Brady Drake
Photos by With you always photography
Web: withyoualwaysphotography.com
Facebook: /paytonderingerphotography
Instagram: @withyoualwaysphotography
Photos by Onika Jade Photo
Web: onikajadephoto.com
Facebook: Search “Onika Jade Photo“
Instagram: @onikajadephoto
When did you get married and how would you describe the day in two sentences?
We got married May 31, 2025! It was the most beautiful day surrounded by family, friends, and the presence of God. It truly felt like a dream come to life full of love, joy, and peace.
What made you choose your venue? And what venue did you choose?
We Chose the Pines White in Davenport North Dakota! it instantly felt like us romantic, timeless, and full of light. My husband loved the whimsical, almost farmhouse vibe and how green and alive everything becomes in the spring. We both loved how the ceremony could be held outside, surrounded by God’s creation. Loved the inside as well with the most beautiful light filling the room and pouring through every window it truly felt heavenly.
Thinking back to your wedding, what did you love most about the experience at the venue?
We loved how open and bright everything felt the space was filled with so much light, love, and joy. More than that, the people who worked there made the experience so special. They were kind, genuine, and made everything flow so smoothly that we could truly be present and soak in every moment. It felt effortless.
What’s one fun story or unique memory from your reception?
One of my favorite memories was surprising my husband, Wes, with our first dance song. I secretly recorded myself singing “Nothing New (I Do)” by Brandon Lake with the help of our DJ, Corey from Take the Leap Entertainment. Wes had no idea! I only told my parents and a few close friends so seeing his reaction when he realized it was me singing was the sweetest moment. We also had a live painter capturing our first kiss, and it was so fun throughout the night to see everyone stop by to watch the painting come to life. Wes and I kept sneaking over to check on the progress it was such a special, creative touch that made the night even more unforgettable!
What’s your best wedding planning advice for future couples?
Don’t lose sight of what the day is truly about! the two of you and the commitment you’re making before God. It’s so easy to get caught up in the details, but the most meaningful moments come when you slow down, pray together, and soak it all in. Trust your team, let go of perfection, and enjoy every second. It goes by so fast.
What was the most difficult part of the planning process?
The hardest part was balancing all the decisions and wanting everything to feel just right while still being apart for part of the engagement with Wes being in the military. It was a lot to juggle at times, but it taught me so much about patience, faith, and leaning on God’s timing. In the end, everything came together even better than I could’ve imagined.
What problems or situations surprised you about the planning process?
I wouldn’t say it was a problem, but one of the biggest obstacles I faced was deciding between DIY projects to save money or paying a little extra to save time. I had to find that balance between wanting to add personal touches and also giving myself grace to let certain things go like signage and décor pieces. In the end, choosing what truly mattered most made the process so much smoother (and a lot less stressful). I was surprised by how many little details come up that you don’t think about until the last minute things like timelines, vendor communication, and how quickly everything starts to overlap near the end. It taught me a lot about staying flexible and giving myself grace. Even when things didn’t go perfectly, it always worked out exactly how it was meant to.
What was the easiest part? And what was the most fun?
The easiest part was choosing each other and also choosing our vendors! We were surrounded by such amazing people who truly cared about making our day special and made the whole process so much easier. The most fun part was watching everything come to life from our vision to the little details and hearing “Mr. and Mrs. Thompson” for the first time. Walking down the aisle together with our family and friends cheering was one of the happiest moments of our lives.
What did you envision your wedding to be like before the planning process started and how did that change throughout?
From the very beginning, I envisioned a day centered on becoming one under God a celebration that reflected our faith, love, and the start of a new chapter together. I always dreamed of a fairytale wedding surrounded by our loved ones, with meaningful little details that felt us. One of my favorite ideas was our guest book instead of signing, guests left us voicemails on a vintage telephone, inspired by how Wes and I always leave each other voice messages. Throughout planning, my vision stayed the same at its core, but it grew even more personal and heartfelt as everything came together.
Did you take any special steps to maintain a budget?
Yes! I kept everything organized in an Excel sheet to track expenses and payments, which helped me stay on top of our budget. I also communicated regularly with my parents and my husband to make sure we were all on the same page about priorities and spending. It definitely made things feel more manageable and less stressful!
What was the most valuable lesson that you learned that you would like to pass on to others?
I’m such a perfectionist, and I wanted every single detail to be perfect but the biggest lesson I learned is that true perfection comes when you finally let go. The moment I stopped stressing over the small things and focused on being present with my husband, our loved ones, and God, everything fell perfectly into place. The day was more beautiful than I could have ever planned! Everybody says that you should have fun and enjoy the wedding planning process, but it is easy to get stressed!
Any recommendations on how to stay calm during the stressful parts?
Remember to take breaks and pray through the stress. It’s so easy to get caught up in the little details, but taking a step back helps you see the bigger picture—you’re marrying the love of your life! Talking things through with my husband, family, or friends always helped me reset and breathe. I also made wedding planning fun by going to a winery with two of my best friends we had a little wine, shared a charcuterie board, filled out vendor sheets, and made a plan together. Turning it into something enjoyable made such a difference. And if you have a pet, go cuddle them, it’s the best stress relief!
What were the standout vendors or products you found that made your day memorable?
There were so many amazing vendors who made our day everything we dreamed of and more. The Pines White was absolutely stunning, from the light that filled the room to the incredible team who made everything run so smoothly. Our DJ, Corey with Take the Leap Entertainment, was amazing from start to finish and kept the night full of energy and fun. Our videographer, Sublime Exposures Films, and our photographer, With You Always Photography, captured every moment so beautifully and gave us memories we’ll cherish forever.
The florals by Love Always Floral were breathtaking. My husband built the cross at the altar, and the flowers surrounding it framed it perfectly. The florals throughout the venue added so much warmth and brightness to the space.
We also had a live painter who created a painting of our first kiss during the reception, which was such a unique and meaningful touch that everyone loved watching come to life.
We were so grateful for Breathe & Relax Events for their day-of coordination, especially Megan, who was absolutely amazing. She took care of all the behind-the-scenes details and even captured some sweet pictures for us the night before. The rentals from White House Co. Party Rentals added the perfect, elegant touch to the décor. And we can’t forget the desserts from Paisley & Dash Bake Shop. Our guests couldn’t stop talking about them, and my husband and I still dream about our wedding cake!
All of our signage and invites was created by Tailored Tru Designs, owned by my best friend. I was one of her very first clients, and she poured her heart into every piece she made for us. From the welcome signs to the small details, everything she designed felt so personal and full of love.
She truly helped bring our vision to life and made the process so special for me. Knowing that one of my closest friends had a hand in creating pieces that guided our guests and tied the whole day together meant more than words can say
Lastly, my dress from Your Day by Nicole was everything I had ever imagined, truly my dream gown. Every single vendor helped make our day so unforgettable and full of love. There are so many more I could keep going!
