Brace yourselves people, because this wedding is full of color, sequins, pom-poms, paper flowers, amazing food, DIY projects, and toooooons of love!!!
I first met Greg + Rosie over skype to discuss wedding details and planning for their Memorial Day Weekend fiesta themed wedding in Southern Oregon. Rosie’s littles, Blaise and Ruby, joined the conversation briefly, mostly just to see what the grown-ups were up to and show me some cool toys they were playing with. I could instantly see the deep love they have for each other and the love that would bring them all together as a family. I got to meet up with them for an engagement session at Lithia Park in Ashland last fall and all of my lovey dovey suspicions were confirmed.
Fast forward to the end of May and I travel down a dirt “road” to arrive at Buckhorn Springs. It’s really not that far from Downtown Ashland, but it feels completely remote and cell service is spotty. This actually helps the venue that predominantly functions as a yoga retreat …you almost have no choice but to unplug from the outside world and enjoy the sounds of the creek and wind in the trees. Fun fact: Looooooooong ago people would come to Buckhorn Springs to take carbon dioxide vapor baths from the natural CO2 spring in the creek. They would lower everything but their heads down into a vapor pit and take in all its healing properties. Not sure if CO2 vapor baths actually have healing properties, but there’s a small, now closed, building across the bridge for just that purpose. The venue also hosts a main lodge, several small cabins, and a large house that Greg + Rosie’s friends and family stayed in over the long weekend complete with nightly gatherings around the fire.
The morning of the wedding began with a yummy breakfast followed by a lady’s yoga session and blessing way for Rosie. If you have the space and the time on your wedding day I highly recommend it; it set a wonderful mood and pace for the rest of the day. After a quick lunch Greg + Rosie separated and started to get themselves ready. It was only a couple of hours later that they came back together for their first look, but the high emotions of the day fed their mutual anticipation to see each other. We explored the property and took every opportunity to slow it down, let them enjoy each others’ company, cuddle, and feel celebrated. After a quick-ish round of family portraits Rosie + Greg hid themselves away to collect their thoughts, feels, and prepare for the ceremony in the Dodecagon building. Family and friends removed their shoes and blessed the wedding rings as they entered the space. <3
Greg and Blaise walked from their creekside cabin first, followed shortly by Rosie and Ruby. Vows were exchanged in turn; Ruby did her best to hold still while Blaise tired to look tough standing next to Greg. After vows Rosie + Greg also shared vows with their children as they all stood in a family circle – they were given necklaces with “love you to the moon” charms. Once the kids were settled with Grandma and Grandpa it was time for Greg + Rosie to exchange the rings that had been heavily blessed by everyone in the room. A strong 5-mississippi kiss ended the ceremony and they exited together with their faces glowing with happiness!
In true fiesta form the reception was full of music, color, activities, food, drinks, toasts, laughter, cake, dancing, and bubbles!
Venue + Catering // Buckhorn Springs
Dress // Aidan Mattox
Suit // Men’s Wearhouse
Photography // Amanda Photographic
Second Photographer // Stevi Sayler
Everything Else // DIY
I still have a few dates available for October-December 2016. Contact me for booking details and …tell me your love story!
[…] Oregon as Stevi and I second’ed for each other on back-to-back weddings. My wedding with Rosie + Greg at Buckhorn Springs was first with a full fiesta theme at the rustic yoga retreat lodge. After most of the dancing died […]