Sammy + Justin
(September 19, 2020 in Spokane, WA)
In this blog post, the writer shares their vision for their wedding and how they adapted to changing circumstances due to gathering restrictions. They also reflect on their experience on the day of the wedding, and share their number one tip for future brides: to try their hardest not to stress about plans changing and to trust that the day will be exactly as it was meant to be. So if you're planning your own wedding, take a deep breath, embrace the journey, and trust that everything will fall into place!
Sammy looked stunning in our Maven gown by Alyssa Kristin. This dress is made of the highest quality crepe material. It is a beautiful sheath fit with a gorgeous v-neckline and thick straps. A v-shape in the back and a train complete the elegant simplicity of this gown.
By our real bride, Sammy:
What was the vision for your wedding?
My vision for the wedding was neutrals and lots of greenery. I am all about minimal decorations -- long natural wood farm tables with just a garland and some simple black metal candle sticks! Besides the decor, my dream was to have the wedding at a church and the reception on the lake. We had originally planned a 300+ person wedding with the reception set to be at a lodge on Liberty Lake, where I grew up, however with gathering restrictions during the summer we had to make some major adjustments. Luckily my parents still live in the same house I grew up in right on the lake, and with the reduced guest list we were able to have the reception at their house! While it was extremely difficult for Justin and me to come to terms with the fact that some of our closest family members and friends wouldn't be able to attend our wedding, the small group ended up being so so special. We had a plan, but God had a better one!
As for vendors I knew early on that the photographer was the most important to me. I took a deep dive into Instagram and came across the page of our AMAZING photographer and now friend, Daria Magazzu. Her photos were exactly what I wanted -- light and airy with a clear editing style, but also so natural in color. She lives in Phili, but thankfully was up for traveling and available for our day!
For catering, we had a family friend who got married earlier in the summer and recommend Tony, owner of Las Chavelas in CDA. We were impressed by the fresh tacos we had at our tasting, and we quickly connected with Tony. We also loved supporting a small family business during this crazy time, so booking Las Chavelas was a no-brainer. Justins parents bought the drinks at Costco, and my dad bought individual snack packs for guests to munch on before dinner.
I actually had planned on making my bridesmaids bouquets myself, and realized at the last minute that I did not have the time or the skill to pull that off! Enter Amanda, founder of House of Found florals. She was SO sweet and willing to work with me despite my short timeline and limited budget. The bouquets looked stunning and it was such a relief not to have to scramble to create them myself.
We did the rest of the coordinating and decorating on our own, with tons of help from family and friends. My mom and sister-in-law made the garlands from branches of Russian Olive Trees we have all over Spokane, and we used the girls bouquets in vases for the reception!
How did it go the day-of?
The day of the wedding was absolutely perfect! In the days leading up to the wedding the area was filled with smoke from nearby forest fires, but God gave us rain in the night and we woke up to a clear day the morning of the wedding. I did my own hair and makeup and got ready at home with my mom and sister-in-law, and then met my bridesmaids at my maid of honor's family house for final touches and getting-ready photos. The boys got ready in the banquet hall of the church and we all met at a beautiful spot on the Spokane River just minutes from the church to do our first look and bridal party photos. I am so thankful we chose to do a first look before the ceremony--all my nerves went away once I saw Justin, and the rest of the day was just pure excitement! After photos, we went to the church and had the sweetest intimate ceremony. We then took family photos at the church, and our portrait photos on the forest road and dock at my parents house. Finally, everyone met us back at the lake house to celebrate! Cocktail hour with a playlist full of Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and Etta James (basically allllll the romantic oldies), followed by dinner and toasts and then dancing on the lakeside lawn. One of my very favorite moments of the night was at dinner when my dad orchestrated the entire group singing along to Thats Amore (a Nania family tradition) complete with printed lyrics for each guest! Justin and I ended up being so thankful that because of the small group, we had the opportunity to truly enjoy our time with each loved one who was able to be there. All in all, it was the most perfect day from start to finish!
What is your #1 tip to future brides?
Try your hardest not to stress about plans changing and the day not being exactly what you had dreamed up (take it from a 2020 bride!); it will be exactly as it was meant to be.
