High Desert Weddings - 2023

Dreams come to life at SunriverResort.com/Weddings.

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A Treasured Destination to Begin Your Journey Together

Nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Range, just moments from Bend, Oregon, is Sunriver Resort. Here, you can choose an outdoor ceremony surrounded by never-ending mountain views, flowing streams and pine forests, or iconic indoor settings like the Historic Great Hall, with its hand-carved timber and floating spiral staircase.

ON THE COVER

BRANDON

Publishers HEATHER HUSTON JOHNSON ROSS JOHNSON

Editorial

Editor in Chief CHERYL PARTON

Managing Editor TERESA RISTOW Staff Writer LYDIA HAGEN

Copy Editor STEPHANIE BOYLE MAYS

Design

Creative Director KEVIN PRIETO

Associate Creative Director KELLY ALEXANDER

Art Director & Digital Strategist CALI CLEMENT

Graphic Designer JEREMIAH CRISP

Creative Consultant TIFFANY PAULIN Print Coordinator CLARKE FINE

Sales

Senior Account Executive SUSAN CROW

Senior Account Executive RONNIE HARRELSON Business Development SAGE GRIPEKOVEN

Sales and Marketing Assistant TOMMY GILLESPIE

Marketing

Marketing and Projects Manager KATRYNA VECELLA Office Manager HEATHER RENEE WONG Web Development ZACK JENKS - LITEHOUSE TECH

Audience Development

Circulation Manager AMARA SPITTLER Newsstand Consultant ALAN CENTOFANTE Print Consultant CLARKE FINE Circulation Consultant KERI NOLAN

Contributing Photographers

THE CAMERA WITCH, VICTORIA CARLSON, KAYLA CINDY, CHARLOTTE DUPONT, BENJAMIN EDWARDS, ANNE FISCHER, GALLIVAN PHOTO, TONY GAMBINO, HARPER GRACE, ALLISON HARP, COURTNEY HELLEN, KARINA & MAKS, MARINA KOSLOW, SARAH OLIVIA, NATALIE PULS, GRACE PULVER, ELY ROBERTS, BOONE RODRIGUEZ, EMILY SETTING, GWEN SHOEMAKER, KAYLA SPRINT, ERICA SWANTEK, KATY WEAVER, MORGAN WIRTH, EMILY WOODRUFF PUBLISHED BY OREGON MEDIA, LLC 974 NW RIVERSIDE BLVD. BEND, OREGON 97703 OREGONMEDIA.COM

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronically or mechanically, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without the express written permission of Oregon Media. Articles and photographs appearing in High Desert Weddings may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the publisher. High Desert Weddings and Oregon Media are not responsible for the return of unsolicited materials. The views and opinions expressed in these articles are not necessarily those of High Desert Weddings, Oregon Media or its employees, staff or management. Proudly printed in Oregon.

Weddings are brought to life at Tetherow. With expansive views of the Cascade Mountain Range, wide open spaces, indoor/outdoor options, on-site catering, and resort amenities, it’s hard to imagine a better place to say “I do.”

Central Oregon

Whether a couple has generational ties to Central Oregon or they’ve traveled to the high desert and developed a love for the region over time, the area is special to many. Free time here revolves around outdoor pursuits, a robust culinary and libation scene and year-round sunshine. Deciding to marry in this sunny pocket of Oregon is often an easy choice.

Couples who choose to marry in Bend and the nearby communities in Central Oregon come with an adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors, which is often incorporated into ceremonies. Guests might be invited to explore the region’s hikes and parks between events, food is often locally sourced from hardworking Central Oregon farmers and ranchers, and striking natural backdrops become the focal point for wedding photography.

In the following pages, meet some of the couples who have recently said “I do” in Central Oregon. Among these newlyweds are lifelong locals who are planting their own roots in Bend and newcomers who have made the move to enjoy all the region offers. The ceremonies and receptions were made possible with the help of many local businesses and vendors, and highlight what makes Central Oregon special—from locally grown wildflower arrangements to pre-wedding fly-fishing on the Metolius River.

Hear from the couples themselves about the details and decision making that went into crafting these dream weddings.

+

Photography: Karina & Maks | Planner: Actually

Ashley Events | Florals: Petals Flowers by Katie | Hair

Makeup: Artistry By Kate | Love Sign: ae creative

Caitlin & Megan

LAKE WEDDING IN AUTUMN

Caitlin and Megan O’Neill met on a dating app when they were both living in Portland. “A true modern love story,” Caitlin said. As the couple loves the outdoors and activity, it was only fitting that their first date be at a climbing gym, with a visit to 10 Barrel Brewing Co.’s Portland location afterwards.

During the height of the pandemic, the couple found themselves visiting Central Oregon to camp more, leading them to make the move to Bend in 2020. After setting their roots in Bend, Megan decided to propose to Caitlin, and the proposal was nothing short of romantic. She told Caitlin not to work on a certain day, woke her up at 4:30 a.m. and drove them to Three Creeks Sno-Park for a sunrise snowshoe. There, Megan asked Caitlin to marry her with a nature-inspired ring—a style Caitlin had been hoping for. As if Megan couldn’t have topped the grand proposal, that night she had set up a surprise dinner at a house in Sunriver, decorated with photos of the couple, a set menu and a cake from Foxtail Bakery which read “Engay-ged.” “It was more than I ever expected,” Caitlin said.

Megan was set on an autumn wedding with an outdoor space serving as the venue. “[The vision] was like fall, but don’t make it ‘Jack-O-Lantern,’” Megan said, laughing. When they went to Curated Events with their vision, they told them they wanted the feeling and the rich, natural colors of a harvest.

“We always wanted our bouquet and boutonniere to be done by a professional,” Caitlin said. As the elements of nature were important to the wedding and to the relationship, the couple picked an empty plot in their own backyard to grow flowers specifically for the day, and sought out Roots Wild Floral Co. to supplement the rest. The florals matched the vibrant, dramatic fall undertone of the ceremony: amaranths and dahlias of burgundy and deep reds.

Caitlin said she wanted to be somewhere where they had a view of the mountains but were surrounded by the forest. After extensive research on Google Maps, the couple went mushroom picking one day, and stopped at Big Lake Day Use Area on Santiam Pass to take a look, and they were sold. From there, they added elements of their love story into the planning, including a cornhole game designed by Megan and built by Caitlin, featuring three mountains of significance to their relationship—Mount Hood, Mount Washington and North Sister. Below the arbor, a stack of multi-colored pumpkins, which Caitlin referred to as “designer pumpkins,” sealed the autumn vibe of the wedding.

The day of the wedding began in the true spirit of their relationship: with a mountain bike ride at Maston Trail System with their dogs and friends. Caitlin had chosen a dress from Bend’s Bella Brides—one that she never expected herself to choose. The couple’s dog Cinnamon was the flower girl, and their other dog, Pinto, wore a matching suit to Megan’s from Bindle and Keep. The ceremony took place with a golden light looming in the background. The handmade arbor, built by Caitlin, was pressed against the backdrop of the breathtakingly blue view of Big Lake behind them.

WEDDING TEAM

Photographer: Ely Roberts | Hair: K&Co Hair and Bridal Stylist | Makeup: Kate Hana Artistry | Dress: Bella Brides | Suit: Brindle and Keep | Bouquet, boutonniere, some blooms: Roots Wild Floral Co. | Catering: Bleu Bite | Cake + Midnight Snack: Treeline Baking | Rentals: Curated Events | Catering: Bleu Bite | Wine Barrels: O’Brien Events | Propane Heaters: High Desert Events

Hannah & Holden

BOHO BLISS AT SKYLINER LODGE

igh school sweethearts Hannah and Holden Hollenbeck met while attending Bend High School, where they shared a first date to homecoming. They continued their relationship long-distance through college, before ending up back in Central Oregon with plans to spend the rest of their lives together. The couple went ring shopping together, and after Hannah hinted at her hope of a low-key proposal, Holden popped the question in the couple’s living room. “It was very us and very sweet,” Hannah said. “I wouldn’t change anything about it.”

As a part-time coordinator at a Central Oregon venue and creative space, Hannah works weddings nearly every Saturday, giving her plenty of insight into planning for her own. Hannah set out to plan a wedding that reflected her boho style and taste, with a personal twist that felt reflective of the couple. “We really wanted the whole thing to be representative of us and be fun,” Hannah said. “We have been together for a long time, so we felt that if we were having a wedding and throwing a party, it better be a blast.”

The wedding was held at Skyliner Lodge, a rustic, understated venue space along Tumalo Creek. “It had the forest-y campground feel Holden and I were after,” Hannah said. “Plus the cliff behind the altar has the prettiest view.” After saying “I do,” the couple shared a ceremonial shotski of Limoncello, a celebratory

tradition from Hannah’s side of the family. “It was personal and sweet while also meeting my goal of our whole wedding day being fun and lighthearted,” she said.

Hannah collected vintage furniture for a year before the wedding to help style five lounge areas in which guests could enjoy breaks from dancing. Drinks and tacos were available throughout the day and night, replacing a formal dinner service and making the evening feel more like a barbecue among friends and family, Hannah said. In place of a traditional guest book, attendees left voice memos into a vintage phone. The couple’s getaway car was a 1966 yellow VW bus named Sunny, owned by a friend of theirs.

The event brought together many of the couple’s friends who live locally and showcased the beauty and charm of Central Oregon to those who traveled for the occasion. “I’m biased because I live here and love it, but I feel like our backdrop is beautiful and diverse, which appeals to different aesthetics,” Hannah said. “We have awesome weather for a good portion of the wedding season, the community of wedding vendors here are both incredibly talented and incredibly kind, and the culture of Central Oregon lends itself well to having a memorable event. Out-of-town guests will quickly understand how awesome Bend is. Mine did.”

WEDDING TEAM

Venue: Skyliner Lodge | Planning + Coordination: Gwyn Rider Weddings & Events | Design: Hannah Hollenbeck, Lemon Tree Vintage Market + Gwyn Rider | Photography: Victoria Carlson | Florals: Posie Shoppe | Dress: Bespoke Bride, designed by Willowby Watters | Hair: Anna Steele at Bend Hair Co. | Makeup: Kaelin McDowell | Catering: Marco’s Tacos/Hola Bend | Bar: Tipsy Lemon Cocktail Bar | Dessert: Crumb Cakery | DJ : Danny with Flip Flop Sounds | Tables + Lights: O’Brien Events

CELEBRATE WITH US Come

Abby & Martin

HOOKED ON LOVE IN CAMP SHERMAN

Central Oregon locals Abby and Martin Ciszek met through mutual friends back in 2017, and less than two years later, they were engaged. “Martin proposed in the spring of 2019 on the river trail in Camp Sherman, a place that holds great meaning to us both,” Abby said. “We had the most wonderful day fly-fishing, hiking and enjoying one of our favorite places in the world before Martin got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. It was perfect in every way.”

The Bend area holds great meaning to Abby, a fifth-generation Central Oregonian, and Martin, who moved to the area with his family at age 10. “It was a no-brainer to have our wedding here in Central Oregon,” she said.

The couple settled on House on the Metolius in Camp Sherman, not too far from where the proposal took place, as the venue for their September wedding. The private

retreat offers outdoor ceremony space, ample room for tents and gathering areas and cabins for overnight rental. Families and the wedding party stayed on site for the weekend, which began with a welcome barbecue, complete with a bluegrass band and a mechanical bull to usher in the festivities. “We all woke up the next morning with funny mechanical bull stories and the bruises to prove them,” Abby said. The location right on the Metolius River also meant that avid fly-fisher Martin could spend time fishing over the weekend.

Guests were shuttled in from Sisters, Bend, Black Butte Ranch and Camp Sherman for the wedding, which included an outdoor ceremony and tented open-air reception, with decor that included autumn-hued flowers and cozy string lights and lanterns. For the reception, guests referred to a seating chart of “Hooked on

You” field notes to find their spots, another nod to the couple’s shared interest in fishing. “The seating chart wall was truly one of the highlights of our night, and something that our friends and family still talk about,” Abby said.

San Francisco Bay Area singer-songwriter Sean Hayes, a friend of the couple’s, provided live music for the reception, which also included toasts from the family, who had all come together to celebrate the couple. “We feel so grateful to have the continued support of our friends and family in all aspects of our lives,” Abby said. “Hosting an event that brought everyone together to celebrate our love in one of the most beautiful places in the world was a dream come true.”

WEDDING TEAM

Wedding Day + Rehearsal Photographer: Kayla Sprint | Welcome BBQ Photographer: Julia Duke | Venue: House on the Metolius | Planner + Designer: ae creative | Dress: a&bé | Florals: Summer Robbins Flowers | Lighting: Illuminate Your Night | Rentals: ae creative, Heirlooms & Co. + The Party Place | Videographer: Benjamin Edwards | Catering: White Pepper | Desserts: Foxtail Bakeshop | Setup + Cleanup: The Broomsmen | Music: Sean Hayes | Tents: Incredible Events

Magical Venues

WHERE TO SAY “I DO” IN CENTRAL OREGON

Desert vistas, beautiful vineyards, lush parks, distant snow-capped peaks and endless flowing rivers are what make Bend and the surrounding communities sought-after wedding locations for locals and out-of-towners alike. Whether a close-to-town venue with easy accessibility and nearby or on-site lodging is desired, or a setting with more rural charm is what you’re after, Central Oregon has dozens of venue options worthy of consideration.

Spectacular venues in nature, such as Smith Rock State Park in Terrebonne, draw couples seeking awe-inspiring backdrops for ceremonies and elopements.

Choosing a venue can be one of the most important decisions in the wedding planning process, and it’s often one of the first decisions made. Some venues are the perfect choice for intimate ceremonies and smaller receptions, while others are flexible to accommodate large gatherings. Some offer a fullservice experience without the need for much decision making, while other venues allow a couple to customize each and every detail.

Take time to explore the venues of the region before choosing the perfect location in which to say “I do.”

Photography: Sarah Olivia Photo | Venue: Skyliner Lodge | Designer + Planner +

Signage: Curated Mess Co. | Florals: Novella Theory Floral | Hair + Makeup: Edge Hair

+ Makeup | Dress: Catrina Munoz Bridal |

Stationery: East + West Designs | Lighting: Illuminate Your Night | Rentals: ae creative, Bend Party Rentals, Curated Event Rentals, GREAT JONES NW, The Party Place |

Catering: Bleu Bite Catering | Cake: Crumb Cakery | Bar: Lucky Star Mobile Bar | DJ: Bend Event Sound

FLAWLESS LUXURY AT Tetherow

Tetherow connects to Central Oregon’s rural roots while also offering luxury. Indulge in Pacific Northwest dining, wine flights, yoga and pampering, play a round of golf on a world-class course or relax poolside before or after the big day.

Where to Say “I Do”

The resort’s event pavilion and event lawn both offer incredible views. The pavilion features retractable glass doors and a variety of room configurations, with the Newberry-Zaal Ballroom showpiece room. Tetherow’s outdoor space is a manicured lawn below the clubhouse with views of Deschutes National Forest and the golf fairways below. Couples can also opt to reserve a vacation rental for a more private, elopement and intimate gathering.

Accommodations

Tetherow offers around forty vacation homes, each with kitchens, fireplaces, private hot tubs and patios, in sizes ranging from one to five bedrooms. The resort also has fifty hotel rooms. All lodging options on site are a five minute walk from the main event spaces.

Catering

Proudly utilizing local purveyors when possible, dishes created by the catering team at Tetherow are local, fresh and delicious. Try appetizers like Wagyu sirloin tartare or smoked salmon mousse, or entrees such as salisbury steak with Cascade natural beef and Oregon mushroom demi glaze. Champagne toasts are available along with a full service bar option.

Activities

Enjoy golf on site, nearby mountain biking and hiking trails and the mountains just up the road on Century Drive. At the resort, Tetherow Sport has a gym, fitness classes, massage therapists, saunas and steam rooms, as well as hot tubs and a pool with cabanas to rent.

Tetherow Resort

Skyline Ranch Road, Bend, Oregon

PACIFIC NORTHWEST ELEGANCE AT Sunriver Resort

Nestled between the Cascade Mountain Range and high desert sits Sunriver Resort; an idyllic setting for your dream wedding. No other venue in the world captures the grandeur of this iconic and historic location.

Where to Say “I Do”

Sunriver Resort offers one-of-a-kind venue options any time of the year. This Pacific Northwest resort has more than five indoor and outdoor venues that couples can mix and match to best fit their vision. Get married surrounded by towering pines with mountain backdrops and celebrate a new beginning in the historic Great Hall.

Accommodations

The resort allows guests to select the perfect accommodation from rental homes and condos to luxury honeymoon suites and pet-friendly guestrooms. Whether you’re staying for one night or one week, there is somewhere for everyone to call home.

Catering

The banquet culinary team is sure to make an impression on couples and their guests with a Pacific Northwest-themed menu. Wedding packages are thoughtfully crafted to cater to a couple’s big day and any associated events.

Activities

With endless activities and resort amenities, Sunriver Resort offers a full Central Oregon experience. Whether you’re looking to hike or bike the 40+ miles of paved paths, stargaze at the Sunriver Observatory, paddleboard the Deschutes River or take a shuttle up to Mt. Bachelor for a ski day, there is something for everyone.

Sunriver Resort

17600 Center Drive, Sunriver, Oregon sunriverresort.com

TOP: Photography: Benjamin Edwards | BOTTOM: Photography: Victoria Carlson | Designer + Planner: The Indigo Bride | Florals: Fleurs Versailles | Dress: Tara LaTour, a&bé bridal shop | Hair + Makeup: Cassidy Elise | Officiant: Wendy Duncan

MEMORY MAKING AT Black Butte Ranch

Slip away from the usual and experience a wedding at a different pace at Black Butte Ranch. Just northwest of the idyllic Westernthemed town of Sisters, Black Butte Ranch is nestled within Deschutes National Forest. For those who dream of escaping to luxurious cabins, waking up to mountains greeting your gaze and saying “I do” beneath the rustling of aspen leaves, look no farther.

Where to say “I do”

Get married by a cluster of aspen trees with Phalarope Lake in the background and panoramic views of the Three Sisters, Broken Top and Mount Washington. Be one of the first couples to get married at the ranch’s new 22,100-square-foot lodge, slated for completion in spring 2023. The lodge will include an expansive deck and indoor/outdoor event space. Engagement parties, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners and luncheons are also welcome on-site.

Accommodations

Guests can settle in at one of 120 vacation rentals, with options offering as many as six bedrooms. Ranch amenities and vacation rentals are all connected by 18 miles of walking and biking paths within the resort, keeping guests in close proximity to one another. On-site amenities include a full-service day spa, indoor and outdoor pools and a fitness center.

Catering

Culinary experts and banquet staff cater weddings at the ranch, with couples able to browse through a catering menu to make selections and customizations. Menu options bring a farm-to-table experience, with many seasonal and local ingredients incorporated. Meals can be served plated, family style or as a buffet, with menu options such as alder planked salmon filets, charcuterie with locally cured meats or marionberry crisp dessert.

Activities

Nearby trails are great for hiking and mountain biking, and there are two award-winning golf courses and a putting course on-site. Take a dip in one of five swimming pools available. The ranch also offers horseback riding, one of the best ways to explore all 1,800 acres of the property.

Black Butte Ranch

13899 Bishops Cap, Sisters, Oregon blackbutteranch.com/weddings

LEFT: Photography: Boone Rodriguez | TOP RIGHT: Photography: Victoria Carlson | Couple: Lorae + Seth Parker

RUSTIC ELEGANCE AT Brasada Ranch

The award-winning Brasada Ranch is a sought after yearround destination for indoor and outdoor weddings. Brasada offers great views, several venue options and a wedding team prepared to plan and execute an unforgettable day.

Where to Say “I Do”

Brasada Ranch offers several options for wedding locations, with areas suited for small, intimate ceremonies or large gatherings. The Barn is a beautiful, Western-style outpost offering an indoor/outdoor reception venue and a spacious grass terrace great for large outdoor weddings. Range, Brasada’s upscale restaurant, offers gorgeous mountain views, and is set up with a full bar, fireplace and an oversized outdoor fire pit. Trestle Pond is a mid-size venue option for an outdoor ceremony, and nearby Trestle Bridge is uniquely suited for cocktail hour or an intimate reception. Cascade Event Lawn offers a private pool, hot tub, fire pit and sweeping views.

Accommodations

Ample lodging options at the ranch make it easy for all guests to stay together. The Ranch House suites are centrally located and for adults only, while the one- to four-bedroom Sage Canyon Cabins are ideal for families or groups of friends.

Catering

Brasada offers a farm-to-table wedding menu and custom desserts. Catering menus can be customized for wedding receptions, bridal luncheons and rehearsal dinners, with a lengthy menu of options available for hors d’oeuvres and family-style dinner options, choices for a dessert bar, smores bar and late-night snack options.

Activities

Indulge at the full-service Spa Brasada. Relax and enjoy the high desert sunshine in the heated pools and spas. Go for 18 holes of golf at Brasada Canyons. Explore 900 acres of trail riding and adventure on mustangs. Enjoy complimentary fitness classes including pilates, yoga and more at the Athletic Center and Fitness Studio.

Brasada Ranch

16976 SW Brasada Ranch Road, Powell Butte, Oregon brasada.com

Photography: Marina Koslow | Planner: Amanda Claire & Co. | Florals: Summer Robbins Flowers | Lighting: O’Brien Events | Hair + Makeup: Edge Hair & Makeup

Juniper Preserve

Situated within an old growth juniper forest sits Juniper Preserve, a 640-acre community and resort, just 32 miles from Sunriver and twenty minutes from downtown Bend. Wow guests with a wedding planned by an expert team set at this picturesque high desert destination.

Where to Say “I Do”

Spirit Island boasts 360-degree views of the golf course and Cascade Mountains, a picture-perfect bridge entrance and a 7,000-square-foot island with seating on the grass for up to 250 people. The accompanying island is perfect on its own for reception festivities, cocktail hour or a more casual summer ceremony. Chanterelle is an elegant indoor setting with a terrace, perfect for enjoying the summer breeze. Lava Cave is a one-of-a-kind event space inside a cave. Fireside is an intimate indoor venue for up to thirty people and Sunstone is a private dining room or rehearsal dinner space.

Accommodations

The Juniper Lodge offers nearly 100 rooms with private terraces, in-room fireplaces and stunning mountain views. Vacation rentals with up to four bedrooms are available for nightly stays and additional vacation homes are available for weekly stays, providing plenty of options for groups and families to gather together for a wedding.

Catering

Juniper Preserve offers an in-house catering team, providing meal service, drinks, champagne toasts and desserts, with the option to bring in the cake of the couple’s choice. Four restaurants on the property can also keep guests fed before and after the big day.

Activities

Wellness-conscious brides and grooms will love the holistic offerings at Juniper Spa, along with opportunities for yoga, sound baths and group meditation. Play a round at one of two championship golf courses, go horseback riding or rent bikes for more adventures.

Juniper Preserve

65600 Pronghorn Club Drive, Bend, Oregon juniperpreserve.com

Photography: Ely Roberts | Planner: Indigo Bride | Florals: Summer Robbins Flowers | Hair + Makeup: Makeup Mafia Weddings | DJ: Flip Flop Sounds

Eagle Crest Resort

Nestled against the Cascade Mountains and just outside Redmond, Eagle Crest Resort is a tranquil resort destination, situated on 1,700 high desert acres. The resort offers group lodging blocks during all four seasons, ample amenities and all the Central Oregon activities that your guests are seeking.

Where to say “I do”

The River Lodge at Eagle Crest offers a rustic and elegant atmosphere for DIY ceremonies and receptions, with an outdoor deck overlooking the Deschutes River, stone fireplace and second story dance floor loft.

Accommodations

Eagle Crest is home to a 100-room lodge and many vacation rentals, offering space for wedding parties and guests to all stay at the resort. Rentals include chalets, townhomes and custom homes with private outdoor patios, and are closely connected to the resort’s walking trails.

Catering

Eagle Crest allows outside catering for your intimate wedding. Before or after the ceremony, dine on Pacific Northwest fare at the resort’s restaurants.

Activities

Relax before tying the knot, or break a sweat on tennis, basketball, volleyball and racquetball courts. Go for 18 holes on one of Eagle Crest’s championship golf courses, which boast one of the longest golf seasons in Central Oregon. Guests can enjoy seasonal outdoor pools and bike rentals to explore the resort.

Eagle Crest Resort

1522 Cline Falls Road, Redmond, Oregon eagle-crest.com

Photography: Gallivan Photo | Florals: Woodland Floral

Charming & Rustic

WIDE OPEN SPACES TO SAY “I DO”

Farms & Ranches

For weddings with a rural country feel, explore Central Oregon’s farming and ranching side at one of the area’s working ranches or farms turned wedding venues. Rainshadow Organics offers an outdoor venue, optional ranch house rental and delicious farm-to-table catering for up to fifty people. The historic Long Hollow Ranch northeast of Sisters boasts a massive, 125-year-old barn, while Rock Springs Ranch is nestled among tall timber and rolling pastures west of Tumalo. Mecca Grade is a malt farm and estate north of Madras with a 1905 barn on site and tasty brews.

Venue + Florals: Rainshadow Organics | Photography: Charlotte Dupont

Lodges

TOP: Venue: Rock Springs Ranch | Photography: Gallivan Photo | Florals: Posie Shoppe | Planner: Bend Weddings & Events | Dress: Bespoke Bride | Hair +

Makeup: Katrina G Beauty | LEFT + RIGHT: Venue: Loloma Lodge | Photography: Emily Woodruff Photo | Planner: Ponderosa Planning | Florals: Jess Lynne Floristry

Hair: Bri Gurnett

Rentals: ae creative

Curated Event Rentals

Lodges

Enjoy classic cabin vibes and on-site lodging at one of the area’s mountain lodges. Paulina Lake Lodge is on the shore of Paulina Lake and has rustic cabins available. Loloma Lodge on the McKenzie River offers lodging, camping and a reception area all on site. The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse north of Sisters offers woodsy Deschutes National Forest bliss and a picturesque dock for photos, with lodging in the main lodge, primitive cabins and nearby camping. FivePine Lodge in Sisters offers a whimsical outdoor venue among pine trees, with lodging on site.

TOP LEFT: Venue: FivePine Lodge | Photography: Anne Fischer | Florals: Woodland Floral Design | TOP RIGHT + BELOW: Venue: The Suttle Lodge & Boathouse | Photography: Katy Weaver | Planning, Design + Florals: Events by Mint | Dress: Oscar de la Renta, Jin Wang

City Ceremonies

IN-TOWN VENUES OF CENTRAL OREGON

Cozy Convenience

An in-town wedding offers convenience for guests and vendors. McMenamins Old St. Francis School is a former Catholic elementary school turned hotel, restaurant and entertainment venue in downtown Bend. The Oxford Hotel a few blocks away offers a ballroom venue and all-inclusive packages. Celebrate Bend’s craft brewery scene with a wedding or reception at 10 Barrel Brewing Co.’s east side location, with banquet space above the pub. Riverhouse on the Deschutes sits riverside in the heart of Bend with hotel lodging, making it a great venue for scenic photography while still in town. At Campfire Hotel in Bend, plan an intimate ceremony near the outdoor pool or firepit. In Redmond, plan a rooftop wedding at SCP Redmond Hotel, a renovated historic hotel downtown, or tie the knot at Grace and Hammer, a historic church turned pizza eatery.

Photography: Victoria Carlson | Venue: Grace and Hammer | Florals: Flowers by Deanna | Dress: a&bé Portland

TOP LEFT: Photography: Emily Setting Photo | TOP RIGHT + BELOW: Venue: SCP Redmond | Photography: Kayla Cindy | Planner: Radiant Event Co. | Florals: Via Flora | Dress: Bella Brides | Hair: Braids by Emily Drew | Makeup: Amanda Kasten | Suit: REVOLVR Menswear

CLOSE TO BEND, FAR FROM ORDINARY”

email: marketing@FHCVineyards.com | phone: (541) 526-5075 | faithhopeandcharityevents.com

Faith Hope and Charity Vineyards and Event Center is nothing short of a perfect fit if you are looking to capture Oregon’s beauty in one place. Your wedding your way!

The Great Outdoors WATERFRONT, FOREST &

PARK VENUES

Weddings on the Water

Scenic mountain lakes and cool, blue rivers make classic wedding photo backdrops for couples, wedding parties and guests. Sites along Central Oregon’s rivers include the House on the Metolius, with unmatched privacy and new and recently renovated on-site cabins for lodging. Elk Lake Resort offers summer beach rentals on the shore, while Imperial River Company in Maupin offers a venue with lodging right on the Lower Deschutes River.

Stunning Parks

Bend is packed with beautiful city parks, with the Bend Park and Recreation District having a goal to ensure there’s at least one park within a half-mile of every Bend residence. Among these plentiful parks are some cozy wedding venues, including Aspen Hall at Shevlin Park and the Hollinshead Barn at Hollinshead Park. Both are idyllic settings with lodge-like interior spaces set on spacious grounds.

Lodging in the Pines

Central Oregon resorts offer convenient on-site lodging and all-inclusive experiences, making for easier planning and logistics for guests. Seventh Mountain Resort is nestled in the Deschutes National Forest on the southwest side of Bend, offering a lodge atmosphere and easy access to outdoor activities for guests before or after the wedding day. The nearby Mount Bachelor Village Resort offers a theater venue and facility rental for receptions.

TOP: Venue: Elk Lake Resort | Photography: Ely Roberts | Florals: Woodland Floral | Hair: Sarah Ruth Hair | Makeup: Atziri | Dress: Bespoke Bride | DJ: Flip Flop Sounds | BOTTOM: Venue: Seventh Mountain Resort | Photography: Courtney Hellen | Florals: Hey You Flowers

Surrounded by Nature

AT THE HIGH DESERT MUSEUM

Celebrate love on the forested 135-acre campus of the High Desert Museum south of Bend. The museum’s lodge-inspired design with exposed wood beams, stone walls and floor-to-ceiling glass emanate warmth and elegance. Guests will be surrounded by fine art, priceless artifacts and engaging wildlife—there’s simply no other place like it.

Where to say “I do”

Venues within the High Desert Museum include the Schnitzer Entrance Hall, the 1904 High Desert Ranch, the Meadow, Hall of Plateau Indians and Earl A. Chiles Hall, along with two beautiful outdoor patios. Additional indoor and outdoor spaces, including exhibit halls, can also be reserved, allowing couples to create customized experiences for their wedding.

Catering

Take advantage of exclusive catering from the High Desert Museum, along with options for a full bar. Tables, chairs and linens are provided.

Activities

Guests will enjoy exploring the culture and history on display at the museum, along with catching a glimpse of the many animals that call the area home. Add a touch of history to the experience as guests arrive with a costumed living history greeter at the ceremony.

High Desert Museum

59800 U.S. Highway 97, Bend highdesertmuseum.org

TOP: Photography: Kayla Cindy Photo | Planner: Radiant Event Co. | Florals: Via Flora | Hair: Madison Moore | Makeup: Wren & Wild | BELOW: Photography: Ely Roberts

Mountain Magic

AT MT. BACHELOR

Introduce guests to the magic of the mountains with a wedding on the slopes of Oregon’s largest ski area and yearround adventure destination, Mt. Bachelor. Say “I do” in the company of old-growth hemlock and pines, with unmatched views of the surrounding volcanoes and Cascade Range.

Where to say “I do”

Take the Pine Marten chairlift to the expansive two-level lodge, which is the region’s highest elevation event venue, at 7,800 feet. Get married inside, on the deck or outside at the vantage point of your choice. Pine Marten Lodge is also an excellent venue for a smaller elopement during a summertime Sunset Dinner, or a rehearsal dinner of forty or more people. Sunrise Lodge and base area provides inside and outside space for weddings up to 120 guests and is located away from other public uses for a more serene and private event. Ceremonies can be done at the base area, or at the top of Sunrise chairlift for an unmatched experience.

Catering

Draw on the expertise of Mt. Bachelor’s executive chef and culinary team to design a menu that fits a couple’s tastes and budget. A dedicated on-site event manager is available to ensure the entire day runs smoothly, from ceremony, to dinner, to champagne toasts and desserts.

Transportation

Mt. Bachelor offers transportation options to get all guests from Bend to the mountain, and from the base area to the top of the Pine Marten chairlift, with accommodations for guests who would prefer not to take the chairlift.

Activities

Couples getting married at Mt. Bachelor will enjoy exclusive pricing on the Mt. Bachelor activity portfolio for themselves and their guests, or for bachelorette parties, bachelor parties and pre-rehearsal activities. In addition to alpine and nordic winter adventures, the resort’s growing summer offerings include mountain biking, ziplining, hiking, disc golf, RV sites and nearby whitewater rafting from Bend or Sunriver with their sister company, Sun Country Tours.

Mt. Bachelor

13000 SW Century Drive, Bend mtbachelor.com

Fairways & Greens

PEACEFUL GOLF COURSE VENUES

Manicured greens and golf course surroundings make for a lush wedding day setting in the outdoors. Tie the knot at Bend’s Awbrey Glen Golf Club, Bend Golf & Country Club or Widgi Creek Golf Club, or at Redmond’s Juniper Golf Course. Golf courses are a draw for many of the Central Oregon resorts that host weddings, including Pronghorn Club at Juniper Preserve, a green oasis in the high desert northeast of Bend, as well as Tetherow, Sunriver Resort, Brasada Ranch, Eagle Crest Resort and Black Butte Ranch. At Aspen

Lakes golf course near Sisters, get married inside the stunning, 28,000-square-foot clubhouse or outside, with views of the course, forest and mountains in the distance.

TOP: Venue: Sunriver Resort | Photography: Erica Swantek | Florals: Wild Poppy Florist | Hair + Makeup: Edge Hair & Makeup | LEFT: Venue: Aspen Lakes Golf Club | Photography: Gallivan Photo | Florals: Summer Robbins Flowers | RIGHT: Venue: White Aspen Creative at Widgi Creek | Photography: Gallivan Photo | Planner: Actually Ashley Events | Lighting: Illuminate Your Night

Wine Time

VINEYARD VENUES

Vineyards have long been a popular choice for a scenic outdoor wedding, and Central Oregon offers its own selection of wineries at which to tie the knot. Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards has a 15-acre vineyard as part of its 300-acre property in Terrebonne. Maragas Winery north of Terrebonne offers gorgeous views of the vineyard, mountains and Smith Rock State Park. While not a winery itself, the nearby Ranch at the Canyons is a Tuscanstyle community, with the Old Winery Clubhouse on-site used for small events.

Venue: Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards | Photography: Harper Grace Photo

VENUE ADDRESS CITY PHONE LODGING WEBSITE

10 Barrel Brewing East Bend 62950 NE 18th Street Bend 541-241-7733 10barrel.com

900 Wall 900 NW Wall Street Bend 541-323-6295 900wall.com

Aspen Hall at Shevlin Park 18920 NW Shevlin Park Road Bend 541-706-6149 bendparksandrec.org

Aspen Lakes 16900 Aspen Lakes Drive Sisters 541-549-4653 aspenlakes.com

Awbrey Glen Golf Club 2500 NW Awbrey Glen Drive Bend 541-317-2885 awbreyglen.com

Bend Golf & Country Club 61045 Country Club Drive Bend 541-382-3261 bendgolfclub.com

Black Butte Ranch 13899 Bishops Cap Sisters 866-901-2961 • blackbutteranch.com

Brasada Ranch 16976 SW Brasada Ranch Road Powell Butte 888-487-3563 • brasada.com

Broken Top Club 62000 Broken Top Drive Bend 541-383-8200 brokentop.com

Campfire Hotel 721 NE 3rd Street Bend 541-382-1515 • campfirehotel.com

Château De L’amour 1720 SW Jerhico Lane Culver 541-556-8881 chateauatculver.com

DD Ranch 3836 NE Smith Rock Way Terrebonne 541-548-1432 ddranch.net

Dee Bar Weddings 6402 SW Powell Butte Highway Powell Butte 541-408-6927 deebarweddings.com

Deschutes Brewery 901 SW Simpson Avenue Bend 541-312-6946 deschutesbrewery.com

Deschutes Fair & Expo Center 3800 SW Airport Way Redmond 541-548-2711 expo.deschutes.org

Domaine Serene Wine Lounge 909 NW Bond Street Bend 541-550-3795 domaineserenebend.com

Eagle Crest Resort 1522 Cline Falls Road Redmond 855-682-4786 • eagle-crest.com

Eagle Mountain Event Center 2221 NE 3rd Street, #100 Bend 541-312-9345 eaglemountain.global

Elk Lake Resort 60000 SW Century Drive Bend 541-480-7378 • elklakeresort.net

Faith, Hope & Charity Vineyards 70450 NW Lower Valley Drive Terrebonne 541-526-5075 faithhopeandcharityevents.com

FivePine Lodge 1021 E Desperado Trail Sisters 541-549-5900 • fivepinelodge.com

Grace and Hammer 641 SW Cascade Ave. Redmond 541-668-6684 graceandhammer.com

High Desert Museum 59800 U.S. Highway 97 Bend 541-382-7454 highdesertmuseum.org

Hollinshead Barn 1235 NE Jones Road Bend 541-706-6149 bendparksandrec.org

House on the Metolius NF-980 Camp Sherman 541-595-6620 • metolius.com

Imperial River Company 304 Bakeoven Road Maupin 541-395-2404 • deschutesriver.com

Juniper Golf Course 1938 SW Elkhorn Avenue Redmond 541-548-3121 playjuniper.com

K & K Garden View Estate 24885 Dodds Road Bend 541-382-8530 kandkestate.com

Lake Creek Lodge 13375 SW Forest Service Rd Camp Sherman 541-588-2150 lakecreeklodge.com

Loloma Lodge 56687 McKenzie Highway McKenzie Bridge 541-813-6018 • lolomalodge.com

Long Hollow Ranch 71105 Holmes Road Sisters 541-923-1901 • lhranch.com

Maid's Canyon Wedding & Events 8892 NE Quaale Road Madras 541-325-3156 maidscanyon.com Maragas Winery 15523 SW U.S. Highway 97 Culver 541-546-5464 maragaswinery.com

McMenamins Old St. Francis School 700 NW Bond Street Bend 541-330-8569

• mcmenamins.com

Mecca Grade 9619 NW Columbia Drive Madras 541-526-8152 meccagrade.com

Mt. Bachelor 13000 SW Century Drive Bend 541-382-1709 mtbachelor.com

Mount Bachelor Village 19717 SW Mount Bachelor Drive Bend 888-752-2220

Oxford Hotel 10 NW Minnesota Avenue Bend 541-382-8436

• mtbachelorvillage.com

• oxfordhotelbend.com

Juniper Preserve 65600 Pronghorn Club Drive Bend 866-320-5024 juniperpreserve.com

Rainshadow Organics 71290 Holmes Road Sisters 541-977-6746 rainshadoworganics.com

Ranch at the Canyons 11050 Vineyard Way Terrebonne 541-420-7851 ranchatthecanyons.com

Riverhouse on the Deschutes 3075 N. Business 97 Bend 866-453-4480 riverhouse.com

Rock Springs Ranch 64201 Tyler Road Tumalo 541-639-6199

SCP Redmond Hotel 521 SW 6th Street #100 Redmond 541-508-7600

Seventh Mountain Resort 18575 SW Century Drive Bend 541-382-8711

• rockspringsweddings.com

• scphotel.com

• seventhmountain.com

Shepherdsfield 71120 Holmes Road Sisters 541-548-9905 shepherdsfield.com

Silvies Valley Ranch 10000 Rendezvous Lane Seneca 541-573-5150

• silvies.us

Skyliner Lodge 16125 Skyliners Road Bend 541-693-5609 hdesd.org/about/skyliner-lodge

FINDING THE HIGH DESERT

Magic Makers

Planning a wedding is no small task, and it takes the careful collaboration of many people to plan, prepare and execute a vision. Even the most ambitious couples likely won’t do everything on their own, nor should they have to.

Central Oregon is home to an impressive array of wedding vendors, with experts in planning, decor, attire, hair and makeup, food and drink, photography and more, ready to serve.

When these vendors come together, magic happens. Last spring, a handful of wedding professionals who call Central Oregon home gathered for a day to showcase their expertise for a stylized shoot at the Campfire Hotel in Bend. Real life (but already married) couple Angelica and Tyler Lee dressed to impress, with Angelica in a locally-sourced dress and feeling glam after getting her hair and makeup done by Central Oregon professionals. Everything from the planner and rentals to floral

DAVA NIMMO PHOTOGRAPHY, DAVANIMMO.COM

Cheers

A TOAST TO WEDDING DAY DRINKS

Local Libations

Central Oregon is known for its impressive craft beer scene with more than thirty breweries calling the region home. It’s also home to many local distillers including Crater Lake Spirits in Bend, Gompers Distillery in Redmond and Badlands Artisan Distillery in La Pine. For local wine, there’s Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards in Terrebonne and Maragas Winery near Smith Rock (both are also wedding venues) or Lava Terrace Cellars out of Bend. Long story short, there are plenty of ways to incorporate local drinks into your wedding menu.

Mobile Bars

A mobile bar can not only serve thirsty guests, but it adds something special to the wedding decor. More than a few of these mobile drink stations are parked in Central Oregon, ready to roll up to nearby venues. The Tipsy Lemon out of Redmond operates “Squeezy,” a 1966 vintage Aladdin trailer renovated into a mobile bar. Tumbleweed is a horse trailer turned mobile bar, perfect for weddings with country flair. New additions include Miley, a 1970’s horse trailer turned beverage bar from Lifted Spirits Co. and The Bevy PNW, a Piaggio Ape vehicle from Italy outfitted to serve up drinks.

Signature Drinks

Offering two signature drinks representing the tastes of the couple is a growing tradition at weddings. Put a spin on the concept with a nod to our four-legged companions who can’t always attend the ceremony by offering guests cocktail choices named after the pets of the family. It’s a move the animal lovers of Central Oregon will appreciate.

Non-Alcoholic

Some guests will skip wedding cocktails and others may be looking for a pick-me-up away from the bar. Keep the party lively with an espresso bar that includes Italian sodas, one of many “bar” services offered by Pacific Perks, which operates in the Portland area and Bend. Many of the mobile bar setups also offer mocktail options, for fun, alcohol-free drinks to enjoy.

TOP: Venue: House on the Metolius | Photography: Gallivan Photo |

Mobile Bar: LIfted Spirits Co. | MIDDLE: Photography: Katy Weaver |

Venue + Bar: Suttle Lodge and Boathouse | BOTTOM: Photography: Victoria Carlson | Designer & Planner: ae creative | Calligraphy: Casey Alexis Designs

More Than Just Spirit

Crafted Life is an award-winning full craft bar services company. All our spirits are sourced from the Pacific Northwest and represent some of the world’s finest whiskeys, bourbons, gins and vodkas. From your welcome cocktail to an afterdinner digestif, we pride ourselves on guiding our guests through a cocktail journey of craft excellence. We work with a world class portfolio of wineries and breweries to provide you with either the perfect dinner pairing or easy-drinking options for your party. So if you’re looking for a world-class party, we look forward to your call.

Bon Appétit

FROM FOOD TRUCKS TO FARM-TO-TABLE CUISINE

Central Oregon’s desert terrain and chilly nights can provide a challenging environment for cultivating fresh ingredients, but still the region abounds with some of the most diverse agriculture and culinary offerings in the state. Let local ingredients and unique tastes take center stage.

Truck It

Central Oregon is home to hundreds of food trucks, many offering catering or mobile services for events, including weddings. While normally parked at Spoken Moto, A Broken Angel offers savory vegan comfort food, made from scratch. When couples book Cody’s Country Catering, owner and chef Cody Serbus sets up an open flame barbecue to grill up tri-tip, chicken, Kalua pork or salmon, along with veggies and other sides served buffet style or as a plated meal.

Resort Cuisine

One perk of a full-service resort wedding is the thoughtfully considered catering that’s taken care of for couples. Resorts including Sunriver, Tetherow and Black Butte Ranch handle catering for weddings on site, and guests can expect a dining experience that reflects the culinary charm of Central Oregon. Expect locally sourced and seasonal ingredients as part of extensive catering menus to pick and choose from.

Call the Caterer

Many catering services in the region exclusively service weddings and events. Organic and locally sourced foods are a staple for chef Gene Soto, co-owner of Bend’s popular Bowtie Catering Co., which offers a unique menu, with options such as mini kimchi hot dog appetizers and entrees of grilled Korean-style short ribs or king salmon. Like many caterers, Tate and Tate Catering out of Redmond offers suggested menus and packages to keep planning simple, allowing couples to choose from a selection of appetizers, sides and entrees. Blue Bite Catering offers a standard wedding package with add-ons such as a non-alcoholic beverage station with gingerberry spritzer and minted lemonade.

LEFT: Photography: Ely Roberts | Catering: Bowtie Catering | RIGHT: Photography: Gallivan Photo | Catering: Brasada Ranch BELOW: Photography: Erica Swantek | Catering: Bowtie Catering

Dessert Dreams

CAKES & MORE TO END THE NIGHT

Many couples are opting to forgo traditional wedding cakes for unique dessert options, with everything from cupcakes and pies to donuts and ice cream satisfying sweet tooths on the big day.

Donut Dreams

Try a cakey, frosty selection of donuts, best displayed on a donut wall. A big board with hooks can showcase the donuts individually, with guests grabbing the treat of their choice. Some boards are decorated with fun phrases, like “holy matrimony” or “donut mind if I do.” In Central Oregon, some of the tastiest donuts around come from The Dough Nut, with two locations in Bend. For more options, try Sweetheart Donuts, Delish Donuts or Richard’s Donuts & Pastries, all in Bend.

Get the Scoop

Nothing can beat the cute photo ops with ice cream cones, just watch for drips! Book the scoop truck, available from Bontà Natural Artisan Gelato. It’s a 1957 International Harvester Metro Milk Truck, great for wedding and event rentals.

More Desserts to Try

Tailor-made dessert tables from Bend’s Dreamin’ Desserts can feature an array of mini desserts such as cookies, tartlets, cupcakes and pastries, which can be displayed with a cutting cake just for the couple. Bend’s Farmhouse Pies uses locally sourced ingredients for their pies and crumbles, with flavors including marionberry and apple.

A Little Cake for All

Cupcakes are a go-to option for couples that want a slightly different take on tradition. In Redmond and Bend, Ida’s Cupcake Café takes the cake for a tasty local option, with choices of various cake flavors, frosting and sprinkles chosen by the couple at a tasting beforehand. Ida’s has many gluten-free and vegan options, and offers regular wedding cakes, too. More traditional wedding cake options in Central Oregon include Foxtail Bakeshop, Too Sweet Cakes and Crumb Cakery.

TOP: Photography: Gallivan Photo | MIDDLE LEFT: Photography: Gallivan Photo | Cake: Crumb Cakery | MIDDLE RIGHT: Photography: Kayla Sprint | Dessert: Too Sweet Cakes | BELOW: Photography: Natalie Puls | Ice Cream Truck: Bontà Natural Artisan Gelato

In Bloom

FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS

IN CENTRAL OREGON

Floral arrangements bring style, color and life to a wedding. Central Oregon is home to a handful of established floral designers, each offering their own qualities and style. Pinterest and Instagram are a great starting point for inspiration, but they are best complemented by local research to learn about prcing and availability of floral offerings in Central Oregon.

Farm Fresh

While many flowers making the way to weddings in Central Oregon come from wholesale suppliers out of the area, some farmers do take advantage of the Central Oregon growing season to provide locally grown arrangements in the summer.

Sweet Posy is an heirloom flower farm on Deschutes Market Road in Bend that offers full service floral design for weddings or a smaller a la carte service for bouquets and centerpieces. Another high desert floral farm and flower studio, Roots Wild offers a flower CSA program, runs a booth at the Bend Farmers Market and offers wedding floral design.

Floral Investment

Flower arrangements for weddings carry a higher price tag than the type of bouquet you might pick up from a grocery store or farmers market, because of the high-end flowers used and complexity of sought-after floral installations, according to Summer Robbins, a Bend-based florist. “There’s definitely a sticker shock moment,” said Robbins, who specializes in floral arrangements for weddings and who is a preferred vendor for many of the region’s resort venues. Reach out early to florists to understand their process and pricing, choose a vendor with a style that matches that of the couple and the wedding, and let the creativity bloom.

LEFT: Photography Alex Elise Photo | Planner: Engaged Life | Florals: Summer Robbins Flowers |

RIGHT: Photography: Gallivan Photo | Florals: Posie Shoppe | Planner: Bend Weddings & Events | Dress: Bespoke Bride | Hair + Makeup: Katrina G Beauty

BELOW: Photography: Julianne Brasher | Planner: Indigo Bride | Florals: Posie Shoppe

The Big Picture

PHOTO & VIDEO IN CENTRAL OREGON

Wedding day photography and videography allows the magic of an unforgettable day to live on for years. Central Oregon is home to many talented photographers, each with their own niches and talents, ready to capture a couple’s ceremony and celebration.

Picture Perfect

Look for a photographer whose energy and style matches well with your own, said Hannah Turner, a wedding and portrait photographer based in Bend. “You end up spending your whole day with your photographer by your side—from getting ready to your most personal moments,” Turner said. “You want to make sure the person is adding the right type of energy to your day.” Often a wedding photographer is the one to take engagement photos months earlier, which can be a great way to build a relationship between the couple and photographer, leading to a smoother wedding day.

Camera-Ready Venues

Central Oregon’s outdoor spaces are the focus of several of the region’s wedding venues. Many venues also offer diversity in the surrounding landscapes, with green areas, rocks, desert and forest. “At most of the wedding venues there is often some green space with aspens and a garden and then a beautiful desertscape—often within a few feet of each other, which allows for so much diversity of backgrounds and is something truly unique to Central Oregon,” Turner said. Venues like FivePine Lodge in Sisters among the pine trees and log cabins or Ranch at the Canyons in Terrebonne with its Tuscan style are dreamy locations for photographers including Bend-based photographer Erica Swantek. “Central Oregon is a gorgeous place to get married, especially if you love the outdoors,” Swantek said. “The mountains, rivers, lakes, waterfalls, pine trees and desert are all beautiful backdrops for your wedding photos.”

Party Pics

Many couples encourage guests to put away phones for photography during the ceremony, but that doesn’t mean attendees can’t contribute to

capturing the day in other ways. Leave out Polaroid cameras to use for a photo guestbook, or place disposable cameras on each table for guests to use. Friends and family will love the opportunity to goof off in a photo booth with backdrops and props, such as those offered by Dashoots Photobooth, Adventure Box Photo Booth or PhotoLounge, all out of Bend. For more character, book Ruby, a red 1971 VW bus turned rental photo booth or Juniper, a vintage photo booth trailer, both based in Central Oregon.

TOP: Photo Bus: Bend VW Photo Bus | Photography: Gallivan Photo | BELOW: Photography: Tony Gambino | OPPOSITE PAGE: Photography: Benjamin Edwards | Dress: Bespoke Bride

Glam & Glowy

WEDDING ATTIRE, HAIR & MAKEUP TRENDS

Wedding day—it’s a time for the soon-to-be-married, the wedding party and attendees alike to look their best. Here’s what to consider when choosing attire, hair and makeup styles for the big day in Central Oregon.

Shop Smart

When choosing bridal stores to visit, don’t go overboard, said Jenn Nichols, owner of Bend’s Bespoke Bride. “We see so many brides get exhausted and confused the more they shop,” Nichols said. She recommends choosing two or three stores and shopping early, as sometimes dresses can take six to eight months to arrive, followed by time for alterations. Nichols said to choose a dress you feel excited to get married in. “Trust your gut,” she said. “If the dress makes you feel beautiful and excited to get married in it, don’t be afraid to trust that feeling and just say ‘yes.’”

Color Combos

Couples getting married in Central Oregon often choose to do so because of the beautiful outdoor landscapes, including the high desert, forests and the backdrop of the Deschutes River or a mountain lake. When choosing wedding party colors, consider which colors complement the decor and the scenery. Colors such as sage green and terracotta can serve up a boho vibe and pair well with the region’s desert tones and greenery.

Weather Watch

Central Oregon is known for warm summer days, occasional evening breezes and cool nights. “We get winds, it gets dry, and it can snow, all in one day,” said Christine Colucci, a hair and makeup professional and owner of Makeup Mafia. Colucci said she does ninety percent of each person’s makeup and then finishes with touchups. She also offers products for women to hang onto and perform their own makeup touchups later in the day. She also uses weatherproofing spray on hairstyles.

Fresh Style

Natural looks are more popular among Central Oregon brides as opposed to heavy, over-the-top glam. “Brides in Central Oregon tend to lean toward the natural, glowing skin look,” said Christine Redmon, a Central Oregon makeup artist with nearly two decades of experience. Hoping for a smooth experience getting ready on the big day? Redmon recommends researching makeup and hair professionals online, asking stylists for their guidance and opinion when choosing a look or hairstyle and most importantly, doing a trial run before the big day. “Do the trial run,” Redmon said. “It will help you get used to wearing the makeup and hairstyle and see how they hold up.”

TOP: Photography: Molly W Photography | Hair + Makeup: Fleurt Beauty Co. | Dress: Darke Winter Rentals | Planner: The Roam Collective | Florals: Blomstra Floral Co. | Couple: Alison + Chase Warren | BOTTOM: Photography: Ely Roberts | Planner: Amanda Claire & Co. | Hair: K&Co Hair and Bridal Stylist | Makeup: Kate Hana Artistry | Dress: Bella Brides | Florals: Blomstra Floral Co. | OPPOSITE PAGE: Photography: Kayla Cindy Photo | Hair: Edge Hair and Makeup | Planner: Paloma Events | Florals: Viva Flora

Pre-Wedding Fun

BACHELOR & BACHELORETTE FESTIVITIES IN BEND

The soon-to-be-married love visiting Bend for a last hoorah with friends before marrying their partner. Some groups like Bend for its wine tasting, pampering and abundant sunshine. Others opt for golf, brewery tours and mountain biking trails. It’s not unusual to see “bride” sashes and groups in matching outfits hitting the town most summer Saturdays, tubing the river, and enjoying Bend’s nightlife. Planning a pre-wedding celebration in Central Oregon? Here are a few ideas for the to-do list.

Spa, Sweat and Sip

Bend’s Old Mill District can serve as a one-stop shop for a bachelorette outing. Stop by Sephora for facials, makeup and goody bags, Lush for handmade cosmetics or the nearby Radiant Day Spa for more pampering. Also in the Old Mill, find group exercise classes through Orangetheory Fitness and Cyclebar. Make a toast at Rapa Nui Tiki Lounge, which serves picture-perfect island-inspired cocktails. For wine tasting, the Old Mill District offers Evoke Winery and Va Piano Vineyards, while the nearby Box Factory is home to Bledsoe Family Winery, Stoller Wine Bar, Bend Wine Bar and Elixir Wine Group.

Soak up the Sun

A float down the Deschutes River through town is a low-cost group activity perfect for warm summer days. Golfers will love the thirty courses within 30 miles of Bend, most offering a tasty 19th hole option for food and drinks and many with lodging on-site or close by. Guided tours range from wild ATV outings to kayaking to the popular CyclePub, which allows a group of riders to pedal through town and explore the region’s craft brewing scene.

Eat, Drink and Celebrate

Bend is home to a robust culinary scene and an impressive assortment of craft breweries, distilleries and bars, meaning plenty of options for a night out. Book a table at the Cajun-influenced Zydeco Kitchen & Cocktails downtown, enjoy Deschutes River views and hot Thai soup at Sen Thai Noodles & Hot Pot or opt for delicious pub fare at Bend Brewing Company or Deschutes Brewery Bend Public House downtown. Sip on handcrafted cocktails at Dogwood, Velvet or San Simón.

Photography: Kimberly Kay

Saying yes...

...is just the beginning of a high desert wedding.

Photography: Grace Pulver