Violin and Cello Duo Wedding Music at Piney River Ranch in Vail, Colorado

Violin and Cello Duo Wedding Music at Piney River Ranch in Vail Colorado, Music by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Violin and Cello Duo Wedding Music at Piney River Ranch in Vail Colorado, Music by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

There was so much energy leading up to the ceremony with singing, hugging, ululating and just an atmosphere of good cheer. Everyone was dressed to the nines and I enjoyed seeing so many elegant gowns.

Violin and Cello Duo Wedding Music at Piney River Ranch in Vail Colorado, Music by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Violin and Cello Duo Wedding Music at Piney River Ranch in Vail Colorado, Music by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

The celebration was filled with so much music from start to finish. There was continual singing before the ceremony began, and the main ceremony was mostly singing as well. Then our violin and cello duo took over for cocktails followed by the DJ for dinner and dancing.

Violin and Cello Duo Wedding Music at Piney River Ranch in Vail Colorado, Music by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Violin and Cello Duo Wedding Music at Piney River Ranch in Vail Colorado, Music by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

It was such a privilege to be a musical part of this exciting traditional Jewish wedding celebration at Piney River Ranch. The setting is remote and beautiful, and all the more appreciated because you have to work to get there. My car is just not built for rough dirt mountain roads, so I drove slowly and carefully so that I wouldn’t bounce too much and hit the bottom of my car. The trip took me 1 1/2 hours from downtown Vail, but it was worth it. The scenery along the way was so peaceful and I love nothing more than being out in nature, so I enjoyed both the journey and the destination.

Violin and Cello Duo Wedding Music at Piney River Ranch in Vail Colorado, Music by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Violin and Cello Duo Wedding Music at Piney River Ranch in Vail Colorado, Music by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

For our portion of the music, we played a set of contemporary music including music from the Beatles, the “Butterfly Waltz” from Twilight, and “Sweet Child O’Mine” (Guns ‘N Roses"). We also played a number of Disney songs, as requested by the bride (and my personal favorite as well!).

Violin and Cello Duo Wedding Music at Piney River Ranch in Vail Colorado, Music by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Violin and Cello Duo Wedding Music at Piney River Ranch in Vail Colorado, Music by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Piney River Ranch
Wedding Planner: Eventique Productions
Cocktail Hour Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Violin and Cello Duo
DJ - Vail DJs
Florist: Petals of Provence

Violin and Cello Duo Wedding Music at Piney River Ranch in Vail Colorado, Music by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Violin and Cello Duo Wedding Music at Piney River Ranch in Vail Colorado, Music by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

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

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

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

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

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