Ashley + Manu | Long Hollow Ranch

A Micro Wedding with a Western Twist in Central Oregon

Sometimes all you need is a great view, the people who matter most, and a dog who steals the show. Ashley and Manu’s wedding weekend at a working ranch outside Bend was full of exactly that. Just 26 guests. No big production. Just a tight-knit group celebrating love in the high desert.

It was the kind of weekend where everyone actually got to slow down. No rush. No distractions. Just golden light, dusty boots, and a couple who couldn’t stop smiling at each other.

Rows of well-worn boots and shoes lined up on wooden shelves in a rustic storage area showing varied styles and sizes.

The Venue: Where Quiet Meets Charm

Set at the edge of Central Oregon ranch country, this working property, Long Hollow Ranch, delivered all the rustic charm Ashley and Manu were hoping for. Think weathered barns, wide open spaces, and the kind of stillness you can only find when you’re miles from anything else.

Guests spent the days leading up to the wedding horseback riding and soaking in the quiet beauty of the high desert. It wasn’t just a wedding—it was a full retreat from the noise of everyday life.

Final Touches: Relaxed Moments in the Bunkhouse and Ranch House

On the wedding day, Manu shared meaningful gifts with his groomsmen—and with his sister, Marina—inside the Bunkhouse. Ashley had her own surprise in store too: a thoughtful gift for Manu. It's always a treat photographing moments like this where you can tell how appreciative the bride and groom are of their closest friends and family.

In the Ranch House, Ashley slipped into a dress that felt made for this place. Classic, detailed, and beautifully understated, it captured the spirit of the ranch and Ashley’s calm, grounded energy.

Wedding Party Moments: All Love, No Fuss

This group may have been small, but the love between Ashley, Manu, and their people ran deep. We had a blast taking wedding party photos around the ranch—lots of laughs, zero pretense, and the kind of vibe you can’t fake.

Newlywed couple poses with their black German Shepherd dog in front of a rustic wooden fence in a grassy field.

Dog runs playfully through grass with a couple in formal attire during outdoor photo session.

The Ceremony: Simple, Sweet, and Full of Heart

You know it's going to be a good time when a champagne cheers preludes the ceremony. :)

The ceremony was short, intentional, and exactly what Ashley and Manu wanted. No fluff—just meaningful words shared among the people who know them best.

And yes, their dog Iris carried the rings down the aisle like an absolute pro. She lounged peacefully through the ceremony with the best man by her side, stealing hearts left and right.

And just after the ceremony, when emotions were at their peak, a delivery van pulled in—carrying the lost luggage of Manu’s sister, Marina, who had traveled internationally for the big day. It had been missing for four days. As soon as the bag arrived, guests cheered and ran over to celebrate with her. One of those moments you just can’t make up.

Wedding party members gather outdoors to clink champagne glasses in celebration during daytime reception.

A cheerful wedding party in pink bridesmaid dresses poses together outdoors while holding colorful bouquets.

Someone in a flowing blue dress sits playfully near suitcases under a willow tree on a sunny day.

Wedding party members in light pink dresses pose playfully on a rustic wooden porch during an outdoor celebration.

Reception: Personal Touches + Big Laughs

The reception kicked off with one of the most fun seating charts I’ve ever seen: hand-drawn cartoon portraits of every guest, each one matched to a table number. People gathered around the board, laughing, pointing each other out, and figuring out who was who. It was a hit—and one of those creative ideas people immediately said they were going to steal.

Later, in true ranch fashion, Ashley and Manu took part in a branding ceremony. Jenna, Long Hollow’s ranch manager (and a true cowboy), set the whole thing up with her husband. With everyone watching, Ashley and Manu pressed a custom brand into a live-edge slab of oak that they’ll eventually turn into a table. It was personal, symbolic, and honestly just a really cool moment to document.

Dinner came from Bowtie Catering, who showed up with their usual steady confidence. Their team was relaxed, friendly, and totally dialed. The food looked great—and tasted even better.

The evening wrapped with speeches—some hilarious, some emotional—and a lot of love from their people. Every part of the day felt grounded and genuine. Exactly what they wanted.

Sunset Photos & Lasting Thoughts

We slipped away for a quick photo session at sunset. The light was sharp and warm, cutting across the fields and fences. Ashley and Manu didn’t need much direction. They were present, connected, and easy in front of the lens.

Photographing Ashley and Manu’s wedding was truly an honor. From their playful, heartfelt engagement session to this relaxed and meaningful day on the ranch, I’ve loved every part of working with them. I can’t wait to see where life takes these two—wherever it is, I know Iris will be right there with them.