November 28, 2025

A Timeless June Wedding at Vail Golf Club: Violin and Cello Duo

November 28, 2025/ Christen Stephens

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Golf Club in Vail, Colorado, Photo by Meg Illuminate

This June wedding at the Vail Golf Club was truly one of the highlights of my wedding season. The family’s Midwestern warmth made me feel right at home, especially since much of my own family is from Wisconsin! Jackie, the bride’s mother, poured her whole heart into making the day unforgettable for her daughter. With a playful laugh, she told me they were “pretending to be rich for a day,” and they certainly pulled it off with effortless style and lots of love.

The mid-June weather couldn’t have been more perfect, and the constant spring rain and snow made the golf club lawn and trees look almost impossibly lush. The mountains still wore little crowns of leftover snow under blue skies and puffball clouds.

The ceremony took place on the open lawn next to the clubhouse, with the majestic Gore Range as a backdrop. I performed on cello, along with my violinist, and we played under the porch overhang for shade and the perfect acoustics. Our sound system carried our music beautifully to both the ceremony lawn, and also the cocktail hour, which later took place on the porch.

As guests began to arrive, we had the air humming softly with elegant strains of Bach, Handel, Mozart, Purcell, and other classical favorites, as requested by the couple. Their prelude list was a cohesive flow of classical music with touches of sacred music woven throughout.

The ceremony began with Bach’s Air on the G String as the families, officiant, groom, and wedding party made their way down the aisle. The bride walked slowly to the classic strains for Pachelbel’s Canon in D, and was escorted by her dad.

The faith-filled ceremony was officiated by the groom’s father, Greg, and he was so professional, like he’d been officiating weddings his whole life. We accompanied communion for the couple with The Blessing by Kari Jobe. When we finished playing, the officiant’s words gave me goosebumps in a good way, “How profound is it that the song they were just playing was from the Aaronic blessing, the blessing that I just spoke over you guys. We didn’t coordinate that - that was a God thing.”

As the newly pronounced couple took their first steps together down the aisle, we played What a Wonderful World, and then we segued into more classical music as the cocktail hour began. We played an extra long cocktail hour that included classical favorites such as highlights from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, the Flower Duet, Meditation from Thaïs, and selections from Strauss, Schubert, Handel, Bach and more.

One of the loveliest parts of this day was the atmosphere the families created. Jackie, the mother of the bride, welcomed us with such sincerity and gratitude, and the couple was just as gracious. Their guests also created an environment of ease, and they were so complimentary of our music throughout the day.

As the sun gilded the mountaintops with gold, we concluded our final hour of music as guests moved indoors for the dinner and reception portion of the event.

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Vail Golf Club
Photographer: Meg Illuminate
Wedding Planner: Glitter and Bliss
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Experience the Classic Elegance of Violin and Cello.

Listen to Violin and Cello Music Samples

October 26, 2025

A Bridgerton-Inspired Wedding at The Arrabelle in Vail, Colorado: Violin and Cello Duo

October 26, 2025/ Christen Stephens

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony and COcktail Hour Music at the Arrabelle in Vail Square, Photo by Kimmi D Photography

Stephanie and Thomas’s Bridgerton inspired wedding at The Arrabelle at Vail Square was everything one could hope for in a September celebration in the Colorado mountains. Everyone enjoyed clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and lush views of Vail’s ski slopes.

From the Bride:

“Christen was WONDERFUL to work with!!! For our wedding at the Arrabelle in Vail, CO we wanted a string duet - violin and cello. Christen is a preferred vendor for Vail resorts and once we reached out to her to inquire, I can see why. Her music is lovely, she was a dream to work with and guided us through the entire process. We chose to play classical before the ceremony and contemporary for the cocktail hour. Her playlist is massive!! Unfortunately there was competing music coming from a bar next door but when Christen was playing, we never heard the other music. Christen's music was the perfect touch to the scenic backdrop of Vail. I wouldn't think twice about using her again.”

Our violin and cello duo performed on the Great Room Terrace, a calming outdoor space overlooking downtown Vail and the mountains. Guests arrived to the sound of our elegant classical music, including selections from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Handel’s Water Music, setting the mood for a romantic ceremony. A few minutes before the ceremony began, we played Schubert’s Ave Maria, as requested by the bride, to lead guests to their seats and to prepare for the processionals.

A Fun Piece of Trivia

My violinist for this wedding recently appeared on the newest season of *Love Is Blind*! It was such a delight to spot a familiar face on screen, and it brought back lovely memories of the delightful time we had playing together for this day as well.

The wedding party entered to Bach’s Sheep May Safely Graze, followed by Stephanie’s walk down the aisle to Pachelbel’s Canon in D. The ceremony was performed beautifully by Stephanie’s brother, and he made it so heartfelt and personal. When the newlyweds were announced, we launched into Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, a perfect selection for the mountain setting and the celebration to follow.

We were originally going to play acoustically in the intimate setting, but after the ceremony concluded, a nearby restaurant began playing loud jazz music. I always come prepared, and I quickly set up my sound system. Our music carried clearly across the terrace, ensuring our live performance was the one featured for this couple.

As the light softened over the mountains, we shifted to contemporary favorites arranged for strings—songs like Wildest Dreams, A Sky Full of Stars, and Perfect. The mix of classical and modern styles created a Bridgerton inspired feel that guests loved, and several even picked up on the theme without knowing about it at all!

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: The Arrabelle at Vail Square
Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens
Photographer: Kimmi D Photography

Elegant, Custom Live Music for Your Colorado Wedding.

Listen to Violin and Cello Music Samples

January 05, 2025

A Charming Autumn Wedding Celebration in the Colorado Mountains: String Quartet

January 05, 2025/ Christen Stephens

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Golf Club in Vail, Colorado, Photo by Kimi D Photography

The autumn foliage was at its peak for this couple’s beautiful wedding day in the Colorado mountains. The overcast sky intensified the vibrant colors of the trees, creating a luxurious backdrop for their wedding ceremony.

With a storm moving in, the couple made the thoughtful decision to relocate their ceremony from the wedding island to a spot closer to the clubhouse. This change allowed easy access to the ceremony site, allowing everyone to enjoy the day without worrying about being caught in severe weather.

Prior to the ceremony, our string quartet enjoyed setting the mood with a personalized music setlist, thoughtfully chosen by the couple. Their selections showcased an eclectic blend of romantic ballads, modern pop favorites, and inspirational melodies, creating a custom musical touch for their special day. We began playing as guests arrived and mingled in the outdoor space, which was alive with vibrant autumn colors.

For the processional, the couple chose traditional music, starting with the very romantic “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis for the family. Then, we performed the entirety of Pachelbel’s Canon in D, a very rare occurrence due to the length of the piece. The sweet family dog, Luna, joined the processional, adding a cute touch and eliciting a collective “awww” from the guests.

As the ceremony unfolded, the gusty wind picked up, and big raindrops began to fall. To protect our instruments from the blowing rain, we quickly moved further under the shelter, and the officiant sped up the ceremony. The couple remained focused and calm and the rain lightened just in time for a more serene conclusion to their vows.

After the ceremony, we played for an additional ten minutes, creating a fun and upbeat vibe as guests transitioned to the cocktail hour. Once our portion was complete, we coordinated with the DJ, who seamlessly took over the entertainment for the reception. Fortunately, the heavier rain arrived only after everyone was safely inside!

Selections from the Prelude and Postlude Music:
Simple Gifts
I Will Always Love You (Whitney Houston)
Stand by Me (Ben King)
Don't Want to Miss a Thing (Aerosmith)
O for a Thousand Tongues
Here Comes the Sun (Beatles)
What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis): Family
Canon in D (Pachelbel): Wedding Party, Ringbearers, Flower Girls
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bach): Bride
All You Need is Love (Beatles): Recessional

Thank you, vendor dream team!

Wedding Vendors:
Planning & Design: BCK Events
Venue: Vail Golf Club
Photography: Kimi D Photography
Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens
Videography: Gold Heart Weddings
Florals: Pixies and Posies
Cake: Backyard Bakeries
Hair and Makeup: Divine Beauty Artists
DJ: Vail DJs
Offciant: Phil Gallagher
Rentals: Colorado Tents and Events
Transportation: Timberline Tours
Vail Pedicab: Vail Pedi Cab

Experienced the Classic Charm of Our String Quartet.

Listen to String Quartet 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.

From the Bride:

“Christen's Music was an absolute dream! Her talent and beautiful performance added so much to our wedding day. We only wish we’d been able to enjoy her music more instead of rushing around after the ceremony.

She was incredibly easy to work with and has a pretty vast repertoire. She was also reasonably priced. One of the most special touches was the live recording she provided of our processional music—it’s a keepsake we’ll treasure forever. Honestly, we almost wish she offered recordings of all the music because it was that stunning!

If you’re looking for someone to bring elegance and emotion to your wedding day, Christen is the perfect choice.” - Elise S., Bride

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

Blog

Experience the Classic Elegance of Violin and Cello.

Elegant, Custom Live Music for Your Colorado Wedding.

Thank you, vendor dream team!

Experienced the Classic Charm of Our String Quartet.

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