"NASCAR's Ryan Blaney Finds Love in a Winter Wonderland"
Custom Hat Pop-Up Bar at the Welcome Party
The welcome party was a highlight of the wedding weekend. With a western-themed atmosphere, guests enjoyed delicious barbecue, country music, and a custom hat pop-up bar. It was a great way to kick off the festivities and get everyone in the spirit of the occasion. This unique touch added to the overall charm of the event and created memories that will last a lifetime.The winter holidays hold a special place in the hearts of the couple. As the bride, Gianna Tulio, shares, "The winter holidays are one of our favorite times of the year. We appreciate the ambiance of the holiday decor and how intimate that time is. We love all the crackling fires we get to snuggle up by and be cozy. So when we went to visit wedding venues in Aspen last winter, we had all of those favorite things nestled in that small town." This love for the winter season was evident throughout the wedding.
Intimate Wedding with Close Family and Friends
Around 150 to 200 of the couple's closest family and friends attended the wedding, which was planned and designed by Karli Spangler Events. Notable celebrity guests added to the star-studded affair. For Tulio, having all her loved ones together in one place was a rare and precious moment. As she says, "Spending quality time with all of our loved ones is super important to us, so we wanted to keep the wedding as intimate as possible. With Ryan being a professional NASCAR driver, we are on the road every weekend almost every month out of the year, so we value every second we can get with our friends and family."The couple's decision to keep the wedding intimate showed their appreciation for their loved ones and the importance of spending time together. It was a truly special occasion that brought everyone together.
Private Vows and First Look
The morning before the ceremony, the bride and groom privately exchanged vows. As Gianna Tulio explains, "Ryan really helps calm my nerves. I'm most relaxed in the morning, sipping my coffee with him, so we decided to read our vows privately to one another. I did not have my hair or makeup done [yet] so our first look would still be more than special." This intimate moment added a deeper layer of meaning to their wedding.The first look was a moment of pure joy and connection between the couple. It was a time when they could focus solely on each other and share their love in a private setting.
Bride's Wedding Gown and After Party Dress
The bride walked down the aisle to the tune of Lana Del Rey's "Video Games" wearing a wintry white dress from Berta. It was the second dress she tried on out of about 15, and she knew it was the one. Later in the night, she changed into Retrofete's Gilana Lace Dress, adding a touch of glamour to the after-party.Tulio's wedding gown was a stunning masterpiece that perfectly captured the essence of the winter wedding. Each detail was carefully chosen to enhance her beauty and make her feel like a princess on her special day.
First Dance and Extensive Menu
The newlyweds shared their first dance as husband and wife to "Take My Heart" by The Teskey Brothers. The reception was filled with entertainment provided by Rock With U, and the "foodie" couple and their guests enjoyed an extensive menu that included butternut squash arancini, warm potato poppers, smashed heirloom potatoes, charred broccolini, short rib pierogi, roast chicken, fried chicken, caviar, sage-and-thyme-roasted bison, and more. Dessert was slices of red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting.The first dance was a moment of pure bliss as the couple shared their love on the dance floor. The extensive menu ensured that everyone's taste buds were satisfied, making the reception a truly memorable experience.
Meeting and Future Plans
Blaney and Tulio first met in 2018 at MGM Grand's Losers Bar in Las Vegas. Although they had no intention of meeting that night, their paths crossed and the rest is history. Now, they are looking forward to "growing old and raising a healthy, happy family together." Their first priority, however, is a honeymoon at home. As Tulio explains, "Since we travel almost every weekend out of the year, we decided to enjoy our offseason at home with our animals. We are aiming to go on our honeymoon around Easter when we have [time] off."This chapter of their lives is just beginning, and they are excited to build a future together.