Sparks Lake Elopement
Carly and Danny are from Baltimore, MD and chose Bend, Oregon for their Elopement. After a little internet research decided on a Sparks Lake for their ceremony. Neither of them had ever been to Oregon, so they were up for an adventure. In the week leading up to their ceremony date, several fires had started to break out through Oregon. There were three fires specifically that surrounded Sparks Lake. For several days, you could not see across the lake, and it was highly recommended not to breath the air.
I scouted Sparks Lake with Carly and Danny the day before their wedding and the smoke was so intense we could stare straight at the sun. After a short conversation, they both decided that since they had already traveled across the country, they would embrace the elements. Within a day the weather changed. On our way up to the mountain, a thunderstorm blew in. Thunder, lighting, and rain started right along with their ceremony. By the end of their ceremony, performed by Wendy Duncan, they skies cleared and the sun popped out. It was magical, to say the least.
After their ceremony, they shared a toast and we started taking portraits. Everywhere we turned the light was changing and the backdrops became more amazing. We headed out on the lake and were quickly surrounded by a stunning smokey/stormy sunset. Every direction we shot was amazing. I’m so glad that Carly and Danny stayed optimistic about all the smoke and didn’t let them spoil their wedding.
Also a big shout out to Summer Robbins for the beautiful bouquet and Cassidy Elise for Carly’s hair and makeup.
I definitely want to shoot more of these adventurous outdoor elopements. So if you’re thinking about eloping email or call me asap.