Kenny and Chris are an adventure-loving couple, so it was only fitting to have their laidback wedding day at Bend’s very own Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort. These two love camping and everything outdoors. They got engaged on a river rafting trip through the Grand Canyon, and every year they head to the desert for Burning Man. They wanted to bring that same festival, dance-party vibe to their wedding day, and we were so down!

Wedding Ceremony Overlooking Broken Top Mountain

When Kenny and Chris reached out to us, they explained that they were looking for comprehensive planning services to turn their vision into reality. They had already selected Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort as their venue, with the goal of bringing all their loved ones together in an epic location to say ‘I do.’ However, since Mt. Bachelor is a “blank slate” that doesn’t often host weddings, they realized that they had their work cut out for them! Thankfully, it wasn’t long before we were brought up to speed and going full steam ahead to create the wedding day of their dreams.

When the big day arrived, the couple and their guests had the Sunrise Lodge base area at the resort all to themselves for the ceremony and reception. The couple exchanged their vows in front of an arbor that Chris made by hand, while their two sweet chocolate labs looked on (including them in the wedding day was an absolute must!). We were in love with all of the incredible florals that Morgan from Blomstra Floriography used to decorate the arbor. Lush greenery wrapped around the top and sides, while clusters of pink and orange roses and dahlias adorned each corner. What’s more, the view of Broken Top Mountain from the ceremony location was unbeatable! We aren’t aware of any other wedding venue with that specific view, so it made that part of the day all the more unique.

Reception at Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort

When the ceremony concluded, everyone rode the chairlift to cocktail hour where panoramic mountain views awaited them! Kenny and Chris had envisioned a cozy setting with boho rugs and lounge seating, and Curated Event Rentals made it happen. Meanwhile, back at Sunrise Lodge, we arranged the decor for the couple’s reception. Each table featured childhood photos of Kenny and Chris, as well as an assortment of vintage goblets and bud vases. Ivory floating candles rounded out the centerpieces for a look that was elegant, yet eclectic.

Kenny and Chris’ families are Norwegian, so it was important to them to have traditional kransekake at their reception. Customarily, newlyweds break the top tier of the cake, and legend has it that the amount of pieces it breaks into is the number of kids they will have! Rows of chocolate ganache and carrot cake cupcakes also lined the dessert table, for a spread that was truly mouthwatering.

More than anything else, this couple wanted their reception to be all about having fun! They own a mini camper which they converted into a photo booth for the occasion, complete with colorful accessories for their guests to throw on. But, the highlight of the evening was the dance party DJ’d by one of their friends. Everyone got changed into onesies and the dance floor was crowded late into the night!

Work with Ponderosa Planning

We were so honored that Kenny and Chris trusted us with bringing their vision to life at Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort. We serve couples in Bend and Central Oregon who believe that staying true to themselves is more important than following traditions. If that sounds like you, then we want to ensure that your wedding day is the magical, stress-free experience you’ve always dreamed of!

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