Set a Budget

The average cost of a wedding in 2019 was $33,000. You’re probably already aware of how much money you have to work with, but if you don’t know what a realistic wedding budget looks like, ask a professional. Then prioritize in the budget the things that are most important to you. Is it the food, the DJ, the flowers, your dress, or the photos?

Have a Tent

One of the biggest wedding trends in 2021 was open-air or outdoor weddings. However, the weather in the Inland Northwest can be highly unpredictable. I always recommend renting a backup tent at a venue that doesn’t have that option. Tents are also the new ballrooms and can be transformed with elaborate lighting, elegant drapery, and extravagant floral designs. This can be a big expense that you might not consider when looking for a venue.

Hire a Professional

Couples often think they can do everything themselves, or Aunt Sally can help. The truth is that a wedding planner or day-of coordinator has the tools in their toolbox to solve any possible mishap that may happen. They have professional relationships with vendors and will hold those vendors to a different standard than nice Aunt Sally. And they can sort out the music if your DJ gets a flat and can’t make it to the reception.

Choose Your Officiant NOW

I see many couples wait until the last minute to hire their officiant. They are then left choosing someone they don’t have a connection with or convincing their cousin to get ordained so they can get married. Sometimes this works out, but, trust me, not all the time!

Know Your Venue’s Details

Look closely over the contract and see what they do and don’t provide. Often, a cheaper venue won’t provide basic things like tables, chairs, and linens, which can add extra cost to an already tight budget.

Let’s Talk About Vendors

Know beforehand if a venue only allows certain vendors, or if you can choose the ones you want. This can also make a difference in your overall budget or might eliminate access to your favorite caterer. There are a lot of amazing vendors in the Inland Northwest, and a couple should never settle for less. Maybe compromise, but not settle. If, for some reason, you’re not satisfied with a vendor you chose, you have every right to fire them and move on. Feel free to ask all your vendors for referrals before hiring them to do a job. Taste the caterer’s food. Send flowers to your fiancé from the florist. Meet the photographer or get some family photos taken. Not all people are right for every job, for your job, and that’s ok. It may take a little time, but you can build a dream team that will make your wedding dreams a reality.

Choosing the Right Food & Drink

This can be tricky. Do you have an open bar, a buffet, plated meals, appetizers, cocktail hour? A lot of these choices are dictated by your budget, but this can also be one of the most expensive line items. A lot of catering companies have tastings that the bride and groom can attend. If you’re using a local restaurant as your caterer, go there beforehand and have a meal to make sure you love the food.

Setting the Mood with Flowers

I think flowers are an important part of setting the mood and feel of a wedding. Determine how important the design aspect of your wedding is to you, then check out florists’ portfolios before choosing yours. Florists are artists. You can give 10 different florists the same flowers, and each will have a different spin on how to put them together. Costs often vary based on factors like what types of flowers you want, if they are in season, how big you want the arrangements and bouquets, and if you want focal pieces, such as arbors or chandeliers. Sit down and build a dream board that can provide a visual to your chosen florist and fulfill your expectations.

Gifts from Us to You

If you carry on the tradition of giving gifts to your wedding party, make them not only functional but also personal. Buy items that they might wear at the wedding, like a pair of earrings, a watch, a necklace, or an engraved pair of cufflinks. This is something special to commemorate your wedding, and it eliminates them having to buy one more thing.

That One Perfect Shot

There are three moments that I love to witness during a wedding. Number one is the first time a dad sees his daughter. The second is the first look between the bride and groom. The third is the moment when the bride walks down the aisle, and the groom and guests gasp at her pure beauty. If your photographer can capture these moments, the results will be priceless.

Extra, Extra, Extras

I feel like, regardless of your budget, you’re always going to pay for those extras. If you want those extras, save up! 

When it comes down to it, this is your day. Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks, guest, wedding party, or family. Enjoy every moment. It will be over in the blink of an eye. Whether small and intimate or large and elaborate, create a night you will remember.

Some wedding traditions should never change. One of those things is the first dance between the newlywed couple, a special moment shared in the early hours of your new life together set to a song that speaks to the love and connection you share. Then come the father-daughter dance, the mother-son dance, grandma and grandpa getting out onto the dance floor. 

By S. Michal Bennett

But many of us are insecure and hesitant when it comes to dancing, and being put on the spot in such a personal way on one of the most significant days of our adult lives can be rather stressful. LisaMichelle Eigler, Casey Mertens, and Caitlin Applegate, co-owners of Infinite Movement in Spokane, WA, have certainly been there and seen all the missteps and right steps. At their studio, they love dancing, teaching, and putting the right people with the right instructors to make dancing fun and help each person feel comfortable. Their goal is to create an “all-encompassing, positive social dance community through dance education and social events.” And they have all the tools and opportunities to take you and your partner from two-left-feet awkwardness to a confident skill level that will wow your family, friends, and guests. 

“Dancing has always been my way of letting out the stress of the day,” says LisaMichelle, who took her first official dance lesson when she was three years old. “In my former professional life, I needed to be cool, calm, and collected at all times. Dance allowed me to let my hair down and just let the music lead me.”

Casey has been dancing for about seven years. “Watching others connect with their partners and progress together makes me passionate about dancing,” he says. “It’s one thing learning to dance for yourself but being able to show someone else so that they can share in the joy that I experience…that’s why I teach.”

Why Dance Lessons?

Dancing is fun and good for you! Dance and movement relieve stress, connect us to each other and ourselves, and keep us healthy in body, mind, and spirit. Learning to dance or improving your skills can boost your confidence in a multitude of situations and add romance and excitement to your relationship. 

“I started teaching with some lessons at a bar in an attempt to meet new friends,” says Caitlin. “It became a passion when I realized how boring it is going to a bar and just sitting there!” 

You can pretty much dance almost anywhere to any kind of music with anyone else who knows the style you know or knows how to lead or follow. Dance is more than “left foot, right foot, and 5678”. When you realize “I can dance,” you open social and personal doors you never knew existed for you.

What’s the Excuse?

The top three excuses couples make for not taking dance lessons or improving their dancing skills for their special day are 1) “I can’t dance!” 2) “We just don’t have the time.” And 3) “There are so many other details, I just didn’t even think about that.”

It takes years to become a good dancer, and we all have those fears of not being good enough or fast enough when it comes to dancing. But, anyone can dance, and anyone can learn to be better. “We just have to be willing to let go, have fun, not be perfect, and be willing to try again,” says LisaMichelle.

The couple’s first dance is often the first time guests get to see the bride and groom as a wedded couple, and having a good teacher suited to your learning style help you find the best way to express yourselves as a couple can make that moment unforgettable. 

A Little Fun for Everyone

At Infinite Movement, they not only offer private lessons for the bride and groom, but also a group lesson for the bridal party, a 1-hour class and entertainment at your wedding, and DJ and MC services. “We offer the group lessons and other services so that the couple can ensure their dance floor is a party and a great time!” says Caitlin. “We like to keep a crowd engaged, laughing, and moving while not always being in the spotlight.”

Choosing your music can make or break a reception, but when you are working with the people who know you and your dance styles and skills, you can dance the night away with extra confidence. “Your first couple’s dance song should be something you both connect with,” says Casey. “It should be the song you both sing in the car as loudly as possible.” 

Caitlin adds that the playlist for the rest of the night should be upbeat. “Maybe have one slow song for every five faster songs,” she says. A good variety of music will appeal to all the guests and get everyone on their feet at some point throughout the evening.

Ready, Set, Dance

As the day nears and the lessons are behind you, the most important things to remember are that it’s your day, and you should be able to move comfortably together. Yes, practice is important – in the living room, on the patio, in the garage. But your guests don’t know what you’ve planned. The two of you moving as one on the dance floor is all about connection and creating a memory at the start of a new chapter. “Relax and make it fun!” says LisaMichelle. “And hopefully you will have found a new hobby that you can enjoy doing as a couple.” 

To book your first dance lesson, discover a whole new skill set, and join this vibrant social dance community, go to the Infinite Movement website: infinitemovementdancing.com.

Dean and Melissa met in March, 2018 when they both started working at the same Wendy’s. In fact, the first time Dean walked in, he definitely caught Melissa’s attention. Less than a week later, he asked her out, she said yes and “we have been inseparable ever since.” Since then, the Weidert’s story has been filled with challenges they never could have imagined. But this only made them stronger and more passionately committed to each other. 

Melissa had been diagnosed in 2012 with two brain diseases and underwent three brain surgeries in five months. While dating Dean, she was also working two jobs and, as a certified personal trainer who enjoys everything fitness, was preparing to compete in a bodybuilding show. Dean, a maintenance technician who loves to solve problems and work with his hands, dove head-first into this not-so-simple situation, supporting her in every way he could, from cooking and weighing out meals, to laying out her work and gym clothes every morning so that she could get an extra 20 minutes of sleep. They poured themselves into their individual successes and together reached out to help others find their own potential and confidence.

In December, 2018, Dean proposed on the exact spot where he had been standing when Melissa saw him for the first time: in front of the frosty machine at Wendy’s. A month later, Melissa was diagnosed with brain cancer, but that didn’t stop them. “But, we knew we were going to be in for a fight,” she said. They had already started planning their wedding with Patricia Naumoff from Wedding Planning Idaho & Washington (WEDNI), who is also a cancer survivor. When she heard of Melissa’s diagnosis, she introduced them to an amazing team of people who made their dream wedding come to life. “Patricia was the heart of the whole operation,” said Luba Wold, the Weidert’s photographer. The entire community, including Luba and Lavender Manor in Deer Park, WA, donated their time and services, from engagement to wedding, and it all came together within a quick 3-4 months, since Dean and Melissa didn’t know how much time they might have. 

The greatest challenge leading up to the day was Melissa’s health and exhaustion, but when that day came, “I felt great,” recalled Melissa. “We were able to enjoy the biggest moment of our lives pain-free.” Lavender Manor “put their heart and soul into every detail,” she added, “and we were very thankful to know that everything was taken care of. They worked so hard to make sure I had no stress!” The most touching memories of the night were all about the people who celebrated this most important moment with them. From the food to the cake, the photos, the dress, the dancing, and of course the smiles and laughter, it was a perfect night.

“It was an amazing opportunity to be a part of something like that,” said Luba, “It is a rewarding feeling to be in a position to help and make a difference in someone’s life, especially someone so deserving and appreciative of what they received!” 

Dean and Melissa refer to Patricia as “one of a kind” and remain incredibly grateful for all of the WEDNI members who donated time, money and services. “I didn’t give Patricia a lot of exact details as to what I wanted,” said Melissa, “and somehow she captured exactly what we had dreamed of. We wouldn’t have changed a single thing.”

Tyler, a Boise native, and Ali, originally from Vietnam, met at The College of Idaho in Cataldo and fell in love while carpooling through the fall semester and interning at Clearwater Analytics in Boise. Their relationship wasn’t always easy, particularly with two years long distance – Tyler lived in Boise while Ali lived and worked in New York City, NY and then London, UK. But Tyler eventually joined Ali in London where they have lived ever since.

Being from different parts of the world, they knew their engagement and wedding wouldn’t be traditional. Tyler proposed on Ali’s 25th birthday in the cozy, intimate restaurant Pla in Barcelona, Spain, and their THREE ceremonies, first in London, second in Vietnam, culminated in a “destination” wedding at the Coeur d’Alene Resort. Planning a wedding from the UK with an 8-hour time difference is definitely challenging, but all the local Coeur d’Alene vendors “were excellent, thoughtful and did their jobs expertly,” Ali said. “Robin from Red Letter Event Planning took the stress away as we navigated through the wedding planning process.”

Desiring a smaller, more intimate space, Ali and Tyler chose the Lakeview Terrace at the Coeur d’Alene Resort for their ceremony and reception. The glass balcony overlooking the lake was perfect for their afternoon ceremony, dinner and rooftop glow-stick dance party reception. “But umbrellas are an absolute must,” the couple advised, “as it can get very warm on a clear, sunny summer day.” And although the views were spectacular, it also meant being interrupted by loud foghorns during the ceremony.

Although most of Tyler’s family were already in Idaho, Ali’s parents, sister and nieces flew from Vietnam for the special day. Family and close friendships were at the heart of the celebration, so the couple built in plenty of time before the ceremony for group portraits on the boardwalk and around the resort. “This took pressure off the ceremony and reception so that the couple could really enjoy themselves,” said Danell from La Belle Bella Photography, who met the couple in London before relocating herself to North Idaho. “Both the engagement session and the wedding day were fantastic,” the Deroins said.

As they stood under the brilliant blue sky on that day, listening to each other’s vows surrounded by family and dear friends and overlooking Coeur d’Alene Lake, they knew they would never forget this special and moving experience.

“We are fans of her style, overall aesthetic, and felt that her bright, joyful and classic photography fit perfectly with what we had envisioned for our wedding.”

Sarah Tsou doesn’t like weddings. “I don’t understand why people get offended when they aren’t invited to a wedding,” she said, “because I’m always relieved.” When it came time to plan her own wedding, she tried as hard as she could to eliminate all the things she didn’t like about weddings. And, according to photographer Jerome Pollos, she pulled off “the biggest small wedding I’ve ever been a part of.”

Eric, a graphic designer, and Sarah, a middle school teacher, naturally don’t fit into people’s expectations. They met through Eric’s brother, and began emailing each other before meeting in person. Their six years of dating caused some frustration with Sarah’s family, but Eric takes his time with the important things and Sarah knew he was the best for her. “He’s a very calm, loving person,” she said. “I’m fierce, fiery and in your face. I get him to do things a bit faster, and he makes me stop and think about it and not just jump in. That’s what I love about our relationship.”

Eric proposed on their 6th dating anniversary, and they got married on their 7th so they only had to remember one date. Since Sarah has a big family, and Eric is from a large Chinese family, they knew they would have to be judicious in choosing where to have the ceremony and who to invite. They took the money they could have spent on 200 dinners and spent the same amount on an excellent dinner for 20. 

When thinking “small” and “custom,” Sarah and her wedding planner Jessica English from Red Letter Events struggled to find the right venue. They finally settled on the deck at the Hayden Lake Country Club, an intimate space overlooking the water that could be set up for the ceremony in the afternoon and then swapped out for dinner as the sun set. Sarah’s parents did have to join the club in order to book the wedding, and the extensive transition of the space from ceremony to dining room was an extra expense, but the boat cruise on Hayden Lake during the switch and the fireworks over the water after dinner made every struggle worth it.

Through every detail, roadblock and decision, Sarah was thankful that she had two wedding planners – Jessica and the planner from the country club. She had someone who worked for the club on her team, and even if she hadn’t had Jessica, she still would have had a planner there on the day. She also said, “I would hire Jerome a thousand times over!” and is now working with him to take her pregnancy pictures and hopefully baby pictures next year. 

In December, 2019, her father passed away. But he was able to attend her wedding in 2018, as well as her twin sister’s wedding in the spring of 2019. “We are both daddy’s girls,” she said. “I just keep looking back at that night and am very, very grateful that he was there with us.”

Are you considering planning your wedding far from the familiarity of home in an all-inclusive, fairytale location? A destination wedding can often save you time and money, reduce stress, and experience an “exotic” locale you have always wanted to visit.

By S. Michal Bennett

When you think of a destination wedding, you probably envision warm, sunny locations with ocean beaches, verdant jungles, and plenty of fresh seafood. But your wedding doesn’t have to be in another country to be a dreamy, one-of-a-kind getaway for you, your wedding party, and your guests. Despite common perception, only a small percentage of destination weddings are booked internationally. “Domestination” weddings – those held in the United States but still away from home – are much more popular. Here are a few reasons why North Idaho could be your ideal destination wedding spot. And check out three of our top domestination picks.

Gorgeous Scenery

Our lake beaches may not be covered in white sand, but we have plenty of them, both private and public. From Lake Coeur d’Alene to Hayden Lake, Pend Oreille, Priest, and all the little lakes in between, there are plenty of water and beach activities for everyone. 

Nestled along the Coeur d’Alene Mountains, part of the Rock Mountains, northern Idaho boasts some of the most exquisite mountain and forest vistas in the country. There are numerous retreats, resorts, family ranches, and unique stays set in these picturesque locales offering opulent amenities surrounded by rustic views and uncommon recreation. 

One unique way to incorporate the graceful scenery of Lake Coeur d’Alene into your wedding is to book a Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruise Boat wedding package at the Coeur d’Alene Resort. “Our cruise boats are an amazing way to take in all of Coeur d’Alene’s beauty,” says Cally King, Director of Marketing at Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises. “You can decorate the boats beautifully or let the beautiful scene of Lake Coeur d’Alene be your backdrop.” 

Beautiful Weather, Year-Round

North Idaho has four distinctive seasons. So, whether you want to say your vows on a sunny beach, on the pristine turf of a golf course, at the edge of a vineyard, or in a snowy glen surrounded by massive pine trees, there’s a spot here for you.

Spring and fall, with a smattering of sunny days coupled with cool nights, are my favorite seasons. They are also the most unpredictable when it comes to weather. Not a problem. There are plenty of venues that will take care of all the details while still offering stunning views from inside. 

You may think of a ski resort as a winter destination, but Schweitzer Mountain, the largest ski resort in Idaho and Washington, boasts 2900 acres of terrain and incredibly stunning mountain and Lake Pend Oreille views that are the perfect backdrop for a romantic wedding, regardless of the season. “Summer is an ideal time to host your wedding at Schweitzer,” says Cassandra Koszarek, Group Sales Specialist. “All the amenities that make Schweitzer a great winter destination are available for guests to enjoy throughout the summer, in addition to activities such as horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, rock wall climbing, fishing, chair lift rides, and more!” Plus, the cool mountain air offers a welcome respite from the summer heat.

All-Inclusive

What does all-inclusive mean to you? All your meals catered? Exceptional yet affordable accommodations? Shopping and fun activities for adults and kids? Personalized care and customizable options? Immersive experiences? The décor, music, flowers, and schedule you dream of?

A strong agricultural region, the Inland Northwest offers a diverse range of cuisines, from local and international to elegant, unique, traditional, and award-winning. Accommodations and activities range from city-centered to mountain top, lakeside, and lush sylvan. Wedding packages at destination venues often mean that you have all-day access to your ceremony and reception rooms for extended celebrating with your wedding party and guests, who are also probably housed just down the hall. In addition, you have a dedicated coordinator and team of people whose sole purpose is to make your dream wedding happen. You visualize it. They realize it. 

“There was not one hair out of place with the whole process!” These are the words of Jason and Brandon who worked with Claudia Graham and her team at the Coeur d’Alene Casino to conceive and execute their dream destination wedding. “We are a destination 30 minutes from nowhere that welcomes you home and accommodates any needs you have,” says Claudia. “We are there for you.” 

Intimate, Romantic, Personalized Experiences

Transition easily from wedding to honeymoon while creating intimate moments. Whether in the magnificent outdoors or the coziness of your room or suite, North Idaho is the perfect setting for making memories that will last a lifetime.

For example, Schweitzer Mountain’s fully licensed beer, wine, and liquor service over the entire mountain provides an incredible opportunity to add an intimate or festive experience to your wedding day. “Our sit and sip chairlift champagne service,” says Cassandra, “provides guests with bubbly refreshment as they take in the views on the breathtaking ride up the Great Escape chairlift.” As the bride and groom, you can also craft your own signature wedding cocktail to be served as guests arrive at your ceremony. 

Something for Everyone

The communities of North Idaho are serious about their recreation, regardless of the season. There’s always something to do or experience: roller coasters and zip lines, boat cruises and water sports, bike rentals and Segway tours, hot springs and snow sports, hiking, swimming, snowshoeing, diving, and oh so much more. 

Our Top Destination Picks:

Written and photographed by: Luba Wold

Planning a wedding is an exciting time! As thrilling as the time can be, it can also bring some worries and anxiety with having to make all these decisions, and hoping you made the right one.

One of the most important decisions you will have to make is choosing your wedding photographer. Why? Well, the number one reason is that the story of your wedding day will be preserved in the images your photographer will be capturing. When your fairy-tale day is over, the wedding cake is gone, and the flowers fade, what are you going to look at to recreate the feelings, the atmosphere, the excitement, and the joy of your wedding day? A single image can bring back all those emotions.

The other reason is that photographers work with you and your guests all day, and it is important to choose a person that you feel comfortable with. And if you promised your uncle to let him photograph your wedding, make sure to ask him the questions you would ask any other photographer.

The decision won’t be hard to make if you do your homework. Here are 10 characteristics you should look for in your wedding photographer before making a decision:

1. Experience. This is invaluable for you to know! You cannot repeat the day! So, you want to make sure that the photographer you are about to hire has photographed a wedding or two before they experiment with yours. Believe it or not, many photographers DO NOT photograph weddings. They know that a wedding puts a lot of responsibility and pressure on a photographer. One has to be on one’s toes at all times, have good people skills and patience, and be well prepared. Experienced photographers will help you to visualize your day and plan things accordingly. They can also be very helpful in recommending other good professionals for your wedding.

2. Backup Equipment. Since you have one shot at this, it is imperative for you to have peace of mind, knowing that your photographer is well prepared and has backup equipment: extra camera, extra flash, etc. Hopefully, they have more than just an iPhone to start with.

3. Backup plan. None of us is invincible. Anything can happen. Ask your photographer if they have a backup photographer in case of illness or other emergency.

4. Personality. Just as you should not book a venue without seeing it, you should not hire a photographer without meeting them in person. You want to feel a connection with that person and know that he or she will add more fun and comfort to your day, not stress. Do you feel their passion for what they do and what they will do for you?

5. Communication skills. Normally you find out about a person’s communication skills, or lack thereof, after you have already hired them. So, pay attention to how long it takes any wedding vendor to get back to you. It should not take any longer than 24 hours.

6. Flexibility. You want to get a feel for how accommodating your photographer can be (within reasons, obviously). Are they willing to customize their set packages for you? Do they offer payment options? Are they willing to go to a special location for your Engagement session?

7. Artistry and Quality. What sets a good photographer apart from a picture-taker is their photography art. Today we expect more out of a photographer than just a disc of digital images. Make sure to see the final product in person. The images can look good on a website, but do they hold their quality on canvas or in wedding storybooks? Remember, your wedding book is your Family Heirloom; it should stand the test of time.

8. Online image viewing and mobile sharing. In today’s mobile society, it is important for us to see and especially share our images using our phones. Make sure your photographer offers a convenient method of sharing your wedding images. Your bridal party will be the first who would want to see your wedding pictures!

9. Testimonials. There is no better way of learning about the photographer you are about to hire than hearing testimonials from people who have had experience with that person. Make sure to check references or read testimonials.

10. Value. When you see a photographer’s work and evaluate what they are offering to create for you, do you feel that what you see is worth the investment? Remember, you get what you pay for and you cannot recreate that special day!

Make sure to interview more than one photographer in person. Take the time, it will be worth the investment. Consultations are normally free. I’d be happy to meet with you and go over your plans for your wedding day photography, answer all your questions, and help you in any way whether you consider hiring Photography By Luba or not. I’ve been photographing weddings for over 12 years and I am just happy to be sharing my knowledge.

www.photographybyluba.com