Nicole + Geoff
From the very beginning, working with Nicole and Geoff on their special day was an absolute dream come true! The couple, their families, and their wedding guests were some of the kindest people ever and truly fun to be around - the type of clients that us planners always hope for! With memories together in Bend so dear to their hearts, it was a no-brainer for Nicole and Geoff to choose River Run Lodge as their venue. It’s a gorgeous space at Eagle Crest Resort tucked in the forest of juniper trees, with a grand stone fireplace running all the way up to the ceiling and sprawling wood deck overlooking the majestic Deschutes River.
The white walls and wood accents of River Run provided the perfect canvas to play with our design vision. We wanted to enhance the natural forested background and architecture of the lodge, but we couldn’t go without some color, either! The space was filled with sunflowers (Nicole’s favorite!), pops of blue found in everything from the florals, to the guestbook, to the vintage goblets, and greenery garlands adorning long rows of wood tables rented from Heirloom and Co. The glow of candles and string lights were the perfect finishing touches, creating a warm and inviting feel inside and out. My favorite spot (though it’s hard to choose!) might just be the draped ceremony arch on the edge of the deck that The Posie Shoppe brought to life with gorgeous accent florals.
Before the ceremony, Nicole and Geoff shared the sweetest first look together captured by Danielle Gillett. Then when it was time for the ceremony, guests found their seats on the shaded deck. And it was the sweetest family affair! The officiant was Geoff’s father, and Geoff’s mom stood by his side as “best man.” Nicole’s “bridesmaids” were her two brothers. After the flower girls, Nicole was walked down the aisle by her father, with her mother right behind carrying the beautiful train of her delicate lace dress. Geoff’s dad delivered a beautiful ceremony, and after a three and a half year engagement, Nicole and Geoff were finally united as husband and wife! During cocktail hour, guests munched on passed appetizers of pulled pork sliders and brie & apricot pastry bites. At the bar, they could choose from his or hers signature drinks and grab cocktail napkins featuring Nicole and Geoff’s puppy and cat!
When guests found their seats for dinner, they were greeted by thank you notes from Geoff and Nicole. And after a delicious buffet dinner, the family toasted the couple into married life! I am still dreaming about the dessert table from Crumb Cakery, with the cutest cutting cake ever surrounded by trays and trays of delicious cupcakes! After some dancing and fun in the photo booth (even a family friend’s beloved dog snuck in for a photo!), Nicole changed into her second dress before some gorgeous sunset photos on the river.
The night then finished with the group linking arms for a final dance and winded down with everyone enjoying the warm summer night, the venue’s spectacular views, and each other’s company. The biggest congratulations to you Nicole and Geoff! You are the best of the best, and deserve all the joy and happiness life will bring you. I can’t thank you enough for allowing me to be a part of your wedding day!
XOXO, Emily
Coordinator: Emily | Cake: Crumb Cakery | Caterer: Bowtie Catering Co. | DJ & Sound: Bend Event Sound | Florist: The Posie Shoppe | Hair and Makeup: Pure Elegance Artistry | Lighting: Illuminate Your Night | Photo Booth: Adventure Box Photo Booth | Photography: Danielle Gillett Photography | Rentals: Heirloom and Co, West Coast Event Productions | Venue and Bar: River Run Lodge