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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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 >

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

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

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

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

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

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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

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

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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

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The view behind the ceremony site

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

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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.

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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

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

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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)

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Ceremony Music in Breckenridge

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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

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

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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

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String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music on Top of a Mountain

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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

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

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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)

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

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

Flute and Violin Duo, Wedding Ceremony Music in Breckenridge

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It's hard to surpass a Colorado mountain wedding in July, and this gorgeous Breckenridge wedding ceremony was no exception. The ceremony was held outdoors at a private home with a sweeping view of the mountains and Breckenridge Golf Course. With only about 8 guests, this was the most intimate wedding I have played for, and among the sweetest. The festivities began as the guests enjoyed appetizers while our flute and violin duo set the mood with elegant classical music. Then the guests gathered around the alter for the wedding ceremony. During the ceremony, friends and family had an opportunity to speak to the bride and groom, and they laughed and cried as words of encouragement and advice mixed with many fond and humorous memories were passed around. Then the daughter of the groom sang "Someone Like You" by Van Morrison, a song that was meaningful to the couple, and I accompanied on the flute. Afterwards, everyone gathered inside to congratulate the bride and groom, visit, and enjoy a special dinner.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Selected Prelude Music ~ Gavotte (Gossec), Rondeau (Mouret), Presto from Sonatina in F major (Telemann), Romanza from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (Mozart), selected Menuets (Devienne), St. Anthony Chorale (Brahms), La Rejouissance (Handel), March in D major (Bach)

Bridal Processional ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel)
Special Song (daughter of groom, voice with me on flute) ~ Someone Like You (Van Morrison)
Recessional ~ Danza Pastorale from Spring (Vivaldi)

Wedding Vendors:
Photographer: Virginia Stiles
Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Violin Duo

Flute and Violin Duo, Wedding Ceremony Music at Red Rocks Trading Post

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music
Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music
Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music
Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music
Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music
Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music

This past Saturday I played my flute for a wedding ceremony at the beautiful Red Rocks Trading Post in Golden, CO. With cold and snowy weather the week before, and the same forecasted for this upcoming week, I was happy to wake up to a beautiful day in the upper 60's. As is usual for Colorado mountain wedding locations, our drive up the mountain to Red Rocks unfolded magnificent views. I also enjoyed my first sight of the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater which is built into the side of the mountain and nestled between two towering rocks with an amazing view of the valley and Denver in the distance.

The wedding took place at the nearby Red Rocks Trading Post, which also overlooked a sweeping vista. The bride chose a flute and violin duo for her wedding ceremony, and I played flute with Keynes Chen on violin. At the bride's request, we played light and upbeat classical music for the prelude, and the bride's special selections for the wedding ceremony. During the processional we played Handel's Hornpipe and just as the music changed in the second part to a faster lighthearted sound, the three flower girls emerged dancing around the guests and tossing out flower pedals, eliciting delighted laughter from everyone. Just as the couple was pronounced husband and wife and began their walk back down the aisle, the sun came out in full glory from behind the clouds as if to bless their union.

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music
Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music
Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music
Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Selected Prelude Music ~ Danza Pastorale from Spring (Vivaldi), Allegro from Flute Sonata (Handel), My Heart Ever Faithful from Cantata #68 (JS Bach), Air from Orpheus (Gluck), Gigue from Suite #3 (JS Bach), Gavotte (Gossec), Sicilienne from Variations on a Theme by Haydn (Brahms)

Seating of the Parents ~ Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (JS Bach)
Attendant’s Processional ~ Hornpipe from Water Music (Handel)
Bridal Processional ~ Waltz from Sleeping Beauty (Tchaikovsky)
Recessional ~ All You Need is Love (Beatles)

Vendors:
Venue - Red Rocks Trading Post
Ceremony Music - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Violin Duo
Wedding Planner - Entwined Wedding Planning
Photography - Denver Wedding Photographer R. J. Kern / Kern-Photo

Photos courtesy of Denver Wedding Photographer R. J. Kern / Kern-Photo.

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music
Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

On Saturday, I escaped the summer heat of the Front Range and headed for the mountains of Colorado to play for a wedding ceremony and cocktail hour at Mountain Thunder Lodge in Breckenridge. The Lodge is a beautiful venue with a rustic mountain feel on the outside and a relaxed elegance inside.

I played the flute accompanied by guitarist Michael Engberg, and the simple elegance of our flute and guitar duo perfectly complimented the mountain setting. The wedding ceremony was outside on the patio which was decorated with bright local flowers provided by Petal and Bean.

The weather was perfect with sunshine and a cool breeze and to my delight, I didn't meet with a single bug while I played. After the ceremony, we moved inside for the cocktail hour where we entertained guests in the library before dinner.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Selected Prelude Music ~ Simple Gifts, Be Thou My Vision, March (JS Bach), Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (JS Bach), Meneut (Rameau), Two German Dances (Beethoven) Attendant's Processional ~ Rondeau (Mouret) Bridal Processional ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel) Recessional ~ Trumpet Voluntary in D (Purcell)

Selected Cocktail Hour Music:
Fly Me to the Moon, Georgia on my Mind, Have I Told You Lately (that I love you), It's so Easy, Sunny, Under the Boardwalk, The Way You Look Tonight, A Whiter Shade of Pale

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at Mountain Thunder Lodge

From the Bride:
"Our wedding day was everything we hoped it would be. We chose a destination wedding in Breckenridge, Colorado because we wanted an intimate wedding with our family and closest friends in one of our favorite places. We loved the venue we chose, Mountain Thunder Lodge – it was perfect for our size wedding (45 total). The intimacy of our wedding was further enhanced by instrumental music played during our ceremony and cocktail hour. Overall, we loved every moment of our wedding day!"

Flute Quartet Wedding Music at Black Canyon Inn

This past Monday I had a wonderful time playing the flute for a wedding at the beautiful Black Canyon Inn in Estes Park, Colorado.  The wedding was outdoors under a pavilion with a spectacular mountain view. The hot day cooled down with nearby rain, giving us a pleasant breeze and cooler temperatures. I played with the Ribbons and Strings Ensembles, and because the groom was partial to the sound of the flute, the couple chose to have a quartet with flute, violin, viola, and cello.

 

Wedding Ceremony Music:

Prelude ~ What a Wonderful World  (Armstrong), Arioso  (Bach), Spring (Vivaldi), Rondo (Mozart)

Processional for the Maid of Honor ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel)

Bridal Processional ~ Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach)

Signing the Marriage License ~ "Only Hope" from A Walk to Remember

Recessional ~ Psalm 19 (Marcello), Hornpipe (Handel), Allegro from Spring (Vivaldi), Divertimento in D Major, 1st mvmt. (Mozart), selections from Autumn (Vivaldi)

First Dance ~ "Unchained Melody" from Ghost

 

We played for the cocktail hour at the Twin Owls Steak House. We played a wide selection of classical, jazz, rock, and popular songs. A shortened sample is listed below.

 

Selected Cocktail Hour Music:

All You Need is Love (Beatles), Unforgettable (Nat King Cole), Wonderful Tonight (Eric Clapton), Blue Moon, Chasing Cars (Snow Patrol), Don't Stop Believing (Journey)

Flute and Cello Duo Wedding Music at The Pines at Genesee

Flute and Cello Duo Wedding Music at The Pines at Genesee
Flute and Cello Duo Wedding Music at The Pines at Genesee

Wedding season is in full swing in Colorado, and this past Saturday, I had the pleasure of playing flute for a wedding at the Pines at Genesee in Golden, CO. I played the flute and was accompanied by Marcelo Sanches on the cello. One of my favorite parts about playing for weddings in Colorado is having the opportunity to explore beautiful locations and venues, not to mention enjoying the gorgeous weather. Saturday turned out to be a very hot day, but upon arriving at the Pines, the elevation combined with some helpful clouds cooled things down. With the added shelter of the beautiful towering pine trees, it turned out to be a perfect evening.

With brick pathways, arbors, and towering pine trees, the ceremony location was rustic with a simple understated elegance. The bride's choice of a flute and cello duet complemented the setting perfectly.

Marcelo and I played a selection of classical music for the cocktail hour. For the wedding ceremony, the bride asked for traditional and classical music. Other than the Bridal Chorus by Wagner, this busy bride left the specific song selections up to me:

Attendant’s Processional ~ Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach)
Bridal Processional ~ The Bridal Chorus (Wagner)
Recessional ~ Hornpipe (Handel)