Ryan + Jenn

When I first began my photography business I only dreamed of a day when I would be able to shoot a wedding like Ryan + Jenn's. The type of day that took place at as stunning a venue as Bend's own Brasada Ranch, with a gorgeous setting and no detail overlooked. So when this beautiful couple from California (but native Oregonians at heart!), somehow found their way in front of my camera, I truly could not stop pinching myself. Couples like this are what make the joy of being a wedding photographer too wonderful to believe. And considering that not even the littlest of details was left untouched, Ryan and Jenn still somehow wanted nothing more than for their guests to genuinely enjoy themselves at the celebration. I think it's a testament to how wonderful and kindhearted and wildly fun they both are. This is the type of couple I cannot believe I'm fortunate enough to get to work with. Ryan and Jenn, while I'm so happy you two are now Mr. + Mrs., selfishly I'm sad that I no longer can look forward to the incredible day that was your wedding. You've been nothing but a joy, truly, and I cannot thank you enough for inviting me into your lives and letting me document your story. Your day was flawless and my only regret is in not finding a way to relive it day after day after day. I hope every time you see your pictures you're able to experience even one ounce of the happiness that was your wedding. Thank you to the moon in back. I'm so, so grateful to know you both!

M.

P.S. I HOPE BALI IS UH-MAZING!!!

Photographer :: Michelle Cross Venue :: Brasada Ranch Florist :: Sara Carson of Blue Daffodil Day-of Coordinating :: Melissa Vandenbroucke of Ceylon Blu Hair + MakeUp :: Kate Tuma Photo Booth :: High Desert Photo Booth Assistant Photographer :: Tara Smith-Haney Dress :: Ines diSanto Bridesmaids Dresses :: Monique Lhuillier

Ryan + Jenn

I’m being honest when I say you can tell a lot about a couple from their engagement session. I had never met Ryan or Jenn and yet from our dozens of emails exchanged I felt like we’d known each other for months. While I thought I was already excited for their October wedding at Brasada Ranch, spending the afternoon with these two made me realize just how thrilled I am to get to be documenting their big day. They’re kind, funny, gorgeous people who love each other with every last fiber of their being. True to Central Oregon form, in the 48 hours leading up to our session I sent Jenn three emails regarding the weather. Our forecast went from 78 and sunny to 52 and cloudy to 68 with violent thunderstorms. Truth be told, I gave up checking the weather report around 10 the morning of our shoot. Despite the completely unpredictable conditions, Ryan + Jenn were all smiles when we met at Smith Rock State Park. They so graciously laughed at my completely lame and ridiculous jokes and were even up for trekking down the steep and dusty path to the Deschutes River in order to find the perfect spot for photos. Couples like this are what make me the luckiest wedding photographer in the world!

Ryan + Jenn, ahhhhhh I can’t wait for October! If you could do your best to make these next few months fly by, I would be so appreciative : ). Many, many thanks for adventuring across town with me as I captured your beautiful smiles. I’m so happy this is just the beginning of our time working together!

M.

A million thank-you's to Kate Tuma for allowing Jenn's most naturally gorgeous self to shine through. Kate's a genius with hair + make-up and I'm thrilled to get to be working with her on so many weddings this summer.

After spending way too much time at Smith Rock (it was my fault, I couldn't stop taking pictures!) we made our way to Brasada Ranch to finish up the session. That big red barn?! It's where Ryan + Jenn will be saying I Do this fall!!

David & Sarah at Brasada

One night last summer at our annual great escape, we sat around a crowded table and listened to Sarah tell us about David. How he was kind, and so smart, and how his faith encouraged her own. How he was from a small town, loved the outdoors, and had an amazing family. How he loved anything related to athletics and how he never encouraged Sarah to be anything but her most naturally gorgeous self. …And maybe we also listened as Sarah told us about how David was especially handsome.

While Sarah continued to assure us they were taking things slowly, seeing where their relationship would go, I think that night we all knew our friend had met her match. When I finally met David a few weeks later I threw up my arms and ran across the family restaurant to greet Sarah’s boy with a slightly overwhelming hug.

Sarah, there are no words to express our happiness for you. I love you to the moon and back and could not be any more excited for this season of life (and love) that you’re in. David, we love you! Welcome to the craziest, most diverse, most loyal (might I add most awesome?!) group of friends you’ll ever know. We really truly couldn’t think of a better guy to take care of our lady.

Love you guys forever. LET’S GO GET MARRIED!!

M. I met David + Sarah at the always gorgeous Brasada Ranch for an engagement session full of horses and big red barns and Pendleton blankets and bright blue skies...

Many thanks to Kate Tuma for doing such an incredible job with Sarah's hair and make-up.