Oregon’s many rivers and lakes not only make beautiful summer wedding settings, but more and more fearless couples are taking to the water—yes, white dress and all—at sites along the Santiam River, McKenzie River, Lake Oswego and more. “We kayak, so Bridal Veil Lakes really sung to us,” explains recent bride Stephanie Rayburn-Tillson. “My husband [Alex] immediately said we had to do something with their canoes, so we decided to use them as part of the processional.” At their July 20, 2010, wedding in the Gorge, the moms and bridesmaids rowed their way across the pond to the meadow ceremony site before Stephanie and her father floated along to strains of the “Wedding March” in a flower-strewn canoe using a special wood oar that Alex’s family had branded with everyone’s initials. After “I Do’s,” the newlyweds made their grand entrance at the dock on the other side. “It was just a nice moment to be alone and chat in such a beautiful setting,” says Stephanie. Some guests even went out for a splash during the reception! Talk about staying cool.
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