Antoinette + Matthew

(August 27, 2022 in Mead, WA)

In this blog post, our real bride Antoinette shares her experience with wedding dress shopping and planning, which ended up being a comfortable and calm process. The couple decided to have an intimate wedding with immediate family and grandparents at Vista House in Mt. Spokane State Park, and focused on working with local vendors. On the day of the wedding, they felt relaxed and enjoyed a wonderful meal with their families at Clinkerdagger, followed by a stay at the Coeur D'Alene Resort. Their advice to future brides is to be true to themselves and do what makes them comfortable and happy, despite the many opinions they may encounter.

By our real bride, Antoinette:

How was wedding dress shopping and wedding planning for you? What was your vision?

I was extremely nervous to try on wedding dresses and it ended up being one of the most comfortable and calm parts of wedding planning. We knew that we wanted to get married either at a National Park or State Park. What we had trouble deciding was how large we would make the wedding. We ended up agreeing that we wanted an intimate wedding of immediate family and grandparents which led us to the Vista House at Mt. Spokane State Park. In terms of our vendors, we really wanted to include local businesses which led us to so many great people.

How did it go the day-of?

I was so happy because the entire day felt relaxing and calm. Since we decided on a smaller wedding we didn't need to do any last minute planning. I got ready slowly at my house with my family before driving up for our wedding at 5 o’clock in the evening. After the wedding, our families met at Clinkerdagger for a wonderful meal with AMAZING staff. Afterwards we headed to the Coeur D'Alene Resort for the next two nights.

What would be your advice to future brides?

You are going to get a lot of advice about what people think you should and shouldn't do on your wedding day — be true to yourself and do what makes you comfortable and happy.

Gown: Nell from the Honest in Ivory Private Collection

Veil: Katie by Sara Gabriel Designs

Photos: Jenn Bess

Cake: Sweet Frostings

Flowers: Rose and Blossom

Dinner: Clinkerdagger

Hair & Makeup: Maxine Soule