erica ann

Seriously! I can hardly describe the amazingness of this Broken Top wedding! I'm not just talking about how precious all of the decor details were, or how very lovely all of the bridesmaids looked (but as you can see, they were indeed lovely). This wedding just had that extra special something. The bride and groom were surrounded in the joy and love of their family and friends.

There were so many wonderful moments! It was a pretty windy day for a Central Oregon wedding, but I was loving it. Wind + Veil = Happy Photographer. (Sorry bridesmaids, I know you were cold) Amanda and Michael were so thoughtful though, they provided beautiful pashminas for the ladies and tied them up with personalized tags made by their stationery designer, Megan Ward, owner of Red Pearl Designs.

And seriously, Amanda's bouquet was stunning! Rebecca, owner of Belle Fleur in Salem, had the silky white peonies flown in from South America.

So, back to the "wonderful moments." All of Amanda's bridesmaids and her sweet mother surrounded her just before the first look for an impromptu prayer over the bride. The tears were flowing! I barely managed to keep it together myself. :)

The bride and groom's first look was beautiful, I loved his face! (And then more tears of course). Finallly we made our way out into the tempest for some fun shots in front of the water. Sometimes the bridal party photos can get a little ho-hum, but add a little wind, rain or other such adversity and they get a lot more fun! Poor bridesmaids, but this was one of my favorite group shots of the year! Thankfully, we did find a less windy spot back in the birch trees to get some gorgeous portraits of the couple right before their indoor wedding ceremony.

Ok, and I just have to tell you about two more little moments and then you can drive right in to the wedding photos. (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 lovely and totally appropriate for weddings, I'm sure you know that. (Heck, I even walked down the aisle to it) Then I noticed Amanda's sweet little grandma who was totally overcome with emotion and tears. It was so touching. Later I found out that they had chosen that song just for her! During WWII, Amanda's grandma was locked up in an internment camp. When she was finally set free, she and her friends all sang "At Last" all day. It was their celebration song and continues to be the song Amanda has heard her grandma sing all through her life.

Last but not least was the final song at the reception followed by Amanda and Michael's exit. They brought 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 think everyone wanted to keep partying all night! The bride and groom were showered in glow sticks for their final exit. It was perfect.

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