If there’s one thing that Central Oregon has no shortage of it’s SUNSHINE! While I never wish for rain at a wedding, I do usually wish for a nice overcast or big billowy clouds to help shield myself and my couple from the harsh sunlight. Heather + Tyler’s wedding at Dee Bar Farms in Powell Butte gave me a big lesson in the how to work when there’s no hope for shade and also about the beauty in the vibrant colors the direct sun produces.
The day was hooooot. I felt bad for the guys in their three-piece suits and for the bride in her GORGEOUS, but heavy, gown. Despite the heat the entire wedding party kept a high morale the entire day and danced their booties off late into the night. Dee Bar Farms is a working quarter-horse ranch, boarding, and training facility. They’ve recently opened up their front pasture and open-sided barn for weddings and small events. An adorable bridge takes you to the tiny island with a single willow tree that’s surrounded by an equally tiny mote filled with frogs and tadpoles; while the Cascade mountains from Bachelor to Jefferson sit quietly in the background waiting for sunset.
It’s difficult for me to pick a favorite part of the day… there were sooooo many great moments! 1. Silly bridesmaids going the extra mile by fanning Heather under her dress to help keep her cool. 2. Cheeky Minister. …seriously the best ever! 3. Ring Bearer Dogs!!! Dozer + Diesel were the most well behaved ring dogs I’ve ever seen and completely worked their entrance song “Who Let The Dogs Out?!” 4. When the flower girl, Regan, stopped the show because her little shoe came untied mid aisle. Her brother even tried to help by gently attempting to push her down the aisle. Lol! 5. The entire wedding party line-dancing to “Boot Scootin’ Boggie” for their reception entrance. 6. Tyler’s …ummm enthusiastic dance for taking off Heather’s garter. Just watch Magic Mike to get an idea. I could easily name a million more things that were wonderful about this day, but then you’d never get to see the photos.
Here’s what Heather + Tyler had to say about their wedding, what they’re looking forward to, and what they’d like to share with others.
1. What was your favorite part of the wedding day?
Heather : That’s a hard question, every part was amazing! Some of my favorite moments included finally being announced as Husband and Wife and then the incredible dance party!
Tyler: When I first saw my beautiful Bride followed by the dogs walking down the isle and dancing with people we haven’t seen in a long time.
2. What are you most looking forward to in married life?
Heather and Tyler: For people not asking when we are going to be married 😉
Heather: We’ve basically lived the married life for a while now, so it will be awesome to finally be able to call Tyler my Husband.
Tyler: Heather has been in my phone as “wife” since soon after dating, so now that name has finally come true. Excited for Heather and I to share the same last name.
3. What advice would you like to share with others?
Heather: During the planning process and day of, take time to breath and take it all in. It will all come together in the end! Having a ladies craft night was one of my favorite planning ideas. Nothing better than crafting for the wedding with drinks and a great group of girls. The wedding day goes by too fast, allow extra time for everything! Relationship advice: Never hang up the phone or go to bed angry.
Tyler: Embrace all the chaos, even though it seems stressful at the time, you are still creating lifelong memories. Relationship advice: No matter the argument or situation, your wife is always right (so I’ve been told).
Venue // Dee Bar Farms
Photographer // Amanda Photographic
Second Photographer // Mallory Torchio
Coordination //Â Abigail Colombo
Floral // Ana’s Rose ‘n’ Thorn
Dessert // Liq-her Cupcakes
Catering // El Rancho Grande
DJ // Central Oregon DJ – Eric Van Dyke
Invitations // Wedding Paper Divas
Formal Wear // Cordially Invited
H&MUA // Misty O’Brien
Signage // Kate Mitchell