• Real Weddings

Alan and Jessie wrestled with what type of wedding to have, a big and rowdy (with more of a BBQ feel) or small and intimate (with a more sophisticated feeling). They decided, without hesitation on big and rowdy and relied on the help of friends and family to throw a bit of sophistication in there.
As you will soon see their day came together beautifully, and has an effortless charm to it. They kissed, cried, danced and hugged all their loved ones. Exactly what a wedding should be. Read on to hear more from Jessie and be sure to see more of this colorful outdoor Oregon wedding in the full gallery. All captured every so beautifully by Michelle Cross.

From The Bride:So many people contributed to our wedding in a variety of ways, and frankly almost everything about the wedding relied on the generosity and talent of someone we love. The dress, my sister in law; the cake, my cousin; the M.C., my brother; the venue, a family friend; the coordinator, a college friend; the food; aunts, uncles, cousins and more; the favors, a teacher. The good news about the big wedding is that, of course, the bigger the wedding the more hands to help.

Each guest was presented with a handmade ceramic cup made by Mike Baynes Pottery in Sisters, Oregon. Such a useful and cool wedding favor.

The day itself was surprisingly restful. Stress levels were kept low, priorities were kept straight and joy was the focus of the day. We kissed, (I cried), we ate, we drank, we danced, we hugged everyone and soaked in the company of our many loved ones and basked in the glow of a wonderful moment, on the precipice of our futures. In short: It was perfect.

Our wedding day was my absolute favorite thing I've ever done. Surrounded by the people who had shaped us from our youngest years, in a beautiful outdoor chapel of God's own pine trees, Alan and I committed to stay by each other, no matter what the future holds. In the end, that is what mattered most, but I must admit the trimmings were rather delightful as well.

Photographer: Michelle Cross Cake: Allie Summers & Annie Shraeder Caterer: One Street Down Flowers: Ruth Razin at Three Sisters Floral Groom's Attire: Banana Republic Jewelry: Nashelle Jewelry Design Stationery: Paper and More Prop or Furniture Rentals: Central Event Rentals Bride's Shoes : Frye Makeup: Rachel Login | Coordinator: Stephanie Morrison | Dress Designer: Colleen Carpenter | Venue: Private Residence in Camp Sherman, Oregon | Officiant: Father Frank Goode | Favors : Mike Baynes Pottery in Sisters, Oregon