Kendra + Matthew
(September 4, 2021 in Whitefish, MT)
The author of the blog post initially envisioned her wedding to be held in a barn with a country theme, but her vision changed to fit the woods where the wedding was held. She found inspiration and vendors for her wedding through Instagram, wedding wire, wedding expos, Google, and even TikTok. Leading up to the wedding day, there were many small hiccups, but the day itself went perfectly, and the author felt like it was a dream. One of the author's favorite things from the wedding was the "If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away" table filled with pictures and items from loved ones who had passed away. The author's number one tip for future brides is to do research, plan, and enjoy being engaged. The author also recommends booking vendors early, asking vendors lots of questions, and keeping in mind that the wedding day only happens once.
Our real bride Kendra looked beautiful in our Essie gown by Essense of Australia. This dress is a gorgeous mermaid fit with lace appliques and a little bit of sequin and beading for a subtle sparkle. The appliques are ivory and the lining of the dress is a beautiful rum color. Side cutouts help accentuate curves and jersey lining ensures comfort all day long. This gown also has delicate beaded straps, an open back with a belt detail, buttons, and a little bit of booty ruching; not to mention the absolutely stunning train.
By our real bride, Kendra:
What was the vision for your wedding?
My vision for our wedding fluctuated SO much in the two years we were engaged. In the beginning, I always imagined the wedding in a barn, with hay, lights, mason jars, etc. I really loved the idea of a country wedding, and by the time it was closer to our big day, the vision quickly changed to fit our venue, which was in the woods, and I am SO HAPPY it did! I always thought that I knew what I wanted on our big day, but every time I would see another wedding, I always said to myself "I LOVE that idea" and always added things to my "list" for the wedding so it made making decisions a little difficult. I truly found a LOT of my ideas, inspiration, vendors from Instagram, wedding wire, wedding expos, Google, and even TikTok! I'm not sure how Matthew and I were so lucky to have had the vendors we did, but we were truly blessed.
How did it go the day-of?
Leading up to our big day, we had SO MANY HICCUPS. Thankfully they were small, but stressful nonetheless. Things from our caterer cancelling on us, COVID outbreaks, not being able to get our marriage license when we tried, unexpected illnesses in the family, etc. The day of the wedding went so perfectly that to this day, it feels like a dream. The weather was warm, no smoke in the air, no wind, everyone was happy... I truly could not imagine a more perfect day. It was filled with so much love and laughter that it truly felt like scene in a movie. I haven't smiled that much in my entire life. I always dreamed about my wedding, but our day was a million times more perfect than I could ever imagine. Matthew and I had the time of our lives with our loved ones, and one of the greatest things we kept hearing all day was how everyone could "feel our love."
One of our most favorite things we did was our "If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away" table that was filled with pictures and items from loved ones that have passed on. Matthew and I are very family oriented, so having that table truly meant the world to us and our venue set up everything so perfectly. When my great grandma passed away when I was younger, there was a candle made with flowers from her funeral. I told myself that I wouldn't burn it until my wedding day, and that's exactly what I did. The candle was burning from ceremony time until the end of the night and I knew she was with us in spirit.. and on my left hand since she gave me her wedding rings that my great grandpa bought for her.
What is your #1 tip to future brides?
DO YOUR RESEARCH. Plan. Enjoy being engaged. Getting engaged was one of the greatest moments in my life, even though the planning was stressful at times! I highly recommend trying to book your vendors as soon as you can so you can get the day you want! Matthew and I had almost all of our vendors booked about a year and a half before our big day! I asked a lot of different vendors questions before we decided to book with them and I highly recommend it! On the big day, one thing that really helped me, was to keep reminding myself that I was getting married to the love of my life. The day went by SO FAST and by taking time and realizing that this day only happens once helped me live in the moment. As stressful as wedding planning was and wanting everything to be perfect, it truly doesn't matter on the big day. All the little things that I was worried about before all went away because I knew that despite the outcome of the day, I would marry my best friend and that's all that mattered to me. Having that mindset helped me relax on the wedding day and I highly recommend it! Also don't feel bad for asking for help :) people are there on your big day because they love you and they want to help you.
