A Colorful Summer Piney Lake Wedding

view of the gore range from the ceremony deck at Piney River Ranch

Rachel and Jon’s wedding took place by one of my favorite lakes in Colorado–Piney Lake! If you haven’t seen it in person, I highly recommend googling it now and making plans to visit.

They each started their wedding day in Vail Village at the Lodge at Vail, where they each chose to hang out separately with their wedding party and get ready. The guys watched tennis, ate a relaxed lunch, and shared drinks and jokes. Rachel and Jon’s pup Ruthie, hung out, too and got ready for her debut as ring pup.

Rachel and her wedding party did hair and makeup in the yoga studio of the hotel and spent the morning relaxed and sharing jokes. The bond between Rachel and each friend was awesome to see. The hugs were plentiful, but the tears started when Rachel handed out gifts for the bridesmaids. She chose a rose gold bracelet for each of them because Rose Gold reminded her of Colorado, and all of her girl’s came into her life because of Colorado.

When they were dressed and ready, we did Rachel and Jon’s first look on a groomed path in Vail village. Then we spent some time doing portraits, taking advantage of the July wildflowers and gorgeous aspen trees.

Then it was time for the crew to load the shuttles for the 45 minute bumpy ride to Piney River Ranch.

Once at the ranch, we convened for fun photos of the wedding party that included lots of laughs and some great family portraits of Rachel and Jon with Ruthie.

And before we knew it, it was to time for the ceremony!

The ceremony featured personalized vows, readings from family, and a tree planting ceremony. I loved how the beautiful, colorful, floral arch framed the alter and highlighted Rachel and Jon front and center. One moment in particular stood out during their vows: Rachel thanked Jon for bringing so many beautiful people into her life and changing her world.

After the ceremony, it was time to get down to partying.

Jon was in charge of the music and chose All Occasions Music, who kicked off the reception with a sax, trumpet, trombone, and guitar escort for the grand entrance.

After dinner and toasts, we snuck out for some sunset portraits in the canoes. While the wildfire smoke prevented a strong Alpenglow, Rachel and Jon did have fun gliding along Piney Lake, cuddling in the canoes, and generally enjoying the quiet of the lake while their friends cheered them on from the reception deck.

Then it was time to hit the dance floor and the band kept the party going strong all night long.

Congratulations to you both!