Brooke and Daniel’s wedding is a particularly special one to me because Daniel (or, as I call him, Danny) happens to be my own brother-in-law. It’s always so fun for me to be able to photograph weddings for people I am very close to. We can goof around even more than I regularly do with my clients, and I personally know a majority of the people there celebrating, which makes taking their photos that much more moving.

These two lovebirds met one fateful night when Daniel was passed out on the couch of his friend Alex, who happened to be Brooke’s roommate at the time. Little did either of them know that this hungover first meeting would eventually lead to their wedding. LOL

They’re now a super power couple with their hands deep in real estate. Brooke is a property manager, while Daniel works in commercial real estate. The way that they help each other and care for each other, both professionally and within their private relationship, is so sweet to witness. I’ve known Danny since he was about twelve years old, when his brother Ryan and I first began dating. Watching him grow up and finally find his true life partner is such a joy. Brooke has a laugh that is absolutely contagious, and such a thoughtful disposition that we all fell in love with her instantly.

They knew when they began planning the wedding that they wanted to be able to include a lot of people. They began making preparations to host the wedding at Danny’s parents’ house in the NE Albuquerque Acres. It is the perfect place, with views of both the city of Albuquerque below and the Sandia Mountains above. They put up a gazebo with twinkle lights for the ceremony, and a clear-top white tent for the dinner tables. The tables were lined with eucalyptus greenery and white candles for a totally classic look. As they did their first dance you could see the Sandias turning their iconic pink through the top of the tent in the background. It was absolutely perfect.

I know I am biased, but this was one of the most fun weddings ever. People hit the dance floor all night long. And man, they had moves.

This day is proof that backyard weddings can be just as classy and maybe even more fun than a traditional wedding venue, if you plan it right!

Check out the photos from Brooke and Daniel’s beautiful backyard wedding in NE Albuquerque Acres below:

Classic bridal details getting ready for backyard wedding in NE Albuquerque Acres Bride getting ready for backyard wedding in NE Albuquerque Acres Turquoise, wood, and gold wedding bands sitting in eucalyptus Bride getting into wedding dress before backyard wedding in NE Albuquerque Acres Bride getting ready before backyard wedding in NE Albuquerque Acres Backyard wedding details in northeast Albuquerque Acres Eucalyptus, white candles, and gold lined dinnerware at backyard wedding in NE Albuquerque Acres Backyard wedding ceremony in northeast Albuquerque Acres New Mexico Bride and groom's first kiss at backyard wedding ceremony in northeast Albuquerque Acres New Mexico Bridesmaids hugging the bride at NE Albuquerque backyard wedding Groom and groomsmen in custom gray suit and suspenders by Ann Matthews in Albuquerque New Mexico Formal groom's portraits in Albuquerque New Mexico | Suit rental by Ann Matthews Emerald green and gray wedding party | Albuquerque wedding photographer Wedding party goofing around after backyard wedding in NE Albuquerque Acres Bridal portrait at golden hour in Albuquerque New Mexico | Dress by Ann Matthews Formal groom's portraits in Albuquerque New Mexico | Suit rental by Ann Matthews Bride and groom kissing and laughing under the aspen trees for fall backyard wedding in NE Albuquerque Acres Groom kissing his bride on the cheek under the aspen trees for fall backyard wedding in NE Albuquerque Acres Bridal portrait at golden hour in Albuquerque New Mexico | Dress by Ann Matthews Bride and groom kissing on the balcony overlooking the Sandia Mountains during golden hour at NE Albuquerque Acres wedding Bride and groom kissing by yellow blooming chamisa at sunset during fall backyard wedding in NE Albuquerque Acres Groom carries his bride's dress crossing the street at sunset during fall backyard wedding in NE Albuquerque Acres Bride and groom taking a break at sunset during fall backyard wedding in NE Albuquerque Acres Bride and groom kissing on the balcony in the golden sunlight | Albuquerque wedding photographer Bride and groom wave at their guests from the balcony at NE Albuquerque Acres backyard wedding Bride and groom's entrance to backyard wedding reception in NE Albuquerque Acres New Mexico Bride and groom's first dance in front of Sandia Mountains at backyard wedding reception in NE Albuquerque Acres New Mexico Flowery wedding cake at backyard wedding in NE Albuquerque Acres Bride and groom toast to each other with heirloom champagne glasses at backyard wedding in NE Albuquerque Acres Romantic candle lit backyard wedding reception in NE Albuquerque Acres Romantic twinkle lights backyard wedding reception under clear tent in NE Albuquerque Acres Bride and groom cutting the cake at their backyard wedding in NE Albuquerque Acres Bride dancing with her stepdad at backyard wedding in NE Albuquerque Acres Groom dances with his mom at backyard wedding in NE Albuquerque Acres The Canadian money dance at backyard wedding in NE Albuquerque Acres Black and white reception dancing photos at backyard wedding in NE Albuquerque Acres Bride tosses the bouquet at backyard wedding in NE Albuquerque Acres Groom finds and throws the garter at backyard wedding in NE Albuquerque Acres Bride and groom kissing under gazebo at night at backyard wedding in NE Albuquerque Acres