Fall Della Terra Mountain Chateau Wedding | Kelsey and Justin

Some wedding days feel like they were made for the mountains, and Kelsey & Justin’s Wednesday celebration at Della Terra Mountain Chateau was exactly that. Tucked into Estes Park’s golden September light, this intimate mountain wedding balanced heartfelt moments with pure fun, think unity tree planting, custom favors, and even a round of disc golf during the reception.

“It was my 30th birthday, and he rented a boat in Grand Lake, Colorado,” Kelsey recalled about their proposal. “I did not see it coming! It was so sweet and romantic, it was perfect.”

A Mountain Engagement with Harvey at Brainard Lake

Before the big day, we met up for their engagement session at Brainard Lake Recreation Area, one of my favorite dog-friendly spots in Colorado. Harvey, their disc-golf-loving pup, trotted right alongside us as we explored alpine lakes, pine forests, and the epic views of the Indian Peaks Wilderness. It was the perfect setting for Kelsey & Justin: relaxed, scenic, and full of Colorado charm.

Getting Ready at Della Terra Mountain Chateau

The day began in the warm, wood-lined suites of Della Terra! Sunlight poured through the windows, catching the sparkle of Kelsey’s gown from Emma & Grace Bridal Studio, its soft layers perfectly echoing the romantic mountain backdrop. Her hair and makeup, styled by Bridal Glow Wedding Services, struck that ideal balance between polished and effortless, perfect for a bride who wanted to enjoy every second.

While Kelsey and her friends laughed and prepped upstairs, Justin kicked off his morning in the groom’s suite with a little downtime, playing video games before slipping into his tailored suit from Suit Shop. He laced up his custom-designed Chuck Taylors from Converse, a playful nod to his personal style, before heading out to see his bride for the first time.

First Look & Mountain Portraits in Estes Park

Stepping into the dappled light of the forested paths just beyond the chateau, Kelsey tapped Justin on the shoulder, and the way he turned, instantly grinning, said everything. They exchanged heartfelt letters right there during their first look, and before long, tears were flowing from both of them.

“He brings such a lightness and joy to my life,” Kelsey had shared before the wedding, and it was written all over her face in that moment, and in the letter she shared.

We wandered the trails and overlooks, capturing portraits that felt like a perfect mix of romance and ease. As a Colorado wedding photographer, I couldn’t have asked for better light or a more stunning Estes Park backdrop.

A Heartfelt Ceremony at Della Terra by Wedgewood Weddings

Guests gathered in the open-air ceremony space, framed by the stone arch and tall pines, looking out to a breathtaking backdrop of MacGregor Mountain. The floral arrangements by Boulder Blooms blended deep burgundy, dusty rose, and golden yellow against the rugged mountain backdrop.

One of the most touching moments came during their unity ceremony: planting a tree together, symbolizing their growing life as one. “We never really envisioned anything specific for our wedding day,” Kelsey explained, “but we knew we wanted something beautiful, close to home, and easy for our guests.” Della Terra by Wedgewood Weddings delivered exactly that.

A Reception with Handmade Touches and Disc Golf Fun

Inside the warmly lit reception hall, guests found tables adorned with handmade signs and curated décor, every piece chosen or crafted by Kelsey and Justin (with help from Diane Fern). Favors included fragrant Turkish tea and custom wooden bottle openers from Etsy artisans, each one a little thank-you from the couple.

Dinner from Origins Wood Fired Pizza filled the room with the smell of fresh, wood-fired crusts, followed by the sweetest bundt cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes.

And then came the part that had “Justin” written all over it, a disc golf setup right outside the doors. A self-proclaimed disc-golf enthusiast (second only to their dog, Harvey), Justin had guests laughing and cheering between dances and during cocktail hour. The evening continued with toasts, a first dance to Dancing in the Moonlight, and a packed dance floor with music by Denver-based DJ Dan Chandonnet.

From their scenic engagement session at Brainard Lake with Harvey to the laughter-filled disc golf games at sunset, Kelsey & Justin’s journey has been full of adventures, creativity, and connection. Della Terra by Wedgewood Weddings provided the ideal mountain backdrop for their heartfelt vows and joyful reception.

If you’re dreaming of your own Estes Park celebration, as a Colorado wedding photographer, I can tell you this: the combination of these mountains, a venue like Della Terra Mountain Chateau, and a love story as genuine as Kelsey & Justin’s makes for pure magic. Definitely reach out if this is something you want to do together!

And also check out some other Colorado weddings below!

Venue : Della Terra Mountain Chateau
Hair & Makeup : Bridal Glow Wedding Services
Bridal Boutique : Emma & Grace Bridal Studio
Groom Attire : Suit Shop
Groom Shoes : Converse
Florist : Boulder Blooms
Dessert : Nothing Bundt Cakes
DJ : Dan Chandonnet
Caterer : Origins Wood Fired Pizza
Groom’s Ring : Rings By Pristine
Bride’s Ring : ShaneCo
Wedding Signs : New Wedding Signs
Bottle Openers : With the Grain

xx,

Jennifer Lourie