After deciding they had to tie the knot in the great outdoors, Matthew and Michael chose Oregon’s stunning Bridal Veil Lakes region to host their special day. The overall theme was woodsy bohemian, and the couple’s planner from Molly May Events did a remarkable job helping the couple bring their vision to life! Their personal lakeside ceremony flowed right into a canoe ride for two and then a reception under the canopy of trees and twinkle lights. It was the perfect combination of outdoorsy elegance and rustic charm, all with a modern twist. From the couple’s sweet pre-ceremony moments to their newlywed portraits to their party under the stars, Dylan M Howell captured every moment perfectly!

The Couple:

Matthew and Michael

The Wedding:

Bridal Veil Lakes, Corbett, Oregon

We actually changed our entire ceremony 9 days prior to the wedding. We decided to forego a more traditional ceremony for a completely personalized one performed by a close friend. He came to Matthew‘s parents’ house and we went over everything that was going to be said and looked up quotes to be read, as well as scripture. We wrote our own vows and had a canoe send off across the water to the cocktail hour complete with a Lord of the Rings theme song playing while our guests watched from a walkway.

We went for a slightly modern, bohemian, minimalist vibe. We wanted it to feel upscale but not too stuffy or uncomfortable, and we wanted it to be effortless. It was important for the guests to flow so smoothly between the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, cake, and finally dancing. Our wedding venue attributed a lot to that with the way it was designed around a central water feature.

We made our own seating chart and printed it at a Staples a day or two prior to the wedding and came up with a way to frame it. Michael‘s Dad used wood from his childhood apple tree they had to cut down to make a circular display on which we set our terrariums and set our candles around. We planted all the centerpieces with family and friends before the wedding day.

The thing we will never forget is our wedding dance. We had very specific playlists and a detailed do-not-play list for our DJ to use. He was so helpful and absolutely nailed every single song. It was the best wedding dance I’ve ever experienced and our photographer was there for the whole thing!

Our biggest congratulations to Matthew and Michael on their incredible wedding at Bridal Veil Lakes! Love the idea of getting married near a lake? This intimate wedding inspiration at Frickley Lake is pure coziness!