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

November 06, 2021

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

November 06, 2021/ Christen Stephens

I played cello along with my violinist for this fun and sweet wedding ceremony amidst the July wildflowers on the Holy Cross Event Deck. We were crossing our fingers for no rain, and the weather stayed sunny and dry for this Mississippi bride. The haze from the California wildfires was thick in the mountains that day, and it gave the landscape a soft and dreamlike quality.

As we were setting up to play, we had a freak accident! As I was kneeling to set up, the wind carried the patio umbrella that was over us right out of the stand! The umbrella pole hit me right in the center of the forehead! I was very dazed and felt sick, so we asked for help and I was carted off to the medic. The folks at the wedding deck promptly replaced our umbrella with a more secure one, but I’ll be double checking that every umbrella is secured in its stand for the rest of my life now!

I was grateful to be able to play music despite being very dizzy! I didn’t get any photos of the wedding because of my injury, but John Cain was so generous in sharing his professional photos with me! The photos are stunning and made even more so by the wildflowers, which were prettier than they’ve ever been, due to all the rain we’ve been getting.

The bride let me select all of her prelude and ceremony music, only requesting nothing sad and no tears! She said in her wonderful Southern accent, “I don’t want to be bawlin’ as I walk down the aisle”. I think we succeeded with a selection of upbeat classical and contemporary music, and there wasn’t a single tear but smiles all around!

Wedding Ceremony Music
I Will (Beatles) - Wedding Party
Butterfly Waltz from Twilight - Bride
All You Need is Love (Beatles) - Recessional

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Holy Cross Event Deck
Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Violin and Cello Duo
Officiant: Elevate Wedding Officiant
Photographer: John Cain Photography - thank you for these incredible photos!

October 01, 2019

Flute and Strings Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado

October 01, 2019/ Christen Stephens

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Flute and Strings Quartet, Contemporary Wedding Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado, Photo by Callie Hobbs Photography

I was excited to work with this couple because the bride was originally from my home state of Connecticut, and many of her family and guests traveled from there. To reach the Holy Cross Event Deck, guests took the gondola up Vail mountain, and then rode a golf cart to the ceremony site. I enjoyed watching the faces of those coming in from out of town when they saw the view at the ceremony site for the first time. The wildflowers were in full bloom, and because of all the rain, I’ve never seen so many in all of the years I’ve been playing in Vail.

My flute and strings quartet played contemporary prelude music before the wedding, as custom selected by the bride and groom.

Wedding Ceremony Music Selections:
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bach) - Parents and wedding party
Canon in D (Pachelbel) - Bride
A Sky Full of Stars (Coldplay)- Recessional

Prelude and Postlude Music Custom Selected by the Bride:
All of Me (John Legend), Here Comes the Sun (Beatles), Over the Rainbow (from Wizard of Oz, Clocks (Coldplay), Sweet Child O'Mine (Guns N Roses), Viva La Vida (Coldplay)

Add the elegance and beauty of live music to your wedding ceremony. Listen to music samples of my flute and strings quartet.

This summer, it rained and stormed almost every afternoon in Vail, Colorado, and the wedding planner and I were completely ready for rain plans B or even C if we couldn’t have the wedding outside. It turned out that we didn’t need to worry at all, because the weather absolutely smiled on this couple. In fact, it was the most lovely day that I’ve seen in Vail, Colorado this year. There was just enough cloud cover to keep us all pleasantly cool and provide the perfect backdrop for amazing photos. Thank you Callie Hobbs for these incredible photos!

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Flute and Strings Quartet, Contemporary Wedding Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado

From the Bride:

“We wanted to thank you so much for your beautiful ceremony music during our wedding! We could not have imagined a better accompaniment to highlight such a personal and special event for us. We appreciate all of your hard work and orchestration - the music was absolutely beautiful!”

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Wedding Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Strings Quartet
Wedding Venue: Holy Cross Event Deck
Wedding Planner: White Birch Weddings and Events
Photographer - Callie Hobbs Photography
Florist: Petals and Pours

Before the wedding, I was setting up the amplification for the officiant when suddenly this happened - a heartfelt surprise proposal on top of Vail Mountain!

September 06, 2019

Royal Wedding Ensemble Wedding Ceremony Music at the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado

September 06, 2019/ Christen Stephens

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Royal Wedding Quartet, Wedding Ceremony Music in Vail, Colorado

Samples from Prelude and Postlude Music:
Trumpet Voluntary (Purcell), Hornpipe from Water Music (Handel), Gloria in Excelsis from Gloria, Psalm 19 (Marcello)

Processional and Recessional Music:
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bach) - Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
Trumpet Tune (Purcell) - Pageboys and flower girls, family dog
Canon in D (Pachelbel) - Bride
Let the Bright Seraphim from Samson - Recessional

It was hard to believe that Vail, Colorado had a significant snowfall in late June! Just one week later, the weather was absolutely beautiful for this romantic mountain wedding ceremony. This Colorado bride and groom had the loving support of 220 family and friends to help celebrate their their marriage. It was the largest wedding that I’ve ever played for on the Holy Cross Event Deck.

The bride told me that she loves brass instruments, and she was so excited when I recommended our “Royal Wedding” ensemble which features a trumpet, flute, violin, and cello. It’s just like having a mini orchestra complete with string, woodwind, and brass sections. Our ensemble played joyful music as the guests arrived, and our music enhanced the magical mountain setting.

As the wedding party made their way down the aisle, our music played and the guests cheered their support. After the ceremony, we continued to play as photos were being taken.

Quick Tip:
If you would like a mini orchestra for your wedding ceremony, hire our Royal Wedding Quartet! We are like a string, woodwind, and brass section all in one elegant ensemble.

Wedding Vendors:
Wedding Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens
Wedding Planner: Snapdragon Celebrations
Photographer: Adriana Klas
Venue: Holy Cross Event Deck

August 08, 2019

Flute and Cello Duo Wedding Ceremony Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado

August 08, 2019/ Christen Stephens

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado

The weather forecast was for a 60% chance of afternoon thunderstorms in Vail, Colorado, but we were all hoping that this bride and groom could have the outdoor mountain wedding of their dreams. For the moment, the radar looked clear, so I took the gondola up Vail Mountain and we prepared to play.

We played beautiful classical prelude music that the bride custom selected to greet the guests as they arrived. Everyone was arriving from out of state, and I could hear gasps of appreciation as they first saw the panoramic mountain view, accompanied by our live music.

The ceremony was short, and afterwards, we played upbeat rock and rap songs to accompany photos. Clouds were moving in from all directions and it began to grow dark. I saw a few brilliant lightning flashes in the sky. We decided to soldier on and keep playing music, but minutes later the wedding deck staff told us that a big storm was coming in and we had to leave the deck.

The wedding party and guests were quickly whisked away in golf carts, and they continued the wedding celebration in the shelter of the Arrabelle at Vail Square. We remained to pack up our things as quickly as possible and escape the storm. We were one of last people allowed down the gondola before it was shut down for safety during the storm, and we made it to our car just before the heavens opened up and the flooding rains came.

Sample Selections from Prelude Music:
Selections from Handel’s Water Music, Air from Suite #3 in D major (Bach), Rondeau (Mouret), Hey Ya (Outkast), I Want to Hold Your Hand (Beatles), All of the Lights (Kayne West)

Ceremony Music:
Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis) - Parents, Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
Canon in D (Pachelbel) - Bride
Hornpipe Finale (Handel) - Recessional

Quick Tip:
Rain makes for beautiful photos, but lightning is dangerous. Have an alternate plan just in case the weather doesn’t cooperate for your special day, and just like this couple, you’ll probably be lucky enough to not have to use it.

Wedding Vendors:
Ceremony Musicians: Flute and Cello Duo - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens
Venue: Holy Cross Event Deck
Photographer: Chad Fahnestock
Officiant: Gretchen Abernathy
Reception Venue: The Arrabelle at Vail Square

Add the beauty of live music to your Colorado mountain setting. Listen to flute and cello music samples.

February 25, 2019

Flute and Cello Duo Wedding Ceremony Music at the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado

February 25, 2019/ Christen Stephens

Flute and cello rap and popular wedding ceremony music at the holy cross event deck in vail, colorado, Photo by back country imagery

It was a cool and very windy day autumn day on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail when my flute and cello duo played for a stunning wedding ceremony accompanied by some fun and unique song selections. The groom had his heart set on hearing a few of his favorite rap songs played instrumentally. He sent me several music samples on YouTube and I knew that I could make awesome arrangements of the songs for flute and cello.

To make the arrangements, I combined both the original and classical versions that the groom sent me, and then I added a touch of my own flair that made them work well specifically for flute and cello. It was so helpful that I play both flute and cello, because I was able to incorporate some really cool sounds that very playable on each instrument.

I also made a special arrangement of “The Book of Love” by Peter Gabriel to accompany the bride as she walked down the aisle. The day was extremely windy, but we were well amplified with my professional sound system, so our contemporary and rap songs were heard by everyone.

We continued to play after the ceremony as photos were taken. The aspens were still in peak leaf, and the golden leaves made for an epic autumn backdrop.

“Christen created a set of songs that blew away our wildest expectations”

From the Groom:
”Christen and her playing partner were absolutely wonderful! We had some specific songs we wanted played and they took the time to learn the songs, understand what we were looking for, and create a set that blew away our wildest expectations. We feel very fortunate to have found Christen and are beyond thrilled at the way everything turned out. We would recommend Christen with the highest confidence!” - JW

Fun Tip:
It’s trending right now to feature music such as rock, rap, and pop on classical instruments. I enjoy making professional music arrangements of your favorite songs, in any style.

Contact Christen

Listen to these clips of my flute and cello duo playing a few of the songs I arranged:

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Venue: Vail Wedding Deck
Wedding Planner: Eventique Productions
Officiant: Gretchen Abernathy
Photographer: Back Country Imagery
Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Wedding Processional Music:
Sweet Child O’ Mine (Guns N’ Roses): Seating of the Parents
All of the Lights (Kayne West): Groomsmen, Bridesmaids, Ringbearer, 2 Flower Girls, Bulldog
The Book of Love (Peter Gabriel): Bride
Hey Ya (OutKast): Recessional

Prelude:
Imagine (Beatles), All You Need is Love (Beatles), A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes from Cinderella, Wildflowers (Tom Petty)

Postlude:
All of the Lights (Kayne West), Trap Queen (Fetty Wap), The Book of Love (Peter Gabriel), Can You Feel the Love Tonight? from Lion King

November 19, 2018

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado

November 19, 2018/ Christen Stephens

String Trio wedding ceremony music in Vail, Colorado

I have played for many weddings on the Vail Wedding Deck, but this late summer afternoon was one of the most beautiful days that I’ve ever seen on Vail Mountain. Though technically still summer, in the Colorado mountains it was a golden autumn day. The aspens were in full color, with colors ranging from the most golden of yellows to summer green and everything in between. Wildflowers bloomed on the mountainside and the sun shone warmly, but with a gentle cool breeze.

My string trio played for this intimate destination wedding ceremony, and our music complimented the beautiful mountain setting. The bride requested a peace + traditional elegance package, and we played a mix of slow and romantic classical and contemporary music. Our music greeted the guests as they arrived at the event deck, and accompanied the the wedding party and bride as they walked down the long aisle. We continued to play afterwards as photos were taken.

String Trio wedding ceremony music in Vail, Colorado, gondola ride up Vail mountain

Quick Tip:
Request elegant and peaceful wedding ceremony music that will relax you and your guests leading into the ceremony, and then fast and cheerful music after the ceremony to celebrate!

A perfect day at the Vail Visitor’s Center

Selections from Prelude and Postlude Music:
Sheep May Safely Graze (Bach), Fughette in C (Handel), Largo from Winter (Vivaldi), St. Anthony’s Chorale (Brahms), Nocturne (Mendelssohn), Traumerei (Schumann), Arioso (Bach)

Processional Music:
Canon in D (Pachelbel) - Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Flower Girl
Ave Verum Corpus (Mozart) - Bride
Ode to Joy (Beethoven) - Recessional

Hire our traditional and elegant string trio to play classical music, and even pop and rock songs for your wedding ceremony!

September 28, 2018

Flute and Violin Duo Wedding Ceremony Music on the Vail Wedding Deck

September 28, 2018/ Vail Wedding Deck/ Christen Stephens

Flute and Violin Duo Wedding Music in Vail, Colorado - Vail Wedding Deck

In late August, my flute and violin duo enjoyed playing for a mountain wedding ceremony at the Vail Wedding Deck. I left Denver well prepared because the weather forecast was predicting cool weather, rain, and thunderstorms. I really hoped that this Wisconsin couple could have the Colorado mountain wedding of their dreams, despite the weather predictions.

As I ascended the mountains and drove to Vail, the temperature dropped into the 40's and it was pouring rain. By the time I reached Vail, the rain had ended and the air had a cool and fresh feel to it. The smoke from the summer wildfires was momentarily completely gone and everything felt bright and clean.

The sun started to peek through the clouds, and as the guests arrived, we greeted them and drew them to the seating area with our elegant classical music. In the middle of the ceremony, we played "Can't Help Falling in Love" by Elvis as a beautiful musical interlude, while the guests had a chance to take in the mountain views and to enjoy the completion of their journey to arrive in this epic setting. Most of the guests had a plane flight, car ride, gondola ride, golf cart ride, and walk to arrive at the wedding deck.

We played a lively recessional at the end of the ceremony, and then we played a mix of classical music and Beatles tunes to entertain everyone and put smiles on their faces as photos were being taken.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach) - Bride
Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis) - Interlude to enjoy the scenery
Trumpet Tune (Purcell) - Recessional

Sample Selections from Prelude and Postlude Music:
Ave Verum Corpus (Mozart), Rigaudon (Handel), I Will (Beatles), Blackbird (Beatles), Allegro from Spring (Vivaldi), Minuet (Boccherini), Allegro from Sonata in F Major (Handel)

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Venue: Vail Wedding Deck
Photographer: Pixel Studio Photography
Officiant: Heather Rawlings
Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Violin Duo

Bring the elegance of live music to the wild and beautiful Colorado mountains.

Colorado Wedding Music >

August 08, 2018

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music on the Vail Wedding Deck in Colorado

August 08, 2018/ Christen Stephens

Vow Renewal Wedding Ceremony on the Vail Wedding Deck, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Towards the end of July, I played for a wedding vow renewal ceremony on the Vail Wedding Deck. There was a pretty good chance of thunderstorms in Vail that afternoon, but the rain held off, allowing for the ceremony to take place under the sunshine and occasional clouds. The wind was extremely gusty, and it brought in smoke from the southern Colorado wildfires, but that just added a mysterious and magical quality to the setting.

I played a mix of classical and contemporary prelude music on my flute, and I used my amplification so that I could be heard over the wind. Everyone gasped in surprise and delight when the couple's spunky and adorable daughter joined me on her flute to play "Can't Help Falling in Love" as the bride walked down the aisle.

The couple had been married for ten years, and their vows were as tender as first time couples, but also so refreshingly real as they had faced many years of life together. They had gone through many joys and challenges in their ten years of married life, and through them they grew closer to each other and were more in love than ever. I don't think that there was a dry eye by the time the ceremony was over. Then the bride gave everyone yet another surprise by announcing that a second child was on the way! Everyone cheered.

It was quite wonderful when the officiant announced "And now I pronounce you....are still husband and wife!" at the end. I was so inspired that I thought how nice it would be to do a 15 year vow renewal with my husband in a few years. I continued to play my flute after the ceremony to add ambiance as photos were taken.

From the Bride:
"Christen played beautifully at my ten year wedding renewal! She even worked with my daughter to perform a surprise duet together as I walked down the aisle which was such a hit. Thank you so much for everything!"

Enjoy the elegance and beauty of my solo flute music for your wedding ceremony! Here are solo flute music samples.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Here Comes the Sun (Beatles) - Groomsmen
The Way You Look Tonight (Sinatra)- Bridesmaids
Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis) - Duet with Bride's Daughter for Bride's Walk

Prelude and Postlude Music Included:
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach), Hornpipe (Purcell), Moon River, Prelude from Te Deum (Charpentier), When I Fall in Love (Nat King Cole), Cheek to Cheek (Sinatra), All My Loving (Beatles)

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Venue: Vail Wedding Deck
Wedding Planner: White Birch
Wedding Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Solo Flute
Photographer: Ashley Waldron Photography
Videographer: Roots and Wings Productions
Reception Location: Arrabelle Ballroom

July 26, 2018

Flute Quartet Music at the Vail Wedding Deck

July 26, 2018/ Vail Wedding Deck/ Christen Stephens

A bride celebrates when the Vail Wedding Deck gondola reopens after a thunderstorm

In early July, my flute quartet (flute, violin, viola, cello) headed to the Colorado mountains to play for a wedding ceremony on the Vail Wedding Deck. When we arrived, the weather was unusually hot and dusty and unlike the cool crisp air that we usually expect from Vail. The sun was shining brightly and all was calm as we took the gondola up to the top of Vail Mountain. The moment we arrived, it was announced that a large storm was moving in, and the gondola would be closed!

Over 400 people were trapped at the top of the mountain, including two brides. One bride had just been married and the second bride was supposed to be married at the bottom of the gondola in Vail Village. The storm rolled in, bringing with it lightning strikes and heavy rain. Our wedding party and guests were waiting at the bottom of the gondola and we were waiting at the top, and we were all hoping that our couple could have their dream outdoor wedding on top of the mountain. It must have been about an hour, but finally the announcement came through that the storm had passed and the gondola would be running again. The crowd of people erupted into big cheers, and the cheering brides were escorted onto the gondola first.

Flute Quartet wedding ceremony music on the Vail Wedding Deck in Colorado

Our wedding party made it to the top of the mountain for their dream wedding after all. The rain had washed away the hot and dusty feeling, and it was fresh and cool. Just as the bride and groom said "I do", the sun came out and shone on them as if for a blessing.

My quartet played elegant classical music as the guests arrived for the ceremony, and we continued to play after the ceremony to accompany the wedding party as they had their pictures taken.

Selections from prelude and postlude music:
Rondeau (Mouret), Ave Maria (Schubert), selections from Handel's Water Music, To a Wild Rose (MacDowell), selections from Bach string quartets

Hire my flute quartet (flute, violin, viola, cello) to make your Colorado mountain wedding even more spectacular!

Vendors:
Venue: Vail Wedding Deck
Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute Quartet

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From the Bride:

Enjoy the Classic Elegance of the Violin and Cello.

From the Bride:

“Christen created a set of songs that blew away our wildest expectations”

Listen to these clips of my flute and cello duo playing a few of the songs I arranged: