Black Butte Ranch Intimate Wedding | Kareen + Dan
Fall in Central Oregon can’t be beat, especially when it comes to having an outdoor wedding. Kareen and Dan’s intimate wedding was perfectly timed before an incoming storm. Weather can always be a gamble for outdoor weddings but generally speaking early fall is a beautiful time for mild, pleasant weather and hopefully late enough that fire season has ended. Kareen and Dan lucked out with a beautiful day. It did rain a little but the drizzle was light and passed before the first look began. The low clouds made for some dramatic skies and the golden fall colors that were just starting to peek out really up popped against the partially overcast evening.
There is a place… Black Butte Ranch
Black Butte Ranch will forever be one of my favorite venue in the Bend area. It really has it all. With the recent remodel of the Lodge, which now has a modern and bright feel for receptions with large windows filing the space with natural light, a getting ready suite, and the option for a smaller reception upstairs in the Aspen Lounge.
The stunning location of Black Butte Ranch is just 15 miles west of Sisters, Oregon and is surrounded by gorgeous views in every direction. The Lodge sits amongst ponderosa pine trees, with a small grove of aspen trees that makes for a popular ceremony space with 360 degree views of the Three Sisters and the iconic butte which gives Black Butte Ranch it’s name.
Wedding photos that capture the moments.
Kareen and Dan’s wedding day was filled with so much love and emotion. By the sweet embraces, the way they looked at each other and the loving words spoken about the couple, it was apparent these two had found their home in one another. One of the many aspects of being a wedding photographer that I find so fulfilling is documenting all of the real, tender range of emotions that occur on a wedding day. I want to capture these subtleties with my camera. As I have grown older, the importance of these images is not lost on me. These images of a wedding day are forever documented and can be passed down to future generations and forevermore become a marker of such a beautiful moment in time.
Black Butte Ranch was chosen as the perfect venue for Kareen and Dan as the place holds dear memories for the couple as well as Dan’s family. We ventured to one of their favorite parts of the ranch which is a hidden stream and wooden area. After photographing weddings at BBR over the years, this hidden gem was new to me.
Kareen was walked down the aisle by her brother and officiated by a dear friend and neighbor. During the ceremony their rings were passed around for each of their family and friends to hold onto and infuse with a blessing and love. I believe this “ring warming tradition” is an heartfelt Irish tradition. One I wished we had done at our very own wedding.
After the ceremony Kareen, Dan and I walked to the meadow for an additional set of portraits just as the light softened and the sun begin to dip closer to the horizon. I highly recommend taking at least 15 minutes around sunset for a quiet moment together as newlyweds and some gorgeous portraits. From a practical and fashion stand point, having a shawl or leather jacket to thrown on is brilliant, especially if your wedding falls during a cooler month when evenings will get chilly. Kareen rocked her leather jacket and it made for a fun variety in their images!
A few 35mm film photos from Kareen and Dan’s day. Can you spot the third film photo further down in this blog post? Hint the grain and softer focus may make it recognizable.
Venue: Black Butte Ranch Located just 15 minutes outside Sisters, Oregon.
13899 Bishops Cap, Black Butte Ranch, Oregon 97759
Florals: Woodland Floral
If you are getting married at Black Butte Ranch and haven’t secured your photographer, I’d love to chat. I’ve lived in Bend for 7 years and can help recommend some favorite vendors local to the Sisters and Bend area.
Metolius River Ceremony and Black Butte Portraits.
Gwen Shoemaker is a seasoned professional photographer with 14 years of experience capturing the beauty of human beings all around the world. From Iceland to Antarctica, and Colorado to Bend, Oregon, Gwen’s passion for love and adventure has led her to specialize in wedding photography. Known for her ability to capture moments of raw emotion, she’s been humorously described by a client as an “emotion vulture,” always ready to swoop in and capture the perfect moment. Gwen’s love for travel and new experiences began when she studied abroad in rural Spain at the age of 17 and has since taken her to 15 different countries. Interestingly, it was in the least populated continent, Antarctica, where she found her true love. Gwen seeks to work with clients who share her love for the universe, are madly in love with their partners, and are full of joie de vivre.
