In a breathtaking celebration of love, NASCAR star Ryan Blaney and his longtime girlfriend, Gianna Tulio, tied the knot on December 12, 2024. Their “whimsical” winter wedding took place at the historic Hotel Jerome in Aspen, Colorado — a location as magical as their love story. The couple’s nuptials marked the culmination of a romance that began more than four years ago when they met at a chance encounter in Las Vegas.
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A Picturesque Winter Wonderland
The ceremony’s “Winter Enchantment: A Candlelit Aspen Affair” theme transformed the venue into a scene straight out of a storybook. The natural beauty of the snow-capped Rocky Mountains served as a stunning backdrop for the couple’s exchange of vows. Hotel Jerome’s cozy ambiance, paired with lush floral installations, romantic candlelight, and opulent textures, perfectly captured the “moody” color palette of black onyx, slate gray, and dove.
“The winter holidays are one of our favorite times of the year,” shared Tulio. “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.” Their love for the season played a central role in shaping their wedding vision.
Family, Friends, and NASCAR Royalty
The guest list was as impressive as the setting, with 150 to 200 of the couple’s closest family and friends in attendance. Celebrity guests included racing royalty like Chase Elliott, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his wife Amy, Bubba Wallace, and Josef Newgarden. The wedding was expertly planned and designed by Karli Spangler Events, ensuring every detail reflected the couple’s unique style.
The festivities began with a western-themed welcome party at Hickory House the night before the wedding. Guests enjoyed a lively evening complete with country music, delicious barbecue, and a custom hat pop-up bar — a nod to Blaney’s love for western flair.
A Love-Centered Ceremony
The couple’s wedding day was filled with meaningful moments, starting with a private exchange of vows in the morning. “Ryan really helps calm my nerves,” Tulio revealed. “I’m most relaxed in the morning, sipping my coffee with him, so we decided to read our vows privately to one another.” This intimate moment set the tone for the heartfelt ceremony that followed, officiated by one of Blaney’s best friends, Kevin Coleman.
As Lana Del Rey’s “Video Games” played, Tulio made her entrance wearing a stunning white dress by Berta, a choice she knew was “the one” the moment she tried it on. Later in the evening, she changed into a Retrofête Gilana Lace Dress, exuding timeless elegance throughout the night.
A Feast for the Senses
Food and entertainment took center stage at the reception. Rock With U provided live music, while the “foodie” couple curated a gourmet dining experience for their guests. The extensive menu featured an array of delicacies, including butternut squash arancini, short rib pierogi, charred broccolini, and sage-and-thyme-roasted bison. Dessert was a decadent red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting, satisfying every guest’s sweet tooth.
The couple’s first dance as husband and wife was set to “Take My Heart” by The Teskey Brothers — a moment that perfectly captured the spirit of their love story.
A Love Story Written in the Stars
Blaney and Tulio’s love story began in 2018 at the MGM Grand’s Losers Bar in Las Vegas. Tulio, a model, was in town for a Hooters event, while Blaney was there for a NASCAR race. Despite “having no intention” of meeting that night, fate had other plans. “I’m so glad we did because the rest is history,” Tulio said.
The couple’s engagement in December 2023 took place atop a snow-covered bridge in Washington, a nod to their shared love for wintry settings. One year later, their Aspen wedding was the perfect continuation of that story.
Looking Ahead
With their wedding day now a cherished memory, Blaney and Tulio are looking forward to a future filled with love and family. Rather than jetting off to a far-flung destination, the newlyweds have opted for a “staycation” honeymoon at home. “Since we travel almost every weekend out of the year, we decided to enjoy our offseason at home with our animals,” Tulio explained. The couple plans to take a more traditional honeymoon during the NASCAR offseason around Easter.
Reflecting on the day, Tulio described it as “everything I have ever dreamt of as a little girl for a wedding… the most magical night of my life.” Their love story is one for the ages, and their wedding was a celebration of everything that brought them together — fate, friendship, and a shared love of life’s simplest joys.
