String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Wedding Island

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

Sample Prelude Music:
All You Need is Love (Beatles), Don't Stop Belivin' (Journey), Make You Feel My Love (Adele), Yellow (Coldplay), Reign of Love (Coldplay), A Thousand Years (Christina Perri)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach) ~ Seating of the Family and Groomsmen
Young and Beautiful (Lana Del Rey) ~ Bridesmaids, Ringbearers, Flower Girls
Canon in D (Pachelbel) ~ Bride
Wedding March (Mendelssohn) ~ Recessional

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Wedding Planner - Meg Stepanek of Gemini Event Planning
Venue - Vail Wedding Island at the Vail Golf Club
Photographer - Michele DeVires - IN Photography
Cake - Mountain Flour
Rentals - Alpine Party Rentals
Wedding Ceremony Music - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - String Trio

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens, Photos Courtesy of Michele DeVries of IN Photography

It was during a gorgeous day at the end of June that our string trio had the pleasure of playing for a large wedding ceremony at the Vail Wedding Island, located at the Vail Golf Course. The happy bride and groom had an epic backdrop of sparkling water reflecting a view of the Gore Range Mountains. There were about 35 people in the wedding party and the processional was grand. The bride looked stunning in a fitted lacy wedding gown and she wore an elegant and delicate vintage lace veil which she had carefully attached just before the wedding. The weather was perfect as the guests enjoyed cool drinks and champagne at the beverage table before the wedding.

The bride made a special request that our string trio play "Young and Beautiful" by Lana Del Rey for the processional of the ringbearers, flower girls, and bridesmaids. I made a special arrangement for the processional by adding some rhythmic elements played underneath the soaring melody, and it worked perfectly for walking.

From the bride: "Christen Stephens is absolutely the best. She played the most fabulous music during our ceremony. It was gorgeous. She went above and beyond mixing classical music with modern music just as I requested. She even created a gorgeous rendition of a new song for the wedding that went perfectly with the rest of the classical songs played in the processional. I would HIGHLY recommend Christen Stephens."

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

Flute and Cello Duo Wedding Ceremony Music at the Wedgwood Center in Boulder, Colorado

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens, Photos with a watermark are courtesy of TomK Photography

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:

Venue: Wedgewood Wedding and Banquet Center
Photographer: Tom K Photo
Wedding Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Cello Duo

In June, our flute and cello duo played for a very musical destination wedding ceremony at the Wedgwood Wedding and Banquet Center in Boulder, Colorado. The bride and groom had many fun song selections that they incorporated throughout their ceremony, and they each had a secret song that they chose for each other. The groom sang his secret song ("All I Ask of You") to the bride as we accompanied on flute and cello. The groom even sang some of his vows. The ceremony was full of laughter and fun and was truly a celebration of love. I adored the vintage bottles and colored sand that the couple used for their sand pouring ceremony.

Sample Prelude Music:
New York, New York, The Sound of Music, The Ludlows, Can't Help Falling in Love, Moon River, All of Me, Wildflowers (Tom Petty)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach) ~ Seating of the Families
Canon in D (Pachelbel) ~ Bridesmaids and Groomsmen
I Want to Hold Your Hand (Beatles) ~ Flower Girls and Ringbearer
Sweet Child of Mine (Guns N' Roses) ~ Bride's Processional
In the Still of the Nite (The Satins) ~ Sand Ceremony
La Vie En Rose (Louis Armstrong) ~ Bride's song for the groom
All I Ask of You from Phantom of the Opera ~ Groom's song for the bride
Wedding March (Mendelssohn) ~ Recessional
Simple Gifts (Lord of the Dance version) ~ Postlude

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

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music at Sapphire Point, Dillon, Colorado

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens, Photos with a watermark are courtesy of Infinite Pixels by Angel

In early June, I played solo flute for a charming 1920's inspired wedding ceremony at Sapphire Point in Dillon, Colorado. Sapphire Point is an overlook that boasts a stunning view of the Dillon Reservoir and the Gore and Tenmile mountain ranges. As I set up my things, I watched the antics of a curious chipmunk, who was eating some trail mix and inspecting a darling parasol that was ready for the bride in case of sun. Sun wasn't a concern after all, because rain was threatening and we all prayed that the storms would hold off for the wedding ceremony.

At the bride's request, I played upbeat classical and Irish music for the prelude as the guests arrived. The weather was beautiful until the middle of the ceremony when large guests of wind blew in dark masses of clouds and it began to rain. The bride and groom agreed to end the ceremony early. I was still able to play the recessional music in the rain because I brought my backup flute - a special flute that is made of plastic and completely waterproof.

From the bride: Christen was great. Even when the weather changed our plans last minute with no rehearsal, Christen kept right on track and made the day perfect. When working with her to plan the wedding music, she was so helpful and professional. She also sounded amazing! Everything was perfect from working with her in planning down to the ceremony and all the last minute changes. We definitely recommend her for your event!

Sample Prelude Music:
Unchained Melody, On the Turning Away, The Butterfly (Irish), The Foggy Dew (Irish), Galway Hornpipe, Liebestraum (Lizt), June from the Seasons (Tchaikovsky), The Last Rose of Summer, The Lover's Waltz, Unchained Melody (Righteous Brothers)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Processional (Seating of the Family, Bridesmaids, Groomsmen) ~ Canon in D
Bride ~ In Dreams From the Lord of the Rings
Recessional ~ Drowsy Maggie (Irish)

Vendors:
Officiant: Keith Horstman
Photographer: Infinite Pixels by Angel Photography
Wedding Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Solo Flute

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

Flute Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at Beano's Cabin in Beaver Creek, Colorado

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens, Photos Courtesy of Preston Utley Photography

In early June, our flute trio (flute, viola, cello) played for an elegant wedding ceremony up in Beaver Creek, Colorado. First, we enjoyed Michael Lancaster's skillful bagpipe performance as the guests arrived and then our trio finished playing the prelude music with some elegant classical selections. After the ceremony, we played a number of contemporary and popular songs to entertain the guests during the cocktail hour. We also played "A Sky Full of Stars" by Coldplay. This song is a favorite of the bride's, and I made a special arrangement of the song for our trio to play by her request. The wedding ceremony couldn't have gone more smoothly than under the watchful eye of Meg Stepanek of Gemini Event Planning.

Sample Prelude Music:
Ode to Joy (Beethoven), Salzburger Menuette (Mozart), Gigue from suite #3 in D Major (Bach)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Sheep May Safely Graze (Bach) ~ Parents and Grandparents Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach) ~ Bridesmaids and Groomsmen Canon in D (Pachelbel) ~ Bride Handel's Hornpipe Finale ~ Recessional At Last ~ Postlude

Sample Cocktail Hour Music:
Over the Rainbow from the Wizard of Oz, Such Great Heights (Iron and Wine), A Sky Full of Stars (Coldplay), Viva La Vida (Coldplay), Clocks (Coldplay), A Thousand Years (Christina Perri), What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Wedding Planner - Meg Stepanek, Gemini Event Planning
Venue - Beano's Cabin
Photographer - Preston Utley
Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Music - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens Flute Trio (flute, viola, cello)

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

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music at the Denver Botanic Gardens

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

I recently enjoyed playing solo flute for the wedding ceremony of a delightful couple in Denver, Colorado. The bride was from Turkmeninstan, the groom was from England and their former college teacher from California officiated the wedding ceremony. Of all the places in the world to get married, this couple chose the beautiful Denver Botanic Gardens in Denver, Colorado. They were married under the Water Garden Gazebo by the peaceful Monet Pool, which reflected the beautiful flowers and puffy clouds.The weather was beautiful with just enough clouds in the sky to keep the temperature very comfortable. The ceremony was small with just close family and friends and everyone was so warm and friendly that I felt quite welcome.

From the bride:
"Christen was absolutely amazing! We had our wedding ceremony at Denver Botanic Gardens on June 7, 2016 and couldn't have wished for the greater experience with Christen. We were absolutely impressed with her music, she made our special day magical! The guests loved Christen's playing. I recommend her to anyone who wants beautiful music for their ceremony/wedding, you will be amazed!!!"

Prelude Music: The Swan, The Ludlows from Legends of the Fall, Minuet from Eight Minuets and Trios, K 315a (Mozart), Romance (Beethoven), Spring (Vivaldi), Simple Gifts, Menuet from the Notebook for Anna Magdalena Bach) Postlude: Gavotte (Handel), The Lord's Prayer

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Processional ~ Amazing Grace
Recessional ~ Hornpipe - Purcell

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Venue - Denver Botanic Gardens
Wedding Ceremony Music - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Solo Flute

New Wedding Ceremony Songs for 2016

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

I am happy to announce that I have added a number of new contemporary wedding songs to my 2016 repertoire. Below, I have grouped these songs in a way that would beautifully compliment each part of a wedding ceremony and cocktail hour.

Prelude Songs: For the First Time in Forever from Frozen (solo flute) To Make You Feel My Love – Adele (flute and guitar, flute trio, flute quartet) What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong (flute and violin, flute and cello, flute trio, flute quartet) All You Need is Love – Beatles (flute and violin, flute and cello, flute trio, flute quartet)

Processional Songs: All I Want is You – U2 (flute quartet) All of Me – John Legend (flute and violin) A Thousand Years – Christina Perri (flute and violin, flute trio, flute quartet) Reign of Love – Coldplay (flute trio)

During the Ceremony: On Eagles’ Wings – Michael Joncas (flute and cello)

Cocktail Hour: Don’t Stop Believing – Journey (flute and cello, flute quartet) Feeling Good (solo flute) Let it Go from Frozen (solo flute) Such Great Heights – Postal Service (flute trio, flute quartet) Wildflowers – Tom Petty (flute and cello)

Flute and Violin Wedding Ceremony Music at the Denver Botanic Gardens

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

This wedding ceremony at the Denver Botanic Garden was held on a gorgeous day in mid-October. The ceremony was held at the Romantic Gardens, and they were washed in warm sunshine, the birds were singing, and the gardens were alive with autumn blooms. Even the guests from Hawaii kept talking about how beautiful it was. It was quite a change from last year when we were buried in snow at the same time of year! The bride hired our flute and violin duo and her one request was that we play "All of Me" by John Legend so I made an arrangement of the song for flute and violin. There were only about 14 guests, and while they took pictures and mingled before the wedding ceremony, we played a mix of classical and popular music. Because of the small size, this ceremony felt very relaxed and I think that the bride and groom truly enjoyed their special day as they mingled with family members and listened to our music.

Prelude Music:
Air from Orpheus (Gluck), Romanza from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (Mozart), Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis), Allegro Non Troppo (Pop), Simple Gifts, What a Wonderful World, Vivement from The Italian Sonata (Chedeville), Largo from Xerxes (Handel)

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Denver Botanic Gardens
Wedding Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Violin Duo

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

Flute and Violin Wedding Ceremony Music in Boulder, Colorado

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

Colorado Wedding Ceremony Music by Christen Stephens

I was asked by local violinist, Jane Uitti, to join her on my flute to provide beautiful live music for a local mountain wedding ceremony in Boulder. This early autumn ceremony was held at the Wedgewood Wedding and Banquet Center, located just a few minutes drive into the Boulder foothills, combining the charm of the mountains with a convenient location. For her prelude music as the guests arrived, the bride chose all songs by Bach, and then we played traditional wedding ceremony music for the processional. It was a sweet and simple wedding ceremony accompanied by the sound of rushing water in the river below.
 

Prelude Music:
Air from Suite #3 in D major, Arioso from Cantata #156, Gigue from Suite #3 in D major, My Heart is Ever Faithful from Cantata #68, Sheep May Safely Graze from Cantata #208

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Processional ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel)
Unity Candle ~ Ave Verum Corpus (Mozart)
Recessional ~ March in D Major from the Notebook of Anna Magdalena Bach

Flute and Cello Duo Wedding Ceremony Music at Beaver Creek Chapel

This mid-September mountain wedding ceremony came complete with gorgeous autumn-yellow aspens framing a charming stone chapel, accompanied by ringing church bells and beautiful flute and cello music. I might have stepped into a Norman Rockwell drawing, or it might just be another day at my job. For the prelude, our flute and cello duo played a list of contemporary music specially selected by the bride. The bride chose traditional wedding ceremony music for her processional. During the ceremony, we played Largo from Vivaldi's Four Seasons while the bride and groom lit the unity candle and then signed the marriage certificate. Our music echoed beautifully in this open church building. All photos with a watermark are courtesy of Rachel Olsen Photography.

Ceremony Music:
Mothers light unity candle ~ Ode to Joy (Beethoven)
Groom, Pastor, Bridesmaids and Groomsmen ~ Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach) Bride ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel)
Unity Candle and Marriage Certificate ~ Largo from Vivaldi's Four Seasons
Recessional and Postlude ~ La Rejouissance, Bourree, and Hornpipe from Handel's Water Music

Sample Wedding Prelude Music:
Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis), Wildflowers (Tom Petty), I Want to Hold Your Hand (Beatles), The Wedding from Legends of the Fall, Can You Feel the Love Tonight (Elton John), Over the Rainbow

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Venue - The Chapel at Beaver Creek
Photographer - Rachel Olsen Photography
Ceremony Musicians - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Flute and Cello Duo

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at The Lodge at Breckenridge

Our flute and cello duo had an unusually warm and sunny day to play for this scenic outdoor October wedding ceremony in Breckenridge, Colorado. The bride chose all of her wedding prelude, ceremony and cocktail hour music and made two special song requests. Her first request was for me to arrange "On Eagles Wings" to be played as she and her fiancee exchanged private vows. The second song was "Sweet Child O' Mine" by Gun's N' Roses, which I arranged as a special surprise for the groom. I based my arrangement on an arrangement from a YouTube video that the groom really enjoyed. We played "Sweet Child O' Mine" during the receiving line after the ceremony. During the cocktail hour we played a mix of classical, jazz, ragtime, and popular music.

Sample Prelude Music:
Handel's Water Music (selections), Air on the G String (Bach), Rondeau (Mouret), The Wedding from Legends of the Fall

Wedding Ceremony Music:
All I Ask of You ~ Moms, Bridesmaids and Groomsmen, Ringbearer and dog
Canon in D ~ Bride
On Eagle's Wings ~ Private Vow Exchange
The Sound of Music ~ Recessional
Sweet Child of Mine ~ Receiving Line (special surprise for groom)

Sample Cocktail Hour Music:
All of Me, Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis), A Whole New World from Aladdin, Blackbird (Beatles), Maple Leaf Rag (Joplin), My Funny Valentine, Rondo Alla Turca (Mozart), Meditation from Thais (Massenet)

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Venue: The Lodge at Breckenridge
Photographer: Studio Kiva
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Cello Duo

Flute and Violin Duo Wedding Ceremony Music at the Denver Botanic Gardens

The weather was warm and sunny for this elegant late summer wedding ceremony at the Denver Botanic Gardens. The ceremony tent was surrounded by beautiful flowers in peak bloom with a water feature as a backdrop. The wedding itself was a time of celebration and the guests were enthusiastic about cheering for the bride and groom during the processional and recessional. It was quite a processional with 11 bridesmaids and 11 groomsmen, a ringbearer and 2 flower girls! The bride chose all of her own processional music and I chose the prelude and cocktail hour music. I also made a special arrangement of "Can't Help Falling in Love" to play during the reflection time during the ceremony and another arrangement of "A Thousand Years" to play as the bride walked down the aisle.

Our duo continued to play upbeat classical music after the ceremony as the guests enjoyed light snacks and drinks.

Sample Prelude Music:
Air from Water Music (Handel), Air from Orpheus (Gluck), Menuet from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (Mozart), Minuet (Devienne)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Parents and Groom ~ Ode to Joy (Beethoven)
Bridesmaids and Groomsmen, Ringbearer, Flower Girls ~ Sheep May Safely Graze (Bach)
Bride's Processional ~ A Thousand Years (Christina Perri)
Reflection Song ~ Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis)
Recessional ~ Wedding March (Mendelssohn)

Sample Cocktail Hour Music:
The Italian Sonata - selections (Chedeville), Allegro (Loeillet), Presto from Sonatina in F major (Telemann), Scheherazade Theme (Rimsky-Korsakov), Waltz from Album for the Young (Tschaikovsky), Blackbird (Beatles), For Me and My Gal, Let Me Call You Sweetheart, What a Wonderful World

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Venue: Denver Botanic Gardens
Ceremony Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Violin Duo

Flute and Cello Duo Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Wedding Deck

I was very glad that I brought my winter coat to this chilly rare sunset wedding ceremony on the Vail Wedding Deck. Normally the deck closes before sunset, but a severe thunderstorm had just rolled through, cooling the air and closing the gondola, causing the wedding to be delayed. This destination wedding ceremony was bathed in evening sunset colors forming a glorious backdrop for the bride and groom. Our flute and cello duo played classical prelude music as the guests began to arrive and the bride chose traditional wedding ceremony music for the processional.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Grandparents and Parents ~ Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach)
Minister, Groom, Groomsmen, Bridesmaids, Ringbearer ~ Ode to Joy (Beethoven) Bride ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel)
Recessional ~ La Rejouissance (Handel)

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Venue: Vail Wedding Deck
Wedding Coordinator: Katie McCann at Collins Coordination
Ceremony Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Cello Duo

Flute Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Ten Mile Station

Our flute quartet recently played at Ten Mile Station, a mountainside wedding venue in Breckenridge, Colorado. As the guests arrived on buses from the bottom of the mountain, we entertained them with an upbeat selection of classical music. The beautiful bride walked down the aisle accompanied by "The Wedding Song" by Peter, Paul, and Mary. This was a special request by the mother of the bride, and was the same song that she walked down the aisle to when she married. After the wedding, we moved inside where we played popular, rock, and jazz music for another half hour during cocktails.
 

Sample Prelude Music:
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach), Sheep May Safely Graze (Bach), Trumpet Tune (Clarke), Trumpet Voluntary (Purcell), Simple Gifts (Traditional), Handel's Water Music, Ave Maria (Schubert)

Selected Cocktail Hour Music:
Clocks (Coldplay), It Had to Be You, Such Great Heights (Postal Service), A Thousand Years (Christina Perri), Don't Stop Believing (Journey)

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Venue: Ten Mile Station
Photographer: Danica Larsen Photography
Wedding Ceremony Musicians - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute Quartet (flute, violin, viola, cello)

Flute and Violin Wedding Ceremony Music at the Larkspur Restaurant in Vail

Our flute and violin duo played for this wedding ceremony at the beautiful Larkspur Restaurant in Vail, Colorado. The wedding was set up on the green lawn to the side of the restaurant and came complete with 360 degree mountain views. The florist graced the wedding area with one of my favorite flowers - beautiful hydrangea blooms. At our music consultation, I played music samples for the bride and together we decided where her favorite songs would fit into the ceremony. Her young niece also had a musical part in the wedding, and she played "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" on her violin while the flower girls and ring bearers walked down. It was a precious moment.

After the wedding, we moved inside the restaurant to play classical music for the cocktail hour. We also threw in a few contemporary pieces that are suited to the flute and violin.

Sample Prelude Music: Rondeau (Mouret), Air from Water Music by Handel, La Rejouissance From Fireworks Music by Handel, Arioso (Bach)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Parents, Bridesmaids and Groomsmen ~ Hornpipe From Handel's Water Music
Ringbearer and Flower Girls ~ Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach) - played on solo violin by niece
Bride ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel)
Recessional ~ Wedding March (Mendelssohn)

Sample Cocktail Hour Music:
Allegro Non Troppo (Popp), March in D Major (Bach), Presto in F Major (Telemann), Gavotte (Gossec), Waltz Op. 39 #8 (Tchaikovsky), Canzonetta (Mozart), Simple Gifts, Let Me Call You Sweetheart, All You Need is Love (Beatles)

Visit my Weddings page to learn more about how to make your wedding magical with live music.

Flute and Cello Duo Wedding Ceremony Music at the Donovan Pavilion in Vail

Playing flute for Erin and Erik's wedding ceremony and cocktail hour was one of the highlights of my summer. I loved getting to know the bride and groom during our music consultation because they were so warm, full of joy, and immersed in the present moment. They selected a few traditional pieces and some unique pieces of music for their processional, and I also made a special arrangement of Tom Petty's "Wildflowers" for the recessional. The weather at Donovan Pavilion on the day of the wedding was just perfect and the beauty of nature surrounded us. Our flute and cello duo began playing a prelude of classical music to entertain the the guests as they arrived. The recessional was like a huge celebration as we played Tom Petty's "Wildflowers" and the guests cheered for the happy couple.

Our flute and cello duo played 90 minutes for the cocktail hour. We began with upbeat classical music and transitioned to popular, rock, and jazz. While we were playing for the cocktail hour, one of the guests asked if we could play "A Whole New World" - they had been singing that song earlier in the day. We played their request and all the guests around us began singing with us and more people joined in until we were surrounded by singing. It was like that moment at the end of a movie when everything works out and everyone is celebrating.

Erin and Erik - I wish you much joy in your marriage together! You are an amazing couple!

Sample Prelude Music:
Sheep May Safely Graze (Bach), Clair De Lune (Debussy), Morning Prayer (Tchaikovsky), Air from Suite #3 (Bach), To A Wild Rose (MacDowell), Ave Maria (Schubert)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Officiant, Groom, Parents ~ The Ludlows From Legends of the Fall
Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Ringbearer, Flower Girl ~ Canon in D
Bride ~ Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis)
Recessional ~ Wildflowers (Tom Petty)

Selected Cocktail Hour Music:
Roses from the South, (Strauss), Fugue in B minor (Handel), Minuet in G (Bach), Burlesca (W.F. Bach), Spring (Vivaldi), Allegro (Handel), Blue Spanish Eyes, Can You Feel the Love Tonight?, You Raise Me Up, I Want to Hold Your Hand (Beatles), A Whole New World (Aladdin)

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Venue ~ Donovan Pavilion
Photographer ~ Audry Hannah Photo
Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Music - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Cello Duo

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music in Vail

I traveled up to Vail on this hot summer day to play solo flute for a wedding ceremony on the beautiful Vail Wedding Deck. The hot sun shone down on me and I wished I brought sunscreen, but there was nice cool breeze. The guests began to arrive 45 minutes before the ceremony, and since I was set up already, I began playing early to give them lovely music to walk in to. The bride requested that I play jazz and popular music so I put together a song list that I thought the guests would enjoy.

Sample Prelude Music:
Annie's Song (John Denver), Don't Stop Belivin' (Journey), Longer (Dan Fogelberg), Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis), Blackbird (Beatles), Autumn Leaves

Processional Music:
Wedding Party ~ Entr'acte (Bizet)
Bride ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel)
Recessional ~ Prelude from Te Deum (Charpentier)
Postlude ~ Hornpipe (Purcell)

Flute Trio Wedding Ceremony Music in Vail, Colorado

Photo Courtesy of Michael Rawlings Photography

Our flute trio had a wonderful time playing for this wedding ceremony on a beautiful, sunny, blustery day on the Vail Wedding Deck. The sunflowers and the still-green hills made a glorious backdrop for the bride and groom.

Our trio played classical prelude music as the guests arrived. The only song that the bride specifically requested was the "Bridal Chorus" by Wagner, with the melody played on the violin. Our viola player was very flexible and brought her violin along in addition to her viola. Half the time during the prelude and cocktail hour, she accompanied on viola, and half the time, she played the melody on violin. This switching around was actually a really nice change for us musicians and I think that the guests enjoyed the variety in sound.

After the ceremony, we went back down the gondola to the Four Seasons Hotel in Vail. The cocktail reception was held on the elegant Flame Deck of the Marriott Four Seasons. We played classical music there for another hour as the guests enjoyed the food.

Sample Prelude Music:
Salzburger Menuette (Mozart), Largo from Winter (Vivaldi), Arioso (Bach), Andantino K 236 (Mozart), Fantasie (Telemann), Ecossaise (Beethoven)

Ceremony Music:
Bride ~ Bridal Chorus
Recessional ~ Trumpet Tune

Sample Cocktail Hour Music:
Air from Suite #3 (Bach), Italian Song (Tschaikovsky), Mozart Trios, Toy Symphony (Haydn)

Wedding Vendors:
Photographer: Michael Rawlings Photography
Wedding Ceremony Venue: Vail Wedding Deck Reception
Venue: Marriott Four Seasons, Vail
Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute Trio (flute, viola, cello)

Flute Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Cordillera Lodge in Vail

Our flute trio (flute, viola, cello) played for this elegant wedding ceremony at Cordillera Lodge in Edwards, Colorado recently. The weather turned out perfectly with lots of lovely sunshine and a cool breeze that felt wonderful. The bride chose contemporary and popular music for her prelude, and I arranged "Reign of Love" for our trio to play as she walked down the aisle. The young flower girl was brought down in a flower covered wagon which was a brilliant idea and very sweet.

Prelude Music:
Make You Feel My Love (Bob Dylan), At Last (Etta James), Over the Rainbow, Romantic Flight from How to Train Your Dragon, Such Great Heights (Postal Service)

Ceremony Music:
Processional ~ A Thousand Years (Christina Perri)
Bride ~ Reign of Love (Coldplay)
Recessional ~ Yellow (Coldplay)

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music and Dinner Music in Denver

This hot day began with a beautiful cool morning, perfect for an intimate wedding ceremony at the War Memorial Rose Garden in Littleton, Colorado. This picturesque gem is located near downtown Littleton and across the street from beautiful Sterne Park. The roses were just beginning to reach peak bloom and their scent filled the air with a sweet, nostalgic perfume. As a former music major, the groom had many ideas for his music selections and I incorporated them into the prelude, postlude, and dinner music. As guests began to arrive, I played a prelude of classical and traditional Irish music on solo flute. The wedding ceremony was very simple with only immediate family and friends attending. After the wedding ceremony, I played for fifteen more minutes as the wedding party and family were photographed.

Selected Wedding Prelude Music:
Aylesford Gavotte (Handel), Pastorale (Vivaldi), Star of the County Down (traditional Irish), Banish Misfortune (traditional Irish), Shebeg and Sheemore (traditional Irish), Berceuse (Faure), The Butterfly (traditional Irish), Largo from the New World Symphony, Theme from Scheherazade (Rimsky-Korsakov), Waltz (Brahms)

Dinner was held at Maggiano's which is the couple's favorite restaurant. I began by playing some classical and Irish tunes and then switched to show, jazz, movie, and popular music. The groom made a special request that my last song be "Feeling Good", and I really enjoyed learning that wonderful classic song. The guests enjoyed drinks and appetizers while I played and when I finished, dinner was served. I was invited to join everyone for dinner and particularly enjoyed the pork and mashed potatoes and one of the best cheesecakes I've ever had.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Wedding Party and Bride ~ Chorale from Cantata No. 140 (JS Bach) Recessional ~ Prelude from Te Deum (Marc-Antoine Charpentier)

Selected Dinner Music:
Salut D' Amour (Elgar), Vocalise (Rachmaninoff), Irish Traditional music, Entr'acte from Carmen (Bizet), The Ludlows from Legends of the Fall, What a Wonderful World, Isn't it Romantic?, Some Enchanted Evening from South Pacific, (Everything I Do), I Do it For You from Robin Hood, The Way You Look Tonight, As Time Goes By from Casablanca, Cheek to Cheek, Feeling Good from The Roar of the Greasepaint - The Smell of the Crowd

Wedding Vendors:
Wedding Venue: War Memorial Rose Garden in Littleton
Dinner Venue: Maggiano's in Englewood
Wedding Ceremony and Reception Musician: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Solo Flute

Flute and Harp Duo - Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park

Cocktail Hour Music Included: Clair De Lune (Debussy), Flower Duet (Delibes), Traumereri (Schumann), March from Judas Maccabaeus (Handel), Autumn from the four seasons (Vivaldi), Meditation from Thais (Massenet), Air on the G String (Bach)

Vendors:
Della Terra Mountain Chateau: Della Terra Mountain Chateau - Estes Park, Colorado Photographer: Dream Time Images
Officiant: Carolyn Carpenter of Sunflower Weddings
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Harp Duo.

This past weekend, I played for a wedding ceremony at Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park. It was hot in Denver, but beautiful and cool in Estes Park where we were surrounded by towering pines and the beauty of nature. I played my flute accompanied by Colorado Harpist, Mary Keener. It rained a little as we played the prelude but we stayed dry under the protection of the shelter that Della Terra recently built. The sun came out just in time for the ceremony to begin and it was a gorgeous wedding. The brides had listened to our flute and harp music samples online and they knew exactly what they wanted for their ceremony music. They also selected most of their own prelude music with help of my repertoire list. After the ceremony, we moved to the deck where we played classical cocktail hour music.

Prelude Music Included: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach), Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee, Romanza from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (Mozart), On Wings of Song (Mendelssohn)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Mothers ~ Ave Maria (Schubert)
Wedding Party (Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Flower Girls, Ringbearer) ~ Trumpet Voluntary
Bride #1 ~ Canon in D (Pachelbel)
Bride #2 ~ Wedding March (Mendelssohn)
Sand Ceremony ~ The Swan (Saint-Saens)
Rose Ceremony ~ Arisoso (Bach)
Recessional: DJ takes over while we move to the cocktail hour site