Emma + Finn
(July 7, 2023 in Spokane, WA)
Welcome back to the Ivory Blog, where we share the stories of our real bride’s gorgeous weddings! In today’s blog post, we get to hear from our real bride Emma all about her chic and classy wedding at Arbor Crest in Spokane, WA. She shares her best advice for future brides and gives us all the details about her magical day. Read on to be inspired!
By our real bride, Emma:
What was the vision for your wedding?
My vision changed here and there, some things were small changes, and a few were bigger. I knew how I wanted it to look in the end though, some things were just harder to execute compared to others. I chose vendors largely based on word of mouth and endless scrolling through their Instagrams. Lots of emails back and forth as well to ensure we were all on the same page. Everyone was so kind and so flexible, especially when I would change my mind at the last minute, which I did a few times! The overall vision was elegant and classy. I knew what my colors would be from the start, all the little details, etc. Some DIY dreams were botched merely because I didn’t have the wherewithal to do it. I would say my wedding day looked very much like my Pinterest board in the end :)
How did it go the day-of?
It was a complete whirlwind. I was told by other brides to make sure that you take in as many moments as you possibly can because they pass by so quickly. And they were so right. My bridesmaids and I booked an Airbnb for a few days to cover rehearsal, the day of, and the day after. We literally started getting ready at 8 am. I had a friend bring us food, and my mom and my MIL came over along with a few other friends. We had hair and makeup there to get us all ready before going to the venue. I realize this part of the day really depends on your venue. We couldn’t arrive until 1 pm so we had to figure out another location to get ready, and this is what worked! It was with all my best friends so it was like one big reunion and we had so much fun. Make sure you delegate tasks to your bridesmaids, mom, day of, etc, this is your day to relax after so much planning!! Sit back and let everyone take care of you!
I didn’t hire a wedding planner, but you MUST get a day-of coordinator. She honestly made the wedding what it was on the day of! We got to the venue at 1 pm, and got ready in the winery “Mansion,” we put on our dresses, and my photographer was there to meet us to start with pictures. We drank rosé and did first looks with bridesmaids, groomsmen, my father, and finally, my future husband, which was so special all around. We got everything done before the ceremony, which I strongly recommend!! We did first looks, bride and groom shots, wedding party, and family, all before we lined up at the aisle, it was so gorgeous. I gave a list of must-have photos to my photographer beforehand which was a big help. As guests came in they got fans for the hot July day with the schedule on it, and signed our guestbook, which was a handmade cornhole set! We were all lined up on time, and then the ceremony began!!
It was a total dream, it was in this beautiful enchanted forest, (literally!) with butterflies tall trees, and ivy, and the floral setup where we stood was breathtaking. Two gold stands with cascading florals on either side of us. We said our written vows in front of everyone and also did some scripture reading and prayer with family. It was so magical, and looking back at the pictures, I knew it looked amazing. Then for the party! We signed our license right after with our officiant, then went to mingle as guests got drinks and appetizers before going into the reception, which was right by the ceremony location. We did super fun entrances for our entire wedding party with us at the end and it was such a hit!
We had our day-of coordinator prepare plates of food from the buffet line at our sweetheart's table so we could eat and mingle as soon as we were done. We did our first dances, and cake cutting with a small cake from a local bakery, and our guests' desserts were mini donuts (a HUGE hit too!) Then, there was SO MUCH dancing!!! We were able to take beautiful golden hour pictures at the vineyard before we hit the dance floor for nearly an hour! Our send-off was around 9:45 and then we were off!! Overall it was such a dream and everything I could have ever asked for and imagined. The venue, the colors, the decor, the people, I kept telling my husband I wanted to do it 100 times over.
What is your #1 tip for future brides?
1. Get a day of coordinator!! It will save your life.
2. Hydrate hydrate hydrate. Do so even 2-3 days before. I 100% should have had more water. (And don’t forget to eat!)
3. Do photos before the ceremony if possible, this helped everything go smoothly, and we were able to mingle with our guests right after the ceremony.
4. Relax and have fun. You only get to do this once!
