Winding River Ranch Wedding | Kelsey and Wes

Winding River Ranch Wedding

This season I had the pleasure of 2nd shooting for an awesome Arizona based photographer, Virginia Stiles, at two very different weddings.

The first time we teamed up for a Winding River Ranch Wedding, and boy, did this venue quickly become one of my favorites! Early on the wedding day I drove up to Grand Lake to meet Virginia.  I took Trail Ridge Road through Rocky Mountain National Park. Along the way I enjoyed stunning views and a bear sighting.

When you enter the Ranch, you see barns, cabins, and fields surrounded by Colorado trees and rivers.  I chatted with the bride, Kelsey, for a few minutes early in the day.  She shared that one reason they chose the venue was because they didn’t have many rules.  In other words, they aren’t strict about caterers and bringing your own alcohol.  They also don’t host more than one wedding in a weekend so guests can stay as long as they want. For a laid back, guest centered couple like Wes and Kelsey this was the perfect venue for them.

I hung out with Wes and his friends in their own cabin while Kelsey and her friends got dressed a short walk away.  The atmosphere in both cabins was fun, relaxed, and full of good friends sharing a good experience.

Winding River Ranch Ceremony

At the ceremony, I witnessed another first. The crowd literally cheered when Kelsey walked down the aisle.  From there, the laugher continued as a good friend married the happy couple, and then we snuck off to do portraits around the property.

There are so many hidden spots for photos at Winding River Ranch and we managed to stay out until the sun dipped behind the mountain range of Grand Lake.

The reception was held in a tent, with dancing and toasts in an old barn. The music was rocking, the toasts were tear jerkers, and the couple hosted an amazing party which was slated to last until at least 3:00am.

Congratulations to Wes and Kelsey–favorite images below!

Thinking about a wedding in Grand Lake? Let’s connect! I’d love to experience Winding River Ranch with you and your guests.