Rustic Chic: Aspen, CO

Words by Jennifer Stein

Aspen, Colorado
Photographer: Joanna B. Pinneo, joannabpinneo.com

When someone owns several aviation related companies, it only seems natural to want a destination wedding. So, when Brian and Victoria Hollnagel became engaged, that is exactly what they decided on. Their love of the outdoors and fond childhood memories of Aspen, Colorado was what ultimately sold them on the location. “Brian and I wanted to have it in a place where nature would have a strong presence, and this is nowhere more true than in the Rockies. Aspen makes for a stunning environment and we thought it was a good backdrop for what we’d hoped would be a stunning occasion!”

And that it was. With 95 friends and family traveling to the Rockies, Brian and Victoria had the destination wedding of their dreams. But not before Brian’s parents hosted a memorable and extravagant rehearsal dinner for every one of their guests. “There was not a Western touch that had been forgotten. There was great music, food, and a great venue that offered a relaxed and fun chance for everyone to be together, and really made the most of our Western setting. We wanted everyone to be able to let their hair down and have a good time. And that they did. I’m a fan of campfires and making s’mores on summer nights and I have always teased, ‘I’m going to find a way to have a campfire with s’mores at my wedding!’ Unbeknownst to me, my in-laws sweetly ensured this happened by arranging just that. This, along with hayrides, pumpkins carved with messages about us, cowboy hat centerpieces, and a million other little touches really made the night unforgettable.”

The couple said their destination “I do’s” at the Aspen Chapel with a heartfelt personalized ceremony where the officiant read words Brian and Victoria had written about one another. “Of the entire wedding planning process, this is probably the part that Brian and I both put the most heart into. A few brief words, but ones that said everything about why we were there.” Her other fond memory is when her father sang “There is Love”. Victoria recalls the emotional moment, “I grew up listening to my Dad sing and play guitar. Having him bring the sweet sound of his voice to our ceremony meant a great deal to me and was a moment that touched everyone who was there.”

After a gondola ride to the top of Aspen Mountain, surrounded by views of the gorgeous Rockies, the wedding reception exceeded expectations. “I loved the idea of selecting the location that was filled with so much nature and grandeur, and made for a memorable experience for guests.”

When recalling wedding memories, Victoria was thrilled with the images her photographer and videographer captured during the event. “I cannot say enough good things about our photographer Joanna Pinneo. She has an eye for catching all the many moments that matter. She is an extremely skilled artist with a lot of soul and integrity and it shows in the work she does. It was an honor to have her there. Joanna and our videographer Peg Mundinger integrated perfectly together and in the end Peg provided us with a beautiful video featuring all the sights and sounds of the day. We’ll enjoy it forever.”

And we hope they do!

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