Um… wow! Words cannot describe how amazing this wedding was at Broken Top Club in Bend! And I’m not just talking about how pretty all of the details were, or how lovely all of the bridesmaids looked (but as you can see, they were indeed lovely). This wedding just had an extra dose of special. Amanda and Michael were completely surrounded in the joy and love of their family and friends in Jesus.

I got to see so many wonderful moments! It was a pretty windy day for a wedding in Central Oregon, but I was loving it (sorry bridesmaids, I know you were cold) Check out Amanda’s veil in some of those outdoor shots, it had a mind of its own! Amanda and Michael were so thoughtful though, they bought gorgeous pashminas for the ladies and tied them up with personalized tags made by their stationery designer, Megan Ward, bridesmaid and owner of Red Pearl Designs.

And oh my gosh, Amanda’s bouquet was amazing! Rebecca, owner of Belle Fleur in Salem, had these stunning white peonies flown in from South America.

Oh, back to the “wonderful moments.” All of Amanda’s bridesmaids and her mom gathered around her right before the first look for an impromptu prayer circle. There were definitely tears going around, but I held it together, don’t worry!  🙂

Amanda and Michael’s first look was awesome, I loved his face! (And then more tears of course) Next we headed out into the tempest for some fun shots in front of the water. Sometimes the group shots get a little ho-hum, but add a little wind, rain or other adversity and they get a lot more fun! Thankfully, we did find a less windy spot back in the birch trees to get some gorgeous portraits of the couple just before their ceremony. (More tears at the ceremony)

Ok, and I just have to tell you about two more moments and then you can look at the pictures. (Or just skip ahead if you want to get right to it) Amanda and Michael’s first dance was to a beautiful song, “At Last” by Etta James. The song is wonderful and very appropriate for weddings, I’m sure you know that. (I walked down the aisle to it) When I noticed Amanda’s grandma, she was just completely overcome with emotion. It was so touching. Later I found out that they had chosen that song just for her. During WW2, Amanda’s grandma was in an internment camp. When she was finally released, she and her friends all sang “At Last” over and over. It was their celebration song and continued to be the song Amanda heard her grandma sing all through her life.

Last but not least was the last song of the reception and Amanda and Michael’s exit. They busted out pink and purple glow sticks and danced their hearts out. Courtney of Flip Flop Sounds washed the room in blue – the energy was amazing! I don’t think anyone wanted to leave, I know I was having fun!

Congratulations Amanda and Michael. You are a beautiful couple, inside and out!

And special thanks to Kim O’Neil for being an amazing second shooter!