Tyson and I live in Spokane, WA. We love the mountain lakes, the proximity to the coast and to Montana, and that we are close to our family ranch. I’m a graphic designer and entrepreneur and Tyson is an architect.
We like to fantasize about designing and building our own dream home. We love to hike the trails near our house, create, cook, and test out the local craft breweries every now and then. We met while I was at college in Missoula. Tyson worked at the local ski resort and we crossed paths one Wednesday night at the Top Hat Bar, known for $5 all-you-can-drink Wednesdays. A college town dive bar love story, I suppose! His friend, and our future officiant, introduced us and we’ve been frequenting local dive bars ever since! Our wedding was beautiful but not without its challenges or heartache. Tyson’s father passed away a few weeks before our wedding, after a complicated surgery. It was such a sad time and I was convinced we needed to cancel, but our families encouraged us to go ahead with our day, and to remember that Tyson’s father would have preferred it that way. We were very emotional but also happy that our families could join together and support us and each other during that time. My parents raised my brother and I on the ranch where we were married. In fact, we were married in the same spot as my parents, nearly 35 years ago. The family has all moved away now but we have kept the property as a family getaway. It’s completely wild, surrounded by forest, and very dear to our hearts. Having the wedding there meant we could share this special place with our closest friends and family. Standing on the hill overlooking the meadow while being married was very surreal. So many emotions! At one point, our dog found her way out of the cabin and wandered up to the ceremony to check out what was going on. Once we kissed, the bagpiper played a few beautiful tunes and our dog came back to be the first to greet us. From then on, it was all smiles and celebration. To me, being married is a commitment and a partnership. I value my independence and treasure Tyson’s unique qualities, so I don’t see it as a traditional union. But I do value the way we make decisions jointly, to prepare a future together. So far, so good…
Photography—India Earl | Bride’s dress—Lein Studio | Groom’s outfit—J Crew | Bride’s shoes—Stuart Weitzman | Flora—The Flower Hat | Earrings—The 2 Bandits | Venue & main catering—Hill’s Resort, Priest Lake | Hair & makeup—The bride herself | Cocktail hour entertainment— Barrel Stove Combo | Gift registry—CB2, Zola | Celebrant—Friend of couple Nathan Zuehl | Rings—Handmade with help from Townsend Collective | Reception entertainment—20 Grand Band | Styling—BE Wed | Special song—‘Growing Up Beside You’ by Paolo Nutini | Cocktail hour catering—Kristi Fountain | Cake—Jasmine Lily Creative
