Before their Beaver Meadows Resort Ranch wedding, mountain views, and horses running across a field, there was Arkansas. And a sister-in-law who casually changed two people’s lives. Zach and Danae met the way a lot of the best couples do—through someone who already knew they’d be a good match. Zack’s sister-in-law and Danae were in the same pediatric residency program. Real life was lining things up in a way that made sense.

Now they live in Kansas City. Zack works in construction management. Danae works in medicine. Their days are structured and demanding in very different ways, but when they’re home, it’s margaritas, friends, and three large dogs who absolutely run the house. And when I say they love their dogs, I mean it. Two Bernese Mountain Dogs and a Golden Retriever. They are family, and they were obviously going to be part of the wedding day. There was never a question.

One of my favorite things about them is how normal and joyful their relationship feels. Zack knows that if he throws on some ’90s country, Danae will be singing in the kitchen within seconds. It’s their thing. They also told me very confidently that they would be getting professional dance lessons before the wedding. Self-awareness is attractive and practical.

I flew out to Kansas City to photograph their engagement session before we ever set foot in Colorado. That felt important. I always want to see couples in their own space where they’re comfortable and where their routines live.

A Fall Wedding at Beaver Meadows Resort Ranch

If you’ve ever been to Colorado in the fall, you know all it has to do is show up. You may never be able to beat the foliage here.

Beaver Meadows Resort Ranch has open meadows, horses grazing in the distance, and mountains that are very clearly there. The skies were gray and heavy most of the day, but that also meant no harsh sun. Their ceremony took place in open land with friends and family gathered close.

One of the most memorable moments was their first kiss. As they kissed, horses were released into the meadow behind them. Twenty-plus horses live on that ranch, and incorporating them felt natural.

Later, we went out at sunset to find the horses again. The scenery was absolutely stunning, and honestly, the gloomy day really helped emphasize that. We got some incredible portraits by the water.

A Celebration Full of Joy, Horses, & Kitchen Dance Energy

Once the ceremony wrapped, the whole day shifted into a celebration that felt more like hosting a really good party. And if you know anything about Zach and Danae, you know they love hosting. And yes, 90s country absolutely made an appearance. You could see the dance lessons paying off, too!

Zach and Danae built a day that reflected who they already are: loyal to their people, completely obsessed with their dogs, down for a margarita, and not afraid of a little country on the dance floor. Arkansas roots. Kansas City life. Colorado mountains. Horses running in the distance. Dogs at their feet.

It was just them.

More: Colorado Mountain Wedding in Steamboat Springs

Vendors

Photographer | Ritual Haus Creative Studios

Venue | Beaver Meadows Resort Ranch

Dress | All Who Wander

Florist | Lilac and Sage Studio

DJ | TH Entertainment