Allison & Jace
A Celebration Ten Years In The Making
July 20, 2024
Vail, Colorado
You missed out!
You Are Cordially Invited . . .
We are so excited for you to join this celebration of our love story in our new home state of Colorado. We know that many of you will be traveling in from out-of-state and we encourage you to make plans to explore the Vail area.
Check out the calendar of events below, but feel free to come earlier, stay later, and enjoy a long week(end) reprieve from the Texas/Florida heat.
We invite you to explore the site, ask lots of questions, and make travel and lodging plans early since Vail is such a popular summer spot.
Again, we couldn't be more thrilled to have you join our family for this celebration. See you in the Rockies!
Weekend Schedule
Friday, July 19
Welcome Dinner 5pm-7pm
For any travler's who have arrived by Friday evening, we invite you to join us for an evening of food, drink and bowling at Deca+Bol.
Saturday, July 20
2:30pm - Load Shuttles for Wedding
Pick-Up at The Hythe Resort and Highline Vail.
4:00pm - Wedding Ceremony
Followed by Cocktail Hour & Dinner Reception
10:00pm - Shuttles Return to Vail
Drop-Off at The Hythe Resort and Highline Vail
Sunday, July 21
Farewell Brunch - TBD
For anyone staying another night in Vail, we will have brunch and likely an outdoor activity planned for this afternoon and you are welcome to join.
The Venue
When we began searching for a wedding venue last summer, Piney River Ranch was one of the first ones we toured and we were sure other venues would knock Piney River off the top of our list. After all, Piney River Ranch was definitely not the easiest venue to get to and . . . well Colorado has mountains so shouldn't there be other wedding venues with the same spectacular views?
But as we treked our way through 25 wedding venues across the state, never did we find another venue that offered this most quintessential Colorado wedding experience.
Set on the edge of Piney Lake, and nestled at the foot of the majestic Gore Range, Piney River Ranch is a private, forty-acre Rocky Mountain retreat, long known as a favorite wedding and day-trip destination. It is located just twelve miles north of Vail Village, surrounded by thousands of acres of back country wilderness within the White River National Forest.
The views are out of this world and no cellular service make it a perfect retreat to relax and connect with the ones we care about most. It is not uncommon to see the resident moose bathing in the lake behind the wedding deck.
Piney River Ranch is located 9,350 feet above sea level, accessible only via a bumpy 45 minute drive down a dirt road. Your car's GPS navigation will quickly stop working as you lose cell service around the twisting, climbing dirt road to the Ranch, but no worries - we will provide shuttle transportation to Piney River Ranch from the two listed hotels, and shuttles will return you to your hotel at the end of the night. No private vehicles are allowed.
Getting There
Flying into Denver Intl Airport (DIA)
- This airport has the most affordable flights.
- Once at DIA, you are welcome to rent a car or reserve a shuttle ride to Vail. The drive from DIA to Vail is approximately 3 hours.
- A few shuttle options include: Epic Mountain Express, Peak 1 Express
Flying into Eagle County Regional Airport
- Eagle County Regional Airport is 40 minutes west of Vail.
- Flights into Eagle County are more expensive, but you'll save half a day traveling each direction with a 2 hour shorter car ride than DIA & a much quicker check-in at a small airport.
- Once in Eagle, you can rent a car, hail a rideshare, or reserve a shuttle into Vail. If you fly into Eagle, we suggest booking your transfer early as availability is limited.
Considerations with a Rental Car
Unless you plan on exploring more of Colorado outside of Vail, you may not want to rent a car. There is free shuttle service around Vail and most hotels charge $50/night for parking.
Hotels
Shuttle service to and from the wedding venue will provided from both of the hotels below.
THE HYTHE, A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT
715 West Lionshead Circle, Vail CO 81657
The wedding party will be staying at The Hythe in Vail Village. This is a beautiful hotel within walking distance of many shops, restaurants and summer activities.
Due to the popularity of Vail in the summer, they did not offer a room block but the amenities and location of this property won us over.
If you choose this hotel, you can book directly through their website or check out other popular travel sites.
HIGHLINE VAIL - A DOUBLETREE BY HILTON
2211 North Frontage Road West, Vail CO 81657
The Highline Vail is located in West Vail, just a few miles down the interstate from Vail Village. Complimentary shuttle service transports you around Vail, so you'll never be far from the Welcome Dinner, daytime activities or late night meetups.
Since this hotel is not in the town center, there may be more availability but do book quickly because the secret's out on the quieter scene and more affordable options in West Vail.
Use the button below to book with our wedding block. They have offered us preferred rates and parking is included in the daily resort fee when you book through this link.
Questions You'll Likely Have
Not to sound cheesy, but your presence is the best gift! If you are unable to attend, or still feel strongly that you would like to get us something, we would love for you to donate to a special charity such as St Jude's Children Hospital or any other charity that is near and dear to your heart.
I wouldn't say "Welcome". I would say "Tolerated". Only kidding . . . our kids will be there and I know several families making a summer vacation of the trip. But in all seriousness, please take into account that the shuttles won't be returning to Vail until 10pm (no private vehicles will be driving that dirt road at night).
We want the adults to fully enjoy the evening at this private, cellphone-free retreat, disconnected from the outside world and all the hustle-and-bustle of life without . . . "Mom and Dad, we're tired. We want to go to sleep. When can we go to sleep. Why do we have to take this bumpy bus back to Vail? I can't sleep on this bus! Are we there yet? Are we there yet?"
No cell service? Yup.
45 minutes on a dirt road that is too bumpy to adequately describe? Yup.
And crazy? That's certainly possible.
Although the venue is an "adventure" to access, we simply could not find another place that compared. After crisscrossing the state and touring 25 different wedding venues, trust that we have a very good reason for choosing Piney River.
When you see it in person, we know you'll fall in love with it as well.
Unfortunately, there is limited lodging at the Ranch. A few of us will brave the bathroom-less cabins and tents while the rest of you get to return to luxurious accomodations in Vail. Shuttles will safely get you home after the reception.
We hope you can join us for brunch on Sunday when we return to civilization.
First and foremost, sunscreen and sunglasses.
Colorado summers are no joke with the sun beating down on you at 9,350 feet.
But then, semi-formal/cocktail attire.
The ceremony is outdoors in the sun (without shade) and reception is an open air pavillion.
Bring layers since the afternoon may start at 85 degrees and sunny, and the night ends at 45 degrees and breezy.
Avoid Altitude Sickness
Your body reacts differently at an elevation of 9,350' so please take all the precautions necessary to avoid altitude sickness. We cannot stress to you enough how important this is for those of you coming from out-of-state.
Acclimate Slowly If you fly into Denver, consider staying a night before heading to Vail. Denver is at an elevation of 5,280' so spending even one night at that elevation can dramatically help your body acclimate as you climb to 9,000'+.
If you are traveling directly from the airport to Vail, take it easy your first day. No strenuous hikes and plenty of rest. Your body will need time to adjust to the lack of oxygen.
Hydrate continuously. The air is much dryer at high elevations and your body will feel dehydration much quicker.
Limit Alcohol: We get it. It's a destination wedding. But, start off slow until your body acclimates. Alcohol will hit you much harder up here.
RESPECT THE ALTITUDE
Wear Sunscreen & Chapstick
You are closer to the sun and sunburns occur much quicker. Even if you think you don't need it. Or you think you already applied sunscreen two hours ago so why re-apply . . . just do it! The Colorado sun is brutal. We were warned and so now you too shall be warned.
Bring Layers of Clothing
Temperatures change faster than you could expect.
Forecast for the ceremony is 75 degrees, sunny and clear skies. Realize that at this altitude in the direct sun, 75 degrees feels much hotter than 75 degrees at lower elevations. But in the shade, it is absolutely perfect!
As the sun sets behind the mountains, the temperatures begin to drop into the 60's then 50's, maybe even 40's.
Come prepared with layers.
Bring Chapstick & Lotion
Because it is dry here.