A gorgeous Ranch at the Canyons Fall Wedding in Central Oregon

Andrea & Andy loved the gorgeous Tuscan architecture and High Desert location that Ranch at the Canyons offers. It was only fitting they chose to marry on the last day of September at this amazing Central Oregon wedding venue. It was a beautiful, sunny day, and the leaves of the maple and aspen trees around the venue were changing color. If you’ve never been to Ranch of the Canyons, you absolutely need to check it out. It really blew me away as far as a wedding venue goes! You truly feel as though you’ve stepped into Italian wine country as you pull through the long driveway and see the beautiful stonework and Terracotta rooftop of the gorgeous buildings. The venue is a photographer’s dream, to say the least!

After photographing Andrea’s details, it was time for me to photograph the ladies getting ready in the spacious bridal suite. Gwen, my trusty second photographer, went with Andy and the guys in the fabulous groom’s suite. The bridal suite is huge, with true plaster walls and adorned with vintage furniture and shabby chic decor. There is an amazing dressing room with a thick, green velvet curtain that just added to the warmth of the space.

The guys space features leather furniture and is decorated with classic Central Oregon decor. It’s a cozy space that is totally separate from the bridal suite, so it’s easy to stay hidden from each other.

 

It’s time for the first look outside the gorgeous Tuscan Stables! 

First looks are one of my favorite parts of the day to photograph, and it’s easy to see why. The emotion between the couple is so raw and real. Even the crazy wind couldn’t distract from the moment. The wind took Andrea’s veil and carried it away, but luckily I was able to grab it before it made it halfway to Smith Rock!

After the first look, we went inside the beautiful Tuscan Stables at Ranch at the Canyons to freshen up. The light inside was absolutely breathtaking and the perfect place for a few bridal portraits of Andrea.

Of course, I had to grab a nice portrait of Andrea & Andy together in this beautiful light too!

As Andrea & Andy went into hiding, their guests were arriving and we went to work photographing some of the reception details.

A gorgeous view of Smith Rock from one of the many ceremony location options at Ranch at the Canyons! 

After the first look, it was time for the outdoor ceremony. It was a chilly early fall day, but the sun was shining and the views of Smith Rock from the ceremony location for this Ranch at the Canyons fall wedding were spectacular!

After the outdoor wedding ceremony and signing of the marriage license, it was time for the formal family & wedding party photos. The gorgeous barn wood doors that enclose the Tuscan Stables are the perfect spot for some portraits that are away from guests, the wind, the harsh mid-day sun.

Romantic wedding portraits on the gorgeous grounds of Ranch at the Canyons! 

As all the guests enjoyed the cocktail hour, we walked around the vast landscape that surrounds Ranch at the Canyons for some romantic portraits of Andrea & Andy. Even though the sun was shining, it was pretty darn cold and windy, but these two took it in stride. The deciduous trees planted around the Tuscan Stables were changing color, and the natural rabbitbrush that’s characteristic of the High Desert landscape was blooming, giving two different looks for the portraits.

The Tuscan Stables have a lovely space for your indoor reception. 

While Andrea & Andy planned an outdoor reception, Mother Nature wasn’t entirely cooperative. The wind can be relentless and the temperatures in the High Desert drop drastically in the evening. A last minute decision was made to move the reception indoors to the Tuscan Stables. As wedding days go, sometimes unplanned changes happen, and it’s best to just go with the flow! The guests and wedding party were warm and happy, food was served, cake cut, toasts given and then the DJ got the party started!

Even though the reception moved indoors, Andrea & Andy had a dance floor still set up outside with beautiful string lights. So, under the starry sky, these two shared a dance together.

The night was coming to an end. It was time to toss the garter and bouquet!

Andrea & Andy, your Ranch at the Canyons fall wedding was absolutely beautiful and I had so much fun working with you and your families. Here’s to a wonderful life together!

The amazing vendors:

Venue: Ranch at the Canyons

Hair: Jordyn Newell, Lush Salon

Makeup: Bride’s Friend

Flowers: Bride & Bridesmaid DIY

Dress: Bridal Suite & Special Occasion

Menswear: Macy’s

Rings: Saxons Fine Jewelers

Lighting: Illuminate Your Night

Rentals: O’Brien Events

Entertainment: Studio 7 DJ

Food & Bar Service: Bleu Bite Catering

Cake: Fearless Baking

Second Photographer: Gwen Shoemaker

Primary Photographer: Erica Swantek Photography

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Hey, I’m Erica a sentimental wedding and elopement photographer for free-spirited and natural couples. Based in Bend, OR but available to travel wherever your heart desires. I still have some openings for 2019 and I’m currently booking 2020 weddings. so if you’re getting married, let’s talk! Send me an email and let’s get to know each other.