The love story between Melisa and Brett is truly romantic ~ They worked together at a bar/restaurant, where he bartended and she served tables. They had amazing banter on their brunch shifts and one amazing night out together they danced, climbed a tree to watch the stars on a roof, talked, and he sang Frank Sinatra to her in the kitchen.

Brett proposed to Melisa on the mountain at Tamarack Resort - where they eventually got married - in the middle of the night, under the Perseids meteor shower.

The vision they had for their wedding day at Tamarack was that of a fun and relaxing time in the mountains with family and friends, along with a little mountain glam. They included their dog in their ceremony, pulled out all the stops at their reception, complete with bubbles and a champagne tower and Melisa finished off the night donning a glamorous fur coat.

Right from the start, this couple’s love story is straight out of a movie. Whether or not your love story is quite this idillic, you too can have your dream day up in the mountains, just like they did!

Planning a dream destination wedding in Idaho is an exciting endeavor that requires careful planning and attention to detail.

STEPS

1. Budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend on your wedding. This will help guide your decisions throughout the planning process. For couples planning a wedding, identify the things that matter most to you. Ever hear the adage, you get what you pay for? This rings especially true with wedding vendors; deciding on where to put your money is an important decision. It only happens once, so plan accordingly.

2. Venue: Idaho offers a variety of stunning venues for weddings, including elegant ballrooms to picturesque outdoor locations. Consider the style and size of your wedding when selecting a venue. Check out a post I wrote about the Top Idaho Wedding Venues near McCall and how to choose one - it may be helpful. Schedule a visit to see the available venues and spaces. This will give you a firsthand view of the options and help you decide which one suits your style and guest count.

3. Date: Decide on a date that works for you and your partner, as well as your guests. Consider the weather and seasonal attractions in Idaho when choosing a date. Depending on the venue you choose, this may weigh heavily in your decisions. Popular dates may get booked quickly, so it's wise to secure your date as early as possible. Typically weekends from June - October fill up first. Many popular venues are booked a year out! If there is a particular vendor you want to work with (think photographer?!) they too often book out a year in advance, so communicate early!

4. Vendors: Research local vendors who align with your vision, including caterers who can highlight Idaho's famous potatoes and local wines. Find a talented photographer whose work aligns with your vision in the stunning landscape, as well as creatively capturing the intimate moments of your special day. Bonus points to the photographer who has shot at your venue before and whose work really speaks to you! Book vendors such as wedding planners, photographers, caterers, florists, and musicians early on. Wedding planners can take a huge weight off your shoulders come your wedding day. I can’t emphasize this enough; they can reduce your stress and definitely improve your photos (since they pay attention to all the little details that may get overlooked). Having a wedding planner or day of coordinator will enhance your ability to be present and interact with your friends and family. Vendors are the pros so ask for recommendations, and schedule meetings to ensure they are a good fit.

5. Theme: Determine the overall look and feel you want for your wedding. Whether it's luxury, modern, or classic, choose a theme that reflects your personality is truly the two of you. You may even plan your wedding theme around the dream wedding dress you found! Consider the season, style, and overall atmosphere you desire. COLORS are huge! Get wonderful inspiration from Pinterest, bridal / wedding magazines such as Brides even Vogue. Incorporate elements that reflect your personal style, such as local flowers, rustic accents, or elegant details.

Pro-tip: Want your wedding to be featured in a magazine? The more unique, the more likely that will happen. Think outside the box. Magazines especially LOVE featuring all the little unique details that make your wedding day special.

6. Accommodations: If you have guests coming from out of town, consider booking hotel blocks or arranging alternative accommodations to make their stay comfortable and convenient.

7. Activities: Idaho is known for its outdoor beauty. If you and your guests enjoy outdoor activities, consider incorporating them into your wedding weekend. Activities such as hiking, fishing, boating or horseback riding can add a unique and memorable touch to your celebration.

8. Menu: Idaho offers a rich culinary scene, and incorporating local flavors into your menu can be a great idea. Consider using local and seasonble ingredients to enhance the dining experience and as well as offering local wines and beers. Lots of couples offer signature drinks as a fun, personal touch to the bar fare.

9. Permits: If you plan to have your wedding in a public park or another outdoor location, check if you need permits or permissions from local authorities.

10. Weather: Have a backup plan in case of inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances. Consider renting tents for outdoor weddings to protect guests from rain or excessive heat. As beautiful as Idaho is, it gets very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. Plan accordingly!

11. Transportation: Coordinate transportation for you and your guests, especially if your venue and accommodations are in different locations. Arrange shuttles or provide directions for a smooth guest experience.

12. Legalities: Research the legal requirements for getting married in Idaho, such as obtaining a marriage license, and ensure you have all the necessary paperwork in order.

13. Finalize Timeline: As your wedding day approaches, confirm all details with your vendors and the resort. Create a detailed timeline to ensure a smooth flow of events on the day of the wedding. Your photographer will most likely offer their suggestions for the ideal timeline in terms of lighting for the best photos, especially at sunset. Take advantage of their expertise in this!

Remember to enjoy the planning process and make decisions that reflect your personal style and preferences. Idaho offers a beautiful backdrop for your dream wedding, and with careful planning, you can create a truly memorable experience for you and your guests.

Melisa and Brett got ready in adjacent locations at Tamarack, which made it easy for everyone. One especially nice thing about Tamarack Resort, is not only does it offer fantastic wedding venue options, there is also plenty of housing nearby so everyone can be getting ready close by.

A super touching moment was when Melisa’s mother gave her this sweet wish and something old, something new charms.

First look between Brett and Melisa out in the meadow. It’s hard to tell is was about 100 degrees!

Given that they both have the restaurant connection, it seemed fitting they had a champagne tower! These are a super fun and festive way to kick the party into full gear.

How gorgeous is Melisa’s wedding ring?!! Talk about sentimental; it has been in Brett’s family and passed down 3 generations from France!

Bubble machines on the dance floor are always a win! Kids and adults love them, plus they add a festive touch.

From Melisa and Brett:

Amy photographed our wedding (at Tamarack Resort) and we could not have asked for a more perfect person for the job! We met Amy at a friend's wedding and were immediately drawn to her. She has a laid back, kind personality and an effortless way of capturing the beautiful moments of the day without interfering with the events. We were blown away with her talent and professionalism. She perfectly captured the beauty of our day and went above what I ever could have imagined our photos to be. Thanks to Amy, we get to re-live our wedding day over and over through her stunning pictures. She is a beautiful soul and insanely talented.

We will definitely be using her again for future sessions!