October 28, 2020

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Colorado

October 28, 2020/ Christen Stephens

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek in Beaver Creek Colorado, Music by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by David Gillette Photography

Every year has at least one wedding that stands out as exceptionally special, and for me, this wedding was one of those treasured moments. The bride hired me to play solo flute for her Beaver Creek wedding ceremony when the pandemic was still a vague idea somewhere off in China. When things began to get crazy, we kept checking in with each other - Are you staying healthy? Is everything still good on your end with the wedding?

In the end, and after much hesitation, the wedding went forward as planned. The music stayed the same, but the guests list became a lot smaller. The bride selected her entire song list, and I enjoyed learning several new songs and revisiting some old favorites. The ceremony was full of music, and I played prelude music as guests arrived, and also played for the processional, communion, signing of the marriage license, benediction, recessional, and first dance.

The first dance was a special moment in a storybook setting, with the stone church and vibrant fall foliage as a backdrop. The couple danced to a recording of Annie’s Song, and I improvised over the recording on my flute.

Prelude Music: Canon in D Major (Pachelbel), Wedding Song (There Is Love) (Peter Paul and Mary), Perhaps Love (John Denver), Sunshine on My Shoulders (John Denver), Longer (Dan Folgerberg), Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis), Have I Told You Lately (Rod Stewart), You Are so Beautiful (Joe Cocker), For the Beauty of the Earth, The Wedding Song (Kenny G)

From the Bride:

“Christen’s Flute Playing Was Amazing and Special”

“We had a beautiful mountain ceremony. Her flute playing was amazing and special. She went above and beyond by learning a few new songs I specifically requested. If you want quality and a true professional go with Christen for your wedding music... I’m sure glad we did!”

Wedding Vendors:
Venue - Beaver Creek Chapel
Ceremony Music - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Solo Flute
Photographer - David Gillette Photography
Videographer - Capture the Action
Officiant - Scott Bebee

Ceremony Music:
Annie’s Song (John Denver) - Wedding Party
Bridal Chorus (Wagner) - Bride
Sunshine on my Shoulders (John Denver) - Signing of the marriage license and communion
Edelweiss (tune only) - Accompany sung benediction
Wedding March (Mendelssohn) - Recessional

Experience the timeless beauty of the flute for your wedding ceremony or event.

Listen

September 17, 2020

Flute and Strings Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Breakfast Music at Rancho Del Rio in Bond, Colorado

September 17, 2020/ Christen Stephens

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Strings Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Rancho Del Rio in Bond, Colorado

The ranch is a remote campground and rafting center located on the Colorado River. I left my house at 5:30am so that I could have everything set up and ready to go for this pre-breakfast wedding ceremony. The wildfire smoke was thick in the air and made for a stunning sunrise over the mountains (right).

Listen to Flute and Strings Music Samples

One thing that I love about my job is being able to travel to many interesting and exciting locations across Colorado. Rancho Del Rio in Bond, Colorado was certainly among the more unusual wedding locations that I’ve been to. Most mountain weddings take place in the Colorado mountain resort towns, and until the pandemic happened, this wedding was likewise to be held at a beautiful Breckenridge venue. When that venue temporarily shut down for safety reasons due to the pandemic, the wedding celebration was moved to the fun and outdoorsy Rancho Del Rio.

Before I even arrived, I felt like I was in a different world. The open plains of the Front Range and the thick pine forests of the Colorado resort towns were replaced by dry grasslands, mysterious types of trees, and scrubby unfamiliar shrubbery.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bach) - Wedding Party
Bridal March (Wagner) - Bride
All You Need is Love (Beatles) - Recessional

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Rancho Del Rio
Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Strings Quartet
Photographer: Roland Mott

Our elegant quartet music almost felt out of place in such a wild setting, but our music became the focal point that guests were drawn to, and this is where they mingled before the ceremony began. The ceremony was beautiful with the backdrop of the Colorado River, and afterwards, the bride and groom made their getaway in a raft (left).

After the ceremony, we continued to play cheerful music for the breakfast, which the guests enjoyed under a pavilion area.

August 25, 2020

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony and Reception Music in Avon, Colorado

August 25, 2020/ Christen Stephens

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony and Reception Music in Bachelor Gulch, Avon, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

I played solo flute for both the ceremony and appetizers. I played classical music by Bach, Mozart, and Debussy, and also more contemporary music by the Beatles, Sinatra, and a few jazz numbers along with some fun improvisation. I varied each song with different reverb settings on my amplification, and enjoyed imitating the original performances, and adding my own flair and personality. It completely made my day when one of the guests told me that my flute playing sounded like several instruments were playing, and not just a single flute!

I accompanied the cake cutting with "This is All I Ask” by Frank Sinatra. This was a song that the bride requested in memory of her grandfather, who used to sing it a lot.

From the Mother of the Bride:

“Christen was very easy to work with from start to finish! The flute sounded amazing on the mountain during our outdoor wedding and we would highly recommend using Christen for any and every event indoor or outdoor!!!”

Wedding Ceremony Songs:
Blackbird (Beatles) - Groom and Parents
Scarborough Fair (Traditional) - Bride
All my Loving (Beatles) - Recessional
This is All I Ask (Sinatra) - Cake Cutting

Wedding Vendors:
Photographer: Shane Macomber
Rabbi: Rabbi Joel D. Newman
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Solo Flute

This August, it was such a privilege to have the opportunity to play solo flute for this traditional Jewish wedding ceremony in the Colorado mountains. This New York couple had originally planned to have a large wedding celebration with all the trimmings, but due to the pandemic, they sadly had to cancel the celebration as originally planned. The re-imagined intimate ceremony that they ended up with may have been completely different than their first plan, but it was so full of love, joy, and meaning.

The couple was married on an empty lot with a beautiful view of Bachelor Gulch. The hot sun disappeared behind cooling, dramatic clouds just in time for the ceremony. Afterwards, everyone continued to celebrate with appetizers and cake at their vacation home in the village. The bride is a pianist, so she chose some lovely music selections that I was very excited to learn.

My Solo Flute Signature Package is my most versatile wedding music package, and I love playing everything from traditional classical music to pop and rock music.

Listen to Music Samples

July 29, 2020

Flute and Cello Duo Wedding Ceremony Music at the Black Canyon Inn in Estes Park, Colorado

July 29, 2020/ Christen Stephens

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Classical Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Black Canyon Inn in Estes Park, Colorado, Photo by Christen Stephens

This wedding ceremony took place on an absolutely perfect July day at the Black Canyon Inn in Estes Park, Colorado. It was a significant ceremony to me because it was the first wedding that I played music for after the pandemic hit this year.

My cellist and I played elegant classical music for the arrival of guests before the ceremony. As we played, the pandemic and troubles of life seemed to float away on the breeze, and our music gave the setting such a peaceful and elegant feel. We continued to play classical music after the ceremony concluded and sent everyone off feeling relaxed, to the next stage of the wedding celebration.

Wedding season has certainly started once again for me with four more weddings in Estes Park, Larkspur, Beaver Creek, and Vail over the weekend. Wedding celebrations have become smaller and more intimate, but I truly feel that these smaller ceremonies can be more memorable and so meaningful. And, there’s always the option to celebrate again later with a big party!

Wedding Ceremony Songs:
Seating of the Parents - Sheep May Safely Graze (Bach)
Wedding Party - Hornpipe Finale (Handel)
Bride - Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bach)
Recessional - Wedding March (Mendelssohn)

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Black Canyon Inn
Officiant: Reverend Scott Awbrey
Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Cello Duo
Photographer: Haley Allen

September 23, 2016

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at Black Canyon Inn in Estes Park, Colorado

September 23, 2016/ Christen Stephens

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens, Photos with watermark courtesy of Joe Pyle Photography — Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens, *Photos with watermark courtesy of Joe Pyle Photography*

It was forecast to be a cool and rainy day when our flute and guitar duo headed up to Estes Park to play for this Minnesota couple's wedding ceremony. Everyone's prayers were answered and the sun shone brightly warming the crisp mountain breezes. The wedding was held under the Pavilion at Black Canyon Inn, and the backdrop of mountains and blue skies and clouds was epic. The bride and groom requested that we play a mix of classical and popular music for the prelude and they selected their processional and recessional songs.

From the bride: "Beautiful Music! We chose the flute and guitar. She (Christen) was very easy and fun to work with! Very professional and we are so so so happy we chose her and her team."

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

Sample Prelude Music:
Andante from Sonata in C Major (Mozart), Annie's Song (John Denver), To Make You Feel My Love (Adele), The Girl (Dallas Green)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Wedding Party ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel)
Flower Girl ~ Reign of Love (Coldplay)
Bride ~ Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis)
Recessional ~ Could You Be Loved (Bob Marley)

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Venue - Black Canyon Inn
Photographer - Joe Pyle
Ceremony Musicians - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Guitar Duo

October 30, 2014

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Ceremony Music at the YMCA in Estes Park

October 30, 2014/ Christen Stephens

Our flute and guitar duo recently played for a beautiful October wedding ceremony at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado. It was an absolutely gorgeous morning with gusty winds that challenged our ability to secure our sheet music and supplies. However, with many clips for our music and heavy rocks to hold down our music stands, we kept everything secure for the duration of our performance. By keeping the wind directly to my back, I was also able to get a good sound out of my flute. The ceremony was held outdoors at the Sara Smith Chapel which was a lovely location with a wild Colorado mountain feel. We played classical prelude music that the bride let us select and then a classical processional that I helped the bride select. During the ceremony, a small choir sang an incredible version of "Be Thou My Vision" and I felt honored to hear their talented performance in such an amazing setting. They sang this while the couple performed a foot washing ceremony, symbolizing the the servant-hood of marriage in comparison to Christ and the church. Then, because both the bride and groom are scientists, they did a small science experiment that they made up to represent marriage and the blending of two lives together. While they did that, we played Simple Gifts.

Selected Prelude Music:
Musette (Bach), Gavotte (Gossec), Polonaise (Mozart), Little Italian Song (Tchaikovsky), Valse Sentimentale (Schubert)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Bridal Party (Grandmothers, Mothers, Bridesmaids, Flower Girl) ~ Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Bride ~ Gavotte from Sonata for Flute in C major (Handel)
Unity Ceremony ~ Simple Gifts
Recessional ~ Trumpet Tune (Purcell)
Postlude ~ Hornpipe from Water Music (Handel), Gymnopedie No. 1 (Satie)

Vendors:
Venue: YMCA of the Rockies - Estes Park
Photographer: Katie Keighin Photography
Wedding Ceremony Musicians - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Guitar Duo

October 22, 2014

Solo Flute - Wedding Ceremony Music at Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park

October 22, 2014/ Christen Stephens

Outdoor autumn wedding ceremonies can be tricky in the Colorado mountains because the weather can be anything from warm and sunny to freezing cold and snowing. This bride hoped for the best with her early October wedding ceremony, but was also ready to brave the worst. It was clear to see why she wanted an outdoor wedding ceremony at Della Terra Chateau in Estes Park. The chateau is beautifully situated in the mountains and gives the feel of majestic isolation that is pure Colorado. The grounds feature garden areas and small ponds and bridges that blend well into the wild Colorado landscape. Wildlife abounded and I saw several elk, wild turkeys, and many birds and chipmunks. Inside, the chateau was built to reflect the classic European charm of years gone by. I had no idea what to expect from the weather as I drove up the fog-shrouded mountains. The forecast was calling for thunderstorms and even snow later in the evening. When I arrived at Della Terra, it was cold and cloudy and I set up under a small musician pavilion to protect my flute from the drizzling rain.

The bride chose solo flute music for her wedding ceremony, and I played elegant music on my flute as the handful of guests began arriving. As the guests arrived, the cold rain began to fall in earnest and umbrellas were quickly supplied to the guests and they wrapped themselves in the warm blankets that had been provided. I chose cheerful spring-like music to give the atmosphere a feeling of warmth, and one of the guests later told me that my music was the perfect balm for the cold, dark weather. The processional began, and just as the bride reached the front, the sun came out and the rain abated just long enough for a beautiful ceremony to take place.

Selected Wedding Prelude Music:
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach), Danza Pastorale (Vivaldi), Spring (Vivaldi), Hornpipe (Purcell), The Swan (Saint Seans), Minuetto (Mozart)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Wedding Party ~ Trumpet Voluntary
Bride ~ Trumpet Tune
Recessional ~ Bourree from Handel's Water Music
Postlude ~ Hornpipe from Handel's Water Music and Chopin's Waltz, Op. 69 No. 2

Wedding Vendors
Wedding Venue: Della Terra Mountain Chateau
Officiant: Reverend Simone Shepherd
Ceremony Musician: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Solo Flute

The view behind the ceremony site

October 08, 2014

Flute and Cello Duo at Piney River Ranch in Vail, CO

October 08, 2014/ Christen Stephens

In August, our flute and cello duo headed up to Piney River Ranch in Vail to play for a wedding ceremony and cocktail hour. After a string of cold and rainy days, the sun finally came out at this incredible mountain location and made for a beautiful wedding day. Once we arrived in Vail, we followed a long set of directions through White River National Forest. The 45 minute drive brought us over very rutted roads and was very challenging in our Prius. Since the going was slow, we embraced the moment and rolled down our windows to enjoy the peaceful quite and the spectacular scenery. We arrived at the lodge in time to enjoy a meal at the Piney restaurant. I ordered their signature pulled pork BBQ, which was exceptional, and having lived in North Carolina for a while, I can be picky about my BBQ! We also had time to take photos of the lake and of the resident moose, Monty Jr.

The bride knew what she wanted for music, and she chose most of the prelude music and all of the ceremony music on her own with the aid of my repertoire list. She requested that we fill out her prelude selections with music from movies with big scenery to compliment the lake and mountain backdrop. I really enjoyed making these music selections and it was wonderful to play them in a location that perfectly complimented them.

One of the best moments of the wedding ceremony was when Monty the moose walked through the water right behind the couple! The pastor had been talking about living in the moment and not letting life slip by us unnoticed. The reactions of the guests was wonderful as the ceremony paused and we all took some time to embrace that wonderful moment.

For the cocktail hour, the bride requested Beatles, Sinatra, and jazz styles. Our flute and cello duo mostly plays classical music, but I was eager for the challenge and after looking through my extensive music library, I found a number of popular and jazz pieces that would work wonderfully with the flute and cello.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Mothers, Groom, Pastor, Groomsmen ~ Haunted by the Waters from A River Runs Through It
Bridesmaids ~ All I Ask of You Bride ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel)
Recessional ~ La Rejouissance from Handel's Water Music
Postlude ~ Arrival of the Queen of Sheba (Handel)

Selected Prelude Music:
The Sound of Music, To a Wild Rose (MacDowell), Largo from Winter (Handel), The Wedding and the Ludlows from Legends of the Fall, Clair De Lune (Debussy), Si Bheag, Si Mhor (Irish Traditional), Moon River , from Breakfast at Tiffany's, What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)

Selected Cocktail Hour Music:
Imagine (Beatles), When I'm Sixty Four (Beatles), A Whole New World, I Want to Hold Your Hand (Beatles), Can You Feel the Love Tonight?, Blue Spanish Eyes, All of Me, My Funny Valentine, Blackbird (Beatles), Misty

Christen and Heather playing at Piney River Ranch, courtesy of Zach Mahone Photography

Wedding Vendors:
Wedding Venue: Piney River Ranch, Vail
Wedding Coordinator: Meg Stepanek of Gemini Event Planning
Photographer: Zach Mahone Photography
Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Cello Duo

September 25, 2014

Flute and Piano Duo at Lord of the Mountains Lutheran Church in Dillon

September 25, 2014/ Christen Stephens

This summer, our flute and piano duo enjoyed playing for this beautiful wedding ceremony at Lord of the Mountains Lutheran Church in Dillon, Colorado. This bride loves sunshine and has a sunny personality to match, so she chose the appropriate "Sunshine on my Shoulders" to walk down the aisle to. The church was situated on a hill overlooking a panoramic mountain view, and the weather was perfect and sunny. The piano in the church sanctuary was a very fine instrument with an amazing sound that we enjoyed. The bride told her family and friends that there would be music and everyone was so excited to hear the music that they all arrived 45 minutes before the ceremony, so we began our prelude early and gave them a little concert of hymns and sacred songs.

Selected Prelude Music:
Sunshine in My Soul, One Eagle's Wings, Great is Thy Faithfulness, How Great Thou Art, Your Grace Still Amazes Me, All Creatures of Our God and King, As the Deer

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Processional ~ Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring
Bride ~ Sunshine on my Shoulders (John Denver)
Unity Candle ~ Be Thou my Vision
Recessional ~ Wedding March (Mendelssohn)

Vendors:
Photographer: Studio Kiva - Thank you for the photo of me playing the flute and the photos of the dancing bride!
Ceremony Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Piano Duo

September 16, 2014

Flute and String Trio - Wedding Ceremony and Cockail Hour Music at Silverthorne Pavillion

September 16, 2014/ Christen Stephens

It's always nice to travel from the hot summer weather of Colorado's front range to the mountains, and this time our destination was the town of Silverthorne, where it was a sunny 70 degrees. This wedding was held at the Silverthorne Pavilion which is located by the banks of the Blue River. Our flute, viola, and cello trio played classical prelude music and then traditional wedding processional music that the bride and groom selected together. The wedding ceremony was very sweet and as the couple said the vows they had written for each other, we tried to hold back our tears. Sometimes it doesn't make a difference how many weddings we have played for - each one is beautiful and unique! After the ceremony, we moved to the shaded patio where we played a mix of classical and popular music as the guests enjoyed appetizers and drinks. The bride and groom had several song requests for their cocktail hour music and I put together the remainder of our set list using those songs as my inspiration.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Wedding Party ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel)
Bride ~ Bridal Chorus (Wagner)
Recessional ~ Wedding March from a Midsummer Night's Dream (Mendelssohn)

Selected Wedding Prelude Music:
Largo from Winter (Vivaldi), Sheep May Safely Graze (Bach), Selections from Handel's Water Music, Allegro from Sonata in F major (Handel)

Selected Cocktail Hour Music:
Italian Song (Tschaikovsky), Ecossaise (Beethoven), What a Wonderful World, Over the Rainbow, All You Need is Love, Romantic Flight from How to Train Your Dragon, Imagine, Anything Goes (Cole Porter)

Wedding Vendors:
Wedding Venue: Silverthorne Pavilion
Wedding Coordinator and Photographer: Laura Pierson at L Elizabeth Events
Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute Trio (flute, viola, cello)

August 20, 2014

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Ceremony Music in Breckenridge

August 20, 2014/ Christen Stephens

This weekend, I played flute for a wedding ceremony in an incredibly beautiful location. The ceremony was held on the lawn of a private residence in an idyllic mountain setting above the town of Breckenridge. The landscaping was gorgeous and flowers spilled from every corner and lined the garden paths, framing the mountain backdrop. Storms began to move in, giving the mountains and sky a dramatic and eerie look, and thunder began to rumble and echo around the mountains. Because of the coming rain, the decision was made to begin the ceremony 15 minutes earlier than originally planned. Our flute and guitar duo welcomed the guests with classical prelude music and then began playing the processional music. Just as the bride began her walk down the aisle, the sun came out and stayed out for most of the ceremony, even as the thunder continued to rumble in the distance. The storm held off just long enough for the beautiful wedding ceremony to finish and for the photographers to get some great shots afterwards. Thank you Steve Tinetti for sharing these beautiful photos!

After the ceremony, I was invited to stay for the cocktail hour, so I drove to Breckenridge Lodge and Spa where I had a few refreshments and enjoyed watching the storms move in over the mountains as I got to know few of the guests.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Parents and Attendants Processional ~ Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (JS Bach)
Bridal Processional ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel)
Recessional ~ Wedding March from a Midsummer Night's Dream (Mendelssohn)

Prelude Music:
Classical selections from Bach and Telemann

Wedding Vendors:
Photographer: Steve Tinetti Photography - Thank you Steve for these wonderful pictures!
Wedding Ceremony Music - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Guitar Duo

August 06, 2014

Pachelbel's Canon in D - Wedding Ceremony Music

August 06, 2014/ Christen Stephens

Canon in D is a beloved wedding song and perhaps most requested by brides today, and for good reason. It is beautiful and elegant, and can be played with a number of different instruments. It was originally written by German composer and organist, Johann Pachelbel during the Baroque period. He wrote it as a Canon which doesn't refer to the weapon that was used in battle, but a round. Canon in D begins with a simple bass line that is carried throughout the piece while the melody voices are layered in one by one, each one imitating the first voice. It was originally written for three violins and continuo, but today we play it with just about every instrument combination available. If you love Pachelbel's Canon in D and would like us to play it at your wedding ceremony, visit my weddings page for more information on our services.

Helpful hints if you want Pachelbel's Canon in D played at your wedding ceremony:

- For brides who want to walk down the aisle to Canon in D, I suggest that you wait for the song to play for a few seconds before beginning your walk and then take your time and enjoy the moment. The Canon starts with a solo cello and slowly then unfurls like a rosebud until it reaches its full glory over a minute into the song.

- If you want to have Canon played for your wedding party instead, it is certain to be long enough even if you have a lot of attendants. The entire song is about 5 minutes long and is easy to repeat if necessary.

- Pachelbel's Canon can be played with many instrument combinations. We can play it with every ensemble I offer. I particularly like Pachelbel's Canon played with a flute quartet (flute, violin, viola, cello), string quartet, flute and guitar, or flute and harp.

Here is the original version of Canon in D played on original instruments from the time of Pachelbel:

July 12, 2014

Flute and String Trio at the Lodge at Cordillera in Edwards, CO

July 12, 2014/ Christen Stephens

Recently, we enjoyed spectacular views from the Lodge and Spa at Cordillera in Edwards, Colorado. This very busy bride asked us to select her wedding ceremony music for her, and we took care of everything so she could focus on getting married. With severe thunderstorms the previous day, everything had to be moved indoors, and rain continued to threaten on the wedding day. However, the following afternoon the sun came out and the bride had her beautiful outdoor wedding after all. Our trio serenaded the guests with classical music as they came to their seats and then we played for the ceremony. Afterwards, we moved down to the pool area where we played classical music for the cocktail hour.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Bridesmaids and Flower Girl ~ Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring Bridal
Processional ~ Sheep May Safely Graze
Recessional ~ La Rejouissance from Handel's Water Music

Selected Prelude and Cocktail Hour Music:
Selections from “Water Music” (Handel), Spring (Vivaldi), Ecossaise (Beethoven), Papageno's Aria from the Magic Flute (Mozart), Salzburger Menuette (Mozart), Gavotte (Gossec), Gigue (J.S. Bach)

Wedding Vendors:
Wedding Venue: The Lodge and Spa at Cordillera
Wedding Coordinator: Valerie Woodbury
Ceremony Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute Trio

July 09, 2014

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music on Top of a Mountain

July 09, 2014/ Christen Stephens

This summer, I had a once in a lifetime experience playing wedding music - in the middle of nowhere on top of a mountain! The bride and groom had an intimate outdoor wedding ceremony on family land, with only about 20 guests in attendance. The ceremony site was by their small vacation cabin and had views of rolling hills, green from the spring rain, and a panorama of snow-capped mountain peaks as a backdrop. The couple told us to bring a four wheel drive vehicle and I'm glad we did! It was quite a drive up the rutted and rocky mountain road, from the small town of Eagle, through the middle of nowhere, past the mansion of a Spanish ambassador and even higher up the mountain until we reached a point of land with a small cabin and an amazing view. The couple chose a string trio for their wedding music, and I played the cello. We serenaded everyone with a classical prelude, processional music, and finally postlude music while pictures were being taken. Our classical music contrasted with the wild and beautiful outdoor setting, and brought a sense of elegance and sophistication.

After the wedding, we were kindly invited to eat a catered lunch with the family. They were so friendly and we felt like part of their family. We learned about the land's history and heard stories about the family's relatives who settled and ranched there a long time ago.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Bridal Processional ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel)
Recessional ~ Finale from Handel's Water Music

Selected Prelude and Postlude Music
Selections from "Spring" (Vivaldi), Selections from "Water Music" (Handel), Italian Song (Tchaikovsky), Arioso (Bach), Ode to Joy (Beethoven), The Toy Symphony (Haydn)

Wedding Vendors:
Photographer: April O'Hare Photography - thank you April for these beautiful photos!
Wedding Ceremony Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - String Trio

June 10, 2014

Flute and String Quartet Wedding Music at St. Thomas More Church and Castle Cliff Estates

June 10, 2014/ Christen Stephens

This weekend I played flute for a gorgeous Catholic wedding ceremony and reception. Our flute and string quartet played Irish, classical, and sacred music for the prelude to this wedding ceremony, which was held at St. Thomas More church in Centennial. The church was modern, but very elegant with vibrant stained glass windows, and lovely wood and stone work. The ceremony was not a full mass, but there was a short sermon and a number of lovely Biblical readings.

After the ceremony, we drove to Castle Cliff Estates where we played classical and Irish music for the reception. Castle Cliff Estates had an elegant classic feel with large windows overlooking the vibrant gardens and water feature in the back. The bride's choice of flowers and decorations, our musical accompaniment, and a roaring fire in the fireplace perfectly complimented our opulent surroundings and cheered up the cold and rainy day.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Family Processional ~ Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (J S Bach)
Processional ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel)
Bridal Processional ~ Bridal Chorus (Wagner)
Unity Candle: Winter from the Four Seasons (Vivaldi)
Recessional ~ Wedding March from Midsummer Night's Dream (Mendelssohn)

Selected Reception Music: An Irish Blessing (traditional), Last Rose of Summer (traditional), Psalm 19 (Marcello), selections from Water Music Suite (Handel), Palladio

June 06, 2014

Flute and String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Vail Chapel and Sonnenalp Resort

June 06, 2014/ Christen Stephens

I just enjoyed a wonderful music-filled weekend highlighted by playing wedding ceremony and cocktail hour music for a wedding in Vail. It was a gorgeous day for a wedding! Our performance began at Vail Interfaith Chapel where our quartet played a half hour as the guests arrived, and then for the wedding ceremony. After that we moved across the street to the elegant Sonnenalp Resort where we played popular and rock music for the cocktail hour. I played this wedding with the Ribbons and Strings Ensemble (notice the ribbons on our instruments!)

Wedding Ceremony Music:

Processional Music ~ Speed of Sound (Coldplay)

Bridal Processional ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel)

During the Ceremony ~ (Everything I do) I Do It For You from Robin Hood

Recessional Music ~ I'm Yours (Mraz)

Selected Cocktail Hour Music ~ Clocks (Coldplay), It's a Wonderful World, Blackbird (Beatles), Tango from Scent of a Woman, All You Need is Love (Beatles)

October 08, 2013

Flute, Viola, and Cello Trio - Wedding Music at the Greenbriar Inn in Boulder

October 08, 2013/ Christen Stephens

Flute and String Wedding Ceremony Music at the Greenbriar Inn, Boulder

On Saturday, our flute, viola, and cello trio played for a wedding ceremony at the beautiful Greenbriar Inn located in North Boulder. The couple got married outside surrounded by warm autumn colors drenched in late afternoon sunshine. This couple chose to select all of their own music including their own prelude music. They chose favorites ranging from classical, to ragtime and popular. I made several special music arrangements for our trio to play including “New York, New York”, “I Feel Pretty”, and “When I’m 64”. We played the prelude as the guests enjoyed light refreshments, and just as the sun began to descend towards the mountains behind the "Chuppah" (traditional Jewish wedding canopy), the wedding ceremony began. The vows went by quickly as the couple chose to say their "I do's" in unison, and guests did various readings. Once the sun set, there was a sharp chill in the air, and everyone went inside to enjoy a warm fire and refreshments.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Prelude Music ~ Trumpet Tune (Purcell), Salut d’Amour (Elgar), Ave Maria (Schubert), Selections from Handel’s “Water Music”, London Trio #1 (Haydn), Paragon Rag (Joplin), I Feel Pretty (Bernstein), When I’m 64 (Beatles)

Attendant’s and Parent's Processional ~ Canon in D
Bride ~ Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring
Recessional ~ New York, New York

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Greenbriar Inn
Wedding Ceremony Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute Trio

September 24, 2013

Flute and Cello Wedding Music at the GM Ranch in Sedalia, CO

September 24, 2013/ Christen Stephens

Flute and Cello Duo - Classical Wedding Ceremony Music in Colorado

This past week, I played my flute in the wedding ceremony of a very special young bride awaiting a lung transplant. My heart remains with this couple as they walk together in future trials and hopefully many victories as well. The day of the ceremony was unusually hot for September, with temperatures over 90 degrees. The ceremony site was wisely situated in the shade of the ranch house, facing lovely views of the countryside, mountains, and horses. The shade combined with falling evening temperatures and a nice breeze coming from the mountains felt wonderful, and everyone stayed cool.

The ceremony site was decorated in a simple and striking theme of red and white and the bridesmaids wore red. Because of the bride's health, chairs were provided for the bride and groom and wedding party to sit in during the ceremony. It was a short, moving Catholic ceremony and our flute and cello duo played a prelude before the wedding began and then accompanied the vows and sand pouring with soft music by Schubert and Bach.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Selected Prelude Music ~ Rondo Alla Turca (Mozart), Fairest Lord Jesus, My Heart is Ever Faithful (Bach), St. Anthony's Chorale (Brahms) Processional Music ~ Arioso (Bach) Bridal Processional ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel) Vows ~ Ave Maria (Schubert) Sand Pouring ~ Air on the G String (Bach) Recessional ~ Wedding March (Mendelssohn)

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: GM Ranch, Sedalia
Photographer: Rebecca Marie Photography
Wedding Ceremony Musicians: ChristenStephens.com - Flute and Cello Duo

Musician photos courtesy of

Rebecca Marie Photography

September 08, 2013

Flute and Guitar Wedding Music at the Denver Hyatt

September 08, 2013/ Christen Stephens

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at the Denver Hyatt

Recently I had the pleasure of playing the flute for a traditional Jewish wedding ceremony and reception. I loved the music selections which included a combination of classical, traditional Hebrew, Latin, and Spanish songs. The wedding was held in the Pinnacle Club, the top rooms in the Denver Hyatt. Fromthere we had a sweeping view of downtown Denver.

We played prelude music as the guests arrived, and then as each couple walked down the aisle for the processional, everyone clapped for them. The wedding ceremony was more like a celebration and family and friends were encouraged to cheer on and support the bride and groom and affirm the words spoken by the rabbi during the service. The ceremony was complete with blessings and readings in Hebrew, and ended with the traditional smashing of the wine glass as the guests shouted "Mazle Tov!. Everyone sang "Siman Tov" along with our musical accompaniment for the recessional.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Selected Prelude Music ~ Cinema Paradiso, I Will (Beatles), Meditation from Thais (Massenet), Bittersweet Symphony (the Verve), Brighter than Sunshine (Aqualung) Processional Music ~ Erev Shel Shosanim Bridal Processional ~ Can't Help Falling in Love Recessional - Siman Tov then Mazel Tov

Reception Music included music from Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Vianne Sets Up Shop from Chocolat.

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: The Pinnacle Club at the Grand Hyatt
Denver Photographer: WD Yeager Photography shooting for Broxton Art
Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Guitar Duo

August 24, 2013

Flute, Violin and Cello Trio, Wedding Ceremony Music at Gabriel’s Northern Italian Restaurant in Sedalia

August 24, 2013/ Christen Stephens

Flute and String Trio, Wedding Ceremony Music at Gabriel’s Northern Italian Restaurant in Sedalia

A short while ago, I drove south of Denver to play music for a wedding ceremony and reception in the small town of Sedalia, the home of Gabriel's Northern Italian Restaurant. Gabriel's is a darling Victorian restaurant with a wraparound porch, gardens, and a large stone patio perfectly sized for events and wedding ceremonies. This wedding was to be held in the garden area accompanied by our flute, violin, and cello trio. This was a beautiful outdoor wedding and everyone enjoyed the sunny day that wasn't too hot. This wedding, as with all outdoor weddings, offered a few complications. As we played the prelude music, I had a run-in with a horsefly who kept giving me painful bites on my legs. I knew the music had to go on and I kept playing as smoothly as I could until he finally got bored with me right around the time the ceremony began. However, just as the minister asked the couple to repeat their vows, we heard a very loud, long whistle and a train went roaring by, right behind the guests, and for several moments, it was impossible to hear anything. The minister made a few false starts which were interrupted by more whistles but the couple took it all in stride, and after a good-natured laugh and a little bit of waiting, the ceremony went on and they were married. We then played a lively recessional and transitioned into more upbeat classical music during the outdoor reception.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Prelude music ~ selections from Telemann, Vivaldi, and Mozart Wedding Party and Bridal Processional ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel) Recessional ~ Allegro from Spring from the Four Seasons (Vivaldi)

Selected Reception Music:
Selections from Water Music (Handel), Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (Mozart), Minuet (Beethoven), Selections from String Quartet in F major (Haydn)

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Gabriel's Northern Italian Restaurant
Photographer: Bob Sullivan
Wedding Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute Trio (flute, viola, cello)

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From the Bride:

“Christen’s Flute Playing Was Amazing and Special”

Experience the timeless beauty of the flute for your wedding ceremony or event.

From the Mother of the Bride: