Real Weddings Wednesday: Sara & Lee's Lakeside Rescue Ranch Wedding

Longtime readers of Real Weddings know we’re suckers for a love story with heart (not to mention weddings that include the couples’ fur babies)—and this one has it in spades. I’ve admired The Asher House and its mission of rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming, and lifelong sanctuary for animals in need for a long time now, so when this wedding submission landed in my inbox, I might have let out a small squeal of excitement. To say I’m honored to share Sara and Lee’s wedding with you is an understatement.

Sara Jane Moore and Lee Asher said “I do” surrounded by more than 100 of their closest friends and family, overlooking the lake on the Salem, Oregon property where Lee runs his animal rescue and sanctuary, The Asher House. It’s fitting that the ceremony was built around their shared love of animals—and it made for one of the most memorable entrances we’ve seen: Sara arrived on horseback, awing the crowd before the couple exchanged vows in a beautiful, non-denominational ceremony officiated by Mike Brusco, a Board Member of The Asher House. Lee wore a yarmulke as a nod to his Jewish heritage, adding a personal touch to a day centered entirely on love—for each other, and for the animals they’ve committed their lives to caring for.

From there, the celebration carried that same warmth into the reception, with heartfelt toasts (including an unforgettable rendition of “Sunrise, Sunset” from Lee’s mom, Karen), dancing under the stars, and plenty of good food and desserts to go around. It’s a wedding that proves the best days don’t need to be picture-perfect to be exactly right—just full of the people, and the animals, you love most.

We’re delighted to share their wedding with you!

HOW DID YOU MEET? HOW/WHEN DID YOU BECOME ENGAGED?
Nothing dramatic just a modern love story of meeting online and falling in love over animals and great food.

WHILE PLANNING THE WEDDING, WAS THERE ANYTHING IN PARTICULAR YOU KNEW YOU WANTED FOR THE DAY? DID YOU HAVE EXPECTATIONS?
I knew I wanted to surprise Lee by riding in on our rescue horse, Romeo. It took months of training and practicing with him to make sure he was comfortable and safe.

WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE OF WEDDING PLANNING?
The biggest challenge was making sure we weren’t forgetting anything. The checklist never stopped growing! We were literally ordering things the day before and things were still showing up after the big day.

ANY MEMORABLE MOMENTS FROM YOUR RECEPTION? TOASTS? FUN DANCES? PERFORMANCES?
It was so amazing having all of our favorite people all in one place. All the speeches were very emotional and touching but nothing compared to Lee’s mom, Karen, performing an incredible rendition of “Sunrise, Sunset.” It was truly unforgettable and one of the best parts of the night!

ANY FUNNY OR UNEXPECTED WEDDING MOMENTS THAT HAPPENED THROUGHOUT THE DAY?
Unfortunately half of the desserts were sacrificed to Rain our Dalmatian who chose to bypass the dessert table security and make her way on to the table to inhale a couple donuts with absolutely no regrets. Fortunately our wedding cake was untouched and we got to have a private cake cutting for just us later.

WHAT WAS THE BEST PART OF YOUR DAY?
I think I can speak for both of us when saying our favorite part was the entire day. The weather leading up to the day was less than ideal and was blowing away half the decorations during the rehearsal the night before. But right at the time we needed to put stuff out it just stopped. Everything stopped and it was perfect. Not too hot; not too cold. The clouds parted; the sun came out. The sunset was beautiful and we danced under the stars. Everything worked out the exact way it was supposed to surrounded by all of the people we love the most.

ANY VENDORS YOU’D LIKE TO RAVE ABOUT?
Our food vendors Cascadia Pizza Co. and Don Chuy’s Tacos have some of the best food in Salem and they are the nicest people! I think Sewell Sweets might make the best desserts in the entire world. We go there weekly to pick up some treats because we are that obsessed!

WHAT TIPS OR ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO COUPLES PLANNING THEIR WEDDING TODAY?
I would have to say take your time and plan time to just be present. I felt like the day went by so quickly and I wish I would’ve planned time to just sit and take it all in.