A Joyful Riverside Wedding Celebration with Llamas: Violin and Cello Duo
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Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Grand Hyatt, Vail, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Pres Out West
This morning, I woke up in Vail, having stayed the night, after playing for another wedding the previous day. The weather forecast called for a perfect day full of sunshine, but when I looked out the window, it was deluging rain! Even stranger, my weather app didn’t show the rain at all, as if it was gaslighting me. I spent the morning writing a custom song arrangement for one of my other clients, as I watched the rain fall into the lake outside my window. It was still raining when I arrived at the venue that afternoon, but as I began setting up, the rain finally abated and a ray of sunshine burst through the clouds. It looked like this couple would have their outdoor dream wedding after all!
Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Grand Hyatt, Vail, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Pres Out West
Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Grand Hyatt, Vail, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Pres Out West
I set up our sound system on the ceremony lawn at the Grand Hyatt in Vail, and then my violinist and I did a sound check and tuned. By the time guests were arriving, it was beautiful outside, and our violin and cello duo played a mix of classical and modern pieces to welcome everyone. The loved the classic selections such as La Vie En Rose, Can’t Help Falling in Love, Enchanted, and A Thousand Years. The air was fresh and clean, and you could tell that everyone was having a good time.
From the Bride
“Christen and team (violin and cello) played at our ceremony and cocktail hour this past September. Christen was incredibly professional and communicative prior to the event and the music day of was stunning! They created such a wonderful ambiance, and guests were talking about the live string music the rest of the evening! I would 10/10 recommend.”
Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Grand Hyatt, Vail, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Pres Out West
Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Grand Hyatt, Vail, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Pres Out West
We began the ceremony with Home for the officiant, family, and wedding party. Then, it was time to welcome the bride to Spring Recomposed by Max Richter. When the bride first requested this song for our duo, I saw the 13 instrumental parts in the original, and had a moment of slight panic - was this even possible for just two instruments? However, I took on the challenge and the bride loved the result!
Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Grand Hyatt, Vail, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Pres Out West
The ceremony ended with Love Me Like You Do, and guests cheered as the bride and groom kissed for the first time as a married couple. As soon as we finished the song, we packed up and moved to the cocktail area, which took place in a courtyard garden. And then we saw them - llamas! They were being walked around in cute outfits and they were the talk of the day among the guests - such a charming touch!
Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Grand Hyatt, Vail, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Pres Out West
Cocktail hour featured a more upbeat setlist, and my sound system carried our music tastefully throughout the courtyard space. Guests enjoyed the charm of music such as Wildest Dreams, Here Comes the Sun, A Sky Full of Stars, and Signed, Sealed, Delivered. Between the food, music, and llamas, the cocktail hour was a delightful time for all.
Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Grand Hyatt, Vail, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Pres Out West
Once cocktail hour was over, we sent guests off with one final upbeat song - Sweet Child ‘O Mine. It was the perfect segue to the reception, and a lovely end to our day, which turned out to be unexpectedly smooth sailing.
Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Grand Hyatt, Vail, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Pres Out West
Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Grand Hyatt, Vail, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Pres Out West
Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Grand Hyatt, Vail
Wedding Planner: Ivory Events
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens
Photographer: Pres Out West
Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Grand Hyatt, Vail, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Pres Out West
