Playful Lake Engagement Photos at Piney River Ranch in Vail, CO
Nestled like a hidden gem in the peaceful wilderness of Vail, Colorado, Piney River Ranch easily captures the hearts of the people who wander there. The sun rises over the rugged peaks of the Rocky Mountains, casting a soft glow upon Piney Lake. The scent of pine fills the crisp mountain air, and the gentle rustle of aspen leaves whispers. Here, you’ll find untouched beauty in the wild, where colored skies meet the mirrored surface of the alpine lake, creating a sanctuary that’s irresistible to those who love the great outdoors. This location is truly a dream for those romantic lake engagement photos like Payton and Ryan’s Colorado session.
PAYTON AND RYAN’S ROMANTIC LOVE STORY LEADS TO ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS ON THE LAKE
Payton and Ryan’s love story is like something out of a rom-com. They didn’t even realize how many times they had crossed paths in a year before they finally connected and started dating. Payton was beginning her Freshman year at Texas State University while Ryan was already a Junior. Once they realized a spark between them, they dove in headfirst, spending the next ten months discovering life together. Then, in July of 2023, Ryan popped the question.
While they call Austin, TX home, Colorado had always held a special place in their hearts – especially for Ryan, who had fond memories of family vacations there. So, when it came time for their engagement session, they knew exactly where they wanted to go, and that’s when they found me! Together we chose Piney River Ranch, where the stunning Piney Lake sits. It turned out to be the most beautiful and romantic spot they could have ever dreamed of for capturing such a special moment.
PLAYFUL + ROMANTIC LAKE ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS IN VAIL, COLORADO
I discovered a sweet surprise about these two souls. With only ten minutes left of our two-hour session, I learned that Payton and Ryan, just 19 and 22 years old, had been together for merely ten months! Yet, their love felt as ancient as the stars. It was a dream to capture their youthful spirit, wrapped in the magic of newfound love. They had playful energy, and every frame reflected the joy in each other’s company.
First, we started in the meadow for some casual engagement photos. I watched as they effortlessly savored every touch and movement, completely lost in the present moment. Then, what I know you’ve been waiting for, their lake engagement photos. Payton and Ryan are both gorgeous humans, making my job a breeze. The secret to these dreamy shots lay in their authentic selves – relaxed, trustful of the process, and filled with laughter. Their love was natural, and their images reflected their genuine bond. Payton and Ryan embodied playfulness, trust, and authentic connection, leaving me with perfect photos of love so dreamy and natural.
I CAN’T WAIT TO CAPTURE YOUR LOVE IN THE LAKE, MEADOWS, OR MOUNTAINS NEXT!
Picture me as your outdoor adventure enthusiast photographer settled beneath Colorado’s open skies with a love for the Rocky Mountains. My passion lies in embracing the unscripted, the raw, and the authentic. I strive to capture your love story with honesty and tenderness, letting your genuine moments flow. If this sounds like your dream, fill out my contact form, and together, we’ll plan a day of magic surrounded by wilderness.
COLORADO WEDDING & ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER | WHITNEY RAE PHOTOGRAPHY
See more of these gorgeous lake engagement photos in Colorado below!
Every wedding is unique and deserves more than a cookie-cutter approach. By stepping back to let intimate moments unfold naturally while offering support and guidance to ensure no important memory is missed, I strive to create timeless images that blend an editorial style with a documentary approach. From the distinctive details of your celebration to the cherished traditions, I'll deliver a collection of photographs that allow you to relive these memories for years to come. After all, the moments that matter most aren’t always staged or polished—they’re raw, authentic, and uniquely you.
Don’t you agree?
MY PHILOSOPHY
An Honest Wedding Experience
“Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still”
Words I Live by
I'm WHITNEY.
Your wedding day is a story—one filled with fleeting moments of beauty, deep emotion, and once-in-a-lifetime memories. As an artist, I am here to preserve those moments with intention, artistry, and care. I don’t just capture what your wedding looked like—I document how it felt.
Born and raised in the breathtaking landscapes of Vail, Colorado, I am deeply inspired by the way love and nature intertwine. There’s something poetic about the way light moves across mountain peaks, the way wind dances through a bride’s veil, and how the beauty of the outdoors mirrors the intimacy of a wedding day. My work is shaped by this connection—an effortless blend of refined editorial imagery and documentary storytelling, allowing each wedding to unfold naturally while being captured with timeless elegance.
Beyond photography, I am an adventurer at heart. Whether I’m exploring new landscapes, hiking through the Rockies, or traveling to breathtaking destinations, my love for movement and exploration brings an effortless, natural feel to my imagery. Every love story is unique, and I am deeply invested in capturing the emotions, scenery, and in-between moments that make your wedding day truly unforgettable. From the moment we connect, my goal is to provide an effortless, elevated experience that allows you to be fully present while I handle the art of storytelling. With a calm, intuitive approach, I blend artistic direction with documentary storytelling—guiding you when needed while allowing your most authentic moments to unfold naturally. My couples value timeless, emotive imagery, a refined yet relaxed presence, and the confidence of knowing their memories are being preserved with intention. When I’m not behind the camera, you can find me skiing down the slopes, hiking with my husband and our two border collies, or enjoying a slow morning with a perfectly crafted latte. I live for meaningful conversations, spontaneous adventures, and capturing beauty in the quiet, in-between moments of life—just as I do with my couples. I take on a limited number of weddings each year to provide an intimate, high-touch experience, ensuring each love story is captured with the highest level of artistry and care. If you feel drawn to timeless, emotional, and editorial-inspired imagery, I would love to hear your vision and create something extraordinary together.
Let's Connect
"she made the day feel so easy and seamless"
