A Sacred Catholic Wedding Ceremony at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado: String Quartet

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

In early autumn, our string quartet played for a peaceful and traditional wedding ceremony at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado. It was a full Catholic Mass, and our music perfectly complimented the sacred feel of the service.

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

As befitting the serene church setting, our string quartet played hymns, sacred classical music, and selections from Handel’s Water Music as guests arrived. Anticipation for the ceremony peaked as two cantors (singers) and the pianist performed The Summons to signal tat the ceremony was about to begin.

Throughout the ceremony, the cantors and pianist performed the liturgical music in beautiful harmony. Our quartet joined them for the communion song, which was “One Bread, One Body”, and also for “Kyrie, Gloria”. When all seven of us performed, it sounded a little like heaven, as our music carried throughout the church.

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

Confronted with limited space within the church, I created a novel approach to cello bowing, adapting my technique to accommodate the flow of people. As congregants made their way back to their pews after receiving communion, I greeted them with a warm smile to let them know that they could come by. Then I did an upward bow motion to let them them to glide by without interruption.

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

Sample Music from the Prelude:
Simple Gifts, O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing, Blessed Assurance, Handel’s Water Music (La Rejouissance, Bourree, Hornpipe in F, Coro, Air in F, and Hornpipe Finale)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Sheep May Safely Graze (Bach): Seating of the Family and Wedding Party
Bridal Chorus: Bride
Kyrie, Gloria: During Ceremony
One Bread, One Body (Talbot): Communion
Wedding March (Mendelssohn): Recessional

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

After the ceremony, we all drove to Ski Tip Lodge in Keystone to play music for the cocktail hour. Here, we changed the mood completely, and played pop and country music as guests mingled on the lawn and enjoyed cocktails and refreshments. They particularly requested Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and the Beatles. Even though it was late September in the Colorado mountains, the day was beautiful and sunny with a brilliant blue sky.

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

Sample Music from the Cocktail Hour:
Accidentally in Love (Counting Crows), Butterflies (Kacey Musgraves), Lover (Taylor Swift), Just the Way You Are (Bruno Mars), Ten Minutes Ago from Cinderella, How High the Moon (Ella Fitzgerald, Tennessee Whiskey (Chris Stapleton), What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong)

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

Wedding Vendors:
Ceremony Venue: Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge
Reception Venue: Ski Tip Lodge
Wedding Planner: Pink Champagne Events
Photographer: Laura Foote Photography

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

Elegant Music in Any Style.

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Breckenridge, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Laura Foote

A Memorable Wedding Celebration at the Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado: String Quartet

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

It was a gloriously beautiful summer day when our string quartet played for an elegant wedding ceremony and cocktail hour at Della Terra Mountain Chateau in Estes Park, Colorado. The chateau is nestled in the heart of the Rockies, and it provided a breathtaking backdrop for the wedding celebration. As I was setting up our performance area, I spotted a few wild turkeys, and they stayed in the area, even during the ceremony, adding a rustic mountain charm to the couple’s vows (scroll down for my photo).

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

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

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

As guests arrived, we played a prelude of elegant classical music. All the guests arrived later than planned, because of considerable traffic backup due to construction on the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. However, when they did arrive, we were ready to greet them with our lovely music - a perfect beginning to this special day!

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

After the heartwarming ceremony concluded, we transitioned to the cocktail hour, bringing with us a fresh repertoire of contemporary favorites. The bride had a unique vision for this part of their celebration. She had meticulously planned a gradual increase of music tempo, starting with slow, melodic tunes and transitioning to a lively and energetic feel just before dinner. She provided us with a detailed chart, outlining her song choices and their beats per minute (BPM), helping us to align with her vision. I admired the bride’s dedication to creating a musical journey for her guests, not to mention of my shared love of spreadsheets! Since BPM doesn’t always mean a faster feel, we worked together to make a few minor adjustments, and her set list was ready to go!

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

We received many compliments from the guests, who recognized most of the contemporary music that we played. As we approached our final section of upbeat tunes, dark clouds gathered in the sky, and a thunderstorm moved through, releasing a torrential rainstorm just after everyone went inside for the reception. The most beautiful rainbow came out, and it lasted for almost an hour as I packed up and drove home. People were all stopping on the side of the road and slowing down to take photos. It felt like a beautiful and benevolent ending to this special day!

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

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

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

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Flower Duet from Lakme (Delibes): Wedding Party, Ringbearer, Flower Girl
Clair De Lune (Debussy): Bride
Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis): Unity Ceremony (Glass Beads)
What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong): Recessional

Sample Selections from the Prelude:
To a Wild Rose (McDowell), Menuet Op. 11 No. 5 (Boccherini), Air from Suite #3 in D Major (Bach), Humoresque Op. 101, No. 7 (Dvorak), Gymnopedie #1 (Satie)

Sample Selections from the Cocktail Hour Music:
Black River (Amos Lee), At Last (Etta James), Thinking Out Loud (Ed Sheeran), Diamonds (Rhianna), Lover (Taylor Swift), Holy (Justin Bieber), Accidentally In Love (Counting Crows), Just the Way You Are (Bruno Mars)

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

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Della Terra Mountain Chateau
Wedding Coordinator: Aspen and Ivy
Catering: Dark Steel Gastro Arts
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - String Quartet
Photographer: Valeria Heine
Videographer: Wedding Videos of Colorado
Floral: Fanciful Floral & Weddings
DJ: Suit & Tie
Photo Booth: Shutter Bus
Transportation: Estes Park Trolley
Makeup: Altar’d Beauty

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

Our String Quartet Sets the Perfect Mood.

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

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

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

A Fun Loving Wedding Ceremony at the Planet Bluegrass in Lyons, Colorado: String Quartet

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Planet Bluegrass in Lyons, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by June Cochran Photography

Our string quartet was delighted to play fun contemporary music for this casual spring wedding ceremony at Planet Bluegrass in Lyons, Colorado. It was a breezy and damp day, threatening more spring rain, but other than a few sprinkles prior to the ceremony, the rain held off! Our delicate wooden stringed instruments were protected by the canopy covering that the bride provided for us, and we were able to play continuous prelude music as the guests arrived and mingled. The bride made a selection of fun contemporary and jazz music for both before and after her ceremony.

Due to having family in various different locations, this was their third wedding ceremony, but that fact didn’t detract at all from the couple’s joy and the excitement of their special day. They were fun-loving and casual, and it was wonderful to be a part of their Colorado wedding!

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Planet Bluegrass in Lyons, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by June Cochran Photography

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Planet Bluegrass in Lyons, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by June Cochran Photography

From the Bride:

“Christen and her fellow musicians provided lovely music for our wedding ceremony, and she was incredibly easy to communicate with leading up to our wedding day. She took into account all of our suggestions and did a good job of organizing music for pre-ceremony versus the ceremony itself. One thing to note is that you'll need to provide a canopy or umbrellas for them to sit under if your ceremony is outdoors (and waterproof if you're expecting it may rain). Thanks so much for helping to make our day super special!” - Kaitlin H., Bride

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Planet Bluegrass in Lyons, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by June Cochran Photography

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Planet Bluegrass in Lyons, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by June Cochran Photography

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Canon in D (Pachelbel): Family, Wedding Party, Flower Girl, Ringbearer
Bridal Chorus (Wagner): Bride
Wedding March (Mendelssohn): Recessional

Sample Music from the Prelude:
Home (Edward Sharpe), Holy (Justin Bieber), Lover (Taylor Swift), Married Life from the Pixar Movie "Up, Make You Feel My Love (Adele), All of Me (John Legend)

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Planet Bluegrass in Lyons, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by June Cochran Photography

Add Fun and Elegance to your Wedding Day with Our Joyful String Quartet!

String Quartet Nature-Inspired Wedding Ceremony Music at Moss Denver

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at the Moss, Denver, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sunnie Heers

Warm spring sunshine and blooming flowers set the stage for this elegant nature-inspired wedding celebration at Moss Denver. Our string quartet was delighted to return to this charming venue, because of its hip atmosphere and exceptional acoustics.

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at the Moss, Denver, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sunnie Heers

I worked closely with the groom during the entire music planning process, and he told me that he wanted everything to be absolutely perfect for his beautiful bride on their wedding day. The couple's vision was romantic with a hint of disco flair, and it came together seamlessly under the expert guidance of Natalie, the wedding planner. I listened carefully to their music requests so that that their special day would be exactly as they envisioned it.

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at the Moss, Denver, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sunnie Heers

The couple's musical preferences gravitated towards pop music with a classical feel, reminiscent of the soundtrack from the popular series Bridgerton. They carefully curated their prelude set list to reflect their unique taste and provided a list of additional favorite songs that were not in our repertoire. They trusted my judgement on which of these songs would sound the best with a string quartet. Although some of these selections weren't suitable, Rihanna's "Diamonds" caught my attention, and it meshed perfectly with the industrial chic atmosphere and the sound of our strings.

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at the Moss, Denver, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sunnie Heers

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at the Moss, Denver, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sunnie Heers

Throughout the ceremony, the bride playfully laughed and exchanged endearing glances with her groom. As the ceremony concluded, our quartet accompanied the recessional with a lively, upbeat melody that perfectly captured the mood of the celebration. The festivities continued outdoors as guests gathered for a memorable group photo, capturing the magic of their unforgettable spring wedding.

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at the Moss, Denver, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sunnie Heers

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at the Moss, Denver, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sunnie Heers

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at the Moss, Denver, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sunnie Heers

Sample Prelude Music Selections:
Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis), Bittersweet Symphony (The Verve), All of the Lights (Kanye West), All of me (John Legend), Diamonds (Rihanna), Perfect (Ed Sheeran), Thinking Out Loud (Ed Sheeran)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Air from Suite #3 (Bach): Family and Wedding Party
Canon in D (Pachelbel): Bride
Marry You (Bruno Mars): Recessional

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at the Moss, Denver, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sunnie Heers

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Moss Denver
Wedding Planner: A Touch of Bliss
Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - String Quartet
Photographer: Sunnie Heers Photography
Officiant: Jane’s Personalized Weddings

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at the Moss, Denver, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sunnie Heers

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at the Moss, Denver, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sunnie Heers

Experience the Bridgerton Feel of our String Quartet.

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at the Moss, Denver, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sunnie Heers

A Brisk Autumn Day Wedding at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek: String Quartet

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Park Hyatt, Beaver Creek, Photo by Jamee Photography

A brilliant autumn mountainside on a chilly, windy, and rainy day set the stage for this elegant Colorado wedding ceremony. The fall foliage looked rich and bright against the moody sky, and our music completed the atmosphere with the bride’s joyful classical selections.

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Park Hyatt, Beaver Creek, Photo by Jamee Photography

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Park Hyatt, Beaver Creek, Photo by Jamee Photography

The tent rental folks sadly forgot to deliver our musicians canopy in their flurry of bringing other items, and they came back with it just as it was time for us to play. Unfortunately, they couldn’t figure out how to set up the shelter for us, but they finally got it mostly up just in time for the rain to begin again. We moved underneath quickly to protect our instruments and kept playing.

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Park Hyatt, Beaver Creek, Photo by Jamee Photography

We played traditional and classical prelude music and hymns, and we included selections from Vivaldi's Seasons and Handel's Water Music at the couple's request. We accompanied the communion for the bride and groom with a beautiful hymn “Come Thou Fount”, followed by “Blessed Assurance”. The recessional was the lively and traditional “Hornpipe Finale” from Handel's Water Music.

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Park Hyatt, Beaver Creek, Photo by Jamee Photography

The cocktail hour was supposed to be outside, but because of the weather, it was moved indoors. I had all our sound equipment set up in advance so that we could move quickly. Having amplification really helped us be heard over the large number of guests, and we created a lively atmosphere with upbeat contemporary music.

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Park Hyatt, Beaver Creek, Photo by Jamee Photography

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Park Hyatt, Beaver Creek, Photo by Jamee Photography

Playing music at a wedding requires preparation, flexibility, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Even when things don't go as planned, as was the case with our canopy and the weather, being able to keep a positive attitude and work together as a team can help ensure a successful performance.

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Park Hyatt, Beaver Creek, Photo by Jamee Photography

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bach): Mothers, Bridesmaids and Groomsmen, Flower Girl
Canon in D (Pachelbel): Bride
Come Thou Fount: Communion
Hornpipe Finale (Handel): Recessional

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Park Hyatt Beaver Creek
Wedding Planner: Pink Champagne Events
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - String Quartet
Photographer: Jamee Photography
Thank you for these beautiful photos!
Videographer: Wedding Videos Colorado

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Park Hyatt, Beaver Creek, Photo by Jamee Photography

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Park Hyatt, Beaver Creek, Photo by Jamee Photography

From Classical to Fun and Modern, Our String Quartet Does it All!

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at Highlands Ranch Manor

We loved playing music for this traditional Jewish wedding ceremony, and it was the perfect way to spend a cold December afternoon and evening! Our string quartet played classical and instrumental favorites as the guests arrived, and our music carried beautifully in the big open ceremony space. The bride selected “Married Life” from Up for her recessional, and the couple even playfully danced to the song when they reached the end of the aisle. Of course, after that, I had to watch the movie again! This couple was just as sweet and in love as the couple in the movie, and it was wonderful.

For the cocktail hour, the couple requested more classical music with the addition of some Disney and show tunes. I put together a program that flowed seamlessly from one style to the next, and there was even some more impromptu dancing from the guests as we played the show tunes.

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at Highlands Ranch Manor, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Wedding Ceremony Music:

Largo from Winter - Parents, Bridesmaids and Groomsmen, Flower Girls and Ringbearer
Romance in F (Beethoven) - Bride
Married Life from Up - Recessional

Wedding Prelude Music (sample selections):
To a Wild Rose, Serenade (Schubert), Salut D’Amour (Elgar), Air in D (Bach), Romance from the Eine Kline Nachtmusik (Mozart)

Cocktail Hour (sample selections):
Alleluja from Exultate Jubilate (Mozart), I See the Light from Tangled, Over the Rainbow, A Million Dreams from the Greatest Showman, Divertimento in D (Mozart)

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at Highlands Ranch Manor, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Experience the Traditional Elegance of our String Quartet

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 Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Lionsgate Event Center in Lafayette, Colorado

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at the Lionsgate Center in Broomfield, Colorado, Photo by Christen Stephens

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at the Lionsgate Center in Broomfield, Colorado, Photo by Christen Stephens

My string quartet enjoyed playing wedding ceremony and cocktail hour music on this perfect autumn day in late September. We played romantic classical and contemporary music as guests arrived, and for the cocktail hour, we played a mix of lively classical and contemporary music to get the party started.

We just loved all the chandeliers hanging from the trees! These and other elegant touches gave the venue a really classy indoor/outdoor feel.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Canon in D - Wedding Party and Bride
La Rejouissance - Recessional

Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at the Lionsgate Center in Broomfield, Colorado, Photo by Christen Stephens

Timeless and traditional, our string quartet is the perfect addition to your wedding celebration.

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Lodge at Breckenridge in Colorado

Flute and strings by christen stephens, string quartet wedding ceremony music at the lodge at breckenridge in breckenridge, Colorado

From the Bride:

“Christen and her quartet played for our wedding on 11/10/19. She was so easy to work with and incredibly detail oriented. She was also very responsive and answered my questions and requests usually within the hour. The group sounded fantastic and all the guests enjoyed the wide selection of music. The best part was that I knew I didn't have to worry about a thing on the big day. Thanks, Christen!” - Laurel R.

Our beautiful string quartet is a traditional ensemble, but don’t let that fool you, because we can play just about any kind of music from classical to pop, rock, and jazz.

Learn more >

Flute and strings by christen stephens, string quartet wedding ceremony music at the lodge at breckenridge in breckenridge, Colorado

In mid-November, I had the honor of playing my cello along with my string quartet for my friend Laurel’s wedding ceremony and cocktail hour. I was so happy to have the opportunity to participate in her wedding celebration in such a meaningful way.

It’s hard to know what kind of weather to expect in the mountains in the middle of November, but the day turned out to be absolutely perfect with bright sun and temperatures in the 50’s.

Laurel is a vocalist and former music teacher, so since she knows and loves music, she chose a wonderful and varied music set list for her ceremony and cocktail hour. For her ceremony, she chose a set of mostly Baroque and classical music, and then during cocktails, she chose pop music, romantic songs, jazz, and country songs.

Flute and strings by christen stephens, string quartet wedding ceremony music at the lodge at breckenridge in breckenridge, Colorado

Sample Selections from Prelude Music:
Selections from the “Four Seasons” (Vivaldi), Salut d’Amour (Elgar), La Vie En Rose (Luis Guglielmi), Suite #3 (J.S. Bach)

Wedding Processional Music:
Bride - The Wedding from Legends of the Fall
Recessional - Hornpipe from Water Music (Handel)

Samples from Cocktail Hour Music:
Don’t Stop Belivin’ (Coldplay), Sweet Child O Mine (Guns ‘N Roses), And So it Goes (Billy Joel), All of Me (John Legend), What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong), Take Five (Dave Brubeck), Here Comes the Sun (Beatles), Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis)

Wedding Ceremony Vendors:
Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - String Quartet
Venue: The Lodge at Breckenridge
Photographer: ELD Photography
Officiant: Adorkable Weddings

Flute and strings by christen stephens, string quartet wedding ceremony music at the lodge at breckenridge in breckenridge, Colorado

String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Beano's Cabin in Beaver Creek, Colorado

CLASSICAL AND CONTEMPORARY STRING QUARTET WEDDING CEREMONY MUSIC AT BEANO’S CABIN IN BEAVER CREEK, COLORADO. PHOTO BY MELISSA BRIELLE PHOTOGRAPHY

This July, I played cello with my string quartet for a beautiful wedding ceremony full of rustic charm and elegance. The wedding ceremony took place at Beano’s Cabin in Beaver Creek, Colorado. The mountains in Beaver Creek were still lush and green after copious summer rain and cool weather. The wedding was to take place outside on the lawn, but shortly before were were to begin playing the prelude music, we heard a rumble of thunder. We hoped that the storm would quickly pass by, but it became very severe with torrential rain, bright lightning, and lots of hail. We joined the guests in the shelter of the cabin, and played a mix of classical and contemporary music as they enjoyed cocktails.

Classical and Contemporary String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Beano’s Cabin in Beaver Creek, Colorado. Photo by Melissa Brielle Photography.

Classical and Contemporary String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Beano’s Cabin in Beaver Creek, Colorado. Photo by Melissa Brielle Photography.

After the worst of the storm passed, we moved back outside to the covered porch, and the wedding ceremony was accompanied by our elegant music and the sound of gentle rain. There was standing room only, and it actually made for a very intimate and sweet ceremony with family and friends surrounding the bride and groom and showing their love and support.

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Reign of Love (Coldplay) - Seating of the Parents
A Thousand Years (Christina Perri) - Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Junior Groomsman, Flower Girls, Ringbearer
Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis) - Bride
All You Need is Love (Beatles) - Recessional

Sampling from Wedding Prelude Music:
Sheep May Safely Graze (Bach), Bourree (Bach), Salut d’Amour (Elgar), Minuet (Bach), Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Flower Duet (Delibes), Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bach)

We ended the ceremony with a celebratory finish by playing “All You Need is Love” and the guests scattered with smiles on their faces. The rain stopped, allowing for more lovely photos in the outside mountain setting.

Classical and Contemporary String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Beano’s Cabin in Beaver Creek, Colorado. Photo by Melissa Brielle Photography.

Classical and Contemporary String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Beano’s Cabin in Beaver Creek, Colorado. Photo by Melissa Brielle Photography.

Wedding Vendors:
Venue - Beano’s Cabin
Planner - The Soiree Studio
Ceremony Music - Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - String Quartet
Photographer: Melissa Brielle Photography
Videographer: When it Clicks
Florals: Petals and Pours

Classical and Contemporary String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Beano’s Cabin in Beaver Creek, Colorado. Photo by Melissa Brielle Photography.

Classical and Contemporary String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Beano’s Cabin in Beaver Creek, Colorado. Photo by Melissa Brielle Photography.

Quick Tip: Bright and colorful flower bouquets like these provide a vibrant pop of color, even on a rainy day.

Our string quartet is the perfect touch to give the feel of traditional elegance to your wedding ceremony. Celebrate one of the most important days of your life with the beauty of live music!

Classical and Contemporary String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Beano’s Cabin in Beaver Creek, Colorado. Photo by Melissa Brielle Photography.

Classical and Contemporary String Quartet Wedding Ceremony Music at Beano’s Cabin in Beaver Creek, Colorado. Photo by Melissa Brielle Photography.

Now Offering a String Quartet and a String Trio

string quartet and string trio wedding ceremony music

It's time to go traditional, and I am pleased to announce that you can now hire a string quartet or a string trio right here through my website. String music will add a touch of elegance and class to your wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, or your special event. The formal sound and appearance of stringed instruments make them a very popular choice for brides. If you would like to hire a quartet or a trio but want a more unique and varied sound, you can replace the first violin with the flute. The flute has a smooth sound that contrasts beautifully with that of stringed instruments.