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In the era of social distancing, here at BLUSH we’re loving the resurgence of romantic elopements. People getting back to the root of what marriage is all about - committing to your beloved. There’s something utterly whimsical about picking a stunning, remote destination to say I DO - no muss, no fuss -- just love.

That’s why we can’t get enough of Kiersten and Zach’s boho chic lakeside elopement in Bend, Oregon. These two high school sweethearts wanted to have their nuptials in a stunning natural landscape and picked Sparks Lake for its mountain, forest and lake vistas - the most magical backdrop for photos. 

Congrats, Kiersten and Zach, what a beautiful wedding ceremony! Read on for more details of this stunning au natural wedding ceremony:

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The Couple’s Names

Kiersten and Zach Barnes

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Wedding Date
 Friday, September 04, 2020

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Where are each of you from? How did you meet?
Zach and I both grew up in central Florida in the same city. We actually went to the same middle school but we didn't really meet each other until high school. We started dating during our senior year after passing each other in the halls for a few weeks.

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How long were you in a relationship before you got engaged and married?
We started dating in 2010, so we were together for 8 years by the time we got engaged and now we are married after 10 years together. 

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Where did your wedding take place?
We got married at Sparks Lake near Bend, Oregon.

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Why did you choose your venue? 
We knew that we wanted to elope somewhere outdoors and we had our hearts set on travelling to the Pacific Northwest. We finally settled on going to Oregon because of the beautiful landscape and as soon as we saw Sparks Lake online we knew it was the place. We had a gorgeous view of mountains, forest, and the lake. Since we live in Florida, we actually didn't see the lake in person until just a few days before our wedding.

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How many guests attended your wedding?
None! It was just us and our amazing photographer, Tori @victoriacarlsonphoto

We wanted to focus on just us in the stunning natural landscape!

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What was your wedding color palette?
Natural colors for his outfit and my accessories, including blue and warm rust colors.

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What kind of music was playing? Did you have a playlist?
We didn't play music - we just enjoyed the sound of being in nature.

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What dress did you wear ?
I wore a custom ivory lace dress with an open back by BlushFashion. I also added a rose gold belt with a floral design.

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What shoes did you wear ?
I wore nude leather flats with an ankle straps. I needed something stable and comfortable to walk around the lake.

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What did your partner wear?
Zach wore a custom navy suit with a classic white shirt and a grey tie.

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What flowers were in your bouquet? Feel free to add your florist’s link here :)

My bouquet had gorgeous dahlias that were a mix of yellow and peach, peach carnations, rust mums, and eucalyptus.

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Did you make anything DIY?
I made my bouquet and Zach's boutonniere with flowers from Trader Joe's!

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What is your favorite memory from that day? (I know, it’s hard to pick just one!)
My favorite memory was when we read our vows to each other. We wanted the experience to be private and personal so we did not have an officiant. We wrote personal vows to each other in a book and then we agreed on some shared vows as well. Our photographer set us up on a little piece of land that jutted out into the water and it was so serene. We took turns reading our vows to each other and then exchanged rings. That moment was really intimate and it felt like we were completely alone. It was absolutely perfect.

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What is one thing you wish you would have known when planning your wedding?
I wish I knew more about amazing online stores for everything wedding. I was hesitant to order such important items online because I wanted to see everything in person. I ended up ordering my dress, our wedding bands, and the belt for my dress all online and I loved everything. Just read reviews and check the online stores' return policies if you are worried and then go for it!

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What is your number one tip for building a happy relationship?
Prioritize your partner. We are best friends and each other's number one supporter. We set aside quality time to just be together so we stay connected.

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Where did you go on your honeymoon? (or planning to go)
We stayed near Bend, Oregon for a bit and then travelled to the Oregon coast and mountains in Washington.

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