The AirBnB

Wedding Party AirBnB

The Vivacious Grove

Rehearsal

Ceremony and Reception

Our Wedding

You should know us pretty well by now. But you might not know our full story together...

The circumstances of our meeting almost didn't happen. Our close friend Rachel (who is officiating our wedding) invited us out to downtown Boise to celebrate her 27th birthday. Melissa almost didn't go. She had work in the morning and was not feeling particularly social that night. Brayden also was thinking about staying home. The only person Bray knew in the group was the birthday girl and he was knee deep in studying for his board exam. But we both sucked it up and persevered for our bestie. As the night went on, we got to know each other. We talked about everything from dating shows, to the Barbie movie. Eventually, Melissa (sober) had to get home for work in the morning. Brayden offered to walk her to her car and smoothly asked for her number on the ride back to the bar. From that point forward, we didn't go more than a day without talking. After our first date, we knew we wanted to give it a try-even though Mel had not one, but two migraines on our first and second dates. We went on so many dates in the month and a half before Brayden had to move north. We walked the green belt, got coffee, went to museums, ceramic painting- you name it! We were short on time, but it didn't matter.

We did one long year of long-distance dating. It was rough, but so worth it. We made sure to face time as much as we could. Doing long distance dates with paint by numbers and watching reality shows together. We were able to visit each other fairly frequently. Flying from Boise to Spokane was only an hour flight. We already had great communication, but the long distance forced us to talk about EVERYTHING. Breaking down barriers and building an unbreakable bond between us. We truly are best friends.

Finally it came time for us to live in the same zip code again. Mel's lease was ending and we were ready to move in together. The whole family was involved in the move. Brayden and Mel's parents both helped load up the U-Haul and drive the 400 miles north. When we got there, Brayden's siblings helped get the U-Haul unloaded and up the stairs within an hour of arrival. It was only one flight of stairs, but after so many trips it becomes pretty exhausting. We're so grateful for everyone's help in this process.

Three weeks into living together, Brayden proposed to Mel in the gardens of Manito Park in Spokane. He orchestrated the surprise with the help of friends and family. Friends Hannah and Pat took Mel out on an unassuming girls-day in downtown Spokane. They unsuspiciously took her out to the park to "take pictures" and pictures were taken indeed. Brayden enlisted the help of his friend Dock to be his cover. Brayden' siblings Tanner, Taylor, and Brooklynn were there to keep corral bystanders and take pictures. The day was a full surprise to Mel, but the question itself was no shock. We had been talking about getting married for many months. It was an EASY yes. (more pics under the engagement photos tab ;)

A month later it was Mel's turn. Brayden had semi-jokingly expressed that he would also liked to be proposed to, but not with a ring. He wanted a sword. So Mel waited until Brayden was at work to set up the perfect at home surprise proposal.

Now we are living together in our cozy apartment in Coeur d' Alene, along with our cat, Jack. We spend time together watching reality TV, going to the gym, gaming, and crafting. Soon we will be married and starting Travel Physical Therapy to travel the country and find the city we would like to settle in.

Our Story

You can expand photos by clicking them

Engagement Photos

Wedding Party

Travel

When do I need to RSVP by?

We need all guests to RSVP by June 1st, 2026. Our final guest count affects many steps in the planning process. So we need ample time to plan accordingly. You can RSVP right on this site via the RSVP tab up top.

Can I bring a Plus One?

If you are a single guest, you will be allocated one Plus One. This will show up when you RSVP, just check the box if you plan to bring an allocated guest. Families, we will address your evelope for all invited members of your RSVP block! If you notice someone is missing, please reach out before extending the invitation ;)

Are kids allowed?

Absolutely! We just ask that parents keep track of their families and be mindful of other guests. We are hoping to keep the ceremony chill and quiet so all guests can hear us. The reception venue is just a few steps away if anyone needs a calm down space. There will also be a selection of board games and yard games to keep our non-dancers busy during the reception. For safety and liability reasons, kids are not allowed to play outside of the designated turf and rock-filled areas outside. There is a restricted wooded area and a hillside outside of the venue space. There is also a private residence on the property that the venue asks to stay child free.

What time should we arrive at the venue?

We ask our guests to arrive at the venue around 3:00 pm. We would like everyone to be seated by 3:30pm. The ceremony will take place outside of the reception space, so bring a light jacket or cardigan if it’s a colder day. There will be limited blankets available.

What's the parking situation?

There is a large open field right in front of the venue for everyone to park their cars. The space is fenced in, but parking spots are unmarked. Please do your best to park in rows to accommodate all guest’s cars

What is the dress code?

Semi-Formal to Formal please! We're doing a wild flower theme so the more color, the better! Ultimately, we want everyone to look good, but feeling good is just as important! Please wear what you are comfortable and confident in!

Bar????

Uh yes? absolutely! We will have a limited selection open bar. There will be options of two signature cocktails, and a small selection of available mixed drinks. We will also have a small selection of beer, wine, and hard seltzers. Yes it will be an open bar, but PLEASE bring cash to tip the bartenders!! There will also be a selection of non-alcoholic beverages.

What’s for dinner?

There will be a cocktail hour right after the ceremony with light snacks and drinks. As for dinner, we will be keeping it super casual with pizza. We’re planning to have the pizza delivered around 5:00 pm. There will also be donuts and a full take home candy bar for dessert. Please reach out to Mel or Brayden if you have any dietary restrictions. We are happy to accommodate :)

Where is your registry?

There is a registry tab here on the wedding website, however, we are grateful to have a fully furnished and stocked apartment, so we do not need any physical items at this time. If you feel the need to give, we have a selection of cash funds under the registry tab. We will also have a table set up to accept cards at the venue on the day.

Can I take photos?

Not during the ceremony, but afterwards, yes! We want everyone to be in the moment with us for our I Do’s. Holding up phones to record or take pictures can block others' views (including the wedding photographer). We will have plenty to share once the professional photos come in. After the ceremony, it's fair game! Take as many as you would like! We will be setting up a shared album for our guests to upload the pictures they took during our day!

Melissa & Brayden

Melissa & Brayden

Engagement Photos