September 19, 2023

A Calming Sacred Wedding at Spruce Mountain Ranch in Larkspur, Colorado: String Trio + Piano

September 19, 2023/ Christen Stephens

String Trio + Piano Wedding Ceremony Music at Spruce Mountain Ranch in Larkspur, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Katie Corinne

On a brisk May day, I found myself traveling to the idyllic Spruce Mountain Ranch in Larkspur, Colorado. My string trio and pianist were gathered to play music for a traditional Christian wedding ceremony. The setting was in a beautiful indoor space with gorgeous acoustics for our music, and pastoral views of rolling hills outside the large roll-up door.

In the weeks leading up to this special day, I enjoyed working closely with the groom on the music selections. One of his requests was that I arrange a number of hymns to accompany the ceremony, specifically during the congregation's singing and the communion. He also expressed a desire to enhance our traditional string trio with the inclusion of piano, providing a traditional accompaniment for the singing. The piano combined with our strings gave a full orchestral sound that perfectly complimented the congregational singing and prelude music.

The bride also had a special request that lent a unique touch to their wedding. She had chosen a processional song – the meditative 'Spiegel im Spiegel'. This song is traditionally played with a violin and piano, but it can also be played with other instruments. In this case, the couple requested the song be performed with my cello, accompanied by piano. Unlike a traditional processional, the bride wanted the serene melody of 'Spiegel im Spiegel' to play throughout the entire wedding party's entrance, culminating in her entrance at a precise moment 6:50 into the song. Thanks to a metronome, meticulous planning, and the skilled coordination of the wedding planner and DJ, the timing was executed almost flawlessly. The tranquility invoked by the music left the guests in a state of peace and calm, and when the processional was over, you could hear a pin drop.

The entire service was tied together with music and filled with spiritual readings, hymn singing, and the sacred rite of communion. I loved playing my cello along with my team on the day of the wedding, and it was so satisfying to see this couple’s wedding day vision come to life!

Sample Prelude Music Selections:
Stand by Me (Ben E. King), Southwind (traditional Irish), Across the Stars from Star Wars, Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis), I’ve Got You Under My Skin (with piano), What a Wonderful World

Wedding Ceremony Music Music:
Spiegel im Spiegel - Cello and Piano Duet: Wedding Party + Bride
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (Piano and Strings) - Congregational Hymn Singing
Be Thou My Vision (Piano and Strings) - Congregational Hymn Singing
Praise God from whom all Blessings Flow and Abide with Me (Strings): Communion
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bach): Recessional

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Spruce Mountain Ranch
Wedding Planner: Flourish Event Company
Ceremony Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - String Trio + Piano
Photographer: Katie Corinne

Enjoy the Peace of Sacred Music on our String Trio.

Listen to String Trio Music Samples

October 10, 2022

String Trio Wedding Music at Spruce Mountain Ranch in Larksupur, Colorado

October 10, 2022/ Christen Stephens

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at Spruce Mountain Ranch in Larkspur, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

This couple’s Spruce Mountain Ranch wedding was originally to take place at Trey’s Vista, which is a wide open ranch area with sweeping views. However, with the threat of wind and rain, they decided to move their ceremony to the more sheltered courtyard outside the Spruce Room.

A little rain during the ceremony didn’t take away this bride and groom’s joy, and perhaps it brought them a little extra good luck, because their day was amazing! The couple chose to have elegant classical prelude music as their guests arrived, followed by fun and upbeat contemporary music for their cocktail hour. This black tie celebration was an elegant and formal affair, and every detail was perfection, thanks to their expert vendor team! After cocktails, we left them smiling and celebrating with their first dance.

From the Father of the Bride (excerpt from his letter to me):

”… I wanted to thank you for your elegant music during Kelly and Jacob’s wedding ceremony and cocktail hour. Live music was such an important element to us and lent class to a wedding deemed “black tie”. Several guests paid compliments on the decision to include your trio… As well, Christen, you were a pleasure to work with as we prepared for the big day. I appreciated your responsiveness and organizational skills.”

Wedding Processional Music:
Canon in D - Seating of the Family
A Thousand Years - Wedding Party
Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis) - Flower Girls and Bride
All of Me (John Legend) - Recessional

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Spruce Mountain Ranch
Wedding Planner: Kenzie Kerr Weddings
Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - String Trio
DJ: Elite DJ
Photographer: Sierra Dawn Photo

Our String Trio Adds the Perfect Touch of Class to Any Event!

Listen to String Trio Music Samples

October 19, 2019

Flute and Strings Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at Spruce Mountain Ranch in Larkspur, Colorado

October 19, 2019/ Christen Stephens

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Flute and Strings Wedding Ceremony Music at Spruce Mountain Ranch in Larkspur, Colorado

Once the storm abated, the radar was looking great for the moment, and I hurried outside to set up our amplification equipment and lead our trio in a brief warmup. The sun came out, and our music was a cheerful accompaniment as guests tentatively walked out to the ceremony area, while venue staff quickly wiped the rainwater off all 250 chairs and replaced the beautiful flower arrangements.

Torrential rain, thunder, lighting, and hail didn’t stop this couple from having an elegant outdoor wedding ceremony at Spruce Mountain Ranch in Larkspur, Colorado. When I arrived 1 ½ hours before the ceremony began to set everything up for our trio, I could already hear the thunder menacing in the distance. As the ceremony time drew closer, so did the storm, and soon everyone was gathered under the shelter looking at radar and weather predictions.

The traditional Romanian wedding ceremony was filled with prayers, music performed by various family members, and wonderful stories and antidotes about the couple. It was supposed to be 1 hour and 15 minutes long, but it looked like another storm was approaching, and it had to be cut a little short as big fat drops of rain began to fall once again. We played music after the ceremony finished as guests went on to the remainder of the celebration, which would take place inside the lodge.

Our trio played lively contemporary and Baroque music that the bride had selected for the prelude, and it was a cheerful accompaniment to the sunshine and sweet, rain washed air.

Sample Songs from Prelude:
When I’m 64 (Beatles), Don’t Stop Belivin’ (Coldplay), Riguadon from Water Music (Handel), Rondeau (Moreau), Sheep May Safely Graze (Bach), Hornpipe from Water Music (Handel)

Wedding Processional Songs:
Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis) - Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Parents, Ringbearers, Flower Girls
A Thousand Years (Christina Perri) - Bride
A Sky Full of Stars (Coldplay) - Recessional

Wedding Vendors:
Ceremony Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Strings Trio
Venue: Spruce Mountain Ranch
Wedding Planner: Events by Kerin

Celebrate with style with our elegant flute and strings trio. Listen to music samples HERE

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Enjoy the Peace of Sacred Music on our String Trio.

From the Father of the Bride (excerpt from his letter to me):

Our String Trio Adds the Perfect Touch of Class to Any Event!