Emily & Jacob are such a sweet couple and I was really happy they chose Benham Falls for their Deschutes River spring engagement session. I love the woodsy feel of this portion of the river trail, and with the light rain falling on the first of April, it was the perfect spot. The session started at the falls and then we headed down river, along the trail. I just love the connection these two have and their never ending snuggles and giggles.

A little rain couldn’t stop these two from smiling!

The mighty Deschutes River is the perfect place to set up a blanket and have some snuggle time with your love!

Emily & Jacob both enjoy the great outdoors and all that Central Oregon has to offer. They love to kayak the many lakes in the region and generally just enjoy exploring new places and being together. Watching them walk hand in hand, stopping every few minutes to kiss and hug makes my heart happy. I truly love working with people who are so in love!

Take my hand and always hold me close.

Neck nuzzles are the best!

Such a cute couple for this Deschutes River spring engagement session!

The tall pines along the Deschutes River are so beautiful!

Emily & Jacob both love to travel and consider themselves foodies. On their one year anniversary trip to Puerto Rico, after a celebratory dinner on the beach and a glass of champagne, Jacob got down on one knee and proposed to Emily! And look at her gorgeous ring!

What a beautiful engagement ring!

As the woods were dark, we decided to head into town for the second half of this Deschutes River spring engagement session, to try and catch some sunlight! 

Emily was really hoping for some sunlight, but the session started out pretty drizzly and overcast. However, the clouds were letting up and I had a feeling they were going to lift a bit and give us a great Central Oregon sunset. We decided to head to Riverbend Park, close to the Old Mill District, along the river. Emily & Jacob live near the park and often take walks in the evening there. They changed outfits, Emily put on her gorgeous spring floral dress, and the sun decided to make an appearance! We headed across the newly renovated bridge spanning the river, to the large rock cliffs.

The clouds were beginning to clear out as we walked across the river towards the red cliffs near the Old Mill District in Bend, OR.

The sun is working hard to burn off those clouds for an evening sunset!

I love these rocks cliffs along the Deschutes River!

Walking back across the river chasing beautiful light.

And just like that, the sun decided to make an appearance, just in time for sunset, that magic hour of light I am always seeking!

So, so happy Emily & Jacob got some beautiful golden hour light!

Views of the Old Mill Smoke Stacks and the Deschutes River running through town are quintessential Bend Oregon.

Love, sweet love.

I had so much fun getting to know Emily & Jacob a bit more through their Deschutes River spring engagement session and I can’t wait for their Aspen Hall wedding in late July!

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Hey, I’m Erica, a Bend Oregon wedding photographer for sentimental, free-spirited and natural couples that love celebrating outdoors! If you are getting married, I would love to chat with you. I have a few openings left for 2017 and I’m now booking 2018 weddings. Drop me a note and let’s set up a coffee or beer date!