This eclectic wedding at Campfire Hotel & Smith Rock was an absolute pleasure to photograph. E + E were some of the kindest people I’ve ever worked with! Each time I interacted with them from the first emails, to the phone calls, texts, Bend Oregon engagement session, and then wedding day they were so friendly and easy going. (View their Oregon Badlands engagement session on the blog)
E + E chose to have their wedding day split into two locations, a more eclectic colorful reception at Campfire Hotel in Bend, Oregon and a minimal earthy ceremony at Smith Rock State Park in Terrebonne, Oregon. About an hour distance apart by driving, Smith Rock sits just North of Bend and is a quick trip off the main 97 highway.
They got ready at the Campfire Hotel and did their first look before we headed out to Smith Rock.
I was fawning over her floral veil all day, the details are embroidered on with such intricate color and texture. His suit was also a highlight for my camera. I absolutely adore when my Brides + Grooms choose unique options for the wedding day! The color of his suit was just fantastic against every backdrop. Subtly rust orange without being overpowering. We love to see it.
From the Campfire Hotel we drove to Smith Rock state park to take more Bridal portraits before the ceremony. Smith Rock is the perfect backdrop for your wedding photos! September is a nice time to have your wedding here, as the temps have evened out a little leaving it not as hot and the sun still shines most days before the rainy autumn season. Be aware of crowds, and opt for a week day to have a little more privacy away from the tourists who come to visit Smith Rock in the busy season.
The wedding ceremony was held at the Smith Rock amphitheater . If you’d like to have your wedding ceremony here, it is quite affordable, you just have to request your date 6 months in advance.
The amphitheater is quite snug, so it is ideal for small groups of around 15 people.
One of the things the Bride and Groom did that I would absolutely recommend to you on your wedding day—- If you are wanting a screen free ceremony. At the beginning of the ceremony ask your officiant to announce a photo opportunity for 1 minute. Ask each guest to take out their phones and get as many photos, or videos as they want. When the moment is over, kindly require all devices to be put back away for the rest of the ceremony. This has worked well at a lot of weddings I’ve photographed!
E + E chose bubble guns at the end of the ceremony and it was a hit! They work so much better than the little bubble tubes and the guests LOVED them! 10/10 would recommend for your wedding send off. Plus, no clean up!
Back at Campfire Hotel in Bend, things were looking especially beautiful and eclectic for the reception. This was my first time photographing a wedding at Campfire Hotel, and it was a lovely little green room decorated with a fresh touch of outdoors.
It was an evening full of dancing, eating, drinking, and making s’mores at the campfire. This Bride and Groom do it right!
