Katie + Steve

How They Chose Ranch at the Canyons

They were charmed by Bend’s walkable downtown as a place for their guests to explore, the impressive beer culture and one particularly big rock near a winding river. Katie says, “We were floored by our venue, Ranch at the Canyons in Terrebonne. From the moment we first visited and explored the grounds — right next to Smith Rock and the Crooked River — we knew it was a one-of-a-kind place and a perfect location for our wedding day.” Understandably so. Ranch at the Canyons is Central Oregon showing off its very best; it’s a private resort-lifestyle community that allows only a few weddings each year.

After securing the venue, Katie started hunting down vendors, taking advantage of social media, or as she says, “stalking them on Instagram.” But it was working with local wedding planner Abby Elvebak, owner of ae creative that brought all the pieces together. Katie and Steve flew into town to meet ae creative on a snowy January day. Abby recalls it was music that sealed the deal, “On Saturday morning, Steve and Katie walked to meet us at our studio, with coffee in hand. I drove them to the venue and got to know them better along the way. Katie pointed out a Spice Girls CD in my car and from then on I think we knew we were a good match.”

Abby encouraged the pair to go local with vendors; she says, ”Katie and Steve were considering hiring some companies from outside of the area but we provided a list of local businesses that fit their style and wants perfectly.” The pair listened to her suggestion and met with local vendors during their weekend trip; Steve says, “We really liked vendors who took the time to learn about us and our story, and who told us a bit about themselves. After all, we figured we’d be there together on the big day, so we should know each other!”

The stunning setting and elegant venue provided more than just a backdrop for the festivities. As wedding photographer Victoria Carlson says, “Shooting in Central Oregon is such a joy; the area has the most stunning venues, vistas and landscapes. Steve and Katie’s celebration was the perfect match for the dramatic, organic Smith Rock locale. They made the setting come alive — or even more alive — in a way that seemed to captivate even the most well-traveled guests!”