W eddings offer couples not only an
opportunity to declare publicly their love
and commitment to each other, but also
to express their unique personality as a couple. Tired of
staid nuptial traditions and seeking a more personalized ceremony, more couples are inventing their own
weddings or adding their own touches. They want the
occasion’s distinctive details to reflect them. Those who plan to tie the knot in the Inland Northwest, Coeur d’Alene or the Walla Walla area have top-notch
resources at their fingertips. They include purveyors of
wedding rings, bridal gowns, and perfect flowers, as well as other talented experts who can help make any
wedding unique. Moreover,
couples will find the region offers a vast array of wedding venues.
the ring and the dress
The ring is often the sign that an engagement is official. Couples who lean toward the nontraditional may want to select a vintage ring. Finders Keepers, on Second Avenue in downtown Spokane, offers wonderful estate jewelry, including wedding rings. Some of the vintage rings that owner Deena Caruso carries are adorned with diamonds and precious gems. Several are consignment pieces. Dodson Jewelers, on Riverside Avenue, is a fourth-generation family-owned store. Its extensive selection includes estate jewelry from several important design periods—Victorian, Art Nouveau, and Mid- Century Modern—as well as contemporary rings. Many of these fine pieces have been passed down through several generations, and if the history associated with a piece is available, Dodson Jewelers includes it. www. finderskeepersboutiques.com, dodsonsjewelers.com
the ring and the dress
 |
| Photo Cred: Green Wedding |
The ring is often the sign that an engagement is official. Couples who lean toward the nontraditional may want to select a vintage ring. Finders Keepers, on Second Avenue in downtown Spokane, offers wonderful estate jewelry, including wedding rings. Some of the vintage rings that owner Deena Caruso carries are adorned with diamonds and precious gems. Several are consignment pieces. Dodson Jewelers, on Riverside Avenue, is a fourth-generation family-owned store. Its extensive selection includes estate jewelry from several important design periods—Victorian, Art Nouveau, and Mid- Century Modern—as well as contemporary rings. Many of these fine pieces have been passed down through several generations, and if the history associated with a piece is available, Dodson Jewelers includes it. www. finderskeepersboutiques.com, dodsonsjewelers.com
After the ring, it’s all about
the dress. Walla Walla-based
designer Laurie Rudd Haluska
makes wedding dress dreams
come true. She is an Emmy-winning designer who graduated cum laude from
New York City’s Fashion Institute of Technology. Her
exquisite “Kathryn and Alexandra” bridal line was born
from her love of Cinderella-like ballroom gowns and
her considerable costuming experience. The styles
range from Renaissance to modern day. Exclusively
designed, constructed and fitted, each dress is a one-
of-a-kind treasure. www.haluskadesign.com
location, location, location
From elegant hotels to casual outdoor spaces, the venue sets the tone for any wedding. The setting provides ambiance, conveys the level of formality or informality, and establishes the “feel” of the event. When it comes to location, some couples may prefer to work with an event planner. Jaime Johnson, of Jamie Johnson Events (JJE), is a wedding choreographer and party planner extraordinaire. She and her team interpret a couple’s style, and then help create a memorable, personalized event. Johnson has earned the reputation as the Spokane area’s go-to planner. From traditional weddings to unconventional ones, her company does it all. They collaborate with a trusted network of photographers, florists and caterers to ensure that the couple will have the perfect start to their “happily ever after.” www.jaimejevents.com
With its old-world elegance and stunning architecture, downtown Spokane’s Davenport Hotel is perfect for those who want to have their wedding in a timeless setting. The adjacent, newer Davenport Towers and the quaint Hotel Lusso are part of the Davenport Hotel Collection and provide additional options for the big day. The Davenport specializes in weddings: its attentive, experienced wedding staff is prepared to make any couple’s wedding dreams come true. The Davenport Flower Shop, tucked off the main hotel lobby, creates stunning arrangements for weddings. This romantic hotel is truly a premier one- stop shop for planning and celebrating that special day. www.davenporthotelcollection.com
 |
| Jaime Johnson Photo Cred JJE |
From elegant hotels to casual outdoor spaces, the venue sets the tone for any wedding. The setting provides ambiance, conveys the level of formality or informality, and establishes the “feel” of the event. When it comes to location, some couples may prefer to work with an event planner. Jaime Johnson, of Jamie Johnson Events (JJE), is a wedding choreographer and party planner extraordinaire. She and her team interpret a couple’s style, and then help create a memorable, personalized event. Johnson has earned the reputation as the Spokane area’s go-to planner. From traditional weddings to unconventional ones, her company does it all. They collaborate with a trusted network of photographers, florists and caterers to ensure that the couple will have the perfect start to their “happily ever after.” www.jaimejevents.com
With its old-world elegance and stunning architecture, downtown Spokane’s Davenport Hotel is perfect for those who want to have their wedding in a timeless setting. The adjacent, newer Davenport Towers and the quaint Hotel Lusso are part of the Davenport Hotel Collection and provide additional options for the big day. The Davenport specializes in weddings: its attentive, experienced wedding staff is prepared to make any couple’s wedding dreams come true. The Davenport Flower Shop, tucked off the main hotel lobby, creates stunning arrangements for weddings. This romantic hotel is truly a premier one- stop shop for planning and celebrating that special day. www.davenporthotelcollection.com
Walla Walla’s Marcus Whitman Hotel and
Conference Center combines history and luxury.
From innovative food and fine wine to state-of-
the-art ballrooms, this grand hotel offers the ideal
wedding location, right in the heart of the wine
country. Every event at the Marcus Whitman is special.
The professional staff personally coordinates each wedding. The hotel can accommodate both
intimate gatherings and large celebrations in style.
www.marcuswhitmanhotel.com
The Spokane Club, in downtown Spokane,
blends timeless style and presentation with
exceptional service and amenities. Whether
it’s a classic wedding with elegant touches or a
free-spirited celebration, the iconic club offers
the complete package under one roof. It offers
tasteful options for weddings of any size. Couples
who prefer a small, intimate wedding will like
the welcoming library with its massive fireplace.
Those who want a large, elaborate ceremony
will be happy with the Grand Georgian Ballroom.
www.spokaneclub.org
Couples looking for a rugged but cozy setting
should explore the Sleeping Lady Mountain
Resort in Leavenworth. Because it is nestled in
the Cascade Mountains, it affords couples and
their guests an uncommon wedding experience.
From settings on the banks of Icicle Creek to
indoor spaces that reflect the spirit of the Inland
Northwest, Sleeping Lady allows couples to
design a memorable wedding experience with an
accent of the great outdoors. www.sleepinglady.
com
Blackwell House is a stately luxury hotel, rich with character. The historic building in downtown Coeur d’Alene has been tastefully restored to its original grandeur. With its sophisticated charm, it evokes the feeling of a fine family home. It has a spacious kitchen and dining area, and it is ideal for large garden weddings and receptions. The home’s interior is also perfect for intimate indoor weddings. www.blackwellboutiquehotel.com
Located in the historic Browne’s Addition, the Roberts Mansion is a bed and breakfast and event center within walking distance of downtown Spokane. The home has been thoughtfully restored in a way that celebrates its Victorian heritage. All-inclusive wedding plans can be prepared for intimate gatherings inside the mansion, with room for larger outdoor celebrations by the luxurious gazebo. www.ejrobertsmansion.com
As published in the 2013/2014 Essential Guide
Blackwell House is a stately luxury hotel, rich with character. The historic building in downtown Coeur d’Alene has been tastefully restored to its original grandeur. With its sophisticated charm, it evokes the feeling of a fine family home. It has a spacious kitchen and dining area, and it is ideal for large garden weddings and receptions. The home’s interior is also perfect for intimate indoor weddings. www.blackwellboutiquehotel.com
Located in the historic Browne’s Addition, the Roberts Mansion is a bed and breakfast and event center within walking distance of downtown Spokane. The home has been thoughtfully restored in a way that celebrates its Victorian heritage. All-inclusive wedding plans can be prepared for intimate gatherings inside the mansion, with room for larger outdoor celebrations by the luxurious gazebo. www.ejrobertsmansion.com
other unique touches
A great way to add personality to a wedding is to create a one-of-a-kind setting. For example, couples can rent repurposed furnishings and restyled accessories from The Attic, a vintage rental company based is Hayden, Idaho. The Attic provides brides, photographers and stylists with props and antique furniture for weddings, events and photo shoots. The Attic owner, Alisa Lewis, is a connoisseur of classic, hard-to-find items. Whether a couple is looking for old church pews for
an outdoor ceremony or dozens of mason jars for fresh-cut reception flowers, touches from The Attic ’s delightful collection can add distinction and charm. www.atticrentals.com
A retro photo booth is another way to give a wedding a shot of personality, as well as provide added enjoyment for guests and the wedding party. Spokane-based Flat Four Photography, owned by Jordan and Whitney Tampien, offers fun photos with props that range from glamorous to zany. Photos can be black and white or color. www.flat4photography.com
 |
| Photo Cred: Attic Event Rents |
A great way to add personality to a wedding is to create a one-of-a-kind setting. For example, couples can rent repurposed furnishings and restyled accessories from The Attic, a vintage rental company based is Hayden, Idaho. The Attic provides brides, photographers and stylists with props and antique furniture for weddings, events and photo shoots. The Attic owner, Alisa Lewis, is a connoisseur of classic, hard-to-find items. Whether a couple is looking for old church pews for
an outdoor ceremony or dozens of mason jars for fresh-cut reception flowers, touches from The Attic ’s delightful collection can add distinction and charm. www.atticrentals.com
A retro photo booth is another way to give a wedding a shot of personality, as well as provide added enjoyment for guests and the wedding party. Spokane-based Flat Four Photography, owned by Jordan and Whitney Tampien, offers fun photos with props that range from glamorous to zany. Photos can be black and white or color. www.flat4photography.com
 |
| Photo Cred: aNeMone |
aNeMonE, in downtown Spokane, is a full-scale
paper florist that offers arrangements and bouquets
that reflect nature in a remarkable, yet lasting way.
aNeMonE has transformed an age-old craft into
a modern and decorative art form. Mary Eberle is
the shop’s creative director. Her passion for art and
handmade crafts culminated in the creation of more than 600 paper flowers for her own wedding and
planted the seed for the business.
www.handmadepaperflowers.com.
Sunflower Cottage, in downtown Coeur d’Alene,
is a full-service florist that offers fabulous floral
designs and creations. Owner and designer Valorie
Cooper is always up on the latest wedding trends. She
is skilled and confident in creating fresh arrangements
for weddings, from quaint and simple to exquisitely
elaborate. www.coeurdaleneflorist.com
Couples who want clever party favors should consider candles from Dandles Candles. Dandles illuminates events with scented candles in creative, custom containers. The company was born on the kitchen countertops in the small apartment of local television personality Dana Haynes. She and her friends enjoyed spending Sunday afternoons pouring candles. From the kitchen to the garage to the current home studio, Dandles Candles continues to grow. Haynes makes high- quality soy candles in an array of containers that can be tailored to the décor of nearly any event. Dandles candles are available at various boutiques and salons throughout the Pacific and Inland Northwest. www.dandlescandles.com
In recent years cupcakes have become a stylish dessert. No longer associated just with children’s birthday parties, they have found their way into posh soirees and wedding receptions. Sweet Frostings, a blissful bakeshop in downtown Spokane, has seen an increase in “cupcake wedding cakes.” Sometimes they accompany a traditional wedding cake. Sometimes they are used in place of it. Cupcakes make an eye- catching display, they are easy to serve and eat, and they can be decorated to fit a wedding’s theme or colors. www.sweetfrosingsbakeshop.com
Couples who want clever party favors should consider candles from Dandles Candles. Dandles illuminates events with scented candles in creative, custom containers. The company was born on the kitchen countertops in the small apartment of local television personality Dana Haynes. She and her friends enjoyed spending Sunday afternoons pouring candles. From the kitchen to the garage to the current home studio, Dandles Candles continues to grow. Haynes makes high- quality soy candles in an array of containers that can be tailored to the décor of nearly any event. Dandles candles are available at various boutiques and salons throughout the Pacific and Inland Northwest. www.dandlescandles.com
In recent years cupcakes have become a stylish dessert. No longer associated just with children’s birthday parties, they have found their way into posh soirees and wedding receptions. Sweet Frostings, a blissful bakeshop in downtown Spokane, has seen an increase in “cupcake wedding cakes.” Sometimes they accompany a traditional wedding cake. Sometimes they are used in place of it. Cupcakes make an eye- catching display, they are easy to serve and eat, and they can be decorated to fit a wedding’s theme or colors. www.sweetfrosingsbakeshop.com
To receive unique wedding gifts, a couple may
want to consider bridal registry at Kizuri, which
means “Good!” in Swahili. This vibrant, community-
inspired shop has quality merchandise that is earth-
friendly and is Fair Trade or from local artisans.
www.kizurispokane.wordpress.com
Get lucky!
Many couples head to Las Vegas to get married in a festive casino environment. But couples in the Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, Walla Walla area do not need to go that far to find large, first-rate resort- style casinos. The region is home to two that are fully prepared to handle all-inclusive weddings and receptions.
Northern Quest Resort & Casino, located in Airway Heights, Washington, is a super-sized venue that features a luxury hotel, high-end spa, world-class casino, fourteen diverse dining and lounge options and a variety of event spaces that can accommodate any size wedding. www. northernquest.com
Coeur d’Alene Casino in Worley, Idaho, has undergone numerous renovations throughout the years. The result: a true destination resort. In addition to world-class gaming, there are six restaurants, a resort-style hotel with the largest day spa in the Northwest, a top-rated golf course with the stunning backdrop of the mountains and nearby lakes. www.cdacasino.com
Get lucky!
Many couples head to Las Vegas to get married in a festive casino environment. But couples in the Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, Walla Walla area do not need to go that far to find large, first-rate resort- style casinos. The region is home to two that are fully prepared to handle all-inclusive weddings and receptions.
Northern Quest Resort & Casino, located in Airway Heights, Washington, is a super-sized venue that features a luxury hotel, high-end spa, world-class casino, fourteen diverse dining and lounge options and a variety of event spaces that can accommodate any size wedding. www. northernquest.com
Coeur d’Alene Casino in Worley, Idaho, has undergone numerous renovations throughout the years. The result: a true destination resort. In addition to world-class gaming, there are six restaurants, a resort-style hotel with the largest day spa in the Northwest, a top-rated golf course with the stunning backdrop of the mountains and nearby lakes. www.cdacasino.com
As published in the 2013/2014 Essential Guide