower Duet (Delibes), The Days of Wine and Roses (Mancini), Minuet of the Blessed Spirits (Gluck), La Vie En Rose (Louis Armstrong), Someone to Watch Over Me (Gershwin), Over the Rainbow, Largo from the Four Seasons (Vivaldi), When I Fall in Love, The Swan (Saint Saens)

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at The Lodge at Breckenridge

Our flute and cello duo had an unusually warm and sunny day to play for this scenic outdoor October wedding ceremony in Breckenridge, Colorado. The bride chose all of her wedding prelude, ceremony and cocktail hour music and made two special song requests. Her first request was for me to arrange "On Eagles Wings" to be played as she and her fiancee exchanged private vows. The second song was "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Gun's N' Roses, which I arranged as a special surprise for the groom. I based my arrangement on an arrangement from a YouTube video that the groom really enjoyed. We played "Sweet Child O' Mine" during the receiving line after the ceremony. During the cocktail hour we played a mix of classical, jazz, ragtime, and popular music.

Sample Prelude Music:
Handel's Water Music (selections), Air on the G String (Bach), Rondeau (Mouret), The Wedding from Legends of the Fall

Wedding Ceremony Music:
All I Ask of You ~ Moms, Bridesmaids and Groomsmen, Ringbearer and dog
Canon in D ~ Bride
On Eagle's Wings ~ Private Vow Exchange
The Sound of Music ~ Recessional
Sweet Child of Mine ~ Receiving Line (special surprise for groom)

Sample Cocktail Hour Music:
All of Me, Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis), A Whole New World from Aladdin, Blackbird (Beatles), Maple Leaf Rag (Joplin), My Funny Valentine, Rondo Alla Turca (Mozart), Meditation from Thais (Massenet)

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Venue: The Lodge at Breckenridge
Photographer: Studio Kiva
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Cello Duo

Flute Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Ten Mile Station

Our flute quartet recently played at Ten Mile Station, a mountainside wedding venue in Breckenridge, Colorado. As the guests arrived on buses from the bottom of the mountain, we entertained them with an upbeat selection of classical music. The beautiful bride walked down the aisle accompanied by "The Wedding Song" by Peter, Paul, and Mary. This was a special request by the mother of the bride, and was the same song that she walked down the aisle to when she married. After the wedding, we moved inside where we played popular, rock, and jazz music for another half hour during cocktails.
 

Sample Prelude Music:
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach), Sheep May Safely Graze (Bach), Trumpet Tune (Clarke), Trumpet Voluntary (Purcell), Simple Gifts (Traditional), Handel's Water Music, Ave Maria (Schubert)

Selected Cocktail Hour Music:
Clocks (Coldplay), It Had to Be You, Such Great Heights (Postal Service), A Thousand Years (Christina Perri), Don't Stop Believing (Journey)

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Venue: Ten Mile Station
Photographer: Danica Larsen Photography
Wedding Ceremony Musicians - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute Quartet (flute, violin, viola, cello)

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Ceremony Music in Breckenridge

This weekend, I played flute for a wedding ceremony in an incredibly beautiful location. The ceremony was held on the lawn of a private residence in an idyllic mountain setting above the town of Breckenridge. The landscaping was gorgeous and flowers spilled from every corner and lined the garden paths, framing the mountain backdrop. Storms began to move in, giving the mountains and sky a dramatic and eerie look, and thunder began to rumble and echo around the mountains. Because of the coming rain, the decision was made to begin the ceremony 15 minutes earlier than originally planned. Our flute and guitar duo welcomed the guests with classical prelude music and then began playing the processional music. Just as the bride began her walk down the aisle, the sun came out and stayed out for most of the ceremony, even as the thunder continued to rumble in the distance. The storm held off just long enough for the beautiful wedding ceremony to finish and for the photographers to get some great shots afterwards. Thank you Steve Tinetti for sharing these beautiful photos!

After the ceremony, I was invited to stay for the cocktail hour, so I drove to Breckenridge Lodge and Spa where I had a few refreshments and enjoyed watching the storms move in over the mountains as I got to know few of the guests.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Parents and Attendants Processional ~ Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (JS Bach)
Bridal Processional ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel)
Recessional ~ Wedding March from a Midsummer Night's Dream (Mendelssohn)

Prelude Music:
Classical selections from Bach and Telemann

Wedding Vendors:
Photographer: Steve Tinetti Photography - Thank you Steve for these wonderful pictures!
Wedding Ceremony Music - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Guitar Duo

Flute and Violin Duo, Wedding Ceremony Music in Breckenridge

It's hard to surpass a Colorado mountain wedding in July, and this gorgeous Breckenridge wedding ceremony was no exception. The ceremony was held outdoors at a private home with a sweeping view of the mountains and Breckenridge Golf Course. With only about 8 guests, this was the most intimate wedding I have played for, and among the sweetest. The festivities began as the guests enjoyed appetizers while our flute and violin duo set the mood with elegant classical music. Then the guests gathered around the alter for the wedding ceremony. During the ceremony, friends and family had an opportunity to speak to the bride and groom, and they laughed and cried as words of encouragement and advice mixed with many fond and humorous memories were passed around. Then the daughter of the groom sang "Someone Like You" by Van Morrison, a song that was meaningful to the couple, and I accompanied on the flute. Afterwards, everyone gathered inside to congratulate the bride and groom, visit, and enjoy a special dinner.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Selected Prelude Music ~ Gavotte (Gossec), Rondeau (Mouret), Presto from Sonatina in F major (Telemann), Romanza from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (Mozart), selected Menuets (Devienne), St. Anthony Chorale (Brahms), La Rejouissance (Handel), March in D major (Bach)

Bridal Processional ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel)
Special Song (daughter of groom, voice with me on flute) ~ Someone Like You (Van Morrison)
Recessional ~ Danza Pastorale from Spring (Vivaldi)

Wedding Vendors:
Photographer: Virginia Stiles
Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Violin Duo

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

On Saturday, I escaped the summer heat of the Front Range and headed for the mountains of Colorado to play for a wedding ceremony and cocktail hour at Mountain Thunder Lodge in Breckenridge. The Lodge is a beautiful venue with a rustic mountain feel on the outside and a relaxed elegance inside.

I played the flute accompanied by guitarist Michael Engberg, and the simple elegance of our flute and guitar duo perfectly complimented the mountain setting. The wedding ceremony was outside on the patio which was decorated with bright local flowers provided by Petal and Bean.

The weather was perfect with sunshine and a cool breeze and to my delight, I didn't meet with a single bug while I played. After the ceremony, we moved inside for the cocktail hour where we entertained guests in the library before dinner.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Selected Prelude Music ~ Simple Gifts, Be Thou My Vision, March (JS Bach), Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (JS Bach), Meneut (Rameau), Two German Dances (Beethoven) Attendant's Processional ~ Rondeau (Mouret) Bridal Processional ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel) Recessional ~ Trumpet Voluntary in D (Purcell)

Selected Cocktail Hour Music:
Fly Me to the Moon, Georgia on my Mind, Have I Told You Lately (that I love you), It's so Easy, Sunny, Under the Boardwalk, The Way You Look Tonight, A Whiter Shade of Pale

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

From the Bride:
"Our wedding day was everything we hoped it would be. We chose a destination wedding in Breckenridge, Colorado because we wanted an intimate wedding with our family and closest friends in one of our favorite places. We loved the venue we chose, Mountain Thunder Lodge – it was perfect for our size wedding (45 total). The intimacy of our wedding was further enhanced by instrumental music played during our ceremony and cocktail hour. Overall, we loved every moment of our wedding day!"