Sandra & David ~ Bridal Veil Lakes ~ Corbett, Oregon

I’ve known Sandra and David for several years. When they reached out to me about photographing their wedding at Bridal Veil Lakes, I was no less than excited… and then I found out more about what they had planned, and my excited grew ten fold.

They used words like “canoe” and “mariachi” and “waterfall” and I could just picture the magical day that they would have!

One thing that I love about photographing weddings is that I get to see and experience so much diversity of all kinds; everything from cultural traditions (like African Lesos or bagpipes and hagis) to LGBTQA+ celebrations to fun themes (like this Parisian event or a Harry Potter adventure at Hogwarts). It’s always so much fun to see how different families and couples choose to celebrate these special life events!

Sandra and David got ready in separate, side by side suites at Bridal Veils Lodge. Sandra with her ladies, sipping on wine, and David with his guys shooting tequila. Both rooms were full of laughter and mounting excitement!

Sandra requested to do something a little unusual for her first look. Before inviting David out to present herself and share a special moment together before the ceremony, she requested to do a “first look” with David’s groomsmen, which included some of her own close friends and family members.

Then it was time for the couple to have THEIR moment. Sandra turned her back as David was led into the yard, with eyes closed. Sandra approached David, and, with a tap on the shoulder, he turned to see his beautiful bride for the first time that day.

David and Sandra then hopped into their truck for the short drive up to Bridal Veil Lakes where their family and friends were already gathering for the start of the wedding ceremony.

Sandra had decided to make her grand entrance via a canoe paddled by her brother. So as they made a loop around the lake, and the mariachi band played, David and the wedding party started their walk down the aisle.

Sandra’s father met her at the dock to escort her down the aisle to David.

The tall trees and beautiful sunlight made for a gorgeous backdrop for the couple’s exchange of vows and family-led prayer and looping of the lazo.

After the ceremony, the couple exited into the lush wooded area surrounding the ceremony site, and then headed to Latourell Falls for portraits with the waterfall.

A couple of weeks prior to their wedding I had an accident that resulted in a badly hurt foot and ankle that ended up taking months (and physical therapy) to heal. While I was perfectly capable of photographing their ceremony and reception, and I was once again thankful for my second photographer who was able to go out the waterfall with the couple and climb around the rocky, uneven group to get some amazing images! Situations like this are why I include two photographers with my wedding packages… you never really know what’s going to happen and when you’ll need a back up!

While my second photographer was photographing David and Sandra at the waterfall, I stayed behind to capture images of the reception details and decorations, and their guests getting comfortable and starting to enjoy dinner and drinks.

When David and Sandra returned to the venue it was time to eat some dinner (catered by The Taco Dudes), cut the cake, toss the bouquet, and mingle with their guests. David then led Sandra onto the dance floor for their first dance to "I Like the Way You Love Me" by Brenton Wood… complete with a dip and kiss at the end.

Following the couples first dance, was the father-daughter/mother-son dance, and a couple of other special dances with their Padrinos and Padrinas, who sponsored various parts of their wedding celebration and assisted in making it what they’d dreamed of.

After these dances, the couple participated in a money dance… which is when the party REALLY got started! Swinging, dipping, laughs, and money hanging everywhere… you could tell that they were having an amazing time! When the dance was over, everyone stayed on the dance floor and continued to move their bodies to music DJ’d by Fallon Love Productions.

Bar Truck PDX kept the spirits flowing with a full menu and signature drinks for the guests to enjoy, and use for many, many toasts!

I don’t know how long the party lasted that night, as it was still going strong by the time we packed up to head out. But I know that Sandra and David had an amazing day with so many friends and family there to celebrate with them.

Congratulations, you two! I’m so happy that I was able to be there to document your special day. Thank you for trusting me with your memories!