String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Reception Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Photo by Andrea Stark Photography

From the Groom:

“Christen and her musicians are amazing! They played recently at our July wedding in Breckenridge and the music was beautiful. She even learned a couple of specific songs that we asked for, and our guests loved the mix of contemporary songs they played during the ceremony and part of the reception. Christen was so nice and we are so thankful her and her string quartet crew were a part of our day. Highly recommend!!”

Our string quartet had a wonderful time playing music for this wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception! We played a short prelude of classical and traditional music, and then switched to upbeat contemporary music for the cocktails and reception. The “Flower Boi” played his part perfectly and made us all laugh!

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Photo by Andrea Stark Photography

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Photo by Andrea Stark Photography

As we played “Forever, and Ever, Amen” during the prelude, I heard a hint of singing from the guests. During the reception, the singing was a little louder while we played “Just the Way You Are”. I couldn’t resist, and we launched into “Take Me Home, Country Roads'“, and the whole room erupted in enthusiastic, off-key singing!

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Photo by Andrea Stark Photography

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Photo by Andrea Stark Photography

We continued playing lively contemporary music and finished with a requested encore performance of “Take Me Home, Country Roads”. There was so much energy throughout the evening, and we were enjoying playing so much, that we didn’t realize how hungry we had become. The couple had arranged for us to eat food from the buffet afterwards and it was very welcome gesture.

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Photo by Andrea Stark Photography

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Photo by Andrea Stark Photography

Wedding Ceremony Music:

Bittersweet Symphony (Verve) - Wedding Party
All of the Lights (Kayne West) (slow section) - Bride
Overjoyed (Matchbox 20) - Recessional

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Photo by Andrea Stark Photography

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Photo by Andrea Stark Photography

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Photo by Andrea Stark Photography

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Photo by Andrea Stark Photography

Wedding Vendors:

Ceremony and Reception Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - String Quartet
Venue: The Lodge at Breckenridge
Photography: Andrea Stark Photography - Thank you so much for these beautiful photos!

The signage at this wedding is worth highlighting - it was delightful and nerdy!

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Photo by Andrea Stark Photography

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Hour, and Reception Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge, Photo by Andrea Stark Photography

Our String Quartet is equally comfortable playing elegant classical music and rocking out on contemporary tunes!

String Trio Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the YMCA of the Rockies and the Twin Owls Steakhouse

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Overlook Chapel at YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

This July, my team and I played music for a wedding ceremony at the YMCA of the Rockies Overlook Chapel, which is at the top of Emerald Mountain. We arrived at the chapel after a drive up a winding dirt mountain road. The mountaintop felt wild and isolated, and it was completely silent except for the breeze in the trees and distant thunder.

As we warmed up and did sound check, we were swarmed by biting flies, which were enjoying the fact that we couldn’t really defend ourselves while we were playing our instruments. It was a relief when storm clouds covered the hot sun and the wind blew the worst of the flies away. When it was time to start the wedding, the mountaintop was still empty of people except for us and the officiant. The thunder rumbled louder and we saw lightning, and we hoped that everyone would arrive before the storm did!

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Overlook Chapel at YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Soon everyone arrived at once in a caravan of cars, and we played one prelude song and then launched into the bride’s song so that she could be married before the storm came. The bride walked down the aisle to a special arrangement that I made of “Precious Love” by James Morrison, a song that was meaningful to her.

The ceremony was really quick, and just as the couple was pronounced husband and wife, a few fat raindrops had begun to fall. People hurried away quickly, and we wrapped up the recessional song so that we could get to safety. We packed up under the shelter of our little canopy, during a deluge of wind, rain, flooding, and lightning.

Afterwards, we all made it safely to the Twin Owls Steakhouse, and we played lively contemporary music to entertain the guests during the cocktail reception.

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Overlook Chapel at YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Wedding Vendors:
Wedding Ceremony Venue - YMCA of the Rockies - Overlook Chapel
Wedding Cocktail Hour and Reception Venue - Twin Owls Steakhouse
Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - String Trio

Live Music adds Just the Right Touch to your Wedding Celebration!

Flute and Cello Duo Wedding Ceremony and Brunch Music at Carter Park Pavilion in Breckenridge, Colorado

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Brunch Music at Carter Park Pavilion in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

It was a cool and crisp July morning at Carter Park Pavilion in Breckenridge, Colorado - the perfect day for a wedding! The groom’s favorite instrument is the flute, and the bride’s favorite instrument is the cello, so our flute and cello duo was the just the right fit for their wedding music.

We played a mix of classical music and hymns as guests arrived and as they enjoyed brunch afterwards. It was a casual ceremony, and everyone was relaxed and having a wonderful time.

An older couple came up to us and requested “Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by Bach, which was the song that they had walked down the aisle to on their own wedding day! As we played they sat and listened with their arms wrapped around each other, and their love for each other was sweet and inspiring!

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Brunch Music at Carter Park Pavilion in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

From the Bride and Groom:

“Christen brought her musical beauty to our wedding in Breckenridge Colorado in July 2021, and I am so glad we selected her and her colleague. She played during the prelude and following the ceremony. In fact, the bride's mother is a music director one of the toughest critics around! - and she had high, high praise for Christen. The music was unobtrusive physically yet utterly beautiful aurally - and really made the event feel extra special. Thank you so much!” - Brad and Krista

Flute and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Brunch Music at Carter Park Pavilion in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Sample Prelude and Brunch Music Selections:,
Chorale from Cantata #140 (Bach), Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bach), For the Beauty of the Earth, Morning Has Broken, All Things Bright and Beautiful, Autumn (Vivaldi)

Ceremony Music:
Spring from the Four Seasons (Vivaldi) - Bride and Groom escorting parents
Ode to Joy (Beethoven) - Recessional

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Carter Park Pavilion
Live Music: Flute and Cello Duo - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens
Wedding Planner: Sparrow Event Planning

Experience the Beauty of our Flute and Cello Duo

Solo Flute French Concert at Atria in Englewood

Solo Flute Event Music at Atria in Englewood

I adore playing French music, so I was thrilled to be invited to play a concert of French music on solo flute at Atria Englewood this past week. Atria Englewood is a new and modern senior living community. On my tour of the facility, I learned that they provide the residents with pretty much every service you can imagine, and some I hadn’t even thought of! With the decline of covid, they were finally able to start having long-awaited live musical performances for the residents.

Today’s theme was France, and the residents enjoyed a selection of French desserts as I played a French concert for them. I played selections from Faure, Debussy, Saint-Saens, Bizet, and Satiie, to name a few. It was really fun to bring out sheet music that I haven’t had the opportunity to play in years, and my fingers remembered it all better than I thought they would. I learned a few new songs as well. Everyone seemed to love the concert, and I enjoyed meeting a few of the residents and hearing their wonderful stories.

Experience the Romance of Solo Flute

Flute and Strings Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek

Flute and String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Christen Stephens

This July, our flute and string trio played for an emotional and joyful wedding ceremony at the Chapel at Beaver Creek.

Our trio played prelude music as guests arrived, and our music set list was one I worked with the bride to create. She wanted modern and recognizable tunes with some more traditional classical selections in the mix.

The ceremony was incredibly joyful and heartfelt, and the music selections really reflected the personality of the couple. After we played the recessional song, and at the couple’s request, we launched into a rousing rendition of the Star Wars main theme, much to the delight of a few of the guests!

Flute and String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Chapel at Beaver Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Christen Stephens

From the Groom:

“Best Live Wedding Music of All Time”

“We were so incredibly fortunate to have Christen and her flute and strings trio to play for our wedding recently at the Beaver Creek Chapel.

In the weeks leading up to our big day, Christen was incredibly supportive of my wife and I's decisions in terms of tailoring our dream playlist. They could not have set a better mood in the chapel that day, and there were tears of joy a'plenty.

Thank you so much to Christen Wedding Music and co. for their amazing work! Would definitely recommend to a friend, family, or stranger.”

Listen to Live Music Samples from the Wedding:

Experience the vibrant sound of flute with strings.

Sample Prelude Music
Over the Rainbow from Wizard of Oz, At Last (Etta James), Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring from Cantata #147, Handel’s Hornpipe, A Sky Full of Stars (Coldplay). Marry You (Bruno Mars)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Imagine (Beatles) - Parents
Make You Feel My Love (Adele) - Wedding Party
Celtic Dawn (Roy Todd) - Bride
Clocks (Coldplay) - Recessional

Wedding Vendors:
Wedding Ceremony Music - Flute and Strings Trio by Christen Stephens
Venue: The Chapel at Beaver Creek
Photographer: Nate and Jenny Weddings
Wedding Planner: Glitter and Bliss Weddings and Events

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Manor House in Littleton, Colorado

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Manor House in Littleton, Colorado, Photo by Christen Stephens

This couple was married in the cool of a late spring morning at the Manor House in Littleton, Colorado. The setting was stunning, with a view of Denver framed by two hills, right behind the ceremony site. To the left was a sweeping view of Red Rocks and the surrounding mountains.

Because of COVID, this couple waited exactly one year to the day to finally have their wedding ceremony, and they were ready to truly celebrate! They requested music that would be light, airy, and full of joy. We played contemporary music for the bride and groom and their younger friends, and sprinkled the set list with a few lighthearted classical pieces for the older folks and parents to enjoy.

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Manor House in Littleton, Colorado, Photo by Christen Stephens

Wedding Processional Music:
Canon in D (Pachelbel) - Seating of the Parents and Grandparents
I Get to Love You (Ruelle) - Bride
Viva La Vida (Coldplay) - Recessional

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: The Manor House
Ceremony Music: String Trio - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens
Photographer: Alli and Garrett
DJ: DJ Maestro

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Manor House in Littleton, Colorado, Photo by Christen Stephens

Expert Tip: Schedule your wedding ceremony for the morning or early afternoon to have the best chance of avoiding afternoon thunderstorms and wind

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Manor House in Littleton, Colorado, Photo by Christen Stephens

Imagine hearing our string quartet accompanying your wedding ceremony in an equally stunning setting!

String Trio Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at Mount Princeton Hot Springs in Nathrop, Colorado

It was such a delight to work with this couple, and I felt privileged to be a part of their wedding celebration! The groom absolutely loves strings, and having live string music at their wedding was a very important part of this couple’s special day. They had our string trio play music with a contemporary feel for their ceremony, cocktail hour, and first dance.

String Trio Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music, Photo by Rachel Case Photography

String Trio Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music, Photo by Rachel Case Photography

String Trio Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music, Photo by Rachel Case Photography

We began by playing romantic contemporary prelude music as guests arrived before the ceremony, and we added energy with lively pop and rock tunes during cocktails. The bride also requested some special songs that her family loves, including “When I’m 64” (Beatles) , “Over the Rainbow” from Wizard of Oz, and A Whole New World.

String Trio Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music, Photo by Rachel Case Photography

We finished our portion of the evening playing the dreamy “I Get to Love You” by Ruelle for the couple’s very romantic first dance.

String Trio Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music, Photo by Rachel Case Photography

String Trio Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music, Photo by Rachel Case Photography

String Trio Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music, Photo by Rachel Case Photography

String Trio Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music, Photo by Rachel Case Photography

Wedding Ceremony Music:

A Thousand Years from Twilight - Wedding Party
Turning Page from Twilight - Bride
Viva La Vida (Coldplay) - Recessional
I Get to Love You (Ruelle) - First Dance

Wedding Vendors:

Venue: Mount Princeton Hot Springs
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: String Trio by Christen Stephens
Officiant and Wedding Planner: Clinton Anderson
Photographer: Rachel Case Photography - Thank you for these amazing photos!

Celebrate Your Wedding With the Beauty of Strings.

String Trio Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music, Photo by Rachel Case Photography

Flute and String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado

From the Groom:

“Amazing Musical Team!”

"Christen Stephens and her musicians were incredible! My bride wanted a very specific video game song played as she walked down the aisle and Christen's team pulled it off perfectly! They also did a great job with general contemporary music played on classical instruments, and created a great, classy, yet fun, atmosphere during the pre-ceremony time, and cocktail hour! She was always professional and very easy to work with! Highly recommended!”

Flute and Strings Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado, Photo by Christen Stephens

My musicians and I loved playing beautiful music for this elegant wedding ceremony and cocktail hour! The couple chose our flute and strings quartet, with the addition of a harpist for the bridal entrance. The bride was planning to ride in on a white horse as we played the “Great Fairy Fountain” from Zelda on flute and harp. I didn’t see exactly what happened because I was playing, but one of the many wild turkeys roaming the area spooked the horse and the bride couldn’t ride in, but it was true Colorado mountain wedding experience!

We played a contemporary music program with pop, rock, and country music selections. For the prelude, we began with slower and more romantic music, and then we really lifted the tempo after the ceremony as guests enjoyed cocktails and hors-d’ourves.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
A Thousand Years (Christian Perri) - Wedding Party
Great Fairy Fountain from Zelda - Bride
Marry You - Recessional

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Della Terra Mountain Chateau
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Flute and Strings Quartet + Harp by Christen Stephens
Photographer: Nicolette Bardos

Our Flute and Strings Quartet is an Impressive Addition to any Wedding!

Flute and String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at the Black Canyon Inn in Estes Park, Colorado

This bride was a very special client of mine because she’s not only a music lover, but she’s also a musician herself. The bride is an opera singer, and she comes from a very musical family, so the music portion of the ceremony was very important to the entire family. The mother of the bride particularly wanted to hear “Sheep May Safely Graze” with two flutes harmonizing at the top. We adjusted our normal quartet to include two flutes, along with a viola, and cello. The result was absolutely delightful and full of lighthearted joy!

From the Bride:

“Absolutely Beautiful”

“I can’t emphasize enough how much we enjoyed working with Christen as well as hearing her and the rest of the quartet at our wedding! Christen is super professional and also very flexible. We were able to have a quartet of two flautists, a cellist, and a violist and with the music we picked, it sounded absolutely magical. We used most of their repertoire list but Christen also was able to play a few extra pieces for us that weren’t, some from operas and some from movies that my husband and I have enjoyed watching together during our relationship. You will not regret hiring these wonderfully talented musicians. Thank you again Christen!”

Flute and Strings Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at the Black Canyon Inn in Estes Park, Colorado

Listen to a Live Music Clip from the Wedding:

Flute and Strings Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at the Black Canyon Inn in Estes Park, Colorado

Flute and Strings Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at the Black Canyon Inn in Estes Park, Colorado

The bride chose a prelude set list featuring classical music and music with vocals, including opera pieces. During the ceremony, several family members got up and sang, accompanied by Amy’s mom on the piano. The ceremony was fun, funny, and lighthearted.

The couple even printed their wedding music program (left) like a concert program, and included the songs that they selected for their prelude, in order. Everyone clapped for us between songs, just like a concert.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Sheep May Safely Graze (Bach) - Wedding Party
I See the Light from Tangled - Bride
Wedding March (Mendelssohn) - Recessional

Experience the Joy of the Flute (or two flutes!) with Strings.

String Trio Wedding Music at the Sanctuary Golf Course in Sedalia, Colorado

The sun came out on a stormy day just in time for this couple to have a beautiful wedding ceremony at the Sanctuary Golf Course in Sedalia, Colorado. Our string trio played peaceful classical prelude music to give the setting a feeling of calm and serenity. The stunning pavilion felt like a safe haven from the storm, and provided the perfect acoustics for our music. In addition to our live music, there was an artist doing a live painting of the wedding scene, adding an additional and unique artistic touch to this couple’s wedding day.

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Sanctuary Golf Course in Sedalia, Colorado - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sanket Mane

From the Bride:

“THANK YOU for creating such a beautiful entrance for our ceremony! We didn't meet in person until the wedding day but working with Christen was effortless and smooth. She communicated with us regularly and kept us in the loop on what to expect, I really appreciated her flexibility and communication! She rearranged my entrance piece to make it exactly what I had envisioned. I'm so grateful, Thank you!”

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Sanctuary Golf Course in Sedalia, Colorado - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sanket Mane

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Liebestraum (Liszt) - Parents
Serenade (Schubert) - Flower Girls
Intermezzo (Mascagni) - Bride
Andante (Schubert) - Recessional

Wedding Prelude Music:
Saint Anthony’s Chorale (Brahms), Schubert Andante from String Quartet in A Minor, Romance (Mozart), Largo from Xerxes (Handel), Etude in E major, Op. 10 #3 (Chopin), Andante from Handel’s Water Music, Chorale from Cantata #140 (Bach), Ave Verum Corpus (Mozart), Nocturne from a Midsummer Night’s Dream (Mendelssohn), Arioso from Cantata #156 (Bach)

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Sanctuary Golf Course in Sedalia, Colorado - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sanket Mane

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Sanctuary Golf Course in Sedalia, Colorado - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sanket Mane

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Sanctuary Golf Course in Sedalia, Colorado - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sanket Mane

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Sanctuary Golf Course
Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens (String Trio)
Photographer: Sanket Mane - Thank you for these beautiful photos!

Experience the traditional elegance of our String Trio.

Flute, Cello, and Guitar Wedding Music at the Denver Botanic Gardens

Flute, Cello, Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Denver Botanic Gardens in Denver, Colorado

After many unusually cold and rainy April days, this Nebraska couple got lucky with the perfect spring day for their wedding celebration. They were married at the peaceful Woodland Mosaic Garden, one of several wedding sites at the Denver Botanic Gardens. This secluded woodland location has a charming Victorian solarium, making it my favorite wedding site in the gardens. The spring flowers and delicate new leaves sparkled with life, and the sun was warm and inviting.

The bride is an accordion player, and she was quite knowledgeable in music and made a variety of music selections from classical to traditional Irish, jazz, Beatles, and other contemporary songs. Both the classical and modern songs sounded perfect with our flute, cello, and guitar trio.

We played traditional classical music to greet guests as they arrived and mingled before the ceremony. This couple chose to officiate their own ceremony, and Colorado is one of only a few states where this is easy to do and recognized legally. I played short musical excerpts throughout the ceremony to set the mood and to provide lovely transitions.

After the ceremony, we switched from classical music to pop, rock, and jazz music. Everyone enjoyed our music along with cocktails and mingling. As we played, the solarium was set with tables and chairs for the dinner that would be soon to follow. We wrapped up the cocktail portion of the event with the couple’s first dance, which we accompanied with “Fantasy” by Earth, Wind, and Fire. Our guitarist switched from his classical guitar to his steel string guitar, and we really rocked it!

Flute, Cello, Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Denver Botanic Gardens in Denver, Colorado

Ceremony Music:
Sheep May Safely Graze (Bach) - Groom then Bride
Simple Gifts (Traditional) - Tree Planting Ceremony
Rondeau from Abdelazer (Purcell) - Recessional
Fantasy (Earth, Wind, and Fire) - First Dance

Cocktail Hour Music (sample selections):
Make You Feel My Love ( Adele), Viva la Vida (Coldplay), Shallow (Lady Gaga), All I Ask of You from Phantom of the Opera, All You Need Is Love (Beatles), Come Away With Me (Nora Jones)

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Denver Botanic Gardens (The Woodland Mosaic Garden)
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens (Flute, Cello, Guitar Trio)
Photographer: Ryan Dearth Wedding Photography

Our Flute, Cello, and Guitar Trio can have traditional and romantic sound, or pick up the tempo for lively contemporary music.

Flute and Violin Duo at a Rental Home in Breckenridge, Colorado

Flute and Violin Wedding Ceremony Music in Breckenridge, Colorado. Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Our flute and violin duo was the perfect fit for this intimate early spring wedding ceremony in Breckenridge, Colorado. I’m beginning to think of this beautiful rental home as the “Breckenridge Wedding Rental”, because it’s become a popular venue for weddings.

This busy bride was excited to have the beauty of live music for her wedding ceremony, but other than her choice of Pachelbel’s Canon in D for her walk down the aisle, she left the music selections to me. I put together a beautiful music program that I felt matched her joyful personality and the rustic and stunning Colorado mountain setting.

Flute and Violin Wedding Ceremony Music in Breckenridge, Colorado. Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

A fresh blanket snow had fallen the night before, and the ceremony setting looked just like Christmas despite the April calendar date. It even started to lightly snow towards the end of the ceremony, and the effect was magical!

We continued to play after the ceremony as guests mingled indoors and enjoyed refreshments before the dinner was to be served. I was so glad that our music put a smile on everyone’s faces and made the event feel so joyful and festive.

Our flute and violin duo is the perfect music choice for an intimate wedding ceremony.

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music on the Aspen Mountain Wedding Overlook

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music in Aspen, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

The calendar may have confidently declared that it was spring, but it’s not unusual for the Colorado mountains to enjoy some of their biggest snowstorms in the month of March. This out of state couple was debating on having their wedding anywhere from a tropical retreat to a snow covered mountain, and an Aspen mountain wedding ceremony won the day! They got the true Aspen mountain wedding experience with heavy snow, freezing cold, and whiteout conditions, but they stayed positive and enjoyed their wedding day adventure.

I accompanied the arrival of guests with my romantic and joyful solo flute music, a perfect fit for the mountain setting. My music greeted guests as soon as they reached the top of the gondola. They enjoyed the music as I played through the songs that the couple chose. As they mingled, they enjoyed hot drinks, snacks, and fluffy blankets. Soon, everyone was guided to the seats at the ceremony site and the ceremony took place in a surreal winter wonderland. What is normally a sweeping mountain view, was a dramatic backdrop of pure white.

I continued to accompany various parts of the ceremony with my music, and then played a lively recessional after the couple was pronounced husband and wife. Everyone quickly went inside to warm up after that!

From the Groom:

“Christen was a delight to work with! “

“Christen was a delight to work with! She did a few video calls with us during Covid as we were destination wedding to Aspen. Her website gave some good samples and she picked up a song we requested to learn to help make the moment special. We picked up a song list and she delivered! Her music created a special backdrop to our wedding, and I can't wait to rehear her during our wedding video. :)”

Ceremony Music:
Wonderful Tonight (Eric Clapton) - Parents and Ringbearer
Canon in D (Pachelbel) - Bride
Butterfly Waltz from Twilight and River Flows in You (Yiruma) - Readings
Secrets (One Republic) - Sand Ceremony
Wedding March (Mendelssohn) - Recessional

Prelude Music (sample selections):
Musetta’s Waltz (Puccini), Gigue from Suite #3 in D Major (Bach), A Day Without Rain (Enya), Beautiful in White (Westlife), Spring from Vivaldi’s Seasons

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Aspen Mountain Wedding Overlook
Wedding Planner: Aspen Event Solutions
Photography: KiKi Creates
Ceremony Music: Solo Flute by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Enjoy the romance and flexibility of my Solo Flute Signature Package for your Colorado wedding ceremony.

Solo Flute Wedding Ceremony Music in Aspen, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

2021 Sample Classical Ceremony Music Program with a Joy Inspired Theme

My "Best of 2020" Wedding Vendors

Happy Valentine’s Day! To celebrate love during this special time, I’m excited to feature my top 2020 wedding vendors. Despite the challenges that 2020 presented, it was an extremely busy wedding season, but all crammed into July - November. I traveled north to Estes Park and south to Colorado Springs. I left my house at 5:30am to travel off the beaten path to an isolated mountain town called Bond, and I played music for the requisite weddings in Vail and Beaver Creek. Now, for the seventh year running, it’s time to celebrate and recognize my top vendor picks for 2020:

Photographer: Katie Corinne Photography
Venue: Lionsgate Event Center
Officiant: Dana Tucker, Wedding Officiant: Writing with Love
Planner: A Touch of Bliss

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Katie Corinne Photography, Colorado Wedding Photographer

I was enchanted the moment I saw Katie’s photos from a wedding that we worked together at the Garden of the Gods Resort in Colorado Springs. I knew right away that Katie’s vibrant photos were something very special. Katie captures the mood and feel of each moment and each location throughout the day, embracing the shifts in weather, lighting, people’s emotions, and even the changing smoke from the Colorado wildfires. Katie is also warm and kind, exactly the kind of person I’d like to work with if I was a bride. Check out these beautiful samples!

Wedding ceremony at Garden of the Gods Resort in Colorado Springs, colorado, Photo by Katie Corinne Photography

Photo by Katie Corinne Photography

Photo by Katie Corinne Photography

Photo by Katie Corinne Photography

Wedding ceremony at Garden of the Gods Resort in Colorado Springs, colorado, Photo by Katie Corinne Photography

Wedding ceremony at Garden of the Gods Resort in Colorado Springs, colorado, Photo by Katie Corinne Photography

Wedding ceremony at Garden of the Gods Resort in Colorado Springs, colorado, Photo by Katie Corinne Photography

Wedding ceremony at Garden of the Gods Resort in Colorado Springs, colorado, Photo by Katie Corinne Photography

Wedding ceremony at Garden of the Gods Resort in Colorado Springs, colorado, Photo by Katie Corinne Photography

Photo by Katie Corinne Photography

Lionsgate Event Center, Colorado Wedding Venue

Charming is the first word that comes to mind when I think of the Lionsgate Event Center and its three beautiful ceremony locations. I played for a wedding at the Gatehouse and was delighted by the elegant and quirky chandeliers hanging from trees, the peaceful water fountain, and the stunning indoor space with its signature stained glass window. The Lionsgate Event Center started as a dairy farm in 1910, and is now converted to a wedding venue that has the look and feel of old grace, romance, and the nostalgia of yesteryear.

Dana Tucker: Writing with Love, Colorado Wedding Officiant

This is the second time that I’ve had the opportunity to work at a wedding alongside Dana, and she impressed me once again. Dana’s company name fits her perfectly! Her ceremony scripts are beautiful and unique for each couple, and her personality overflows with love and kindness. Especially during difficult 2020, Dana’s compassion, authenticity, and joy radiate from her and create the perfect mood for this most important part of a couple’s special day. It’s clear that Dana doesn’t see officiating weddings simply as a job, but that she’s personally invested and cares for each and every couple that she works for.

Colorado wedding officiant, Dana Tucker: Writing With Love, Photo by Katie Corinne Photography

Colorado wedding officiant, Dana Tucker: Writing With Love, Photo by Katie Corinne Photography

Colorado wedding officiant, Dana Tucker: Writing With Love, Photo by Katie Corinne Photography

A Touch of Bliss, Colorado Wedding Planner

I’ve had the privilege of working with Natalie at A Touch of Bliss several times over the years, and she consistently delivers amazing results every time! That’s why I’m pleased to recognize Natalie as my top Colorado wedding planner for the second year in a row. Natalie is like a ray of sunshine with her smile (that you can even see behind her face mask), and a warm and engaging personality. She’s also insanely organized, but she doesn’t try to fit everything in a one-size-fits-all system. She’s always flexible and works with each couple and wedding vendor to deliver exactly what the couple needs for their special day. When I play music for a wedding that was planned by Natalie, I know that it’s going to run so smoothly and also be stress free and a whole lot of fun!

Colorado wedding planner, A Touch of Bliss, Photo by Katie Corinne

Colorado wedding planner, A Touch of Bliss, Photo by William Easland Photography

Colorado wedding planner, A Touch of Bliss, Photo by Katie Corinne

Colorado wedding planner, A Touch of Bliss, Photo by Dan Hand Photography

Colorado wedding planner, A Touch of Bliss, Photo by Katie Corinne

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Year in Review

String Trio Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Oaks at Plum Creek

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Oaks at Plum Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Two One PHotography

This was a perfect October day for a romantic autumn wedding ceremony. The Oaks at Plum Creek is a new venue and the building and grounds are stunning! The ceremony site overlooks an enchanted grove of mature scrub oaks, and the sweeping view behind the ceremony area overlooks the city and vibrant autumn foliage.

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Oaks at Plum Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Two One PHotography

Our string trio played a mix of elegant and romantic classical and contemporary music for both the ceremony and cocktail hour. We played a special arrangement of “Somewhere in Time” for the bride’s walk down the aisle. Prelude music included selections by Bach, Mozart, Handel, and Chopin.

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Oaks at Plum Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Two One PHotography

During the cocktail hour, guests mingled outside by the warm fireplace, and indoors while we entertained them with classical and contemporary favorites. Our contemporary music selections included songs such as “At Last”, “Accidentally in Love”, and “Moon River”.

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Oaks at Plum Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Two One PHotography

Expert Tip:
Not sure what songs you’d like to hear for your prelude? I can help choose your song list based on a theme, mood, or an inspiration song of your choice.

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: The Oaks at Plum Creek
Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - String Trio
Photographer: Two One Photography

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Oaks at Plum Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Two One PHotography

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Oaks at Plum Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Two One PHotography

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Oaks at Plum Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Two One PHotography

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Oaks at Plum Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Two One PHotography

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Oaks at Plum Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Two One PHotography

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Oaks at Plum Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Two One PHotography

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Oaks at Plum Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Two One PHotography

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Oaks at Plum Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Two One PHotography

String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Oaks at Plum Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Two One PHotography

Enjoy the traditional elegance of our string trio for your wedding ceremony.

Flute and Violin Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music in Edwards, Colorado

Flute and Violin Wedding Ceremony Music in Edwards, Colorado - Music by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

This vibrant couple didn’t let the pandemic get in the way of their 2020 wedding plans, but their plans did change many times leading up to their wedding, with the safety of their family and friends in mind. They finally ended up with an intimate wedding ceremony at a privater rental home on the top of a mountain, and the end result was stunning!

Our flute and violin duo set the mood with elegant music that the bride chose, including “Ave Maria” (Schubert), “What a Wonderful World” (Louis Armstrong), and “River Flows in You” (Yiruma). The ceremony was held outside with a panoramic mountain view as the backdrop.

The bride walked down the aisle to a very special rendition of “A Thousand Years”, which my violinist sung while I accompanied her on flute. From our perch above the ceremony, we could see elk leaping and playing on the mountains as the ceremony was taking place.

From the Bride:

“We Could Not Recommend Someone More”

“Christen is a pleasure to work with. She is organized, timely, and professional. She helped us put together a lovely timeline, and chose music that was perfectly suited to our tastes. She is outstandingly talented and wonderful to work with! We could not recommend someone more.”

Ceremony Music:
Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis) - Wedding Party
A Thousand Years (Christina Perri) - Bride
Butterfly Waltz from Twilight- After First Reading
Romanza from Eine Kline Nachtmusik (Mozart) - After Second Reading
Amazing Grace - Knot Tying Ceremony
Here Comes the Sun (Beatles) - Recessional

Samples from Cocktail Hour Music:
Canon in D (Pachelbel), You’ll Be in My Heart (Tarzan), Moon River

Wedding Vendors:
Ceremony Music - Flute and Violin Duo - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens
Photographer - Shebli Huston Photography
Videographer - Chris Rasmussen Films

Flute and Violin Make the Perfect Pair!

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

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

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

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

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

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 YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado

It was such a joyful experience to play live music for Lara and Paul’s wedding ceremony at the Sara Smith outdoor chapel. The couple traveled from Oklahoma to to have their destination wedding in the majestic Colorado mountains. The couple was delightful to work with, and they wanted to hear music that matched their fun-loving personalities. To give their ceremony the playful and fun feeling that they wanted, they chose our flute and guitar duo. Lara loved the celebratory sound of the flute for her wedding rather than the more solemn and formal feeling of strings. Their song selections were joyful and light and included fun classical music and jazz.

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Sara Smith Chapel in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sharee Davenport

The ceremony was filled with love and laughter and joy with not a hint of smoke coming in from the nearby Cameron Peak wildfire. Just as the ceremony was ending, we could see the smoke on the horizon, and the photos after the ceremony were over just in time!

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Sara Smith Chapel in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sharee Davenport

Expert Tip: For the best possible weather for your Colorado wedding ceremony, have your ceremony in the late morning or early afternoon.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bach) - Groomsmen, Bridesmaid, Flower Girl
Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis) - Bride
This Will Be (An Everlasting Love) (Natalie Cole) - Recessional

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Sara Smith Chapel in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sharee Davenport

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: YMCA of the Rockies (Sara Smith Chapel)
Wedding Planner: Tied and True Events
Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Flute and Guitar Duo
Photographer: Sharee Davenport

Do you want a light and joyful sound for your wedding celebration? Listen to flute and guitar music samples.

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Sara Smith Chapel in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sharee Davenport

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Sara Smith Chapel in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sharee Davenport

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Sara Smith Chapel in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sharee Davenport

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Sara Smith Chapel in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sharee Davenport

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Sara Smith Chapel in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sharee Davenport

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Sara Smith Chapel in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sharee Davenport

Flute and Guitar Wedding Ceremony Music at the Sara Smith Chapel in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sharee Davenport