Dixie & Scott’s Rustic Cowboy Chic Wedding at Dakota Lodge | A Celebration of Second Chances


Dixie and Scott’s wedding at the Dakota Lodge in Ken Caryl, Colorado on Saturday, August 2, 2025, was the kind of day that reminds you how beautiful second chances can be. After both experiencing divorce and almost giving up on love, they found each other online three and a half years ago and this summer, they celebrated the kind of love that only comes with time, resilience, and deep connection.


Photographing their wedding was extra special for me because I had the honor of capturing Scott’s son’s wedding two years ago. When Dixie and Scott reached out and told me how much they loved those photos, I was thrilled to be part of another milestone in their family's story.

Their wedding theme was “rustic cowboy chic” and they nailed it. Dixie wore a gorgeous lace dress with a custom twist: she had the train removed and tailored into an elegant cape, which flowed behind her as she walked down the aisle. She also handmade all the floral centerpieces, which featured earthy-toned wood roses, pampas grass, and arrangements tucked into boots on each table. It was the perfect blend of personal and Western charm.


Guests were welcomed with fun wedding favors, M&Ms and boot-shaped bottle openers and just about everyone came dressed in cowboy hats. Instead of a traditional wedding cake, the couple served oversized cupcakes adorned with tiny chocolate boots. Every detail felt thoughtful, relaxed, and completely true to them.

One of the most touching moments of the night was a live performance of John Legend’s All of Me, sung by Dixie’s sister and Scott’s daughter, a beautiful blending of families through music. The evening was filled with dancing, laughter, and sweet moments with their grandchildren. The only thing missing? Their two beloved doodles, Bella and Sadie.


As the sun set over the lake near Dakota Lodge, we stepped out for portraits and those golden-hour photos are easily some of my favorites. The couple looked radiant, and the natural greenery surrounding the venue made for an unforgettable backdrop.

Dixie and Scott, thank you for trusting me to capture such a meaningful day. Your love story is a reminder that it’s never too late for joy, laughter, and dancing the night away, cowboy hats and all.

A white lace wedding dress hangs above a teal couch with white boots and a floral bouquet with turquoise accents.
A series of wedding items arranged on a teal surface including flowers, belts, perfume bottles, and accessories.
Elegant turquoise and gold earrings displayed on a white cloth napkin beside vintage decor and book.
Black and white photo showing intimate bridal preparation moment with styling assistance in a dressing room.
People helping to fasten buttons on an ornate white lace wedding dress during pre-ceremony preparations.
A bride in an elegant white lace wedding dress with blonde curls and a statement necklace stands in a room with teal walls.
Two helpers assist with final adjustments to a white wedding dress in a sunlit room with city views in the background.
Two women in elegant attire share an intimate moment in a dim-lit indoor setting.
Black and white photo strip showing four close-up portraits of someone with platinum blonde hair in different poses.
A vintage-style save the date wedding invitation card with floral details on a teal background.
Guest book table setup at outdoor wedding venue with framed photo and rustic decor against red rock canyon backdrop.
A sequence of wooden welcome signs with calligraphy text being photographed against an orange and green backdrop.
A rustic wedding venue interior with exposed wooden beams, white chairs, and soft lighting for the ceremony setup.
A trio of boho-style dried pampas grass and palm frond arrangements displayed in a modern interior space with window views.
A person wearing a tan leather vest and white shirt with a boutonniere stands outdoors against a green background.