Flute and String Trio Wedding Ceremony Music at the Westin Riverfront Resort in Avon, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Gillespie Photography

Late September in the Colorado mountains can bring anything from a snowstorm to a summer-like day, and this couple ended up with one of the most beautiful days of the autumn season! The sun shone brightly in a brilliant blue sky, with fluffy white clouds and peak fall foliage.

This couple hired our flute and string trio (flute, viola, cello) because they love pop and country music, both of which are my specialties on the flute. As guests arrived, we played a mix of timeless classics and romantic modern music, combined with a few upbeat favorites. The sun was exceptionally bright, and we tried to keep the delicate stringed instruments safely under the shaded area. Unfortunately, we were only provided with one shade umbrella rather than the two I requested, so I took one for the team and moved to the sun, wearing my big hat pulled down low. Hiding my face is definitely not my normal dress code, but it kept me from being blinded by the sun!

The bride had very specific requests for her processional music, and we worked closely together to make sure that everything went as smoothly as possible. The bridesmaids and groomsmen didn’t formally walk, but they were seated in advance. Then, a huge group of about 20 family members walked down to “Simply the Best” by BIllianne. I created a special arrangement of this for our trio to play, and I love how it turned out! Then, the bride walked down the aisle accompanied to her favorite part of “Yellow” by Coldplay. After the ceremony, we joyfully played the chorus of “Long Live” by Taylor Swift, and this led directly into the cocktail hour.

We moved to the blessed shade of the patio area for the cocktail hour, and played a mix of upbeat pop music, with a few slow romantic songs mixed in. Guests walked by us, dancing in time to the music, and we had the usual enamored children, watching us open-mouthed as we played. Perhaps we inspired some future musicians!

Our performance time concluded just as the sun began to set, and it quickly became cold outside. Guests made their way inside, and we enjoyed a dinner that the couple had so kindly provided for us. We ate on the patio, watching the sun set over the mountains, and the food was incredible!

Selections from the Prelude Music:
Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis)
Perfect (Ed Sheeran)
Here Comes the Sun (Beatles)
Chasing Cars (Snow Patrol)
Ain't No Mountain High Enough (Diana Ross)
Wildest Dreams (Taylor Swift)
Daylight (Taylor Swift)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Simply the Best (Billianne): Family
Yellow (Coldplay): Bride + Dad
Long Live (Taylor Swift): Recessional

Selections from the Cocktail Hour Music:
Viva La Vida (Coldplay)
Love on Top (Beyonce)
Such Great Heights (Iron and Wine)
From the Ground Up (Dan + Shay)
Shallow (Lady Gaga)
Best Day of My Life (American Authors)