A nano-colonnade VCSEL device and a method of fabrication utilize a nanowire column grown nearly vertically from a (111) horizontal surface of a first layer to another horizontal surface of a second layer to connect the layers. The VCSEL device includes a first layer having the (111) horizontal surface; a second layer; and an insulator support between the first layer and the second layer that separates the first layer from the second layer. A portion of the second layer overhangs the insulator support, such that a horizontal surface of the overhanging portion is spaced from and faces the (111) horizontal surface of the first layer. The VCSEL device further includes a nanowire column extending nearly vertically from the (111) horizontal surface to the facing horizontal surface, and distributed Bragg mirrors adjacent to opposite end of the nanowire column.