September 28, 2018

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

September 28, 2018/ Vail Wedding Deck/ Christen Stephens

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.

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 >

August 21, 2018

String Trio Wedding Ceremony and Reception Music at the Arrabelle in Vail

August 21, 2018/ The Arrabell at Vail Square/ Christen Stephens

String trio wedding and reception music at the Arrabelle in Vail Square

In late July, I played cello with my string trio for a classy wedding ceremony and reception at the Arrabelle in Vail. Since we played for both the ceremony and reception, we were there for about five hours, which rivals my longest performance ever! Instead of having to leave right after the ceremony, it was wonderful to have the extra time to spend playing our music and getting to know and enjoy the guests.

As we arrived, the weather was a little iffy, and it looked like it might rain. We hoped for the best and set up with our instruments on the beautiful balcony just outside the Arrabelle Great Room. The balcony overlooked the green Vail ski slopes and a part of charming Vail Village. Just as we were ready to start playing the prelude music, it began to storm, and the ceremony had to be moved indoors.

Our string trio played peaceful classical prelude music, as requested by the bride. The bride walked down the aisle to "A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri, and the couple was married in front of grand fireplace in the Great Room.

Once the ceremony was over, the guests enjoyed cocktails and dinner as we played a set of modern pop and rock songs. It was fun because when we started playing each song, various guests would pay attention as they recognized their a favorite tune. The acoustics in the room worked beautifully for our trio and we didn't overpower the small room.

When there's no dancing, our live music is perfect for your entire wedding ceremony, cocktails, and reception. That way, you only need to book one group! We can start your ceremony and welcome your guests with lovely classical music and then switch to more contemporary music or lively classical music for your cocktails and reception. We can even add amplification if needed. For this couple, it was such an elegant touch to have our string trio play for the entire event, and our music created a beautiful ambiance for the entire evening.

From the Bride:
"We had an intimate wedding in Vail and Christen and her string trio team played for both our ceremony and reception. They did such a great job! Christen was so helpful and accommodating with our vision and timeline while planning the music for our day. Her website provides many great samples of music to choose from. She also worked on and added more music to her string trio repertoire in order to accommodate both our ceremony and reception. We received several compliments from guests on how much they enjoyed their music. They appreciated the elegant touch it added and the fact that they could easily converse with one another while they were playing. She was very responsive and so easy to work with. I would highly recommend her and her team for any special occasion or event! Thank you Christen!"

Experience classical and pop music with the elegance of strings for your wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception with my string trio.

Selections from Prelude Music:
Air from Water Music (Handel), Wedding Song (Peter, Paul, and Mary), Andantino (Mozart), Romanza from Eine Kline Nachtmusik (Mozart), Arioso from Cantata #156 (Bach)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
A Thousand Years (Christina Perri) - Bride's Processional
Allegro from Spring (Vivaldi) - Recessional

Dinner Reception Music (a small sample):
Moon River (from Breakfast at Tiffany's), Accidentally in Love (Counting Crows), Romantic Flight (from How to Train Your Dragon), The Wedding (from the Legends of the Fall), A Sky Full of Stars (Coldplay), Yellow (Coldplay), Anything Goes (Cole Porter), Don't Stop Believin' (Journey), Chasing Cars (Snow Patrol), Just One of Those Things (Cole Porter), Imagine (Beatles)

August 08, 2018

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music on the Vail Wedding Deck in Colorado

August 08, 2018/ Christen Stephens

Vow Renewal Wedding Ceremony on the Vail Wedding Deck, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Towards the end of July, I played for a wedding vow renewal ceremony on the Vail Wedding Deck. There was a pretty good chance of thunderstorms in Vail that afternoon, but the rain held off, allowing for the ceremony to take place under the sunshine and occasional clouds. The wind was extremely gusty, and it brought in smoke from the southern Colorado wildfires, but that just added a mysterious and magical quality to the setting.

I played a mix of classical and contemporary prelude music on my flute, and I used my amplification so that I could be heard over the wind. Everyone gasped in surprise and delight when the couple's spunky and adorable daughter joined me on her flute to play "Can't Help Falling in Love" as the bride walked down the aisle.

The couple had been married for ten years, and their vows were as tender as first time couples, but also so refreshingly real as they had faced many years of life together. They had gone through many joys and challenges in their ten years of married life, and through them they grew closer to each other and were more in love than ever. I don't think that there was a dry eye by the time the ceremony was over. Then the bride gave everyone yet another surprise by announcing that a second child was on the way! Everyone cheered.

It was quite wonderful when the officiant announced "And now I pronounce you....are still husband and wife!" at the end. I was so inspired that I thought how nice it would be to do a 15 year vow renewal with my husband in a few years. I continued to play my flute after the ceremony to add ambiance as photos were taken.

From the Bride:
"Christen played beautifully at my ten year wedding renewal! She even worked with my daughter to perform a surprise duet together as I walked down the aisle which was such a hit. Thank you so much for everything!"

Enjoy the elegance and beauty of my solo flute music for your wedding ceremony! Here are solo flute music samples.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Here Comes the Sun (Beatles) - Groomsmen
The Way You Look Tonight (Sinatra)- Bridesmaids
Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis) - Duet with Bride's Daughter for Bride's Walk

Prelude and Postlude Music Included:
Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach), Hornpipe (Purcell), Moon River, Prelude from Te Deum (Charpentier), When I Fall in Love (Nat King Cole), Cheek to Cheek (Sinatra), All My Loving (Beatles)

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Venue: Vail Wedding Deck
Wedding Planner: White Birch
Wedding Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Solo Flute
Photographer: Ashley Waldron Photography
Videographer: Roots and Wings Productions
Reception Location: Arrabelle Ballroom

July 26, 2018

Flute Quartet Music at the Vail Wedding Deck

July 26, 2018/ Vail Wedding Deck/ Christen Stephens

A bride celebrates when the Vail Wedding Deck gondola reopens after a thunderstorm

In early July, my flute quartet (flute, violin, viola, cello) headed to the Colorado mountains to play for a wedding ceremony on the Vail Wedding Deck. When we arrived, the weather was unusually hot and dusty and unlike the cool crisp air that we usually expect from Vail. The sun was shining brightly and all was calm as we took the gondola up to the top of Vail Mountain. The moment we arrived, it was announced that a large storm was moving in, and the gondola would be closed!

Over 400 people were trapped at the top of the mountain, including two brides. One bride had just been married and the second bride was supposed to be married at the bottom of the gondola in Vail Village. The storm rolled in, bringing with it lightning strikes and heavy rain. Our wedding party and guests were waiting at the bottom of the gondola and we were waiting at the top, and we were all hoping that our couple could have their dream outdoor wedding on top of the mountain. It must have been about an hour, but finally the announcement came through that the storm had passed and the gondola would be running again. The crowd of people erupted into big cheers, and the cheering brides were escorted onto the gondola first.

Flute Quartet wedding ceremony music on the Vail Wedding Deck in Colorado

Our wedding party made it to the top of the mountain for their dream wedding after all. The rain had washed away the hot and dusty feeling, and it was fresh and cool. Just as the bride and groom said "I do", the sun came out and shone on them as if for a blessing.

My quartet played elegant classical music as the guests arrived for the ceremony, and we continued to play after the ceremony to accompany the wedding party as they had their pictures taken.

Selections from prelude and postlude music:
Rondeau (Mouret), Ave Maria (Schubert), selections from Handel's Water Music, To a Wild Rose (MacDowell), selections from Bach string quartets

Hire my flute quartet (flute, violin, viola, cello) to make your Colorado mountain wedding even more spectacular!

Vendors:
Venue: Vail Wedding Deck
Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute Quartet

March 08, 2018

Flute Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at the Donovan Pavilion in Vail, Colorado

March 08, 2018/ Christen Stephens

At the beginning of autumn, my flute quartet (flute, violin, viola, cello) headed down to Vail, Colorado to play music for a wedding ceremony at the Donovan Pavilion. The drive up to Vail was the most beautiful drive of the whole year. The first snow had just fallen the night before and the aspens were in peak season with their golden yellow leaves. When the sun shone, the aspens glowed, gradually making way to dark pines dusted with fresh snow at the tops of the mountains. Behind the mountain peeks, storm clouds made a dramatic and imposing backdrop. The rain and wind from a large cold front was quickly moving in, and when it was time for our quartet to start playing prelude music, it was sprinkling rain and the wind blew in from the west, bringing in clouds and cold temperatures. We couldn't play the wedding music outside because of the weather so, with the help of my high quality sound system, we were able to play indoors and still be heard clearly outside. We played a mix of contemporary music and hymns for the prelude and then played a traditional processional.

The wedding ceremony was so elegant and the wedding party braved the cold weather so that the couple could have their dream of an outdoor ceremony. The flowers and decor were romantic and glamorous with old-fashioned deep pink roses, greenery, and candles everywhere. The tables were covered in rich blue cloths accented by branches covered in deep gold. The color contrasts and textures were vibrant and luxurious.

client quote →

Christen is amazing!!! She is such a talented musician. She made my wedding vision come to life! - from the bride, Married in Vail, Colorado

Samples from Prelude Music: Make You Feel My Love (Adele), All You Need is Love (Beatles), Reign of Love (Coldplay), Come Thou Fount, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

Processional and Ceremony Music: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach) ~ seating of the parents, bridesmaids and groomsmen, ring bearers, flower girl Canon in D (Pachelbel) ~ Bride Ave Verum Corpus (Mozart) ~ Cord of three strands ceremony Wedding March (Mendelssohn) ~ Recessional Just the Way You Are (Bruno Mars) ~ Postlude

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:

Planner: Ann Marlin of Cloud 9 Bliss
Photographer: Cassidy Brooke
Videographer: Emily Brumley of Storyteller Films
Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Flute Quartet
DJ: Elite Entertainment

Rain or shine, make your wedding day sparkle with our wonderful Flute Quartet Music >

December 12, 2017

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

December 12, 2017/ Christen Stephens

Photos courtesy of Kristopher Lindsay Photography

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.

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

November 18, 2017

Flute and Guitar Duo at the Vail Wedding Deck

November 18, 2017/ Christen Stephens

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

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!

September 20, 2017

Flute and Violin Duo Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Wedding Island

September 20, 2017/ Christen Stephens

Flute and Violin Wedding Music in Vail, colorado

hotos in this post courtesy of Laura Murray Photography

The big day finally arrived! Ashley contacted me almost two years ago because she wanted to make sure that she reserved our flute and violin duo for her wedding day in Vail. Her special day finally arrived full of sunshine and mid-summer mountain beauty. The Gore Range provided a gorgeous backdrop to the wedding ceremony, which took place outdoors on the Vail Wedding Island. My violinist and I played contemporary prelude music as the guests enjoyed cocktails and socialized before the ceremony. The refreshing drinks kept everyone cool before the ceremony and it also provided lots of great photo opportunities.

The special part of the processional was our collaboration with the bride's best friend and singer, Allie. I made a custom music arrangement of "I Will" by the Beatles and Allie sang along with our duo for the procession of the flower girl and ring bearer. It was the sweetest most meaningful moment, and the fact that the very young ring bearer didn't want to walk down the aisle at all made it even more charming, and brought about some chuckles from everyone.

Congratulations Ashley and Ethan!

Samples from Prelude Music: Blackbird (Beatles), All of Me (John Legend), In the Good Ol' Summertime, A Thousand Years (Christina Perri), All You Need is Love (Beatles), Ode to Joy (Beethoven), Spring from the Four Seasons (Vivaldi)

Processional Music: Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis) ~ Parents, Officiant, Groomsmen Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach) ~ Bridesmaids I Will (Beatles) ~ Flower Girl and Ringbearer Canon in D ~ Bride

Postlude: Hornpipe (Handel)

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Venue: Wedding Island at the Vail Golf and Nordic Clubhouse
Wedding Planner: Jill Chalfant of Snapdragon Celebrations
Wedding Ceremony Music: Flute and Violin Duo by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens
Photographer: Laura Murray
Videographer: Sherri Innis of Love Story Films
Reception Location: Donovan Pavilion

Reserve our elegant flute and violin duo for your wedding day or event! Here are Music Samples >

November 03, 2016

Flute Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at Vail Interfaith Chapel

November 03, 2016/ Christen Stephens

Recently, our flute trio (flute, viola, cello) played classical and contemporary wedding ceremony music at Vail Interfaith Chapel in Vail, Colorado. We always love playing at Vail Chapel because of the beautiful acoustics that carry our sound throughout the sanctuary. Our very busy bride had a high stress job, so after a short consultation, I put together a music set list for her prelude and worked with her day-of coordinator for the details. I mixed classical and contemporary music and chose songs based on the bride's musical preference. The ceremony was emotional and joyful and the couple had the support of a lot of friends and family. After we played the recessional, a bagpiper played outside and led everyone to the reception site. We left the Vail Chapel to a gorgeous autumn day.

Sample Prelude Music: Allegro from Spring (Vivaldi), Ode to Joy (Beethoven), The Wedding Song (Peter, Paul, and Mary), Make You Feel My Love (Adele), Salzburger Menuette (Mozart),

Wedding Ceremony Music: Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach)~ Seating of the Families Sheep May Safely Graze (Bach) ~ Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Flower Girl, Ringbearer Canon in D ~ Bride Trumpet Voluntary ~ Recessional

Wedding Ceremony Vendors: Venue - Vail Interfaith Chapel, Vail, Colorado Wedding Coordinator - Steps and Stones Photographer - Maheux Studios Photography Videographer - Larisa Graham Videography Florist - Petals and Pours Musicians - Christen Stephens (Flute Trio)

August 04, 2016

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Vail Wedding Island

August 04, 2016/ Christen Stephens

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, Photos Courtesy of Michele DeVries of IN Photography — 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."

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