Courtney + Justen
(May 22, 2021 in Colbert, WA)
In todays blog post, hear from over very own bride Courtney about her vision for her wedding and how it all came together on the day. This couple wanted a small, casual Western wedding that was budget-conscious and supported local businesses. The couple shares their experience of their backyard wedding at the bride's mom's home in Colbert, WA, complete with an amazing view of Mt. Spokane. From their personal touches, such as homemade beer and a hand-painted watercolor invitation background, to their #1 tip for future brides, this post provides a glimpse into a beautiful and unique wedding day.
Our real bride Courtney was stunning in our Alba gown by Willowby. This beautiful dress is made out of unique crochet lace with fun fringe details. It is a sheath fit and features a beautiful v-neckline as well as an illusion waist. A keyhole back trimmed with fringe and a beautiful train complete this gorgeous gown.
By our real bride, Courtney:
What was the vision for your wedding?
We wanted a small, casual western wedding. So we decided on a backyard wedding at my mom's home in Colbert, WA. She has 5 acres with an amazing view of Mt. Spokane. It was also important to us to use as many small and local business as possible as our vendors. For me it was also important to work with some female makers in the western industry. We wanted to be budget-conscious as well so we tried to keep the as day as simple as possible.
How did it go the day-of?
Our wedding day was awesome! It went fast and slow all at the same time. Justen and I arrived together at the venue. Our rentals were delivered right after we got there and we had lots of family there to help set up. Once everything was set up Justen and I had mimosas and lunch together and then we went to our respective rooms to get ready. It was so nice to not feel rushed and to get to enjoy the morning together.
We did most of our pictures prior to our guests arriving. That included our first look, pictures with our family, and with our horses. As people began to arrive we mingled with our guess and had happy hour before the ceremony. This was so much fun! It was nice to be able to visit with everyone beforehand, introduce people to each other, and take a breath before the ceremony. Once everyone was seated for the ceremony, Justen and I walked to the altar together. My brother did a fantastic job officiating a short but perfect ceremony.
We did a few more pictures then joined everyone for dinner at one long table that was decorated by Spokane Pop Up Picnic. Dinner was catered by Outlaw BBQ and was absolutely delicious. We loved having everyone sitting all together. As we were eating we watched a rain storm come closer and closer. We had just finished dinner when the wind arrived. Our photographer grabbed us for a few more pictures while everyone else grabbed plates, glasses, flowers, and any decor that was outside and brought it into the house. It rained for about 45 minutes so we cut the cake and had dessert inside. After the rain had passed we went outside for a bonfire, drinks, and late night snacks. We stayed up late laughing, joking, and playing yard games.
We had a lot of personal touches that made our day so special: Justen and his friends brew beer so they made two beers for the wedding. We called them I Do IPA and Newlyred smoky red beer. Justens favorite cake is his moms chocolate cake so she made our cake. My favorite dessert is macaroons so we had some of those as well as other desserts made by a dear family friend. I partnered with Prairie Leather Design to make my bouquet wrap. We designed it so that it can be made into a purse later. Justen and I selected all of our flowers together a few days before the wedding at a local wholesale flower distributor. My family then helped make all of the arrangements and I got to make my bouquet and Justens boutonniere. Finally, Justens mom loves to paint so she painted a water color of Mt. Spokane that we used as the background of our invitations and RSVP cards.
What is your #1 tip to future brides?
Do exactly what you want to do! Just because its tradition doesnt mean that you have to do it that way. Want a pink dress? Buy it! Want to get married on a weekday? Go for it! Dont want to have white cake? Pick whatever color you like. Dont want to have a DJ? Dont do it! Its your day and it should be exactly how you and your fiancé want it.
