Jared & Heidi :: Rehearsal Dinner

October 16, 2012 Michelle Cross

Last week I had the honor of sharing Jared & Heidi's afternoon on Cycle Pub and this week it makes me so happy to get to share this sweet couple's rehearsal dinner. Heidi's parents brought on the crew from Barrio to host the most beautiful summer-evening meal at their home in Bend. Few things make me happier than getting to know a bride & groom's friends and family before a wedding day and spending my evening at this picturesque home in Broken Top was the perfect way to meet a few wedding guests. Enjoy these photos from Jared & Heidi's rehearsal dinner and stay tuned for photos from their much anticipated wedding day!!

Barrio was on hand to create a treat for the eyes and a feast for the tummy.

And just because I'm cruel, I'll end with the following images of delectable deserts. They're sure to make your mouth water and leave you with an extra sweet tooth!

Happy Tuesday!

Kyle & Nicole

September 24, 2012 Michelle Cross

I've been chomping at the bit to show the world this gorgeous wedding for almost an entire month. Kyle and Nicole were married this past August at Bend's Broken Top Resort and I'm SO excited that the day has finally come to show this beautiful couple off! If I've learned anything about spending weekend after weekend at weddings, it's that it's extremely easy to get caught up in the weddingness of it all. What I found so heartwarming about Kyle + Nicole's wedding was that their ultimate goal and deepest desire was for every one of their guests to enjoy themselves. They're the type of couple who spend their wedding reception asking if you're having a good time. Which was amazing given that every.single.guest in attendance seemed to sport the world's most enormous smile. Kyle & Nicole, thankyouthankyouthankyou for letting me document this beautiful day in your lives. I think the world of you both and could not have been more honored to photograph your wedding. Thank you for all the kindness you've showed - and continue to show - me throughout this past year. You really are the best.

Lots of love, Michelle

Sara Carson of Blue Daffodil creates the most beautiful florals and Nicole's bouquet was no exception. I'm always excited when I find out I get to photograph Sara's artistry.

Kyle and Nicole opted to see each other before the wedding which allowed for ample portrait time. It also insured everyone (bride & groom and bridal party combined) was able to enjoy the epic celebration that was their reception.

Nicole, stoppppp it.

No detail at Kyle and Nicole's wedding was too small to overlook. The handkerchief on the right belonged to Kyle's grandmother and was held in the bouquet of Kyle's mother at her own wedding to Kyle's dad.

Eli + Emily

August 15, 2012 Michelle Cross

If Emily is running in circles at roughly 190 miles per minute, Eli is a calm, solid, stable presence in her life. But then it's Emily who brings out that shy, coy, childlike smile in Eli - the joy that no one else can quite capture. Apart from one another they are smart, successful, amazing individuals. But as is a tell tale sign that something is meant to be, together they are a force to be reckoned with. Together they are simply perfect. Earlier this month Emily and Eli were married at a private residence in front of their family and friends and sweet Jesus above. As day turned to evening and evening turned to night, nothing could break the smiles from Eli and Emily's faces. Together they were glowing and radiant and full of joy. And as they danced the night away under the stunning Central Oregon sunset, I couldn't help but smile as well. Their Love is just so sweet and pure and utterly lovely and I feel so blessed to have been present to capture the start of their Happily Ever After.

E + E, you're the type of people that make me realize I truly have the world's best job. Thank you for letting me be part of your incredible day. From start to finish you've treated me as your friend first and your photographer second, and for this I am forever thankful. Thank you for welcoming me in and insisting that I enjoy your day - and your cupcakes : ). You should know that, to the utmost degree, I most certainly enjoyed them both!

Lots of love (<< and then some more!), M.

Both Emily's dress and the bridesmaids' dresses were sewn by Eli's aunt, Jandi. And ever the perfectionist, as the image on the right shows, Jandi could be found making last minute alterations right up until the moment Emily saw Eli for the first time.

Emily and Eli opted to see each other for the first time before the wedding. I'm a huge fan of 'first looks' because they allow the couple a few cherished moments to just be themselves before the day's craziness sets in. These sweet moments are often so hard to come by after the ceremony or during the reception.

After dinner, Emily and Eli wanted to sneak away for a few sunset pictures. And just when I thought I couldn't like these two any more, they go and win me over with more time for portraits. Clearly they know the fastest way to my heart.

Popcorn?! Yes, please!!

You might remember the drool-worthy cupcakes from Emily + Eli's engagement session? Well Emily, the baker, wanted to make both the cupcakes and the wedding cake for her big day. And when I asked Em if she wouldn't mind holding her cake for a few photos, she couldn't stop smiling. Then she squealed and mentioned something about how it was even better than holding her own bouquet.

And a sparkler send off sealed with a kiss...

Welcome!

Michelle Cross is a wedding + portrait photographer with a knack for writing really long blog posts. Here she shares everything from her gorgeous clients to her not-so-glamorous home remodel on a 1940's ranch house she refers to as The Canyon Estate.

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Want to see more from The Canyon Estate (the answer is yes, yes you do)? Click the image below to view our latest post on everything home remodel. We're slow moving over here, but we like to think living by the mantra 'one step at a time' isn't always a bad thing.