A Holy Catholic Wedding Ceremony at Saint Catherine's Chapel on the Rocks

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at St. Catherine’s Chapel on the ROcks in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Christen Stephens

My violinist and I loved playing music for this early November Catholic wedding ceremony in Estes Park, Colorado. It was a nostalgic day for my violinist, who had been married at the same chapel 7 years before. We were both glad that there are now has bathrooms built at the nearby Visitor’s Center!

The ceremony was formal, and we greeted guests as they arrived with approved classical and sacred music on violin and cello. Once everyone was seated, a hush fell over the congregation, and you could hear a pin drop between our musical pieces. It was so quiet as we played the prelude music, that I felt nervous that the guests would hear my feet shuffle or my chair creak from the choir loft above.

Our music gave the prelude to the ceremony such a worshipful and beautiful feel, and it carried beautifully within the chapel’s stone interior. After the ceremony, we continued to play as guests mingled and left the chapel. I found a moment to talk to the bride afterwards, and she said that she wanted to just sit and listen to our music all day long. Her kind words warmed my heart!

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at St. Catherine’s Chapel on the ROcks in Estes Park, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Christen Stephens

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Morning Prayer from Album for the Young, Op. 39 (Tchaikovsky): Seating of the Family
Air from Suite #3 in D Major (Bach): Wedding Party
Romaza from Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (Mozart): Bride
Minuet #115 (Bach): Recessional

Sample Selections from the Prelude:
Chorale from Cantata #140 (Bach), Ode to Joy (Beethoven), Ave Verum Corpus, K. 618 (Mozart), Arioso from Cantata #156 (Bach), Be Thou my Vision, Winter from the Four Seasons (Vivaldi)

Wedding Vendors:
Wedding Venue: St. Catherine’s Chapel on the Rocks
Wedding Planner: Kaitlin Shea Weddings
Ceremony Musicians: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Violin and Cello Duo
Photographer: Tyler Jacob and Co.

Violin and Cello is the Perfect Pairing for an Intimate Chapel Wedding.

A Heartfelt Wedding Ceremony at Sapphire Point Overlook in Dillon, Colorado: Violin and Cello Duo

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at Sapphire Point in Dillon, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Greenhouse Creative Studio

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at Sapphire Point in Dillon, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Greenhouse Creative Studio

On a cool morning in late August, our violin and cello duo played elegant live music for a casual mountain wedding ceremony. The forecast called for rain, but the morning dawned clear and sunny with summery white clouds in the sky. The rain would come later, and this couple chose well to have a morning ceremony!

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at Sapphire Point in Dillon, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Greenhouse Creative Studio

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at Sapphire Point in Dillon, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Greenhouse Creative Studio

We played a mix of romantic contemporary music, setting a sweet and summery mood as guests arrived. We played under the shade of the tall pine trees, and a squirrel was right above us and dropping tiny pine cones on us while we played. We managed to stay mostly focused while this happened, and the cones were too small and soft to hurt us or to damage our instruments!

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at Sapphire Point in Dillon, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Greenhouse Creative Studio

The ceremony was gentle and heartfelt, and the love that this couple had for each other really shone through. The father of the bride gave quite a long speech, which was so funny at times, that I was convinced that he was a comedian. He assured me afterwards that he’s not, but was happy for the compliment nonetheless.

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at Sapphire Point in Dillon, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Greenhouse Creative Studio

After the ceremony concluded, the bride had requested that we segue right into their first dance song instead of the usual recessional music. There was some laughter, because bustling the bride’s gown didn’t go as smoothly as planned! Soon the couple was ready, and they enjoyed their first dance, while we accompanied them with “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” from the Lion King. After that, we played a number of upbeat rock and pop songs to get the party started. Everyone did a toast, followed by photos, and then mingling.

“Lovely, Pleasant Accompaniment”

“I hired Christen for my daughter's wedding. The entire experience was professional, communication was clear and the performance was just fantastic.” - Sharon E., mother of bride

Married at Sapphire Point in Dillon, Colorado
Violin and Cello Duo

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at Sapphire Point in Dillon, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Greenhouse Creative Studio

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis): Groom + Parents, Ringbearer
Canon in D (Pachelbel): Bride
Can You Feel the Love Tonight? from the Lion King: First Dance
Here Comes the Sun (Beatles): Right after Toast

Sample Selections from the Prelude, Postlude, and Photos:
The Sound of Music, The Last Rose of Summer, Over the Rainbow (Judy Garland), Speechless (Dan + Shay), All You Need is Love (Beatles), Ain’t No Mountain High Enough, What a Wonderful World, Don’t Stop Belivin’ (Journey), I Want to Hold Your Hand (Beatles), Holy (Justin Bieber), Wildflowers (Tom Petty), Let it Be (Beatles)

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Sapphire Point
Photographer: Greenhouse Creative Studios
Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Violin and Cello Duo

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at Sapphire Point in Dillon, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Greenhouse Creative Studio

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at Sapphire Point in Dillon, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Greenhouse Creative Studio

Experience the Sweet Elegance of our Violin and Cello Duo.

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at Sapphire Point in Dillon, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Greenhouse Creative Studio

A Lighthearted Wedding Ceremony at the Grand Hyatt, Vail: Violin and Cello Duo

On a beautiful summer day, I had the pleasure of playing cello alongside my violinist for a charming wedding ceremony at the Grand Hyatt in Vail, Colorado. The cloud cover cooled off the hot day perfectly, and everyone was comfortable in their summer dresses and suits. The ceremony took place on the Gore Creek Terrace, which felt like a private enclave in the midst of the bustling resort.

The bride wanted a happy and lighthearted feel for her ceremony, and I created a music setlist to fit the bill. We also added and learned two new songs at the bride’s request. The charming “Married Life” from Up made for a lighthearted and sweet addition, and “A Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay was the perfect upbeat recessional song. We played on our electric instruments to create a modern and fun vibe.

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Grand Hyatt, Vail, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Christen Stephens

From the Groom:

“Christen and her team provided an exceptional performance at our wedding ceremony. They were extremely professional throughout the whole process and on our day. We had two additional song-s added that were not on her repertoire. The execution of them was beautiful and greatly appreciated. We highly recommend! Their music and performance added an element of elegance and beauty to our ceremony that was unparalleled.”

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Grand Hyatt, Vail, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Samples from the Prelude Music:
Let it Be (Beatles), For the Dancing and the Dreaming from How to Train Your Dragon, Married Life from “Up”, Here Comes the Sun (Beatles)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Sweet Child ‘O Mine (Guns ‘N Roses): Wedding Party, Ringbearer, Flower Girls
Don’t Stop Belivin’ (Journey): Bride
A Sky Full of Stars (Coldplay): Recessional

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Grand Hyatt, Vail
Coordination: Aspen and Ivy
Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Violin and Cello Duo
Photographer: Toni Axelrod Studios
Floral: A Secret Garden
Makeup and Hair: Rocky Mountain Hair Co.

Enjoy the Simple Elegance of the Violin and Cello.

A Sunset Wedding Ceremony at the Pines at Genesee: Violin and Cello Duo

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Pines at Genesee, in Genesee, Colorado, Photo by Jason Batch Photogrpahy

As a cellist, I love sharing my passion for music with others, especially on one of the most important days of their lives. In early October, I had the pleasure of playing my cello alongside my talented violinist for a twilight wedding in a mountain forest. Together, we added a touch of romance and elegance to the already enchanting atmosphere.

As the guests gathered, we performed a prelude of mostly contemporary music selected by the bride, setting the tone for the rest of the evening. Included in the prelude was "Dawn" from the beloved film, Pride and Prejudice. The bride had requested this piece, which was originally written for piano, and I arranged it for violin and cello with beautiful results.

The processional was timed perfectly to coincide with the sunset, and the wedding party walked down the aisle to the enchanting sounds of "Turning Page" from the Twilight Saga. The bride then made her grand entrance as we played the timeless classic, "All I Ask of You" from Phantom of the Opera.

As dusk fell, the charming outdoor wedding venue was illuminated by lovely string lighting, which added to the intimate and romantic ambiance, and gave the chilly evening a warm and golden feel.

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Pines at Genesee, in Golden, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Jason Batch Photogrpahy

Sample Prelude Music Selections:
Air from Suite #3 In D Major (Bach), Butterfly Waltz from Twilight, Bubbly by Colbie Caillat, Dawn from Pride and Prejudice, Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Turning Page from Twilight: Wedding Party, Flower Girl, and Ringbearer
All I Ask of You from Phantom of the Opera: Bride
A Million Dreams from the Greatest Showman: Recessional

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: The Pines at Genesee
Wedding Planner: A Touch of Bliss
Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Violin and Cello Duo
Photographer: Jason Batch Photo (Instagram, Facebook)
Videographer: Cristina Ivy Photo + Film

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Pines at Genesee, in Golden, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Jason Batch Photogrpahy

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Pines at Genesee, in Golden, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Jason Batch Photogrpahy

Experience the Classic Elegance of Violin and Cello.

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Pines at Genesee, in Golden, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Jason Batch Photogrpahy

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Pines at Genesee, in Golden, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Jason Batch Photogrpahy

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at Larkspur Events and Dining in Vail, Colorado

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at Larkspur Events and Dining in Vail, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Carter Rose Weddings

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at Larkspur Events and Dining in Vail, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Carter Rose Weddings

Our violin and cello music perfectly complimented this elegant summer mountain wedding ceremony! The morning rain temporarily clear away, just in time for us to play a prelude of classical and romantic contemporary music.

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at Larkspur Events and Dining in Vail, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Carter Rose Weddings

The entire ceremony site was so beautiful, with mountain views in the background, and so many luxurious roses lining the aisle and wedding arch. Our live music lent a traditional touch and timeless feel to this Texas couple’s special day.

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at Larkspur Events and Dining in Vail, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Carter Rose Weddings

In keeping with the traditional feel, the bride chose Pachelbel’s Canon in D for her wedding party, followed by the romantic “A Thousand Years” from Twilight for her own walk down the aisle. We played Bach’s Arioso during the sand pouring ceremony. Then, we veered a little off the traditional path, and played “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” for the recessional. It was the perfect song choice for the mountain setting!

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at Larkspur Events and Dining in Vail, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Carter Rose Weddings

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at Larkspur Events and Dining in Vail, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Carter Rose Weddings

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at Larkspur Events and Dining in Vail, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Carter Rose Weddings

Wedding Prelude and Postlude Music (Sample Selections):
La Vie en Rose, Sheep May Safely Graze (Bach), Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach), Can't Help Falling in Love (Elvis), Prelude Op. 28 #7 (Chopin), Spring (Vivaldi), All You Need is Love (Beatles)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Canon in D (Pachelbel): Wedding Party
A Thousand Years (Christina Perri): Bride
Arioso (Bach): Sand Pouring Ceremony
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough (Martin Gaye): Recessional

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Larkspur Events and Dining
Wedding Planner: Kelly Karli Weddings and Events
Photographer: Carter Rose Photography
Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Violin and Cello Duo

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at Larkspur Events and Dining in Vail, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Carter Rose Weddings

Violin and Cello Wedding Music at the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, Colorado

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sarah Porter Photography

On a warm summer’s day, I played cello along with my violinist for a wonderful wedding ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch. What a lovely day it was for this Florida couple to enjoy the beauty of the Colorado mountains!

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sarah Porter Photography

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sarah Porter Photography

This bride loved the music of both Kygo and Rufus Du Sol, and I worked with her to select the songs from these artists that would sound best with violin and cello. It was a challenge to re-arrange electronic dance music for violin and cello, but nothing excites me like a music arranging challenge. I stuck with it and I was very happy with the results, and so was the bride!

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sarah Porter Photography

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sarah Porter Photography

We played while guests arrived before the ceremony and then we moved to the back patio to continue playing music for the cocktail hour. The bride didn’t want anything too classic, so I chose a set list of modern movie music, EDM pop, and rock music.

From the Bride:

“Christen & Brightin with Flutes & Strings were the perfect touch to our mountain wedding! From the time I started working with Christen to the days after our wedding her communication, organization, kindness and ability to answer any and all questions was flawless. I asked her to learn some additional songs for our wedding day, and although I’m sure it wasn’t an easy task, she played the songs as if they were part of her repertoire. One of my most favorite memories will be hearing the sound of the violin and cello right before I walked down the aisle. There is no doubt in my mind that I will work with her again in future and forever follow along with her extremely talented musical journey.”

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sarah Porter Photography

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sarah Porter Photography

Sample Music from the Wedding Prelude:
Romanza (Mozart), Can’t Help Falling in Love (Elvis), Air From Suite #3 in D Major (Bach), Innerbloom (Rufus Du Sol)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Higher Love (An International Affair): Wedding Party, Flower Girl, Ringbearers
Canon in D (Pachelbel): Bride
Firestone (Kygo): Recessional

Sample Music from the Cocktail Hour:
The Ludlows from Legends of the Fall, You Were Right (Rufus Du Sol), I Get to Love You (Ruelle), All of the Lights (Kayne West), Nothing Left (Kygo), Sweet Child O’Mine (Guns N’Roses), Hey Ya (Outkast), Butterfly Waltz from Twilight, Don’t Stop Believing (Journey)

Wedding Vendors:

Venue: Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch
Wedding Planner: Kelly Karli Weddings and Events
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Violin and Cello Duo
Photographer: Sarah Porter Photography
Videographer: Lupher Arts

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sarah Porter Photography

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Sarah Porter Photography

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Lionsgate Center in Lafayette, Colorado

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Lionsgate Event Center in Lafayette, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens and DJ Maestro

It was a blustery day when our violin and cello duo played for this elegant spring wedding ceremony. This modern couple wanted an upbeat, sweet, and fun vibe for their wedding, and they chose a modern set list of rock, rap, and love songs that put a skip in everyone’s step. We played as guests arrived, and then continued playing afterwards as the guests drifted back to a sheltered location for cocktails.

Wedding Prelude Music (sample selections):
Over the Rainbow (Judy Garland)
Butterfly Waltz from Twilight
Hey Ya! (Outkast)
Don’t Stop Belivin’ (Journey)
Sweet Child ‘O Mine (Guns ‘N Roses)
Moon River from Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Wedding Ceremony Music
What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong) - Officiant, Bridesmaids and Groomsmen, Ringbearers, Flower Girl
Canon in D (Pachelbel) - Bride
All You Need is Love (Beatles) - Recessional

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Lionsgate Event Center in Lafayette, Colorado, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens and DJ Maestro

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Vail Golf Club

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Vail Golf Club, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Christen Stephens

The fall foliage and weather could not have been more perfect for this long-awaited Vail wedding celebration. This couple had booked me back in 2019, and they sadly had to postpone their 2020 wedding to 2021. It was so exciting when the big day finally arrived!

This bride wanted to have classic wedding music for her ceremony and cocktail hour. We chose a mix of our favorite classical and romantic contemporary songs and created an elegant music program with a good flow. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails and appetizers on the patio of the Vail Golf Club. The guests often recognized the songs that we were playing but couldn’t always place the titles, so we helped out when they asked.

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Music at the Vail Golf Club, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, Photo by Christen Stephens

From the Bride:

“We could not recommend Christen more! She was incredibly professional from the first time we spoke, and then thoughtful and understanding when we had to postpone our wedding. The ceremony and cocktail hour music was beautiful and exceeded our expectations. We were so impressed by the variety of music offered and how detailed Christen was throughout the planning process. Thank you Christen and Brightin for being a part of our special day!!”

Wedding Ceremony Music:
Ode to Joy (Beethoven) - Parents, Officiant, Maid of Honor, Best Man, Groom
Canon in D (Pachelbel) - Bride
Wedding March (Mendelssohn) - Recessional

Samples from the Prelude and Cocktail Hour Music Selections:
Butterfly Waltz from Twilight, The Sound of Music, A Day Without Rain (Enya), Can You Feel the Love Tonight from the Lion King, Si Bheag, Si Mhhor, What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong), Curious Story (Schumann), A Thousand Years from Twilight, Autumn (Vivaldi)

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Vail Golf Club (Wedding Island)
Ceremony and Cocktail Hour Violin and Cello Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens
Wedding Planner: Snapdragon Celebrations
Photographer: Nate and Jenny
Videographer: Larisa Graham Films

Violin and Cello Duo at the Oaks at Plum Creek

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Oaks at Plum Creek, Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens, photo by Christen Stephens

This summer, our violin and cello duo played music for a wedding ceremony at the Oaks at Plum Creek. The couple requested a set list of modern music, which we played as guests arrived.

The weather was very blustery and threatening rain, so the ceremony began early and concluded just as the first fat drops of rain began to fall. Just as we finished playing the recessional song, it began to pour in earnest, and we felt fortunate that we were under a canopy covering to protect our instruments!

Prelude Music (sample selections):
What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong), Blackbird (Beatles), All of the Lights (Kayne West), Can You Feel the Love Tonight from the Lion King, Hey Ya (Outkast)

Wedding Ceremony Music:
A Thousand Years (Christina Perri) - Wedding Party
Butterfly Waltz from Twilight - Flower Girl and Bride
Sweet Child ‘O Mine - Recessional

Experience the Simple Elegance of our Violin and Cello Duo

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Lionsgate Center in Lafayette, Colorado

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Lionsgate Center in Lafayette, Colorado

My violinist and I loved playing beautiful music for this couple, who were finally celebrating their vows before family and friends. Their ceremony date was exactly one year after they were married in a private ceremony in 2020. The ceremony took place at the Lionsgate Center’s Dove House in Lafayette, Colorado.

It was a very meaningful and special occasion, and we were so glad to be a part of it! We played elegant classical music that the bride selected, both as guests arrived and after the ceremony concluded. The rain held off just long enough for a lovely outdoor ceremony, and cooling cloud cover.

Ceremony Music:
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bach) - Wedding Party
Canon in D (Pachelbel) - Bride
Allegro from the Bach Suite #3 in D Major - Recessional

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music at the Lionsgate Center in Lafayette, Colorado

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado, Photo by John Cain Photography

I played cello along with my violinist for this fun and sweet wedding ceremony amidst the July wildflowers on the Holy Cross Event Deck. We were crossing our fingers for no rain, and the weather stayed sunny and dry for this Mississippi bride. The haze from the California wildfires was thick in the mountains that day, and it gave the landscape a soft and dreamlike quality.

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado, Photo by John Cain Photography

As we were setting up to play, we had a freak accident! As I was kneeling to set up, the wind carried the patio umbrella that was over us right out of the stand! The umbrella pole hit me right in the center of the forehead! I was very dazed and felt sick, so we asked for help and I was carted off to the medic. The folks at the wedding deck promptly replaced our umbrella with a more secure one, but I’ll be double checking that every umbrella is secured in its stand for the rest of my life now!

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado, Photo by John Cain Photography

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado, Photo by John Cain Photography

I was grateful to be able to play music despite being very dizzy! I didn’t get any photos of the wedding because of my injury, but John Cain was so generous in sharing his professional photos with me! The photos are stunning and made even more so by the wildflowers, which were prettier than they’ve ever been, due to all the rain we’ve been getting.

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado, Photo by John Cain Photography

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado, Photo by John Cain Photography

The bride let me select all of her prelude and ceremony music, only requesting nothing sad and no tears! She said in her wonderful Southern accent, “I don’t want to be bawlin’ as I walk down the aisle”. I think we succeeded with a selection of upbeat classical and contemporary music, and there wasn’t a single tear but smiles all around!

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado, Photo by John Cain Photography

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado, Photo by John Cain Photography

Wedding Ceremony Music
I Will (Beatles) - Wedding Party
Butterfly Waltz from Twilight - Bride
All You Need is Love (Beatles) - Recessional

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado, Photo by John Cain Photography

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado, Photo by John Cain Photography

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Holy Cross Event Deck
Ceremony Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Violin and Cello Duo
Officiant: Elevate Wedding Officiant
Photographer: John Cain Photography - thank you for these incredible photos!

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado, Photo by John Cain Photography

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado, Photo by John Cain Photography

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado, Photo by John Cain Photography

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado, Photo by John Cain Photography

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado, Photo by John Cain Photography

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado, Photo by John Cain Photography

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado, Photo by John Cain Photography

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado, Photo by John Cain Photography

Violin and Cello Wedding Ceremony Music on the Holy Cross Event Deck in Vail, Colorado, Photo by John Cain Photography

Violin and Cello Duo Wedding Music at Piney River Ranch in Vail, Colorado

Violin and Cello Duo Wedding Music at Piney River Ranch in Vail Colorado, Music by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

There was so much energy leading up to the ceremony with singing, hugging, ululating and just an atmosphere of good cheer. Everyone was dressed to the nines and I enjoyed seeing so many elegant gowns.

Violin and Cello Duo Wedding Music at Piney River Ranch in Vail Colorado, Music by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

The celebration was filled with so much music from start to finish. There was continual singing before the ceremony began, and the main ceremony was mostly singing as well. Then our violin and cello duo took over for cocktails followed by the DJ for dinner and dancing.

Violin and Cello Duo Wedding Music at Piney River Ranch in Vail Colorado, Music by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

It was such a privilege to be a musical part of this exciting traditional Jewish wedding celebration at Piney River Ranch. The setting is remote and beautiful, and all the more appreciated because you have to work to get there. My car is just not built for rough dirt mountain roads, so I drove slowly and carefully so that I wouldn’t bounce too much and hit the bottom of my car. The trip took me 1 1/2 hours from downtown Vail, but it was worth it. The scenery along the way was so peaceful and I love nothing more than being out in nature, so I enjoyed both the journey and the destination.

Violin and Cello Duo Wedding Music at Piney River Ranch in Vail Colorado, Music by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

For our portion of the music, we played a set of contemporary music including music from the Beatles, the “Butterfly Waltz” from Twilight, and “Sweet Child O’Mine” (Guns ‘N Roses"). We also played a number of Disney songs, as requested by the bride (and my personal favorite as well!).

Violin and Cello Duo Wedding Music at Piney River Ranch in Vail Colorado, Music by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens

Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Piney River Ranch
Wedding Planner: Eventique Productions
Cocktail Hour Music: Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens - Violin and Cello Duo
DJ - Vail DJs
Florist: Petals of Provence

Violin and Cello Duo Wedding Music at Piney River Ranch in Vail Colorado, Music by Flute and Strings by Christen Stephens