December 08, 2024

A Warm Family Wedding Celebration at Dillon Marina Park: Flute and Violin Duo

December 08, 2024/ Christen Stephens

Flute and Violin Wedding Ceremony Music at Dillon Marina Park in Dillon, Colorado, Photo by Christen Stephens

This summer, our flute and violin duo was delighted to play for a warm wedding ceremony at the charming Dillon Marina Park. The pavilion that the ceremony was held in overlooked the picturesque Dillon Reservoir, complete with white boat sails against brilliant blue water. The wedding was held on a peaceful weekday, and the park’s usual hustle and bustle gave way to a serene and intimate atmosphere.

From the Bride:

“Christen and the violinist were amazing to work with. My husband and I can be indecisive and she was able to guide us in our song selections to make the perfect playlist. She even coordinated with my dad (our officiant) a week before the wedding and gave him a boost of confidence as he was extremely nervous. Christen went above and beyond and we are so happy she was able to play at our wedding.” - Marcie S., Bride

Flute and Violin Wedding Ceremony Music at Dillon Marina Park in Dillon, Colorado, Photo by Vow of the Wild

My violinist and I set a lively mood as we played an elegant selection of upbeat Baroque music as guests began to gather. Following the prelude music, the ceremony began with a unique touch, as the flower girl and ring bearer handed out wands for guests to wave during the recessional. The bride’s father, serving as the officiant, was so nervous he almost skipped the rest of the processional entirely. With good humor and grace, the bride simply reminded him to wait as she nodded to us to begin playing the processional music for the wedding party.

The rest of the ceremony was very sweet, and the couple’s dog even got to be a witness on their marriage license, since that’s now a legally binding option here in wonderful and wild Colorado.

Shortly after the ceremony concluded, we played “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You” by Frankie Valli. This was a special music arrangement that I made for our flute and violin duo, at the bride’s request. It was such a pretty and romantic choice! The melody filled the pavilion as the couple shared a sweet first dance. Unfortunately, a storm was moving in, and the couple started to struggle as big gusts of wind blew through the pavilion. Unfortunately, a few particularly big gusts of wind swept through, sending guest favors flying and cutting the dance short as the bride raced to rescue them. We gracefully ended the song early and paused for a moment until the worst of the wind guests passed before we resumed playing.

Selections from the Prelude and Postlude Music:

Rigaudon from Water Music (Handel), Allegro from Flute Sonata in F Major, Op. 1 #11 (Handel), Allegro from Concerto in E Major, Op. 8 #1, Spring (Vivaldi), Si Bheag, Si Mhor (Irish), Haste to the Wedding (Irish), Banish Misfortune (Irish), The Ash Grove, River Flows in You (Yiruma)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Trumpet Tune (Purcell): Wedding Party
Canon in D (Pachelbel): Bride
All My Loving (Beatles): Recessional
Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You (Frankie Valli): First Dance

Enjoy the Vibrancy of Flute Paired with Violin.

Listen to Flute and Violin Music Samples

November 20, 2024

Flute and Strings Music for a Romantic Garden Wedding Celebration

November 20, 2024/ Christen Stephens

Flute and String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Denver Botanic Gardens in Denver, Colorado, Photo by Bree Woolliscroft

There’s something magical about hearing the elegant music of flute and strings playing for a romantic garden wedding ceremony. On a warm summer day at the Denver Botanic Gardens, our flute and string quartet (flute, violin, viola, cello) enjoyed providing the soundtrack for this traditional Jewish wedding ceremony in the delightful and colorful Annuals Garden.

As guests arrived, we played a mix of elegant classical pieces and traditional Jewish wedding favorites, creating a peaceful atmosphere that perfectly complemented the lush surroundings. For the processional, we transitioned seamlessly into the timeless wedding favorite “I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing” by Aerosmith, followed by Pachelbel’s iconic Canon in D for the bride’s walk down the aisle.

Selections from the Prelude Music:
Air from Suite #3 in D major (Bach), Menuet Op. 11 No. 5 (Boccherini), Humoresque Op. 101, No. 7 (Dvorak), Liebestraum (Liszt), Romanza from Eine Kline Nachtmusik, Dodi Li, Od Yishama

Wedding Ceremony Music:
I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing (Aerosmith): Family and Wedding Party
Canon in D (Pachelbel): Bride
Siman Tov U’Mazel Tov: Recessional

The ceremony was a heartfelt and traditional Jewish celebration. A light sprinkle of rain began to fall, cooling off the hot afternoon, as if it was offering a sweet benediction for the couple. During the 7 Blessings, the rabbi alternated between Hebrew and English, delivering the Hebrew portions at an astonishing speed that had us all very impressed with his skill. It was almost like we were hearing a Hebrew auctioneer, and it made the ceremony really memorable!

For the recessional, we launched into the lively and celebratory Siman Tov U’Mazel Tov, as the guest made their way to the cocktail hour. We followed them, setting up nearby to play a selection of contemporary pop and rock songs as refreshments were served.

But as the cocktail hour progressed, the wind began to pick up, and soon the gentle rain turned into a downpour. Guests gathered closer underneath the shelter, and we adjusted our positioning so that we could keep playing despite the rain-laden gusts of wind. Eventually, the weather became too extreme, and everyone, ourselves included, had to make a dash for shelter. The remaining guests kindly encouraged us to prioritize our instruments’ safety—and we couldn’t agree more! Despite the dramatic weather, we loved being a part of this special moment in the couple’s lives!

Selections from the Cocktail Hour Music:
All of Me (John Legend), Sunrise, Sunset from Fiddler on the Roof, I See the Light from Tangled, Married Life from Up, I Want to Hold Your Hand (Beatles), Make You Feel My Love (Adele), At Last (Etta James), Butterflies (Kacey Musgraves)

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: The Denver Botanic Gardens - Annuals Garden
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Strings Quartet
Wedding Planner: Isabelle Kline Designs
Photographer: Bree Woolliscroft
Catering: Footers Catering
Hair and Makeup: Kim J Beauty

Our Flute and String Quartet will Joyfully Compliment your Special Day!

Listen to Flute and String Quartet Music Samples

November 08, 2024

A Mountaintop Wedding Ceremony in Vail, Colorado: Violin and Cello Duo

November 08, 2024/ Christen Stephens

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado, Photo by Nick Sparks

On a perfect July day, our violin and cello duo played for this heartwarming wedding ceremony on the top of Vail Mountain. It was threatening to rain, but the weather remained calm for the entire event. Guests enjoyed a scenic ride up the Eagle Bahn Gondola and then a walk or short cart ride down to the event deck. As soon as they crested the hill, they would see breathtaking views of the mountains and hear our music floating on the breeze.

For the prelude as guests arrived, we played a mix of contemporary music and timeless older pieces that the bride selected, helping to create a romantic and joyful mood.

From the Bride:

“We had the pleasure of having Christen and her team play for our ceremony at the top of Vail Mountain and she blew us away! She is so incredibly talented and made our day so special. She even learned a new song for me to walk down the aisle to. I highly recommend her and her team to anyone in the Colorado area!” - Sara T., Bride

The processional music built anticipation and emotion with three special song requests from the bride - “Time to Say Goodbye”, “Bittersweet Symphony”, and “Prelude to Black Sands”. The third one is the introduction to a song by Bonobo, and I hadn’t heard it before, but it was unexpectedly beautiful and emotional - the perfect choice for the bride’s walk down the aisle. After the vows, the newlyweds shared their first kiss, cued by “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, as the joyous recessional began. The guests were filled with celebratory energy as they cheered and applauded, celebrating the couple as they made their way back up the aisle.

Postlude Music continued the celebration as guests made their way down the gondola. We played beloved classics like “At Last” by Etta James and “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. Guests left humming the familiar tunes as they headed off to the next part of the celebration.

Selections from the Prelude and Postlude Music:
Blackbird (Beatles), A Sky Full of Stars (Coldplay), Kiss From a Rose (Seal), Can You Feel the Love Tonight (Lion King), Unchained Melody (Righteous Brothers), What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong), Here Comes the Sun (Beatles)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Time to Say Goodbye (Bocelli): Seating of the Family
Bittersweet Symphony (The Verve): Wedding Party
Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis): Ringbearer and Flower Girl
Prelude to Black Sands (Bonobo): Bride
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough (Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson): Recessional

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Holy Cross Event Deck
Wedding Planner: A Touch of Bliss
Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Violin and Cello Duo
Photographer: Nicholas Sparks

Enjoy the Classic Elegance of the Violin and Cello.

Listen to Violin and Cello Music Samples

October 20, 2024

A Gilded-Age Wedding with Bridgerton Vibes at the Arrowhead Golf Course in Littleton, Colorado: String Quartet

October 20, 2024/ Christen Stephens

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Arrowhead Golf Course in Littleton, Colorado

This year, we were treated to a stunning long and warm autumn. Our string quartet loved playing for this early September wedding in the golden sunshine, as the the leaves were just beginning to change colors. The bride told us that the music was the most important part of her big day. In fact, we were the first vendors she booked—right after securing her venue. Her inspiration for her wedding and our music was the romantic era of the Gilded Age and the regency vibes of Bridgerton. While she wanted the band to play pop and rock hits at the reception, she wanted us to play a mix of older classics and jazz to provide a more timeless and sophisticated touch for the ceremony and cocktail hour.

Once most of the guests were seated, we played When I Fall in Love, which is one of the bride’s favorite songs. For the processional, I created a special arrangement of Golden Hour by JVKE for our string quartet. Arranging this piece for our quartet was a challenge because it was originally written with a strong emphasis on piano. The extra time that it took to adapt it for our string quartet was absolutely worth it because it turned out so well!

The bride's grand entrance was the classic Pachelbel's Canon in D, and for the recessional, we created a more funky mood with Ray LaMontagne’s You Are the Best Thing. This added a lively, feel-good finish as the couple walked back down the aisle.

Cocktail hour was just as lively, featuring a mix of catchy, upbeat older tunes and jazz. A few guests couldn’t resist the rhythm, breaking into spontaneous dancing during our tangos and more upbeat jazz numbers. We loved connecting with the crowd with our music!

From the Bride:

“Wow, I can’t thank Christen and her team enough for the beautiful music at our wedding, they absolutely exceeded our expectations! From the moment they started playing, their talent and professionalism was evident. Christen is an absolute dream to work with. She was prompt, so nice, and overall just amazing. The music perfectly set the tone for the rest of the day. To an elegant and flawless ceremony, to a lively cocktail hour. Christen worked diligently with us to ensure we would have a beautiful setlist. She and her team created an unforgettable atmosphere. We are so grateful for their contribution to making our special day so magical! Highly recommend!!” - Makayla S., Bride

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Golden Hour (JVKE): Family + Wedding Party
Canon in D (Pachelbel): Bride
You Are the Best Thing (Ray LaMontagne): Recessional

Sample Selection from the Prelude Music:
Anne’s Theme (John Denver), All of Me (John Legend), As Time Goes By from Casablanca, La Vie en Rose (Louis Armstrong), Feather Theme from Forrest Gump, Wildest Dreams (Taylor Swift)

Sample Selections from the Cocktail Hour:
Por Una Cabeza Tango from the Scent of a Woman, Stand by Me (Ben King), It Had to Be You (Harry Connick Jr.), The Shadow of Your Smile (Tony Bennett), At Last (Etta James), Yellow (Coldplay)

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Arrowhead Golf Course
Wedding Planner: Curate Denver
Photographer: Meredith Diamond Photography
Videographer: KLassy Productions
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - String Quartet

Experience the Timeless Elegance of Our String Quartet.

Listen to String Quartet Music Samples

September 22, 2024

A Golden Summer Wedding Ceremony at the Fossil Trace Golf Club in Golden, Colorado

September 22, 2024/ Christen Stephens

Flute and String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Arrowhead Golf Club in Golden, Colorado, Photo by Berg Berg Photography

It was an extremely hot summer day for this wonderful couple’s wedding ceremony, but the sweeping views of the golf course, mountain range, and table mountain were stunning under the sun’s golden light. The mother of the bride was the wedding planner, and she did an amazing job, though she said it was way more stressful to plan a wedding than to plan the events that she was more used to planning!

As guests arrived, our flute and string quartet played a mix of classical music, hymns, and a few romantic contemporary songs to set the mood of the ceremony. The ceremony was so sweet and memorable.

After the ceremony concluded, we stayed where we were and we continued to play music for the cocktail hour. Guests enjoyed our upbeat pop and contemporary tunes as they had appetizers and drinks under the shade of the trees.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
The Ludlows from the Legends of the Fall: Family and Wedding Party
Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis): Bride

Sample Selections from the Prelude Music:
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring from Cantata #147 (Bach), O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing, Blessed Assurance, I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing (Aerosmith), All I Want is You (U2), Holy, Holy, Holy, I Get to Love You (Ruelle)

Sample Selections from the Cocktail Hour Music:

Bittersweet Symphony (The Verve), Stand by Me (Ben King), Wildest Dreams (Taylor Swift), All of Me (John Legend), A Million Dreams from the Greatest Showman, Lover (Taylor Swift)

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Fossil Trace Golf Club
Photographer: Berg Berg Photography
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and String Quartet
Ceremony Sound/DJ: Quality Mobile Sounds

Enjoy the Golden Sounds of the Flute Combined with Strings.

Listen to Flute and String Quartet Music Samples

April 28, 2024

A Romantic Classical Wedding Ceremony at the Westin Riverfront Resort in Avon, Colorado: Flute and String Quartet

April 28, 2024/ Christen Stephens

Flute and String Quartet Wedding Music at the Westin Riverfront Hotel in Avon, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by MKR Photos

It was the last day of September in the beautiful Colorado mountains, and this couple had the most gorgeous day for their wedding ceremony! The setting at the Westin Riverfront Resort perfectly showcased the peak autumn foliage, mountain and river views, and a blue sky as the backdrop. This Kansas couple certainly experienced the best that Colorado had to offer for their wedding day!

Flute and String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at the Westin Riverfront Resort in Avon, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by MKR Photos

Watch Video: “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran, Performed Live by our Flute and String Quartet

Our quartet was flute and strings (flute, violin, viola, cello), and I played the flute. The bride requested all classical music, and she and her fiancee chose a custom list of romantic pieces to fit the mood that they wanted. After the ceremony, we played two contemporary songs - “At Last” by Etta James, and “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran. This contemporary vibe segued into the celebration to come later that day.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Air on the G String (Bach): Family
Bridal Chorus (Wagner): Bride
Wedding March from A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Mendelssohn): Recessional

Sample Selections from the Prelude and Postlude Music:
Air in F from Water Music (Handel), Salut D’Amour (Elgar), Serenade (Schubert), Liebestraum (Liszt), Panis Angelicus (Franck), Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bach)

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: The Westin Riverfront Resort
Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and String Quartet
Photographer: MKR Photos - Thank you for these amazing photos!

Experience the Rich and Luxurious Sounds of the Flute with Strings:

Listen to Flute and String Quartet Music Samples

March 12, 2024

Elegant Solo Flute Music for an Intimate Mountaintop Wedding Ceremony

March 12, 2024/ Christen Stephens

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music at the Overlook Chapel at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Meg Slattery

With Colorado’s unpredictable weather, It’s a good idea not to stress about the weather forecast too many days in advance of your wedding, The forecast for this late September wedding called for chilly temperatures and a steady rain, and I was planning to be prepared for anything with my waterproof flute and covers for all my electronics. This couple and all their guests were also ready for a cold rain, but the day turned out to be a gorgeous and sunny day instead!

The September air was cool with warm golden sunshine and puffy clouds making their way across the pristine blue sky. My solo flute music was the perfect touch to this intimate wedding ceremony. I played my flute accompanied by backing music, greeting guests with a selection of romantic contemporary music. I played the vocal part on my flute, and the backing music filled out my sound beautifully with all of the remaining instrumental parts. Guests easily heard my music across the mountaintop though my professional Bose speaker system.

Right after the ceremony concluded, I launched into Lovely Day by Bill Withers, a special song request made by the couple. The lively rhythms accompanied everyone back down the aisle for the recessional. After that, I kept the energy going while group photos were taken, with several more lively tunes. Everyone was raving about my music afterwards, which made me feel so good, and everyone recognized the familiar tunes!

From the Bride:

“We had Christen play at our wedding and we were blown away by her music. She created such a romantic feel to our outdoor ceremony that we will cherish forever! If you are even slightly thinking about booking Christen, do it! I promise you, you won’t regret it!”

Wedding Ceremony Music:
A Thousand Years (Christina Perri): Family, Wedding Party, and Flower Girls
Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis): Bride
Bubbly (Colbie Caillat): Unity Cross Ceremony
Lovely Day (Bill Withers): Recessional

Selections from the Prelude and Postlude Music:
Beautiful in White (Westlife), What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong), I Get to Love You (Ruelle), La Vie En Rose (Louis Armstrong), Speechless (Dan + Shay), Come Away with Me (Norah Jones), 10,000 Hours (Dan + Shay, Justin Bieber)

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: YMCA of the Rockies - Overlook Chapel
Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Solo Flute
Photographer: Meg Slattery Photography

Experience the Versatility of the Flute.

Listen to Solo Flute Music Samples

February 13, 2024

A Heartfelt Wedding Ceremony at Sapphire Point Overlook in Dillon, Colorado: Violin and Cello Duo

February 13, 2024/ Christen Stephens

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at Sapphire Point in Dillon, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Greenhouse Creative Studio

On a cool morning in late August, our violin and cello duo played elegant live music for a casual mountain wedding ceremony. The forecast called for rain, but the morning dawned clear and sunny with summery white clouds in the sky. The rain would come later, and this couple chose well to have a morning ceremony!

We played a mix of romantic contemporary music, setting a sweet and summery mood as guests arrived. We played under the shade of the tall pine trees, and a squirrel was right above us and dropping tiny pine cones on us while we played. We managed to stay mostly focused while this happened, and the cones were too small and soft to hurt us or to damage our instruments!

The ceremony was gentle and heartfelt, and the love that this couple had for each other really shone through. The father of the bride gave quite a long speech, which was so funny at times, that I was convinced that he was a comedian. He assured me afterwards that he’s not, but was happy for the compliment nonetheless.

After the ceremony concluded, the bride had requested that we segue right into their first dance song instead of the usual recessional music. There was some laughter, because bustling the bride’s gown didn’t go as smoothly as planned! Soon the couple was ready, and they enjoyed their first dance, while we accompanied them with “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” from the Lion King. After that, we played a number of upbeat rock and pop songs to get the party started. Everyone did a toast, followed by photos, and then mingling.

“Lovely, Pleasant Accompaniment”

“I hired Christen for my daughter's wedding. The entire experience was professional, communication was clear and the performance was just fantastic.” - Sharon E., mother of bride

Married at Sapphire Point in Dillon, Colorado
Violin and Cello Duo

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis): Groom + Parents, Ringbearer
Canon in D (Pachelbel): Bride
Can You Feel the Love Tonight? from the Lion King: First Dance
Here Comes the Sun (Beatles): Right after Toast

Sample Selections from the Prelude, Postlude, and Photos:
The Sound of Music, The Last Rose of Summer, Over the Rainbow (Judy Garland), Speechless (Dan + Shay), All You Need is Love (Beatles), Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, What a Wonderful World, Don’t Stop Belivin’ (Journey), I Want to Hold Your Hand (Beatles), Holy (Justin Bieber), Wildflowers (Tom Petty), Let it Be (Beatles)

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Sapphire Point
Photographer: Greenhouse Creative Studios
Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Violin and Cello Duo

Experience the Sweet Elegance of our Violin and Cello Duo.

Listen to Violin and Cello Music Samples

February 01, 2024

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

February 01, 2024/ 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 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).

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!

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!

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!

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)

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

Our String Quartet Sets the Perfect Mood.

Listen to String Quartet Music Samples

January 16, 2024

A Glamorous Mountaintop Wedding in Crested Butte, Colorado: Flute, Violin, Viola, Cello Quartet

January 16, 2024/ Christen Stephens

Flute and String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Ten Peaks in Crested Butte, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Amy Karp Photography

Over Labor Day weekend, our flute and strings quartet had the pleasure of playing wedding ceremony and cocktail hour music for a glamorous event in Crested Butte, Colorado. Because we had to drive 5 hours in Labor Day weekend traffic, we all decided to make a weekend of it and stay for a few days. The scenery on some of our hikes was epic!

The rest of the guests were mostly coming up from Texas. That meant they were able to fly into the Gunnison Airport and make the easy drive up to Crested Butte. Most of my clients are actually from Texas because they love Colorado, and because they can easily access the awe-inspiring Colorado mountains.

This wedding celebration took place at Ten Peaks in Crested Butte and the ceremony was held on the outdoor wedding deck, which boasted sweeping mountain views. The couple enhanced the rustic mountain location with lush flowers lining the entire wedding aisle and a full floral bridal arch. As guests arrived, we played a mix of pop, country, and jazz music, personally selected by this fun-loving and relaxed couple. Since it was raining, we played under the tent shelter and amplified our music to the adjacent ceremony area. I used my brand new Bose L1+ Pro speakers, which not only sound great, but eliminate all use of wires, which can easily become trip hazards.

Just as the ceremony was about to begin, the rain cleared away, as if on cue, and the processional began. There were 16 members of family to be seated, and we kept a lively rendition of “Thunderstruck” by ACDC going as they processed down the aisle. Then, we segued to the romantic “La Vie En Rose” for the bride.

After the conclusion of the ceremony, we moved to the cocktail hour location, which was by the Umbrella Bar. We continued to play a lively set of music that the bride chose, as guests enjoyed drinks and refreshments prior to the reception.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Thunderstruck (ACDC): Seating of the Family
La Vie En Rose (Louis Armstrong): Bride
Somewhere Over the Rainbow (Judy Garland): Unity Ceremony
Here Comes the Sun (Beatles): Recessional

Sample Music from the Prelude and Cocktail Hour:
I Will Always Love You (Whitney Houston), It had to be you (Harry Connick Jr.), Black River (Amos Lee), Lover (Taylor Swift), Bittersweet Symphony (The Verve), Tennessee Whiskey (Chris Stapleton), Take me home, country roads (John Denver), All of the lights (Kanye West), Viva La Vida (Coldplay), Everlong Foo-Fighters, How High the moon (Ella Fitzgerald), Sweet Caroline (Neil Diamond)

Wedding Vendors:
Planning: Laurel and Rose
Wedding Venue: Crested Butte Resort
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and String Quartet
Hair: Brittani Estes
Floral: Bows & Arrows
Specialty Rentals: Colorado Party Rentals
Photography: Amy Karp
Lighting and Decor: Little Mad Events
A/V: Kaleidescope
Reception Music: Kat V
Transportation: CoWest Transportation, LLC
Photobooth: Wanderbus Photobooth
Oxygen: Sea Level Spa
Cake: Wildflour Sweets

Experience the Elegant Harmonies of our Flute and String Quartet.

Listen to Flute and String Quartet Music Samples

January 07, 2024

A Lighthearted Wedding Ceremony at the Grand Hyatt, Vail: Violin and Cello Duo

January 07, 2024/ Christen Stephens

On a beautiful summer day, I had the pleasure of playing cello alongside my violinist for a charming wedding ceremony at the Grand Hyatt in Vail, Colorado. The cloud cover cooled off the hot day perfectly, and everyone was comfortable in their summer dresses and suits. The ceremony took place on the Gore Creek Terrace, which felt like a private enclave in the midst of the bustling resort.

The bride wanted a happy and lighthearted feel for her ceremony, and I created a music setlist to fit the bill. We also added and learned two new songs at the bride’s request. The charming “Married Life” from Up made for a lighthearted and sweet addition, and “A Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay was the perfect upbeat recessional song. We played on our electric instruments to create a modern and fun vibe.

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Grand Hyatt, Vail, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Christen Stephens

From the Groom:

“Christen and her team provided an exceptional performance at our wedding ceremony. They were extremely professional throughout the whole process and on our day. We had two additional song-s added that were not on her repertoire. The execution of them was beautiful and greatly appreciated. We highly recommend! Their music and performance added an element of elegance and beauty to our ceremony that was unparalleled.”

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Grand Hyatt, Vail, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Samples from the Prelude Music:
Let it Be (Beatles), For the Dancing and the Dreaming from How to Train Your Dragon, Married Life from “Up”, Here Comes the Sun (Beatles)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Sweet Child ‘O Mine (Guns ‘N Roses): Wedding Party, Ringbearer, Flower Girls
Don’t Stop Belivin’ (Journey): Bride
A Sky Full of Stars (Coldplay): Recessional

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Grand Hyatt, Vail
Coordination: Aspen and Ivy
Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Violin and Cello Duo
Photographer: Toni Axelrod Studios
Floral: A Secret Garden
Makeup and Hair: Rocky Mountain Hair Co.

Enjoy the Simple Elegance of the Violin and Cello.

Listen to Violin and Cello Music Samples

December 12, 2023

A Fun Loving Wedding Ceremony at the Planet Bluegrass in Lyons, Colorado: String Quartet

December 12, 2023/ Christen Stephens

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Planet Bluegrass in Lyons, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by June Cochran Photography

Our string quartet was delighted to play fun contemporary music for this casual spring wedding ceremony at Planet Bluegrass in Lyons, Colorado. It was a breezy and damp day, threatening more spring rain, but other than a few sprinkles prior to the ceremony, the rain held off! Our delicate wooden stringed instruments were protected by the canopy covering that the bride provided for us, and we were able to play continuous prelude music as the guests arrived and mingled. The bride made a selection of fun contemporary and jazz music for both before and after her ceremony.

Due to having family in various different locations, this was their third wedding ceremony, but that fact didn’t detract at all from the couple’s joy and the excitement of their special day. They were fun-loving and casual, and it was wonderful to be a part of their Colorado wedding!

From the Bride:

“Christen and her fellow musicians provided lovely music for our wedding ceremony, and she was incredibly easy to communicate with leading up to our wedding day. She took into account all of our suggestions and did a good job of organizing music for pre-ceremony versus the ceremony itself. One thing to note is that you'll need to provide a canopy or umbrellas for them to sit under if your ceremony is outdoors (and waterproof if you're expecting it may rain). Thanks so much for helping to make our day super special!” - Kaitlin H., Bride

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Canon in D (Pachelbel): Family, Wedding Party, Flower Girl, Ringbearer
Bridal Chorus (Wagner): Bride
Wedding March (Mendelssohn): Recessional

Sample Music from the Prelude:
Home (Edward Sharpe), Holy (Justin Bieber), Lover (Taylor Swift), Married Life from the Pixar Movie "Up, Make You Feel My Love (Adele), All of Me (John Legend)

Add Fun and Elegance to your Wedding Day with Our Joyful String Quartet!

Listen to String Quartet Music Samples

December 01, 2023

Royal Wedding Music on a Mountainside: Flute, Trumpet, and Strings

December 01, 2023/ Christen Stephens

Trumpet, Flute, and String Quintet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour music at Beano’s Cabin in Beaver Creek, Colorado, Photo by Shane Macomber Weddings

One summer afternoon, we had the pleasure of playing royal music for a lavish mountainside wedding celebration! It was the kind of wedding with outdoor couches and joyous flowers everywhere. Our trumpet, flute, violin, viola, and cello quintet certainly created the perfect feel for this elegant day.

It was also the best planned wedding of the year, due to the diligence of the amazing wedding planner and the mother of the bride. All the bride had to do was to walk down the aisle and enjoy her special day. I worked with the bride’s mother throughout the entire planning process, and she had a very specific vision, which we worked hard to carry out to perfection.

We played a prelude of regency era music, such as the Eine Kline Nachtmusik by Mozart, and selections from Bach and Handel. The mothers couldn’t wait to be escorted down the aisle to the joyful and aristocratic strains of the “Entrance of the Queen of Sheba” by Handel. The bride’s mother adored this song and said that the queen was one lucky lady to have such wonderful song written specially for her! The song was part of Handel’s oratorio “Solomon”, and written long after the actual Queen of Sheba’s death, but I hope she somehow knows about it anyway.

The entire prelude and start of the processional was performed with flute and strings only, and the trumpet was being reserved for the bride’s grand entrance. I didn’t even allow our poor trumpet player to warm up, so that we wouldn’t spoil the surprise! Because of this, I was very impressed that he was able to launch right into the bride’s song without a hitch. Our secret plan didn’t disappoint! Everyone’s attention was grabbed as we all played “Trumpet Tune” by Purcell, with the trumpet at the helm. The bride took her time walking down the aisle, and she was wreathed in smiles.

After a wonderful ceremony, we played a mix of more royal classical music and contemporary songs selected by mom. The trumpet joined us now, and our music gave everything such an air of elegance and grace. The entire evening was such a joyful celebration, and it was such a pleasure to take parts in the key parts of the ceremony with our royal music.

An Email Excerpt from the Mother of the Bride:

“Thank you for the beautiful music at my daughter’s wedding…. I could hear the sweet notes of your flute floating through the air. The beautiful classical music was perfect for the setting at Beano’s. I wish I could go back and play it all again in slow motion so that I could have a better recollection of everything and notice all the tiny details that took so long to plan…it was a blur. Thank you Christen to you and your team.” - Robin H., Mother of the Bride

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Entrance of the Queen of Sheba (Handel): Seating of the Family
Trumpet Voluntary (Clarke): Wedding Party, Flower Girl, Ringbearers
Trumpet Tune (Purcell): Bride
Wedding March (Mendelssohn): Recessional

Prelude and Cocktail Hour Music (Sample Selections):
Eine Kline Nachtmusic (Mozart), Hornpipe Finale from Water Music, Brandenburg No 2 (Bach), Prelude from Te Deum, Sound the Trumpet (Purcell), A Million Dreams from the Greatest Showman, Ode to Joy (Beethoven), Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis), At Last (Etta James), Arm Ye the Brave from Judas Maccabeus (Handel)

Wedding Vendors:
Planning: The Soiree Studio
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens
Venue: Beano’s Cabin
Photography: Shane Macomber Weddings
Cinema: Films About Love
Florals & Furniture: Rose Petals Vail
Cake: Cornerstone Chocolates and Confections
Beauty: Divine Beauty Artists
Reception Entertainment: Syndicate Band
Stationery & Printed Goods: Four 13 Design
Rentals: Event Rents
Linens: Nuages Design

November 18, 2023

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

November 18, 2023/ Christen Stephens

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!

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.

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.

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.

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)

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

Experience the Joy of Our Flute and Guitar Duo.

Listen to Music Samples

November 06, 2023

A Classic Backyard Colorado Wedding: Flute and Cello Duo

November 06, 2023/ Christen Stephens

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

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.

Listen to Flute and Cello Music Samples

October 25, 2023

Romantic Flute and Piano Music for a Rainy Day Wedding at the Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs

October 25, 2023/ Christen Stephens

Flute and Piano Wedding Ceremony Music at the Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Christen Stephens

I had a wonderful time playing my flute, accompanied by my pianist, for a joyful wedding ceremony at the Broadmoor Resort this summer. I experienced torrential rains and flooding on my trip down to Colorado Springs, and I hoped that the rain would clear away by the time the ceremony began. The wedding ceremony was to take place on the South Terrace of the Broadmoor Resort, a location offering sweeping views of a serene lake and the majestic Colorado mountains. The bride had chosen a repertoire of nostalgic contemporary music to complement the romantic and summery feel that she wanted for her wedding day. As guests began to arrive, my pianist I played prelude music, setting the mood for the festivities to come. As it sprinkled rain, the guests mingled under the shelter of the terrace and enjoyed our music.

Finally, the moment for the ceremony to begin arrived, and the bride made her entrance to “Can’t Help Falling in Love”. For a brief time, it seemed that it would only sprinkle during the ceremony, But, nature had other plans and the rain gradually intensified. Soon, it became clear that the couple was contemplating a dash down the aisle to seek shelter! Officiant Phil Gallagher, ever the quick thinker, wrapped up with a few well placed words, and the couple dashed down the aisle to covered patio area. As they hurried for cover, my pianist and I played "This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" by Natalie Cole, an exciting accompaniment to everyone’s impromptu exit.

“Enchanted Ceremony Music!”

“I recently had the pleasure of working with Christen (flute and piano) for my wedding ceremony at The Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs this past June 2023. I cannot express how grateful my partner and I are for their enchanting performance, which added an extraordinary touch to our special day. From the moment I reached out to Christen, her professionalism and passion for music were evident. She was incredibly responsive and attentive, taking the time to understand our preferences and desires for the ceremony. Her expertise and guidance in selecting the perfect repertoire were invaluable, and she went above and beyond to ensure that every musical detail was taken care of. Christen and her pianist were professional and graceful throughout the entire process. They seamlessly coordinated with our wedding planner and other vendors, spreading joy with their positive energy and making the experience truly memorable. We are incredibly grateful to Christen for making our dream wedding come true. If you're seeking a flawless and enchanting musical experience for your special day, we wholeheartedly recommend Christen. Her exceptional talent, professionalism, and genuine passion will create cherished memories that last a lifetime. Thank you, Christen, for making our wedding ceremony an enchanting and magical affair.” - Alecxis A., bride

Married at the Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs
Flute and Piano Duo

Flute and Piano Wedding Ceremony Music at the Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by David Gilette

Wedding Ceremony Music:
In My Life (Beatles): Seating of the Family, Wedding Party
Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis): Bride
This will be (an everlasting love) (Natalie Cole): Recessional

Sample Selections from the Prelude and Postlude:
A Groovy Kind of Love (Phil Collins), You Are the Sunshine of My Life (Stevie Wonder), Just the Way You Are (Bruno Mars), Unchained Melody (Righteous Brothers), Signed, Sealed, Delivered (Stevie Wonder)

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: The Broadmoor Resort
Wedding Planner: The Planning Co.
Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Piano Duo
Photographer: Amanda Berube
Officiant: Phil Gallagher
Hair and Makeup: Kim J Beauty
DJ: Golden Bell
Florist: Calla Lane Florals

Experience the Romance of Flute and Piano.

Listen to Flute and Piano Music Samples

October 15, 2023

A Rainy Day Wedding at the Mirabelle Restaurant in Beaver Creek, Colorado: Flute and Cello Duo

October 15, 2023/ Christen Stephens

Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Mirabelle Restaurant in Beaver Creek, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Emmkayy Photos

In the midst of a very rainy spring, I drove through the wet weather to Colorado’s mountains to play my flute for a peaceful wedding ceremony in Beaver Creek. Once I arrived at the charming historic Mirabelle Restaurant, I was greeted by a continuous downpour. I ate lunch and then my cellist and I warmed up on our instruments indoors. By the time we were preparing our setup in the cool outdoor air, the rain had retreated, leaving a clean and sweet rain-washed air in its wake. Several gas patio heaters, kindly provided by the restaurant staff, offered a toasty counterpoint to the day's chill.

As we warmed up on our instruments outside, my cellist colleague noticed something amiss. String lights hanging above the ceremony area were touching one of the patio heaters, generating wisps of smoke. We immediately alerted the restaurant staff, preventing what could have been an unfortunate event. Disaster averted!

Shortly afterwards, the bride’s brother was facing a challenge of his own. He had volunteered to sing "All of Me" and accompany himself on his keyboard, using borrowed sound equipment. Unfortunately, the speakers were barely audible and produced a distorted sound even at low volumes. I noticed the problem, and I offered my backup sound equipment. My spare speaker and microphone allowed him to sing and be heard above the murmur of the creek and the whisper of the trees.

We played an elegant prelude of classical music. This was followed by the ceremony, which went off without a hitch, except for the bride and groom getting hitched, of course! With the sun breaking free from the clouds and the soothing sounds of the nearby creek providing a natural soundtrack, the bride and groom exchanged their vows. We continued to play after the ceremony as guests mingled and enjoyed appetizers. I selected a mix of classical and contemporary music for the cocktail hour set list, and so many people came up to us and said that we were playing their favorite songs, or songs with special memories attached. That made me so glad that our music could be a meaningful part of this special day!

From the Mother of the Bride:

“Perfect Music for my Daughter's Wedding”

“Christen and a cellist played at my daughter's wedding in Beaver Creek. She was very helpful with planning the music for each part of the ceremony. Her website is an excellent resource for selecting the music. She was very responsive and even reached with questions so that we stayed on track with planning. We ended up adding an hour of music for the cocktail hour. My son, who is very musical, was impressed with the popular music they played, such as music from the Greatest Showman. On the day of the wedding, she went above and beyond to help my son, who was singing, set up his sound equipment. Having the flute/cello duet definitely elevated our wedding experience. I would highly recommend working with Christen.”

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Trumpet Voluntary (Clarke): Wedding Party
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bach): Bride
Amazing Grace and Be Thou My Vision: Communion and Prayer
Wedding March from a Midsummer Night’s Dream (Mendelssohn): Recessional

Sample Music from the Prelude and Cocktail Hour:
Chorale from Cantata #140 (Wachet auf), Spring from the Four Seasons (Vivaldi), Air from Suite #3 in D Major (Bach), Si Bheag, Si Mhor (Traditional Irish), Anglaise (Bach), La Vie En Rose (Louis Armstrong), Ode to Joy (Beethoven), I Get to Love You (Ruelle), A Million Dreams from the Greatest Showman, Married Life from “Up”

Wedding Vendors:
Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Cello Duo
Venue: The Mirabelle Restaurant
Photographer: Emmkayy Photos

Our Enchanting Flute and Cello Duo is Pure Elegance.

Listen to Flute and Cello Music Samples

May 15, 2023

A Magical Autumn Wedding at the Arrowhead Golf Course: String Trio

May 15, 2023/ Christen Stephens

String Trio Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Arrowhead Golf Course in Littleton, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Nicole Henshaw Photography

Colorado is known for its ideal autumn days, with warm golden sunshine and crisp cool air. It was one of those bright Colorado days that I had the opportunity to play my cello for this gorgeous wedding ceremony at the picturesque Arrowhead Golf Club. This fun-loving couple was thrilled that the rain clouds of the past week had cleared for their wedding day, as if part of the plan all along.

Our string trio music wove the day's events together, serenading guests as they arrived, through the ceremony, and then the cocktail hour. We played slow and romantic modern melodies for the prelude, as the couple requested. The guests recognized many of the songs that we played, and I could see their faces light up as they heard familiar contemporary melodies played in a whole new way on our classical instruments.

What a sweet surprise when a small herd of deer emerged during the ceremony, peacefully grazing in the backdrop, as if on cue!

After the ceremony, we transitioned to the cocktail hour area, where we accelerated the tempo and created an upbeat mood with contemporary tunes as the guests mingled and enjoyed cocktails and appetizers. We played indoors because the temperature had dropped, and with the help of our professional speaker system placed outside, our music flowed seamlessly throughout both the indoor and outdoor spaces.

From the Groom:

“Truly Special Touch”

“Christen and her trio were lovely. They just performed at our wedding this past weekend, and having a live orchestra at our ceremony and cocktail hour added an extra touch for us that we thought was well worth it! It was an absolute pleasure working with her leading up to our wedding; she was very prepared and did a great job at playing the type of modern style that we love! Our guests had such great things to say about them and we would 100% recommend her to all of you!” - Jacob G., Groom

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis): Seating of the Parents and Wedding Party
A Thousand Years from Twilight: Bride
Marry You (Bruno Mars): Recessional

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Arrowhead Golf Course
Wedding Planner: Pink Champagne Events
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - String Trio
Photographer: Nicole Henshaw Photography

Experience the Modern Side of Our String Trio.

Listen to String Trio Music Samples

May 04, 2023

A Sunset Wedding Ceremony at the Pines at Genesee: Violin and Cello Duo

May 04, 2023/ Christen Stephens

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Pines at Genesee, in Genesee, Colorado, Photo by Jason Batch Photogrpahy

As a cellist, I love sharing my passion for music with others, especially on one of the most important days of their lives. In early October, I had the pleasure of playing my cello alongside my talented violinist for a twilight wedding in a mountain forest. Together, we added a touch of romance and elegance to the already enchanting atmosphere.

As the guests gathered, we performed a prelude of mostly contemporary music selected by the bride, setting the tone for the rest of the evening. Included in the prelude was "Dawn" from the beloved film, Pride and Prejudice. The bride had requested this piece, which was originally written for piano, and I arranged it for violin and cello with beautiful results.

The processional was timed perfectly to coincide with the sunset, and the wedding party walked down the aisle to the enchanting sounds of "Turning Page" from the Twilight Saga. The bride then made her grand entrance as we played the timeless classic, "All I Ask of You" from Phantom of the Opera.

As dusk fell, the charming outdoor wedding venue was illuminated by lovely string lighting, which added to the intimate and romantic ambiance, and gave the chilly evening a warm and golden feel.

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Pines at Genesee, in Golden, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Jason Batch Photogrpahy

Sample Prelude Music Selections:
Air from Suite #3 In D Major (Bach), Butterfly Waltz from Twilight, Bubbly by Colbie Caillat, Dawn from Pride and Prejudice, Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Turning Page from Twilight: Wedding Party, Flower Girl, and Ringbearer
All I Ask of You from Phantom of the Opera: Bride
A Million Dreams from the Greatest Showman: Recessional

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: The Pines at Genesee
Wedding Planner: A Touch of Bliss
Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Violin and Cello Duo
Photographer: Jason Batch Photo (Instagram, Facebook)
Videographer: Cristina Ivy Photo + Film

Experience the Classic Elegance of Violin and Cello.

Learn more

April 21, 2023

A Golden Autumn Wedding at Lynn Britt Cabin in Snowmass, Colorado: Flute and Violin Duo

April 21, 2023/ Christen Stephens

Flute and Violin Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at Lynn Britt Cabin in Snowmass, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Kelsey Cole Photography

Imagine a scene right out of a storybook, with a moody sky, vibrant autumn foliage, and an intimate mountain cabin wedding. This wedding celebration took place at Lynn Britt Cabin in Snowmass, Colorado, and my violinist and I loved being a part of a very special day for this wonderful couple.

After punching in the gate code, we wound our way up the mountainside, and the rustic setting of Lynn Britt Cabin came into view. The foliage was in its peak glory against a moody sky, and chic decor offset the wild beauty of the mountainside. It rained as we played a prelude of traditional classical and contemporary music. As we played, the sun suddenly emerged in a glorious display, illuminating the surroundings with its warm light, and the ceremony was quickly pushed up to take advantage of this moment. The bride and groom exchanged their vows bathed in golden sunlight.

Following the ceremony, we continued to play a set of romantic contemporary music as the guests enjoyed drinks and appetizers, and took advantage of the last few rays of sunshine. The weather once again turned cold and rainy after a time, and the cocktail hour was likewise cut short so that the guests could take shelter in the heated reception tent.

From the Bride:

“We were so thrilled Christen and her team were available for our wedding. She was a joy to work with, was on top of everything and made me feel like this was one major item I could check off my list and not have to worry. Extremely professional and helpful when we weren’t sure which choice of music we wanted to go with. I would choose her 100x over.” Kristen L.

Sample Music Selections from the Prelude:
Simple Gifts, Etude in E major, Op. 10 #3 (Chopin), Clair De Lune (Debussy), Intermezzo from, Cavalliera Rusticana (Mascagni), Holy, Holy, Holy, Romanza from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, K 525 (Mozart)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Bubbly (Colbie Caillat): Seating of the Family and the Wedding Party
Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis): Bride
Love Me Like You Do (Ellie Goulding): Recessional

Sample Music Selections from the Cocktail Hour:
Butterfly Waltz from Twilight, If I Never Knew You from Pocahontas, Nocturne from A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Mendelssohn), Concerning Hobbits from The Fellowship of the Rings, Yellow (Coldplay), The Ludlows from Legends of the Fall, Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Lynn Britt Cabin
Wedding Planner: Aesthetic Event Planning
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Violin
Photographer: Kelsey Cole Photography

Flute and Violin are the Perfect Pair.

Listen to Flute and Violin Music Samples

Blog

From the Bride:

Enjoy the Vibrancy of Flute Paired with Violin.

Our Flute and String Quartet will Joyfully Compliment your Special Day!

From the Bride:

Enjoy the Classic Elegance of the Violin and Cello.

From the Bride:

Experience the Timeless Elegance of Our String Quartet.

Enjoy the Golden Sounds of the Flute Combined with Strings.

Watch Video: “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran, Performed Live by our Flute and String Quartet

Experience the Rich and Luxurious Sounds of the Flute with Strings:

From the Bride:

Experience the Versatility of the Flute.

“Lovely, Pleasant Accompaniment”

Experience the Sweet Elegance of our Violin and Cello Duo.

Our String Quartet Sets the Perfect Mood.

Experience the Elegant Harmonies of our Flute and String Quartet.

From the Groom:

Enjoy the Simple Elegance of the Violin and Cello.

From the Bride:

Add Fun and Elegance to your Wedding Day with Our Joyful String Quartet!

An Email Excerpt from the Mother of the Bride:

From and Email From the Bride:

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

Experience the Joy of Our Flute and Guitar Duo.

“Christen was Incredible”

Experience the Romance of our Flute and Cello Duo.

Experience the Romance of Flute and Piano.

From the Mother of the Bride:

“Perfect Music for my Daughter's Wedding”

Our Enchanting Flute and Cello Duo is Pure Elegance.

From the Groom:

“Truly Special Touch”

Experience the Modern Side of Our String Trio.

Experience the Classic Elegance of Violin and Cello.

From the Bride:

Flute and Violin are the Perfect Pair.