Rustic Central Oregon Wedding
A July wedding in Central Oregon usually means bright, bluebird skies with not a cloud in sight. Of course, on this gorgeous July day, Mother Nature had a different plan. The skies were gray and overcast, heavy with clouds. As I arrived at the beautiful private ranch, the rain began falling steadily. I was greeted at the door by the bride, Megan, wearing a huge smile on her face! Rain didn’t seem to worry her a bit. I love brides who take the day in stride!
This wedding was especially personal for me, as I’ve known Jayson for years. In addition to be an amazing luthier, he is also a phenomenal fiddle player, and my husband and he have played music together throughout the years we’ve lived in Central Oregon. I remember him telling us about this amazing redhead he met, Megan. When I finally met her, I knew why he was head over heels in love with her! It was an absolute honor to photograph their wedding day.
Megan & Jayson are a do-it-yourself kind of couple, so it’s no surprise their wedding day reflected this. Their wedding took place on a friend’s private ranch in Bend. Many of the decorations were made and put together by them or their family members. They gathered lavender from their yard and the brides’ girlfriends put together little baggies for guests, so they could toss it at the bride & groom after the ceremony. They collected wildflowers from Rainshadow Organics farm and the brides’ family members created beautiful centerpieces for tables. The bride’s friend created the bouquet and boutonnieres. Everything was absolutely perfect for their rustic Central Oregon wedding theme!
The bride and her girlfriends hang out and prepare lavender bags for guests to toss at the couple after the ceremony.
Buckets of wildflowers from Rainshadow Organics.
As the ladies were hanging out, working and chatting, I took the opportunity to photograph some of the details, before Megan needed to get ready.
A few more ring details with the invitation and a few found items at the ranch.
The invitation
Beautiful wedding bands. I love the pop of color with the peacock feather!
It was time for Megan to finish getting ready. She had her gorgeous red hair done early in the morning by Crystal at Tribe Salon, and then Crystal joined her at the ranch to do her makeup. Getting ready shots are always a favorite of mine, and I’m so glad Megan wanted these. As she was having her makeup applied, I sneaked off to get a few photos her gorgeous gown before she got dressed.
Getting ready!
Details of the makeup & brushes
A gorgeous gown!
A beautiful bridal bouquet!
Megan’s mother helps her into her gown. What a smile!
Securing the pearl necklace & other jewelry borrowed from the groom’s mother.
Megan started the day with these cute strappy sandals but the wet weather had her changing into her boots!
We headed out to the pond in the front of the home for some photos of Megan and her best girlfriends. Since it was raining, this was the perfect sheltered location to keep her dry! We also chose to do some bridal portraits and the first look here. The green aspens and evergreens all around the pond were so pretty!
Megan’s best girlfriends.
An absolutely stunning Oregon bride!
It was time to send Megan back inside and get ready for the first look. I grabbed Jayson and brought him out to the pond. You can sense his excitement as he anxiously awaits seeing his bride for the first time.
The handsome groom!
The first look! Such a special moment for the bride and groom.
Some couple’s portraits right after the first look.
A few of my favorite images from their bride and groom formals.
How could I resist not using this gorgeous porch swing?
Don’t you just love this porch and that swing?
Rain on your wedding day is good luck and these two certainly took it in stride!
A little rain isn’t going to stop us! Good thing I remembered my clear umbrellas.
A beautiful Brenizer composite image I created.
The ceremony was scheduled to take place outdoors, in front of a beautiful pond with easterly views of Paulina Peak. The rain was threatening to move it under the tent, but as 4pm approached, the skies began to clear and the sun started peeking through the clouds. Megan & Jayson decided to wait a few minutes to see what the weather would do, and after it became clear the rain was moving out for the evening, they decided to go ahead with the outdoor ceremony. Guests all helped grab chairs and the site was set up quickly, with only a slight delay.
The rain let up just in time for the ceremony. Gorgeous location, right?!?
The procession begins.
Megan is escorted down the aisle by both her mother an father, arm in arm.
Hugs all around!
A few moments of joy and reflection as Megan & Jayson look out at all the beautiful people sharing their day.
Laughter and smiles were abundant during this beautiful ceremony.
The rings and exchanging of the vows!
The long awaited kiss! I love a couple that makes it last!
Taking a moment to look out at all their friends & family who were there to witness their union.
Officially Mr. & Mrs.!!!
Lavender blossoms are tossed as Megan & Jason walk together officially husband & wife.
After the ceremony the guests headed to the big tent for a cocktail hour, while we did family formals. Yard games, a huge tap list with local Oregon beers and cider, and tasty appetizers were provided.
Yard games were popular among the guests.
Tasty appetizers for the guests to enjoy during the cocktail hour.
Adult strawberry rhubarb jello shots and tasty wines were served up by Twist.
Local beers and cider were on tap, as well as some tasty wines for guests to enjoy.
The bride and grooms extended families.
Jayson’s family
Megan’s family
Siblings, need I say more?
Megan and her new sister in law wearing the same boots (unplanned)!
Signing of their marriage license on top of this John Deere. Kinda perfect for this rustic Central Oregon wedding!
It was time to head to the reception for dinner followed by dancing to the amazing band, Polecat! Of course, Jayson being a fiddle player himself, has to make sure he has one of the best bands in the Pacific Northwest at his wedding. Lots of boot stomping and boogieing went down that night.
These beautiful tables were tastefully decorated with flowers made by family, burlap and mason jar candles. So pretty!
The reception tent
Some of the gorgeous flower arrangements made by Megan’s family.
The dessert table! The bride and groom asked guests to bring a dessert to share in lieu of a gift. So many delicious goodies here!
A few detail shots of the decorations, including these sweet note cards that were scattered on the tables for guests to leave messages for the bride & groom.
The band’s gear.
Polecat, a great PNW band, played this wedding.
A fast stepping first dance!
The band took a break and Megan, Jayson and I headed off to grab a few more photos. We were hoping for some beautiful sunset shots, but the sun didn’t cooperate. We still had some amazing light though and these are actually some of my favorite of the day!
The couple had these awesome cups made with their own logo. These served as the guest favors too. So cool!
One of my favorite romantic shots of the day!
We headed back to the reception for toasts and more dancing. Polecat played into the night and had everyone on their feet!
The toasts! Anyone who wanted to say a little something was invited to take the stage. Such beautiful messages for Megan & Jayson!
Someone brought Megan this toad and yup, she kissed it! I think she already found her prince though.
Polecat had everyone up and dancing. What a night!
Megan and Jayson, I wish you a lifetime of love and happiness! Thank you for choosing me to capture your wedding day!
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Vendors
2nd Photographer: Michelle Bauer
Hair & Makeup: Crystal Pizzola, Tribe Salon
Dress: Anthropologie
Flowers: Rainshadow Organics
Bouquet & Boutonnieres: Mindy Mason
Food: Country Catering
Bar Service: Twist Cocktail Catering Co.
Tables/Linens/Tent: Central Event Rentals
Entertainment: Polecat
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My name is Erica and I specialize in outdoor weddings for sentimental, free-spirited and natural couples. If you are getting married and looking for a photographer, I would love to chat with you. Send me a message and let’s talk!
Beautiful images! I love how you captured their personalities throughout the day. Her ring is gorgeous and I love how you captured it on the peacock feather – very creative!
Thanks Kristina! I think that ring shot is my absolute favorite ever!
Beautiful! I love that composite image in particular.
This wedding looks like a total blast! You did an amazing job capturing it~
Amazing! I love these so much! What a sweet couple. I love her ring too 😉
Well done Erica! You really captured the essence of these two.
What a gorgeous wedding day with a beautiful couple. I love all the rustic touches. Erica, you did a phenomenal job capturing the love between them!
Beautiful collection. Love it!
I love her gown! What beautiful images!
You captured this beautifully! I love the attention to details and the shot of the ring on the peacock feather!
I absolutely love that ring shot and the photos of them hanging out on the porch. Adorable!!
Beautiful and gorgeous wedding you photographed!
Beautiful!! Your detail shots are PERFECT!
Her ring is so beautiful and I love the boots!
Wow! So pretty, start to finish…amazing job capturing every stunning detail!
I LOVE this overview of our day! Everything was such a whirlwind, but you have saved me from the stress of feeling as though I wasn’t cherishing every moment and detail. You captured it all!! Thank you!!