There is way too much to say here about this beautiful backyard wedding in Terrebonne, Oregon, near Smith Rock State Park. Before I begin, if you or your parents live in a location like this, one with incredible climbing and hiking out your front door for you and your guests to enjoy, then you should 100% get married there! I’m still in shock at how beautiful this space was. Sarah and Damon’s wedding local was framed with a gorgeous horizon view of the towering volcanic features that rise up from the valley of Smith Rock State Park. The atmosphere of the wedding was lively and the views were astounding. I’ll never forget how the sun lowered in the sky, just as the party began, and lit up the rock faces like fire (photos of this down below). This backyard Oregon wedding weekend was much more than sunsets and rad rocks though - it was filled to the brim with kindred folk who thrived on community breakfasts, camping under the stars, slacklining over waterfalls, climbing sharp volcanic rock, crushing boxes of pizza, dancing like wildlings, and coming together to celebrate cherished friends make lifelong vows and commitments to one another.
The days before the wedding were buzzing with activity. Friends flew into Redmond and Portland, others road tripped from Colorado, Utah, and Tennessee. We all gathered in Terrebonne, Oregon, to set up camp and help Sarah and Damon decorate the backyard for their wedding day. Starting the weekend festivities off right, Sarah and her babes enjoyed an afternoon at the lake while Damon and his guy’s biked from brewery to brewery through Bend, Oregon. When everyone returned to the property and with Sarah and Damon’s plans to start married life out by moving into a 1994 Ford Econoline Coachman van, it felt fitting to gather the bridal party together outside. Everyone got outfitted in their hiking clothes and we headed down the road to Smith Rock State Park to take a few bridal party portraits. Sarah and Damon are livers and lovers of the outdoors, from rigging and walking insanely exposed highlines to crushing difficult lead climbs, you can almost always find them seeking out dirt trails and backroad views. Check out their incredible highlining engagement session HERE! These two adventurous lovers brought all of us together and it was a lot of fun hiking and relaxing before the real festivities began. While hiking the ridge above Smith Rock State Park, we got an up close view of Smith Rock’s Misery Ridge and the Crooked River before heading back to Sarah’s parents’ house to prep for the big day. The van got washed, tables and chairs were set up, and we watched a beautiful sunset paint Monkey Face and the rest of Smith Rock an orange red hue as the sky grew purple in the distance.
On the morning of the wedding, Sarah woke up to spend some time with the pavement and returned sweaty and smiling from running. Is she not such a badass? I love it when my brides do something active for themselves on their wedding day as it really does calm down your nerves while also grounding you and settling your thoughts. I highly encourage getting outside before you walk down the aisle, whether you like to run, do yoga, or simply spend some time intentionally meditating! When Sarah returned, the house was still quiet with only a few people stirring awake to the rising sun. I found breakfast and a hot cup of coffee, then got to work capturing details.
Sarah and her bridesmaids got ready together at Sarah’s parent’s house and Damon and the groomsmen rented an Airbnb on the other side of Terrebonne. When I pulled into the Airbnb, the groomsmen had taken Damon outside and into the yard where they were preparing to shave off his mustache. It was a pretty funny ordeal and the groomsmen had me laughing throughout the entire thing. Once Damon was dressed and ready his crew cracked a cold beer together and prayed over the day and for blessings on their marriage. I headed back through town, now busy with climbers headed towards Monkey Face and other climbing projects in Smith Rock State Park. Sarah put on her dress and before we knew it, it was time for these two lovebirds to have their first look. Sarah walked onto the porch and immediately had to tell her dad to stop working (he had been tireless in getting their property looking immaculate for the wedding) and after a little persuasion he finally gave in, smiling wide as he drove by her on the lawnmower. Sarah walked barefoot towards her groom and dang - looking back on these photos I feel like I’m reliving it all again, she looked so stunning! If Damon’s reaction and tears don’t leave you with a few tears of your own then I don’t know what will.
Looking back on all of this I keep thinking, these two love each other and others so very well. Their whole day was evident of this, filled with tons of intention (one of their best friends, Julia, officiated their wedding and shared the gospel and the meaning of marriage so beautifully), lots of emotional moments were had (so many photos, hugs, and tears by their Ford van, Hill Hampton), and tons of crazy dance moves came out (these guys really know how to get down!) which is truly only accomplished by a group of friends who have no fear of being themselves. This adventurous crew cares deeply about each other and it was so awesome to watch and capture the celebrations through photos.
As the pizza disappeared and the sun sunk low on the horizon, several bridesmaids and groomsmen stood up to share stories about Damon and Sarah. It was such a sweet time celebrating these two and their journey - especially when a recording of Sarah popped up at the end of the speeches where she proclaimed (maybe just a bit tipsy at the time) shortly after meeting Damon, “ I’m speaking this into existence, I’ll marry Damon Hill in the Summer of 2018 in my parents backyard.” And that’s what they did - how wild is that?
