A September Love Story at Camp Hale: Flute and String Trio

Flute and String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at Camp Hale in Red Cliff, Colorado, Photo by Lindsey Kusterman @larkstudio.co 

On a brisk and windy day in mid-September, our flute and string trio (flute, viola, cello) traveled to the remote Camp Hale in Red Cliff, Colorado. Autumn was arrayed in all its glory, and the fall foliage contrasted beautifully with the blue water of the lake.

 

Flute and String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at Camp Hale in Red Cliff, Colorado, Photo by Lindsey Kusterman @larkstudio.co 

Flute and String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at Camp Hale in Red Cliff, Colorado, Photo by Lindsey Kusterman @larkstudio.co 

Because of the strong winds, I arrived early and set up our sound system to amplify our trio, so that we would be heard easily. Soon, guests began arriving, walking across the wide expanse of lawn to the ceremony site. They were welcomed by our elegant music - every single song carefully chosen by the bride from our extensive repertoire list. The music included selections such as “Such Great Heights”, “Over the Rainbow”, “Chasing Cars,” “Young and Beautiful,” “Love on Top,” and “Clocks”.

 

Flute and String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at Camp Hale in Red Cliff, Colorado, Photo by Lindsey Kusterman @larkstudio.co 

Right before the ceremony began, we shifted into “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, which was a perfect selection for guests who traveled from both near and far to celebrate this couple in Colorado’s beautiful mountains.

 

Flute and String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at Camp Hale in Red Cliff, Colorado, Photo by Lindsey Kusterman @larkstudio.co 

When it was time for the processional to begin, Elvis’ “Can’t Help Falling in Love” set the tone for the family and wedding party, and created a romantic anticipation for the bride’s grand entrance. The bride had requested that we learn “Nobody Gets Me” by SZA, re-imagined in an instrumental style inspired by Bridgerton. Despite the strong winds, the moment felt romantic and sweet, almost like her processional was was suspended in time.

 

Flute and String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at Camp Hale in Red Cliff, Colorado, Photo by Lindsey Kusterman @larkstudio.co 

The recessional was accompanied by another new song request “We Found Love” by Rihanna. The energy was contagious as the guests applauded and began to make their way off the wedding island and back to the tent for cocktail hour.

 

Flute and String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at Camp Hale in Red Cliff, Colorado, Photo by Lindsey Kusterman @larkstudio.co 

The timing was perfect, as the sun went behind the clouds and the temperature plummeted. It was easy to feel the chill of the coming winter in the air! We packed up and headed out, with the catchy tunes still in our heads for the drive back to Denver.

 

Experience the Warm Elegance of our Flute and String Trio.

 

Flute and String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at Camp Hale in Red Cliff, Colorado, Photo by Lindsey Kusterman @larkstudio.co 

Flute and String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at Camp Hale in Red Cliff, Colorado, Photo by Lindsey Kusterman @larkstudio.co 

Flute and String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at Camp Hale in Red Cliff, Colorado, Photo by Lindsey Kusterman @larkstudio.co 

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Camp Hale
Wedding Planner: L Elizabeth Events
Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens
Photographer: Lindsey Kusterman
Caterer: Vail Catering Concepts
Hair and Makeup: Weemala
Florist: Wild Holly Flower Co.
Rentals: Event Rents
Desserts: Dang Sweets
DJ/MC: Kristopher Keith

Flute and String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at Camp Hale in Red Cliff, Colorado, Photo by Lindsey Kusterman @larkstudio.co 

Flute and Violin Duo Wedding Ceremony Music at Camp Hale in Leadville, Colorado

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens Contemporary Flute and Violin Wedding Ceremony Music at Camp Hale in Leadville, Colorado, Photo by Dani Cowan Photography

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens Contemporary Flute and Violin Wedding Ceremony Music at Camp Hale in Leadville, Colorado, Photo by Dani Cowan Photography

The guests were traveling in from Georgia and Wisconsin and they were greeted by Colorado at its finest with plenty of activities for the outdoor enthusiast including ATV tours, archery, fishing, and hiking. The entire area is surrounded by the White River National Forest and it’s beautiful untouched land.

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens Contemporary Flute and Violin Wedding Ceremony Music at Camp Hale in Leadville, Colorado, Photo by Dani Cowan Photography

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens Contemporary Flute and Violin Wedding Ceremony Music at Camp Hale in Leadville, Colorado, Photo by Dani Cowan Photography

From the Client:
“Christen provided the most beautiful music for our wedding ceremony. The flute and violin together were amazing. They also played after everyone had left the ceremony island for a bit which was lovely. From beginning to end Christen was professional and so easy to get in touch with. I highly recommend Christen and any musician who works with her.”

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens Contemporary Flute and Violin Wedding Ceremony Music at Camp Hale in Leadville, Colorado, Photo by Dani Cowan Photography

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens Contemporary Flute and Violin Wedding Ceremony Music at Camp Hale in Leadville, Colorado, Photo by Dani Cowan Photography

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens Contemporary Flute and Violin Wedding Ceremony Music at Camp Hale in Leadville, Colorado, Photo by Dani Cowan Photography

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens Contemporary Flute and Violin Wedding Ceremony Music at Camp Hale in Leadville, Colorado, Photo by Dani Cowan Photography

It was my first time playing wedding music at Camp Hale in Leadville, Colorado, and I fell in love with this stunning location. This little gem was quite a surprise because it’s so far off the beaten trail, and it’s truly surrounded by wilderness. I reached the camp after driving for many miles through the mountains, but when I arrived at the wedding site, I was greeted by well manicured lawns surrounded by glistening blue water, all with the backdrop of the wild Colorado mountains.

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens Contemporary Flute and Violin Wedding Ceremony Music at Camp Hale in Leadville, Colorado, Photo by Dani Cowan Photography

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens Contemporary Flute and Violin Wedding Ceremony Music at Camp Hale in Leadville, Colorado, Photo by Dani Cowan Photography

Just as it was time for us to set up to play prelude music, a storm system moved through and everyone was crossing their fingers that an outdoor ceremony would still be able to happen. The sun did come out just as it was time for us to begin playing. There were very strong outflow winds after the storm. Normally, the wind steals the sound from my flute, but this was the first time I had the chance to try out my new Wind-D-Fender, and it worked like a charm! Our amplification also helped carry our sound loud and clear across the island over the sound of the wind.

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens Contemporary Flute and Violin Wedding Ceremony Music at Camp Hale in Leadville, Colorado, Photo by Dani Cowan Photography

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens Contemporary Flute and Violin Wedding Ceremony Music at Camp Hale in Leadville, Colorado, Photo by Dani Cowan Photography

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens Contemporary Flute and Violin Wedding Ceremony Music at Camp Hale in Leadville, Colorado, Photo by Dani Cowan Photography

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens Contemporary Flute and Violin Wedding Ceremony Music at Camp Hale in Leadville, Colorado, Photo by Dani Cowan Photography

The bride had some favorite songs that she wanted to include in the prelude. I made special arrangements of each song, specifically for our flute and violin duo. These included:

  • Bubbly (Colbie Caillat)

  • Somewhere Only We Know (Keane)

  • The Ash Grove

  • A Day Without Rain (Enya)

  • Moon River

  • The Ludlows from Legends of the Fall

  • Love Me Like You Do (Ellie Goulding)

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens Contemporary Flute and Violin Wedding Ceremony Music at Camp Hale in Leadville, Colorado, Photo by Dani Cowan Photography

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens Contemporary Flute and Violin Wedding Ceremony Music at Camp Hale in Leadville, Colorado, Photo by Dani Cowan Photography


Wedding Ceremony Songs:
Sheep May Safely Graze (Bach) - Parents
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bach) - Wedding Party
Canon in D (Pachelbel) - Bride
Here Comes the Sun (Beatles) - Recessional

Wedding Vendors:
Ceremony Music - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Violin Duo
Photographer - Dani Cowan Photography
Venue - Camp Hale
Wedding Planner - Isabelle Kline Design
Flowers - Vail Vintage Magnolia

Our flute and violin duo will add a cheerful vibrancy to your wedding day! Listen to music samples here: Flute and Violin Music Samples

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens Contemporary Flute and Violin Wedding Ceremony Music at Camp Hale in Leadville, Colorado, Photo by Dani Cowan Photography

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens Contemporary Flute and Violin Wedding Ceremony Music at Camp Hale in Leadville, Colorado, Photo by Dani Cowan Photography