David + Sarah at the Ranch on Beaver Creek

September 24, 2013 Michelle Cross

I've found few things to be quite as heartwarming and joy-giving as watching a friend find her equal in life. The one who makes her laugh and makes her cry happy tears and who brings out the best in her. When Sarah found David I think we all knew she had found her match. David is everything Sarah had always said she wanted in a man and yet at the same time he's one million times more than this. David is the type of person who always makes you feel special. He listens and cares and looks you in the eye when he speaks. He has a way of making everyone he comes in contact with feel valued and appreciated and loved, and I know, that more than anyone else in this world, Sarah is a lucky girl to be the beneficiary of this. David + Sarah, you should know that it's an honor to call you two friends. Colton and I are beyond blessed to know you and to get to do life with you. Yes, it was a total honor being your photographer, but beyond this is was so wonderful to get to be one of those you chose to stand beside you as you promised your lives together. You're a joy to be around and together you're the most beautiful example of true, pure, authentic Love. Congrats on this incredibly special and exciting season of growing together as husband and wife. I'm so, so, so, so happy for you both!

Love you to the moon + back!

Venue :: The Ranch on Beaver Creek Photography :: Michelle Cross Assistant Photographer :: Lauren Hurt Make-Up :: Kate Tuma

Ty + Gina in Salem Oregon

August 20, 2013 Michelle Cross

I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t a little bittersweet to be blogging Ty + Gina’s wedding today. Over the course of the past few months Colton has heard me say time and time (and time) again that I’ve loved working with these two. As far as clients go, I couldn’t ask for better people to get to spend my summer emailing and timeline writing and venue walk-though-ing with. Their wedding day and their vows and their friends, families and bridal party were all as good as it gets when it comes to weddings. Being completely honest, I’m at a little bit of a loss now that their wedding day is no longer triple-circled on my calendar, with hearts around it. Throughout the planning process Gina was so calm and relaxed and put together. Her wedding wasn’t full of frivolous details that held no meaning for her and Ty, but rather it was full of gorgeous flowers, good wine, and only her favorite people. It was set against an incredible backdrop of Oregon farmland and tall oak trees and it embodied everything a warm summer evening should.

Gina, please get married again. It’s the only way I can come to terms with the fact that you’re now officially Mrs. Levin and I can’t spend all summer dreaming of your wedding day. A thousand thank-you’s to you and Ty for letting me capture your day. From start to finish it was a dream and given the opportunity I wouldn’t change a single thing about it. You make a truly stunning couple and I’m over the moon with joy for you guys! Happy forever and eva and eva!

lovelovelove, M.

Colorful Outdoor Oregon Wedding in the Woods

Purple Bridesmaids Dresses at Oregon Wedding

This moment may take the cake for my very favorite father-daughter picture.

I think Noella had a little crush on the groomsmen...

Long Bridesmaid Dresses at Oregon Outdoor Wedding

Purple-and-Blue-Flowers-at-Oregon-Wedding

Photo-Booth-Props-at-Oregon-Woods-Wedding

After the reception Ty + Gina let me steal them away for a few last photos in the field. A gorgeous couple, a gorgeous sunset, and a gorgeous wedding made me wish this day never had to end...

Venue :: Blackhawk Estates Catering :: Wild Pear Hair :: Ally Masten Makeup :: Mihja Swanson, NARS Videographer :: Niswender Films Florist :: Buena Vista Cake :: Anjali Wynkoop (at Culinary Institute of Portland) Dress :: Pronovias Bridesmaids Dress :: Forever 21 Tuxes :: Men’s Wearhouse Event Rental :: A-Z Rentals Stationery :: Etsy

Ben + Brooke

August 13, 2013 Michelle Cross

It's impossible to spend even one minute with Ben + Brooke without laughing. They have this zany zest for life that seems to overflow into every detail of conversation. They're excited about wedding planning and Portland living and their adorable pup, Sadie. And while their joy is addicting, the most wonderful part of it all is that beneath the layers of laughter and happiness and smiles, nothing compares to the love they have for one another. I was honored to get to spend the afternoon at Brooke's family cabin near Mt. Hood where we were able to capture this sweet season of life beneath towering trees and the fresh crisp air of the Cascades. Brooklynnnn, what would I do without you?! You exude life's joy and I hope you know just how blessed I feel to get to be your wedding photographer. Anytime a bride becomes a friend I feel like the richest, luckiest, most special wedding photographer in the world. I hope it goes without saying that you have absolutely become a friend to me. And Ben, thank you for loving this lady with all of you. I can't wait to watch you two say I Do in just a few short months!!!

I would be remiss if I didn't send a huge thank-you to Nicole Wagner of Powder Inc. Makeup in Portland for working her magic on Brooke. Brooke is gorgeous as is, but Nicole is a true artist and did an incredible job of allowing Brooke's most naturally gorgeous self to show through for engagement photos.

After leaving the picturesque views of Trillium Lake we completely changed scenes for a little cuddling in the woods. I've already given Brooke fair warning that at any time she might find Colton and I trying to sneak in to the cabin for a weekend getaway.

Maybe I have just a small, tiny, teensy (read enormous) bit of ring lust over Brooke's bling.

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