This intimate wedding at Aspen Hall was an absolute dream. Maybe I’m biased because I absolutely adore the couple, but the photos speak for themselves. I met Chandler and Gage when they first moved to Bend, Oregon, and were searching for a photographer to take their engagement photos. They found me and I immediately loved them. We took their engagement photos in Shevlin Park, a park where they spend time together running, hiking, and watching the stars. I loved that they picked a location that had become their “happy place” here in Bend.

Once the engagement photos were taken, the wedding invites were sent out and we started planning Chandler and Gage’s wedding. C and G decided on Aspen Hall for their intimate wedding, another beautiful location within Shevlin Park. I had heard of this venue before as it’s a pretty popular spot for intimate weddings in Bend. Although, I didn’t realize how much I would come to adore this place.

Getting Ready

After months of planning, Chandler and Gage’s wedding day finally arrived. Aspen Hall doesn’t have a place on-site for the wedding party to get ready. Luckily, Chandler’s parents lived in Bend, and she decided to get ready there. Side-note: If you love a venue and it doesn’t have a bride and groom suite, consider renting a nearby Airbnb to get ready and even stay at!

I met up with Chandler at her parent’s home five minutes from the venue. Her mom helped her get on her dress, shoes, veil, and she looked like a goddess. We took some bridal photos and drank some wine and headed out towards the ceremony, listening to Taylor Swift the whole way (Chandler’s fav).

We got to Aspen Hall to start the intimate wedding and everything was beautiful. There were already some fall colors showing in the trees, reflecting in the pond. Guests were making their way to the patio and Gage was waiting on the back lawn for his bride. I set him up under the willow tree for their first look and grabbed Chandler. Her mom carried her veil and she walked towards her groom. Finally, she tapped him and the shoulder and they saw each other for the first time. The first looks are my favorite part of a wedding day. Watching the couple’s nerves dissolve into love for each other as they take in the moment, and that they’re about to be married. It was perfect.

The Ceremony at Aspen Hall

Chandler and Gage had about 60 guests at their intimate wedding at Aspen Hall. And what’s really incredible is that none of them live in Oregon except for Chandler’s mom and dad. All of their guests road-tripped or flew out from all over the country to be with them at their intimate wedding at Aspen Hall. California, Colorado, Idaho, you name it. Their guests had SO much love for them, and Chandler’s best friend was officiating the wedding.

All of the guests sat down for the ceremony, and then it started. Everyone walked up the aisle and took their places in front of the big tree. The ceremony was swift but endearing. Chandler and Gage were both so excited that they held hands the whole time (even though you’re not supposed to take each other’s hands until the end.) The officiant let it slide because why the hell not, they were adorable. They said their vows, had their first kiss and walked back down the aisle and husband and wife.

The Intimate Wedding at Aspen Hall

All in all, it was a perfect day. C and G aren’t the traditional types, and really just wanted to have fun with their guests that came so far to keep them. They decided to forgo cake cutting and long toasts. Doing this, they avoided strict timelines and got to spend the entire reception just being present with the people they loved. It was beautiful, and truly a dream of a wedding.

The property on Aspen Hall is gorgeous. When the sun just started to set, we explored all around the location taking bride and groom portraits. We stopped at multiple bridges, a little dock, and under a massive willow tree. Once we finished up with those, it was back to dancing and just having a grand time for the bride and groom.

If you’re beginning to plan your own day, I can’t recommend Aspen Hall for your intimate wedding enough. Get in touch with me below if you have any questions or if you’re looking for an awesome photographer to make your day even better!