An Intimate, Nature-Inspired Celebration at Sparks Lake in Oregon

Gabby and Amber ventured to the breathtaking setting of Sparks Lake in Oregon to exchange their vows.

When Gabby and Amber first crossed paths, their connection was instant—an encounter that felt more like a scene from a romcom than real life. Amber, running through her usual drive-thru routine at Dutch Bros, never expected her morning coffee run would introduce her to the love of her life. Gabby, the barista taking her order, took the leap and discreetly scribbled her phone number on Amber’s cup. A quick exchange of glances, a smile, and later that evening, Amber found herself texting Gabby. The conversation lasted until the early hours of the morning, and from that moment, they were inseparable.

Their proposal, much like their love story, was a picture-perfect moment. On a trip to Kauai, Hawaii, the couple spent a day exploring the island, ending with a sunset photoshoot at Tunnels Beach. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Amber got down on one knee and asked Gabby to marry her, with a local photographer capturing every beautiful moment. It was intimate, meaningful, and a reflection of their deep bond.

Fast forward to June 12, 2024, when they said their vows in front of just 19 guests at the breathtaking Sparks Lake in Oregon. This is where Gabby and Amber’s story took another beautiful turn, in a place that was a perfect blend of their personalities and passions. “Sparks Lake is something that I had seen in pictures and thought it was exceptionally beautiful. I knew that it was a place that I really wanted to get married,” says Amber. “Gabby loves Smith Rock and wanted to incorporate it in our wedding. We both were able to pick a place that really spoke to us and that we thought was beautiful.”

The Venue: A Love for Nature

“Sparks Lake is something that I had seen in pictures and thought it was exceptionally beautiful. I knew that it was a place that I really wanted to get married,” says Amber. “Gabby loves Smith Rock and wanted to incorporate it in our wedding. We both were able to pick a place that really spoke to us and that we thought was beautiful.”

Their ceremony took place against this awe-inspiring backdrop, with the surrounding landscape becoming an integral part of their day. The mountains, reflected in the still waters of the lake, served as both a natural decoration and a testament to their love of the outdoors. The simplicity of their surroundings highlighted the intimacy of their celebration, allowing their love and the support of their closest friends and family to take center stage.

The Outfits: Classic Meets Contemporary

Gabby and Amber’s attire was a reflection of their individual styles and the timeless, yet modern aesthetic of their day. Amber, staying true to her laid-back and classic vibe, opted for a sand-colored suit paired with a crisp white button-up shirt. For the ceremony, she donned brown Chelsea boots, which gave her look a stylish, but relaxed edge. Later, for the reception, Amber switched into something a little more casual: classic white Air Forces, perfect for dancing the night away.

Gabby’s outfit was all about timeless elegance. She wore a custom-made gown from Anna’s Bridal, a flowing silk dress with intricate lace and pearl detailing. The addition of buttons down the back and a French bustle added a personal touch to the gown, giving it both a classic and contemporary feel. Her look was completed with vintage jewelry, passed down from Amber’s grandmother, a veil she found at Brides for a Cause, and stylish shoes from Shein. The result was a breathtaking ensemble that perfectly complemented Amber’s tailored suit.

Ceremony Design and Details

The ceremony itself was a deeply personal and intimate affair. Gabby and Amber wanted to ensure every aspect of their wedding felt authentic and reflective of their values. They decided early on that they didn’t want a traditional religious ceremony, as it didn’t resonate with them. Instead, Amber took the reins and wrote the officiant script herself, crafting words that highlighted their love, mutual respect, and the journey they’d been on together. Their officiant, Gabby’s best friend Hannah, who is ordained, added a level of closeness that made the ceremony feel even more special.

With the mountains and lake as their backdrop, there was little need for elaborate décor. Their ceremony space was minimal, with a focus on the natural beauty surrounding them. The couple exchanged their vows, with the sound of the lake lapping gently in the background and the mountains standing tall in witness.

Reception Design and Décor

The reception was a reflection of Gabby and Amber’s creativity and personal touch. The couple designed every detail themselves, making the most of DIY elements and thrifting projects to create a space that was both intimate and stylish. Their vision was to incorporate the beauty of Smith Rock while enjoying a cozy, seated dinner with their guests.

The tables were set with rentals from Curated Events, while the couple added their own flair with thrifted candle holders, which they had painted themselves. Each table was adorned with forest green napkins folded elegantly, and decorated with flowers—a nod to the natural setting of the day. The tableware, from the chargers to the glasses, was carefully selected by the couple, including some Amazon finds that were given a personal touch, like the thick brown bows tied around the glassware.

Amber and Gabby also made their own signage, from the bar setup to the guestbook table, incorporating elements that reflected their personalities. One of the standout details was their Up-inspired guestbook, a playful and meaningful nod to their adventurous spirits. They also had a audio guestbook, adding a unique interactive element for their guests to leave them personal messages.

For dinner, Bowtie Catering served a carefully curated tasting menu. Each dish was plated and served to the guests, adding an element of fine dining to the cozy, intimate atmosphere. The couple chose two appetizers and two entrées, followed by a crème brûlée dessert paired with grilled peaches. The meal was a true highlight of the evening, perfectly complementing the intimate and relaxed vibe of the day.

Their wedding cake, baked by Amber’s mom, was another personal touch that made the day feel even more special. As someone who had baked wedding cakes for many family and friends in the past, it was a labor of love that tied the family together in a meaningful way.

The Little Touches

Gabby and Amber’s attention to detail was evident throughout the entire day. Their floral arrangements, created by Flowers by Eryn, were a beautiful mix of white anemones, peonies, Queen Anne’s lace, snapdragons, and fluffy white roses. The couple had thrifted and painted the vases themselves, further personalizing the décor. Amber’s mother-in-law helped create boutonnieres and pocket squares that echoed the floral design, using evergreens, Queen Anne’s lace, and white roses, which also tied into the table napkins that Amber and Gabby designed themselves.

For wedding favors, the couple decided to gift their guests heart-shaped charcuterie boards with utensils—a thoughtful and unique keepsake that reflected their love for food and gatherings.

While their day was small and intimate, the love and care that went into every detail made it feel grand and meaningful. From the corn hole game custom-made by Amber’s best friend to the relaxed playlist played softly on a Bluetooth speaker, every element was designed to create a space where their closest friends and family could enjoy the day to the fullest.

Memorable Moments

When asked about the most memorable moment of the day, Gabby and Amber both agreed that it was the entire experience coming together just as they had envisioned. From the stunning views at Sparks Lake to the thoughtful and personalized details throughout the day, everything felt perfect. They were surrounded by love, laughter, and the people who meant the most to them.

As they danced their first dance to two songs—“2 Much” by Justin Bieber and “Superlove” by Whethan—the couple knew they had created a day that was truly their own. “Everything that we envisioned came to life exactly how we wanted. It was a day we could really enjoy, relax . The views, scenery, food, being around close friends and family made everything feel just amazing and special,” the brides add. Their love story, which began with a coffee cup phone number and continued through a proposal in paradise, had now become an unforgettable wedding day, filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories.

In the end, Gabby and Amber’s wedding was more than just a celebration of their love for each other. It was a testament to the power of authenticity, creativity, and the importance of celebrating love in a way that feels true to who you are. Their journey, from that fateful day in a drive-thru to the shores of Sparks Lake, is one filled with joy, connection, and the kind of love that makes every moment feel like an adventure.

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