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.”

If you’re dreaming of your own Estes Park celebration, I have a full guide to choosing an Estes Park wedding venue that walks through your options (including Della Terra).

A Mountain Engagement with Harvey at Brainard Lake

A few weeks before the wedding, I met up with Kelsey and Justin at Brainard Lake for their engagement session.

Harvey, their dog, came along too, which immediately made the whole thing feel more like an adventure than a photo session. One of the reasons I love engagement sessions is that they give me a chance to see how couples interact when nobody is thinking about a wedding timeline yet. By the end of the evening, it was pretty clear that Kelsey and Justin were happiest doing something simple together outdoors, which made their future venue feel like a perfect fit.

Getting Ready at Della Terra Mountain Chateau

One thing I always appreciate about this venue is how easy it is to spread out without feeling disconnected. The bridal suite was full of conversation and laughter while the groom's suite had a completely different energy.

Kelsey spent the morning getting ready with her friends, and down the hall Justin was playing video games before changing into his suit. It was one of those little wedding-day moments that felt very true to who he is. No dramatic pacing. No nervous energy. Just a guy enjoying a few minutes of downtime before marrying the person he loves.

Kelsey wore a gown from Emma & Grace Bridal Studio that fit the setting perfectly without feeling overly formal. Combined with hair and makeup by Bridal Glow Wedding Services, everything felt polished without losing the relaxed mountain atmosphere that had drawn them to Della Terra in the first place.

First Look & Mountain Portraits in Estes Park

Their first look happened along one of the wooded paths just outside the chateau.

When Justin turned around and saw Kelsey for the first time, the smile on his face showed up before anything else. They exchanged letters during their first look, and before long both of them were wiping away tears. Their tears, each other’s tears, all the tears.

Before the wedding, Kelsey told me that Justin brings a sense of joy and lightness into her life. Watching them together that afternoon, it wasn't something she needed to explain. It showed up in the way they talked to each other, the way they laughed between photos, and the way they seemed genuinely excited to spend the day together.

Afterward, we spent some time exploring the property and taking portraits before guests began arriving for the ceremony. One of the things I like most about Della Terra is that you don't have to go far to find beautiful locations. The mountain views, pine trees, and stone pathways all sit within a few minutes of each other, which keeps portraits feeling relaxed instead of rushed.

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