PINEY RIVER RANCH COLORADO WEDDING

It would be a colossal understatement to describe Cellina & Colin’s wedding as just ‘a wedding’. It was an experience, a gathering, an adventure, a retreat, a vacation, a party. It was all of those things, and more, wrapped around the most important thing…. a love story. Cellina & Colin’s destination wedding at Piney River Ranch in the Colorado Rocky Mountains was both epic and romantic, and culminated in a celebration that left their friends and family awestruck!

They chose one of the most gorgeous National Forests on Earth as a starting point for what was to be a weekend full of ooohs & aaaahs, laughter & love. Their guests gawked at glorious mountain vistas, rode one of Colorado’s most iconic Gondolas, hiked to cascading alpine waterfalls, stayed in luxury hotels as well as glamping tents and cabins, dined at 5-star restaurants, and did their best to drink the town of Vail dry. Throughout it all, Cellina and Colin were the most gracious of hosts, reveling in the experience while also wanting to make sure everyone had a great time.

The wedding itself was held at Piney River Ranch, a picture perfect, almost unreal, 40 acre mountain retreat on the edge of Piney Lake. The venue is nestled deep in the glorious Eagles Nest Wilderness area of the White River National Forest. It sits at the base of the awe-inspiring Gore mountain, 12 miles north of Vail, and is surrounded by thousands of acres of pure mountain majesty. ‘Gorgeous’ doesn’t even begin to describe this place.

Though the day started off with a few rain showers, as any summer day in Colorado may, it quickly transitioned into gloriously warm and sunny, and ended with the quintessential embodiment of hope and promise… a rainbow during sunset. Add in the moody clouds and alpine glow, a canoe ride in the lake, and you’ve got nothing short of a wedding day dream come true. It was enough to take this photographer’s breath away…. and NOT just because of the altitude.

Cellina & Colin, we had so much fun hanging out with you, your family, and all your amazing friends. Thank you for an incredible weekend. Thank you for trusting me with these memories. Most of all, thank you for choosing me to tell your whole epic love story… from your engagement in Arizona surrounded by saguaros, to your wedding in Colorado surrounded by pines. One thing I know for sure, your life together will be surrounded by love. I miss you already and can’t wait to hang out again soon! 💕

©Mindy Deluca