Vail, Colorado | Piney River Mountain Engagement | Joe + Ryne

Joe and Ryne came all the way from St Louis to adventure with me in the mountains outside of Vail, Colorado for their engagement photos! They braved the wildfire smoke and high altitude, to be surrounded by the stunning mountains of the Gore Range. Not to mention the rocky dirt road that leads up to Piney River, let me tell you that road is no joke. If you are thinking of going up to Piney River to hike, you need to be prepared with a 4×4 vehicle that has a lot of clearance. The large rocks make for quite an adventurous drive up – one that’s well worth it for the views!

I had warned Joe and Ryne about the road before we headed up there, so they were prepared, but as they got out of the car, Joe said his hands were still sweating from holding on to the steering wheel so tight. I was sweating on my way up too; it’s quite the bumpy ride along a steep incline. I am sure this engagement session adventure in Vail, CO is one I will remember forever.

I’m so thankful that Joe and Ryne selected Piney River for their engagement photos – we had such a fantastic time getting to adventure around on the trails and soak up the incredible mountain and river views that surrounded us. We had to stop a few times to catch our breath as we made the trek, having just moved from sea level my lungs aren’t quite used to being at almost 10,000 feet elevation. I’m working on my cardiovascular endurance as I have quite a few more mountain adventure sessions in my future. 

These two were so fun to work with, and I am so honored to have documented this season of engagement for them. Their joy and excitement to be in Colorado and in the mountains were contagious. The way they interacted and the way they shared their love and relationship with me honestly and authentically was so refreshing. They were completely themselves the entire session, and it felt like we were all hanging out together. I absolutely can not wait to capture their wedding day next summer and adventure around in the mountains yet again! 

It’s still hard to believe that we are officially Colorado residents and mountains are my new normal. I feel like someone needs to pinch me to wake me up from my dream, and I’m still in Austin. I can’t wait to explore more that Vail has to offer right outside our doors. Stay tuned for lots of Colorado mountain adventures to come. 

For now, get ready for an overload of photos from Joe and Ryne’s engagement session at piney river. 

Vail, Colorado Documentary style photographer

Love seeing Joe and Ryne’s adventure in Vail? Check out more amazing mountain views in this Breckenridge, Colorado engagement session. Interested in booking your own adventure and capturing candid and authentic moments with your partner, let’s chat!