Ryan & Maggie’s Winter Wedding at Black Butte Ranch
Ryan and Maggie’s winter wedding at Black Butte Ranch was the kind of day that reminds me exactly why I love documenting weddings. It was quiet, emotional, intentional—and filled with moments that felt sacred in the truest sense of the word.
Set in December, their wedding unfolded against a quintessential Central Oregon winter backdrop. Snow dusted the distant mountain peaks, the air outside was crisp and still, and nature felt close even when the temperatures made stepping outdoors nearly impossible. Black Butte Ranch has a way of embracing winter rather than fighting it, and Ryan and Maggie’s day leaned beautifully into that seasonal magic.
The moment that truly defined Ryan and Maggie’s wedding day was their first look.
Ryan stood quietly, visibly emotional as he waited to see Maggie for the first time. There was a stillness to him—anticipation mixed with vulnerability. When Maggie finally approached and Ryan turned around, the emotion in his eyes was immediate and overwhelming. It wasn’t rushed. It wasn’t performative. It was pure love.
These are the moments that make photography so powerful. A first look like this isn’t just about seeing each other—it’s about feeling the weight of the day, the commitment being made, and the depth of the relationship that led them there. Ryan’s expression, filled with awe and tenderness, is something Maggie will be able to return to for the rest of their lives.
Although the frigid temperatures kept everyone indoors, the floor-to-ceiling windows at Black Butte Ranch ensured that the outdoors still played a starring role in the celebration.
As Ryan and Maggie exchanged vows, snow lingered on the mountain tops in the distance, and a soft winter light filtered through the expansive glass walls. One of my favorite unexpected details? A flock of geese resting on the snowy ground just outside the wedding hall, quietly witnessing the ceremony from only a few feet away. It was such a peaceful, almost cinematic detail—nature effortlessly woven into the moment.
Inside, the ceremony space glowed with warm interior lighting, creating a stunning contrast against the cold, muted winter landscape outside. This interplay of warmth and winter made the ceremony feel especially intimate—like the world had slowed down just for them.
Black Butte Ranch is an incredible wedding venue year-round, but it truly shines in winter. The architecture, natural light, and surrounding scenery allow couples to enjoy the beauty of Central Oregon even when the weather keeps guests cozy indoors.
Some of my favorite winter wedding features at Black Butte Ranch include:
Expansive windows that bring the outdoors in
Warm, inviting ceremony and reception spaces
Mountain views that remain breathtaking even under snow
A peaceful, secluded atmosphere perfect for intimate celebrations
Ryan and Maggie planned a wedding that reflected who they are: grounded, thoughtful, and deeply connected. From their emotional first look to their cozy ceremony surrounded by loved ones, every part of the day felt intentional and true.
Their wedding wasn’t about braving the cold or forcing moments—it was about embracing the season, trusting the setting, and allowing space for real emotion to unfold. And that’s where the most powerful photographs live.
If you’re dreaming of a Black Butte Ranch wedding—whether in winter, summer, or any season—I’d love to help document your story in a way that feels honest, timeless, and deeply personal. Central Oregon has a quiet magic to it, and venues like Black Butte Ranch provide the perfect canvas for meaningful celebrations.
Feel free to reach out if you’re planning your wedding and looking for a photographer who values emotion, connection, and storytelling as much as you do.