A Memorable Wedding Celebration at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado: String Quartet

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Valeria Heine

It was a gloriously beautiful summer day when our string quartet played for an elegant wedding ceremony and cocktail hour at Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado. The chateau is nestled in the heart of the Rockies, and it provided a breathtaking backdrop for the wedding celebration. As I was setting up our performance area, I spotted a few wild turkeys, and they stayed in the area, even during the ceremony, adding a rustic mountain charm to the couple’s vows (scroll down for my photo).

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Valeria Heine

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Valeria Heine

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Valeria Heine

As guests arrived, we played a prelude of elegant classical music. All the guests arrived later than planned, because of considerable traffic backup due to construction on the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. However, when they did arrive, we were ready to greet them with our lovely music - a perfect beginning to this special day!

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Valeria Heine

After the heartwarming ceremony concluded, we transitioned to the cocktail hour, bringing with us a fresh repertoire of contemporary favorites. The bride had a unique vision for this part of their celebration. She had meticulously planned a gradual increase of music tempo, starting with slow, melodic tunes and transitioning to a lively and energetic feel just before dinner. She provided us with a detailed chart, outlining her song choices and their beats per minute (BPM), helping us to align with her vision. I admired the bride’s dedication to creating a musical journey for her guests, not to mention of my shared love of spreadsheets! Since BPM doesn’t always mean a faster feel, we worked together to make a few minor adjustments, and her set list was ready to go!

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Valeria Heine

We received many compliments from the guests, who recognized most of the contemporary music that we played. As we approached our final section of upbeat tunes, dark clouds gathered in the sky, and a thunderstorm moved through, releasing a torrential rainstorm just after everyone went inside for the reception. The most beautiful rainbow came out, and it lasted for almost an hour as I packed up and drove home. People were all stopping on the side of the road and slowing down to take photos. It felt like a beautiful and benevolent ending to this special day!

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Christen Stephens

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Christen Stephens

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Jamee Photography

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Flower Duet from Lakme (Delibes): Wedding Party, Ringbearer, Flower Girl
Clair De Lune (Debussy): Bride
Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis): Unity Ceremony (Glass Beads)
What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong): Recessional

Sample Selections from the Prelude:
To a Wild Rose (McDowell), Menuet Op. 11 No. 5 (Boccherini), Air from Suite #3 in D Major (Bach), Humoresque Op. 101, No. 7 (Dvorak), Gymnopedie #1 (Satie)

Sample Selections from the Cocktail Hour Music:
Black River (Amos Lee), At Last (Etta James), Thinking Out Loud (Ed Sheeran), Diamonds (Rhianna), Lover (Taylor Swift), Holy (Justin Bieber), Accidentally In Love (Counting Crows), Just the Way You Are (Bruno Mars)

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Valeria Heine

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Della Terra Mountain Chateau
Wedding Coordinator: Aspen and Ivy
Catering: Dark Steel Gastro Arts
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - String Quartet
Photographer: Valeria Heine
Videographer: Wedding Videos of Colorado
Floral: Fanciful Floral & Weddings
DJ: Suit & Tie
Photo Booth: Shutter Bus
Transportation: Estes Park Trolley
Makeup: Altar’d Beauty

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Valeria Heine

Our String Quartet Sets the Perfect Mood.

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Valeria Heine

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Valeria Heine

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Valeria Heine

A Stormy Wedding Ceremony at Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado: Flute and Guitar Duo

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Lara Photography

It’s not often it hails right when a wedding ceremony is supposed to begin, but this was the third time in my career when it happened. This Denver couple knew about Colorado’s capricious weather, and they took the rain and hail in stride and didn’t let it dampen their spirits!

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Lara Photography

I played flute, accompanied by by guitarist, and we were outside and ready to play under our shelter as soon as the guests began making their way out to the ceremony site. The guests were provided with blankets to ward off the chill, and umbrellas for the rain. As they waited, our music provided a warmth to the entire setting, giving a lovely ambiance for the ceremony to come.

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Lara Photography

As guests arrived, we played a number of John Denver tunes, which is the perfect fit for the Colorado mountains. John Denver’s music also works wonderfully with flute and guitar, with my flute taking the place of the vocals. We also played a few Disney tunes and other contemporary selections.

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Lara Photography

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Lara Photography

It rained throughout the ceremony, but it began to clear by the time that cocktail hour was to begin. For cocktails, we played a mix of fast and slow contemporary tunes that everyone was able to enjoy while partaking of refreshments.

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Lara Photography

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Lara Photography

From and Email From the Bride:

“Thank you so much for everything! The music was a perfect addition to the ceremony, and we really appreciate you being flexible with the rain. We were happy cocktail hour was dry, and everyone raved about the music. Thank you again!”, Nicole D., Bride

Watch Video: “Sunshine on my Shoulders” by John Denver, Performed Live by our Flute and Guitar Duo

Ceremony Music:
Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis): Seating of the Family and Wedding Party
Annie’s Song (John Denver): Bride
Here Comes the Sun (Beatles): Recessional

Sample Music from the Prelude and Cocktail Hour:
Come Away with Me (Norah Jones), Amazed (Lonestar), Sunshine on My Shoulders (John Denver), Take Me Home, Country Roads (John Denver), Wildflowers (Tom Petty), Butterflies (Kacey Musgraves), Holy (Justin Bieber), Bubbly (Colbie Caillat), Secrets (One Republic), Shallow (Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga), Rocky Mountain High (John Denver)

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Lara Photography

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Della Terra Mountain Chateau
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Guitar Duo
Photography: Sean Lara
DJ: Michael Lancaster
Catering: High Country Catering
Photo Booth: The Shutter Bus
Makeup: Taylor Olson

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Lara Photography

Experience the Joy of Our Flute and Guitar Duo.

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Lara Photography

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Lara Photography

Flute and Cello Wedding Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado

This wedding ceremony took place on a perfect summer day in early August at the beautiful Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado. I played flute accompanied by my cellist for both the wedding ceremony and cocktail hour. The bride wanted music that was fun and romantic, and she loved the Beatles and Disney music.

We played a mix of romantic classical and modern music for the prelude as guests arrived. For the cocktail hour, we played lively modern songs, and got toes tapping with background beats on my drum machine.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis) - Wedding Party
Latch (Sam Smith) - Bride
All You Need is Love (Beatles) - Recessional

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Della Terra Mountain Chateau
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Cello Duo
Photographer: Jess Leigh
DJ: Dancin’ Shoes

Experience the romance of our Flute and Cello Duo

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Light Fusion Photo

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Light Fusion Photo

I just loved working with this bride on her wedding ceremony music! She was so easy to work with, and kind and intelligent. She dreamed of walking down the aisle to a song called “Celtic Dawn” by Roy Todd, and I made a special arrangement of the song for string trio. I sent her an audio file of the arrangement, and she used it to time her walk down the aisle prior to her wedding day. She ended up doing it perfectly, and was just approaching the groom when we played the big crescendo towards the end. I chose the remaining music, which was a combination of lively and romantic classical music.

From the Bride:

“Christen and her strings crew played for our wedding recently, and they played beautifully! There was a song I heard that I wanted played while I walked down the aisle that wasn’t on their list, and she made sure they learned it before the big day. They even arrived early to practice and get it recorded for me. Christen was quick to respond, genuinely excited to be a part of our day, and was willing to go above and beyond to ensure everything was just what we had envisioned. I’m so happy we choose them and would highly encourage you to consider them to play for your next special event. You won’t be disappointed!” - E.E.

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Light Fusion Photo

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Light Fusion Photo

Wedding Ceremony Music:
A Thousand Years - Groom, Flower Girl, Ringbearer
Celtic Dawn (Roy Todd) - Bride
Air in F from Handel’s Water Music - Tree Planting Ceremony
Hornpipe Finale from Handel’s Water Music - Recessional

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Light Fusion Photo

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Light Fusion Photo

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Light Fusion Photo

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Della Terra Mountain Chateau
Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - String Trio
Officiant: Scott Awbrey
Photographer: Light Fusion Photo

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Light Fusion Photo

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Light Fusion Photo

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Light Fusion Photo

Our String Trio is where Tradition and Romance Meet

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Light Fusion Photo

Flute and String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado

From the Groom:

“Amazing Musical Team!”

"Christen Stephens and her musicians were incredible! My bride wanted a very specific video game song played as she walked down the aisle and Christen's team pulled it off perfectly! They also did a great job with general contemporary music played on classical instruments, and created a great, classy, yet fun, atmosphere during the pre-ceremony time, and cocktail hour! She was always professional and very easy to work with! Highly recommended!”

Flute and Strings Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Photo by Christen Stephens

My musicians and I loved playing beautiful music for this elegant wedding ceremony and cocktail hour! The couple chose our flute and strings quartet, with the addition of a harpist for the bridal entrance. The bride was planning to ride in on a white horse as we played the “Great Fairy Fountain” from Zelda on flute and harp. I didn’t see exactly what happened because I was playing, but one of the many wild turkeys roaming the area spooked the horse and the bride couldn’t ride in, but it was true Colorado mountain wedding experience!

We played a contemporary music program with pop, rock, and country music selections. For the prelude, we began with slower and more romantic music, and then we really lifted the tempo after the ceremony as guests enjoyed cocktails and hors-d’ourves.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
A Thousand Years (Christian Perri) - Wedding Party
Great Fairy Fountain from Zelda - Bride
Marry You - Recessional

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Della Terra Mountain Chateau
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Flute and Strings Quartet + Harp by Christen Stephens
Photographer: Nicolette Bardos

Our Flute and Strings Quartet is an Impressive Addition to any Wedding!