Josh + Darla at Suttle Lake Lodge

I know I’ve been raving and gushing about this year’s weddings, but I really truly do feel blessed to be working with the brides + grooms that I am this summer. I don’t know how it happened, but I genuinely love spending time with each of these couples. They’re people who, without weddings or pictures or pretty white dresses, I’d like to hang out with on a regular basis. Josh and Darla are no exception to this group and I could not have been more excited to document their wedding at the Lodge at Suttle Lake. My favorite part about this day was just how intimate and personal it was. With most of their guests coming in from out of state, Josh and Darla made a point of celebrating not just their marriage but also the family and friends who had brought them to this point. Their ceremony was touching and their toasts were tearjerkers, but it all made for the most beautiful day of celebrating their love. I felt so truly lucky to be the one documenting their story.

An hour before the ceremony was set to begin the unpredictable Central Oregon weather showed up for an extra dramatic storm. Despite having to move things inside at the last minute, Darla was all smiles on her wedding day.

Venue :: The Lodge at Suttle Lake Coordinator :: JoAnna Howard at Suttle Lake Resort (I cannot say enough about JoAnna. She's a joy to be around and an incredible professional!) Assistant Photographer :: Josselyn Peterson Hair + Make-Up :: Lori Tompos Videographer :: Captured Memories

Ben + Brooke

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!!!

M.

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.

Dan + Molly

Dan and Molly are one of those couples that make me smile from ear to ear. Last weekend I was lucky enough to document these two beginning their life together as husband and wife. I think what I love most about the weddings I photograph is being genuinely excited for the adventure all of my brides + grooms are starting. Marriage is hard, tough, grueling work but it’s also the most incredible, fun, rewarding work that exists. It was such a joy to watch Dan + Molly so authentically happy on their wedding day. They were excited about their gorgeous weather, their mountain view, their friends and families who gathered from around the country, and most of all they were excited about each other. I knew these two were something special when I found myself lingering around after the sparkler exit, not wanting to leave the wedding. And while it all seemed to end too soon, I could not be any happier for these two and the many sweet decades of life together they have ahead of them. Dan + Molly, YOU’RE MARRIED!!!! I hope Hawaii was incredible and that you were able to soak up the sun and the waves and each other. Thank you for letting me capture this beautiful adventure you’re on. I hope you know that I feel so fortunate to call you friends!

Lots of love, Michelle

Does this pretty little bridesmaid on the left look familiar? Maybe from her gorgeous wedding in Nashville last year?!