Heather had always been a bit nervous around the subject of marriage. She always knew she wanted to someday get married, but it was a big decision and not one she would make lightly. That said, Zach would often bring the topic up in regular conversation as though he knew one day they would get married and Heather would often change the subject. It seemed like there was always a reason to wait. Jobs. Money. Moving. Grad School.

Moving to Colorado proved to be one of the most challenging and empowering times in their lives. They both grew as individuals and as partners. With the dust from the move finally settling and graduation on the horizon, Heather couldn't come up with any of her usual excuses. It was time to get engaged! The nervous girlfriend had become the anxious want to be bride. At one point she even went to a bridal shower of a close friend's and complained about how Zach hadn't proposed yet, fearing that now it would never happen. Little did she know, plans were already in the making (muahahahahaha).

After a long day of work, and a very long commute home, Heather walked through the door of their apartment to be greeted by a kneeling Zach with a bouquet of flowers. She froze in her tracks..."is this it?!" Zach endearingly looked up at her face and carefully asked, "Heather, will you...go camping with me this weekend?" This wasn't it. After coming to her senses and accepting the bundle of flowers, she replied, "...yes?" Zach suggested camping around Grand Lake, a beautiful Colorado mountain town located at the entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. Heather had often mentioned how badly she wanted to paddleboard on the gorgeous natural lake surrounded by sharp peaks. They quickly packed the car and left on what Heather believed to be an impromptu weekend away.

They decided to take the long way 'round to Grand Lake which took them through the winding mountain roads of Rocky Mountain National Park. They stopped for a quick hike up Forest Canyon Pass. Upon summiting the mountain and gazing out across the landscape, Heather had that same feeling again. "Is this is?!" she thought. They stopped to enjoy the scenery and then... headed back down the mountain. This wasn't it.

When they arrived in Grand Lake they headed to a local saloon (swinging doors and all!) and Heather immediately started making a game plan. "Okay, we need to find a campsite, and get set up before the sun goes down. If we can't find a campsite we might have to sleep in the car," she said to an ever smirking Zach. After a few minutes of planning (stressing), Zach finally revealed the first piece of his master plan. "I got us a cabin at the Grand Lake Lodge," he said, while pointing to the log cabins sitting atop the cliffs over looking the shining lake, "I reserved it months ago."

When they reached their cabin, Zach stepped forward to open the door and that feeling came over Heather again. This is definitely it! The door opened and they walked in...and then they got ready for dinner. They shared a beautiful meal together, where Heather thought again, "This must be it!" Then they took a stroll in the moonlight, a long swim in the pool overlooking the shimmering lake, and a long romantic soak in the hot tub. Still nothing. Heather had started to lose hope at this point. She had been mistaken, this was not it.

They headed back toward their cabin, towels trapping in the heat as the last few drops of pool water fell off their bodies to the cool, dirt, trail. They glance up at the stars as a few clouds parted, uncovering a nearly full, sturgeon moon that began to shine and dance across the lake. Zach turned around and got on one knee. He said, "Well, this is as good a time as any", dawning the ring before her. He began to recite as much of the spiel he prepared beforehand that he could remember. She laughed giddily and with tears in her eyes, said, "Yes."

And that was it!

Z&H

Wedding Day

5:00 PM

Wedding

Reception