An Intimate Jewish Wedding Ceremony at the Oxford Hotel in Denver, Colorado - Flute and Guitar Duo

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Oxford Hotel in Denver, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

In early April, our flute and guitar duo played for a small Jewish wedding ceremony at the Oxford Hotel in downtown Denver. The day had dangerously high winds, and I found out later that it was blowing over 100mph at my house while I was gone! Despite the possibility of the power being shut off for safety reasons, the wedding went off beautifully, and the power remained on for us in Denver.

Prior to the ceremony, our duo played elegant classical music as the guests enjoyed a pre-ceremony cocktail hour. After the cocktail hour, we moved to the Oxford Theatre for the ceremony. We sat up in the mezzanine, and our sound carried throughout the space. We played a short classical prelude as guests took their seats, and then the couple joined us up in the mezzanine, preparing for their walk down the aisle.

When it was time for the ceremony to begin, we wrapped up the prelude music and I turned around to ask the couple if they were ready to walk down the stairs and to start the ceremony. They were nervous but ready, so we played their song, and they perfectly processed down the stairs and then circled around the other 3 times and then once together before facing each other at the front.

From the Groom:

“Christen and Jeff (guitar) were amazing. Their talent was obvious and their choice of music superb. They were professional, talented and wonderful to work with. You couldn’t find a better flute/guitar combo if you tried.”

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Oxford Hotel in Denver, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Then, the ceremony was off with the wonderful Rabbi Birdie Becker presiding. I got to meet Rabbi Becker later, and being a fellow musician herself, she was delightful to chat with about all things musical.

My drive home was hazardous with the strong winds, and I had to dodge blowing rocks, a low swinging traffic light, a large metal gate swinging across the road, a tree that fell across the road, and numerous other random flying objects. It all ended well and safely, and I now fondly remember this wonderful couple and their joyful wedding day much more than the wind!

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Oxford Hotel in Denver, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Canon in D (Pachelbel): Bride and Groom
Wedding March from Figaro: Recessional

Sample Music Selections from the Pre-Ceremony Cocktail Hour:
Trumpet Tune (Purcell), Misty (Ella Fitzgerald), The Girl From Ipanema, Gavotte (Gossec), Entrance of the Queen of Sheba (Handel), The Wedding from the Legends of the Fall, Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis), Liebestraum (Liszt), As Time Goes By from Cassablanca

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: The Oxford Hotel
Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Guitar Duo
Officiant: Rabbi Birdie Becker
Photographer: Yellow Paddle Photography

Experience the Classic Romance of Flute and Guitar.

A Classic Backyard Colorado Wedding: Flute and Cello Duo

Flute and Cello Duo Wedding Ceremony Music in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Photo by Christen Stephens

This spring, our flute and cello duo played elegant music for a sweet backyard wedding ceremony and cocktail hour. The private setting gave the wedding an intimate feel, and our music added a charming touch throughout the event.

The groom initially found me and booked me, and then I also started communicating with the bride on music selections. She requested the we learn and play “Storybook Love” from the Princess Bride for her walk down the aisle as a surprise for the groom! I love that movie, and we couldn’t wait to see the look on the groom’s face when he heard the song, and his expression didn’t disappoint!

For the prelude music as guests were arriving, we set an elegant mood with beautiful classical music. After the ceremony, we played a mix of fun and lively classical music and jazz selections. The bride chose most of the set list, and the guests recognized and each and every song that we played. It’s wonderful to play recognizable tunes and have guests come up to us and tell us little stories that they associate with the music.

It was such a pleasure to meet this wonderful group of family and friends! They were all incredibly warm and kind, making this morning wedding pure joy to be a part of!

“Christen was Incredible”

“Christen was incredible. She is extremely organized and even helped me think through more decisions I needed to make for our ceremony, such as processional order. She is on top of everything and very detail oriented, which made her performance seamless. I hired her for a flute and cello performance and it was beautiful. They even learned "Storybook Love" from the Princess Bride movie to surprise my husband as I walked down the aisle. Thank you for everything!!” Maggie D., Bride

Flute and Cello Duo Wedding Ceremony Music in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Photo by Christen Stephens

Sample Music from the Prelude and Cocktail Hour:
Flower Duet (Delibes), Meditation from Thais (Massenet), Ecossaise (Beethoven), Scheherazade Theme (Rimsky-Korsakov), All of Me (Ruth Etting), Misty (Ella Fitzgerald), La Vie En Rose (Louis Armstrong). Si Bheag, Si Mhor (Irish), As Time Goes By from Casablanca, The Last Rose of Summer

Ceremony Music:
Unchained Melody (Righteous Brothers): Seating of the Family
Storybook Love from Princess Bride: Bride
All You Need is Love (Beatles): Recessional

Experience the Romance of our Flute and Cello Duo.

A Hip and Urban Wedding on the Dairy Block in Denver, Colorado: Flute and Cello

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony at Deviation Distilling in the Denver, Colorado Dairy Block, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Our flute and cello duo provided such fitting musical accompaniment for this urban wedding at the Denver Dairy Block! The wedding took place at Deviation Distilling, and our classical and jazz music was a smooth and romantic compliment to the chic setting.

Just before we began playing prelude music, an unexpected spectacle went right past the front door! Another couple had just gotten married, and they recessed down the alleyway, led by a chorus line of about a dozen brass players! It was quite the scene and added an extra touch of excitement to the already festive occasion.

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony at Deviation Distilling in the Denver, Colorado Dairy Block, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

For the prelude, we played a set list of elegant classical music to greet guests as they arrived. As the evening progressed, we switched to a more intimate and casual jazz set, fitting in perfectly with the urban vibe of the venue. The music helped to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for guests, allowing them to relax and enjoy the celebration.

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony at Deviation Distilling in the Denver, Colorado Dairy Block, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Trumpet Tune (Purcell): Officiant and Groom
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bach): Bride
Simple Gifts: Recessional
La Vie en Rose: Bride Re-entry Song

Sample Music Selections from the Prelude and Postlude:
Ecossaise (Beethoven), Flower Duet (Delibes), Selected Minuets (Bach), Scheherazade Theme (Rimsky-Korsakov), All of Me (Ruth Etting), Over the Rainbow (Judy Garland), As Time Goes By from Casablanca, Misty (Ella Fitzgerald), Blue Spanish Eyes (Al Martino)

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Deviation Distilling
Wedding Planner: Alegre Weddings
Photographer: Kelly Erin Photos
Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Cello Duo

From classical to jazz, we have the musical expertise to elevate your special day!

Flute and Guitar Duo Event Music at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek

Flute and Guitar Event Music at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

I enjoyed playing my flute, accompanied by my guitarist this July for the Crown Financial/Christian Economic Forum reception and banquet. The reception was held outside on the lawn by the Beaver Creek Park Hyatt, and we played a selection of jazz and pop tunes. Since everyone was traveling in from Tennessee, we included some iconic John Denver songs to give the attendees the true Colorado mountain feel.

After the reception, we played indoors for the banquet portion of the event. We played classical music as the attendees enjoyed dinner.

Enjoy Classical and Jazz Music from our Versatile Flute and Guitar Duo.

Flute, Cello, and Guitar Wedding Music at the Denver Botanic Gardens

Flute, Cello, Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Denver Botanic Gardens in Denver, Colorado

After many unusually cold and rainy April days, this Nebraska couple got lucky with the perfect spring day for their wedding celebration. They were married at the peaceful Woodland Mosaic Garden, one of several wedding sites at the Denver Botanic Gardens. This secluded woodland location has a charming Victorian solarium, making it my favorite wedding site in the gardens. The spring flowers and delicate new leaves sparkled with life, and the sun was warm and inviting.

The bride is an accordion player, and she was quite knowledgeable in music and made a variety of music selections from classical to traditional Irish, jazz, Beatles, and other contemporary songs. Both the classical and modern songs sounded perfect with our flute, cello, and guitar trio.

We played traditional classical music to greet guests as they arrived and mingled before the ceremony. This couple chose to officiate their own ceremony, and Colorado is one of only a few states where this is easy to do and recognized legally. I played short musical excerpts throughout the ceremony to set the mood and to provide lovely transitions.

After the ceremony, we switched from classical music to pop, rock, and jazz music. Everyone enjoyed our music along with cocktails and mingling. As we played, the solarium was set with tables and chairs for the dinner that would be soon to follow. We wrapped up the cocktail portion of the event with the couple’s first dance, which we accompanied with “Fantasy” by Earth, Wind, and Fire. Our guitarist switched from his classical guitar to his steel string guitar, and we really rocked it!

Flute, Cello, Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Denver Botanic Gardens in Denver, Colorado

Ceremony Music:
Sheep May Safely Graze (Bach) - Groom then Bride
Simple Gifts (Traditional) - Tree Planting Ceremony
Rondeau from Abdelazer (Purcell) - Recessional
Fantasy (Earth, Wind, and Fire) - First Dance

Cocktail Hour Music (sample selections):
Make You Feel My Love ( Adele), Viva la Vida (Coldplay), Shallow (Lady Gaga), All I Ask of You from Phantom of the Opera, All You Need Is Love (Beatles), Come Away With Me (Nora Jones)

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Denver Botanic Gardens (The Woodland Mosaic Garden)
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens (Flute, Cello, Guitar Trio)
Photographer: Ryan Dearth Wedding Photography

Our Flute, Cello, and Guitar Trio can have traditional and romantic sound, or pick up the tempo for lively contemporary music.

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music at the Ritz-Carlton in Bachelor Gulch, Colorado

Solo flute wedding ceremony music at the ritz-carlton, bachelor gulch, Colorado, Photo by Caitlin Hamilton Photography

The couple was married in mid-November at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch on a beautiful terrace overlooking the mountains. Snow clouds were moving in, creating a dramatic effect, and perfect lighting for some amazing photos. Before the ceremony, the wedding guests mingled inside to stay warm before the ceremony, and sometimes stepped outside to take photos in front of the mountains. I played my flute inside and set up my amplification outside so that I could be easily heard in both locations.

Solo flute wedding ceremony music at the ritz-carlton, bachelor gulch, Colorado

Just as the ceremony was ended, it began to lightly snow. Guests moved to the cocktail area and I was invited to join as well. It was a beautiful indoor/outdoor space made cozy with a fire and heat lamps. I didn’t stay too long, because it began to snow in earnest, and I had a long drive back to Denver.

Solo flute wedding ceremony music at the ritz-carlton, bachelor gulch, Colorado, Photo by Caitlin Hamilton Photography

Hire my beautiful and romantic Solo Flute Signature Package to give your special day a feel of joyful celebration. Learn more about my signature package and pricing HERE.

Solo flute wedding ceremony music at the ritz-carlton, bachelor gulch, Colorado, Photo by Caitlin Hamilton Photography

Solo flute wedding ceremony music at the ritz-carlton, bachelor gulch, Colorado, Photo by Caitlin Hamilton Photography

From the moment that I spoke with the bride Laura on the phone, I knew that we would be friends. We related on so many things, and I just loved Laura’s taste in music! Laura chose me to play solo flute because she said that the flute has such a celebratory and joyful sound, and it wouldn’t make her cry like a violin would.

From the Bride:

“Christen Stephens was absolutely fantastic and 5 stars isn't nearly enough! She was a complete professional from start to finish, and she truly made our wedding day perfect. I found Christen less than 2 months before our wedding, and even with that short time to prepare, she put together an incredible song list (I should also mention, the songs she has in her repertoire to choose from are also incredible!) A huge variety of songs and genres, and she went over and above by offering to learn any songs that were special to us and were not on her list. We can't thank Christen enough for providing her lovely music and great personality to our ceremony. Highly, highly recommend!”

Solo flute wedding ceremony music at the ritz-carlton, bachelor gulch, Colorado, Photo by Caitlin Hamilton Photography

Laura loved my large repertoire list, and she chose music from the Phantom of the Opera, Legends of the Fall, John Denver, the Beach Boys and Beatles, pop songs, traditional Irish tunes, and nostalgic jazz tunes. I also enjoyed learning three new songs: Rocky Mountain High (John Denver), California Girls (Beach Boys), and Music of the Night (Phantom of the Opera).

Solo flute wedding ceremony music at the ritz-carlton, bachelor gulch, Colorado, Photo by Caitlin Hamilton Photography

Wedding Processional Music:
The Ludlows from Legends of the Fall - Bridesmaids and groomsmen, ringbearer
Annie’s Song (John Denver) - Bride
Rocky Mountain High (John Denver) - Recessional

Sample Wedding Prelude and Postlude Selections:
The Way You Look Tonight (Sinatra), Georgia on my Mind (Ray Charles), The Music of the Night from Phantom of the Opera, Tobin’s Favorite (traditional Irish), Thinking Out Loud (Ed Sheeran), California Girls (Beach Boys), Don’t Get Around Much Anymore (Duke Ellington)

Solo flute wedding ceremony music at the ritz-carlton, bachelor gulch, Colorado, Photo by Caitlin Hamilton Photography

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Wedding Ceremony Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Solo Flute Signature Package
Venue: Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch
Photographer: Caitlin Hamilton Photography
Flowers: Vintage Magnolia
Officiant: Father Michael Messina

Solo flute wedding ceremony music at the ritz-carlton, bachelor gulch, Colorado, Photo by Caitlin Hamilton Photography

Solo flute wedding ceremony music at the ritz-carlton, bachelor gulch, Colorado

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music at Cathedral Point in Boulder, Colorado

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music at Cathedral Point Overlook in Boulder, Colorado

I was hired by a really sweet bride to play solo flute for a mid-week wedding ceremony at Cathedral Point Overlook in Boulder, Colorado. It would be an intimate wedding ceremony with only about 10 people total, and I met the groom, photographer and wedding guests at the Flagstaff Restaurant in Boulder and followed them to the ceremony site. The groom was in the lead car, but his phone lost signal, and with no help from GPS, he was lost!

I had studied the map and looked at satellite images before I left, so I was assigned to be the new leader and I successfully led the caravan of cars to the parking area for the overlook. It was the first time that I’ve ever led an entire wedding party to their own wedding location!

A short hike revealed a stunning and very private ceremony location. As we hiked, big fat raindrops began to fall, and by the time we arrived at the overlook, it was pouring in earnest. I hung my umbrella in a pine tree to cover me as I set up my things.

The bride wanted a light, calm, and soulful vibe, and she personally selected all of her music for the prelude, ceremony, and postlude. At her request, I even played a special song that I made up on the spot, inspired by the mountain setting, a song unique to her wedding day. Guests told me that as they hiked closer to the ceremony site, it was just like being in Lord of the Rings, with my flute music floating over the mountains and leading the way.

What a lovely and sweet ceremony this couple had, and the weather turned out to be perfectly beautiful with only a few stray drops of rain. Afterwards, I played more music during photos, and I also enjoyed getting to know the bride and groom’s family.

“The day couldn’t have been more perfect!”

“My daughter had a small mountain ceremony on top of Flagstaff Mountain in Boulder Colorado. Christen was able to play for us with very short notice. Most of the wedding party caravaned to the top but our groom lost phone signal and had trouble finding the way. Christen had studied some of the maps and was able to find the location. When my husband and daughter and I arrived a short while later we heard these lovely sounds coming through the forest as we hiked down to the ceremony site. There was truly a mystical feeling. She played mostly classical music with a few popular songs mixed in, and one she created while there and she continued to play during photos. We were also given a recording of the music from the event! That day couldn't have been more perfect and we were all so happy! We recommend Christen for wedding events as well as any others. Many thanks, Christen!” - from the mother of the bride

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music at Cathedral Point Overlook Boulder, Colorado

Bride’s Entrance: Here Comes the Bride (Wagner)

Sample Selections from Postlude and Prelude Music:
Fly Me to the Moon (Sinatra), Hornpipe 1&2 (Handel), Vivaldi (Winter), What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong), Velvet Midnight - a custom improvisation by Christen Stephens, Blackbird (Beatles)

Fun Tip: Have a simple and heartfelt wedding ceremony on an overlook in the Boulder mountains. It’s near to the city and just as beautiful, private, just as nice as any pricey formal overlook setting.

Hire my solo flute Signature Package to set the perfect feel for your wedding day. My signature package includes:

• Light, joyful, modern feel

• Large repertoire including classical, pop, rock, and jazz

• I will learn two new songs not on this list at no extra charge

• Custom improvisations unique to your wedding, in any musical style available

• Enjoy the luxurious sounds of my solid rose gold and silver flute

• Optional amplification provides tastefully enhanced sound with added reverb, ideal for outdoor performances

• No shaded location or tent required

• Greater flexibility with outdoor performances than strings

Inspire Duo Performs for "Eternal Color", Opening Night for Artist Melissa Carmon

Watch Video:

There are times in life when our dreams really do come true, and collaborating with artist Melissa Carmon to create an immersive musical and artistic experience was one of those rare moments. Melissa Carmon is an outstanding Colorado artist, and she debuted her “Stories of Saints from Antiquity” painting series at the charming Bolt Gallery in Fort Collins. The evening was an incredible success!

From Melissa:
”What can I say, Christen is an absolute dream to work with! She is not only an incredible musician, the whole process of coordinating the event was done with the utmost professionalism and polish. I had absolute assurance that everything would be ready on time, that every detail of the performance would be looked after, and that she knew exactly what she needed for the performance to be top quality. I am an artist, and Christen and Craig (co-founders of the Inspire Duo) performed throughout the opening evening at the gallery. Rave reviews poured in throughout the evening. To have live flute lent a unique beauty to the night and paired beautifully with piano. Their creativity combined with their expertise is truly impressive. The audience was captivated. Working with them is truly a pleasure!”

Watch Videos:

If you’re an artist and interested in collaborating with Inspire Duo, contact Christen Stephens:

704-275-1855
music@christenstephens.com

Craig and I of Inspire Duo performed our unique in-the-moment musical improvisations for each one of Melissa’s 12 saint paintings. We rehearsed for the show in advance to get a feel for the general musical style and mood that we wanted for each painting, but our performance at the show was completely improvised.

Watch Video:

One by one, the paintings were projected on a screen behind the stage, and Melissa introduced each one along with the saint’s historical background and a snippet of poetry. Then we briefly explained how we planned to interpret the elements of the painting musically. The room was packed the entire evening, and the guests were able to enjoy the paintings, our music, and refreshments.

Visitors had the opportunity to mingle around the room and socialize, or sit and watch our performance in the seating area at the front. We had both engaged listeners and people enjoying the music in the background as they socialized. The paintings themselves were inspired by live models, many of whom were able to attend that evening.

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Golf Club

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Golf Club in Vail, Colorado

My flute and guitar duo headed up to Vail on a chilly day in early October to play for a wedding ceremony at the Vail Golf Club. A cold front was moving in, and the weather forecast called for cold temperatures, wind, thunderstorms, and possibly even hail. We were all praying that the weather would end up being beautiful so that this couple could have the elegant wedding ceremony of their dreams.

Because of the cold temperatures, the wedding location was moved from the wedding island to the beautiful lawn space right in front of the Vail Golf Clubhouse. It was the perfect location for the guests to enjoy the heated patio, and then move outside to their seats right before the ceremony. There were a few sprinkles of rain during the ceremony, but the couple was able to have their ceremony outdoors with the stunning autumn colors and the sweeping mountains of the Gore Range as their backdrop. After the wedding ceremony concluded, the clouds poured rain and the guests moved back to safety under the covered patio to enjoy cocktails and our pop and jazz tunes.

Quick Tip:
If your wedding day isn’t sunny, it’s actually a great thing for photos! On cloudy days, colors pop and shadows disappear, making photos of both people and scenery brilliant and beautiful. If you don’t mind getting a little wet, rain and snow also add a sense of drama and romance to your wedding photos.

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Golf Club in Vail, Colorado

Sample Selections from Prelude and Postlude Music:
Unforgettable (Nat King Cole), Wonderful Tonight (Eric Clapton), The Ludlows from Legends of the Fall, Come Away With Me (Norah Jones), Fly Me to the Moon (Sinatra), Cheek to Cheek (Sinatra)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
What a Wonderful World (Lois Armstrong): Parents and Grandparents, Groomsmen, Officiant
Perfect (Ed Sheeran): Bridesmaids, Ringbearers, Flower Girl
Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis): Bride and Dad
You are the Sunshine of my Life (Stevie Wonder): Recessional

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Venue: Vail Golf Club
Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Guitar Duo
Wedding Planner: REL-Event Designs
Officiant: Scott Beebe
Photographer: Brooke Heather Photography

Autumn dates fill fast, so book us now to reserve our fun and elegant music for your wedding day

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Golf Club in Vail, Colorado

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Golf Club in Vail, Colorado

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Golf Club in Vail, Colorado

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Golf Club in Vail, Colorado

An Evening of Art and Jazz!

You’re Invited!

…....To an evening of color, history, music and poetry!

Mark your calendar for Friday, February 1st for a very special event featuring our very own Inspire Duo and opening night for a new series of paintings by award-winning artist, Melissa Carmon.

Melissa Carmon will be presenting her newly completed “Eternal Color - Stories of Saints from Antiquity” at the Bolt Gallery in downtown Fort Collins. Each one of Melissa’s twelve paintings will be presented along with a poem and historical background about each saint. Craig and I, of Inspire Duo, will be performing our musical interpretation of each piece!

You don’t want to miss this!

Friday, February 1st 2019
6:00pm - 9:00pm

Bolt Gallery
144 S. Mason St.
Fort Collins, CO'

RSVP: Email me at music@christenstephens.com and I’ll count you in!

Inspire Duo: Art and Music

Experience art on a whole new level!

Award-winning professional flutist, Christen Stephens, and professional pianist, Dr. Craig Woodward, will perform original musical improvisations inspired by each piece in the saints series. Each saint will have a pre-planned mood, but beyond that, each song will be one-of-a-kind and created entirely in the moment. This is a unique opportunity to hear this Denver-based duo in Fort Collins!   Listen to the Inspire Duo»

Eternal Color: Stories of Saints from Antiquity

This series explores a diversity of temperaments through the medium of portraiture.  One of the inspirations behind the series is the question of what really endures. Each figure's story differs vastly, but each influenced the development of western history.    Preview the Saints Series»

Inspire Duo Will be Performing at Twenty Brew Taphouse!

Craig and I at Inspire Duo are looking forward to expressing our musical creativity on May 20th at the Artists Being Artists event. We'll be improvising on the artwork being shown, and we'll also take suggestions from you, our friends! Artists Being Artists is a monthly showcase of local visual artists, musicians, poets, and more. The showcase happens every 3rd Sunday of the month at Twenty Brew Taphouse (in the back room). Come by and meet new folks, have some beer, and enjoy our exciting music!

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music at Sapphire Point in Dillon, Colorado

Photos Courtesy of Ian Riley Photography

Solo flute wedding ceremony music at Sapphire Point in Dillon, Colorado

In mid-December, I headed up to Dillon, Colorado to play solo flute for an outdoor wedding ceremony on Sapphire Point Overlook. Sapphire Point has stunning views of the Dillon Reservoir and the surrounding mountains. The mountains and pines were covered with snow, making an incredibly romantic setting for this Texas couple's wedding ceremony. I helped the guests feel warmer by playing a mix of contemporary, jazz, and Christmas music as they arrived and were seated. I think that "Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire" was particularly inviting to all of us in the steady wind and freezing temperatures.

The ceremony was fairly short and then I continued to play after the ceremony concluded while the wedding party had their photos taken. I can play my flute as long as the temperatures stay above freezing, but the temperatures were below freezing, and soon the inside of my flute was completely covered in a thick layer of ice from the moisture in my breath. I quickly changed flutes to my backup flute but soon that one froze too! Since a few keys froze together, I just avoided the notes that I couldn't play until the end of my booked time. It was quite an adventure!

Solo flute wedding ceremony music at Sapphire Point in Dillon, Colorado

Solo flute wedding ceremony music at Sapphire Point in Dillon, Colorado

Samples from Prelude Music:

Isn't it Romantic? (Ella Fitzgerald), Annie's Song (John Denver), Cheek to Cheek (Sinatra), Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany's, The Ludlows from Legends of the Fall, What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong), Deck the Hall, The First Noel, Frosty the Snowman, A Holly Jolly Christmas, It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Processional Music:

Groom: Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis)
Bride: Canon in D (Pachelbel)
Recessional: Fly Me to the Moon (Sinatra)

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:

Venue: Sapphire Point
Photographer and Videographer: Ian Riley Photography
Officiant: Phil Gallagher
Colorado Wedding Musician: Christen Stephens on Solo Flute

Hire me to play my magical and romantic solo flute music at your wedding.

Solo flute wedding ceremony music at Sapphire Point in Dillon, Colorado

Solo flute wedding ceremony music at Sapphire Point in Dillon, Colorado

Solo flute wedding ceremony music at Sapphire Point in Dillon, Colorado

Solo flute wedding ceremony music at Sapphire Point in Dillon, Colorado

Inspire Duo Plays at Rembrandt Yard in Boulder, Colorado

Inspire Duo will be playing at Rembrandt Yard in Boulder, Colorado for their event "Collaborate in the Creative Art Experience". Craig and I are looking forward to making this wonderful art come alive with our creative musical improvisations! We also enjoy taking your input and suggestions to inspire each piece that we play. Come and enjoy delicious food from A Spice of Life Catering + Events and beautiful artwork from talented local artists, as well as newly imported international pieces. This includes an authentic Aboriginal artwork show featuring art imported from Australia along with the stories behind these amazing one-of-a-kind pieces. Come and learn about the Aboriginal people and the history of their storytelling through art. All artwork is available for purchase, and you don’t want to miss this unique exhibit!

The event is free to attend, but Rembrandt Yard does request at least $1 donation for participation in The Wishing Wall, an interactive art installation. All proceeds will be donated to the Boulder County Arts Alliance.

Come and enjoy some great art, music and food and stop by and say hi to us!

Find out more about this event here: https://rembrandtyard.com/collaborate-in-the-creative-art-experience/

Friday, April 6th, 2018 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. Free admission Rembrandt Yard Art Gallery & Event Center 1301 Spruce St. Boulder, CO 80302

Flute and Harp Duo Cocktail Hour Music at the Wellshire Event Center in Denver

This fall, my flute and harp duo was hired to play for an elegant fall dinner for the Swiss American Friendship Society. Cocktails and dinner took place at the charming Wellshire Event Center in Denver, Colorado. The Wellshire Event Center is situated on a golf course and has a quaint German feel that isn't too common in Denver.

My flute and harp delighted the guests with a mix of elegant classical, jazz, and ballads as the guests enjoyed cocktails. The room was charmingly decorated with fall decor and candles. Many of the guests were excited to have the opportunity to hear a concert harp so close up, and the beautiful instrument added the the elegance of the room. The music of my flute soared over the harp as I played well-loved melodies.

Flute and Harp Duo at Mount Princeton Hot Springs in Colorado

Photos courtesy of Adore Photography

It was a chilly late summer morning when I left my house to play my flute for a wedding at Mount Princeton Hot Springs. The drive took me quickly into the mountains and even though it was a long drive, the scenery was so beautiful that the time flew by. The changes in the location and elevation continually brought new vistas. Sometimes I drove thorough deep pine forests and at other times I was surrounded by airy aspen trees, their brilliant yellow leaves sparkling in the bright autumn sunshine. At other times, there were low scrub lands or open grassy areas that stretched for miles, reminding me of the Colorado plains.

The wedding venue and lawn at Mount Princeton Hot Springs had the feeling of grandeur. During the day, the reception hall was lit with golden sunlight coming through the many high windows, and at night the indoor lights shone out, illuminating the entire building. The hall opened out to a large sloping lawn with perfectly manicured emerald green grass. A river ran behind the ceremony site making a beautiful musical song that added to the ambiance of the location. The backdrop for this scene were the strangely white Chalk Cliffs that glowed in the sunshine. There was also a great view of Mount Princeton and Mt. Antero, dark with pines.

The sun shone in the bright blue sky and it was a beautiful day for an outdoor wedding ceremony. It was extremely windy, so I used my Bose amplification system to make sure that our flute and harp duo would be easily heard above the wind. We serenaded the guests with elegant classical music as they arrived and then we played for the processional. The bride came riding up in a fairy tale-like Cinderella carriage that was pulled by a white horse while we played "Beauty and the Beast". The ceremony was incredibly romantic and there were many happy tears.

After the ceremony, we played for the cocktail hour indoors. We played a selection of contemporary and jazz style romantic songs that worked beautifully for flute and harp and complemented the theme of the wedding. The decorations inside were stunning and flowers were everywhere. The tall windows at the back of the building boasted a grand view of the chalk cliffs. I won't forget this fairy tale wedding!

Colorado flute and harp wedding ceremony music

Colorado flute and harp wedding ceremony music

Prelude Music Sample:

Sheep May Safely Graze (Bach), Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee (Beethoven), Meditation from Thais (Massenet)

Wedding Processional Music:

A Thousand Years (Christina Perri) - Bridesmaids and Groomsmen, Flower Girl
Beauty and the Beast - Bride
What a Wonderful World - Tree Planting Ceremony
I'm Yours (Jason Mraz) -  Recessional

Cocktail Hour Music Samples:

Moon River, Someone to Watch Over Me (Gershwin), Over the Rainbow, The Ludlows from Legends of the Fall, The Swan (Saint Saens), Simple Gifts, Love is Here to Stay (Gershwin), Unforgettable (Sinatra), It Had to Be You (Sinatra)

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:

Venue: Mount Princeton Hot Springs
Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Harp Duo
Photographer: Adore Photography
DJ: Elite Entertainment
Singer: John Redmon

Colorado flute and harp wedding ceremony music

Colorado flute and harp wedding ceremony music

Colorado flute and harp wedding ceremony music

Colorado flute and harp wedding ceremony music

Colorado flute and harp wedding ceremony music

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music on the Vail Wedding Island

Photos courtesy of Kristopher Lindsay Photography

Colorado flute and guitar wedding ceremony music, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Colorado flute and guitar wedding ceremony music, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Colorado flute and guitar wedding ceremony music, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Colorado flute and guitar wedding ceremony music, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Colorado flute and guitar wedding ceremony music, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

It was the first day of autumn when my guitarist and I headed down to Vail, Colorado to play for a wedding ceremony and cocktail hour. The ceremony was held at the Vail Wedding Island, and the cocktail hour was held on the covered patio of the Vail Golf Clubhouse. Fall decided to come swiftly on its first day with a rainy cold front, and our drive across the mountains was interspersed with heavy rain showers. We hoped that the weather wouldn't stop the couple from having the beautiful wedding of their dreams.

Colorado flute and guitar wedding ceremony music, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

When we arrived, the sun peered through the clouds just long enough for me to get several photos of the changing Aspen trees, glowing in their golden glory of peak season. We played prelude music on the wedding island and braved the weather, brightening up the gloomy and rainy day with our cheerful flute and guitar music. It did rain on us, but we each brought instruments that could take a little rain, so we kept playing.

The rain stopped just as the bride was about to walk down the aisle, but the wind gusted so strong that while she was walking, it tore her veil right from her head! She burst into a fit of laughter and it was contagious and soon everyone was laughing. We kept playing the bride's walking song and after about a minute, she completed her walk down the aisle and was happily married. The sun shone brightly through the clouds just as the couple was presented as husband and wife.

After the ceremony, we moved to the covered and heated patio of the clubhouse, and we warmed up as we played upbeat contemporary and jazz tunes while the guests enjoyed hous d'ouvres and cocktails. I brought my top of the line Bose L1 sound system and our sound carried beautifully throughout the space. We even got a special music request and I Googled the sheet music on my cell phone. We played it, but music was very tiny!

Samples from Prelude Music: Here Comes the Sun (Beatles), Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis), God Gave Me You (Blake Shelton), "Aylesford Gavotte" (Handel), Annie's Song (John Denver), Gavotte from Sonata for flute in C Major (Handel)

Processional Music:
Groom ~ Amazed
Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Ringbearer, Flower Girl ~ The Swan (Saint-Saens)
Bride ~ To Make You Feel My Love (Adele)
Recessional ~ Hornpipe Finale (Handel)

Samples from Cocktail Hour Music: How High the Moon (Ella Fitzgerald), Unforgettable (Sinatra), You Are the Sunshine of My Life (Stevie Wonder), Satin Doll (Duke Ellington), Cheek to Cheek (Sinatra), Don't Get Around Much Anymore (Duke Ellington)

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Venue: Vail Wedding Island and Golf Club
Wedding Planner: Jessica Kate Productions
Photographer: Kristopher Lindsay Photography
Live Ceremony and Cocktail Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Guitar Duo
DJ: DJ Guy
 

Colorado flute and guitar wedding ceremony music, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Colorado flute and guitar wedding ceremony music, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Colorado flute and guitar wedding ceremony music, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Colorado flute and guitar wedding ceremony music, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

An Enchanted Evening

I'm looking forward to playing cello and flute at this Boulder Symphony event. We're playing a really great mix of classic rock, holiday, jazz music and more!

An Enchanted Evening

FRIDAY DECEMBER 8, 2017 – 5:30 - 8:30 PM

at The Highland City Club

Please join Boulder Symphony and Highland City Club for an evening filled with enchantment and magic.

Enjoy a mouthwatering buffet dinner of global flavors and the magical stylings of a Boulder Symphony chamber ensemble while mingling in the traditional setting of the historic Highland Building.

VIP tickets are available at $65, which include a gourmet buffet dinner, and 1 concert ticket to any Boulder Symphony concert this season (a $20 value).

Purchase a ticket before November 15th and get TWO Concert Tickets (a $40 value)!

Purchase VIP tickets below. A portion of all proceeds go to Boulder Symphony.

Purchase Tickets

Event Location:

HIGHLAND CITY CLUB 885 ARAPAHOE AVENUE BOULDER, CO 80302

Solo Flute Event Music in Denver, Colorado

This past weekend, I had a wonderful afternoon playing solo flute music for the Mother's Day Tea at Brookdale Senior Living Center near Denver, Colorado. I put together a fun set of music from classical to contemporary and jazz tunes. It was lovely to meet some of the residents and their families and I think that they enjoyed listening just as much as I enjoyed playing for them. As I played, the guests enjoyed dainty treats and hot tea on that beautiful sunny afternoon. Do you want more information about my elegant solo flute music for your wedding ceremony or next event? Tell me what songs and musical styles you like and I'll put together a custom music set list just for you!

Sample Music Selections from the Mother's Day Tea: Pastorale (Vivaldi), Menuet from the Notebook of Anna Magdalena Bach (Bach), Give Me Your Hand (traditional Irish), Sunshine on my Shoulders (John Denver), As Time Goes By from Cassablanca, Love Me Tender (Elvis), What a Wonderful World, Moon River

Top Wedding Songs for 2017

Are you selecting songs for your wedding this year? Or are you planning a romantic event such as an anniversary or engagement? With all the decisions that you have to make in planning a wedding or event and so many options for music, it's helpful to start with some great ideas. These songs are are compilation of some of the most romantic wedding songs for 2017. Some of these songs are new and some are classics that have endured the test of time, and all of them are songs that we have in our repertoire. In addition to the song selections on my repertoire list, I also love arranging new songs and can create custom arrangements for your wedding or event. I'd love to hear your ideas for songs, and even if you think they're a little out there, I can usually make an arrangement that will work beautifully.

All of Me (John Legend)

Best Instruments: My flute and piano/keyboard duo is the perfect combination for this song with the flute taking the place of the vocals. Violin also sounds great as a replacement for the vocal line.

Amazed (Lonestar)

Best Instruments: The flute can beautifully replace the vocals in this song and piano/keyboard or guitar easily replaces the background chords and rhythms.

A Thousand Years (Christina Perri)

Best Instruments: This song sounds wonderful with my flute and piano/keyboard duo, string quartet, or flute quartet.

Bittersweet Symphony (The Verve)

Best Instruments: This very orchestral song works well with with my string quartet or flute quartet.

Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis)

Best Instruments: My flute and guitar duo or flute and piano duo is a perfect fit for this song with the flute taking the place of the vocals and the guitar or piano playing the background.

In My Life (Beatles)

Best Instruments: My flute and guitar duo is a perfect fit for this song.

Just the Way You Are (Bruno Mars)

Best Instruments: My flute and guitar duo is great for this song because the flute can replace the complex vocals and the guitar will provide a solid chord structure and rhythm underneath.

Make You Feel My Love (Adele)

Best Instruments: My flute and piano/keyboard duo or violin and piano duo is perfect for this song. It also works really well with my flute quartet or string quartet.

Reign of Love (Coldplay)

Best Instruments: This song sounds great with my flute and piano duo, flute trio, string trio, flute quartet, or string quartet. The flute is a great replacement for the vocals in this song.

The Way You Look Tonight (Frank Sinatra):

Best Instruments: My flute and guitar duo is a great fit for this song.

Twist and Shout (Beatles): Best Instruments:

My flute and guitar duo is the best combination for this song.

Unforgettable

Best Instruments: This classic song sounds best with my flute and guitar duo, flute quartet, or string quartet, all of which help to fill in the complex chords.

Viva La Vida (Coldplay)

Best Instruments: This very orchestral based song sounds great with my flute quartet or string quartet.

What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)

Best Instruments: You can't beat the Louis Armstrong version of this classic song. The best ensembles are the flute to imitate Louis' husky voice, accompanied by guitar, harp or piano/keyboard.

Welcome to Inspire Duo "Life Inspired Improv."

Inspire Duo is a new duo featuring the music of myself on flute and Craig Woodward on piano. We create purely improvisational music inspired by people, art and life. It was my dream to do free improvisation with other musicians for a very long time, but the opportunity hadn't presented itself until just recently. Several months ago, I was invited to a farewell moving away party for an acquaintance of mine. When I arrived, I found that I didn't know a single person in the room except for the honoree of the party, and she was deep in conversation. I walked up to the first person that I saw and introduced myself. We quickly found out that we are both musicians who love to improvise, and we were both looking for someone to improvise with. That was the unlikely beginning of Inspire Duo.

When Craig and I met for our first rehearsal, we knew that this duo was something special. We instantly clicked musically and magic began to happen. Craig and I both have extensive experience with a wide range of music from classical to jazz and numerous other styles. We found that we could create a unique blend of these styles and add our own flair to make beautiful and wildly creative music.

We began rehearsing regularly and developed a vision for collaborating with local artists in order to introduce a whole new sensory dimension to their works, both through live performances and audio recordings. Each song that we improvise starts with an inspiration - an series of descriptive words, a piece of art, another musical composition, a photo, or anything really. Beyond choosing our inspiration, we don't plan much what we will play in advance. One of us creates an initial musical idea which then takes shape as we continue to play. The music then spins from there as we communicate back and forth, building upon each musical idea and creating new ones. The great beauty of this kind of music is that we aren't stuck to written notes on a page, or even a set of chords such as on a jazz chart. We are free to develop ideas as we play and interact directly with the environment around us using music.

Stay posted for updates on our live concerts. We need your inspiration! We also accept bookings to play for social events. Email me for information on hiring us for your next party or event by clicking on "Inspire Duo" HERE.

Listen to Music Samples Here