Nicole + Doug

(September 25, 2021, in Spokane, WA)

Planning a wedding can be a daunting task, but when you have a clear vision of what you want, it can make the process a lot smoother. For one couple, their vision was a modern wedding with a rustic twist. They wanted to be mostly outdoors with lots of greenery and flowers, and they found the perfect venue that could accommodate their guest list and provide all the necessary services. On the day of the wedding, everything went perfectly, with the sun shining and a temperature of 80 degrees. The couple included traditional touches, such as first looks, a ceremony, and a reception full of food, drinks, and dancing. Their favorite moment was when the mother of the groom surprised him by asking him to dance the mother-son dance, as his mother had passed away. The couple's #1 tip for future brides is to soak in every moment and delegate tasks to others so that the bride can focus on being present on her big day.

By our real bride, Nicole:

What was the vision for your wedding?

Modern with a rustic twist! We knew we wanted to be mostly outdoors with lots of greenery and flowers. I had a pretty set vision, one so specific it only took viewing one venue to book it! They were able to accommodate our guest list, provide all the decorations, catering… it was one-stop shopping which is exactly what I wanted!

How did it go the day-of?

The day was absolutely perfect! It was sunny and 80 degrees the last weekend in September.. we couldn’t of dreamt it would have been better! We included a lot of traditional touches…. first looks, ceremony and then a reception full of food, drinks and dancing! Reading each other our own vows was so special — it was fun to see how similar they were to show we share the same values and love the same things about one another! My favorite moment was when my mother surprised my husband by asking him to dance the mother son dance as my husband’s mother had passed away. At the end of the night we had a limo pick us and our entire bridal party up and bring us to The Davenport Grand to keep the party going!

What is your #1 tip to future brides?

SOAK IN EVERY MOMENT! From the morning when you’re starting to get ready, to the sendoff, everything goes so fast! After we signed the marriage license my husband and I took 10 minutes to ourselves to just stop and enjoy what we just experienced together! Also ensure you designate people to pick up and bring the cake, decorations, etc. the day of the wedding. The only thing you as the bride should focus on is being present in each moment of the day!

DRESS: KENDRA BY ESSENSE OF AUSTRALIA

PHOTOGRAPHER: CLAIRE ISRAEL PHOTOGRAPHY

FLORIST: SUE HINES FLORAL

VENUE & CATERING: COMMELLINI ESTATE

MAKEUP: JORDAN PALMER

HAIR: MIRANDA BRITTOS