-106.400120° W°
39.720697° N
Photography, Leah Lach Photography | Planning, Leigh and Co | Location/Venue, Piney River Ranch | Catering, Cowboy Catering | Florals, Calla Lane Florals | Rentals, Event Rents | Hair and Makeup, Makeup by Taylor Olson | DJ, Sound Junction LLC | Wedding Dress, Jenny Yoo | Officiant, Pastor Tommy Schneider
REBECCA & COOPER
And their summer wedding at Piney River Ranch was one to remember. As a Piney River Ranch wedding photographer, I have had the privilege of capturing love stories at this venue multiple times, but this wedding sticks out because of the care and intention that went into planning every detail.
The morning started with quality time with their wedding party in their luxury canvas glamping tents. Joy filled the air with lots of laughter, happy squeals, and excitement all around. Becca's mom helped her slip into her dress, and then she shared a first look moment with Cooper's mom, her bridesmaids, and her father. The morning moved at a relaxed pace as Becca took time to be present with each person who has impacted her life.
They spent a private moment on the pier together exchanging letters and
embracing each other's closesness.
Rebecca and Cooper are both huge mountain-enthusiasts and fell in love camping, backpacking, and exploring the Colorado Rockies together. This ultimately led to their engagement on top of Vail Mountain, making Vail's famous Gore Range the perfect backdrop to say "I do."
They wanted to feel connected before their ceremony, but also wanted to save the surprise of Rebecca's dress for the aisle, so they opted for a first touch instead - a moment of authentic intimacy that grounded them both in the intentionality of the day.
"Becca has captivated me from the beginning with her joyous demeanor, sweet smile, and selfless heart. She inspires me to be a better man through the way she puts others before herself and always strives to improve. "
- Cooper
"I love Cooper's energetic personality and thoughtful and kind spirit. No matter what we are doing, he always makes it fun and exciting. We both have a shared love for the outdoors and I'm so grateful that we are able to bond together through this passion."
- Becca
Rain on your wedding day might not be what you envisioned, but in the world of photography, it’s pure magic. Overcast skies act like a giant softbox, diffusing the sunlight and eliminating harsh shadows, creating the most flattering, even light for photos. The result? Richer, more vibrant colors—greens look lusher, the mountains stand out with dramatic depth, and the natural landscape appears more dynamic.
In the mountains, rain can make the scenery even more breathtaking. The low-hanging clouds add a dreamy, romantic atmosphere. And let’s not forget—some of the most stunning sunset skies come after a rainstorm, with dramatic clouds and soft, glowing light. So if the forecast calls for rain, embrace it! Your photos will be all the more stunning for it.
One big priority for Rebecca and Cooper was setting aside alone time on their day to simply be with each other. After celebrating "I do's" with their favorite humans, they stepped away for a private moment to themselves.
Rebecca surprised Cooper with a journal filled with all her favorite memories. and then they paddled out on a canoe together for sunset - Piney River Ranch's famous luxury wedding day experience
The wedding reception was a whirlwind of joy and love. Heartfelt speeches brought tears and laughter, while the dance floor pulsed with energy, illuminated by colorful glowsticks. Because this was a summer wedding at Piney River Ranch, guests could wander outside to gaze at the stars, enjoying the warm summer air. As the night drew to a close, the newlyweds made a grand exit in their decorated get-away car, surrounded by cheers and well-wishes. It certainly was a celebration to remember!
Then it was party time!
"I could write endlessly about how grateful we are that we found Leah as our [Piney River Ranch] wedding photographer. She is not only one of the kindest and most thoughtful people you will ever meet, but also so incredibly talented! We absolutely adored every photo from our engagement shoot and our wedding! These will be pictures that we will have for a lifetime and so grateful that Leah captured our day so perfectly."
Piney River Ranch Photography Experience
A Piney River Ranch wedding offers breathtaking mountain scenery and an unforgettable Colorado experience. Located on the shores of Piney Lake beneath the towering Gore Range, this private 40-acre retreat is just 12 miles from Vail and provides one of the most stunning wedding backdrops in the state. It’s the perfect place to celebrate a wedding surrounded by nature.
About the Venue:
To learn more about this venue, check out my full Piney River Ranch wedding venue guide or view a summer wildflower engagement session at Piney.