Some weddings just carry a certain energy – joyful, grounded, and full of meaning in every moment. Sierra + Nate’s Black Butte Ranch wedding in Sisters, Oregon was exactly that. From their relaxed morning in the pines to their last dance surrounded by friends and family, the day reflected not just the beauty of Central Oregon, but who they are as a couple.

Getting Ready at the Ranch

The morning began in the getting-ready suites at Black Butte Ranch, with Sierra downstairs alongside her bridesmaids. Laughter filled the room as music played, dresses hung neatly nearby, and her mom helped with the final touches. The excitement was tangible, but so was the calm – the kind of energy that sets the tone for the entire day.

Just upstairs, Nate and his groomsmen got ready together. The atmosphere was lighthearted and fun, full of jokes and anticipation. It was such a sweet detail that they were only a floor apart, each surrounded by their people, both preparing for the moment they’d finally see each other.

A First Look Among the Pines

Before the ceremony, Sierra and Nate chose to share a first look tucked into the tall pines. It was quiet, intentional, and completely theirs. As Nate turned to see Sierra for the first time, the world seemed to pause. Their reactions were full of emotion – tears, laughter, and that undeniable look of two people grounding themselves in each other before the celebration ahead.

A Ceremony with the Mountains

Few venues in Oregon offer a ceremony backdrop as stunning as Black Butte Ranch. That afternoon, the Cascades stood tall behind them – the Three Sisters, Mt. Washington, and of course, Black Butte itself—while the lake sparkled in the sunlight. Guests fell silent as Sierra walked down the aisle, every eye locked on the two of them.

Their vows were heartfelt and real – the kind that made people laugh one moment and tear up the next. With the breeze carrying their words across the lawn, it felt like the landscape itself was part of the celebration.

Portraits Across the Ranch

After the ceremony, we wandered through the ranch’s many landscapes for portraits. From groves of aspen trees to golden meadows and lakeside views, each spot gave us a new way to capture their love story. The way Sierra and Nate laughed together and stole quiet moments for just the two of them made every frame feel effortless and authentic.

Dinner + Dancing Inside the Lodge

Guests gathered inside the lodge for the reception, where long wooden tables were filled with greenery, candles, and family-style plates. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, echoing with laughter as toasts were shared – each one a mix of humor, love, and the kind of stories that only lifelong friends and family can tell.

When it came time for their first dance, Sierra + Nate took to the wooden floor under glowing lights. The music filled the lodge, and soon the dance floor was packed—joy and celebration spilling from every corner of the room.

A Quick Sunset Escape

Just after dinner, Sierra + Nate slipped out for a quick five minutes to catch the sunset. The mountains glowed softly in the distance as the sky shifted into pink and gold, wrapping them in that fleeting Central Oregon magic. They laughed, stole a few quiet kisses, and then looked at each other with the same thought – let’s get back to the party.

It was short and sweet, but so perfectly them. A reminder that sometimes the best portraits aren’t about long sessions or perfect posing, but about capturing the couple exactly as they are – in love, in the moment, and ready to dance!

Dance Party in the Lodge

Once Sierra + Nate returned, the night kicked into high gear. The music filled the lodge as the dance floor packed shoulder to shoulder, friends and family singing, spinning, and celebrating together. The energy was nonstop – the kind of dance party where shoes get kicked off, drinks are raised high, and the joy is impossible to miss.

It wasn’t just a reception, it was a full-on celebration – the best kind of ending to a day already filled with love.

Sierra + Nate Sudfeld’s wedding was the perfect blend of beauty and authenticity. Black Butte Ranch gave them everything they needed: mountain views, peaceful forests, a cozy lodge filled with warmth, and just enough sunset to sneak away before a night of dancing.

Their day was a reflection of exactly who they are – joyful, grounded, and surrounded by love. And it will be remembered not just for the incredible setting, but for the way they lived fully in every moment, from first look to last dance.

Why Black Butte Ranch is a Dream Wedding Venue

Black Butte Ranch is one of the most iconic wedding venues in Sisters, Oregon, offering couples the best of Central Oregon’s beauty in one location. From the pines to the meadows to the mountain views, it’s a venue that feels both elevated and relaxed, giving couples the space to create a wedding that’s true to them. Sierra and Nate Sudfeld’s wedding was a perfect example of just that.

Planning Your Own Black Butte Ranch Wedding?

If you’re dreaming of a wedding at Black Butte Ranch in Sisters, Oregon, I’d love to capture it in a way that feels completely true to you – every laugh, every happy tear, and every dance-floor moment.

Inquire here to start planning your day with me.

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Vendor Team

This incredible day wouldn’t have been possible without such a talented group of vendors:

• Venue: Black Butte Ranch – Sisters, OR
• Planner/Coordinator: Lexy from Amanda Claire & Co
• Photography & Videography: Kiarha Lou Photo + Video
• Florals: Woodland Florals
• Catering: Black Butte Ranch
• Bakery: The Sparrow Bakery
• Makeup: Wren and Wild Clean Beauty
• DJ / Band: Dave from Star Sounds
• Dress: Bella Brides