Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Wedding Island in Vail, Colorado

The second half of September is my favorite time of year in Vail, Colorado, with the cooler weather, warm sunshine, and spectacular autumn foliage. This year was no exception, and this Denver couple timed their wedding day perfectly for dazzling peak fall color!

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Wedding Island in Vail, Colorado - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sarah Roshan

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Wedding Island in Vail, Colorado - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sarah Roshan

Our flute and guitar duo played a song list selected by the bride and groom, and we loved how a few of the guests and other vendors engaged with the music with small bursts of singing and dancing!

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Wedding Island in Vail, Colorado - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sarah Roshan

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Wedding Island in Vail, Colorado - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sarah Roshan

During the ceremony, the couple did a symbolic golf shot into the the lake, while we accompanied the moment by playing “What a Wonderful World”. The good cheer of the guests, our music and the spectacular setting were a very poignant oasis in the midst of crazy times.

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Wedding Island in Vail, Colorado - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sarah Roshan

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Wedding Island in Vail, Colorado - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sarah Roshan

From the Bride:

”Magical Touch for our Wedding Ceremony”

“Christen and Alex provided flute and strings music for our wedding ceremony and it was wonderful. Christen was extremely responsive from the first time we reached out and worked with us to pick our perfect list of songs. It added a truly magical touch to our wedding ceremony and I highly recommend.”

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Wedding Island in Vail, Colorado - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sarah Roshan

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Wedding Island in Vail, Colorado - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sarah Roshan

Wedding Prelude and Postlude Music:
All You Need is Love (Beatles), Perfect (Ed Sheeran), Could you be Loved (Bob Marley), Sunshine of my Life (Stevie Wonder), Here Comes the Sun (Beatles), A Whole New World from Aladdin, Wonderful Tonight (Eric Clapton)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Come Away With Me (Norah Jones) - Wedding Party
Make You Feel My Love (Adele) - Bride
What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong) - Golf Shot into lake during ceremony
Signed, Sealed, Delivered (Stevie Wonder) - Recessional

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Wedding Island in Vail, Colorado - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sarah Roshan

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Wedding Island in Vail, Colorado - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sarah Roshan

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Wedding Island in Vail, Colorado - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sarah Roshan

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Wedding Island in Vail, Colorado - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sarah Roshan

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Wedding Island in Vail, Colorado - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sarah Roshan

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Wedding Island in Vail, Colorado - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sarah Roshan

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Wedding Island in Vail, Colorado - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sarah Roshan

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Wedding Island in Vail, Colorado - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sarah Roshan

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Vail Wedding Island
Ceremony Music: Flute and Guitar Duo by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens
Photographer: Sarah Roshan

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Wedding Island in Vail, Colorado - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sarah Roshan

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Wedding Island in Vail, Colorado - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sarah Roshan

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Golf Club

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Golf Club in Vail, Colorado

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Golf Club in Vail, Colorado

My flute and guitar duo headed up to Vail on a chilly day in early October to play for a wedding ceremony at the Vail Golf Club. A cold front was moving in, and the weather forecast called for cold temperatures, wind, thunderstorms, and possibly even hail. We were all praying that the weather would end up being beautiful so that this couple could have the elegant wedding ceremony of their dreams.

Because of the cold temperatures, the wedding location was moved from the wedding island to the beautiful lawn space right in front of the Vail Golf Clubhouse. It was the perfect location for the guests to enjoy the heated patio, and then move outside to their seats right before the ceremony. There were a few sprinkles of rain during the ceremony, but the couple was able to have their ceremony outdoors with the stunning autumn colors and the sweeping mountains of the Gore Range as their backdrop. After the wedding ceremony concluded, the clouds poured rain and the guests moved back to safety under the covered patio to enjoy cocktails and our pop and jazz tunes.

Quick Tip:
If your wedding day isn’t sunny, it’s actually a great thing for photos! On cloudy days, colors pop and shadows disappear, making photos of both people and scenery brilliant and beautiful. If you don’t mind getting a little wet, rain and snow also add a sense of drama and romance to your wedding photos.

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Golf Club in Vail, Colorado

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Golf Club in Vail, Colorado

Sample Selections from Prelude and Postlude Music:
Unforgettable (Nat King Cole), Wonderful Tonight (Eric Clapton), The Ludlows from Legends of the Fall, Come Away With Me (Norah Jones), Fly Me to the Moon (Sinatra), Cheek to Cheek (Sinatra)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
What a Wonderful World (Lois Armstrong): Parents and Grandparents, Groomsmen, Officiant
Perfect (Ed Sheeran): Bridesmaids, Ringbearers, Flower Girl
Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis): Bride and Dad
You are the Sunshine of my Life (Stevie Wonder): Recessional

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Venue: Vail Golf Club
Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Guitar Duo
Wedding Planner: REL-Event Designs
Officiant: Scott Beebe
Photographer: Brooke Heather Photography

 

Autumn dates fill fast, so book us now to reserve our fun and elegant music for your wedding day

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Golf Club in Vail, Colorado

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Golf Club in Vail, Colorado

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Golf Club in Vail, Colorado

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Golf Club in Vail, Colorado

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Golf Club in Vail, Colorado

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Golf Club in Vail, Colorado

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Golf Club in Vail, Colorado

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Golf Club in Vail, Colorado

Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music on the Vail Wedding Island

Photos courtesy of Kristopher Lindsay Photography
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Colorado flute and guitar wedding ceremony music, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Colorado flute and guitar wedding ceremony music, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Colorado flute and guitar wedding ceremony music, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Colorado flute and guitar wedding ceremony music, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Colorado flute and guitar wedding ceremony music, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Colorado flute and guitar wedding ceremony music, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Colorado flute and guitar wedding ceremony music, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Colorado flute and guitar wedding ceremony music, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Colorado flute and guitar wedding ceremony music, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Colorado flute and guitar wedding ceremony music, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

It was the first day of autumn when my guitarist and I headed down to Vail, Colorado to play for a wedding ceremony and cocktail hour. The ceremony was held at the Vail Wedding Island, and the cocktail hour was held on the covered patio of the Vail Golf Clubhouse. Fall decided to come swiftly on its first day with a rainy cold front, and our drive across the mountains was interspersed with heavy rain showers. We hoped that the weather wouldn't stop the couple from having the beautiful wedding of their dreams.

Colorado flute and guitar wedding ceremony music, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Colorado flute and guitar wedding ceremony music, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

When we arrived, the sun peered through the clouds just long enough for me to get several photos of the changing Aspen trees, glowing in their golden glory of peak season. We played prelude music on the wedding island and braved the weather, brightening up the gloomy and rainy day with our cheerful flute and guitar music. It did rain on us, but we each brought instruments that could take a little rain, so we kept playing.

The rain stopped just as the bride was about to walk down the aisle, but the wind gusted so strong that while she was walking, it tore her veil right from her head! She burst into a fit of laughter and it was contagious and soon everyone was laughing. We kept playing the bride's walking song and after about a minute, she completed her walk down the aisle and was happily married. The sun shone brightly through the clouds just as the couple was presented as husband and wife.

After the ceremony, we moved to the covered and heated patio of the clubhouse, and we warmed up as we played upbeat contemporary and jazz tunes while the guests enjoyed hous d'ouvres and cocktails. I brought my top of the line Bose L1 sound system and our sound carried beautifully throughout the space. We even got a special music request and I Googled the sheet music on my cell phone. We played it, but music was very tiny!

Samples from Prelude Music: Here Comes the Sun (Beatles), Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis), God Gave Me You (Blake Shelton), "Aylesford Gavotte" (Handel), Annie's Song (John Denver), Gavotte from Sonata for flute in C Major (Handel)

Processional Music:
Groom ~ Amazed
Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Ringbearer, Flower Girl ~ The Swan (Saint-Saens)
Bride ~ To Make You Feel My Love (Adele)
Recessional ~ Hornpipe Finale (Handel)

Samples from Cocktail Hour Music: How High the Moon (Ella Fitzgerald), Unforgettable (Sinatra), You Are the Sunshine of My Life (Stevie Wonder), Satin Doll (Duke Ellington), Cheek to Cheek (Sinatra), Don't Get Around Much Anymore (Duke Ellington)

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Venue: Vail Wedding Island and Golf Club
Wedding Planner: Jessica Kate Productions
Photographer: Kristopher Lindsay Photography
Live Ceremony and Cocktail Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Guitar Duo
DJ: DJ Guy
 

 
Colorado flute and guitar wedding ceremony music, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Colorado flute and guitar wedding ceremony music, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Colorado flute and guitar wedding ceremony music, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Colorado flute and guitar wedding ceremony music, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Colorado flute and guitar wedding ceremony music, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Colorado flute and guitar wedding ceremony music, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Colorado flute and guitar wedding ceremony music, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Colorado flute and guitar wedding ceremony music, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Flute and Guitar Duo at the Vail Wedding Deck

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens, Photographed by Two Elk Studios, Instagram: @jessestarrphoto

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens, Photographed by Two Elk Studios, Instagram: @jessestarrphoto

Photos courtesy of Two Elk Studios

Over Labor Day weekend, my flute and guitar duo played for a beautiful wedding ceremony on the Vail Wedding Deck. I believe that it was the most beautiful day that I've ever seen on the wedding deck with lots of sunshine and blue skies, but not too hot.

At the bride's request, I chose a mix of classical and contemporary music for the prelude as the guests arrived. It was a little breezy so we played with amplification to make sure that our sound carried to everyone. We learned "Going to California" from Led Zeppelin for the bridesmaids and flower girl to walk down to. After the ceremony was over, we played while photos were being taken on the wedding deck.

client quote →

"Christen was truly amazing at my ceremony! Would absolutely hire her again!" - Jena T., Bride

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens, Photographed by Two Elk Studios, Instagram: @jessestarrphoto

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens, Photographed by Two Elk Studios, Instagram: @jessestarrphoto

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens, Photographed by Two Elk Studios, Instagram: @jessestarrphoto

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens, Photographed by Two Elk Studios, Instagram: @jessestarrphoto

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens, Photographed by Two Elk Studios, Instagram: @jessestarrphoto

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens, Photographed by Two Elk Studios, Instagram: @jessestarrphoto

Sample from the Prelude Music: Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis), Minuet (Boccherini), The Ludlows from Legends of the Fall, Sunshine on my Shoulders (John Denver), Reign of Love (Coldplay)

Wedding Ceremony Music: Going to California (Led Zeppelin) ~ Bridesmaids and Flower Girl Wildflowers (Tom Petty) ~ Bride Here Comes the Sun (Beatles) ~ Recessional

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Venue: Vail Wedding Deck
Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Guitar Duo
Photographer: Two Elk Studios Website, Two Elk Studios Facebook, Two Elk Studios Instagram

Hire my flute and guitar duo if you want a flexible playlist for YOUR ceremony!

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens, Photographed by Two Elk Studios, Instagram: @jessestarrphoto

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens, Photographed by Two Elk Studios, Instagram: @jessestarrphoto

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens, Photographed by Two Elk Studios, Instagram: @jessestarrphoto

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens, Photographed by Two Elk Studios, Instagram: @jessestarrphoto

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens, Photographed by Two Elk Studios, Instagram: @jessestarrphoto

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens, Photographed by Two Elk Studios, Instagram: @jessestarrphoto

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens, Photographed by Two Elk Studios, Instagram: @jessestarrphoto

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens, Photographed by Two Elk Studios, Instagram: @jessestarrphoto

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at Washington Park in Denver, Colorado

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It was an unusually hot day for early June, reaching 95 degrees, when my flute and guitar duo headed down to Washington Park to play for a contemporary wedding ceremony. It was the second marriage for both the bride and the groom and because of this, the couple was able to truly have the chance to express themselves and have fun without the stress of first time wedding planning. This bride and groom were really great to work with and they had some fun ideas for the music, including having us play "Final Countdown" just before their ceremony was about to begin. They chose all contemporary songs and I loved how they described that the flute would take the place of the vocals and the guitar would provide the background. Despite the heat, the bride wore a beautiful ball gown and everyone was dressed in their summer best. Our duo played the fun contemporary prelude music that the couple had selected, and our music drew the guests down to the ceremony site. We played some more contemporary music selections after the ceremony to send everyone happily away to the next phase of the wedding.

From the Groom: "Christen was just awesome, from planning our music through wedding day! Her repertoire is basically limitless from anything traditional to our wedding, nothing but contemporary pop. Check out her very long playlist for whatever instrument accompaniment you desire. Thank you, Christen, again for an amazing job at our wedding."

Samples from Prelude Music: A Groovy Kind of Love (Phil Collins), Wonderful Tonight (Eric Clapton), Here Comes the Sun (Beatles), Nights in White Satin (Moody Blues), Time After Time (Cyndi Lauper), The Final Countdown (Europe)

Processional Music On the Turning Away ~ Groom, groom's son, and groom's daughter Earth Angel ~ Bride Twist and Shout ~ Recessional

Postlude: They Way You Look Tonight (Sinatra), All My Loving (Beatles)

Add contemporary, jazz or classical music to your wedding ceremony or event with my versatile flute and guitar duo.

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Top Wedding Songs for 2017

Are you selecting songs for your wedding this year? Or are you planning a romantic event such as an anniversary or engagement? With all the decisions that you have to make in planning a wedding or event and so many options for music, it's helpful to start with some great ideas. These songs are are compilation of some of the most romantic wedding songs for 2017. Some of these songs are new and some are classics that have endured the test of time, and all of them are songs that we have in our repertoire. In addition to the song selections on my repertoire list, I also love arranging new songs and can create custom arrangements for your wedding or event. I'd love to hear your ideas for songs, and even if you think they're a little out there, I can usually make an arrangement that will work beautifully.

All of Me (John Legend)

Best Instruments: My flute and piano/keyboard duo is the perfect combination for this song with the flute taking the place of the vocals. Violin also sounds great as a replacement for the vocal line.

Amazed (Lonestar)

Best Instruments: The flute can beautifully replace the vocals in this song and piano/keyboard or guitar easily replaces the background chords and rhythms.

A Thousand Years (Christina Perri)

Best Instruments: This song sounds wonderful with my flute and piano/keyboard duo, string quartet, or flute quartet.

Bittersweet Symphony (The Verve)

Best Instruments: This very orchestral song works well with with my string quartet or flute quartet.

Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis)

Best Instruments: My flute and guitar duo or flute and piano duo is a perfect fit for this song with the flute taking the place of the vocals and the guitar or piano playing the background.

In My Life (Beatles)

Best Instruments: My flute and guitar duo is a perfect fit for this song.

Just the Way You Are (Bruno Mars)

Best Instruments: My flute and guitar duo is great for this song because the flute can replace the complex vocals and the guitar will provide a solid chord structure and rhythm underneath.

Make You Feel My Love (Adele)

Best Instruments: My flute and piano/keyboard duo or violin and piano duo is perfect for this song. It also works really well with my flute quartet or string quartet.

Reign of Love (Coldplay)

Best Instruments: This song sounds great with my flute and piano duo, flute trio, string trio, flute quartet, or string quartet. The flute is a great replacement for the vocals in this song.

The Way You Look Tonight (Frank Sinatra):

Best Instruments: My flute and guitar duo is a great fit for this song.

Twist and Shout (Beatles): Best Instruments:

My flute and guitar duo is the best combination for this song.

Unforgettable

Best Instruments: This classic song sounds best with my flute and guitar duo, flute quartet, or string quartet, all of which help to fill in the complex chords.

Viva La Vida (Coldplay)

Best Instruments: This very orchestral based song sounds great with my flute quartet or string quartet.

What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)

Best Instruments: You can't beat the Louis Armstrong version of this classic song. The best ensembles are the flute to imitate Louis' husky voice, accompanied by guitar, harp or piano/keyboard.

Flute and Guitar Duo Birthday Party Music at Beaver Creek, Colorado

Colorado Event and Party Music by Christen Stephens

Colorado Event and Party Music by Christen Stephens

Our flute and guitar duo had a cool and rainy drive up from Denver to Beaver Creek, Colorado on our way to play for an August birthday celebration. By the time that we arrived at the elegant private residence, the rain had stopped and the sun came out and it felt wonderful and warm. It was the perfect evening for guests to mingle outdoors during the cocktail hour. Everyone enjoyed the magnificent sunset accompanied by our music - an fun mix of classical, contemporary, and jazz tunes. After the cocktail hour, everyone moved indoors for dinner and toasts. During dinner, we played a selection of classical and soft contemporary music, and after toasts, we jazzed it up with upbeat jazz and contemporary music.

Sample Cocktail Hour Music:
Pastorale (Vivaldi), Moderato from Sonata in G (Beethoven), Everything I Do (I Do it For You), Long ago (And Far Away (Gershwin), Tango (Albeniz), Largo from Xerxes, The Ludlows from Legends of the Fall, My Way (Sinatra), Some Enchanted Evening from South Pacific

Sample Dinner and After Dinner Music:
Afternoon in Paris (John Lewis), Annie's Song (John Denver), Cheek to Cheek (Sinatra), How High the Moon (Ella Fitzgerald), Smoke Gets in Your Eyes (The Platters), What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong), You Are the Sunshine of My Life (Stevie Wonder), Take the "A" Train (Duke Ellington), Don't Get Around Much Anymore (Duke Ellington), Fly Me to the Moon (Sinatra)

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 Wedding Ceremony Music at the River Bend in Lyons, Colorado

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

In late June, our flute and guitar duo played for a wedding ceremony at the River Bend in Lyons, Colorado. The setting at the River Bend was perfect for this outdoorsy adventure loving couple. It was idyllic with mature trees, a lush lawn, and a river curving in front of high rock walls. The guests enjoyed drinks, socializing, and playing corn-hole by the river before the wedding. Our flute and guitar duo played a mix of classical, popular and jazz tunes for the wedding ceremony and cocktail hour, and then we played another hour for the dinner reception.

From the bride: "Christen Stephens was a wonderful addition to our wedding - very professional, timely, and easy to communicate with to figure out details for the wedding. Music was beautiful and just what we were looking for. Highly recommended."

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

Sample Prelude Music: Invention No. 10 (Bach), Have I Told You Lately (Van Morrison), Autumn Leaves, Everything I Do (I Do it For You), Annie's Song, The Days of Wine and Roses, Berceuse, Op. 16 (Faure), Arioso (Bach)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Canon in D ~ Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Flower Girl
The Ludlows ~ Bride's Processional
Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 ~ Recessional

Sample Cocktail Hour and Dinner Music:
Cheek to Cheek, All My Loving, Fly Me to the Moon, Entr'acte (Bizet), Try to Remember, Tango (Albeniz), Gavotte (Handel), To Make You Feel My Love (Adele), Giuliani Sonatas (selections), When I Fall in Love, Misty, Pastorale (Vivaldi), Unforgettable

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Venue - River Bend
Wedding Coordinator - Purple Summer Events
Photographer - Nine Photography
Ceremony and Reception Music - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens -  Flute and Guitar Duo

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

Music Ideas for a Small Wedding Ceremony

When planning a small wedding ceremony, it's important that the music you choose will reflect the intimate feel of the gathering of your closest family and friends. A soloist is perfect for a very small wedding ceremony, and a duo or trio works well with a slightly larger ceremony. A general rule of thumb is to hire at least one musician per 50 guests. If you are having a very small wedding ceremony, you may want to hire a soloist. My specialty is the flute, and I often play solo flute for wedding ceremonies and cocktail hours. Solo flute, along with other single-note instruments, sounds great playing classical music but can also play any genre of music as long as the songs have a distinct melody. The sweet and rich sound of solo flute carries well and is easily heard outdoors, but is especially full and resonant in indoor spaces such as inside a church sanctuary. When I play solo flute for wedding ceremonies, I will often play classical music for the ceremony and then transition to more contemporary and jazz selections for the cocktail hour or reception.

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If you are planning to invite more than 50 guests or if the guests will be spread apart over a large area outdoors, I recommend hiring a duo or trio. Both our flute and violin duo and our flute and cello duo give a personal and intimate feel to a small wedding ceremony and have a fuller sound than a soloist. Both of these duos sound wonderful with classical music but many contemporary songs can also be arranged to be performed by these duos.

If you want to hear mostly contemporary music at your wedding, a flute and guitar duo is the perfect choice. This duo retains a feeling of simplicity both visually and tonally, but has the most full sound of the three duos because the guitar can play several notes at once. This duo is very versatile and sounds great playing classical, popular, rock and jazz music. We often amplify this ensemble so that the guitar can be heard well.

A trio is also a great option for a small wedding ceremony. Trios sound much fuller than duos, but still provide an intimate feel. Take a look at the flute trio that we offer.

Whatever music you choose for your small wedding ceremony, the most important thing is to be true to yourself and your vision. If you don't know what ensemble to choose, communicate your thoughts to your local wedding music professional and they will help you choose the perfect ensemble to meet your needs.

Photos Courtesy of Grace Combs Photography

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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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 Guitar Wedding Music at the Denver Hyatt

Flute and Guitar Duo  Wedding Music at the Denver Hyatt
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

Flute and Guitar Duo  Wedding Music at the Denver Hyatt
Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at the Denver Hyatt
Flute and Guitar Duo  Wedding Music at the Denver Hyatt
Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at the Denver Hyatt
Flute and Guitar Duo  Wedding Music at the Denver Hyatt
Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at the Denver Hyatt
Flute and Guitar Duo  Wedding Music at the Denver Hyatt
Flute and Guitar Duo Wedding Music at the Denver Hyatt

Wedding Processional Music Ideas for the Flute

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music
Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music

The following is a list wedding processional music that I have handpicked and compiled for 2013. Some of these songs are new and some are old friends paying a return visit, but all of these songs will sound great with the flute.

Classical Wedding Processional Music Ideas: Classical music sounds great with flute and harp, flute and guitar, solo flute, flute and cello, flute and violin, and flute and strings trios and quartets. Visit my Ensembles page for music samples.

Alla Hornpipe (Handel) Bridal Chorus (Wagner) Canon in D (Pachelbel) Chorale from Cantata No. 147 (JS Bach) Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (JS Bach) Overture from Royal Fireworks Music (Handel) Rondeau (Mouret) Spring from The Four Seasons (Vivaldi) Te Deum (Marc-Antoine Charpentier) Trumpet Tune (Purcell) Trumpet Voluntary (Clarke) Water Music — Selections (Handel) Wedding March from a Midsummer Night’s Dream (Mendelssohn) Wedding March from The Marriage of Figaro (Mozart) Largo from Winter from The Four Seasons (Vivaldi)

 

Contemporary Wedding Processional Music Ideas:

These contemporary music selections will sound great with flute and harp, flute and guitar, and flute and string trios and quartets.

All You Need is Love – The Beatles At Last – Etta James Bless the Broken Road - Rascal Flatts Come Away with Me – Norah Jones Endless Love - Lionel Richie Edelweiss - Rodgers/Hammerstein Falling In Love At a Coffeeshop – Landon Pigg Fields of Gold – Sting From This Moment On – Cole Porter Have I Told You Lately – Rod Stewart In My Life - Lennon/McCartney I Will be Here – Steven Curtis Chapman Legend of Zelda Selections The Ludlows from Legends of the Fall Moon River –from Breakfast at Tiffany’s Reign of Love – Coldplay She - Elvis Costello Smile – Uncle Kracker Sunshine of my Life – Stevie Wonder This Year’s Love - David Gray The Wedding from Legends of the Fall Whatever it is – Zac Brown Band What A Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong When I Fall in Love – Nat King Cole When You Say Nothing At All - Alison Krauss Wonderful Tonight - Eric Clapton You are the Sunshine of my Life – Stevie Wonder

Add Some Sparkle With Live Christmas Music

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If you are planning a Christmas party this year, what better way to add to the festive atmosphere than live Christmas music ? All of our ensembles have a large Christmas repertoire. This is the time of year when December dates begin filling up, so book soon to ensure our availability.

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!"