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

The Wilson Family

It’s always a little nerve-wracking meeting a family on the same day you’re taking their photos. But this beautiful family was referred to me by one of my most favorite couples, ever. And since amazing people tend to be related to other amazing people, I had a small feeling the Wilson’s were going to be pretty great. When I met the these sweet people at Black Butte Ranch and discovered their home was full of Oregon State Alumni, I knew we would get along just fine! With children traveling from New York City and Hong Kong, January marked the perfect opportunity for a family portrait session. After grabbing a few group photos inside, we bundled up and braved the chilly weather for a collection of pictures in the snow. Here are just a few of my favorites from my time with the Wilson family...

Ty + Gina

Here’s the thing about Gina – she’s the type of bride a photographer can only dream of having. She’s the girl who lets you be a part of her big, big plans as she tells you her colors and her bridesmaids and all of her gorgeous little details. She’s the girl who, at her engagement session, asks when would be the best time to take pictures on her wedding day (I almost died and kissed her, all at the same time). But most of all she’s the girl who loves her boy more than anything else in the entire world. And her boy? Well, I only met Ty for the first time at the engagement session but it was easy to tell he is equally as wonderful as Gina. Which means that I am the luckiest photographer in the universe to get to photograph these two when they say I Do come August.

There’s one other thing about Ty + Gina that I think is important to know. We met at Bend’s Shevlin Park on New Year’s Day for their engagement session and while it was the most beautifully crisp and clear day we could possibly ask for, it was also one of the coldest days I’ve ever had the joy of photographing. The sun was doing that dewy, glowy thing it does and the snow seemed even more stunning and sparkly than normal. But along with our absolutely perfect day came a thermostat that read 19. Nineteen!! Nineteen degrees!! As in one-nine. And here comes Gina, happy as can be, in a stunning little dress and tights.

It was far below freezing for their entire session but Ty + Gina were such troopers. They smiled and laughed and had I not been there to see (and feel!) it myself, I’d never have believed the air was chilling them to the bone. Things like this leave me knowing that come rain or shine, nothing can keep Ty + Gina from sporting those gorgeous smiles of theirs come the wedding day.

A little blingbling...

...and some fun in the snow to end our session!